Category Archives: Crochet Gifts
Rosey Cozy Neck Warmers
Crocheting has been passed down by generation on my Mom’s side of the family. My mom taught me, her mom taught her, and her mom taught her.
A Gorgeous Collection of Free Crochet Stitches
Mypicot.com has a great selection of unique Japanese-inspired crochet motifs and stitch patterns for your next crochet project.
Back Loops
i am a lefty, so this picture is taken from the left-handed perspective. ( i did find this tutorial on stitchdiva.com for all you right-handers.)
a good way for me to remember this is that the back loop of the stitch is the one farthest away from my body, and the front loop is the one closest. i hope this helps.
Super-Cute Crochet
The gift also included a book, entitled Super-Cute Crochet: over 35 adorable animals and friends to make. I thought it would be fun for her to try making some cute little toys, while at the same time learn and practice following patterns.
Aluminum Crochet Hook Case
For those of you that love to crochet as well… the pattern is the Aluminum Crochet Hook Case. It was a relatively easy pattern to follow. I used cotton yarn that I already had. It holds ten crochet hooks, ranging in size from B to K.
Told you!! Every time I look at that afghan I laugh at myself. I had figured that since I knew some of the crochet basics from grandma’s lessons, it would be ok to start with something a little more advanced. WRONG!! I discovered very quickly that the basics I knew barely even applied! It’s a good thing crocheting is so easy, or I’m pretty sure I would be bald right now!
Believe it, or not. Once you break down the stitches in that afghan, it actually becomes very simple. All it consists of is increases and decreases, double crochet, front and back loop crochet, crossed stitches, popcorns, clusters, and spike double treble stitches. Each stitch actually very simple on its own. The hard part came from trying to learn how to read a pattern, how to follow the instructions and learning how to do new stitches all at once. It was quite a mouthful!
It was definitely a little involved for a first project. I really don’t recommend something that ambitious for your first project. (But if you’re stubborn, like me, and think both you and your hair will survive it, go for it. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you!!) I think I spent more time unraveling than I did crocheting!! I made thousands of mistakes and spend hundreds of hours on it. The only reason it, and I, survived is because I refused to be bested by a stupid blanket!!
By the time I finished that project, I knew I could do just about anything!! I had learned how to read crochet patterns, follow instructions, and do some basic stitches. I was off and running, and I haven’t stopped yet!! I make crocheted gifts anytime I can. They’re fairly inexpensive and simple to make, and everyone loves them. All it takes is a little time, and a lot of love.
Read my Crochet Story2
I remember getting other crocheted gifts from my grandma, as a child, too. When I was about 8, my dad built me my very own bedroom. It was awesome!! No more sharing with my bratty little brothers! (YES!!) I was allowed to decorate and design it. I was going through my purple phase, so the wallpaper and all the accents in the room were in purples. (Only really brave parents allow an 8 year-old to pick out room colors.) I remember Grandma coming up to see it for the first time and surprising me with a new room warming gift. It was the cutest little crocheted octopus. She had a cute little bonnet and a ribbon on all 8 of her tentacles. And guess what? She was purple!! It was my favorite decoration. I would even make my bed so I could sit her in the middle of my pillow with all of her purple tentacles splayed out. I still have her in a box somewhere.
Making Your Own Crocheted Gifts
My grandmother has made a crocheted blanket for every one of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even her great, greatgrandchildren. Each and every blanket she makes is filled with her love. And we all feel it. I don’t know of one person in my family that doesn’t cherish those amazing blankets. Even as her sight fails, she continues to crochet blankets for all of the new additions to our family. She calls them her Coat of Many Colors blankets. (She can no longer see well enough to match up colors, and only uses the shell stitch and a shell stitch edging.) Anyone lucky enough to get one of those crocheted gifts, can truly feel Grandma’s love for them and her love for crochet.
