Rose Doily (my Valentine doily)

I made this doily just in time for valentines ;)
I picked out a pattern from CPC, its the Victorian Rose Doily (pdf).
Its also the same rose doily here.
I managed to make my own design for the leaf, I like it better this way.
The finished doily center is about 5 1/4" diameter and the rose is about 2".
Materials used: crochet cotton size 8 for the doily and roses, 6-strand embroidery floss for the leaves, 1.75mm steel hook.

Here's another valentine doily.

Other free doily patterns:
Hearts Doilyfrom Crochet Memories
Romantic Pineapples Doily (pdf)from Crochet magazine
Hearts Desire Doily from Coats and Clark
Multiple Choice Doily from Coats and Clark
Pineapple Doily from Coats and Clark
Doily no. 2226 from Star Book of Doilies, 1942
Blue Bell Doily from Crochet Treasures
Easy Pineapple Doily from Crochet Treasures
Rose of Sharon Doily from Celtwich
Wild Rose Scallops Doily from Celtwich
Cosmos Doily from Celtwich
Butterfly Doily from Celtwich
Bowl and doily from Crochet Now
Candy Dish Doilyfrom Celtwich
Small Pineapple Doily from Celtwich
Rose and Pansy Doilies from Celtwich
Crochet Swan Centres Doily from Twilleys
Swan Symphony Doiliesfrom Coats and Clark
Floral Doily
Fancy Purple Doily
Pansy Doily from Celtwich
More doily links from Celt Vintage Patterns
More Doily links from Ravelry
More Doily links from Crochet Pattern Central

My other thread projects:
Flower Doily
Pineapple bookmark
Hat souvenir
Flower Frame souvenir
Baby Mittens
Baby Appliques
Ivory Shawl
Another cotton shawl
Some small projects with cotton thread

Most recent projects with thread:
ABC with flowers
Belt with little flowers
New! Crochet a Heart Souvenir

Printable Crafts - mini books

I made these a few years ago and forgotten the site where I printed it from, so I searched it again on the web. It wasnt that hard to find but I thought I'd share it here for some who might find it interesting. I think it would make some nice thoughtful little gifts ;)


Printable mini books
Printable boxes and cards

I got another baby!!!

What a cute baby!!! Her name is Ijendu (hope I spelled it right, and I dont know how to pronounce that either!)
My sister (who is in UK) got the headband and booties I made and sent it to her bf in Europe. Her bf gave it to his niece, and he also took this photo.
The booties is my new design which I plan to sell.

Take another look at this cute baby!

Threads for sale and other stuff

I've got no crochet work to show off yet :(
I'm working on a bag, I'm excited how it will turn out, but I ran out of yarn! I have to wait two more long days for my yarn..! (I can understand how Tina feels with all her yarn left in Michigan!) I do have lots of yarn from the yarn swap and secret pal gifts, but I'm still waiting for the right project to come up for those.

Meanwhile, I finally advertised my Cannon and Anchor threads for sale at crochetville, after weeks of planning, doing all the hardwork of researching, taking photos and uploading and designing my blog and taking up other important matters. It feels good to be able to see what you have worked hard for, and to say "I did this all by myself"! But of course, I couldnt have done it without the support of special friends. But I have to say, its really encouraging when help comes unexpectedly.
I just got endorsed by Deneen, and its a big help for my business, just what I needed, thanks so much Deneen!

Also, (not really worth mentioning but for lack of anything to blog about)I got two letters from two yarn companies in Ontario, Canada:
First, I wrote Bernat yarns about my matrix purse pattern, and they said they have their own design dept. and its not their practice to purchase patterns outside the company.
I am pleased with their response, they really read my letter and took the time to send me their reply.
Second, I listed for free fur yarn samples from Paula Lishman Fur Yarn. Here is what I got. Its so soft and luxurious! (And it costs a fortune to buy some!) If what they say is true, I dont think they are harming the animal species. Wild fur trapping they say is the livelihood of thousands of northerners in Canada. They get furs from plentiful fur-bearing species. I can just imagine if the wild animal population isnt controlled there, the people might become extinct!

Crochet Patterns

Only two sites to bookmark to find the link to your next crochet project!
You hate pop-ups, distractive ads, dead links, and bright-colored backgrounds. You are looking for crochet patterns and you want to save time.
Here are two places to go:

Crochet Pattern Central - find all (if not, almost all) free patterns on the web in one directory, neatly categorized. All links are for free patterns with pictures.

Crochet Pattern Roundup - find designer patterns for sale on the web, neatly presented and easy to find.

Crochet Pattern Roundup

Introducing the place to find and feature crochet patterns for sale…

Crochet Pattern Roundup

Produced by RachelG of CPC/KPC as well as her sister (who, again, did all the coding and database work)
In a nutshell, it’s a:
Store
Crocheters are always on the hunt for more patterns. I happen to know that for a fact! Of course it’s just getting started, but now (and especially as it gets more established), we can all go there to find a selection of patterns.
Place to advertise
Designers can list their patterns…Crochet Pattern Roundup is an alternative to e-bay, etsy, blogs, (even sites), and also can be used to send potential customers to your own already established crochet website.

Garnstudio free patterns in english - Links

Garnstudio has made such a wonderful development in its effort to provide everyone fashionable patterns using their fashionable yarns - they've now published hundreds of their free patterns in english! Though most of the patterns are knitted, there are definitely some lovely items done in crochet.
I'll be on the lookout for those crochet patterns and compile the links here.
Update: Garnstudio continuously updates its website and now has a general category for crochet patterns in english. Around 60+ patterns listed to date, though some are actually knitted or have only crochet trims.

Here are the direct links :)
Shawl in Eskimo with love knots and flower
Shawl in Vivaldi with Rosette in Eskimo
Skirt in Karisma Superwash
Pullover in Tynn Chenille
Cardigan in Muskat
Another Cardigan in Muskat
Lacy cardigan in Muskat
Cardigan in Camelia
Cardigan in Cotton Viscose
Granny Cardigan in Tynn Chenille and Muskat
Cardigan in Ull-Flame' and Bag in Puddel
Cardigan (with knitted sleeves) in Eskimo
Pullover in Karisma Superwash and Vivaldi,
Beret and Purse in Eskimo
Crochet trim on Pullover
Bikini and Hat in Safran
Bikini Top and Knitted Skirt in Muskat
Sweater in Muskat
Another Sweater in Muskat
Top in Safran
Top in Den-M-Nit
Halter in Safran
Knitted top in Safran with crocheted flower squares
Crochet dress in Karisma
Crochet jumper with knitted rib in Eskimo
Neck Warmer in Eskimo, Vienna and Glitter
Scarf in Eskimo
Hat in Eskimo
Another Hat in Eskimo
Crochet hat and scarf in Highlander
Hat with pompoms
Hat in Alaska and Boa in Eskimo, Puddel and Vivaldi
Knitted hat with crochet flowers in Karisma and Eskimo
Rosette in Eskimo
Rose in Eskimo
Scarf with Rosette in Eskimo
Rose in Vivaldi
Crochet flowers in Highlander and Eskimo
Long Scarf in Eskimo
Hat and scarf (knitted) in Eskimo
Hat in Alaska, Eskimo and Fox
Hat in Muskat
Hat in Paris
Hat in Safran
Hat in Puddel and Eskimo
Scarf in Karisma Superwash
Scarf made of crochet stars in Alpaca
Flower Scarf in Eskimo
Mittens in Eskimo
Purses in Bomull-lin and Muskat or Vienna
Toddler Hat in Safran
Toddler Hat in Cotton Chenille

More free patterns links from Garnstudio

My garnstudio free patterns projects:

Flower motif top done with this pattern.



Cardigan

A beret cap with brim

I made this cap pattern after looking at the free patterns online and not finding one just right for my acrylic yarns.
A smaller cap with brim pattern is shown here.
For bulkier yarns, try this hat pattern at Garnstudio; or this cap pattern at crochetville; or this newsboy cap pattern.

Still can't decide which cap to make? Here's a very neat pattern with tutorial pictures: Newsboy Cap by Mary Jane Hall

Now here is my own pattern, which I think needs some improvement on the brim part.
If you come up with an improved version, hope you let us know.

Beret cap with brim Ravel it!
Designed by Mimi Alelis © 2006
Size: Medium to Large
Materials:
4-ply worsted-weight acrylic yarn, 4 skeins (35 meters each) Carmencita dark brown used in sample
Aluminum Crochet Hook size 5mm. (H-8)
Abbreviations
ss = slip stitch sc = single crochet hdc = half double crochet
st = stitch ch = chain fpdc = front post double crochet
Gauge: Rnds 1-3 is approx. 2 inches in diameter
Instructions
With 5 mm. hook and acrylic yarn, working in rounds, start with ch 4, ss to form ring.
Rnd 1: 10 hdc in ring. (10 sts) Note: Ch 2 counts as first hdc of each round. Always join rounds with ss. Crochet in back loops only, unless specified.
Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each st. fpdc on every alternate increase (20 sts) (5 fpdc)
Rnd 3: (1 hdc in 1 st, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (30 sts) Note: Fpdc on every fpdc on this and every following hdc round.
Rnd 4: (1 hdc in each of next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (40 sts)
Rnd 5: (1 hdc in each of next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (50 sts)
Rnd 6: (1 hdc in each of next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (60 sts)
Rnd 7: (1 hdc in each of next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (70 sts)
Rnd 8: (1 hdc in each of next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (80 sts)
Rnd 9: (1 hdc in each of next 7 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (90 sts)
Rnd 10: 1 hdc in each of next 8 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (100 sts)
Rnd 11: 1 hdc in each of next 9 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (110 sts)
Rnd 12: 1 hdc in each of next 10 sts, 2 hdc in next) rep. around. (120 sts)
Rnd 13 - 18: Hdc around (120 sts)
Rnd 19: decrease 10 sts evenly. (110 sts)
Rnd 20: decrease 10 sts evenly. (100 sts)
Rnd 21: decrease 10 sts evenly. (90 sts)
Rnd 22 -25: Sc in each st around. (90 sts) Fasten off.
Brim
NOTE: ch 2 at beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.
Row 1: work the brim with 2 strands of yarn, join on the 11th stitch from where cut-off. ch 2, hdc on next 6 sts, 2 hdc on next st, hdc on next 17 sts, 2 hdc on next st, hdc on next 6 (33 sts)
Row 2 : ch 2, (hdc tog next 2 sts) twice, hdc on next 12 hdc, 2 hdc on next hdc, hdc on next 12 hdc, (hdc tog 2 sts) twice (30 sts)
Row 3 : ch 2, hdc tog next 2 sts, hdc on next 26 sts, hdc tog last 2 sts (28 sts)
Row 4 : ch 2, (hdc tog next 2 sts) twice, hdc on next 9 sts, 2 hdc on next hdc, hdc on next 10 hdc, (hdc tog 2 sts) twice (25 sts)
Row 5: ch 1, sc tog next 2 sts, sc across each st except on last 2, sc tog last 2 sts (23 sts)
Do not fasten-off, continue with slip stitch on side of brim, around cap and the other side of the brim.
FASTEN OFF. Weave in ends with needle.

Hats made from this pattern:
by Gene in California:
this was made with RHSS WW County Rose using H (5mm) hook

(photos by Gene, more of his projects here)

More photos of finished projects are on my photo gallery.


Update: April 1, 2007

New! Brimmed hat from japanese pattern:

This is made from WW acrylic yarn (approx. 100 gms.) using 5mm hook. The pattern chart is found in this book.

All my designs in one page - thanks to Ravelry!

Scarfs for fashion and warmth

I made these scarves several weeks ago and its only now that I got nice photos of it. Of course its because I have a nice model ;) My dear sister came home for the holidays and will soon be back to brave the cold weather (and everything else) in the UK. Thanks sis for posing for me!

This one I crocheted using two strands of cotton thread size 8 (3 balls of natural shade) and a 3.5 mm hook. I used the same pattern as I did on my twisted wrap. I liked working with the cotton yarn no. 5 though, it is softer than using 2 strands of cotton thread. But I dont have anymore of that cotton yarn :(

A warmer scarf done in my local acrylic yarns using my pal Tina's lunatic fringe scarf pattern. The colors and the style is most suitable for men. My sister likes it also for it complements her wardrobe.

A lovely fur scarf I made with 2 skeins of fun fur (one in "hot pink" and the other in "tropical" prints) I got from my fun fur fairy.
I crocheted the two fur strands together using 10mm hook. The pattern is 6 scs per row crocheted on back loops only. I crocheted until I run out of yarn.

A scarf knitted in boucle yarn I got from the yarn swap ( thanks Cordelia!). I knitted it with my biggest needles size 5 mm in 16 sts, knitting all rows (garter st). Boucle is soft and cuddly, and made up for my inexperience in knitting. My sister liked it so much, it was her christmas present from me! But I gave her all the other scarfs as well ;)