Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

If Only…..

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If only I lived closer to this place.  If only there were more days in the week.  If only I had a gazillion dollars to follow all my yarn and beading dreams.

This shop is a wondrous place!  I think I’ve written about it before, but I wanted to share more since I just had the opportunity to revisit the shop during the recent Yarn Crawl.  It’s about 30 miles from my front door, making it possible for me to drive past FOUR other yarn shops to get there.  But, it’s worth the trip from time to time.

This picture of their yarn collection does not do it justice.

Behind this rack by the front door are numerous other racks that contain the more ‘interesting’ yarns – bulky, wool and blends, lace weight, etc.  Then, there are the wall displays of beads and the tables full of beads and charms.  The front window is full of finished beadwork available for purchase that include items made in the shop itself as well as Fair Trade items.  There are also other goodies – Laurel Burch Bags and Wallets, woven and braided belts, beaded dresses, and lovely scarves, and all manner of beading accessories from wire to hemp to findings.  I could spend days in this small space and not touch everything here!

One of the best features of this shop is that they are Crochet Friendly!  The staff is warm and welcoming, always ready to help find something or corral your purchases.  This charming shop is in a very unassuming strip mall on Route 159 in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The shop has several specialty teachers who offer a wide variety of classes.  This scarf was on display for an Intermediate Crochet Class.  I don’t think I need the class, but I DO want the pattern and have left a message for the teacher to see if it’s available for me to purchase.  I already own the Coffee Beenz yarn to make it with!

 

The Bead Place is open 7 days a week, making it a possible destination for me on a dreary Sunday afternoon……….Hmmm.  I’m getting ideas here.  What about you?

Comments

  2. June,
    I don’t have the answer to your question. However, you can contact them via the website http://www.beadplace.net or call them at 618-222-0772. If they can’t help you, you can surely find what you need at either http://www.shipwreckbeads.com or http://www.firemountaingems.com . When I did a lot more beading than I do now, I was able to visit Shipwreck Beads in Olympia, Washington in person. Fantastic place! Hope you find what you need at the Bead Place.
    jd

  3. More eye candy! Yummmm! I, too, invested into a whole bunch of yarn from Walmart. Seems they carry inexpensive Red Heart HUGE skeins. Where I live, town is NOT 10mins away. So, I made sure that I have enough to put a dent into any project w/ the common yarn. Since I had to loll for a specific color, I’m finding skeins in other colors that are waiting for the “just right” project. Thank YOU! Love your comments & sites! Sheri ^c^

  5. Ironically, I live maybe 10 minutes from this little store and have driven past it numerous times, but never considered going in. It is #1 on my list of places to go check out now. I may need to sign up for their silversmithing class this weekend too. Thank you so much for this post!!!

  6. What is the name of the scarf pattern? That is really pretty. I would be interested in ordering it. Thanks!

  7. WOW! The mere mention of The Bead Place brought back memories! I used to shop there when my cousin was alive (she lived in Fairview Heights until her passing). Whenever I visited her we would always make a trip to the shop and play with the yarn. Occasionally I would come home with several skeins of yarn with no real project in mind for them at the time mind you. I’m going to have to make a trip down there again despite no family to visit — unless of course, I can start calling THe Bead Place family from now on. 🙂

Have you read?

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

If you’re new to crochet and wondering where to start, scarves and cowls are one of the nicest entry points. They feel useful right away, they don’t come with the stress of tricky sizing, and they let you settle into the rhythm of stitching without needing to think too hard about shaping or assembly. That is a big win when you’re still getting comfortable holding the yarn, counting stitches, and figuring out where your row actually ends.

Let’s be honest, a lot of beginners want a project that looks good before they want a project that teaches them patience.

That’s exactly why scarves and cowls work so well. They’re practical, cozy, and giftable, and they often use the same few stitches over and over again. You get to build confidence while making something you can actually wear, wrap up for a friend, or stash away for cooler weather. It feels like real progress, not just practice.

I also love that this category has a nice mix of super simple wins and slightly more textured designs. If you want a one-skein cowl you can finish over a weekend, there are plenty of those. If you want a chunky scarf with a bit more visual interest, you can find that too. It’s a very forgiving place to begin, and for a lot of crocheters it’s the category that turns “I’m trying crochet” into “I think I’m properly into crochet now.”

If you’re building out your beginner pattern stash, you might also want to bookmark our roundup of Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners and this sweet Free Crochet Pattern – Emotional Support Chicken. For readers who want fast finishes, Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects is another handy one to keep open in a tab.

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

Free Pattern – Moss Stitch Crochet Cowl

This is exactly the sort of project I love to recommend to newer crocheters. Moss stitch has that neat, slightly textured look that feels polished, but it’s still repetitive enough that you can relax into it once you get going. If you want a cowl that looks a little elevated without becoming fiddly, this is a lovely place to start.

One Skein Cowl

One-skein projects always feel approachable, especially when you’re not ready to commit to something huge. This cowl is a great fit for beginners who want something warm, quick, and satisfying. It also has that nice “I made this in a weekend” energy, which is very motivating when you’re just starting out.

Free Crochet Pattern – Lindsay Cowl

This one feels giftable from the moment you see it. It’s simple, adaptable, and easy to picture in different yarn colors, which makes it a fun pattern if you’re starting to think beyond just “can I make this?” and into “who could I make this for?” I always think those are the projects that keep beginners coming back for more.

Crochet a Colorful Braided Scarf Using Broomstick or Cardboard

This is a fun twist on the usual beginner scarf. It has a more decorative finish without feeling out of reach, and it’s a nice choice if you want something that looks a bit different from a standard straight scarf. It’s also a good reminder that beginner crochet doesn’t have to mean boring crochet.

Chunky Crochet Teal Scarf With Fringe

Chunky yarn and fringe are such a good combination when you want quick payoff. This kind of scarf works up faster, feels cozy almost immediately, and gives beginners that very important feeling of visible progress. And honestly, fringe covers a lot of sins if your edges aren’t perfect yet.

Free Cowl Patterns

This Lion Brand collection is worth bookmarking if you want to browse beyond a single pattern. It’s useful for readers who like having options in one place, especially when they’re still figuring out what shape and style they prefer. A roundup like this always benefits from one broad resource page readers can keep exploring.

Free Scarf Patterns

Same idea here, but for scarves. If someone finishes one beginner project and immediately wants another, this kind of resource page is handy. It gives you room to keep the momentum going without having to hunt around from scratch.

Fast and Easy Cowl

The title alone makes this a good fit for beginners. Fast and easy is exactly what many newer crocheters are looking for, especially when they want to build skill without burning out. A project like this helps you focus on consistency and comfort rather than complicated construction.

Simple Cowl Pattern

Bulky yarn plus a simple shape is a very beginner-friendly combination. This is the sort of project that can make a new crocheter feel successful quickly, and that matters more than people realise. A good first finish can turn someone into a lifelong yarn hoarder. Learned that one the hard way.

Cardiff Cowl

This one feels like a nice next-step option. It still sits in the easy category, but it has a slightly more refined look, which makes it perfect for crocheters who’ve finished a basic beginner piece and are ready for something just a touch more styled. A roundup needs a few of those “you’re ready now” patterns.

Free Ridgeway Cowl Pattern

Mary Maxim always gives you a nice practical read on a pattern, and this one feels like a strong wearable addition to the list. It’s the kind of cowl that looks useful, cozy, and realistic for everyday wear, which is exactly what many beginners want to make first.

Free Autumn Spice Cowl Pattern

This is a really good fit for an easy crochet roundup because chunky yarn and simple structure usually mean a faster finish. It has a cozy, seasonal feel to it too, which makes it ideal if your readers are already thinking ahead to cooler weather projects.

Why scarves and cowls are such good beginner crochet projects

Scarves and cowls let you focus on the part of crochet that matters most at the beginning: getting comfortable with the stitches. You’re not worrying about sleeve shaping, precise fit, or joining twenty awkward pieces together while muttering at your yarn. You’re mostly just crocheting, row by row or round by round, and that repetition is what helps the movements start to feel natural.

They also give you a finished item that feels useful.

That really matters.

A dishcloth is practical, yes, but a cozy scarf or cowl feels more exciting to a lot of people. It looks like a real handmade piece. It can become a gift, part of your winter wardrobe, or the thing that makes you think, “Actually, I can do this.”

If you’re choosing your first project, look for patterns that mention beginner, easy, one skein, chunky yarn, or fast finish. Those usually give you the most encouraging experience. The more success you have early on, the easier it is to keep going.

More easy crochet ideas to explore

If you enjoyed these scarf and cowl ideas, here are a few more beginner-friendly places to head next:

Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects
9 Quick & Easy Crochet Patterns
Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Cardigan Idea
Buttoned Plaid Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

This is the kind of crochet category that quietly builds confidence stitch by stitch. Start with one simple cowl, then try a scarf with texture, then maybe a chunky wrap or hooded cowl once you feel brave. Before long, your yarn basket will be full and you’ll be calling it a “collection,” which is a very familiar craft-room trick.