MomWithAHook's Crochet Journal

It's Been A Long Time

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:46:04 PDT

It's been a long time since I've blogged. I've been ill for a while. What started out as flu like symptoms turned into quite an ordeal. Physically I'm doing much better but emotionally I still have a long way to go. At least now I feel like blogging again.

Due to a large medical bill I had to let a lot of things online go. (my new wordpress blogs and hosting, the shopping cart I was using to sell my eBook and the new email list software) Yikes, I invested so much into my online presence it was sad to see it all tumble in less than a month.

I'm sorry I just kind of disappeared on you all. This is one reason a back up plan should always be put in place when you have a blog or business online. (definitely something I learned first hand) Another thing I learned is to let someone know about your online life. Not sure why I didn't let my husband in on this aspect of me - but he is now well aware of all accounts.

Not really sure where I am going from here. I'll take it one day at a time. In the mean time I'm trying to salvage all that I wrote and transfer it to this blog again.

I was hosting the Hooking for Cash series on another blog "crochetbusiness.com" but had to let that go so I'll have to retrieve the files from notes as when the accounts were canceled backups were not run - seriously I did not want to be bothered - at that point I wanted to disappear. As soon as I am ready I'll write up the series and let you know when it is ready for download.

URL's that are no longer valid: saraduggan.com, crochetbusiness.com and crochetjobs.com. When I get around to it I'll forward these url's to various pages I have but for now they are parked. Momwithahook.com - the wordpress blog I transferred this blog to will not be valid as of June 1, 2012.

Haven't crocheted in quite sometime. Today was the first day I picked up yarn and a hook. The only reason I did this is for a swap-bot swap I am a part of. It was suppose to be mailed today but I didn't have the squares ready - I'm working on them today in hopes that I'll have them ready by Tuesday.

Hoping you all enjoy your Memorial Day weekend - remembering those who have lost a love one.

International Crochet Month Blog Tour Roundup

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:27:35 PDT

Thank you for joining me as I traveled around the blogosphere to the first 31 blogs in my blogroll. I enjoyed participating in Knit and Design Week with Fresh Stitches – Stacey Trock and finally got around to releasing Hooking for Cash. It was a great month to celebrate crochet.
In case you missed any of the blogs here is a list of the Crochet blogs I visited:

I’m hoping to do this again next year. I enjoyed visiting everyone and look forward to finding more crochet blogs.

InterNatCroMo: Crochet in Color

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:31:36 PDT

I came across Liz’s blog via her post on the Stripey Rainbow blanket she was making. It caught my eye because of all the glorious colors. Take a look at the Hello Kitty inspired hat as well. (both are free patterns)

If you follow Pinterest crochet at all you’ll be sure to recognize these rainbow fingerless gloves. What can I say – I love her designs. Her color choices are great and the photos are super. I wish when I took pictures they would come out that beautifully.

This is the last blog in our International Crochet Month tour – Hopefully it wasn’t too boring for you. I know I enjoyed getting to know the blogs in my blogroll – gasp – I still have so many more to go. That’s okay because I do have Spotted Crochet blogs on Thursdays.

Visit Crochet in color, leave her a quick comment, show some crochet blog love – follow her on Pinterest and be sure you stay connected.

InterNatCroMo: Yarn round Hook

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:33:47 PDT

Yarn Round Hook is the blog that features a rectangle granny square blanket which fits on a bed easier. You can check out her free crochet patterns and read up on the other happenings of her life as a wife and mother in Australia.

Be sure to read her “The Truth About Blogging” post – an inside look into the life of a blogger.
Be sure to visit her blog, say hi and let her know you found her via Momwithahook’s Blog tour for International Crochet Month.

InterNatCroMo: Dis Frutando con el Crochet

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:36:13 PDT

Please don’t let the language barrier (Spanish) keep you away from this awesome crochet blog. Disfrutando con el Crochet by Mari Carmen means Enjoying the Crochet – is filled with Lovely crochet goodies.

There are so many items I want to show you here are just a few:

Crocodile stitch spring skirt
The Blanket Lurdes (my first intro to her work via Pinterest)
Noah’s Ark Blanket

Stop on by and say hi, give her some blog love, follow her on Facebook and really spend time browsing this awesome site. Give a great designer luxurious yarn and this is what is birthed.

InterNatCroMo: Eclectic Me

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:39:03 PDT

Eclectic Me is a blog written by Gillian Hamilton – found her via the Wool Eater crochet a long that Sarah London is hosting on her blog this year. I wish I could have participated but watching the others progress in their blankets was pure joy.

I also enjoyed reading about her crochet rug tutorial-pattern. It isn’t round but kind of like an octagon or great big stop sign. She made it in a muted tone which really appeals to the minimalist side of me. (funny – I’m a bright rainbow hippie with a muted minimalist side)

In the tutorial you will find she didn’t use yarn – she used fabric. So be sure to scroll down a bit to the previous post to learn how she made the fabric yarn. I’m thinking this would be a great project for thrifted sheets. I found some old king size sheets with 70′s style flowers that will make a great “something” in the future – not sure exactly what but when I bought them a couple of years ago I knew I had to have them.

More lovely things to check out? How about these Granny square stockings or these Granny square slippers? I can go on and on.

Visit her blog, leave some crochet blog love, follow her on Ravelry and let her know she is valuable asset to the crochet blogging community.

InterNatCroMo: Grateful 4 Crochet

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:41:04 PDT

Grateful 4 Crochet is a crochet blog written by a reading, crocheting geek – She started her blog for the 365 Gratitude project and it has clearing turned into a love project. She blogs when time allows, in a manner that says “Welcome Friends”.

Her latest project showcases not only her crochet skills but also her lovely personality – you have to read to share in the love. I initially came across her blog via her Men of Crochet Post and stumbled upon this post on Cards and Maps (love paper crafts) as well as her crochet bunting – fabric and yarn.

I love her blog because – again – the color. I am a wild hippie child inside this quiet Mama body – so really love color even though my color palette is mainly grey and black.

Stop on by and give her some crochet love, follow her and of course Comment.

InterNatCroMo: Roses’ Crafts

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:42:58 PDT

Roses Crafts is a blog about Richard and his crochet & knitting while caring for his wife. I found his blog via Tami’s Finished object Fridays – check out his Works in progress this week – the beautiful Daffodil teacloth – amazing work – as well as his multi-part turtle.

Richard also blogs about daily life, craft markets and his spiritual life.

More Finished Objects from Richard:

Tea Cozies
Wine glass socks
Hanging Towels
Plus his Madeit Shop with all sorts of items for sale.

Be sure to stop by Rose’s Crafts and say hi, give him some crochet love, check out his shop and read a couple of his week in review posts.

InterNatCroMo: Not so Granny

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:45:06 PDT

Not so Granny is a combination of knitting and crochet. You’ll want to visit her blog and congratulate her on her first published pattern in Inside Crochet. If you have the issue, her pattern is the something blue – garter belt.

Lot’s of great designing on this blog. She crochets and knits seamless – so your garments will be one piece – No sewing – Yay! Want a taste of what she does? Check out this free winter cowl pattern or this Design your own Shrug tutorial.

I really love crochet bloggers who can Teach crochet to people like me.

You should know what to do by now – but just in case this is your first visit to my International Crochet Month series – Visit Not so Granny, leave a comment, give her some crochet blog love, follow her on Ravelry, Twitter, where ever she may be – PLUS congratulate her on her published pattern.

InterNatCroMo: Le Monde de Sucrette

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:46:56 PDT

100% Handmade with Love – that’s what you’ll find at Le Monde de Sucrette’s crochet blog. If you head on over now, you can catch her Granny Poncho crochet-a-long.

Lots of colorful work here – you’ll definitely get your fill of eye candy. She was blessed with the Awesome Crochet blog Award, Kreative Blogger, Liebster Blog Award, Stylish blog award, Beautiful blog award, and the Versatile blog award – Definitely a crochet blog to check out.

Her patterns come with charts – so if you enjoy crochet patterns visually you’ll find her patterns are perfect. Check out this circle in a square granny square tutorial – part of her leather stool project.

Head on over to Angie’s blog today – give some crochet blog love, follow her, connect with her and be sure to leave a comment.

InterNatCroMo: Crocheting with Dee

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:48:12 PDT

Crocheting With Dee is a wonderful blog about crochet. A crochet teacher, designer, and blogger, Dee is the official “Crochet Cheerleader” and you can find just about every question you have with regards to crochet in her blog.

She has a complementary blog called Hooks and Stitches where she highlights – Crochet Hooks – actually the most spectacular hooks – you’ll lust for these.

Please visit Dee, say hi, follow her blog, twitter and just give her some Crochet blogging love.

InterNatCroMo: SusanD1408 Crochet Addict

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:50:09 PDT

Susan’s blog is a blog after my own heart – a self proclaimed Crochet Addict – she is in love with all things crochet. She is currently suffering from CFS and blogging and crochet is what keeps her mind off of her pain.

I first came to know Susan when I tested a pattern for her. It was the little Kitty bib I featured a while back. You’ll find Susan to be a friendly and engaging blogger. She enjoys giveaways and is open to guest bloggers for Saturdays.

Stop on by Susan’s blog, leave a comment, give her some Crochet love, follow her blog and catch her on Twitter and Pinterest.

InterNatCroMo: Crochetkitten

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:51:32 PDT

Crochet Kitten is a blog from a kitten’s point of view. We get a glimpse into the life of her owner – the animator’s wife – but really it’s all about the cat.

You’ll find references including hook sizes and common abbreviations of the most popular stitches. You’ll also find tutorials and patterns.

Hop on over to Crochet Kitten’s blog, say hi by leaving a comment, follow her blog, hook up with her on Ravelry and be sure to check out her awesome crochet earrings in her etsy shop.

InterNatCroMo: Crocheting the Day Away

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:53:05 PDT

This blog is run by Mary a stay at home mom who enjoys not only crocheting but knitting as well. You’ll find a really neat set of tutorials on Tunisian crochet with quality photographs so as not to get lost.

Be sure to follow her blog, visit her Etsy shop, and leave her a comment and International crochet month love.

#InterNatCroMo: Maude and Me

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:54:23 PDT

Maude and Me is a colorful blog filled with the joy of creativity. She is currently involved in spinning her own yarn as well as crocheting. You will find her blog to be a delight to read.

You will find a number of free patterns in her library as well as finished pieces in her shop.

Please take the time to visit her crochet blog, say hi by leaving a comment. Follow her on social media and be sure to subscribe to her rss feed.

#InterNatCroMo: Happy Woman

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:55:25 PDT

Happy Woman Crochet – Check out her latest post on Granny Square Bag. She shares about all the projects she crochets and knits both for her family and for friends.

Some of my favorite projects include her doll fashions and her flower patterns.

Please give her a great big Crochet welcome, follow her blog and let her know you found her via Momwithahook’s Crochet blog tour.

#InterNatCroMo: Crochet Bug

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:58:53 PDT

Our next stop in the International Crochet Month blog tour is crochet blogger Crochet Bug. I came across this blog when I saw a photo on flickr of an African flower soccer ball. She made this when Africa was competing in the world cup in 2010.

You’ll find all sorts of crochet goodness on this blog. She’s always working on something – check out her ‘As seen on TV’ series where she recreates items worn by those in Hollywood. (example: Elle Woods hat from the Movie Legally Blonde)

Be sure to show her some Crochet Love by following her blog and hooking up with her on other online venues.

Knit and Crochet Design Week: Turning a Design into a Pattern

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:57:44 PDT

This is the last day of Knit and Crochet Design Week with Stacey of FreshStitches.com.

This is what Mr. Squid looks like so far. He is not complete and won’t be turned into a completed pattern until I fix a couple of things.

I think is fins need to be a little larger, his eyes definitely need to be different, and of course I’ll need to buy more yarn to make more ~~legs~~ arms.

I didn’t sew on a mouth yet because I want to make sure the other eyes are placed properly. I did make the puff stitches where I want the eyes. I don’t have safety eyes so what I used was felt dots.

One other area that needs to be addressed in this design is the bottom of the squid. I made his head one piece – at the time it seemed like it would work but now I can see I should have added the head to the bottom of the body – added eyes and then the tentacles. (Also, can you tell the fins are not symmetrical? That is bothering me.)

Plus they look more like ears to me than fins. Ugh.

My son likes Mr. Squid or as he calls him Squidler – so he’ll probably go to his collection of failed patterns. I love my son because what I see as failure he just sees as a huggable toy.

I enjoyed participating in this design challenge and am glad I finally sat down and worked on Mr. Squid but am disappointed that it doesn’t seem I got any further in completing his pattern. I know what I don’t want more now than I did in the beginning. I’m definitely not a designer.

Be sure to check up on Stacey’s Platypus and the other participants creations.

#InterNaCroMo: Nancy’s Crochet

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:01:37 PDT

Nancy’s crochet blog is our next stop in the International Crochet Month blog tour.

Nancy always has a number of crochet projects going. She’s inspired me to mix fabric and crochet in her post on Leap day projects. She does a granny stitch around a square of fabric. I think it looks great.

Nancy also has an Etsy shop where she shares her projects – I like her Flower Hotpad design the best.

I found Nancy’s blog via a post by Kathyrn of Crochet Concupiscence which featured crochet Christmas trees. Nancy’s tree was one of the patterns featured.

Be sure to follow her blog, visit her etsy shop, and friend her on Ravelry – It’s what Hookin’ Up is all about – connecting with others in the crochet community online.

Knit and Crochet Design Week: Trouble Spots

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 00:59:54 PDT

Starting Mr. Squid was okay but as I was finishing him up I realized that I would not have enough yarn to complete his legs.(arms) I also was under the impression that squids had 8 feet – which my boys were quite thrilled to let me know I was mistaken. They do in fact have 8 feet but 2 tentacles as well. I was counting the tentacles as feet.

Two problems – not enough feet and not enough yarn – I’ll have to go buy some more pink simply soft yarn and no telling when that will be. I still have the dark pink wool – I might go ahead and make the baby squid after all.

Are you experiencing any problems? Join Stacey on Freshstiches.com to see her progress and the progress of other participants.

#InterNatCroMo: Plus 3 Crochet

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:04:32 PDT

We getting close the end of the second week of International Crochet Month.

This next stop takes us to Plus3Crochet. Always filled with colorful and brilliant photos this is one of my favorite blogs to read. Love her purple doily blanket – a must see.

Casey writes mainly about her love of crochet with a splash of family because she is a stay at home mom of 3 little ones.

She also takes part in little challenges, the latest being the Month of Craft Photos.

Be sure to follow her blog, friend her on facebook and twitter, and catch up with her on Ravelry. I don’t have instagram but for those who do – you can share with her via your iPhone.

Knit and Crochet Design Week: Progress Photos

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:02:57 PDT

Today is day 4 of FreshStitches.com Design week and we get to share photos of how we are doing. For Mr. Squid I finished up his head.

The two puff stitches are where I’ll be putting his eyes. On the bottom of the photo you can see pieces of his tentacles (2) and 3 legs.

As I was working on his legs I can tell I’m not going to have enough yarn to make all 8 legs. Ugh.
Not sure how many legs he’ll eventually have – maybe I should make him different colored legs?

How has your design coming along? Want to see what the others are designing? Head on over to Stacey’s FreshStitches blog for details.

#InterNatCroMo: Pass the Cereal

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:07:23 PDT

Pass the Cereal is more than a crochet blog it is a family blog. She shares the everyday happenings of a stay at home and her children. Lots of different craft projects to see and great book recommendations.

Oh, let’s not forget she loves crochet too so you’ll get plenty of inspiration from her Projects list.

Check out the scallop bunting which can be made in a rainbow of colors. You can even embroider on them or add appliques.

Knit and Crochet Design Week: Yarn Selection

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:06:12 PDT

For Knit and Crochet Design Week Day three we are sharing our yarn selections. For this squid project my process was not difficult. I chose what I had in my stash.

Earlier this year I did a review of Simply Soft yarn and had some left over. Pink is the color of most amigurumi squids so it worked out perfectly.

The suggested crochet hook for this medium weight yarn is a H-8 (5 mm) but since I need the stitches to be close together to hold the stuffing I am using a F-5 (3.75mm).

What process do you use when choosing a yarn?

I know I’m pretty simple and my budget is limited so basically whatever I have to work with is my main deciding factor but I’d love to know what factors go into your decision making process.

#InterNaCroMo: 1500 Free Amigurumi Patterns

momwithahook@yhoo.com (Sara Duggan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:10:40 PDT

This is a blog run by Rob - which is a directory of free amigurumi patterns. These are not actual patterns but links to the sites which have the patterns. The patterns that are for sale belong to Sayjai of K and J patterns - popular kawaii amigurumi patterns.

You can sign up for the rss feed or email updates and receive links to new patterns as they are available.

If you are a crochet designer of amigurumi contact Rob so that your free crochet pattern can be featured. It is a good way to get link backs to your crochet blog.

Be sure to visit Great amigurumi and leave a comment. Spread the Crochet love.