Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

RECYCLE – RY

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I fell in love with this free project from Crafts n’ Things Magazine.  It’s not actually crochet as you make it with wool sweaters scrounged from the thrift store or your closet.  But, I’d have fun embellishing it with crochet appliques.

felted purse 092401

http://www.craftsnthings.com/Projects/Newsletter/2009_09/D_felted_purse.aspx?email=

RECYCLE  a pattern and turn it into something entirely different, like this coaster pattern:

http://www.kaleidesigns.com/crochet/patterns/archive/coas008.html

that was turned into this beautiful beret:

coaster beret 0909

http://sandyshook.blogspot.com/2009/09/going-around-again.html

Imagine the ingenuity and artistic eye that looked at that coaster and saw a beret.  I’m quite impressed.  Great yarn choice too.  Sandy gives the whole story of the process on her blog.

I like the idea of using doily patterns to create larger items.  It’s not much of a stretch to make a larger doily with perle cotton instead of bedspread weight and end up with a runner or place mat.  But, there are books out there (Amazing Lace is one of my favorites) that use doily patterns for everything from shawls to rugs to afghans.  Try your hand at that with a pattern you have in your stash and see what you come up with.  Maybe a pretty bedspread is hiding in a doily book!

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!