tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17018963601529943832024-03-07T21:49:35.483-08:00Welcome To Our BlogCrochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-59175521452906073592010-07-26T01:00:00.000-07:002010-07-26T01:00:01.714-07:00Monday, 7/26/10 My Finished Hex On Shrug<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="My Fin Hex On Shrug" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MyFinHexOnShrug.jpg" /></div><br />
Do you remember from an earlier post, when I first received the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/82688-crochetwear/?filters=books%2F_4799_&page=1">Crochet Wear</a> book, and I made the Hex On Shrug for my friend Stephanie? I loved making it and how easy it was to make the hexagons and to put them together. The whole thing took a couple of mornings. When I dropped the shrug off at my LYS Twist to display it in the windows for the month of March, I told the shop owner, Shelly, that I thought she should order the book. Since she is so nice and believes in me, she ordered the book, and the sweet thing about it was that she had just got in the same brand of yarn that the pattern called for. Of course, I couldn’t resist looking at the yarn and then falling in love with it and just had to get some of it for a Hex On Shrug for myself. Like many projects that I think I’ll start for myself, this one also fell to the wayside to make room for more important projects (like the design contest pieces and gifts). <br />
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Last Saturday, I had a few hours to try and relax, so I decided to pull my Hex On shrug in from the wayside, take it with me to Twist, and finish it. The funny thing about it was that I had all the hexagons already made and had started putting them together. In the next few hours while I was being inspired by some of my friends that hang out at the LYS, I finished sewing my hexes together and inspired some of them to purchase the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/82688-crochetwear/?filters=books%2F_4799_&page=1">Crochet Wear</a> book. When I left Twist, all I had to do was edge the shrug and make a button closure, and I finished that up the next week. What was I waiting for, Christmas?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="SideViewofFinHexOnShrug" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/SideViewofFinHexOnShrug.jpg" /></div><br />
Anyway, I stopped by my LYS to show off my shrug, and Shelly was nice enough to take my picture while I was browsing her book section, and I think I found another book that I may just have to have. Shelly informed me that she only has two of the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/82688-crochetwear/?filters=books%2F_4799_&page=1">Crochet Wear</a> books left after my inspirational visit on Saturday. I love it!!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/82688-crochetwear/?filters=books%2F_4799_&page=1"><img align="center" alt="Crochet Wear book cover" border="0" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CrochetWearbookcover.jpg" /></a></div>You can order your very own copy of <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/82688-crochetwear/?filters=books%2F_4799_&page=1">Crochet Wear</a> right here on CrochetSoiree!Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-81341477047249343952010-07-21T01:00:00.000-07:002010-07-21T01:00:06.182-07:00Wednesday, 7/21/10 July CAL Doily PrizeWhen I was trying to choose a doily for the July prize, I found this really cute doily pattern. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CuteDoilyPattern.jpg" alt="Cute Doily Pattern" align="center" /></div>I don’t know if it was the easiness of the pattern or the picture of all the different colors of doilies that made me want to make one in every color of thread that I have.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/JulyCALDoilyPrizes.jpg" alt="JulyCALDoilyPrizes" align="center" /></div>I made myself stop at 6, but I assure you that I could have made a dozen easily. Anyway, I hope whoever wins the July CAL challenge enjoys the doilies as much as I did making them.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-40819301908402485482010-07-19T01:00:00.000-07:002010-07-19T01:00:02.911-07:00Monday, 7/19/10 Lace Weight Shawl<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="My Lace Weight Shawl" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MyLaceWeightShawl.jpg" /></div>If you read my blog, you probably already know that I have made countless doilies, tablecloths, and one bedspread from crochet thread (size 10), but until now, I had never before crocheted anything with lace weight yarn.<br />
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Last weekend I was inspired by a friend of mine named Jordan. I met Jordan in my LYS several years ago and get inspiration from her and my other friends as well. But last weekend, Jordan was wearing a shawl that I couldn’t take my eyes off of. We all asked her about it, and she said that she had crocheted it out of lace weight yarn. Well, there were several of us who couldn’t resist buying some lace weight yarn right then and there.<br />
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And look what I finished—a lace weight shawl of my very own, and I know this will not be my last lace weight shawl. I wonder what sock weight yarn would look like in a shawl since I can’t stop buying it as well. Crochet Soiree has some really cool sock yarn for sale here—<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_kroy_sock%20yarn_/">Kroy</a>, <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_kroy_sock%20yarn_/">Deborah Norville</a>, <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_red_heart%20sock%20yarn_/">Red Heart</a>, <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_bernat_sock%20yarn_/">Bernat</a>, etc.<br />
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Tell me what kinds of things you have made with lace weight yarn.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-80570015395596685522010-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:002010-07-12T01:00:04.005-07:00Monday, 7/12/10 Megan's Tote Made by Joshua and Tamarfied by Me<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/28805-total-crochet-for-the-home/?filters=books%2F_total_crochet_&page=1"><img align="center" alt="Total Crochet for the Home Book" border="0" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/TotalCrochetfortheHomeBook.jpg" /></a></div>When Joshua saw the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/28805-total-crochet-for-the-home/?filters=books%2F_total_crochet_&page=1">Total Crochet for the Home</a> book…<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="Multi Strip tote" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MultiStriptote.jpg" /></div>…and the Multistripe Tote…<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="Good Friend Megan" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/GoodFriendMegan.jpg" /></div>…he thought of his good friend Megan.<br />
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He came up with the color sequence quickly and crocheted the front and the back very fast. Then it came time to hide his tails. Well, that took a while, and he kind of got side tracked and made a few hats, and one day I told him that I thought the tote should be lined, so I set out to find some fabric in my stash. Of course, when I say I’m going to line something, I don’t have a clue how I’m going to make it. I just jump in with both feet and start in. I decided to put in lots of pockets, and I wanted them to be just the right size for the items Megan carries. So I found out the measurements of her wallet and cell phone, and then, I just added some more pockets for good measure. <br />
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The lining took up most of an afternoon to make, and then I stuffed it into the crocheted tote. Well once I did that, I decided I needed to add a closure so things didn’t fall out of the bag. So I made a flap with a snap and a decorative crocheted button. Then last but not least, I just happened to have a handle that was rescued from an old purse, and it wouldn’t be complete without a cover of crochet, so I crocheted over the handle and attached the handle to some fabric tabs. I love the design process and how things just keep building…<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="Tamarafied Tote" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/TamarafiedTote.jpg" /></div>…until you have this. Ta Da!!!! I was very pleased with the final product, and it was fun pulling it all together for our Megan. Her favorite thing was the little pocket that I made especially for her Chapstick.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-10861233864883267122010-07-09T01:00:00.000-07:002010-07-09T01:00:00.493-07:00Friday, 7/09/10 My First Christmas in July Project Completed<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/45450-dodge-ball-set/"><img align="center" alt="Xmas in july Dodge Ball" border="0" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/XmasinjulyDodgeBall.jpg" /></a></div>I’ve been eyeing this Dodge Ball Set <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/45450-dodge-ball-set/">crochet pattern</a> for a long time. I was so excited that you use an empty plastic ice cream pail. Since I have a hard time throwing these away, I just happened to have one handy. This was a really fun project to make, and you’ll never guess what I stuffed my dodge balls with! I used some of my husband’s old t-shirts with a little bit of sweater remnant thrown in for good measure (I can’t seem to throw that away either). The combination of the sweater weight and t-shirt makes the dodge balls just the right weight to throw and hit someone without it hurting. I really like the basket and could see skeins of yarn stored in it, also. I might have to make another one and use it just for stash yarn.<br />
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Tell me which CAL project you started with.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-64867478225965123202010-07-07T01:00:00.000-07:002010-07-07T06:29:31.398-07:00Wednesday, 7/07/10 Gift for Co-worker's Grandbaby<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="Hat and Booties" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/HatandBooties.jpg" /></div>Since I work for a company that’s fairly small and family owned, it seems like we’re all family. So when one of my co-workers has a baby or if they’re first time grandparents, I try to crochet the baby something. Well, one of my co-workers is a first time grandpa, and I decided to make the baby a pair of booties and a hat, and here they are. I used a combination of <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_dmc_senso_/">DMC Senso</a> and a variegated sock yarn that has aqua, pinks, and yellows in it. Of course, I added my special touches of a flower on top and a personalized label inside. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="Coworker with Gift" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CoworkerwithGift.jpg" /></div>I couldn’t resist taking his picture as I handed him the gifts. Its fun seeing a country boy melt when he talks about his new little granddaughter named “Piper”. Now I’m off to finish the gifts for another co-worker who is having a boy in July and for another co-worker’s twin nephews who are being born soon.<br />
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Phew, what’s on your hooks?Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-25025854175384574492010-07-05T01:00:00.000-07:002010-07-05T01:00:02.476-07:00Monday, 7/5/10 Another Idea for “Hats Off to Mother”<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/FlatCrochetedPiece.jpg" alt="Flat Crocheted Piece" align="center" /></div>Ok. Sometimes or more like all the time, I go a little crazy or overboard with an idea. With these little hats from the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/90478-hats-off-to-mother/">Hats Off To Mother Free Friday Pattern</a>, I couldn’t stop making them, and the inspirations on what do with them wouldn’t stop either. Remember when I said you could use them as a pincushion? After I stuffed the rolled up felt into the crown of the hat, I decided to make a flat crocheted piece and stitch the two pieces together at the rim of the hat for more stability. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/PieceofPlastic.jpg" alt="Piece of Plastic" align="center" /></div>Well, I showed my sister what I had done, and she said that I should use something inside to keep the pins from coming out the bottom. So I decided to cut a plastic circle from a cottage cheese container lid, and then I poked holes in the circle with an awl.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/SewingPlastic.jpg" alt="Sewing Plastic" align="center" /></div>I used the holes to help with stitching the plastic to the bottom of the hat. Then I sewed the flat crocheted piece together at the edges and sewed a pin back on the back just in case someone wants to wear it as a pin. You could even sew it to a piece of elastic the size of your wrist and use it for a wrist pincushion. The possibilities are endless.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-38393924044215739992010-07-02T01:00:00.000-07:002010-07-02T06:04:19.941-07:00Friday, 7/02/10 July Crochet Along: “Christmas in July”<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/97002-angel-ornaments-and-tree-topper/"><img align="center" alt="Christmas Angel CAL" border="0" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/ChristmasAngelCAL.jpg" /></a></div>For the month of July, we decided to have a Christmas in July Celebration for all those crocheters who start their gift making early. We have chosen 10 temporarily-free patterns for the CAL: a couple of toys, some scarves, hats, a doily, several angels, some slippers, dishcloths, and baby items. I think you will find something for just about everyone on your list. These patterns will be available free for the month of July and will revert back to for-purchase downloads after July. In place of the once a week, Free Friday Patterns during the month of July, I will be showing you the progress I'm making with my Christmas gifts.<br />
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Here are the 10 patterns:<br />
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<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/45450-dodge-ball-set/">Dodge Ball Set</a>=5<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/80615-bulky-ski-mask/">Bulky Ski Mask</a>=2<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/97002-angel-ornaments-and-tree-topper/">Angel Ornaments</a>=5<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/98206-starlight-doily/">Starlight Doily</a>=5<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/97014-so-simple-slippers/">So-Simple Slippers</a>=2<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/250-pocket-scarves-to-crochet-or-knit/">Pocket Scarves to Crochet or Knit</a>=2<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/97004-helmet-mitts/">Helmet & Mitts</a>=5<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/59560-winter-white-bear/">Winter White Bear</a>=5<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/97013-quick-kitchen-helpers/">Quick Kitchen Helpers</a>=2<br />
<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/77909-cluster-stitch-cloche/">Cluster Stitch Cloche</a>=2<br />
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The rules for July are:<br />
1. Make your gifts from the patterns we have chosen.<br />
2. Use any weight or kind of yarn and hook.<br />
3. Embellishments are welcome.<br />
4. If the pattern has more than one item to make on it, you have to make all items. The only exception is the Pocket Scarf pattern—you only have to make either knit or crochet.<br />
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I’m sure by now you have noticed some numbers beside each pattern. The catch to winning this time is:<br />
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Each pattern is worth a certain number of points!<br />
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For instance:<br />
Mary Ann makes 1 of each of the 10 Patterns = 35 points, therefore 35 chances to win!<br />
Debbie makes 10 Cluster Stitch Cloche hats = 20 points, therefore 20 chances to win!<br />
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I have a special doily surprise for first place this time, second place wins a <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/organizers/thermoweb/1458-mimi-crafters-ha">Mimi Crafters Handbag</a><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/87717-fair-isle-to-crochet-5-afghans-for-the-family/?filters=books%2F_fair_isle_&page=1"></a>, and third place wins <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/organizers/thermoweb/1458-mimi-crafters-ha"></a>two great books from Leisure Arts: <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/87716-dressing-up-baby-5-sets-to-crochet/?filters=books%2F_dressing_up+baby_&page=1">Dressing Up Baby</a> and <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/87717-fair-isle-to-crochet-5-afghans-for-the-family/?filters=books%2F_fair_isle_&page=1">Fair Isle to Crochet</a>.<br />
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Good luck, have fun, and have a wonderful 4th of July!Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-15145546187015011822010-06-30T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-30T01:00:07.655-07:00Wednesday, 6/30/10 Tooting My Own HornHave you found it yet? On the Crochet Soiree toolbar, there’s a tab called Videos and More. At the very bottom of this tab is an item called <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/pages/dvd_promo/">Coming Soon</a>. Here’s where Crochet Soiree gives you a sneak peek of some of the new books coming out. I was scrolling through and noticed that I’ll be ordering a lot of these books.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/PrayerShawlsCover.jpg" alt="Prayer Shawls Cover" align="center" /></div>Much to my surprise, I also came upon the <i>Crochet Prayer Shawls</i> book coming in July and guess whose design is shown last?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MyCrochetedPrayerShawl.jpg" alt="My Crocheted Prayer Shawl" align="center" /></div>Yes, that would be my design and pattern. I really can’t wait to order this book!<br />
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Tell me what you think.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-67154725096560465032010-06-28T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-28T01:00:07.545-07:00Monday, 6/28/10 Celebrity Slouchy Beanies for the Family<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/95578-crochet-celebrity-slouchy-beanies-for-the-family/?filters=books&page=1"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CrochetSlouchyBeaniesCover.jpg" alt="Crochet Slouchy Beanies Cover" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>When I first saw the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/95578-crochet-celebrity-slouchy-beanies-for-the-family/?filters=books&page=1">Celebrity Slouchy Beanies</a> book here on CrochetSoiree and discovered that the designs were by Lisa Gentry, I couldn’t stand it; I had to have it. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/97325-soft-dreams/?filters=books&page=1"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/SoftDreamsCover.jpg" alt="Soft Dreams Cover" align="center" border="0"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/97327-sophisticated-babies-and-toddlers/?filters=books&page=1"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/SophBabyCover.jpg" alt="Soph Baby Cover" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>Before I could place my order, I found the brand-new <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/97325-soft-dreams/?filters=books&page=1">Soft Dreams</a> and <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/97327-sophisticated-babies-and-toddlers/?filters=books&page=1">Sophisticated Baby & Toddlers</a>. I’ve been making a lot of baby gifts lately and decided I needed a few more patterns to choose from. Plus, I don’t think you can have enough toddler patterns either.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/97326-grannies-gone-wild/?filters=books&page=1"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/GranniesWildCover.jpg" alt="Grannies Wild Cover" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>Then, my eye caught a glimpse of this new book called <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/97326-grannies-gone-wild/?filters=books&page=1">Grannies Gone Wild</a>. Oh my gosh, if you don’t already know by now, I’m a granny square lover, so I had to order it, too. Plus I don’t think you can have too many granny square patterns either. Ha! Ha!<br />
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Anyway, when my new books came, I could hardly wait to open them up and look at all the neat designs. Before I knew it, my son, Joshua, had the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/95578-crochet-celebrity-slouchy-beanies-for-the-family/?filters=books&page=1">Celebrity Slouchy Beanies</a> book and had started on the Lacy Beanie. He told me he was making it for his girlfriend, Riley. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MansSlouchyHat.jpg" alt="Mans Slouchy Hat" align="center" /></div>Then, before I knew it, he had finished Riley’s beanie and had started another one, but this time he was making one of the guy’s beanies for himself—unless someone else comes along and wants it. I don’t know when I’ll get the book back to make my own versions of the beanies. Ha! Ha!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/RileysSlouchyHat.jpg" alt="Rileys Slouchy Hat" align="center" /></div>Here’s a cute picture of Joshua and Riley when she was trying on her hat.<br />
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If you want to join in on the June Crochet Along, you can have a chance to win both the knit and crochet version of <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/95578-crochet-celebrity-slouchy-beanies-for-the-family/?filters=books&page=1">Celebrity Slouchy Beanies</a> for your own—or if you can’t wait, just order them here at CrochetSoiree like I did.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-56356881921418624402010-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-25T01:00:04.439-07:006/25/10 Free Pattern Friday: Dog Mat Crochet Pattern<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/97607-dog-mat/"><img align="center" alt="Free Friday Dog Mat" border="0" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/FreeFridayDogMat.jpg" /></a></div>I decided to choose another temporarily free <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/97607-dog-mat/">crochet pattern</a> for this Free Friday. Since I had some yarn left over from the New Years Cap, and the fun fur was flying already, I decided to make this Dog Mat crochet pattern. The pattern was very easy to follow, and it went very fast. I used the rest of the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_cotton_ease_/">Lion Brand Cotton Ease</a> and <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_fun_fur_/">Fun Fur</a> that I had left over from the cap, and I love how the mat feels. It’s so soft.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img align="center" alt="My Version of the Dog Mat" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MyVersionoftheDogMat.jpg" /></div>Here’s my version. This mat would be suitable for any dog or cat, and if you don’t have a four-legged friend of your own, it would make the perfect gift for that special friend or relative in your life that has a pet.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/89889-crochet-essentials/?filters=books%2F_crochet_essentials_&page=1"><img align="center" alt="Crochet Essentials Cover" border="0" src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CrochetEssentialsCover.jpg" /></a></div>Have fun making this mat and let me know what kind of yarn you use on yours. This design came from a Leisure Arts leaflet called <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/89889-crochet-essentials/?filters=books%2F_crochet_essentials_&page=1">Crochet Essentials</a>. This publication invites crocheters to enjoy creativity, relaxation, and success—all at once—by crocheting these 19 essential designs with Lion Brand® Yarn. These projects are great for anyone to create, but are especially suitable for beginners.<br />
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Remember to download the pattern right away, since it’s free for only a short amount of time.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-68275579228073967042010-06-23T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-23T01:00:02.819-07:00Wednesday, 6/23/10 June CAL Doily Prize<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/JuneCALDoilyPrize.jpg" alt="June CAL Doily Prize" align="center" /></div>Take a look at the June CAL Doily Prize!<br />
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I’m really getting a kick out of making all these doilies for the CALs because having a purpose and a deadline pushes me into actually making them. I have been looking at this particular doily for over a year now, and I thought it would be perfect for the June Crochet Along since it has flowers in it, and all my flowers are blooming now.<br />
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The cool thing about the patterns that I’ve been using is that they are made from simple charts and symbols. I really do like making doilies from charts. All the outside motifs are made first and separately. Then on the last row of the second motif, you join it to the first motif and so on and so on. Then you are left with an open place right in the middle for your center doily to fit. Then you make the center doily and attach it to the outside motifs while making your last row. It’s so cool how when you get done attaching the center doily, the whole thing is done because the edging is already done with the last row of your motifs and center doily. The June doily measures 25½" across.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/FourthDoilyfromBigSpoolofThread.jpg" alt="Fourth Doily from Big Spool of Thread" align="center" /></div>This is the fourth doily that I’ve made with this big spool of thread, and it still looks like it I have enough for several more. I’ll keep you posted on that. Anyway, I hope the person who wins this doily loves it as much as I loved making it. Good Luck to everyone! The June CAL ends June 30, so get busy posting your red, white, and blue!Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-7961772670616236272010-06-21T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-21T01:00:00.250-07:00Monday, 6/21/10 Finished My Butterfly Doily<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/ButterflyDoily.jpg" alt="Butterfly Doily" align="center" /></div>I was finally able to get back to my butterfly doily. I had to put down this doily and finish something else many times, then go back to it again and again. The last time I put it down, I was already over half way done. It didn’t take long after hitting the halfway mark because the pattern repeats. I just placed stitch markers at each end of the row that I was to repeat. That way I didn’t need to carry the pattern book around with me. When I finished the filet work of the doily, I decided to add a single crochet edging all the way around. I’m glad that I took the time to do the edging because I think it gives it a more finished look. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/ButterflyDoilyThreadleft.jpg" alt="Butterfly Doily Thread left" align="center" /></div>I can’t believe I still have this much thread on this giant spool of thread. I’m going to keep track of how many doilies I can get from this one spool of thread. This is Number 3.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-34989171778813635352010-06-18T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-18T01:00:03.727-07:006/18/10 Free Pattern Friday: Daddy’s Baby Afghan Crochet Pattern (and a Diaper Bag Idea)<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/95764-daddys-baby-afghan/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/DaddysBabyPattern.jpg" alt="Daddys Baby Pattern" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>When I saw this cute picture of a young man with a baby and the afghan (and with Father's Day coming up), I thought about the new daddys in my life and thought this afghan <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/95764-daddys-baby-afghan/">crochet pattern</a> would be a cool Free Pattern Friday giveaway.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/Daddy'sDayMyChooseofYarn.jpg" alt="Daddy's Day My Choose of Yarn" align="center" /></div>I have just the right colors of yarns in my stash: <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_bernat_softee%20baby_/">Bernat Softee Baby</a> and <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_patons_bamboo%20baby_/">Patons Bamboo Baby</a>—which you can purchase right here on Crochet Soiree.<br />
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Then, I started thinking about the new daddys carrying diaper bags. I saw another really cute picture of a daddy and his baby. Daddy was carrying a cloth diaper bag with a long strap that went across his chest with the bag hanging in the back. I thought hmmmm… I wonder if I could find a crocheted bag pattern that I could crochet into a more masculine looking bag for a daddy to carry. I didn’t have to look far. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/48498-shoulder-sack-purse/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/ShoulderSackDiaperBag.jpg" alt="Shoulder Sack Diaper Bag" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>I found this pattern called <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/48498-shoulder-sack-purse/">Shoulder Sack Purse</a> that you can purchase for just $2.99 on Crochet Soiree. I purchased it and downloaded it right away. I was anxious to Tamarify this purse into a diaper bag that a daddy who had a baby girl wouldn’t mind carrying.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MasculineVersionforaGirlDaddy.jpg" alt="Masculine Version for a Girl Daddy" align="center" /></div>So here’s my version of the Shoulder Sack Purse made with Moda Dea Tweedle Dee, <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_softee_chunky_/">Bernat Softee Chunky</a>, and <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_patons_shetland%20chunky_/">Patons Shetland Chunky</a>. I love the way the bag turned out, and it was so fast and easy. If you know me, you know I’m not quite finished with this as I think it needs to be lined with many pockets for all those special things that babies need.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/DadsDayMyBag.jpg" alt="Dads Day My Bag" align="center" /></div>Of course, it was so fast and easy I had to use some more of my stash of cotton/acrylic blend yarns and the colors that I love and make one for myself, too. Now, I have to get my fabric stash out and choose a fabric for the lining for this bag. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MyDaddy2010.jpg" alt="MyDaddy2010" align="center" /></div>Anyway, I want to wish all the daddys in the world a Happy Fathers Day on Sunday and a very special Happy Fathers Day to my Daddy!Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-81316720657685111702010-06-14T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-14T01:00:03.752-07:00Monday, 6/14/10 I Finished My Pumpkin Pillow<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/PumpkinPillowPattern.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Pillow Pattern" align="center" /></div>I told you that I would keep you posted on my pillow ideas from the Free Friday Pattern Chunky Pillows, so here it is.<br />
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Since I could only find 12" x 12" pillow forms at the craft store before they closed on Saturday, I had to think of something. I used a sweater that my daughter purchased at the thrift store that had the same colors as my gold cotton crochet yarn that I made the base of the pumpkin pillow side A from. With the cotton yarn that I used, my pillow front ended up being 9" x 9", so that was another problem I had to solve.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MatchestheSweaterStripes.jpg" alt="Matches the Sweater Stripes" align="center" /></div>I decided to add a few rows of double crochet around the entire square and then make a little scallop edge for the last row. I found just the right color warm rose from my <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_royale_fashion_/">Royale Fashion Crochet</a> stash, and I think it matches the sweater stripes perfectly. Then, I sewed up the sweater to cover the pillow form, before stuffing the pillow form into the sweater, I hand sewed the crocheted pumpkin pillow piece onto the middle of the front of my pillow. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/PumpkinPillowButtonClosure.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Pillow Button Closure" align="center" /></div>Then, I found these three little buttons from my button box and sewed some fabric loops on the other side and stuffed the pillow form in and buttoned it closed. I still have to add some snaps between the buttons so the inside of the pillow form doesn’t show. I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. I’d like to hear how you plan on making your pillows.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-24918077917082151572010-06-11T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-11T01:00:03.843-07:006/11/10 Free Pattern Friday: New Years Cap Crochet Pattern<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/95777-new-year-cap/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/NewYearsCapPattern.jpg" alt="New Years Cap Pattern" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>When I decided on this <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/95777-new-year-cap/">crochet pattern</a> for this Free Pattern Friday, I thought hmm…I’m going to need to buy some of that fun fur. I had tried to crochet with it several years ago and didn’t have much luck, so I had given all of it to my daughter to make scarves out of. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MyChoiceofYarnsNewYearsCap.jpg" alt="My Choice of Yarns New Years Cap" align="center" /></div>Well, when I went to my local craft store, I found this really pretty color of fun fur and then found these two colors of one of my favorite yarns—Lion Brand Cotton Ease. I love that the Cotton Ease is cotton and acrylic, and it has some stretch to it, and it happened to match the fun fur just perfectly. You can purchase <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_lion_brand%20cotton%20ease_/">Cotton Ease</a> right here at Crochet Soiree, and they have some really pretty colors. They also have <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_fun_fur_/">novelty yarns</a> that would work really well for this cap. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MyVersionoftheNewYearsCap.jpg" alt="My Version of the New Years Cap" align="center" /></div>I think the cap turned out cute, and I think I know the only person that could pull it off is a friend of mine named Mimi from my LYS Twist. I hope you have as much fun making this cap as I did. Remember that this is a temporary pattern that will only be available for two weeks! Download it now!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/89890-icrochet-adventurous-hats-and-bags/?filters=books&page=1"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/iCrochetAdventurousCover.jpg" alt="iCrochet Adventurous Cover" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>And if you like great hats like this one, you need to check out the book it came from—<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/89890-icrochet-adventurous-hats-and-bags/?filters=books&page=1">iCrochet: Adventurous Hats & Bags</a> by a really neat designer—Mary Estok Nolfi. It includes 11 crochet designs: a Harlequin Romance Hat (a bold pillbox shown 4 ways) and Bag; a Russian Cap and Document Bag; an Asian Influence Hat and Bag; our free New Year Cap, plus a coordinating Hat and Bag; and a Kente Colors Cap and Bag.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-66974357794335934612010-06-09T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-09T01:00:05.187-07:00Wednesday, 6/09/10 Joshua Has Crocheted 4 Hats!<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/FirstHat.jpg" alt="First Hat" align="center" /></div>When Joshua completed his afghan, he already had some yarn lined up to be a hat. Little did he know that hats crochet up really fast, and he couldn’t just stop at one hat…<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/SecondHat.jpg" alt="Second Hat" align="center" /></div>…so he continued to finish a second hat and couldn’t stop at two hats.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/ThirdHat.jpg" alt="Third Hat" align="center" /></div>He made a third hat and decided to make it for his friend Rian and even learned how to decrease from the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/717-i-cant-believe-im-crocheting/?filters=books%2F_i_cant+believe_&page=1">I Can’t Believe I’m Crocheting</a> book. I found this hat completed the next morning and took this picture. He completed three hats in a day!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/FourthHat.jpg" alt="Fourth Hat" align="center" /></div>Just a couple of days ago Joshua decided to make his drama teacher a crocheted hat, so he picked a pattern that was made from single crochets in the back loop, (back and forth not around). Then you weave in a piece of yarn at the top to draw it up and then make a seam down the back. I think it turned out really nice, and I hear that it fit Mr. Lundin perfectly, and he loved it.<br />
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I hope that once Joshua gets done with all the Senior and year end things, he will have more time to crochet. There’s no telling what he plans on making next.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-73854448542658910982010-06-07T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-07T01:00:01.247-07:00Monday, 6/7/10 Marking Your Crocheted Items<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/EyanandAlexHats.jpg" alt="Eyan and Alex Hats" align="center" /></div>When I was trying my hand at quilting, my sister told me that I needed to make sure to always mark my quilts with my name, date, and who I made the quilt for. That made me think about my crocheted pieces and how I should be marking them. I decided I would start adding a tag to anything that I crocheted. I knew that doilies, lace, or openweave things would be hard to mark, but I thought I had better make a tag with fabric and a permanent type marker for everything that I give away, with the date, name of recipient, and my name. Then, I would sew it in the seam of garments or the wrong side of other items. I’ve been pretty good at doing this, but…<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/AlexsTag.jpg" alt="Alexs Tag" align="center" /></div>It looks like I was in too big of a hurry to include the date on this tag and my husband just delivered the crocheted blankets to our grandsons Eyan and Alex last weekend. Oh well, maybe I can make sure that I take my permanent marker with me the next time we go and visit them and add the date.<br />
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I know you can order labels made and have them personalized with your name on them, but wouldn’t it be neat if someone could make them to have blanks to write in the date of completion and the recipient’s name? Tell me how you mark your crocheted items—or do you?Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-80969225412027891122010-06-04T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-04T06:12:03.105-07:006/4/10 Red, White & Blue June Crochet AlongIn place of this week’s Free Pattern Friday, I thought we could kick off a crochet-a-long for the month of June. This month, I decided that it might be fun to make some red, white, and blue things and be ready to decorate for the 4th of July. I’ve picked out four free patterns that would work well for a red, white, and blue-themed crochet-a-long. They are <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/5278-iced-tea-jackets/">Ice Tea Jackets</a>, <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/240-red-hot-dishtowels/">Red Hot Dishtowels</a>, <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/234-lacy-coaster/">Lacy Coasters</a>, and <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/75613-hot-pad-roundup/">Hot Pad Roundup</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/234-lacy-coaster/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/LacyCoastersCAL.jpg" alt="LacyCoastersCAL" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>With these patterns, you have a variety of different items to choose from, and if you haven’t yet tried to make a doily, Lacy Coasters are a good way to find out if you like making doilies because they’re fast and easy to make.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/5278-iced-tea-jackets/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/IceTeaJacketsCAL.jpg" alt="Ice Tea Jackets CAL" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>The Ice Tea Jackets are fun to make and aren’t hard to make either.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/240-red-hot-dishtowels/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/RedHotDishtowelsCAL.jpg" alt="Red Hot Dishtowels CAL" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>The Red Hot Dishtowels are fun, too, and the great thing about the trim is you don’t just have to put it on a towel; you could trim a pillow or the edge of a sweater.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/75613-hot-pad-roundup/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/HotPadRoundupCAL.jpg" alt="Hot Pad Round up CAL" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>Of course, Hot Pad Roundup is one of my favorite things to make, and they are so quick and easy, plus they are fun to have on hand when you want that special gift for someone, too.<br />
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The only rules for this crochet-a-long are that you will have to make at least one item from any of these free patterns, and it has to be red, white, or blue, and you may use any kind of yarn or thread. I have made another doily for one of the prizes, and Crochet Soiree has some goodies to give away: a <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/hooks-n-needles/boye/1041-crochet-master-steel-aluminum-hook-set/">Boye CrochetMaster Hook Set</a> and copies of both the knit and crochet versions of the new <i><a href="http://www.leisurearts.com/search/celebrity-slouchy-beanies/default.aspx" target="_blank">Celebrity Slouchy Beanies</a></i> books. It will be another random drawing. Good luck to you all. The June CAL will end on June 30.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-39952170279563431752010-06-02T01:00:00.000-07:002010-06-02T01:00:04.704-07:00Wednesday, 6/2/10 Design Contest 2010 Pieces Sent Off<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/DesignContest2010DeadlinePiece.jpg" alt="Design Contest 2010 Deadline Piece" align="center" /></div>Well, it’s that time of the year to send my design contest piece off to be in the <a href="http://www.knitandcrochetshow.com/">Knit & Crochet show</a> in New Hampshire. Since the show is a little earlier this year, the deadline to have your entries sent in is June 15, 2010. Oh my gosh, I still have to fill out the form, write the check, and pack it ever so carefully and neatly into a box and hope that it gets there in one piece. I hope all of you who are entering have already sent your items in. I’ve got to run now, I’ll be back real soon.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-39696915893632469402010-05-31T01:00:00.000-07:002010-05-31T01:00:04.647-07:00Monday, 5/31/10 Memorial Day<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/30824-all-american-afghan/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/AllAmericanAfghanPattern.jpg" alt="All American Afghan Pattern" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>As Memorial Day was approaching and the 4th of July coming up, I wondered if I could find something to crochet in red, white, and blue. Guess what I found right here on Crochet Soiree—<a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/patterns/leisure-arts/30824-all-american-afghan/">The All American Afghan</a>! I just had to have this pattern. It’s super easy; I just paid for it, and then the pattern was downloadable (is this even a word?). <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MyAllAmericanAfghan.jpg" alt="My All American Afghan" align="center" /></div>I really like the look of Americana and am making mine out of <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_red_heart%20eco%20cotton_/">Red Heart Eco-Cotton Blend</a>, Vanilla, Currant, and Denim. I love this yarn, and for me, my wooden hook worked the best to help the yarn slide through the stitches. The yarn has the softness and the drape of an old well worn t-shirt—the one that you can’t throw away because it’s just too soft and comfortable. (I know you know what I’m talking about.) I love the pattern, and I think it’s because it reminds me of the granny square stitch except it’s in stripes. Then, the star motif is a hexagon, and most of you know how I feel about hexagons. (Remember when I couldn’t stop making the hexagon baby sweater?) So wish me luck, I only have 75 more red and white stripes, 44 hexagons, and 6 half hexagon motifs to go. Ha! Ha!<br />
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I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Memorial Day.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-73687451219256311562010-05-28T01:00:00.000-07:002010-05-28T01:00:07.485-07:005/28/10 Free Pattern Friday: Baby Cardigan and Hat Crochet Pattern<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/94507-baby-cardigan-and-hat/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CrochetEssentialsCardiganandHat.jpg" alt="Crochet Essentials Cardigan and Hat" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>Oh my gosh, look at these really cute baby cardigan and hat <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/94507-baby-cardigan-and-hat/">crochet patterns</a> that I’ve chosen to be free for a limited time. I had some <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_patons_grace_/">Patons Grace</a> left in my stash that I’m making mine out of. I know it will make it smaller, but I’ll just have to adjust by using the larger pattern size and a larger hook. The fun thing about making baby things is that you already have them made up ready to pull it out for a baby shower or give as a charity item.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CrochetEssentialsHat.jpg" alt="Crochet Essentials Hat" align="center" /></div>Of course, I had to Tamarafy the hat from this pattern, and I added some chains made from two strands of yarn in each corner of the top of the hat. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/89889-crochet-essentials/?filters=books&page=1"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CrochetEssentialsCover.jpg" alt="Crochet Essentials Cover" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>The “Baby Cardigan and Hat” patterns are from a book called <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/89889-crochet-essentials/?filters=books&page=1">Crochet Essentials</a> that features <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_lion_brand_/">Lion Brand Yarn</a> and is published by Leisure Arts. The book has 19 beginner patterns, and I really like the easy factor in all of the designs.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MoreProjectsfromCrochetEssentials.jpg" alt="More Projects from Crochet Essentials" align="center" /></div>I’m looking forward to trying some of the other patterns in the book.<br />
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Be sure to download these patterns now because they will be gone in two weeks!Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-20262507144269717542010-05-26T01:00:00.000-07:002010-05-26T01:00:05.808-07:00Wednesday, 5/26/10 May Crochet-A-Long Prize Doily<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MayCALPrizeDoily.jpg" alt="May CAL Prize Doily" align="center" /></div>I chose this doily to crochet as a prize for the May Crochet-A-Long. I love the way the middle looks like a star and the way it spirals out into a pinwheel. I hope the person that wins it loves it as much as I loved making it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/CALThreadLeft.jpg" alt="CAL Thread Left" align="center" /></div>The doily measure 19" in diameter, and this is the second doily made from this giant spool of thread. I can’t wait to see how many more I can get from this same spool of thread.<br />
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The May CAL will be ending soon! Be sure and post your Bean Bag Kitties and Berry Cute Coasters in the <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/challenges/view/92452-may-crochet-along/">Challenge Section</a> by May 31 for your chance to be entered in the drawing to win my doily or some other great hand-crocheted prizes.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-66897646122305780002010-05-24T01:00:00.000-07:002010-05-24T01:00:03.979-07:00Monday, 5/24/10 A Gift for Doug’s Babies<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/BootiesandBagofWashcloths.jpg" alt="Booties and Bag of Washcloths" align="center" /></div>As soon as I read the <a href="http://leisureartsblog.blogspot.com/">Leisure Arts Boutique Blog</a> and found out that our own Crochet Soiree Website Guru Doug and was expecting twin girls, I was so excited to get started on a little gift for his family. When I found this little ceramic gift bag vase at the thrift store a month or two ago, I didn’t know what I was going to do with it. I knew I wanted to make some washcloths or dishcloths and put them in it, but now it had a purpose. I went to town making the two pairs of booties and decided to make one pair a pale pink and the other pair a little darker pink. I used <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_dmc_senso_/">DMC Senso</a>, and I think they turned out really cute. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/VintagePotHolders.jpg" alt="VintagePotHolders" align="center" /></div>Then, I made two baby washcloths out of <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/yarns/_patons_grace_/">Patons Grace yarn</a> and used two of the patterns for the Vintage Potholders from my <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/shop/books/leisure-arts/28805-total-crochet-for-the-home/?filters=books%2F_total_crochet+for+the+home_&page=1">Total Crochet for the Home</a> book. Of course, I only used one thickness and no loops. Then I made a bigger washcloth more open weave out of some nice cotton yarn that I had in my stash from Twist the yarn shop for the new Mama to have for herself. Sorry Doug, I didn’t end making you anything, but there’s always next time. Anyway, I think you will have fun using the washcloths during bath time and watching those little booties kicking on those beautiful little baby girls. Congratulations and Good Luck!Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701896360152994383.post-60511152724258425052010-05-21T01:00:00.000-07:002010-05-21T01:00:00.619-07:005/21/10 Free Pattern Friday: Bride’s Sachet Hanger Crochet Pattern<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/85936-brides-sachet-hanger/"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/BridesSachetHangerPattern.jpg" alt="Brides Sachet Hanger Pattern" align="center" border="0"/></a></div>Look at this lovely, traditional, Bride Sachet Hanger. I thought it would make an ideal free <a href="http://www.crochetsoiree.com/patterns/view/85936-brides-sachet-hanger/">crochet pattern</a> for this week since wedding season is rapidly approaching, but since I don’t have any weddings to worry about right now…<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/TamarafiedBridesSachetHanger.jpg" alt="Tamarafied Brides Sachet Hanger" align="center" /></div>…here’s the “Tamarafied” version of the Bride’s Sachet Hanger. I probably went a little overboard with the buttons, but they were calling my name just sitting there in that little plastic jewelry bag (another treasure hunt find). Most of the buttons don’t even match each other, but I do love seeing the colors dangling there on the crocheted ruffle. I was so excited about how it turned out that I decided to show my son. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/JoshuasFace.jpg" alt="Joshuas Face" align="center" /></div>This was the look on his face as he said, “What’s the purpose?” That wasn’t the reaction that I wanted, but what did I expect out of an 18-year-old young man? So when my husband came in the room, I showed him the hanger.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/JohnsFace.jpg" alt="Johns Face" align="center" /></div>This was his reaction, but he was smart, he didn’t say anything! Ha! Ha! I’m not sure what kind of reaction I wanted from him, but he loves me and knows better than to say anything negative.<br />
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Anyway, I decided to take my hanger and a few WIPs down to the yarn shop and hang out with people that “get me”. I showed the hanger to a few people, and I met a few new people and really enjoyed talking with them. One lady named Dorothy and I started visiting about how to crochet with thread. I decided to show her my hanger, and she looked at it and said, “Does it have a purpose?” I looked at her and asked her, “Do you always have to have a purpose when you make something?” “Yes,” she answered. I thought a moment and said, “You know, I’m the same way most of the time. What would you use the hanger for?” She looked at it a few more minutes, and she said, “I think you could hang earrings off of it.” I was so excited about the idea and told her that I had been looking for an earring stand or holder for quite some time and never found just the right thing that wouldn’t take up too much room on my counter of my bathroom. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.leisurearts.com/images/blogger/MynewEarringHolder.jpg" alt="My new Earring Holder" align="center" /></div>Now, I don’t even have to clutter up my counter. My earring hanger can just hang anywhere I want it to. I really flip-flopped this pattern around and thanks to Dorothy (my new friend), I have a very unique earring hanger.Crochet Soireehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581103494394720807noreply@blogger.com