Favecrafts is an awesome site! AND they have a blog, too!

I knew about their Favecrafts web site but I didn't know they have a blog, too. Plus and this was exciting to find out, they have another web site called Allfreecrochet!

Check out Fave Crafts 

Check out Fave Crafts Blog

AND don't forget to check out their other web site:

All free crochet !

Did you know they are on the radio!?  They have give-aways, wonderful childrens projects, Father's Day gift ideas and patterns, summer knits, home decor and so much more.  This is a must visit!

Have you thought about all those hundreds of coffee filters you have?  They have ideas for those, too, and kids can make these things!

I'm sorry, I just get so excited when I find such a quality fun web site with hundreds of free patterns.

I gotta go read more.  Wish I had more time as I could spend all day on these web sites.

Look What You Can Make with Your Scrap Red Heart Worsted Yarn !

I made this medallion afghan with all my scraps of Red Heart Worsted weight yarns. Over the years, I accummulated lots of different colors as I'm sure you have, too.

If you know how, the medallions can be joined together as you crochet that last row so there's no putting it all together when your done. The medallions are round but when putting them together in the last row, think of them as having four sides and you'll do fine. They're attached in two places on each side. Remember, think in terms of it being square. And then, the spaces in between the large medallions are small medallions that aren't sewn in either but you pick up stitches from each medallion around; again in two places. Really neat. Not super warm but looks wonderful on a sofa or chair!

I don't remember, I'm terribly sorry, where this particular pattern came from. I'm pretty sure it was an Annie's Attic pattern from years ago. Remember the little pattern magazine/book? There's one from Annie's Attic on their web sie but it's not free.

I edged as much as I could with black. The black gives it more of a stained glass look. And the Annie's Attic pattern doesn't put the small medallions in between. Here's the free pattern: Freepatterns.com What you have to do is click on the "link", then click on "crochet", "Afghans & Throws", "Traditional Patterns & Techniques" and you'll find the pattern in the top row far right called Arabesque Afghan. You'll have to register to get the free pattern but that's free and easy. The pattern is a pdf file and begins on page 2.

If you have any questions, let me know. It's a fun project and can almost be done with no pattern. I want to show you that you CAN create beautiful projects with acrylic yarns and you don't have to use the expensive brands. Anyway, just think of open work medallions instead of squares and you'll get that wonderful lace shawl look. Pretty, huh? Just think of the possibilities.

That brings me to another idea. When you see a pattern you love and just have to make, look closely to see just what it is about the pattern you love. If it's definitely the color, then make sure you use that color and you'll love your finished project. Most of the time we love something for it's color more than the style. Color can create a feeling, too.

Remember to leave a comment, pass my blog on to your friends, and become my follower! I also have a survey in the top right corner. Please take time to answer the few questions. I'll know what type of patterns to highlight on my blog if I know what your favorite yarns are. Thanks.
Enjoy !!
Kathy

4 comments:
Analog Buttons - Your source for the lowest price on custom 1" buttons said...
I have been looking for the easiest of easy patterns for a woobie and this one looks really cute but very hard. I am a lefty that doesnt have much time with my business taking out from under me. Is this an easy one to start and stop if I need to?

Sorry for all the questions :)
Tiff

March 12, 2009 3:48 PM
Artsand Crafts dot COM said...
Tiff,

I'm not sure what a woobie is. I'm thinking an afghan or laprobe type blanket? This one certainly is a "take-with-you" type project until it get huge that is. But if you know how to make a medallion, you've got it made! Do you have any help there?

Thank you for commenting and joing my followers. Kathy

March 12, 2009 5:24 PM
Analog Buttons - Your source for the lowest price on custom 1" buttons said...
Sorry about that woobie is like a afgan. I don't have any help here where I am. We have just moved back to Oklahoma from Hawaii. I'll watch some you tube and see what I can find.

I miss Seattle. I lived in West Seattle for some time.

Tiff :)

March 13, 2009 11:31 AM
Arts and Crafts dot COM said...
Tiff, I'm not sure I could help you via internet with something like the medallion afghan but you could always make block or squares instead and then sew them together.

I have been wanting to change my blog URL and name and think I should do it asap before I wait too long. What do you think? I know people do it all the time. Thanks for your help. You could email me if you'd like.
Kathy

March 13, 2009 2:30 PM

Sock it To Me! Red Heart & Sole Sock Pattern FREE

I know sometimes I'm just a little behind everyone but I must share with everyone what I found while searching on the Coats and Clark web site. I personally got on the band wagon when it came to the "knitting sock" thing awhile ago and paid $14 for a pair of socks that turned out really nice but even though I made sure the two skeins of yarn I purchased had the same dye lot, they sure don't look the same to me. A big disappointment when I paid so much and the only thing I could do was return the yarn BUT I had already spent so much time creating the first one and was halfway down the top when it was discovered. The pattern calls for 2 - 3 skeins depending on the size. Linda's prices are so reasonable, instead of $14 for a pair of socks, you can get the yarn for under $10!

Coats and Clark's Red Heart yarns has a wonderful yarn for socks. It's called Heart & Sole. So cute, huh? It's permeated with all the wonderful properties of aloe vera which helps the yarn glide smoothly on the needles and/or hook. This yarn can also be used for childrens wear, home decor and many accessories. The best thing EVER is that this yarn automatically stripes like the expensive yarns! How cool is that?!

Don't forget this yarn is available at Linda's Yarn Store at http://www.lindasyarnstore.com/ She has a big selection of Coats and Clark Heart & Sole yarns.

Here's the pattern link: http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Knitting/Projects/Accessories/LW1619+Self-Striping+Knit+Socks.htm

or Heart & Sole self-striping sock pattern

There's also a crocheted version and the pattern is link is here: http://www.knitandcrochettoday.com/episodes/pdf/KTV2005C.pdf

They look a little bulkier but sure are cute!

Please don't forget to become one of my followers, leave a comment or email me. I looking forward to chatting with everyone.
Kathy

My Favorite Red Heart Yarn Project

Here's one of my favorite Red Heart Yarn projects. If anyone is interested, I can locate the pattern for you but I can guarantee you it was a free one. That's my youngest grandson who is now going on 3 years old so this was knitted a couple Christmases ago. He makes a very good model, don't you think?

There's many many wonderful patterns out there that can make your inexpensive yarns look terrific if used in a different way. Sometimes you have to think outside of the box. Someone did here with the use of just knit and purl and the combination of the two stitches. The color combination was by my design.




My next post I'm going to list my top 10 favorite Red Heart Yarns.
Kathy

Free Shamrock Crochet Pattern for March

Well, I found my favorite shamrock pattern. I was so happy to find the printed pattern and then also find the web site. The author requests I only submit the URL here but that's wonderful of her to share it this way. Here's a photo so you can tell if you'd like to make them up. I used to make a bunch of them for my Mother to hand out to her friends. Our family name is O'Shea!



The pattern can be found at http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/abbeydale/183/clover.htm

Hope you find this a great way to start out our first month blogging togethr. I'm hoping for some comments. Thanks and happy St. Patrick's Day and crochetng your shamrock pin!

Kathy

Great Blog Ideas ~ Tell Me What You Want to See Here

I just had a wonderful idea since this isn't just my blog but yours, too. Write and tell me what you would like to see here. Blogs were originally meant to be a place to socialize so please use the comment section if you'd like.


Anyway, I was thinking about having a different theme every month. Being it's March, maybe we can do a March Madness or St.Patty's Day pattern. I have a cute shamrock crochet pattern I will find and post it.

How about
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December?

Should we have patterns or contests or something else or all of the above? I can offer free patterns to the winner and maybe round up other prizes from sponsors! This is sounding more fun all the time!

Maybe April could be "pastel ideas", May could be "sprouting ideas" as in flowers, June could be "summr's coming", July the 4th, of course,etc. etc. I you can think of anything, please let me know.

I'll start working on March right away. Come back and see what I've come up with.

Kathy

Baby Patterns - Filet Crochet Choose a FREE Pattern

Knit Crochet Needlework Just Have Fun!

Please check out the archived patterns for filet crochet along the right side of my blog. There are several to choose from along with a FREE bunny baby afghan pattern. These are filet crochet patterns.



Here's an article I thought very interesting and everyone may enjoy. Please visit the web site if you're interesed in reading more articles or come back here often to read more.



Crochet Supplies: Do You Have Everything You Need? by: Terry Roberts



There are many supplies used when crocheting and the specific kinds depend solely on the type of patterns used. There are many basic items that beginners need but when using more complicated patterns and designs it can be essential to expand on the crochet supplies used. Yarn and a crochet hook are the most basic supplies but also used are knitting needles and a wide variety of yarn types amongst other items. More than one hook and needle set is needed as they can be left in an unfinished part of the crocheted item while another area is concentrated on. Patterns are a necessary part of the process, especially for beginners or if the person is creating something for the first time.


Anyone learning how to crochet may also need supplies of books or magazines full of tips and patterns. Depending on the type of pattern, other crochet supplies may be needed such as ribbon or lace. Ribbon can be run through certain areas of a crocheted design and lace can be a necessary addition to many designs. When making clothes, materials that can be layered under the yarn may be an important part of your crochet supplies. Sewing needles, threads, beads, sequins and other accessories can all form part of a crochet supply box as they can add decoration to a crocheted piece. There is so much that can be done with crocheted materials that the lists of possible crochet supplies are enormous.



Crochet Yarn Supplies


One of the most significant parts of crocheting is the types of yarns used. There are a huge number of different yarns used for crocheting; the texture and thickness of the yarn is most important. Yarn can have a lot of variations: some are thick, others are thin; yarn can be soft, fluffy, hard and come from many different animals. Yarn can be either natural or synthetic and the five basic types are baby/fingering, sport/baby, worsted weight, chunky and bulky - and they all have different uses.



Fingering weight is mainly used for light items such as socks. Sports weight is heavier and used for items like sweaters. Worsted weight is for much heavier and warmer items. Chunky and bulky are used for very heavy and warm items. Some of the most popular fibers used in yarns include acrylic, alpaca, camel hair, cashmere, chenille, lambs wool, mohair and even silk. The types of yarn depend on the item of clothing and the pattern used. So, as you can see, you’ll need to get yourself a big box to keep all the crochet supplies you’re going to need!



About The Author
Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about chocolate, please visit his website: http://www.crochetfornovices.com/ more articles can be found at http://www.articlecity.com/

Free Patterns Coming Soon !

Free Patterns Coming Soon !

Welcome to Free Patterns
On this page, you'll find some new Illusion, also called Shadow, knitting patterns. FREE For starters, here's a double diamond pattern that I designed and used to make a tote bag. The photo will be posted soon. It's a long pattern with over 100 rows so please, if you find any errors, let me know. Thank you for your interest and come back often as I'll be posting more later.
Here's a great tip: print out the chart and enlarge it if you need BUT put it in a page protector and use those dry markers to mark your pattern all you want. Keep track of the row your on, etc.

Enter your search terms Submit search form

Web
artsandcraftsdotcom.blogspot.com

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Illusion Double Diamonds

You may want to print the chart out and enlarge it a bit and use a highlighter to color every two rows starting with Row 3. So Rows 1 and 2 are not colored, Rows 3 and 4 are colored, 5 and 6 are not and so on. Always remember the first row of each color change is always a knit row.
I used knitting needles size 8 and worsted weight yarn. It measures finished: 16" wide X 18" long. I think for a firmer fabric, you should use a smaller needle.
CO 63 with color A in any cast-one you like. If you want it wider, cast on more but remember to add those stitches only at the beginning and the end of each row. I couldn’t add color to my chart so remember to start with row 1 and 2 which will be color A. Row 3 and 4 changes to color B.
This is a very long pattern with over 100 rows. I used to it make a tote bag. What I did was CO with color A but you could use either one just so you continue going back and forth between the two colors. If you have any question, please email me at kma2053@gmail.com
Have fun!!


CO 63 with color A (My color A was Navy blue and color B was Teal Blue)
**there was an error in row 92 on the chart but it's been fixed. Not super good but you shouldn't have any trouble.

Color A Row1: K63
Color A Row 2: First Pattern row K 16, P1, K 29, P1, K 16
Color B Row 3: K 63
Color B Row 4: P 15, K3, P 27, K 3, P 15
Color A Row 5: K 63
Color A Row 6: K 15, P 3, K27, P3, K 15
Color B Row 7: K 63
Color B Row 8: P 14, K 5, P 25, K 5, P 14
Color A Row 9: K 63
Color A Row 10: K 14, P 5, K 25, P 5, K 14
Color B Row 11: K 63
Color B Row 12: P 13, K 7, P 23, K 7, P 13
Color A Row 13: K 63
Color A Row 14: K 13, P 7, K 23, P 7, K 13
Color B Row 15: K 63
Color B Row 16: P 12, K 9, P 21, K 9, P 12
Color A Row 17: K 63
Color A Row 18: K 12, P 4, K 1, P 4, K 28, P 4, K 1, P 4, K 12
Color B Row 19: K 63
Color B Row 20: P 11, K 4, P 3, K 4, P 19, K 4, P 3, K 4 P 11
Color A Row 21: K 63
Color A Row 22: K 11, P4, K 3, P 4, K 19, P 4, K 3, P 4, K 11
Color B Row 23: K 63
Color B Row 24: P 10, K 4, P 5, K 4, P 17, K 4, P 5, K 4, P 10
Color A Row 25: K 63
Color A Row 26: K 10, P 4, K 5, P 4, K 17, P 4, K 5, P 4, K 10
Color B Row 27: K 63 (you’re one fourth of the way!!)
Color B Row 28: P 9, K 4, P 7, K 4, P 15, K 4, P 7, K 4, P 9
Color A Row 29: K 63
Color A Row 30: K 9, P 4, K 7, P 4, K 15, P 4, K 7, P 4, K 9
Color B Row 31: K 63
Color B Row 32: P 8, K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 13, K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 8
Color A Row 33: K 63
Color A Row 34: K 8, P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 13, P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 8
Color B Row 35: K 63
Color B Row 36: P 7, K 4, P 3,K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 11, K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 7
Color A Row 37: K 63
Color A Row 38: K7, P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 11, P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 7
Color B Row 39: K 63
Color B Row 40: P 6, K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 9, K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 6
Color A Row 41: K 63
Color A Row 42: K 6, *P 4. K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4*, K 9, knit one time more from * to * and end with K 6
Color B Row 43: K 63
Color B Row 44: P 5, *K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4*, P 7, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 5
Color A Row 45: K 63
Color A Row 46: K 5, *P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4*, K 7, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 5
Color B Row 47: K 63
Color B Row 48: P 4, *K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 5*, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 4
Color A Row 49: K 63
Color A Row 50: K 4, P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 5, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 4
Color B Row 51: K 63
Color B Row 52: P 3, K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 3
Color A Row 53: K 63
Color A Row 54: K 3, *P 4, K 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4. K3, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 3 ( Yeah, you’re half way!!)
Color B Row 55: K 63
Color B Row 56: P 4,*K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 5*, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 4
Color A Row 57: K 63
Color A Row 58: K 4, *P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 5*, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 4
Color B Row 59: K 63
Color B Row 60: P 5, *K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 7*, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 5
Color A Row 61: K 63
Color A Row 62: K 5, *P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 7*, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 5
Color B Row 63: K 63
Color B Row 64: P 6, *K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 9*, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 6
Color A Row 65: K 63
Color A Row 66: K 6, *P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 9*, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 6
Color B Row 67: K 63
Color B Row 68: P 7, *K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 11*, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 7
Color A Row 69: K 63
Color A Row 70: K 7, *P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 11*, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 7
Color B Row 71: K 63
Color B Row 72: P 8, *K 4, P 3, K 1, P 1, K 1, P 3, K 4, P 13*, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 8
Color A Row 73: K 63
Color A Row 74: K 8, *P 4, K 3, P 1, K 1, P 1, K 3, P 4, K 10*, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 8
Color B Row 75: K 63
Color B Row 76: P 9, *K 4, P 3, K 1, P 3, K 4*, knit one more time from * to * and end with P9
Color A Row 77: K: 63
Color A Row 78: K9, *P 4, K 3, P 1, K 3, P 4*, K 12, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 9
Color B Row 79: K 63
Color B Row 80: P 10, *K 4, P 5, K 4*, P 14, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 10
Color A Row 81: K 63
Color A Row 82: K 10, *P 4, K 5, P4 K 14*, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 10
Color B Row 83: K 63
Color B Row 84: P 11, *K 4, P 3, K 4*, P 16, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 11
Color A Row 85: K 63
Color B Row 86: K 11, *P 4, K 3, P 4,*, K 16, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 11
Color B Row 87: K 63
Color A Row 88: P 12, *K 4, P 1, K 4*, P 18, knit one more time from * to * and end with P 12
Color A Row 89: K 63
Color B Row 90: K 12, *P 4, K 1, P 4*, K 21, knit one more time from * to * and end with K 12
Color B Row 91: K 63
Color A Row 92: P 13, K 3, P 1. K 3, P 23, K 3, P 1, K 4, P 13
Color A Row 93: K 63
Color B Row 94: K 13, P 7, K 23, P 7, K 13
Color B Row 95: K 63
Color A Row 96: P 15, K 3, P 27, K 3, P 15
Color A Row 97: K 63
Color B Row 98: K 15, P 3, K 27, P 3, K 15
Color B Row 99: K 63
Color A Row 100: P 16, K 1, P 29, K 1, P 16
Color A Row 101: K 63
Color B Row 102: K 16, P 1, K 29, P 1, K 16
Color B Row 103: K 63
Color A Row 104: P 63
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Knitting and Crocheting

One of my biggest passions is knitting and crocheting. If you follow the link, it will take you to some of my favorite projects that have taught me a new technique almost everytime. There are so many many stitches and techniques to learn and I hope to bring many of them to you to try.

Keep your knitting and crocheting fun and exciting. For starters, I'll show you illusion or shadow knitting projects. I have several filet crochet projects along with baby patterns and many links to web sites for information and supplies.

Discover the Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs in No Time At All – Even If You Have Absolutely No Knitting Experience Whatsoever! Knitting Essentials
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Patterns (coming soon)

FREE Crochet Afghan Bunny Pattern

Here's your free pattern! I am not very computer literate so I hope you're able to print this out at a decent size for you. There's really no need for any written instructions if you are familiar with crocheting. I do have the instructions written out but when I scanned them, they came out as a pd file which I can send you via email but can't figure out how to attach it here. So just let me know if you want the printed instructions.




Thank you for viewing. Don't forget to check out all my patterns in the archives.






home contact info Copyright © 2007 ArtsandCraftsdotCOM - an online creative place All rights reserved

A New Day and a New Pattern

I haven't posted for a few days.....what's wrong with me!? LOL I have been busy working up a new illusion shadow knitting pattern. I will take a picture and post it before I make it into a purse or tote then maybe you can see the patter much better. Maybe maybe not. To be honest with you, I can't wait to show it off. It's suposed to be a circle within a square but with illusion knitting things get a little elongated. I'm working to fix that with the same pattern but done differently. I'm hoping to figure out how to create a real circle! Stay tuned......

Everyone likes to talk about the weather and it is really truly gorgeous here in the Northwest. Not hot but about 70 degrees and beautiful blue skies!

I am so close to finishing my lates illusion shadow knit design I should close and get to work. Stay tuned for the latest...........

Don't forget to check out my other posts. I will be showing you my portrait paintings and my primitive home decor that I've painted. AGAIN........stay tuned.

Tomorrow is the first day of our state fair so you know where I'll be all day.
B Y E E E E