The Crochet Corner Newsletter

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Dear Friends,

I often have people tell me they are experienced crocheters. I imagine many are! But I find that some equate experience with longevity. If someone has been crocheting granny squares for 50 years, it makes them experienced at making granny squares. They may not understand the intricacies of post stitching or working a chain overlay. Sometimes novice and experienced crocheters alike will miss key words such as "next,", "same," etc. Don't assume you know what the pattern will instruct. If you have a problem with a pattern, stop, re-read the round or row carefully and then take it step by step. Apply common sense and you'll propel yourself to the next skill level. Try to figure things out on your own - using help only as a last basis, and not as a crutch that will keep you from moving to the next skill level in your crochet endeavors! Extend yourself!

We have plenty of patterns that will help extend your capabilities; start slow with one or two stitches you've never tried. Read through the special stitches and if necessary, find an online video that will help you further. From spider webs to pineapples, from popcorns to post stitches, start with our Doily patterns for a myriad of designs and stitches that are sure to capture your fancy and/or your heart!

Happy New Year!

New Patterns

Our newest patterns are featured to the left! They include:

Fairy Angel:
Originally designed as a tooth fairy, our little Fairy Angel has made a come back. Beautiful and elegant spider web stitches create the skirt and wings while she holds a lovely star wand and pouch (for a small treasure - of course)! Bring a touch of magic and wonder to your angel or fairy collection.

Tuscany Old World Decorative Potholder:
I designed this potholder a few years back and just never got around to adding it to the site! It features a cluster of grapes just ready for the plucking and matches the rest of our Tuscany Old World Kitchen Collection!

Pretty in Pink Doily (vintage pattern):
This lovely chain ruffled doily is a wonderful accent for any table top. Just the right size when worked in size 10. I love revising the vintage patterns because they truly are wonderful patterns. Again, I've added stitch counts, a larger font, two columns and all the other amenities you've come to expect.

Favorite Crafts & Recipes!

Crafts:

Cute thank you cards!
Handmade...!

Bulletin Board
Start the New Year with a homemade bulletin board to get organized!

Power Breakfasts
Start the day off right...

Smart Snack Ideas
Snack right...

Free Patterns!

Free Mile-a-Minute Soft Tote Pattern

Work up a carry all that's soft and luscious - fun to make 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.

Susan writes about our Country Diner Kitchen Pattern Set: "Yes, I have received it. I have started the towel topper and have finished the back side. I will be making the 42 running stitches next and then the front side of the topper. Thanks for following up. There's a human on the other side for once."

Martha writes about our feminine bookmark patterns: "Yes, I got the patterns and actually made several of them today for presents to give to a few people I work with. Very pretty patterns and fairly easy to do, which is nice."

Janet writes about our Pineapple Cascade Angel Pattern: "Thank you. Yes - I did receive the pattern and I've almost completed her. I was so pleased to find the pattern, as I crocheted one of your angels for my daughter years ago, and wanted to make one for myself, but wanted something slightly different. When I googled the pattern name and your name, it was great to find your website and discover that you had others to choose from. Have a very Merry Christmas, and thanks again for checking on my receipt of the pattern."

Jewel writes: "The cushion is your seeded lace pillow. I have added the flower fairy to it and wanted to share. I am really enjoying making these cushions and adding doilies to them. I used fabric fusion to add the thread work to the yarn work and am pleased with the results."

Kristen writes: "I purchased your Pineapple Cascade Angel pattern last month, and I wanted to share with you how much I enjoyed stitching it! My family loves it. I will definitely treasure this angel. Thanks for writing such a great, easy to follow pattern."

Janet writes: "I am going to my girlfriend's open house. She turned 90 mid-December. I wanted to take her something special, so I made a lavender scented pillow with one of the crinoline girls on it." Janet works up just one individual girl from the doily!

Treacy writes: "Thank you Cylinda - loved it. I have made the cozy started it straight away - nearly finished it all last night. I added the ladybird at the last minute….loved the pattern!"