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.

National Crochet Month MEGA CAL - Week 1

It's National Crochet Month! And the CGOA has a MEGA Crochet-A-Long planned for all members.

If you're are already a CGOA member, please join us for the March Mega Crochet-A-Long (CAL)!
If you're not a member yet, we'd love to have you join the CAL and the CGOA. (click here for membership info)

Week 1 - Introducing Shining Day Wrap by Andee Graves. This elegant lace wrap is perfect to bundle around your neck as a warm scarf on cooler days, or to dress up an outfit as a shoulder wrap when the days get warmer.

Visit the CAL pattern page to download the FREE pattern and learn more about this weeks designer. This pattern, available to members and non-members, will only be available until March 7, so don’t wait too long.

If you would like to receive the next THREE patterns JOIN CGOA NOW as they are available to members only. Besides these FREE patterns, there are so many benefits to being a Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) member.

Here's the Mega CAL Schedule:
Week 2 – March 8: Almost Spring Mitts
Week 3 – March 15: Braided Swirl Scarf/Shawl
Week 4 – March 22: Spring Blossoms Necklace

If you're a CGOA member, you can join our Facebook group for discussion and to post pictures.


Kristine
Ambassador Crochet 

Book Review - Tails of the Sea: Children's Crochet Blankets

Crocheted mermaid and shark blankets have beeneverywhere the past couple years! Tails of the Sea blankets look perfect for you little one's bed.... Especially if they love sea creatures!

Tails of the Sea: Children's Crochet Blankets

Publisher: Annie's Craft Store

Author: Christine Naugle

Number of Pages: 56

Number of Projects: 4 kid’s blankets

Types of Projects: Blankets

Difficulty Ratings: All patterns are rated as easy

Yarn Used: #4 worsted weight yarn

First Impression: Such a fun & practical way to make a sea creature for the kids!

My Favorite Project Pick: One of my daughters wants to be a marine biologist and has this huge love for the octopus, so I’m picking the You Octopi My Heart as my favorite project pick.

Review 

These blankets that Christine designed are a more practical version of the sea life blankets, but I’m all about things that will get a lot of use, so these are great!

All the blankets are made with basic crochet stitches and have a skill level or easy. There are written instructions and graphs for each pattern. The booklet includes all your general pattern info (gauge, terms, abbreviations), a photo tutorial for the border, as well as a list of yarns that were used for each project. There are also a few photo tutorials in the back. 

Happy Crocheting!

Kristine
Ambassador Crochet

 *Disclaimer* - This book was provided to me for a review, but all opinions are strictly my own.

16 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns in Spring Green

I'm Marie from Underground Crafter and I'm back to share a roundup of crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members. This month's roundup features 16 (mostly free) patterns in beautiful spring greens. Of course, you can make any of these patterns in a different color if 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 Spring Green

by Crochet Guild of America Members

Left column, from top to bottom:

• Olive Triangle Shawl, free crochet pattern by Busting Stitches: This lacy triangle shawl has a simple one row repeat.
• Tropical Flower Scrubby, free crochet pattern by The Purple Poncho for Red Heart: This textured scrubby pattern also makes a fun granny square.
• Meadowland Shoulder Wrap, free crochet pattern by Same DiNamics Crochet: This seamed poncho pattern includes several styling options.
• Apple Juicy Washcloth, free crochet pattern by American Crochet: This beautiful shell washcloth will make you smile with every shower.

Second column, from top to bottom:

• Foliole, premium crochet pattern by Karen Whooley: This is one of 12 stunning patterns in A Garden of Shawls. 
• Evermore Wrap, free crochet pattern by Beatrice Ryan Designs: This super bulky wrap works up quickly.
• Cabled Ear Warmers, free crochet pattern by Jessie At Home: These stylish earwarmers are perfect for a chilly spring night!
• Odessa, premium crochet pattern by High Strung Crochet: This bold skirt pattern includes two variations so you can choose your preferred fit.

Third column, from top to bottom:

• Basket Weave Mug Cozy, free crochet pattern by Celtic Knot Crochet: This pattern includes a helpful photo tutorial.
• Three Pines Shawl, premium crochet pattern by Edie Eckman: This rectangular shawl has a jacquard look.
• Boutique Backpack, premium crochet pattern by ACCROchet: This is one of 22 patterns in My Crocheted Closet: 22 Styles for Every Day of the Week.
• Contextual Shawl, premium crochet pattern by Linda Dean: This shawl features a beautiful lace design that will highlight any yarn.

Right column, from top to bottom:

• The Wripple Blanket, free crochet pattern by Underground Crafter: This cozy throw is made with a simple, w-shaped ripple stitch pattern.
• Lime Verbena Shawl, free crochet pattern by Marly Bird: This simple stitch pattern make a striking shawl when using a colorful yarn.
• Autumn Sun Square, free crochet pattern by Pattern Paradise: This textured motif looks great in a solid color or in stripes.
• Traditional Hexagon Motif, free crochet pattern by Moogly: This pattern includes both right- and left-handed video tutorials.

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

Book Review - Sportacular Afghans

I've heard it so many times in the past few years - there aren't enough crochet patterns for men! While While this book isn't only for men, it will solve the problem of wanting something special to make for him - especially if you have a sports fan in your life!

Sportacular Afghans

Publisher: Leisure Arts

Author: Karen Barnes

Number of Pages: 48 pages

Number of Projects: 5 patterns

Types of Projects: Sports afghans

Difficulty Ratings: All patterns are listed as easy.

Yarn Used: #0, #3, and #4

First Impression: These projects will make great gifts for men that love sports!

My Favorite Project Pick: I always pick a favorite project when I do book reviews, but that was really hard this time. Mine & hubby's favorite sport isn't in the book, so I'm going to have to say the Poker Table is probably my favorite because of all the details included on it.

The details on the chips and cards on the poker table is amazing! But Karen put a lot of thought and attention into the detail of all of them, not just the poker table.

Review 

All the blankets are listed as easy. You will need to know basic stitches, with basic increasing and decreasing knowledge. The decrease stitching is in the stitch guide section of each pattern to make it easier. 

The booklet also includes all your general pattern info (gauge, terms, abbreviations), as well as exactly which yarns were used for each project. There are a few photo tutorials in the back for anything that is not a "normal" to a crochet pattern. 

So Creative! 

There are 5 patterns in the book, but there is so much attention to detail that you won't be dissapointed. Each project has an afghan base with crocheted pieces that are sewn onto the top. This is perfect for working on the afghan at home and taking the smaller pieces to the projects with you. 



Happy Crocheting!

Kristine
Ambassador Crochet

 *Disclaimer* - This book was provided to me for a review, but all opinions are strictly my own.

16 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns for Valetine's Day Gifts

I'm Marie from Underground Crafter and I'm excited to kick off another year of seasonal pattern roundups by Crochet Guild of America member designers! If you're not yet a member, why not join us today? In spite of our name, international members are welcome, too.

This month's roundup is all about Valentine's Day. With a few weeks to go, there is still plenty of time to crochet a handmade gift to celebrate. (Most of these patterns can be used during the rest of the year, too.) This roundup includes jewelry, gift bags and baskets, home decor, hats, a cowl, a shawland even something special for your favorite dog!

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

16 (Mostly) Free Crochet Patterns for Valentine's Day Gifts

by Crochet Guild of America Members

Top row, from left to right:

• Be Mine Crochet Heart Pendants, free crochet pattern with video by Kristin Omdahl: These lightly stuffed hearts are attached to chain necklaces.
• Valentine Kisses Treat Bags, free crochet pattern by Blackstone Designs: This cute project includes ideas for small gifts to put inside.
• Window to My Heart Mason Jar Cover, free crochet pattern by Crochet Memories: If you love gifting jar mix gifts, this decorative mason jar cover would be the perfect addition.
• Heart Nesting Baskets, free crochet pattern by Blackstone Designs:These gift baskets can be stiffened with craft wire.

Second row, from left to right:

• Cross Stitch Love Beanie, free crochet pattern by The Purple Poncho: This pattern is available in 3 teen and adult sizes. You can choose the location for the heart since it is cross stitched on after the rest of the hat is finished.
• Celtic Heart Knot, free crochet pattern by Celtic Knot Crochet: This pattern is available for free to newsletter subscribers. 
• Cross My Heart Treat Bag, free crochet pattern by Moogly: This adorable little pouch can be used for sweet treats, gift cards, and more.
• Heart Lapel Pin, premium crochet pattern by Knot Just Crocheted: This quick and easy project is great for wearing on Valentine's Day.

Third row, from left to right:

• Love Is In the Air Valentine's Cowl, free crochet pattern by Oombawka Design Crochet: Puff stitches and chains combine to create heart shapes on this cozy neckwarmer.
• Lacy Dog Collar, free crochet pattern by Celtic Knot Crochet: This decorative collar for a pooch is available in 3 sizes.
• Rosepuff Shawlette, premium crochet pattern by Vashti Braha: This pattern includes 2 sizes (for a shawlette and a shawl) and a linked video.
• Hearts Go Round Hat, free crochet pattern by Cre8tion Crochet: This tapestry crochet pattern is written for a toddler size but includes instructions for sizing up.

Bottom row, from left to right:

• Valentine Goodie Bags, premium crochet pattern by Trifles N Treasures: This pattern includes 3 styles: Bursting Hearts, Plaid, and Conversation Heart.
• Perfect Love Heart Purse, free crochet pattern by American Crochet: This bag is a great gift for a child and links to a "dolly-sized" matching bag.
• Chameleon Hat, free crochet pattern by Pattern Paradise: This pattern is available in 6 sizes and includes the With Love version (pictured) and the Olympic Spirit version (not pictured) with star applique. 
• Puff Stitch Slouch, free crochet pattern by Underground Crafter: This textured beanie pattern is available in 10 sizes.

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

Book Review - Great Tunisian Crochet Projects

Title: Great Tunisian Crochet Projects
Author: Kristel Salgarollo
MSRP: $16.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches N Scraps

If you love the look of knit fabric, but don't want to knit, Tunisian crochet may be for you! Great Tunisian Crochet Projects is full of lovely things to make with just a few simple stitches.

The beginning of the book takes you through some basic stitches in both crochet and Tunisian crochet. It's a clear, nicely illustrated section that also explains how to make and connect simple Tunisian blocks.

The very first section of patterns after the intro is mainly afghans. If this is your first time doing Tunisian, I would actually recommend starting with the smaller projects at the back of the book. The very last pattern is a super cute belt, that's a great way to get started!

Some of the projects combine traditional and Tunisian crochet. My favorite of these is the Little Poppies afghan, with its colorful blocks, a pretty picot edge, and flower appliques.

You can enter to win your own copy of Great Tunisian Crochet Projects! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Stackpole Books. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US or Canada, and phone number. The winner will be contacted by email, and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address and phone number within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends on January 31st. Hurry and enter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: A free review copy of Great Tunisian Crochet Projects was provided by Stackpole Books. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

9 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns in Winter White

I’m Marie from Underground Crafter and I’m sharing the last seasonal roundup of crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members for 2017. I hope you've enjoyed this series.

This month’s roundup features 9 (mostly free) crochet patterns in winter white. These patterns include 8 accessories for adults and children (which also make great last-minute gifts if you're still in the middle of holiday crafting) and a lovely throw. You can use white yarn or your favorite color for these designs. Photos are used with permission of the designers. Enjoy!

Clockwise from top left:

• Abella Triangular Scarf by A Crocheted Simplicity (free)
• Arctic Snow Hat by Pattern Paradise (premium)
• Big Bold Cabled Infinity Scarf by A Crocheted Simplicity (premium)
• White Hat by Busting Stitches (free)
• Snow Capped Throw by Moogly for Furls (free)
• Shimmering Frost Beanie by Underground Crafter (free)
• Quick and Easy Cabled Headband by Bonnie Bay Crochet (premium)
• Infinitely Yours Long Scarf by Oombawka Design (free)
• Chunky Kylie Slouch by Crochet by Jennifer (premium)

Please spread the word about the talented designers of the Crochet Guild of America by sharing this post on your favorite social network.