Title: Box Stitch Crochet
Author: Corinne Freeman
MSRP: $19.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches'N'Scraps

By now you've probably seen lots of blankets made in the corner-to-corner, diagonal box stitch. But this versatile stitch is not just for blankets! In Box Stitch Crochet, you will learn how to use the diagonal box stitch to make a variety of wearables and accessories.

The book starts out with the basic diagonal box stitch techniques, increasing and decreasing to make squares and rectangles. Then there's a unique and clever bevelled edge technique I've never seen before! From there, the book explains how to apply those techniques to make all sorts of other shapes.

There are 20 beautiful patterns using these techniques. You can make wraps, scarves, fingerless mitts, a hat, and even a dress! My absolute favorite is the Under the Sea Motif Shawl. Box stitch motifs are combined to create this uniquely shaped shawl, with lacy sections that help it to drape beautifully.

Another one I really like is the Raspberry hat. It has an interesting construction, and uses that bevelled edge technique to make an almost scalloped-like edge. There are matching fingerless gloves as well!

You can enter to win your own copy of Box Stitch Crochet! 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 October 30th. Hurry and enter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: A free review copy of Box Stitch Crochet 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) Autumn Crochet Patterns

I’m Marie from Underground Crafter and it's time for my monthly seasonal roundup of crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members! (If you’re a crochet designer and a CGOA member and would like to grant us permission to use your patterns in these roundups, please contact me via my blog.)

This month’s roundup features 9 (mostly free) crochet patterns just perfect for the transition to autumn, including accessories for children and adults and home decor. Photos are used with permission. Enjoy!

Clockwise from top left:

• Turkey Hat by The Stitchin’ Mommy (free)
• Knit Look Asymmetrical Bag by A Crocheted Simplicity (premium)
• Fall Cowgirl shawl by Jessie At Home (free)
• Changing Leaves Basket by Moogly (free)
• Fall Slouch Hat by Just Be Happy Crochet (premium)
• Pumpkin Beanie by Crochet by Jennifer (premium)
• Colors of Autumn Throw by Crafting Friends Designs (premium)
• Fall Leafy Banner by A Crocheted Simplicity for Red Heart (free)
• Autumn Leaves by Trifles & Treasures (free)

Spread the word about the talented designers in the Crochet Guild of America by sharing this roundup on your favorite social network!

Book Review - Emoji Crochet

Title: Emoji Crochet
Author: Charles Voth
MSRP: $19.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches'N'Scraps

I'm a complete emoji addict, so when I saw Charles Voth had made a book of Emoji Crochet, I had to have it!

The book has lots of emoji projects for all over the house, like pillows and blankets. Charles has a great sense of humor and it really comes out in some of these designs - like the ottoman that's had just about enough of stinky feet.

Emojis aren't just for around the house though, you can try one of the wearable designs too! There are hats, slippers, a jacket, and even earrings. Yes, earrings.

The Brainiac Bag, with little buck teeth, is one of my favorites. I really like this cute Num Num Bib pattern too. It's just the thing to train up a whole new generation of emoji lovers.   

One thing that struck me is that these are not just variations of facial expressions on the same basic pattern. Instead, several different techniques are used to create the faces. The book starts with stitch definitions and instructions, including clear diagrams, which make these techniques and patterns accessible even for new crocheters. 

Each pattern is full of clear, close-up images so you can see exactly what things are supposed to look like at each step. There's even a Facial Features Directory to help you to achieve that perfect expression. Since we all know emojis sometimes say it best - here's how I feel about this book: 

Enter to win your own copy of Emoji Crochet! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Spring House Press. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid US shipping address 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 September 30th. Hurry and enter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: A free review copy of Emoji Crochet was provided by Spring House Press. 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.

12 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns for Halloween

I’m Marie from Underground Crafter and it's time for another seasonal roundup of crochet patterns designed by my fellow Crochet Guild of America members! (If you’re a crochet designer and a CGOA member and would like to grant us permission to use your patterns in these roundups, please contact me via my blog.)

This month’s roundup features 12 (mostly free) crochet patterns perfect for Halloween, including costumes for children and adults, home decor, and storage for all of those treats. Photos are used with permission of the designers. Enjoy!

Top row, left to right:

• Mask Parade by Trifles & Treasures (premium)
• Candy Corn Trick or Treat Bag by Persia Lou (free)
• Halloween Pirate costume by Kim Guzman for Red Heart (free)

Second row, left to right:

• Ghost Hat by Just Be Happy Crochet (premium)
• Candy Corn Witch Gift Basket by Blackstone Designs (premium)
• Spider Web Table Topper by Jessie At Home for Red Heart (free)

Third row, left to right:

• Black Kitty Cat Hat by Crochet by Jennifer (free)
• Jill O Lantern by Many Creative Gifts for FaveCrafts (free)
• Little Devil Hat and Cape costume by Kim Guzman for Red Heart (free)

Bottom row, left to right:

• Halloween Bags by Pattern Paradise (free)
• Halloween Wench costume by Kim Guzman for Red Heart (free)
• Child’sPirate Costume by Kim Guzman for Red Heart (free)

Share this roundup on your favorite social network to spread the word about the talented designers in the Crochet Guild of America!

2017 Design Competition Winners

The 2017 CGOA has come to an end. The design competition had some amazing entries that were showcased throughout the weekend. Check out the amazing entries below.

The first slide show has all the photos as well as who designed each project.
The second video is a slide show of the winning entries.

Below is the slideshow of winners!


 


Start thinking now about what you will enter for next year!

Ava Shell - Part 6 - Finishing Touches

You made it! The final touches have been added to the 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 sew the pieces together, work the peplum, and finish up the armholes and neckline.    

Reminder: Once you've completed the shell post photos in our FB group for a chance to win a prize! 

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

Head over to the Ava Shell 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

Ava Shell - Part 5 - Back Top Shaping

Part 5 of the Ava Shell 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 the remainder of the back. We will complete the armhole and neckline shaping. Next week we will be doing all the finishing work - sewing, border, and peplum.   

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

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

Head over to the Ava Shell 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

Chain Link 2017 Fashion Show

The 2017 CGOA Chain Link conference is over and once again it ended with the Banquet and Fashion Show which was sponsored by Leisure Arts. The Fashion Show is a chance for all our CGOA members to show off what they have made. Some items are one-of-a-kind pieces made for the show, others are designs that have patterns available and some are designs that will be coming out in the coming year.

There has been a request for a list of the garments from the show and where the patterns can be found. Where known, the name of the designer and pattern availability is listed with the name of the Fashion Show garment below.

Reflective Pantsuit – Gina Gallina   Modeled by Gina

Pineapple Miranda Pantsuit – Gina Gallina   Modeled by Sparky

Blues Vest – Kathryn White   Modeled by Kathryn

Nan’s Shrug – Laurinda Redding  Modeled by Sharon

Sargassum Shawl – Pia Thadani  Modeled by Elisa

Celtic Filet Shawl – Susan Lowman   Modeled by Amy

Stormy Weather Vest – Cathy Robbins   Modeled by Nancy

Summer Seaside Shawl from “Wraps for All Seasons” – Andee Graves   Modeled by Creusa

Oswego Sunset Shawl – Shari White   Modeled by Shari

Adalene Cabled Vest – Jennifer Pionk   Modeled by Heather

Granny Square Shawl – Michele Maks   Modeled by Regina

Beaded Gray Shawl – Susan Lutz Kenyon  Modeled by Tammy

Beachside Wrap – Laurinda Reddig   Modeled by Lauren

California Wildflowers – Barbara Hynes  Modeled by Barbara

Krpa Silk Dress – Cathy Robbins  Modeled by Danielle

80’s Diva – Urmie  Modeled by Rani

Cozy Quilted Vest & Scarf – Margaret Hubert & Nancy Smith  Modeled by Nancy

Cascading Lace Cardigan – Juliette Bezold  Modeled by Kathryn

Reina Cardigan – Jennifer Pionk  Modeled by Heather

Bling It On! Poncho – Shari White   Modeled by Shari

Midnight Sparkle – Joan Davis (modified from a Jenny King pattern)  Modeled by Regina

Tunisian Crop Top – Lily Chin  Modeled by Sharon

Greek Holiday – Jenny King  Modeled by Amy

Scoop Neck Top from “Fringe Benefits”  – Melissa Leapman   Modeled by Danielle

Cherry Schwimm Vest from Leisure Arts publication “The Long & Short of It”   Modeled by Elisa

Winterfall Ruanna from “Wraps for All Seasons”  – Andee Graves   Modeled by Lauren

Rainbow Circle Vest from Red Heart.com – Tammy Hildebrand   Modeled by Tammy

Jewelled Sweater Coat  - Creusa Gillmore  Modeled by Creusa

70’s Princess – Urmie   Modeled by Rani

by Andee Graves
Mamas 2 Hands