In my crochet classes we are working on a scarf pattern by Lion Brand Yarn. The pattern says it only requires "one ball" to complete the scarf. However, one of my students ran out of yarn half way through. Lesson: Be sure to check the pattern for the amount of yarn required. The yarn my student was using comes in skeins of 3.5...

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A friend told me about this fabulously fun yarn, and I just had to try it out for myself. It looks a bit intimidating, but it actually works up quite nicely. For my sample, I used a size G/6 (4mm) hook to work the half double crochet stitch in the round (see pattern below) to make a small dish scrubby. The yarn has...

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Personally, I get so excited about starting a new pattern, I usually skip over the instruction: "Check Gauge." It sounds too time-consuming, and a waste of perfectly good yarn. Alas, it is quite useful when deviating from a pattern's suggested yarn. Allow me to explain... Perhaps you would like to crochet a simple winter scarf, and the pattern you're using suggests a Medium...

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When starting a project that requires two or more skeins of yarn, be sure to check the Lot number on the label to make sure the skeins you purchase came from the same dye lot. Even though the yarn has the same color name, it will look very different between lots. In the photo, the name of this yarn color is Polo. The...

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I was looking for the perfect pattern for placemats and coasters for a Fall table setting. Alas, I had to design my own. Of course, I used I Love This Cotton Yarn - it is quite soft - and I worked the placemats in three colors simultaneously for thickness and visual texture. Below, I've pictured the pattern chart for the coasters. Pictured Placemat...

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Dishcloth: Single Double Crochet Pattern (Free Download) Yarn: Cotton Medium (4) Weight Hook: Size H (5mm) Chain 25 Row 1: sc in 2nd  chain from hook.  Dc in the next.  [sc, dc] all the way across.  Dc in the last stitch.  Chain 1, turn. (24 st not including ch) Row 2: Sc in first dc.  [dc, sc] across. Last stitch should be dc....

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My cousin gave birth to her second little boy... last February! It has taken me that long to complete this baby blanket. I'm quite embarrassed about this fact, because the pattern is quite simple (and it's free, so be sure to follow the link). The versatility of this pattern is fabulous. I've used if for blankets, wraps, scarves, and even place mats. It...

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