Crochet

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IF YOU CROCHET AND NEEDLEFELT, I’VE GOT THE BOOK FOR YOU…

by

FELT ME A SMILE by TOYOKO SUGIWAKAI was a bit hesitant when I received this book.  I haven’t done any needlefelting in a while.  It’s such a versatile craft that I should do more, but there are only so many hours…..

This book really makes me want to pull out my wool roving and get busy!  There are several projects that combine crochet and needlefelting (my favorites).  If you’re not familiar with needlefelting – it’s lots easier than wet felting.  You should give it a try.  When I first learned to needlefelt, supplies were hard to find locally.  Now Hobby Lobby and Michael’s carry packets of the wool roving dyed in a wonderful range of colors and the special needles for this craft.  It’s cost effective since it takes so little roving to make small projects and the needles last a long time.  Check here for more info on needlefelting:

http://felting.craftgossip.com/2007/09/12/discover-the-art-of-needle-felting/

My fave projects in this book are the Shy Reindeer Toy on page 112 and the Dog in Sheep’s Clothing on page 48.  This book also contains instructions with pictures for wet felting and includes some minimal use of that technique.  The rest of these whimsical designs inspire me to pull our my roving and needles.  Don’t miss this book if you have any interest in combining crochet with felting.  It’s a winner!

SPECS:

Felt Me A Smile by Toyoko Sugiwaka

Potter Craft (Random House) Books, 2010

115 pages, numerous color photos

ISBN 9780307586490

List Price $14.99 USA

BTW, this book has the wonderful satin-finished cover (peanut butter and jelly proof) that I prefer.  Wish it had a spiral binding…..

More Crochet?

Have you read?

Free Crochet Flower Square Blanket Pattern

There’s something so timeless about a floral crochet square—and this free Flower Square Blanket pattern from HiCrochet has totally captured my heart. It’s a beautiful blend of vintage charm and fresh, modern layout, with each square showcasing a bold, blooming flower at its center. Whether you’re creating a full-size blanket or just want to experiment with the squares for cushions or smaller projects, this pattern is super versatile—and totally free.

If you’re a fan of colorful motifs and modular projects, this one’s going to be a joy to stitch. I love how each flower square feels like its own little work of art, and putting them all together really makes the whole blanket pop. It’s the kind of pattern you’ll keep coming back to—easy to customize, beginner-friendly, and endlessly satisfying. Grab your favorite yarn colors, start stitching, and let those flowers bloom!