New Complimentary Pattern for Christmas

I just posted a new pattern at Crochet Cafe Patterns.



There is still time to make a few before Christmas. They would make really cute package toppers, also! Especially if made in several colors! Get the pattern HERE. Enjoy!

Christmas Light Bulb Ornament

By Jocelyn Sass
Light Bulb Ornament is copyrighted by Cute Crochet 2008

You may print it for your personal use, but you may not copy, distribute it, or sell it. You may link to the main page of Cute Crochet from your personal website, if desired at: http://www.cutecrochet.com.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT BULB ORNAMENT

Size: Measures 4-1/2" long

Gauge: 9 sc = 2 inches
4 rows = 1 inch
Materials: Red Heart Super Saver 4-ply worsted weight yarn, 1/2 oz. ea #319 Cherry Red, #324 Bright Yellow OR #672 Spring Green (MC), small amount #412 Silver,
F (3.75mm) hook; ornament hanger; polyester fiberfill; sewing and tapestry needle;

NOTE: Do not join rnds unless indicated. Mark first stitch of each rnd.
SHOWN BEST WHEN MADE IN SEVERAL BRIGHT COLORS AND GROUPED TOGETHER

ORNAMENT BODY

Rnd 1: Starting at bottom of ornament, with MC and F hook, ch 2;
6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6).

Rnd 2: Sc in ea sc around. (6).

Rnd 3: (Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (9).

Rnd 4: (Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (12).

Rnd 5: (Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (15).

Rnd 6: (Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (18).

Rnd 7: (Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (21).

Rnd 8: (Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (24).

Rnd 9: (Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) around. (30).

Rnds 10-14: Sc in ea sc around. (30).

Rnd 15: (Sc in next 3 sc, dec over next 2 sc) around. (24). Begin stuffing ornament.

Rnd 16: (Sc in next 2 sc, dec over next 2 sc) around. (18).

Rnd 17: Sc in ea sc around. (18). Continue stuffing.

Rnd 18: (Sc in next sc, dec over next 2 sc) around. (12). Finish stuffing ornament.

Rnd 19: (Dec over next 2 sc) around. (6).

Fasten off, leaving length for sewing. Sewing opening closed.

Metal Socket/Plug

Rnd 1: With Silver and F hook, ch 2; 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6).

Rnd 2: 2 sc in ea sc around. (12).

Rnd 3: Working in Back Loops only, sc in ea sc around. (12).

Rnd 4: Sc in ea sc around, join with a sl st to first sc.

Fasten off , leaving length for sewing. Stuff socket lightly with a small amount of Silver yarn. and sew to top of light bulb as shown in photo.
Attach ornament hanger.

Amazing Crochet Lace IS Truly Amazing

I learned to crochet 31 years ago while my husband was stationed in Italy and I was pregnant with my first child. I had been knitting for several years, but had always wanted to learn how to crochet because it seemed there were so many beautiful things you could make from crochet that you could not do with knitting. Being in Europe and surrounded by so much old crochet lace only enhanced my desire to learn. So when two of my friends started making beautiful pineapple crochet tablecloths, I knew I had to learn. I just loved the delicate, lacy thread designs of doilies and wanted to create some of my own. The pineapple design continues to be my favorite today and I am still inspired by beautiful thread crochet designs.
So when I saw Doris Chan's book, "Amazing Crochet Lace", New Fashions Inspired by Old-Fashioned Lace, I just knew I had to have a copy!
The book, itself, grabbed me from the beginning. Yes, I knew from flipping through the pages that it had luscious designs; but I was also pleasantly surprised when I began to read (in Doris' own words) the Forward and the Trimming Me section in the beginning of the book. Doris has a natural talent for telling a story that makes you want to know more.
Crochet-wise, Doris introduces and teaches her own approach and techniques to making "a seamless lace garment", which are used throughout the book. She calls it her MO, or modis operandi and says you need only to know basic crochet skills in order to learn them.
Fashion-wise, the book is filled with lovely, lacey wearables that have become Doris' signature style. It seems as though she put a lot of thought into choosing a variety of beautiful styles and colors that would appeal to many different tastes. One of my favorites is the beautiful pineapple Blue Curacao Shawl. Apparently, I am not alone, because I have seen this lovely shawl posted many times on Ravelry!
The book is photographed beautifully. I love the black and white backgrounds contrasted by the full color of the crochet designs.
If you love crochet lace, you will love this book! It is crochet lace-lover's eye candy!
Oh, and for the record, I know I am a couple of years behind on this review and that Doris has another book out since writing this one! I can't wait to buy Everyday Crochet to see what that is all about!
BTW, if you enjoy Doris' storytelling as much as I did, you can visit her blog Doris' Everyday Crochet to hear more!