simple crochet

I picked up a new book over the weekend. I actually went in mind (with my 40% off coupon) to Borders expecting to walk out with a new quilting book but nothing caught my interest, so I thought I'd check out the books on crocheting. (I've never gotten the hang of knitting.) Anyway, this book, simple crochet by Erika Knight caught my eye because not only were more unusual yarns used, but because it also made some very different things. There were directions for containers, towel edging, a table runner, placemats, turkisk slippers, a rag rug, textured throw, a beautiful fine filet pillow, a big floor pillow and some other cool items. You can find the book on amazon used for as little as $5.99 or check it out at your local bookstore. Note she has another title right under this listing there on Amazon.


Here's the Amazon link should you like to check it out:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=simple+crochet+erika+knight&x=14&y=19

Mother Bear Project

"The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear."
You must use their pattern which you can purchase for $5. There are drop off locations in a limited number of states or there is an address where they can be mailed. They ask for $3.00 per bear be included for shipping on to their final destination.

To find out more go to: http://www.motherbearproject.org/index.php

A Surprise Package & the Story Behind It

Earlier this week the above package came in the mail with a return name and address I didn't remember. Inside was the following letter:

Dear Debbie,

How are you? Hope you are doing well.
I met you a few years ago at New York Presbyterian Hospital when you
were waiting for a family member who was in surgery. You kept yourself busy crocheting PREEMIE Hats. I really admired you and your work. I got
the pattern from you and I made a few then. Here are a few more.
May peace be with you and your family, always

H. Lee

WOW, That was 8 years ago!!!

I will be sure to donate these very soon to a local hospital in need.

There are a lot of websites with patterns to knit or crochet preemie hats and other items.

Here's one: http://www.carewear.org/

For helpful size charts and more patterns: (Scroll down on link)
Donate knitted hats for preemies

For other charities accepting handmade items: (Project Linus included.)

http://www.crochetnmore.com/123charitylinks.htm

Simple Modern Squares Afghan

This afghan is super simple to make and you can complete in a short amount of time. It is made in half double crochet strips and then they are joined together. (That's the point that I'm at with it now.)
I did it in the colors as shown with the directions given at:
http://acmoore.lionbrand.com/patterns/70315AD.html
or at:
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70315AD.html?noImages=0
but you could do it in and color combo.
If you'd like to buy all your yarn at once at a discounted price you might want to try:
http://store.knitting-warehouse.com/yarn-lion-homespun.html
$3.84 a skein and $5.99 flat rate shipping on all orders.
I bought mine yarn one skein at a time at A.C. Moore with a coupon and then bought 2 colors I couldn't find anywhere else from the Knitting-Warehouse.com. Of course now A.C. Moore is carrying those 2 colors, now that I'm all done. Isn't that the way it always is? LOL
Want to find hundreds of free patterns? You can Search by Category. Try this:
http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternFinder.fcgi