Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet Calculators

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Mikey over at Crochet Crowd has devised a couple of new tools that look to be quite useful.  Of course, as with all things crochet, no matter how exact your input might be, your output may vary.  But, his Afghan Calculator, for instance, can really help in determining if you have enough yarn on hand to work a specific pattern to a specific size.  He has a couple other tools there too.  Be sure to check out the Yarn Substitution Calculator.

I like Mikey’s approach to crochet.  He is a patient teacher via his videos and is inclusive in his scope.  He is SURE that everyone can crochet wonderful things using fairly simple techniques.  Right, no?  From the simplest stitches to much more involved stitches and techniques, Mikey will walk you through it.

If you’re not great with color (like me), you’ll value Mikey’s partner, Dan’s, page on trendy color combinations (one of which is pictured above).  For someone like me, this is a great tool both for inspiration and for verification that I’m not putting together a palette that is displeasing to everyone but me!  My only complaint here is that the color combinations don’t look trendy to me.  They look timeless.  But, what do I know??

He also has great giveaways, reviews new products (like I do), and offers a great free site that will delight most crocheters.  Check him out for free patterns and to take a look at the pictures of the many projects completed by his ‘followers’ for his challenges.  Lots of fun!

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for the write up. I accidentally stumbled across this. I have just left the kitchen challenging Diva Dan to come up with more innovative colour ideas.

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.