BellaCrochet

1000 Sales on Etsy Contest

2012-02-02T10:37:00.002-06:00

Last month, I reached a milestone; I made my 1000th sale from my Etsy shop. And it only took me three years to do it!

To celebrate, I am having a contest. I will be giving away a box full of goodies to one winner.

There are eight different printed patterns. I don't have very many of my patterns in printed form, since I sell most of my patterns as pdf's. These are some from my wholesale orders.

And since you can never have too many hooks, I am also giving away a set of yarn hooks, a set of steel thread hooks, and a gauge measuring thingy.

The yarn hooks also come with a nifty little pair of folding scissors.

And this package contains the one hook I cannot live without; a size 7 steel Boye hook. I plan to be buried with one. Seriously.

And honestly, I am not really sure how you use this contraption, but it looks impressive. I am sure more knowledgeable crocheters know what to do with it.

And of course, there is thread! I will give the winner 10 balls of thread in some of my favorite colors. Some are new, and some are from my stash.

Uh oh!

Do you know how hard it is to take a picture of a tower of thread on a windy day?

Here they are, all boxed up and ready to go.

In addition, I will give the winner their choice of any 5 pdf patterns from my Etsy BellaCrochet shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellacrochet

I will select the winner at random and mail out the box next Friday, February 10th.
To enter, just leave me a comment, and be sure I have a way of contacting you, so I can get your mailing address if you win.

Thanks to everyone for helping me make 1000 sales, and good luck!

The Hardest Thing I Ever Designed

2012-01-29T12:46:00.005-06:00

I got an email from a sweet lady the other day, telling me that she had enjoyed making several of my designs, even though some of them had been challenging for her. She then asked, "what would you say is the most difficult thing you have ever designed?"

I thought about the Butterflies and Roses Pineapple Doilies, and the little Bag Holder Lady I did several years ago.

Both feature pineapples, which seem to make designing and pattern writing more difficult for me.

I thought about the Celtic Rose Decorative Potholders, with their hundreds of increases and decreases:

And as far as time consuming projects, it would have to be my Cherokee Rose Tablecloth:

But even though these designs were challenging, I knew what the answer had to be.

The Swan Queen Centerpiece.

I worked on this design for about 3 months, trying to get her just right. I had seen an old crocheted swan in an antique shop years ago, and wanted to make my own version. I wished a thousand times that I had bought the old one, even though it was falling apart, just so I would have some kind of reference. I have since seen old mail order patterns for swans. But I wanted to create my own, and add Irish Roses and leaves to one side, like an old Lefton swan vase I have.

This was back before I was using testers, so I agonized over writing the pattern. Pineapples are notoriously hard for me to write, but I love them so much!

Several people have told me that they have won blue ribbons with this design; it is certainly eye-catching. On the other hand, I saw a comment on Pintrest the other day, wondering why on earth anyone would want to make such a thing.

But for those of us who love thread crochet and enjoy a challenge, I think it is the perfect project. I display mine in a cabinet in my office where I can look at while I work. I will probably never make another one, but I am so glad that I took the time to make this one.

It may have been hard to make, but I think it was worth it.

What was the hardest crochet project you ever made?

Vintage Crochet for Baby

2012-01-15T09:37:00.000-06:00

Two of my greatest loves in life are babies and crochet, so I guess it is only natural that I love vintage crocheted baby items. Here are a few things I bought at antique shops years ago; I did not make them, and I do not have patterns for them, but I wanted to share them with you.

This type of matching bib and booties set was very popular in days gone by. I love the colors!

The booties fasten with little pearl buttons.

The delicate rosebuds and leaves are embroidered.

This beautiful little dress is one of my all time favorites. I have seen this pattern in old books, and I believe it was also offered as a kit from a thread company. I love the shaded green thread!

It just fits my new-born sized baby doll.

It closes with a row of little pearl buttons. So sweet!

I wonder about the babies that wore these items; they would be older than me, now! But this just goes to show that if taken care of, thread crochet will last for generations.

Who Is Making All Those Crocheted Items?

2012-01-13T08:06:00.006-06:00

Have you noticed how many big name companies are carrying crocheted items?

Crocheted top from Anthropologie

Socks from Anthropologie

Crocheted toys from PetSmart

Dress from FreePeople

This is not a new trend; I know that as far back as the 90's, Walmart and other department stores were carrying crocheted doilies, tablecloths and even bedspreads and some clothing. I loved looking at all these things, and I still do, but I have the same question now that I did back then:
Who is making all of these items?
Once at a convention this subject came up, and a woman I didn't know said, "They are made in third world countries, by poor women, and prisoners who are too weak to do other labor." Someone else said, "Oh, no, all of that stuff is made by machines," and the conversation turned to whether or not there is a machine that can make crochet. (There isn't; there is one that does a type of open-weave knitting that is called 'crochet' but no machine can do the loop-into-loop movement that it takes for true crocheting.)
Anyway, I wanted to ask the woman more about her 'third world countries' comment, but I could never locate her again. I don't know if she had first hand information on the subject or not, but I would love to find out.
I feel torn on this subject. On one hand, if the people (probably women) who are making all of these things are being paid fairly for their time and talent, I want to support them. I have made my living from crochet for the last 30 years, and I want to help others who are trying to do the same. On the other hand, if the crocheters are working 2 weeks on a dress and being paid only 2 dollars for it, I cannot in good conscience support it.
Most of us who have tried to sell our crocheted items know it is difficult to make a profit. People are just not willing to pay for all the time it takes to make a doily, afghan or toy. Now, just imagine all the people an item has to go through to get it into a big, nation-wide retailer, with each person along the way wanting to make a profit from it. Even though some of the dresses and other items are rather pricey, I wonder just how much the person who actually crocheted it makes?
There are some 'fair trade' companies who do pay the crocheters a fair wage for their work, but these are few and far between. I am afraid that most of the folks who are doing the crocheting are being exploited, and that breaks my heart.
If you have any information on where any of the crocheted items that the big retailers are selling are made, I would love to hear from you.

Happy New Year and a Look Back at 2011

2012-01-02T14:02:00.004-06:00

The Snow Queen Doily; the first design I published in 2011.

This Pineapple Snowflake Doily is the gift pattern that comes with the Snow Queen.

Every year, I write a list of the designs I want to do in the coming year. I very rarely get all of the items on my list finished, and never have I made them all as I originally planned. I get sidetracked, or have an idea on how to make something better, or maybe something just doesn't seem like a good idea any more. I try to stay flexible, and if I get a good idea I will usually drop every thing and go with it. Sometimes I feel like I am not accomplishing much, and it helps me to look back and see what I did manage to get done.
So here are the designs I published in 2011:

I did several sets that started with an Eyelet Foundation. This scarf is from the Ruffles and Lace Accessories set.

Fingerless gloves are still popular; this pair is from the Ruffles and Lace set.

This pink scarf is also in the Ruffles and Lace set.

Even the rose starts with an Eyelet Foundation.

Headbands were a popular accessory in 2011, and seem to still be going strong.

This head band is from the Trendy Head Bands and Trims pattern set.

The Boho Head Band and Snowflake trim from Trendy Head Bands and Trims.

I like the combination of red and black on this head band.

But my daughters and granddaughters fought over who would get this one!

The "Sophie" head band is the gift pattern that comes with both the Ruffles and Lace set and the Trendy Head Bands and Trims set.

One of my favorite designs this year was the Angel Wings Shawl.

It is actually shaped like a pair of Angel's wings!

The Angel's Touch Throw is the gift pattern that comes with the Angel Wings Shawl.

Capelettes are fast and fun to make; I did this Eyelet Foundation Capelette Set last fall; I thought they would make great gifts!

I think I like this Capelette best; it looks like a mini-poncho!

I also released the Indian Summer Ruana last fall. I love the shape; it is so comfortable and easy to wear!

I did a set of Sock Monkey Hats last spring. My pattern comes in four sizes.

And it also includes the pattern for this cute little back pack.

This little blanket is the gift pattern that comes with the monkey hats.

Of course, I had to do some thread designs, and last summer I released "Happily Ever After" one of the Lovely Lady Doilies.

The Annaleace doily is the gift pattern that comes with Happily Ever After. It is named after my sweet little granddaughter, Lillian Annaleace.

I also released Blue Birds of Happiness last summer; I just love using birds in my designs. Look for a Cardinal doily next Christmas!

Rhapsody Rose doily is the gift pattern that comes with the Blue Birds of Happiness. I love the colors in this doily.

'Stella Luna' is one of my Lovely Ladies Doilies, and the third of the 'Bewitching Beauties." I had so much fun working on this doily!

But the 'Trick or Treat' Doily, which is the gift pattern, seems to be more popular than poor little Stella!

I also did a few free patterns in 2011. The Kitty Cap, modeled here by my granddaughter, Autumn, was quite popular.

But the "Pineapple Lace" pattern drew literally thousands of hits, and continues to be one of the most popular posts on the blog.

I am still working on my list of new designs for 2012; there were a few I didn't get finished last year, and still others that I have been thinking about for a long time. I want my designs to stay fresh and exciting, and I have a few ideas I want to experiment with. I would love for 2012 to be my best design year ever; but only time will tell if I can manage it.

Merry Christmas To You!

2011-12-21T15:03:00.005-06:00

"But in this season it is well to reassert that the hope of mankind rests in faith. As a man thinketh, so he is. Nothing much happens unless you believe in it and believing there is hope for the world is a way to move toward it."
                                     Gladys Taber
                                          (from 'Stillmeadow Road')

"And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Wishing you all the blessings of this holy season.

Love,

Ann

Images courtesy http://vintageholidaycrafts.com/

Look What I Got For Christmas!

2011-12-15T17:29:00.006-06:00

I must have been really good this year, because look what I got:

This is my newest grandson, Paul, Jr., who will be called Buddy (as well as Little Paul, Peanut, and several other nick names; my daughter Bethany insists she is going to call him P.J.)

He was born Dec. 3rd, and weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz and was 21" long. He has already gained a pound!

I was able to go and spend some time getting acquainted with him last week. He seems to like the Monkey Hat I made for him.

Okay, so maybe it was really his Mama and Daddy who got Buddy for Christmas. I just feel blessed to have him in our family.

Welcome, Little Buddy. Grandmama loves you!

The Kitty Cap: A Free Crochet Pattern For You

2011-12-01T07:22:00.008-06:00

Autumn, age 6, wearing her Kitty Cap

I love making gifts for my grandchildren, but when you have as many as I do, you need items that can be made in a hurry. So I designed this little cap for my granddaughters; it is very quick and easy to make. It makes a great gift or item to sell (yes, you can sell items made from any of my patterns!)
The corners stand up like little cat ears, so we decided to call it the "Kitty Cap." It fits a little girl between the ages of 3-10, but I used a smaller hook (5 mm) and made one that fit my 18 month old granddaugter, Lilly. I haven't tried it, but you could probably use a larger hook and make one that would fit an adult.

KITTY CAP

by Elizabeth Ann White

for BellaCrochet

Skill Level: Easy

Size: 3-10 years (19”-21” head)

Gauge: 3 dc = 1” and 2 dc rows =1 ^1/4”

Materials:

3 ozs. Worsted Weight Yarn

Size I (5.50mm) Crochet Hook

Rnd 1: Ch 29, dc in 4^th ch from hook, dc in each of next 24 chs, 3 dc in next ch (ch at end); working in remaining lps on opposite side of chain, dc in each of next 25 chs; join with sl st in top of ch-3. (First 3 chs count as first dc; 54 dc made)

Rnds 2-9: Ch 3 for first dc, dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of ch-3. (54 dc)

Rnd 10: Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in first st, skip next 2 sts,
*(sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts; repeat from * around, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

The first round completed.

The finished cap.

Kyleigh, who just turned three. She has the edging of her hat folded up to form a brim.

Lilly, 18 months, and her Uncle Josh. Sorry Josh, I will make you a pink Kitty Cap for your birthday!

Abby, age 4. I wonder who got into the chocolate cookies?

Ana, age 10. She is growing up much too fast to suit her Grandmama!

Jasee, age 5, in her pretty pink Kitty Cap

Special thanks go to E. J. Miller and Jewel Fernley for testing this pattern.

Copyright BellaCrochet 2011. All rights reserved. This pattern may not be copied (except for personal use in making the item), sold or shared in any form.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:03:00.001-06:00

I love Thanksgiving! And I have so much to be thankful for; my family, my health, and more blessings than I can count. But one thing I am especially grateful for is YOU. You make it possible for me to do what I love; design full time. I thank you all with all my heart, and I want you to know how much I appreciate you.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Love,
Ann

Image courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com

Christmas Crochet

2011-11-15T08:24:00.004-06:00

I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner! Are you crocheting anything special this year? I didn't get any new designs ready in time for Christmas this year. I am actually working on Spring/Summer items right now, and plan to have some new holiday patterns ready for release next August. But here are a few of my designs from years past, just in case you are looking for ideas:

The Candle Light and Holly Doily and Mini Doilies Set. One of the first designs I self published, and still one of my favorites! Available as a single pattern on Ravelry:
candlelight

Tidings of Joy Doily. Available through both BellaCrochet.com and my Etsy shop. The Candle Light Doilies pattern is a gift with purchase of this doily:
tidingsofjoy

'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' doily. Available on bellacrochet.com and on Etsy:
godrestye

'Christmas in Gingerbread Land" Decorative Potholders/Wall Art. Available on BellaCrochet.com and in my Etsy shop:
gingerbread

"The Littlest Angels." This pattern is a gift with the purchase of either 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' or "Christmas in Gingerbread Land." Right now it is not available as a single pattern.

Then of course, there are my Little Gingerbread Boy and Girl, available free, right here on the blog:
gbbg

And my Tiny Christmas Angel, also available for free right here on the blog:
tinyangel

Happy Christmas Crocheting, everyone!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

As you might know, I love seeing pictures of what folks have made from my patterns! Here are a couple of Pineapple Pumpkin Lace pictures that were shared with me:

Deborah placed her pumpkin on a lovely doily.

Sweet little Molly Anna models with Mary's Pineapple Pumpkin Lace.

And here are a few pictures of some of my family. I love seeing them all dressed up!

Princess Lilly

Bumble Bee Kyleigh

Wolf Man Darren

Autumn with her face painted at her school's Harvest Carnival.

Cowboy William

Jasee and Autumn as pumpkin-headed princesses.

Sammy and his evil twin; we are not sure which is which!

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Friday FaceBook Contest

2011-10-14T12:30:00.000-05:00

I try to have a contest on my FaceBook page every Friday. You can enter here:

facebook

I usually give one person their choice of any of my pfd patterns available on bellacrochet.com.

It is easy to enter, you just have to leave a comment on the post.

I hope you will drop by and enter!

Pineapple Pumpkin Lace: A Free Crochet Pattern For You

2011-10-11T10:06:00.002-05:00

Lace covered pumpkins seem to be very popular this year. I have seen them on several blogs, so being the lover of all things crocheted that I am, I decided to design some crocheted lace to decorate my own pumpkins. I used a pineapple design, which is one of my favorites.

The nice thing about this design is that it doesn't scream "Halloween" (although it would certainly be a great decoration for Halloween), so it is good for those who don't decorate for Halloween, but still want to add a touch of Harvest or Autumn to their decor. It would be really pretty made in rust or burgundy thread for one of the white pumpkins, and would make a beautiful Thanksgiving decoration. It can also be used as a candle-mat doily, or stiffened and used as a wreath.

The pattern is the same for both the small and large sizes; you just use a larger hook and thread to make the larger size. The pattern calls for size 3 thread, but if you cannot find it, you can use 2 strands of size 10 thread held together as one, and you will get the same results.

The pattern starts with an Eyelet Foundation. If you are not familiar with this foundation, you can learn more about it here:
http://bellacrochet.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-make-crocheted-eyelet-foundation.html
I hope you will enjoy the pattern. Happy Fall, Y'all!

Pineapple Pumpkin Lace

By Elizabeth Ann White

for BellaCrochet

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials:

For Small (about 10” across):
Size 10 Cotton thread
150 yards black
1 yard 1/8” ribbon
Size 7 (1.65 mm) steel crochet hook
For Large (about 17” across):
Size 3 Cotton thread
150 yards black
1 yard 1/8” ribbon
Size 00(3.50 mm) steel crochet hook

Special Stitches

For beginning shell (beg shell), (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in sp indicated
For shell, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in sp indicated
For beginning double shell, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in sp indicated
For double shell, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in sp indicated
For 3 dc cluster, Yo, insert hook in st or ch sp indicated, yo, pull lp through, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook, (yo, insert hook in same st or ch sp, yo, pull through, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook) 2 times, yo, pull through all 4 lps on hook

Pineapple Pumpkin Lace

Rnd 1: For Eyelet Foundation, (ch 3, dc in 3^rd ch from hook) 32 times, join with sl st in first ch of first ch-3 to form a circle of 32 spaces; working into spaces by inserting hook between the dc and the ch-3 of each sp, sl st into first sp, beg shell (see Special Stitches) in first sp, ch 2, sc in next sp, ch 2, *shell (see Special Stitches) in next sp, ch 2, sc in next sp, ch 2; repeat from * around, join with sl st in top of ch-3 of beg shell. (16 shells, 16 sc, 32 ch-2 sps made)

Rnd 2: Sl st in next dc, (sl st, beg shell) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, 7 dc in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, *shell in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, 7 dc in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2; repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 3: Sl st in next dc, (sl st, beg shell) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 6 times, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, *shell in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 6 times, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp; repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 4: Sl st in next dc, (sl st, beg shell) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, skip next dc, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 3) 6 times, *shell in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, skip next dc, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 3) 6 times; repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 5: Sl st in next dc, beg double shell (see Special Stitches) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 5 times, skip next ch-3 sp, *double shell (see Special Stitches) in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 5 times, skip next ch-3 sp; repeat from * around, join.

Row 6: Now working in Rows, for first Pineapple, sl st across to second ch-2 sp of first double shell, (sl st, beginning shell) in second ch-2 sp, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 4 times, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in first ch-2 sp of next double shell; leaving remaining stitches unworked, turn.

Row 7: Ch 3, shell in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 3 times, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in last shell, turn.

Row 8: Ch 3, shell in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 2 times, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in last shell, turn.

Row 9: Ch 3, shell in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in last shell, turn.

Row 10: Ch 3, shell in ch-2 sp of first shell, skip next ch-3 sp, skip next sc, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in last shell, turn.

Row 11: Ch 3, 3 dc cluster (see Special Stitches) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 6, sl st in 6^th ch from hook, ch 7, sl st in same ch last sl st was worked in, ch 5, sl st in same ch last sl st was worked in, 3 dc cluster in ch-2 sp of last shell, ch 3, sl st in top of last st on last shell. Fasten off.

Row 6: For Next Pineapple, join with sl st in next unworked ch-2 sp of last double shell worked in, beg shell in same sp as joining, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 4 times, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in first ch-2 sp of next double shell; leaving any remaining stitches unworked, turn.

Rows 7-11: Work Rows 7-11 of First Pineapple.

Repeat Next Pineapple around for a total of 8 Pineapples.

Weave ribbon through spaces of Eyelet Foundation, tie ends in a bow. Trim ends of ribbon.

Special thanks go to E. J. Miller, Jolene Ortiz and Jewel Fernley for testing this pattern.

Copyright BellaCrochet 2011. All rights reserved. This pattern may not be copied (except for personal use in making the item), sold or shared in any form.

Update: I have recieved a lot of wonderful feedback on this pattern. If you make this design, I would love to see a picture of it; I plan to do a post in the future featuring pictures of Pumpkin Lace made from this pattern.

My Love/Hate Affair With Red Thread

2011-09-29T10:02:00.001-05:00

It is the time of year again that I start thinking about Christmas designs, and that always brings me back to one of my pet peeves of crocheting; the fact that red thread almost always bleeds onto other colors.

I love using red in my designs; to me there is nothing prettier than a red Irish rose.

The red Irish roses really make the Hummingbirds and Roses Doily

And honestly, I wouldn't know how to do a Christmas design without using red.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

The cottage from "Christmas in Gingerbread Land"

But, through the years, I have learned through sad experience, that if I use red thread next to a lighter color in a design, the red will run onto it if the item ever gets wet.
I have been told by some that DMC thread is colorfast, but I have also heard stories that it will run, too. I have been told to soak the thread in salt water or vinegar; but I cannot figure out how to wind 350 yards of size 10 thread off of it's cardboard center and wash it, without ending up with a tangled mess. And honestly, who really wants to go to all that trouble just to be able to use a product that should be colorfast anyway?
So now, I just include a warning on my patterns that red thread tends to bleed, so be careful not to get it wet. Since most of my items do not get a lot of use (I use them for decoration, so they don't get dirty) this works for me.

Vintage potholders from the 40's

A few rust stains, but no bleeding of the colors!

But here is the odd thing; I have in my collection several old doilies and potholders made in the 30's, 40's and 50's. Some of them have red roses on white backgrounds; some are red with white trim, some are white with red edging. All of them have obviously been washed, but none of them have the bleeding that happens on my new designs.
So, my question is this; if it was possible to make colorfast red thread in the past, why can't it be made now?
I hope some smart thread company will come out with a red thread that is truly colorfast; when they do, I know they will make many crocheters happy.

Stella Luna and Trick or Treat Patterns Are Now Available

2011-09-08T07:09:00.001-05:00

The 'Stella Luna Doily' pattern is now available on BellaCrochet.com:

stellaluna

I love her stockings and boots!

The pattern for the 'Trick or Treat Doily' is a gift with the purchase of Stella Luna.

I have had a few people ask if they could buy just the Trick or Treat pattern. If you would like to purchase it separately, I have listed it on Ravelry as a single pattern. You do not have to be a member of Ravelry to purchase patterns from them, although it is free and a wonderful site.

trickortreat

I have started a new doily that will be an Angel of Thanksgiving. I hope to have her available next month.

Autumn Leaves Dish Cloth and Hot Pad: A Free Pattern for you

2011-09-07T09:04:00.000-05:00

Autumn Leaves Dish Cloth

Skill Level: Easy

Size: About 5” across by 8” long

Materials:

3 ozs. Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn

Size I (5.50mm) Crochet Hook

Row 1: Ch 18, sc in 4^th ch from hook, sc in each of next 13 chs, 3 sc in next ch (ch at end); working in remaining lps on opposite side of chain, sc in each of next 12 chs; leaving remaining chs unworked, turn. (29 sc made)

NOTE: Work all remaining rows in back lps only.

Row 2: Ch 3, sc in each of first 12 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (30 sc made)

Row 3: Ch 3, sc in each of first 14 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 11 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (31 sc made)

Row 4: Ch 3, sc in each of first 13 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 13 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (32 sc made)

Row 5: Ch 3, sc in each of first 15 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (33 sc made)

Row 6: Ch 3, sc in each of first 14 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc, sc in each of next 14 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (32 sc made)

Row 7: Ch 3, sc in each of first 16 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (30 sc made)

Row 8: Ch 3, sc in each of first 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 14 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (29 sc made)

Row 9: Ch 3, sc in each of first 26 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (26 sc made)

Row 10: Ch 3, sc in each of first 23 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (23 sc made)

Row 11: Ch 3, sc in each of first 11 sc, for stem, ch 5, sc in 3^rd ch from hook, sc in each of next 2 chs, sc in next sc on Row 10, sc in each of next 8 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn.

Row 12: Ch 3, sl st in back lps of first 9 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, fasten off.

Autumn Leaves Hot Pad

Skill Level: Easy

Size: About 7” across by 10” long

Materials:

Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn:

3 oz. Each of two different colors

Size K (6.50mm) Crochet Hook

NOTE: Work with two strands of yarn held together as one throughout.

NOTE: Work all remaining rows in back lps only.

Row 2: Ch 3, sc in each of first 12 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (30 sc made)

Row 3: Ch 3, sc in each of first 14 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 11 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (31 sc made)

Row 4: Ch 3, sc in each of first 13 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 13 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (32 sc made)

Row 5: Ch 3, sc in each of first 15 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (33 sc made)

Row 6: Ch 3, sc in each of first 14 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc, sc in each of next 14 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (32 sc made)

Row 7: Ch 3, sc in each of first 16 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (30 sc made)

Row 8: Ch 3, sc in each of first 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 14 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (29 sc made)

Row 9: Ch 3, sc in each of first 26 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (26 sc made)

Row 10: Ch 3, sc in each of first 23 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (23 sc made)

Row 12: Ch 3, sl st in back lps of first 9 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, fasten off.

Special thanks go to E. J. Miller and Jewel Fernley for testing these patterns.

These are original designs by Elizabeth Ann White for BellaCrochet.

Let Me Grow Lovely

2011-09-02T06:51:00.005-05:00

Let me grow lovely, growing old--

So many fine things do:

Laces, and ivory, and gold,

And silks need not be new;

And there is healing in old trees,

Old streets a glamour hold;

Why may not I, as well as these
Grow lovely, growing old?

Karle Wilson Baker

The Cold Hard Facts: Copyright Violation

2011-08-30T10:07:00.007-05:00

I get emails sometimes saying something along the lines of: "Did you know that 'such and such' Yahoo Group is sharing your 'Angel of Love' pattern? Is it okay for them to do that?" The answer is, of course, no, it is not. And now and then, I learn about someone who has scanned one or more of my patterns and posted them online.
I immediately write to the person and ask them to stop distributing my patterns. Fortunately, so far, everyone has taken the patterns down, or agreed to stop distributing them. If they did not, I would write to the forum where the patterns were posted: Blogger, Yahoo Groups, Flickr, etc. All of these sites have rules against using them for illegal activity, and distributing copyrighted materials is illegal. They will shut down the group or delete the offending blog or page once the copyright owner proves they are sharing documents illegally. Facebook also has such a rule; now and then pages show up on which entire pattern books have been scanned in. One even had a notice saying "No copyright violation intended," as if that made it okay. But as soon as they are reported, Facebook will shut them down.
All of my patterns are protected by copyright laws. So are practically every other self-publishing designer's, and certainly all patterns produced by the big publishing houses are. It doesn't matter if a book is out of print. Every pattern published since 1978 is protected by copyright law for 70 years after the authors death. Since I plan to live for quite a while yet, that means that none of my designs will be in the public domain until somewhere around 2130. And even then, I hope that some of my descendants will renew the copyright on them (I plan to set it up so that they will have the right to do so after my passing.)
The Internet has made sharing patterns easier than ever; there are literally thousands of free patterns which are available legally. I offer free patterns, too, and encourage everyone to enjoy them. (But even my free patterns are copyrighted; if you would like to share one of them, please share the link, so that your friends can download their own copy.)
But we self-publishing designers have our place, too. Is it fair that we not be paid for our work? As my friend, designer Kathryn White, put it, "There are a lot of really good crocheters out there, but only a handful of designers that can truly create something new and exciting. Don't people understand they need to support us, not trash us? They have no concept of the amount of work that goes in to creating and writing up a pattern for one of these designs."
So the next time someone asks, "Will you share the pattern?" I hope you will think twice.
I, and all other designers, will be grateful to you.
NOTE: I just want to add that it is perfectly legal to sell your used pattern books. The problem comes when people make copies of them and try to sell the copies. In the case of pdf's, the problem comes when people post them online or make them available to others.

Sylvie's Bird Doily

2011-08-27T07:07:00.001-05:00

I love to see the creative things people do with my patterns, so I was thrilled to see what the talented Sylvie has done with the Blue Birds of Happiness doily.

Instead of two birds, Sylvie designed a little nest with three baby birds to place on one side of the doily. It is adorable, and so creative! (I do not have a pattern for this modification, it is Sylvie's own design.) Sylvie is a very talented crochet designer, and has a lovely blog here:

http://univers-du-crochet.com/
It is all written in French, but it is a wonderful site to visit.

This is the original Blue Birds of Happiness doily. The pattern is available here: bluebird
Thank you so much for sharing the photo of your delightful doily, Sylvie! I love it!

Possum

2011-08-23T08:13:00.001-05:00

I have a kind of unusual fondness for possums. For many years, I lived in a little community that was called the "Possum Capital of Texas."

We even had a Possum Festival every fall.

So, I was very happily surprised to see this little fellow in the pear tree in my front yard this morning.

Isn't he cute?

Rosie didn't know what to think about him, she wanted him to come down from the tree and play with her (not a good idea!)
I wonder if I could crochet a doily of a possum hanging from it's tail in a persimmon tree?

Crochet Online

2011-08-15T08:13:00.005-05:00

One of the most wonderful things available to crocheters today is the Internet. There are literally thousands of blogs, web sites and videos available to provide inspiration, information, tutorials, free patterns, and well, just about anything you could want or need related to crochet. Here are a few sites that I have enjoyed visiting recently:
The next time I someone asks me "But what can you do with all of those doilies?" I am going to share the link to this post on Mod Vintage Life: http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/2011/08/doilies.html
Nita has collected photos from all over the web showing inovative and beautiful ways to use all the doilies we tend to collect over the years (well, at least I have!) Her blog is lovely, I love her decorating style!
If you are not a member of Ravelry, which is an online community of knitters and crocheters, I urge you to check it out. There are hundreds of different groups for every kind of interest you can imagine (I belong to groups called "Doily Heads," "Threadies," and "Crinoline Girls We Love" for example.) You can spend hours just looking at all the beautiful items folks have posted pictures of. Be sure you have some extra time when you visit: http://www.ravelry.com/

I love the fact that many big name fashion designers are featuring crocheted designs! Betsey Johnson is one of my all time favorite designers, and while I am afraid this little top is too young for me, I think it is adorable! http://www.betseyjohnson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11529180

Copyright Betsey Johnson

And if you don't know about Crochet Pattern Central, you are in for a treat. They have links to thousands of free online patterns. It is a treasure trove of goodies! The patterns are broken down into categories to make it easier to search for a specific type of pattern. http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/index.php
Well, that's all for today. Do you have any favorite crochet sites?

Coming Soon: the Stella Luna Doily

2011-08-11T20:14:00.001-05:00

I am working on the pattern for a new doily which is called "Stella Luna." It features a little witch sitting on a crescent moon.

I like her red and white striped stockings.

The bats were the hardest thing to get right; I bet I made a hundred different wings before I got one I liked.

My little ginger haired beauty!

The Trick or Treat Doily will be the gift pattern that will come with purchase of Stella Luna.

The patterns will be available on BellaCrochet.com in September, 2011.

Another Thing I Love About Crochet: It is Relaxing

2011-08-08T08:13:00.006-05:00

If I had a nickel for every time someone said to me, "I just don't have the patience to crochet," I would, hmm, let's see now..., well, I would have a pretty big sack full of nickles.
These folks usually follow that statement up with something like, "I just can't sit still long enough to crochet." And my answer to that is that I can only sit still if I have some crochet work in my hands. I feel all fiddly if I sit down to watch a movie or something and I don't have a crochet project to work on; I just don't know what to do with my hands.
Yes, it can be frustrating and difficult to sit still and crochet when you are just learning. Everything that is worth learning takes some time and effort. But if you keep at it (and it usually doesn't take very long) there will come a glorious moment when you will "get it," and the stitches start to flow easily. You won't have to concentrate on every single movement, your hands relax, and crochet becomes the joy, the relaxing activity that has saved my sanity on more than one occasion.

When my children were small, I looked forward to the moments I could slip away to my favorite chair and add a few stitches to what ever project I had going; it was my "Mommy time." The repetitive motion of crocheting the familiar stitches seemed to sooth my nerves, and the stress of the day would melt away.
When my mother was sick, I sat by her bed and crocheted. I would have lost my mind if I didn't have something to work on during that stressful time. I made easy projects; baby blankets and afghans with easy stitch patterns that I didn't have to think about. I could stop in the middle of a row or even in the middle of a stitch, get up and tend to Mama, and then pick my work back up. Sometimes she would look over at me, and seeing what I was doing, she would begin to make the motions of crocheting, too (of course, she had no hook or thread.) A nurse came in one afternoon, and seeing Mama's hands moving asked her if she was okay; she thought she was agitated about something. "She is just crocheting," I told her, holding up my own hook and yarn. The nurse laughted, and said, "Make something pretty for me, Mrs. Loftis!"
But it seems to me that when my hands are busy my mind can be still, or at least drift a little. When I crochet, I feel peaceful and calm. It is the most relaxing thing I know of, and that is one of the reasons I love crochet.

Happily Ever After Doily and Angel Wings Prayer Shawl Now Available

2011-08-03T07:54:00.000-05:00

I have added two new pattern sets to bellacrochet.com.

First is the "Happily Ever After Doily" which is available here:

happilyeverafter

The happy couple!

The Bride wears a pearl necklace and tiara, and carries a bouquet of roses.

The Groom looks handsome in his gray tux and pink bow tie!

The "Annaleace" doily, which is the gift pattern that comes with the purchase of Happily Ever After.

The second new product for August is the "Angel Wings Comfort or Prayer Shawl."

Here is the back of it; it starts with my favorite Eyelet Foundation (instructions on how to do it are included in the pattern.)

But the really cool thing about this shawl is that it is actually shaped like a pair of Angel's Wings!

Here is the "Angel's Touch Throw" which is the gift pattern that comes with the purchase of the Angel Wings Shawl.

It is sweet and simple, but has a pretty ruffled border.

The Angel Wings Comfort or Prayer Shawl is available here:
angelwings

I am now working on a Halloween doily which features a little witch sitting on the cresent moon; I will post a sneak peek picture in a few days.

Things I Love About Crochet

2011-08-01T16:21:00.004-05:00

It has been a long hot summer, and I have been in a bit of a designing slump lately. Since I always prefer to focus on the positive, I thought I would do a few posts over the next few weeks on some of the things I love the most about crochet.
Today, I want to talk about something that I don't see mentioned very often, but which I think is a very positive thing about crochet; the fact that it is a relatively inexpensive hobby.
Of course you can spend lots of money on expensive yarn if you want to, but it is not necessary. Good quality crochet thread can be purchased for less than 5 dollars a ball, and a ball usually contains anywhere from 3 to 4 hundred yards of thread. You can make many thread projects for less than 10 dollars in materials. There are also many good quality yarns available that are reasonably priced; there is no need to spend a lot of money on yarn unless you just want to. And almost everyone has left-over yarn that can be used to make granny squares or other scrap projects if you don't have the money to go out and buy new yarn.

Crochet hooks can be purchased very inexpensively, and will last a lifetime (if you don't loose them, which I have been known do!)

Most of the crocheters I know own large collections of crochet patterns, but if money is tight and you want a new design to work on, there are thousands of free patterns available on the Internet (of course, I hope everyone will treat themselves to a lovely new BellaCrochet pattern now and then!)

In these tough economic times, I think the fact that you can enjoy crocheting without breaking the bank is a very positive thing, and one of the many things I love about crochet.

What do you love about crochet?