Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Best Learn to Crochet Video!

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If you would love to learn how to crochet, here's a great way to learn! Take your time and go at your own pace. You could be making up granny squares for our Block Party by this evening!



Be sure to see the related videos to learn more.

Related Videos




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Best Learn to Knit Video!

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Here is the best "Learn to Knit" video I have found online. If you've always wanted to learn, but just couldn't seem to get the hang of it, this is a great way to go. You can go at your pace, stop, back up...it's great! Give it a whirl, maybe you will be knitting in a matter of minutes!




I highly recommend that you visit and subscribe to "Cyberseams". There are a ton more videos to help you get on with your knitting!





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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

A Child's Mind

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A child's mind
no weight of worry there.
Only pure and fairer dreams
which grownups long to share.


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Tremors

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These tiny tremors
one on another
can only lead
to one final and
complete destruction.

So it is with love
when it is given
with no possible chance
of return.


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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Trying to finish up.

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Over the next few days I will be trying to finish up another hooded baby cape. I'm just about to start on the hood to complete it, so if a bunch of things don't crop up to interrupt me, it should be finished soon! If you have not seen the pattern for this, it is listed under free crochet patterns at the left under Labels. It really is coming out beautifully and I will put a photo up when I have completed it.


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Monday, May 12, 2008

Free digital scrapbooking sites

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Another thing I enjoy, aside from crocheting for "Covered With Love" is digital scrapbooking. You've gotta give this a try, once you do you're sure to become addicted!

Here are some free digital scrapbooking links I hope you will enjoy!



  • Digitalscrapbookingfreebies

  • Rakscraps

  • ScrapWow

  • Shabby princess

  • Free digital scrapbooking

  • Simply clean digiscraps

  • Scrapgirls

  • Go digital scrapbooking

  • Scrap artist

  • Two peas in a bucket

  • Digital freebies

  • Gotta Pixel

  • Computor scrapbook

  • Peppermint Creative

  • Cottage Arts

  • Scrap book elements

  • Scrap book bytes

  • 3 scrapateers

  • Digiscrapdepot

  • Bunny Hop Little Girls Sweater



    I found the following pattern at Crystal Palace and had to share it... this couldn't be sweeter! Their link is on the "Best Links" page under 'Labels'.


    Crystal Palace Yarns
    free knit baby sweater pattern


    Below is a close-up
    to show the lace ruffle texture.


    See many Bunny Hop
    patterns HERE
    including socks.

    Bunny Hop Baby Ruffled Pullover
    Designed and Knit by Dawn Leeseman for Crystal Palace Yarns

    Bunny Hop is a luscious yarn from Crystal Palace Yarns combining microfibers and bunny angora. Click the yarn name just below to see the complete color card.

    Sizes: 6-9 (12) (18) months (2 yrs)
    Finished garment at chest: 21 (22.5) (24) (25.5)"

    Materials:
    Crystal Palace Bunny Hop: 2 (3) (3) (4) - 50 gram balls, (MC) and 1 (2) (2) (2)- 50 gram ball (CC)
    [Photos show MC = #204, "natural" and CC = #2301, "rosewater"
    Needles:
    Crystal Palace Bamboo Needles US size 6 - 16” circular and size 7 circular or straight.
    Locking or split ring markers

    Gauge: 21 sts and 28 rows = 4" on Size 7 needles in Rib Stitch, slightly stretched and blocked, be sure to do a gauge swatch.

    Abbreviations: BO-bind off; CC-contrast color; CO-cast on; Dec-decrease; Inc-increase; k-knit; MC-main color; meas-measures; patt-pattern; p-purl; rep-repeat; RS-right side; SKP-slip, knit pass slip st over; SK2p-slip1 stitch, k2 stitches together, pass slip st over; sl-slip; tbl-through back loop; tog-together; WS-wrong side; yo-yarn over.

    Back
    Using Size 7 needles and MC, CO 185 (199) (213) (227) work Ruffle Trim as follows:
    Row 1: Knit.
    Row 2: Knit.
    Change to CC
    Row 3 (RS): P3, *k11, p3; rep from * to end.
    Row 4: K3, *p11, k3; rep from * to end.
    Row 5: P3, *SKP, k2, yo, SK2P, yo, k2, k2tog, p3; rep from * to end.
    Row 6: K3, *p9, k3; rep from * to end.
    Row 7: P3, *SKP, k1, yo, SK2P, yo, k1, k2tog, p3; rep from * to end.
    Row 8: K3, *p7, k3; rep from * to end.
    Row 9: P3, *SKP, yo, SK2P, yo, k2tog, p3; rep from * to end.
    Row 10: K3, *p5, k3; rep from * to end.
    Row 11: P3, *SKP, k1, k2tog, p3; rep from* to end.
    Row 12: K3, *p3, k3; rep from * to end.
    Row 13: P3, *SK2P, p3; rep from * to end.
    Row 14: K3, *p1, k3; rep from * to end.
    Change to MC
    Row 15: P3, *k1, p3; rep from * to end.
    Row 16: K3, *p1, k3; rep from * to end.
    Using MC working on rem 55 (59) (63) (67) sts; rep rows 15 and 16 until piece meas 6 (6.5) (7) (8)”; from CO edge.
    Place marker at each end. Work 4 (4.5) (5) (5.5)” above marker; end after working WS row.

    Neck and Shoulder Shaping
    Work both sides at the same time. Work 16 (16) (18) (19) sts, in patt; with second ball of yarn, BO 23 (27) (27) (29) sts, work rem 16 (16) (18) (19) sts in patt. Dec 1 st at neck edge every row 2 (2) (3) (3) times. 14 (14) (15) (16) sts rem. Work 1 row even. BO 14 (14) (15) (16) shoulder sts loosely, in patt.

    Front
    Work same as for the back, until 2 (2) (2) (2.5) ” above armhole marker, begin neck shaping.

    Shape Neck:
    Work both sides at same time. Work 24 (24) (26) (28) sts, in patt; join 2nd ball of yarn and BO 7 (11) (11) (11), work rem 24 (24) (26) (28) sts, in patt.

    Dec 1 sts at neck edge every row, 5 (5) (5) (6) times; then dec 1 st at neck edge every other row 5 (5) (6) (6) times; 14 (14) (15) (16) sts rem. Work even until armhole meas same as back.

    Sleeves
    Using Size 7 needles and MC, CO 101(115) (129) (129). Work Rows 1-16 of Ruffle Trim, same as for Back and Front. 31 (35) (39) (39) sts. Rep rows 15 and 16; work 2 rows. Inc Row: Increase 1 st at each end; rep Inc row every other row, 2 (6) (0) (0) times and every row 4, 4 (3) (9) (8) times; and every 6 rows 0 (0) (0) (3) times. Working all sts into patt as established. 45 (55) (59) (63) sts.

    Work even until piece meas 6 (7) (8.5) (10.5)” from CO edge; end after working WS row. Place stitch marker at center stitch. BO loosely in pattern.

    Finishing
    Block pieces, stretching slightly, do not block ruffle. Sew Shoulder Seams. Work Neck trim. Sew sleeves, matching sleeve center stitch marker to shoulder seam. Sew side seams.

    Neck Trim
    Using size 6 needle and MC, beginning at left shoulder pick up 16 (18) (18) (20) sts along left neck edge; pick up 7 (11) (11) (11) neck BO sts; pick up 16 (18) (18) (20) sts along right neck edge; pick up 2 sts at right back neck; 23 (27) (27) (29) sts back BO sts; pick up 2 along left back neck. 66 (78) (78) (84) sts. Place marker and join into round. Rnd 1: Knit. Rnd 2: Purl. Change to CC. Rnd 3-5: Knit. Change to MC. Rnd 6: Knit. BO loosely in purl.

    Crochet Triangles for Shawls or Ponchos

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    This is a pattern which is great for baby ponchos all the way up to adult size. Just make as many as you need. Stitch them together with a whip stitch. Making two larger triangles made up from a lot of little ones.
    Place these right sides together and stitch across the top from each side leaving and open place for head.

    For a Shawl or wrap, just continue connecting triangles into one large triangle, it’s that easy!


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    Stitch Guide


    Beginning Double Crochet Cluster - (abrev. “Beginning dc cluster”)Chain 3, *YO, insert hoook in sp indicated, YO and pull up a loop, YO and draw through 2 loops on hook: repeat from* once more, YO and drraw through all 3 loops on hook. Uses one sp.

    Double Crochet Cluster (abrev. Dc cluster) Uses one sp.
    *YO, insert hook in sp indicated, YO and pull up a loop, YO and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from* 2 times more, YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

    Treble Crochet Cluster (abrev. Tr cluster.) This uses one ch-5 sp.
    *YO twice, insert hook in ch-5 sp indicated, YO and pull up a loop, (YO and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice; repeat from * 2 more times, YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

    Picot
    Chain 4, slip st in fourth ch from hook (counts as on ch-3 sp)


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    Choose three colors for central design and a fourth for you outline. The outline can be white or black or matching color.


    With central color (blue in photo) chain 5; join with slip st to form a ring.


    Rnd 1: (Right side): Work Beginning dc cluster in ring, ch 3, work dc cluster in ring, ch 5,*work dc cluster in once more; join with slip st to top of Beginning dc cluster, finish off: 6sps.


    Note: Loop a short piece of yarn around any stitch to mark Rnd 1 as right side.


    Rnd 2: With right side facing, join next color (light green in photo) with a slip stitch in any ch - 5 sp; in same sp work (beginning dc cluster, ch 4, tr cluster, Picot, ch 4, dc cluster), chain 3 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3,* in next ch 5 sp work (dc cluster, ch 4, tr cluster, Picot, ch 4 dc cluster) chain 3, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3; repeat from* once more; join with slip st to top of beginning dc cluster, finish off: 12 sts and 15 sps.


    Rnd 3: With right side facing, join next color (dark green in photo) with slip stitch in ch 3 sp of any Picot;
    Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 3 3 dc) in same sp, *+ 4 dc in next ch 4 sp, dc in next dc cluster, (3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in next st) twice, 4 dc in next ch 4 sp +, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch 3 sp of next Picot; repeat from* once more, then repeat from + to + once; join with slip st to first dc, finish off: 69 dc and 3 ch 3 sps.


    Rnd 4: With right side facing, join outline color with sc in any ch 3 sp ; ch 3, sc in sam sp and in next dc, (ch 1 skip next dc, sc in next dc) across to next ch 3 sp, *(sc, ch 3, sc) in ch 3 sp, sc in next dc, (ch 1, skip next dc, sc in next dc) across to next ch 3 repeat from * once more; join with lsip st to first sc, finish off.

    You'll love how this turns out, and if you
    should choose all white it's beautiful too!

    Kelly's Easy Baby Sweater

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    Hello everyone! As you may know, I am always on the lookout for the easiest baby patterns I can find, and that's because when crocheting for ""Covered With Love" I try to accomplish as many pieces as quickly as possible to make up a delivery.

    I have recently found a great one! I've contacted Kelly Kearney ,who is the designer, and she has been kind enough to allow me to post her link below. As you can see it's just the cutest little thing and super easy to work up....thanks again Kelly!




    Leeanne's Easy "Flower Box" Granny Square.

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    Leeanne's Super Easy Flower Box
    Granny Square



    Try various pastels for flower center.
    Four of these stitched together make a great preemie blanket!


    I wanted a granny square that had a lovely flower center which would stand up from the background. Since I am self taught in chrochet, I was looking for a pattern which was really simple, but didn't find one. So, necessity being the mother of invention, I just created my own and I added a wonderful lacey edging to boot! I hope you love this as much as I do!


    Using an I hook and pastel baby yarn, chain 3 and connect with a slip stitch.

    Round 1: Double crochet 15 times into center of circle. Connect with a slip stitch.

    Round 2: Chain 4, skip over one chain stitch, connect chain 4 with a slip stitch into next chain. Repeat around. You should have seven petals.

    Round 3: Chain 7, from back side connect with slip stitch to skipped chain from last round. Repeat around. You should have eight petals.

    Round 4: With white baby yarn, connect with slip stitch to any petal in round 3. Double crochet into same petal. *Chain 2, Triple crochet and connect with slip stitch at base between next two chain 4 petals. Chain 2, 2 double crocheti nto next petal, chain 2, 2 double crochet into same petal. (This forms the corner turn)* Repeat (*) around.

    Round 5: 2 double crochet in corner space from round five, chain one, double crochet in next space. Continue for next three spaces. Chain 1, 2 double crochet into corner space from round five. chain 2, 2 double crochet into same space. This forms your next corner. Continue around.

    Round 6: 2 single crochet into corners and single crochet around. Connect with slip stitch.

    Round 7: Chain 3, (forma first double crochet) double crochet into same stitch. Chain 1, 2 double crochet into same stitch. This forms corner. *Chain 1, skip two chain in round six, 2 double crochet in next chain* Repeat (*) six times. Chain 1, skip two chains in round six, 2 double crochet in next chain, chain 1, 2 double crochet in same space. This forms your second corner. Repeat around and connect with slip stitch.

    Round 8: Chain 3 (forms first double crochet) Double crochet into same stitch. Double crochet in each chain aroun, and 2 double crochets in corners.

    Round 9: Chain 4, skip one chain, connect chain four with slip stitch to next chain. Continue to chain 4 and connect to every other chain around. Connect with slip stitch, tie off and you're done!

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    Note: This pattern was created by Leeanne Biggs for "Covered With Love" charity stitchers and is only to be used for charity purposes. Not to be sold or to make items to be sold. Ebay is checked often.

    My favorite online supplie store!

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    When I am searching for supplies for any kind of craft work and just can't find it...this is my favorite place to go! They have everything you could possibly need

    and for very reasonable prices.

    Crafts For Less

    Try it out for yourself!


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    Saturday, May 10, 2008

    Things you'll want to see!


    This is the place where I will be adding links to sites for patterns and supplies or just other cool sites that you might enjoy. So check back often as I will always be adding to the list!


  • Shimmer Hand Dyed Lace

  • The Twisted Purl

  • The Village Sheep

  • Yarn Ball Winder!

  • baby weight wool

  • Bev's Country Cottage - my favorite, tons of patterns

  • Crochet Pattern Central

  • Craftown - free patterns

  • Free Patterns.com

  • Free Vintage Crochet

  • All free Crafts

  • Knitting Pattern Central

  • Smart Crochet - free patterns

  • Marlos Crochet Corner


  • Crochet Treasures - free patterns


  • The Daily Crocheter

  • Crystal Palace

  • Bernat - free patterns

  • Sweater Babe - knitting & crochet patterns

  • Daily Knitter


  • Crochet Mastery - How to Crochet


  • Antique Crochet Patterns

  • Jimmy Bean's Wool - free patterns

  • Knitting Crochet.com

  • Free Vintage Knitting

  • Purple Kitty Yarns


  • Learn to knit

  • Learn to Crochet


  • Learn to Tat (great, has live demos)

  • Links to tatting sites and patterns

  • Celts Vintage Crochet (wonderful!)


  • Free
    Knitting Patterns & Project Gallery


  • KnittingFool.com

  • KnittingGeek.com

  • Knitting On The Net

  • Jessica's Knitting Site

  • Maggie's Rags

  • Wendy Knits

  • Patterns by Dot - really lovely.






  • Friday, May 9, 2008

    I recommend this!







    Heirloom hooks & needles
    Absolutely beautiful!!

    One look at these and I fell in love and just had to pass them on to you as a favorite recommendation !

    These make a crochet or knitting project even more enjoyable.


    Please go to the link below and get some of these beauties for yourself!


    Wednesday, May 7, 2008


    I am happy to announce that the "Wilkes Regional Medical Center" in North Wilkesboro, NC will be the newest on the list of organizations that "Covered With Love" will be Donating to.
    I would like to thank Debbie Mitchell, the director of the "New Beginings" program at the hospital for her kind efforts. And also Susan Fuller the education and lactation coordinator. in arranging for "Covered With Love " to work hand in hand with them and to help assure a great new begining for all the little ones on the baby unit.




    "CoveredWith Love" Contact Information




    If your are ready with a shipment.... we can't wait to see it!!



    e-mail: coveredwithlovecharity@gmail.com

    If you choose not to be a CWL stitcher but would still like to participate, you may send tax deductable donations as well as ever needed YARN!

    Thank you so much for your kindness!

    Instructions for your free crochet or knit baby item donations



    First of all we would like to thank you for choosing to open your heart and share your skills for the little ones! Thank You...Thank You...Thank You!

    Secondly we want to be sure that all crocheted or knitted items be created in a smoke free environment and pet free zone. Some of these little ones have difficult health issues to deal with and we want to be sure that our donations are as baby pure as possible.

    Most hospitals prefer that we use acrylic yarns and you can have a blast choosing all the soft and beautiful colors. We also instruct our CWL stitchers to make up an even batch before sending them on to us. For example, if you make 30 hats please be sure that 15 are girls and 15 boys. Or you can simplify and make unisex colors...it's all up to your creativity and what you enjoy doing.

    Personally, I make each hat with the same amount of attention and care that I would for my own grandchild or make hats that I know I would personally love to recieve!
    These basic instructions would be the same for booties, blankets, onesies, sweaters or anything else you choose to make.

    Last but not least, it is a great help if you can package hats and booties and other items in individual sets. Just simply place each set in it's own zip lock freezer bag and be sure to mark the outside either "Newborn" or "Preemie" This really saves us time in organizing donations and keeps them nice and clean. Some people have even chosen to send little notes to the new mother of congratulations. But again....please no fragrance sprays or packets of any kind should be included or we will be unable to use the items.

    Most of all, lets have fun and enjoy our work knowing that we can still really make a difference in someones life. Sharing the gift of our talents and covering the children and families with love.

    Welcome to "Covered With Love" donate crochet knit baby hats booties




    Covered with love charity, donate handmade,crochet, babies,newborn, free crochet patterns, preemies,hospitals,community, outreach, shelters, women, new mothers.

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    We would love to invite you to join with us in our mission to cover the world with love...
    one baby at a time!

    If you enjoy knitting or crocheting we would love to have your help in providing these precious ones with a little comfort. Weather they are healthy newborns or preemies in need of special care.....we need your skills!

    Covered With Love is a registered non-profit organization which donates lovely handmade hats, booties, blankets and other items to local hospitals, shelters, and other community organizations in the North Carolina area. This area has been hit hard by the current economic situation and has made things a little more difficult for some families.

    These items are much in need and very appreciated by all recipients. Just think, an easy craft, some of which can be done in 10 minutes to half an hour can mean so much!
    Won't you please consider sharing the works of your hands... and the love of your heart.


    Our Staff


    Some of you may be wondering why I started this charity to begin with, so I thought today that I would share a little about my life.

    Once I was a single parent. I had a baby, no family, no way to support it or myself and I was in dire straights. Something had to be done. I took advantage of the government programs that are out there for people in this type of situation. I took a couple buses to get to the office locations, stood in those all afternoon long lines (with the baby) and answered the questions and filled out the forms.

    I was then able to feed myself and the baby, but was certainly not content to live life like that, so I took advantage of further educational programs. I went to school for only 9 months and became a phlebotomist. I then worked for hospitals and labs and worked my way up gaining experience. I then continued in further education to get me into a higher and higher wage brackets.

    What I'm saying is, I know what it's like to be in a place that seems completely hopeless. But it isn't, don't be afraid to go and get the temporary help you need to get up on your feet and make a life for yourself and child (children). I don't by any means recommend that you get on a program and stop there, use it as a step up to stand on your own.

    I would not consider myself a brainiac by any stretch of the imagination. It was tough going to school with a baby on my hands. I spent many a night studying till 2 am. But in the end, it was worth it and I got back something that I had lost and desperately needed for both myself and my child....dignity and self worth.

    So, if you, or someone you know is in this situation, encourage them. Tell them "Believe in yourself,You can do it, there is a way out!"

    That is what I say to the ladies I meet who we donate to in the hospitals and especially the women's shelters. And that is why I created "Covered With Love".

    Now, as an adult, I am having to go back again for education and that will have some new challenges to be faced! I will be going to Colorado Technical University taking the online courses for medical billing and coding to get my associates degree. Remember, learning never stops!