Simply Elegant Arm Corset - Free Crochet Pattern

I wanted to have an easy project for someone who is new to graphs that would be good for warmer weather. So I came up with this arm corset! I love how it looks and the simplicity of it. It is a great pattern for someone who is new to graphing. I have included TWO graphs in this post. One is the leopard heart from the drink sleeve post rotated for the cuff and the other is a butterfly that is a new release perfect for beginning to graph. This can also be worked without a graph and looks great plain in both the single crochet and the Tunisian.

Native American Set - Free Crochet Pattern

This pattern happened because I had a customer who sent me a picture and I couldn't find any patterns that were exactly what I wanted.

So I picked up my hook and went to creating.

Designiversary Giveaway

It's finally here! The kickoff of the MEGA Designiversary Giveaway! I am so excited about this. So many great things from so many talented designers and crafters.

Without further ado, here is what we have:

ONE YEAR CELEBRATION

It's hard for me to believe that I have been writing and releasing my patterns to the public now for almost a year! I have come a long way this past year. My total number of patterns released so far is 103 with more on the way. I have been so blessed to be surrounded by great creative people and some amazing mentors!

I still occasionally do custom orders but my LOVE is designing. I am happiest with a hook and yarn in hand and an original design on the hook.

Bunnies Roundup! 10 free crochet patterns

All pictures belong to the pattern designers and are used with permission and/or credit.

With Easter quickly approaching, I decided that I wanted to do a roundup of bunny patterns. They are all so cute and hopefully there is something for everyone! Keep your eyes peeled if you like bunnies because I will probably follow it up with paid patterns a little later!

Meet My Testers: Jess of DiPaul's Designs

It's my privilege to once again introduce y'all to one of my testers: Jess of DiPaul's Designs! I "met" Jess on my business page when she applied to be a tester for me. A mutual love of The Doctor drew us together and quickly made us friends! I feel like I know her even though we have never met "in real life".

Swirling Leaves Fingerless Gloves

Swirling Leaves is one of my favorite stitches to use. I found it originally on a stitch site then adapted it to work how I wanted it to but left the basic bones of the stitch alone. I now have several patterns available in this line and some of them are free as contributions to Cre8tion Crochet.

I love this picture from one of my pattern testers. She did the Swirling Leaves Vest, Boot Cuffs and Fingerless Gloves for me. She used Lion Brand Heartland Glacier Bay Tweed and I LOVE how they came out.

Meet The Bubble Hook Maker - An Interview

I'm very please to provide y'all with a little peek at what it is like to be a clay hook maker. Kelli was kind enough to do an interview with me. I asked her some questions of my own and asked some that came from my Facebook page. One thing I do know, I didn't ask her exactly how she makes her hooks. They are her art, and I wouldn't ask an artist about their process even one who is a friend like Kelli is to me.

Blooming Arbor Beanie: A Review and Giveaway

I got the privilege to review this pattern by Krista over at Evergreen Shore. This is her first pattern, and I have to say I LOVE it.

Meet My Testers: Pamela Emerson - Pammy's Bare Beanie

****Any links to products in this post are affiliate links. I get a little bit when someone clicks through and orders. This helps me continue to bring new patterns to you.****

I often say (and truly mean it) that I would not be able to do what I do without my testers. So as a small thank you to them, I feature them here!

This time is the wonderful Pamela of Pammy's Bare Beanie. She is an amazing lady and does so much for the crafting community. She shares posts, cheers designers and other crafters on and is one of the sweetest people I have met on this crochet journey of mine!

I asked her a few questions and here are her answers!

NEW PATTERN: Pamala Earwarmer

I previously wrote about my mom and her battle with breast cancer. You can read about that here. This pattern is the next one in the line and there should be two more (boot cuffs and cowl/infinity scarf) that I am going to release either today or tomorrow.

I am in love with this pattern line and hope that you will love it too! My testers really liked the pattern, and the texture is wonderful (I love texture).

Sick Lil Monkeys Bubble Hooks: A Review

I want to start off saying that I am not receiving any compensation for this review. I love Kelli's hooks and just wanted to share my thoughts on them with all of you.

I have 2 bubble hooks from Kelli and am about to order another one to add to my collection. Here are the ones I already have.

The top one is a custom design to match my logo and I love it. The bottom one my son refers to as my Green Lantern hook. He is slightly obsessed with superheroes!

I love my Clover Amour hooks but they only go up to a J. So I get the larger sizes from Kelli. The next one that I am adding to my collection is a Bates L. These hooks are so comfortable and great to use. I have found that since using these if I try to use plain hooks, my hands get fatigued faster and start to ache. These ergonomic hooks are a must for me to keep on crocheting.

The other thing I love about Kelli's hooks are that they are priced very economically. I don't spend a fortune getting hooks that feel great in my hands! That is a definite plus in my opinion.

I hold my hook in a pencil grip but have crochet friends who use the knife grip and use her hooks as well and love them.

Have you ever tried any of her hooks? Do you use ergonomic hooks? Want to try out Sick 'Lil Monkeys Bubble Hooks? I have a special coupon code just for my followers. Isn't that awesome?

Use code: CTbLFansONLY for 25% through December 31st in her Etsy store! Isn't Kelli great?

Kelli also writes some great crochet patterns. Check out her Facebook page and her Ravelry pattern shop. And here is the link to her Etsy store for the hooks.

Meet My Testers: Sweet Potato Crochet Creations

Hello, everyone! I'm so happy to introduce myself to you all.

My name is Carol Rupprecht, and I'm a stay at home mommy to 2 crazy boys: my toddler who is one
(crawling since 5 months, walking since 9. Gosh,he's a handful.), and my husband who is a child at heart. I've only been crocheting for a little less than 2 years and I can't believe how far I've come since I started.

I didn't have the luxury of being taught by my grandma or any relative like so many of my awesome fellow crocheters, so I looked to YouTube, and for awhile, YouTube and I had a very exclusive relationship with one another. I used it to learn most of my basic stitches and how to make my very first set of baby booties. The booties were actually my reason for wanting to learn how to crochet. I had a little kicker growing in my tummy, and I wanted to make so many cool things for him to wear! However, as a newbie just learning, I didn't understand gauge and the reason for using the correct hook size. I think I was trying to use a G hook for everything??

I'm so glad those days have passed and I'm much better at what I do now! In December of last year, my husband convinced me to start my own business since I got so good at crocheting, so I did. It's going pretty well so far! Sometimes it's slow, but when that happens I get into this crazy pattern testing mode and offer to help out some designers...this happens even if I'm busy. Who am I kidding?! Leah knows this too well! I have a slight addiction to testing patterns. I just enjoy helping out others to make their pattern successful :)

I'm even trying to get into designing myself and am working on a cute little hat right now. I'll give you guys one hint (RAWR!). I'd love for you guys to check out my page, Sweet Potato Crochet Creations and see some of the beautiful crochet items that I make. You'll get to see some pretty cute pictures of this darling little blonde girl with dimples. She's also my sister-in-law and my photographer most times when I need pictures of myself! She's the most cooperative and awesome little model/photographer ever! I also have an Etsy page, but it's pretty bare right now. I'll have more items added hopefully soon!

Well, I think I'm going to go back to crocheting. I'm pretty positive I'm starting to get the first stages of withdraw, and we wouldn't want that to happen! ;) Thanks for reading about me and my crochet journey so far.

HAPPY HOOKING!

Pamala Pattern Line - Coming in October

I love my mom. She is a strong woman. 

My mom and dad right after the diagnosis

My mom is a breast cancer survivor. She underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction and chemo and now deals with the lymphedema from the removal of lymph nodes when she had her mastectomy. She has been cancer free now for three years as of the end of June so she has a little less than 2 years to go until she will be considered at less risk for recurrence. She lives in Houston so most of the time doesn’t have to deal with really cold weather but still needs something on her head when it does get cool. Also, her hair is still wispy so during warmer months when she is out and about she needs to protect her head.

Happenings

It has been a while since I posted but just want to share with y'all what all has been going on in my world. Super busy with pattern writing and keeping my business organized. I think the secretarial and paperwork type stuff is my least favorite part but that is probably because I do that for my day job!

I got graphics and a logo for my business which makes me really happy. If you need graphics I would highly recommend Melody over at MadMad Graphics. I didn't know exactly what I wanted but filled out a questionnaire and she came up with some that I am super happy with.

"Awesome"Cowl - A Pattern Test

I got the opportunity to test for The Hookeraholic Crochet recently which I always enjoy doing.

The pattern I got to test was for the "Awesome"Cowl. I really enjoyed this pattern. It worked up quick and easy even though I wasn't feeling well.

She released the pattern today and you can get a copy in her Ravelry store. She has some amazing designs, so take an opportunity to check her out.

Inspiration and a Pattern Line

A few months ago, I saw a lovely knit hat on Pinterest. Unfortunately, I don't knit, but it did get me to thinking. I started thinking that I could recreate it in crochet. Once I started working on it, my brain went into overdrive and started coming up with a whole line of items incorporating the spiral.

And that is what inspired the Nautilus pattern line. I released the headband/earwarmer last week.

Scrubbing Bubbles

A few years ago, I had a need for some washcloths but couldn't find anything that was exactly what I wanted. I started playing with some ideas and this little cloth is what I came up with. I have made it with more and less rows and more and less starting chains. Sometimes I will add a border. There have also been times that I have added a small loop at one corner to be able to hang it. I hope that you enjoy this pattern and have fun. If you make it, please add a project to Ravelry or Craftsy so I can see what you do!

Photo Credit: Candid Quilts & Crafts

Charming Cherry Blossoms

I was so privileged to test a few of the items that Lisa of Kaleidoscope Art & Gifts developed for her Charming Cherry Blossom line of patterns. She is so very talented and a joy to work with. After testing the drink sleeve and the wrist cuff, I approached Lisa about collaborating on a pair of barefoot sandals using the Cherry Blossom pattern and her tutorial for staining and painting your crochet that was posted over at Cre8tion Crochet. Lisa very graciously agreed and encouraged and mentored me through the process. I am so blessed to have her and other creative people in my life.