Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

STITCH N’ PITCH

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If you enjoy baseball and crochet (or knitting or needlepoint, etc), you might enjoy a day that combines both – stitching at the ballpark! Go to this website for details:

http://www.stitchnpitch.com/

The event is a combined effort of the TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) and MLB (Major League Baseball).

This year, in St. Louis, the shop owners are committing to selling a large number of tickets so that we can fill the stadium with stitchers. For loyal Cardinals fans, this is a wonderful combination of two favorites! My LYS, Hearthstone Knits, told our group about it last night. If/When you buy tickets through your LYS, all of you get to sit together. That will make for even more fun. Knitters and crocheters (and others) will watch the stars on the field while we create stars, flowers, stripes, etc with our hooks and needles. I’m kinda’ looking forward to it. As it turns out, no shop has anyone to do a crochet demo at the stadium – on the ramps not on the field (TG!) – I have offered my services. As usual, I am always ready to introduce others to this artform and make new friends.

So, please spread the word. Support your LYS and your team. Go to the website for details or call your LYS if you have a professional baseball team (AL or NL) nearby. It should be a great evening! Ours is Monday, August 6. I’ll be reporting the news of the day on a blog entry shortly thereafter. Stay tuned for developing details.

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.