Crochet

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SOME OF MY FAVORITE HOOKS

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These hooks are kinda hard to find. Wanted to share the site I just found them on:

soft_touch_hook_set.jpg

Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks

http://crochetasylum.com/html/hooked_on_hooks.html

Clover Soft Touch also has a set of thread hooks which are wonderful. My LYS, Hearthstone Knits (hearthstoneknits.com) is the only place I know of to get them. They ordered a set for me. I LOVE them. NOTE – THE WEBSITE FOR HEARTHSTONE KNITS IS NO LONGER ACTIVE.  PLEASE ACCESS THIS PAGE FOR THEIR CONTACT INFO:

http://www.balbes.com/stlshops.html.

Apparently, the hearthstone knits dot com site is an inappropriate one.  SorryThanks to those who brought this to my attention!

There are a few free patterns at this site also. They offer free shipping on all orders which is unique and appreciated.

CrochetAsylum also offers Bates Silvalume hooks, among others, which I like since they are ‘inline’ hooks, the style I prefer. My other favorite hooks are all wood – and not the typical Brittany, Greydog, or others. I like some rosewood hooks made by different manufacturers and Jensen’s huge, finely finished, wood hooks. I’ve blogged about them before. Hope you enjoy browsing the site. ThUD.

Comments

  1. Personally, my favorite hook is the Profi hook. I get mine at http://www.Herrschners.com. I tried the clover hooks but found the Profi hooks more comfortable to handle. I also like the way the gold tips slide through the thread. (I am a thread addict and prefer thread over yarn).

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.