Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet Mania

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Aren’t these sooooo pretty?

http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/

They’re featured on a little blog you might find interesting – and useful.  If you want to learn a new stitch, try visiting this blog and following the tutorials there – many with color photos and patterns too!  To me, this is very inspirational.  Makes me want to pick up a hook and yarn to create whatever the featured item is.  I find it especially helpful to have a photo, good schematics, and an easy pattern so I can work on the stitch RIGHT NOW!  What do you think?

There are several hat patterns at this site.  Here’s one that looks especially easy and warm:

Here’s a direct link to the hat:

http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html

Here’s a link to a tutorial for the shell cap that the Crochet Mania owner just published:

http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/12/crochet-shell-hat-video.html

And, finally, here’s another pretty – but simple – flower.  There’s lots more at this site.  Check it out!

Comments

  2. These flowers are beautiful, but I’m searching for a pattern for fingerless mittens with pullover tops. I don’t know if they have a proper name, but could someone help?

  3. I would like to know if this is the web site that cantained the information about the lady who had crocheted a thread Christmas rectangle tablecloth. It was lovely. I saw it once and thought that I had bookmarked it but appearaly, I did not because, now, I can not find it. Help, please. I thought sure that it was on this web site.

  4. hi betty,
    i sure don’t recognize a thread christmas tree tablecloth. i hope you can find it. if you do, please share the source with us.
    jd

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.