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‘FIELD TRIP’ FUN

June 3, 2007 by jd wolfe

One of the advantages of having a local crochet club is that you get to go out to lunch and on field trips with other crochet addicts. Another local group is also having their second ‘pajama party’ soon. This field trip was enjoyed by me (jd), Ronnie, Cindy, and Norma from MO and Lee, Vicki, and Debbie from Illinois. We all first met via Crochet Partners on the internet, some as long ago as 1999 when I first had the idea to ask others to join me in a crochet club.

Yesterday (June2), our little group trekked across the Mississippi River to what is known as the Metro East area of St. Louis. We used to do this more often when we didn’t have our own Hobby Lobby stores and we had to drive those 30+ miles to the nearest one. We started a tradition of eating and shopping. This tradition endures despite the current accessibility of Hobby Lobby (I can walk to one!). But, this particular occasion was a gathering to bid adieu to one of our Illinois members, Lee, who is moving to the Washington, D.C. area. The good news for the rest of us is that since Lee has kids in the area, we know she’ll be around here again and we’ll all get together again.

We ate, had a bit of show and tell (Ronnie’s bags and Debbie’s layette were stand-outs), and Vicki gave all of us green ink pens to which she had attached her own tiny crocheted orchids.

So, what did we do on this trip? The three gals from Illinois and four of us from St. Louis met at our usual haunt, Lottawatta Creek, for lunch. If you want portions that will feed a family of four, mostly fried, this is the place for you! It’s pretty tasty stuff, if too much to eat. Then we stuffed ourselves into two cars to drive to the nearby strip mall which houses HL and Joann’s. We all belong to HL’s online site and to Joann’s mailers, so we had our coupons in hand. The good news about Joann’s is that they accept competitor’s coupons so my 50% Michael’s coupon was good too.

This is what I bought with one of my 40% off coupons:

crochetmagcover0707.jpg
With 6 of us and 5 shopping carts, we strolled the yarn aisles, checking out hooks, patterns, freebies, etc. Cindy (who has lately forsaken crochet for quilting) had to cruise the fabric aisles too. And, of course, there are related things like jewelry, scrapbooking, and buttons which had to be inspected. We didn’t break the bank, but did come away with a nice haul.

And, of course, after all that heavy shopping we had to go out for dessert. We discovered Russell Stover’s Candy store also had ice cream, another group favorite. After we sated our desire for sugar and fat, we headed back to our own vehicles at Lottawatta Creek, and headed off in all directions for home.

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Have you read?

Cozy Up Your Holidays with This Stunning Christmas Blanket!

 

If you’re anything like me, you know the best Christmas gifts are the handmade ones that come from the heart. That’s why I’m featuring this gorgeous Christmas blanket nice and early—because it’s the perfect project for anyone wanting to get a head start on their holiday gift list.

This blanket is not just festive; it’s a true work of art. The intricate design is cozy and cheerful, blending classic holiday motifs with a modern touch. Whether you’re planning to drape it over your couch for a warm and welcoming vibe or gift it to someone special, it’s sure to become a cherished seasonal favorite.

The pattern is clear and easy to follow, making it a joy to crochet, even for those of us who like to sneak in a few stitches while sipping cocoa by the fire. Bonus: starting now means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the process without any last-minute stress.

So, grab your favorite yarn, settle into your comfiest chair, and let’s get a jump on the holidays together. Trust me, this blanket will be the star of your Christmas decor or gift-giving lineup.

Crocheting bobbles can add a beautiful, textured detail to your projects, but mastering them takes a little practice. Here are some handy tips to make your bobble crochet journey smooth and enjoyable:

A bobble stitch typically involves working several partial double crochet (dc) stitches (or other specified stitches) into the same stitch, leaving the last loop of each on the hook.

Once you’ve completed the required number of partial stitches, yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook to finish the bobble.
Yarn Weight: A smooth yarn helps you see your stitches better. Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns until you’re comfortable with the technique.
Hook Size: Use the recommended hook size for your yarn. A slightly larger hook can make it easier to pull through multiple loops.

Maintain an even tension while making the partial stitches to avoid overly tight or loose bobbles.
If your bobbles don’t “pop,” try crocheting a little more loosely when making the partial stitches.

After completing the stitch, use your finger to gently push the bobble through to the right side of your work, ensuring it sits prominently.

Get Cozy This Christmas with 45 Must-Have Crochet Throws

Prepare to be Wowed: 18 Mind-Blowing C2C Blanket Patterns

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