Nightcaps

As we have become more technologically savvy, some daily habits and bits of lifestyle fall by the wayside. Such is the case with nightcaps. They kept heads warm for generations. Who would have thought that with the invention of Central Heating, this quaint custom would become extinct? Well, not so in my home. Although I don't wear them to bed, I do wear them. They are one of the few hats/caps I've found that keep my ears warm without making my head look like a giant cotton swab. They can be petite, folkloric, and I can make them in any color. You should try one! Visit my shops at penelopescrochet.etsy.com or www.artfire.com/penelopescrochet and see if you find a nightcap pattern you like!

There's a Chill In The Air!

The weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful...
Yes, it's that time of year - time to start thinking about bundling up and staying warm. It's also time to start thinking about Christmas. I'm usually a late starter when it comes to making my gifts. Are you? If so, then you might appreciate this sale. Buy one scarf pattern and get any other pattern in my shop for free. Just list your free pattern in the message portion of the payment page. Featured are the Victorian Bolsover Scarf Pattern (no resemblance to the castle), Victorian Omega Stitch Scarf Pattern, and the Victorian Crazy Stitch Pattern. All are very warm, and can be worked up in sock yarn or sport weight yarn. You might even consider putting together a kit as a present for your favorite crocheter. Just put together the pattern, yarn, and maybe a hook in a nice looking bag. They might even crochet you a scarf as a 'thank you'!
More to come!
http://penelopescrochet.etsy.com
http://penelopescrochet.artfire.com

Chunky Crochet

I'm new to blogging, so I have been reading a lot about what I should include in a blog. Just about everything I've read says to impart your expertise to your audience. Expertise? Okay. Even though I'm not an 'expert', I'll try to do some 'imparting'. One thing I've noticed about crocheting, is that the size of yarn you use can be pretty important in making something look pretty. Using worsted weight (#4) can make your project look chunky. Some people like that look. But if you don't, you might consider a thinner yarn. Yes, it takes longer to make something, but aren't you worth it? Personally, I like using sock yarn - now that it is popular and readily available. I've found a great deal on sock yarn, too. Over at www.yarnworkshop.com they sell undyed 'superwash' sock yarn by the 5,500 yd cone for a little over $40. They call it 'Footscray'. I really like it, and used it for my most recent project (pictured in this blog).

Speaking of my project..... is it commercial time yet? I love it when I finish a pattern. It's like adding one new child to my little crochet family. This latest is a scarf pattern using a Victorian Bolsover stitch, as well as a Victorian border. It's warmer than the average scarf because of all the tufts. The border adds just the right feminine touch - at least for me. One thing I don't understand, though, is why it is called 'Bolsover'. Bolsover is the name of one of the oldest castles in England. I just don't see the connection.

So, if you like my new pattern and would like it for your own, you can purchase it at www.penelopescrochet.artfire.com or penelopescrochet.etsy.com If you do purchase it, you get a free pattern of your choice. Just let me know which pattern you want on the paypal payment page in the message box.

Crocheters Anonymous Enter Here

My name is Penelope and I am a crochet addict. Yes, it's true - as hard as it is to admit. My addiction started when my neighbor gave me some yarn and showed me how to make a granny square. The first one's ALWAYS free. After that, I couldn't stop myself.... looking for yarn sales, scouring thrift stores for hooks, dreaming of beautiful patterns with no mistakes. Now, I still find myself in quiet moments thinking about patterns, and my stash is growing faster than weeds in the garden. I am so ashamed. I tried knitting - the methadone of the needlework world - but it didn't satisfy those cravings. My hands kept yearning for a hook. I tried cold turkey, but my cat found a ball of yarn and started playing with it in front of me - taunting me, teasing me. I finally broke down and wrestled that ball of yarn from my kitty and started making a chain with my fingers. It was only a matter of time until my addiction was full-blown..... again. Only worse. My stash doubled. I started buying hooks on ebay. I even thought about finding fellow crocheters and opening a crochet den. But well-meaning friends stopped me.
So now I am in recovery. Yes, it's okay to crochet - at least that's what they say in my therapy group. They are all crocheters, too. My therapist suggests moderation. She's a knitter, though, and I'm not sure she understands my plight.

I have finally stumbled upon a solution. I will flaunt my addiction. I will become a crochet dealer. No more hiding! I will shamelessly "turn on" others to crochet. I will give them yarn and thread from my stash. After all, the first one is free.