Crochet

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THE GYPSY IN YOU – And A Special Offer

by

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62501287/french-quarter-jacket-sweater-pattern-by

If you have a gypsy in you, this designer’s got some goodies for you.  Check out the items in her boutique at etsy.com here .  Even if you don’t think of yourself as the free-spirited being that the term ‘gypsy’ conjures up, consider making one of more of these frothy designs to layer over shells and turtlenecks to add a special pizzazz to your wardrobe.

Here are a few other shots of her beautiful crochet patterns:

Cindy has a special offer for our readers!

http://crochetbayboutique.blogspot.com/

You can try the ‘Pineapple Xpress” or any of TEN other of her patterns for free by following the directions at this link.  Cindy adds,

“There is a variety of 10 patterns to choose from.   Also, each time someone returns the feedback form to me, they can choose another pattern……until they have tried all 10 free.

For those who dabble with freeform crochet, you can take a look at my blog site http://freeformcrochetexpressions.blogspot.com/
I hope this will provide some new ideas and inspiration for others to try something new and a little different when designing clothing and jewelry.”

Comments

  1. Hi All,
    Thanks for taking a look at my pattern.
    I am so flattered to be featured here.

    The French Quarter sells out quickly on Etsy, so if you see the sold message, just send me a message and I will relist immediately.

    Also, you can take advantage of trying one of my patterns free. Just visit my blog at the following link: http://crochetbayboutique.blogspot.com/

    Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!
    Cindy Kamps

  2. Just found your patterns and I am loving them!!! Looking forward to trying them.
    Dee

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.