Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

STUMBLE UPON CROCHET

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Don’t you love to find great crochet sites and patterns online? I was referred to a wonderful site http://www.stumbleupon.com/which is a huge portal to everything on the web. However, instead of wandering aimlessly through cyberspace, you can refine your ‘stumbles’ to topics that appeal to you – like crochet! I joined up and entered a few topics of interest, with crochet at the top of the list. Then, I began to ‘stumble’ through the websites that were queued up for me. What a bunch of fun!

Here are a few of the wonderful blogs and sites I stumbled upon:

crochet escama studio pop top crochet tutorial DIY crochet blog
http://www.escamastudio.com/inspiration/diy.html

Here’s a beauty you probably won’t have time to complete before St. Patrick’s day:

crochet shamrock free pattern doily st patricks day crochet

http://www.crochetdoilies.com/Stpatricksday.html

For amigurumi fans, there’s always something new:

crochet dolphins minidolphins free pattern critters2crochet

http://www.critters2crochet.com/index_files/dolphpattern.htm

For something really different – but easily adaptable to a lot of uses – check this one out. Wish the one I married under had been as pretty as this one!
chuppah crochet free pattern wedding canopy fortheloveofyarn

http://www.fortheloveofyarn.com/Issues/07Summer/patterns/chuppah.shtml

If you are looking for more of our DIY Wedding ideas then check out our dedicated DIY Wedding blog.

Looking for more crochet patterns for weddings? Check out these designs we found on Etsy.

For the ever practical among us, here’s a useful way to use your crochet talents:

crochet seatbelt cover felted free pattern cristinascrochethaven

http://www.christinascrochethaven.com/felted_seat_belt_cover.htm

For a twist on the crocheted ocean reef or tide pool, here’s a very seaworthy looking ‘plant’ in crochet:

crocheted plant underwater crochet reef freeform crochet

http://www.emily-b.net/crocheting/plantsleep.html

For doll lovers, there’s always something:

crochet free doll pattern hereandabove.com blush ripple crochet

Hereandabove.com

So, I could go on and on. Instead of looking at what I’ve stumbled upon, why not do some stumbling of your own. It’s a free site and oodles of fun. Also, a great way to wile away a few gazillion hours when you should be cleaning house or finishing that nemesis project. There are websites, free patterns, patterns and finished crochet objects for sale, and there are tutorials and videos. Who could ask for anything more (except maybe more hours in the day to explore all these cyberwonders.

The ONLY problem I found on this site was the interchangeable use of the terms ‘knit’ and ‘crochet’. We know the difference, but apparently the stumblers who built the website don’t. We can forgive them that.

And, finally, if you were ever in doubt of the strong drive to crochet, we can all take some inspiration from this guy who seems to have his priorities perfectly aligned:

crochet subway guy from stumbleupon.com

Comments

  2. Could you tell me if you have any crochet books for left handed people. I have been looking for a long time and can not find any. Thanks

    PHYLLIS, I know of no crochet book written specifically for left handed people, but I’m aware that there are several publications that have a section on instructions for the left handed.  Several of the Beginner’s books that come in those kits, and which I have found at thrift stores and used book stores, have a section on left handed crocheting.

    HOW ABOUT IT FOLKS?  Does anyone else have resources for left handed crocheters??

    jd

  3. JD I love reading your blog! I just wanted to say the picture of the crocheting on the bus/train? is priceless!

  4. The seat belt cover looks like something I could do. But I would use heavy duty snaps for function and buttons for cutesy.

    I’d really like to make a cover for my middle arm rest in the car. It’s starting to look yucky.

    BLISS, WHAT A GREAT IDEA!  THANKS FOR SHARING. jd

  5. I am in Australia I have just heard a radio program on craft they mantioned a stumbling or spumbling way of crocheting do you know of it

  6. I have been looking for a mini dolphin crochet pattern and found this on on your site, but typing in the site in my search will not come up. did you get the pattern to come up?

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.