Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CAN YOU STAND ANOTHER CONTEST?

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This time, I’ve got a batch of booklets for you.  I’ve been clearing out magazines and leaflets from my stash.  I have found duplicates aplenty!  So, I’m willing to part with them.

ann-pattern-club-05091

This first batch includes 7 digest sized booklets (like the one pictured above).  Six are Annie’s Pattern Club (the one above is one of the magazines in this batch) magazines and one is Creative Hands ‘Ripple Afghan’ booklet.  These are not all crochet patterns, but there is plenty of crochet in them.  Also, if you knit, there are a few knitting patterns included.

So, what do you have to do to win these?  Well, I can’t make it too easy.

First, when you enter by posting a comment here, you also need to email me privately with your snail mail address.  I’ve had too much trouble tracking down winners in the past.  I’d prefer to be able to just mail the prize to the winner.  Easier for you, too.  You may well get a surprise in the mail, then, if you aren’t a regular reader.  So, that’s rule #1 – ENTER A COMMENT AND EMAIL YOUR SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS AND NAME TO ME WITH YOUR COMMENT. ([email protected])

Second, to actually enter the contest, you need to list a crochet technique that has not previously been mentioned by an earlier entrant.  No duplicates.  So, you could mention sc, dc, hdc, camel crochet, catherine’s wheel, etc.  There are plenty of crochet stitches, motifs, patterns, and terms.  Including a link to a picture of the entry may well give you an edge.  Let’s see how many we can list.

I’ll select the winner from amidst the entries.  Last contest had well over 100 entries.  One entry per email address please!

Contest opens today (May 21) and will end on Monday, June 15.  Winner will be announced shortly after the end of the contest.  I look forward to seeing how many different entries we can come up with!

Comments

  1. I’ve just re-discovered the afghan stitch, aka Tunisian crochet. No “holes”, and makes a nice background for embroidery or crocheted flowers!

  3. I love making E. Hiddleson doilies and she was the Queen of the treble crochet. Sooooo, I guess that would be my favorite.

  4. i must say i like all of your blog postings. not only are they informative and interesting, but a person [me, i hope]can win important things [like patterns for instance.]

    one of my favorite crochet stitches is the twisted chain loop stitch.

    i found it in ‘Crochet Your Way’ by Gloria Tracy & Susan Levin several years ago.

    there is no link for this stitch that i’m aware of, but it’s easy to do.

    2 row pattern repeat:
    on a dc base make a chain [7 or more], then ss from back to front in the back loop of previous row, repeat across.
    next row: do dc in the back loop across.

    i use this in amigurumi for hair; in free form crochet for dimensional effect; for plush rugs and many other items.

    keeping my fingers crossed,
    nikki

  7. I could use some joy right now….a contest would be fun.
    I have used a lot of stitches and I guess the shell is my favorite…I would love to try the seed st. and the reverse single crochet

  9. ok me again. I have a stitch I can’t find a tutorial for.
    The Silt Stitch.
    Let’s say chain 27 Dc in fouth ch from hook and each following ch.
    ch1 , turn*(sc, 2dc) in first dc skip next 2 dc, repeat from * to end.
    Next row ,ch 3 turn, dc in next stitch and in each following st. you get the idea.
    Love the contests!!

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.