OMG EYE!

I used to have this tiny little polymer clay dragon I bought at a bookstore when I was a kid. Looking at this dragon takes me right back there and makes me super sad I lost it. This adorable dragon is a free pattern thankfully and I think I will just have to whip one up. Click here for the pattern.

Regretsy

I have found the snarkiest of snarky sites thanks to a thread on Ravelry.com. Regretsy.com is just about the funniest thing I have come across in a long time. I had actual tears in my eyes from reading some of the posts. Beware though, this has lots of NSFW (not safe for work) images and lots of foul language, but if you don't mind that stuff, this site will knock your socks off. They even have some crochet (though not always spelled correctly -- crotched to be exact). Click on the title of this post to go check it out.

I <3 Owls

I have loved owls ever since I memorized a poem attached to a macrame owl at my great grandfather's (who was like a second dad to me) house. In honor of that, here is a super cute little owl amigurumi pattern for all of you. Click here to be take to the free pattern. Oh and here is the poem just in case you were wondering:

A wise old owl sat on an oak,
The more he saw, the less he spoke,
The less he spoke, the more he heard,
Why can't we all be like that bird?

Pattern of the Week

I'm a muppet fan so pardon me if you're not getting the reference in these cute glasses holders. Craftster also has some Animal (the muppet who plays the drums) up on Ravelry which are equally cute. Click here for the pattern for the above pattern, and click here to be taken to the Rav page with the animal pattern.

New Listing

Fun little accesory for your little one's Halloween costume. A spider's cobweb shawl. Made with one skein and a huge hook, this shawl can be finished in an evening or two. To read more about it check out my shop here.

Pattern of the Week

This cute caplet is from the Caron website. I usually am not a fan of old school pineapples on clothing, but I think this piece make them look cute instead of granny doily. Click on the title of the post to go to the free pattern.

New Listing

These leg warmers are part victorian, part steampunk with their faux spats complete with functioning buttons. These are great under long dresses and skirts or just over a pair of tights. Click on the title to be taken to my shop to learn more about them. Happy hooking!!

New Listing

Know anyone who is dressing up as Frankenstein for Halloween? If you do, you gotta make them this fun and easy hat. I have it sized for baby to adult so age is not a factor. Click on the title to be taken to my store to read more about it. Happy hooking!!

Pattern(s) of the Week

These cute slinky guys are just a sampling of the new free e-book from Donna Collinsworth. Her website is giving away 13 adorable FREE patterns that incorporate the timeless toy we know as the Slinky. Click on the title of the post to be taken to the website where you can download these fun patterns.

Pattern of the Week

This pattern is from a very good friend of mine, Jaybird Designs Jennifer Cirka. She also happens to be my CGOA mentor in my quest to become an official professional designer recognized by them (I'll explain about that later, I don't want to take up your precious time when I know you are itchin for more info on the cute hat before you). This cute hat is free on Jennifer's website, but please check out her other patterns. She is a great designer and I am lucky to have her as my mentor. Since I am baffled at the new layout I just approved from blogger (can't figure out how to put my link on the picture), click on the title of the post to be directed to the free pattern. Happy Hooking!

Another one

So I have had this idea for quite awhile of making a simple baby booties pattern and then tweaking it to transform it into many different styles of booties. I finally had my inspiration for the style I wanted when I saw Vanna's Glamour yarn. It is a sparkly rich colored yarn (it is the red booties in the picture). I instantly thought of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz when I saw it. That's when it hit me, ballet booties. I began a week ago and just kept building from the basic pattern I came up with. The picture above shows off some of the variations I came up with. When you buy this pattern, you get instructions on how to make all of these booties. That's right, I am saving you money and giving you a pair of booties for every day of the week. Click on the picture to see more about these booties in my shop. Happy Hooking!!

Check it out.

Newest item to the shop. I am diggin on cowl's this winter. It's so much easier to put this thing over my head then trying to wrap a scarf and keep it wrapped so I am not fighting it all day. I was going for the trend I have been seeing on the runway, which is a super bulky, chunky cowl. I love white for winter things since most people dress very dark, it's a nice contrast. Click on the pic to go to my shop to check out more info on the cowl. Happy Hooking!!

The Dizzy Sheep

If you haven't heard of The Dizzy Sheep, you have been missing out on some really great deals. Thank goodness I am here to enlighten you.

The Dizzy Sheep is a website (click on the Dizzy Sheep above to be taken there) that gives daily deals for high end yarn. Let me elaborate.

Every day they refresh their deal. They choose a brand and style of yarn and then offer all of the colorways they have of that yarn for an incredibly reduced price. If you are into high end yarn it is worth checking this site everyday to see what you can get. Plus they have a cute Sheep mascot that says funny things about the deal of the day.

It gets better... some days they even have equipment (such as spinning looms) up for sale. Not that I have any room for one of these honkers, but one day I hope to live on a farm and raise angora bunnies and spin their fur into yarn for the masses. A girl can dream right?

Don't take my word for it, head over there and check it out now!

New Listings

Here are my latest editions to my shop. These are apart of my Wings Collection and I will be adding a couple more in the coming weeks. So far I have the Beautiful Butterfly, Lovely Ladybug and Terrific Tink all being modeled by my funny little gremlin Jacqui J.

Click on the pics to be taken to my shop to find out more about these patterns.

Pattern of the Week

I'm very into the Halloween spirit right now. So I searched for some cute free Halloween patterns and this the first I found. It's called "I want my mummy" and it's by the Crochet Dude Drew Emborsky. I thought it was such a funny and clever design. Click on the picture to be taken to the pattern on his official blog. You will find lots of other free patterns while you are there too! Happy hoooking!

Free Pattern for Lily/Mushroom Trinket Holder

Lily Trinket Holders

Skill Level: Easy

Designed by Deja Jetmir

Materials: 1/2 skein of each Sugar and Cream 100% cotton 2.5 oz in Warm Brown(01130) CA, Sage Green(00084) CB, and Soft Ecru(01004) CC. Or you can use any 100% cotton in your choice of colors.
Can of “heavy starch” spray starch

Crochet Hook: 5.0mm [US-H]

Gauge is not important for this project.

Square Base

With CA, ch 20
Row 1: Beginning in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (19 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1 (counts as first sc), sc across). (19 sts)

Row 3-18: Repeat Row 2. (19 sts) do not fasten off

Make sides:

Rnd 1: with CA still attached, sc in each st around the outside of the entire square, use 3 scs at each corner. You will not join, the rest of the pattern will be worked in spirals. Note: Don’t worry about the number of stitches used, just make sure they are evenly spaced apart)

Rnd 2: Sc in the front loop only of each st around.

Rnd 3: Sc in each st around.

Rnd 4-6: Repeat Rnd 3.

Rnd 7: Sl st in each st around. Fasten off and weave in ends.

See finishing below for starching instructions

Green Stem/Vase

Rnd 1: With CB, sc 6 times into a magic adjustable ring. Do not join, you will work the rest of the pattern in spirals.

Rnd 2: Sc 2 times in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next st] 6 times. (18sts)

Rnd 4: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24 sts)

Rnd 5: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 3 sts] 6 times. (30 sts)

Rnd 6-7: Sc in each st around. (30 sts)

Rnd 8: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 4 sts] 6 times. (36 sts)

Rnd 9-12: Sc in each st around. (36 sts)

Rnd 13: [Sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts] 6 times. (30 sts)

Rnd 14: [Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts] 6 times. (24 sts)

Rnd 15-25: Sc in each st around. (24 sts)

Rnd 26-27: St st in each st around. (24 sts) Fasten off and weave in ends. Fold over Rnds 25-27 to make top of vase like the one pictured.

See finishing below for starching instructions.

White Lily/Bowl

Rnd 1: With CC, sc 6 times into a magic adjustable ring. Do not join, you will work the rest of the pattern in spirals.

Rnd 2: Sc 2 times in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next st] 6 times. (18sts)

Rnd 4: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24 sts)

Rnd 5: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 3 sts] 6 times. (30 sts)

Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. (30 sts)

Rnd 7: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 4 sts] 6 times. (36 sts)

Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. (36 sts)

Rnd 9: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 5 sts] 6 times. (42 sts)

Rnd 10: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 6 sts] 6 times. (48 sts)

Rnd 11: Sc in each st around. (48 sts)

Rnd 12: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 7 sts] 6 times. (54 sts)

Rnd 13: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 8 sts] 6 times. (60 sts)

Rnd 14: Sc in each st around. (60 sts)

Rnd 15: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 9 sts] 6 times. (66 sts)

Rnd 16: [Sc 2 times in next st, sc in next 10 sts] (72 sts)

Rnd 17: Sc in each st around. (72 sts)

Rnd 18: Sl st in each st around. (72 sts)
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing

If you have a preferred starching method feel free to use it. The following is an easy to do and to find low cost starching method. You can also search the internet for other options.

Using your spray starch, spray each piece till it is saturated, squeeze out the excess and then shape into desired form.

For the lily bowl, we placed it upside down on an upturned drinking glass to make sure the bottom was flat.

For the square base you can pin the corners to get them nice and crisp.

For the vase, it should be just wide enough to fit an empty toilet paper roll. You can use this to hold the shape while starching, or you can keep it in there for extra strength when holding items.

Another Option:
The lily can be turned upside down for a mushroom effect as shown in pictures

Two New Listings

Another two additions to the collection. The first is a 3/4 sleeve Kimono Sweater that can be made from 12 months to 8 years. Great for a baby shower where you don't know what they are having. The second is perfect for anyone taking a road trip. Children and adults alike will love this travel pillow that attaches to your seat belt and has a built in "chin catcher". Click on the pictures to go to my shop to check them out. Happy Hooking!www.jacquijcrochet.etsy.com

Pattern of the Week

This is how you do bathroom accessories right. Remeber people, TP and toilet covers.... bad... appliqued shower curtains....good.

I keep running into this pattern and I always like it when I see it, so I thought I would add it to my Pattern of the Week club. Click on the pic to go to the free pattern! Happy hooking!

Ode to the TP Cover

Oh the TP cover, how stout you stand,
You are proudly displayed on the throne,
and there when the guy on the pot needs a helping hand.
Whether, sushi, doll, or happy face, I proudly salute you.
Here, here for the mighty TP cover...

I SURVIVED FINALS!!

I am done and ready to blog. Wait for it, wait for it....

Want to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day, I have been sick for the past two weeks (not the swine flu thank goodness), so my day was spent at home. I am revvin up for some fun posts so check back soon....

This made me smile.... alot.

One of my fellow ravelers posted this and I couldn't stop smiling after I watched it. Hope it brightens your day. It's even better if you are a Discovery Channel fan.

One More Week

I have been absent for a couple of weeks now. Reason being -- school. I had alot of projects and test due and this coming week is finals. Once those are done, I will make up for my absence with lots of free patterns (mine included), new listings, lots of "What were they thinking", at least two book reviews and a special "Ode to Toilet Paper Covers". Check back in one week for all the fun I will be posting. I will also be setting up some tutorials for things such as Broomstick lace. See you in a week when finals are over!!

If you dare...

You won't catch me in a bikini this summer, (I've had a kid and I'm not an actress - do the math) but for those of you who crochet and have yet to find a pattern with suitable coverage -- I have made this for you. The ruffle bikini, yes it is entirely crocheted (the ruffles are made with a specialty type yarn), the rest is made from designer sport Red Heart. The whole cost to make this (without even breaking into your Joann coupons or sales) under $20. Check it out by clicking on the pic.

Pattern of the Week

I just got my Berroco Knitbits email today and found this pleasant surprise. This is the first email in a while that has included a pattern for crochet, and the fact that is cute is an even better plus. This would be a great spring to summer cardi, and it doesn't look boxy in the least. Give it a try by clicking on the picture to go to the free pattern. Happy hooking!! Also, while you are there, sign up for the newsletter and you can also get things like this in your email.

New Listing

I love damask, so I thought I would try to somehow crochet it. This is the result -- a new filet damask pattern that is available in my shop now. Click on the picture to go check it out.

Pattern of the Week

I thought this was a cute idea. This is not only an amigurumi cat (and a sassy one at that), but it is also a hook holder for when you are in between projects. It is available for download now at CrochetKitten, she has some other very cute free projects available now also. Click on the picture to be taken to the free pattern.

Pattern of the Week

I thought since it was getting warmer, I should give you a project you can start and have finished when it is time to hit the beach. This cute market bag is great for the environment too. Click on the pic to be taken to the free pattern. Happy Hooking!!

Free Patterns being uploaded

I will be uploading some of my designs for free to anyone that is interested. Check back regularly to see if any new ones appear. See post below for the first. Happy Hooking!!

Check this out!!

Agata Olek is the name of the artist that created these crochet sculptures. Click on the title of this post to go to her website with more crocheted items as well as other items. These are just amazing, I can't even imagine how long it takes to make just one of these (they are life sized). All I can say is wowowowowowowowowow!!!!

Pattern of the Week

I thought this was a really neat way to use crochet for something other than washcloths and doilies. You will need a hairpin lace frame (can buy at most shops that have crochet stuff or online - they run about $5) and know how to do hairpin lace, but it's not difficult and this is a neat thing to have on hand around Halloween. Happy hooking. Click on the picture to go to the pattern.

Meet Stumpy!!

Stumpy the Unicorn wants to be part of your family. Check him out in my shop by clicking on the pics.

New Listing

Here is the latest and greatest in the Jacqui J Crochet collection. This pattern comes in a felted and unfelted option. Decorate your room now. Click on the pics to go to my shop.

Pattern of the Week

I thought this was a really great star pattern. And as the author shows it can be made into pillows or an afgan. Click on the pic to go to the site. Happy hooking!!