Title: Coastal Crochet
Author: Karen Whooley
MSRP: $24.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

Disclaimer: A free review copy of Coastal Crochet was provided to me by Karen Whooley. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. 

All images of copyrighted material are used with permission. Photographer: Anne Podlesak

There's nothing quite as relaxing as a sunny, beach vacation. Warm sand, cool water, and blue skies. That's the feeling captured by the beautiful designs in Karen Whooley's new book, Coastal Crochet.

The book includes 12 stunning projects made in lightweight yarns. The lace and fingering weight yarns drape beautifully, giving these projects an airy feel. If lightweight yarns just aren't your thing, that's ok too. The book includes hints on how to adjust the projects to work with heavier yarns!

The sweater on the cover is called Storm, and it seems like it would be the perfect, every-day tank top. I think it would layer well with the uniquely shaped, openwork shawl called, Deep Blue Sea.

Unlike a lot of beach inspired collections, this one is not all light and summery items. The seamless Beachcomber sweater is a cozy cover up for chillier weather.

There's also a cooler weather hat, and a cowl and fingerless mitts set. From blazing summer sun to chilly autumn evenings, Coastal Crochet has you covered!

All the designs are easy to make, but each has an interesting twist, whether it's unique shaping, creative construction, or fabulous texture. They all include charts as well. 

Those of you who know me know that I definitely prefer to work from charts than from written instructions. If you're new to charts, there's a section at the beginning of the book that walks you through how to read them. 

You can enter to win your own digital (ebook) copy of Coastal Crochet. This prize is generously provided by the author, Karen Whooley. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid email address. The winner will be contacted by email, and must reply to that email within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected. See entry form for full terms. 

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm US central time on August 6th. Hurry and enter below! 

This giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter, and they may ask for some log-in information if you are not already logged in. See the Rafflecopter privacy policy for more information. 

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Breath of Life CAL - Finishing Touches

We're at the end. Can you believe it?! The final touches have been added to the shawl pattern! 

If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL by beginning HERE.

This is the final week. You'll block your shawl and it'll be ready to wear soon! 

If you're just joining us don't worry. The pattern is free so it's not too late to start!

Head over to the Breath of Life shawl pattern for this weeks CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

12 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns for a Summer Gathering

I'm Marie from Underground Crafter and I'm here to share a roundup of seasonal crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members. This month's theme is a summer gathering because there are so many of those to look forward to in the summertime.

This roundup includes patterns for baskets, place settings, cozies, and more. All images are © the respective designer or publisher and are used with permission.

12 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns for a Summer Gathering

Roundup by Underground Crafter

Left column, from top to bottom:

• Pineapple Scrubby Dishcloth, free crochet pattern by The Purple Poncho for Red Heart: This textured dishcloth is perfect for cleaning up after the party.
• Patriotic Summertime Placemat, free crochet pattern by Beatrice Ryan Designs: This red, white, and blue placemat would be a great fit at a Fourth of July barbecue.
• Reinventing the Wheel, free crochet pattern by StitchesNScraps: This trivet is perfect for resting your hot plates.
• Bring Your Own Bag, free crochet pattern by Moogly: This bag can carry a six pack of any glass bottled beverage.

Center column, from top to bottom:

• Americana Star Table Runner, free crochet pattern by Cristin Berrafato for Red Heart: This star motif project would add a vibrant touch to any table.
• I Am Sam Glasses Holder, free crochet pattern by Trifles N Treasures: This whimsical little amigurumi character is perfect for keeping your sunglasses safe when you switch to your night glasses.
• Patriotic Pants Gift Basket, premium crochet pattern by Blackstone Designs: Pack a host(ess) gift for your next summer party in this unique gift basket.
• Striped Can Cozy, free crochet pattern by Jessie At Home: This simple project is great for keeping condensation from bottled or canned drinks from staining furniture.

Right column, from top to bottom:

• Pineapple Basket, free crochet pattern by Moogly: This basket has a plastic canvas base to make it sturdy.
• Seascapes Candle Cozy, free crochet pattern by Crochet Memories: This lacy candle cozy would add a romantic touch to an outdoor dinner.
• Picnic Pocket Napkin, free crochet pattern by American Crochet: This napkin has a pocket for cutlery.
• Girls’ Night In Napkin Rings and Wine Glass “Charms,” free crochet pattern by Underground Crafter: These scrap busting projects are perfect for dinner with drinks.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup! You can find more project inspiration on my Crochet for Home Pinterest Board.

Breath of Life Shawl CAL - Week 2

Section 2 of the Breath of Life shawl has been added to the pattern! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working on section 2, which is a different stitch pattern. We will finish our crocheting, then next week we'll do all the finishing. 

The pattern is free so it's not too late to join us!

Head over to the Breath of Life pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

CGOA Chain Link Conference 2018

The 2018 CGOA Chain Link Conference is fast approaching and I can’t wait! This year will be the fifth conference I have attended since I joined CGOA five years ago. What keeps me coming back year after year…the classes, the inspiration, the friendship possibilities, and the always-spectacular marketplace. A huge bonus…the location of this years’ conference – Portland, OR.

Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate/expert crocheter…extrovert or introvert…you will find the conference to be a great experience.

CLASSES ARE VARIED in experience levels and interests…from learning new crochet techniques (too many classes to mention)…to Simplifying Symbol Crochet or Math for Crocheters…from Customizing your Crochet or Beading Three Ways…to Drop Spindle or Home Dyeing Safe and Simple. For a quick class listing, which includes the experience level, visit: https://www.crochet.org/page/CL18ClassList

When not in classes, why not check out the MARKETPLACE? For attendees, there is a preview on Thursday evening so you can check it out before it opens to the public. The Marketplace is open to everyone Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm/5 pm. Plenty of time to get in some shopping between visiting with friends, attending classes, and checking out the area.

DESIGN COMPETITION is open to all CGOA Members. Do you have a project you designed that you would like to enter? This year there are 6 categories…Fashion, Accessories, Home Décor & Afghans, Artistic Expression, and Thread Crochet. The deadline is fast approaching…June 30, so don’t delay if you would like to enter: https://www.crochet.org/general/custom.asp?page=DesignCompetition

There is so much more I could talk about regarding this years’ conference, however, why not check out the complete schedule of events at: https://www.crochet.org/page/CL18Schedule

One last item to mention…beautiful PORTLAND, OR that sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers with the backdrop of the amazing Mount Hood.  There are so many sites and possibilities...from Powell's City of Books to Lan Su Chinese Garden, from the Oregon Zoo to Voodoo Doughnut, and much more. https://www.travelportland.com/things-to-do/activities-attractions/

See you in Portland, OR

Breath of Life Shawl - Week 1

Welcome back to the Breath of Life shawl crochet-a-long! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the first section of the shawl. Section 1 uses your first yarn choice and will have 4 rows to learn. Once you get the hang of the pattern you'll be able to do it without the instructions. 

Head over to the Breath of Life shawl pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine 

Ambassador Crochet

Breath of Life Shawl CAL

It's late spring, technically almost summer, so it's time for a new crochet-a-long! The Breath of Life shawl will be a free CAL hosted here, with the instructions over at Ambassador Crochet. It is a fairly quick project so you will be able to wear your new shawl in a couple weeks. 

Getting Started

It's finally here! The Breath of Life Shawl is a lightweight shawl, perfect for spring or summer temps. It is worked with simple stitch combinations that create an eye catching design. Today's section will include a materials list, gauge, special stitches, as well as dates. 

CAL Schedule

The link to the actual pattern instructions is here: Breath of Life CAL

Upcoming Dates:

June 15th - Getting Started (this post)
June 18th - CAL begins
June 25th - Week 2 / Color 2
July 2nd - Finishing

Head over to the Breath of Life Shawl post for yarn info, gauge swatch, and more. 

Join us on Social Media

Don't forget to join the fun in our CGOA CAL group on Facebook. You can ask questions, connect with others working on the CAL, see project photos, and more. If you want to share photos of your work, please use hashtag #CGOACals - we'd love to see your projects. 

Giveaways & Sponsors:

We will be adding our sponsors and giveaways shortly. Please come back soon to check them out! 

Kristine Mullen
Ambassador Crochet

12 (Mostly Free) Crochet Beach Patterns

I'm Marie from Underground Crafter and I'm here to share a roundup of seasonal crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members. This month's theme is the beach because the weather is getting warmer and we need a few weeks to get those crochet projects ready, right? (By the way, if you're thinking about crocheting at the beach, check out my 6 Tips for Taking Your Crochet Outdoors for the Summer, including a roundup of free crochet patterns for shawls made in lighter weight yarns.)

This roundup includes free and premium crochet patterns for girls' and women's swimsuits and cover ups, beach bags, and a sunhat. All images are copyright the respective designer or publisher and are shared with permission.

12 (Mostly Free) Crochet Beach Patterns

Roundup by Underground Crafter

Left column, from top to bottom:

• Beach Day Cover-Up Tunic, free crochet pattern by Pattern Paradise:  This striped tunic is made with a cotton blend yarn.
• Lacey-Mae Bikini, free crochet pattern by Kristin Omdahl: This bikini features clustered scallop edges and the pattern includes a video tutorial.
• Kari’s Bikini, premium crochet pattern by Brandi Isham: This pattern is available in 4 sizes.
• St. Croix Beach Wrap, free crochet pattern by Same DiNamics Crochet for Cre8tion Crochet: This versatile wrap can be worn as a shawl or as a beach cover up.

Center column, from top to bottom:

• Splash ‘n’ Fun Swimsuit and Cover Up, free crochet patterns by Jenny King: These patterns are available in children’s size 2-3 and 4-5.
• Maui Wrap Swimsuit Cover Up, premium crochet pattern by ACCROchet:This lacy, swimsuit cover up with fringe is available in 5 sizes.
• Fair Weather Beach Tote, free crochet pattern by Moogly: This tote bag also has a video tutorial available.

Right column, from top to bottom:

• Beach Day Sunhat, free crochet pattern by A Crocheted Simplicity: This brimmed sunhat is finished with a lace tie.
• Floral Bikini Top, premium crochet pattern by The Purple Poncho: You can customize your size by choosing one of three bikini cup sizes to interchange with 3 floral pattern sizes.
• Coastal Beach Bag, free crochet pattern by Jessie At Home: This flat bottom bag is perfect for carrying along on a warm day.
• Aquarienne Beach Cover Up, premium crochet pattern by Vashti Braha: This project is made with Tunisian crochet.

I hope you've enjoyed this roundup! You can find more inspiration on my Crochet Pattern Roundups Pinterest board.

Book Review - Colorful Crochet

Title: Colorful Crochet
Author: Marianne Dekkers-Roos
MSRP: $21.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

Disclaimer: A free review copy of Colorful Crochet was provided to me by Tuva Publishing. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

We've had a snowy April here in the midwest, and I'm ready for a little color - are you? If so, then Colorful Crochet may be just what you're looking for.

There are a nice variety of accessory and home decor patterns to choose from. Many of them are made with cotton yarn, which is perfect for summer crocheting. Brighten up your living space with pillows, blankets, and even a pretty floral garland.

Not everything in the book is rainbow colored. There are neutrals, pastels, and gradients too. The Circle Bag pattern is actually pictured in both neutrals and brights to show that it looks great in a variety of color palettes.

If accessories are what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed. Choose a light and lacy shawl, lively child's poncho, boho style vest, or several other lovely patterns.

With so much variety, Colorful Crochet is a year-round source of projects for yourself, your home, or gifting. 

You can enter to win your own copy of Colorful Crochet. This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Tuva Publishing. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email, and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected. See entry form for full terms. 

The giveaway ends on April 30th. Hurry and enter below! 

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Stitch Away Stress with the Craft Yarn Council

#StitchAwayStress this April with the Craft Yarn Council.

Does the busyness of life have you feeling stressed out? Do you find yourself wishing for a way to unwind and just relax? Well look no further because the Craft Yarn Council has the perfect solution!

This year there's even a new spin on the lemon stress ball - a lemon pillow! This new lemon is the perfect companion to the lemon stress ball and even doubles as a pillow!

#StitchAwayStress

During the month of March, the council promoted a survey on social media to gauge the habits of  knitters and crocheters and to find out how yarn crafts contribute to their wellness. The results of the survey will be shared on the council's social media pages throughout the month of April.

The council will also host a social media contest for its Instagram followers. The contest will take place the second, third, and fourth weeks of April and to enter, participants will comment on the designated posts and tag three friends. One random winner will be chosen each week to win a prize pack of new yarns.

Follow along with the Craft Yarn Council's Facebook and Instagram for weekly tips on how to use your lemon or crochet skills to bust stress and promote relaxation. Hear from some of your favorite yarn crafters and drom some new faces too about all the ways that knit and crochet help them relieve stress, improve their mood, reduce anxiety and more!

16 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns in Pretty Pastels

I'm Marie from Underground Crafter and I'm back to share a roundup of crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members. (If you're not a member yet, you can join here.) This month's roundup features 16 (mostly free) patterns in pretty pastels. Of course, you can make any of these patterns in neutrals, jewel tones, or any other color combination you choose.

All photos are copyright the respective designer or publisher and are used with permission. If you are a CGOA member designer and would like to be included in these roundups, please contact me via my blog (linked above).

16 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns in Pretty Pastels

Roundup by Underground Crafter

This roundup features so many different types of projects that you're sure to be inspired! Find motifs and blankets, scarves, shawls and wraps, ponchos, women's tops, and other women's accessories.

4 Blankets and Motifs

Clockwise, from top left:

• Doubles and Stripes Afghan Square, free crochet pattern by The Lindsey Life: This square is part of the MooglyCAL2018, which features 24 free crochet patterns for 12” squares.
• Spring Rain Lapghan, free crochet pattern by Moogly: This pattern works up really fast in a jumbo weight yarn.
• Reverie Afghan Square, free crochet pattern by Oombawka Design Crochet: This pattern includes instructions for making a 9” version in light (#3) weight yarn and a 12” version in medium (#4) yarn.
• Modern Heirloom Blanket, premium crochet pattern by Underground Crafter: This strip blanket is available for sale as a pattern here on Ravelry or as a kit with pattern and yarn here on Craftsy.

4 Scarves

Clockwise, from top left:

• Blushing Petals Infinity, free crochet pattern by Ambassador Crochet: This is the medium (#4) weight version of Valentina’sLove Infinity, which is made with super bulky (#6) weight yarn.
• Ombre Aqua Scarf, free crochet pattern by The Stitchin’ Mommy: This chunky scarf works up quickly in a self-striping, super bulky (#6) yarn.
• Eternity Springs Infinity Scarf, free Tunisian crochet pattern by Kim Guzman: This wide infinity scarf can also be worn as a wrap and it includes a video tutorial. 
• Medley Merino Chic Scarf, free crochet pattern by Marly Bird for Red Heart: This pretty striped scarf features a crab stitch border.

6 Shawls, Wraps, Ponchos, and Tops

Clockwise, from top left:

• Valerie Shawl, free crochet pattern by Pattern Paradise: This lacy, openwork shawl is perfect for warmer weather.
• Lacy Detail Tunic, free crochet pattern by Tammy Hildebrand for Red Heart: This lacy top is available in 6 sizes from small through 3x-large.
• Shining Day Wrap, premium crochet pattern by M2H Designs: This lacy wrap can also be worn as a spring scarf.
• Granny Border Poncho, premium crochet pattern by Jessie At Home: Join-as-you-go motifs and granny stitch combine to make a colorful poncho.
• Entwined Chic Cable Sweater, free crochet pattern by A Crocheted Simplicity for Red Heart: This cowl neck, cabled sweater pattern is available in 6 sizes from x-small through x-large.
• Blooming Petals Poncho, free crochet pattern by Cre8tion Crochet for Furls: This lacy poncho is available in 3 sizes: small/medium, large/1x, and 2x/3x. 

2 Other Women’s Accessories

From left to right:

• Granny Square Slippers, free crochet pattern by Naztazia: This pattern, available in 3 sizes, includes a video tutorial.
• Amazing Grace Simple Slouchy, free crochet pattern by Beatrice Ryan Designs: This slouchy hat is part of the Amazing Graces eries of patterns dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

I hope you enjoyed this month's roundup. I'll be back in April with another roundup of patterns by our members.