The Crochet Corner Newsletter
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Dear Friends,
Where did July go? For me, it sped by so quickly I'm still catching my breath. After receiving bad new that my mother-in-law has breast cancer was a report that she'd need 5 days for 5 weeks of radiation treatments. Combined with my dad's knee surgery and other difficulties around our home, we decided on the fly to go on a much-needed mini-vacation. Upon returning I came down sick with a bad cold and am still battling the remnants of it yet. The good news is my mother-in-law will not need radiation treatment. Along with all this, I finally got my braces removed too. But there hasn't been much time for designing!
I guess I really needed some R&R as I didn't pick up my hook one time while on vacation even though I packed up some things to work on. Go figure - guess everyone needs a break from what they do all the time huh? Thankfully I did finish one design before all this started but it wasn't until just a few days ago I started on other projects. Along with many of you, I'm thinking Christmas presents, decorating, small gifts to exchange along with other holidays coming up. Time is running short.
With back to school in mind, you don't want to forget about backpacks or binder pouches. Or some nifty water bottle holders for your child. It's still hot out and they'll need plenty of water to stay hydrated. They might need bookmarks or a small purse to carry the necessities too.
Next comes Halloween. We have ghosts, witch hats, spider web bowls, candy corn projects, and the list goes on - surely there's something for everyone! For Thanksgiving we have turkeys, pilgrims, and pumpkins, but that's not all. Check it out for yourself! Christmas includes patterns for almost anything you want to make, so be sure to check the tan menu bar on the left side of the page for other sub-categories from tree skirts, stockings, poinsettia projects, and more.
If you haven't heard of MOLLY'S BABIES, I urge you to check out the website and sign up for their new newsletter. This wonderful organization was founded by Mary Blake when she lost her granddaughter to SIDS. Now helping others, she takes new and used dolls, cleans and redresses them for new mommies who don't have a baby to love and care for.
I urge you to help if you can. Sign up for their newsletter to keep abreast of what donations are needed, what donations come in, and how many dolls they've given to new mommies, and more. Or sign up through Yahoo Groups today. There comes an organization every so often that is founded for a good cause; this is one of them.
In crochet,
New Patterns
Our newest patterns are featured to the left! They include:
Ms Light Miniature Crinoline:
I often get requests for smaller crinoline and it just works out nicely to take one of my crinoline circle doilies or larger crinoline and recreate a miniature out of it. For instance, Ms Light is derived from our Circle of Light Crinoline Doily! Don't want a full doily or intimidated by all that work; no need to - minis are the ticket!
Christmas Tree Farm Stocking:
This project came about due to a search of my vintage patterns to see which one I'd like to revise. I came across a chair back set with a pattern repeat where I immediately saw Christmas trees! My idea of revising a vintage was dropped as I opted to create a new Christmas collection - starting with a runner. Why a stocking? Well my large spool of green wasn't nearly enough to work up a runner so I'm postponing that design for another time and started on the Christmas stocking instead. I hope you like it!
Bows & Shells Tank Coverlet:
Next in line with our Bows and Shells Bath collection is the tank top cover. Simple and elegant come to mind and with this pretty pattern repeat, you'll have fun and add a touch of elegance to your bath! Remember, each month our new CAL project is introduced, it's priced much lower than it'll be after the month is over (newsletter date - 15th of each month). So for this month only, or until September 15th, you'll receive a discounted price. Ask me how to join the CAL at Bigtent!
Favorite Crafts & Recipes!
Crafts:
Jeans Book Cover
Don't toss those jeans just yet!
Lighted Potpourri Jar
For the new teacher, or for Christmas, or just for yourself...
Sweet Popcorn Snack Mix
Salty and sweet!
Peanut Butter, Jelly & Banana Roll-ups
Grab a tortilla - whole wheat preferably and spread with peanut butter and jelly (favorite flavor) and then peel a banana and place in the center. Roll up!
Free Patterns!
Free Country Blackboard Fridgie Pattern
In time for school - work up this cute blackboard fridgie!
Free Quick & Easy Yarn Tree Skirt
While I love thread tree skirts, they can be a lot of work. Sometimes you just want something simple; quick and easy to work up. This one is perfect for smaller trees or for additional trees too!
Customer Pictures and Comments!
Pictures sent in by our customers! Place your mouse over the images to stop the rotation to see who sent in the photos! Click on the image for more information.
Asha writes: "I am attaching the picture of whirl-a-way doily I purchased from you sometime back - I made a variation at the outer circumference as I was running out of thread."
Angela writes: "Here is a photo of the pineapple one I finished with a few additions. As you can see I am very much a novice as far as crocheting is concerned but I have a go and taught myself years ago. I have to think about it though because I use the English stitches so my treble is your dc....etc. No matter what I enjoyed making it. Now off to do a bit more on the ruffled doily. Thanks heaps.
"Here is a photo of the other doily I purchased from your site and have now finished today; the 'pretty in pink' ruffled doily. Although I would have to call this one; "ravishing in red" since I worked it in red satin cotton. I adjusted the size by not making the ruffle quite as wide as the pattern. Thanks once again for your lovely patterns and the crochet memories site it self - lots of variety and pretty patterns and some easy ones too for novices like me. Have always found your patterns to be excellent and there is always something that I can make up for a gift or even for myself.
"Just sending you a photo of my latest finished doily from your pattern I recently purchased. My Mum asked that the flowers I added be cream/ecru instead of my original plan to do the doily in green with the pink roses. Anyway I think the colours still go quite nicely together."
Jewel writes: "I have enjoyed making them and I look forward to the next in the series of the bows and shells. Thanks for all the great patterns.
"Here are a couple of finished projects. I have enjoyed making them. Thanks for all the great patterns.
"Here is a picture the pineapple daisy doily. What a nice doily to make. It worked up so quickly, great if you need a last minute gift.
"Here are a couple more of your patterns I did over the weekend. I loved making both of them. Thanks again for all the great patterns.
"My daughter had the ant farm picnic casserole sitting on her table. A friend stopped in to see her, they were standing there talking and her friend looked over at the cover and actually though the ants were real, she walked over to have a closer look, then realized they weren't. She was quite impressed with the whole cover."
Val writes: "I wanted to write and thank you for posting some patterns online for free. I just finished my very first doily - your crochet along doily, in four parts. I found the instructions clear and easy to follow, which is quite the compliment, coming from me! Needless to say, I'm not great at pattern reading. The pictures that accompanied the pattern were very helpful. Thank you very much....I look forward to using your patterns in the future!"
