Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Pincushions To Crochet (and Knit)

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If you like to (or must) sew and you also crochet, you’ll be pleased with the scrumptious pincushions in this collection by Cat Thomas.  Many of them are like tiny works of art and would brighten a desk, table, or shelf evAnden without the needles they are intended to hold.  And, for a huge change, there are far more crocheted pincushions than knitted ones!!  Thirty two out of fifty to be exact!

Thomas uses crochet stitches and embroidery to create dimension in her designs.  Many of them are so playful that they would tempt a youngster.  Pincushion doing double duty as a little stuffed animal is a distinct possibility.  There’s a little cat face, a bumble bee, and a lady bug for animal lovers.  Fruit shapes, floral shapes, geometrics, and Victoriana are all represented.  There’s truly a pincushion for any taste.

Each project is accompanied with good directions, a great photograph, and a nice large chart.  You’ll have no difficulty recreating these attractive designs!

Book Specs:

50 Pincushions to Knit & Crochet by Cat Thomas

Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, February, 2014

128 page soft cover

ISBN 9781250042736

List Price $21.99 USD

Comments

  2. Lovely Site, Lorna!
    ~ However, I am captivated by the book too. I am sure that I can get it thru my Local BookSeller, now that I am in good standing with them! Thank YOU again

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.