Week 31: It’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month - Crochet a Toy or Blanket For Your Local Shelter

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and in recognition of that, this week’s Challenge is to make a blanket or toy to give to your local animal shelter. 

When I first started crocheting, making pet blankets was a great way to practice my stitches and it started me on the path to becoming a designer. They are terrific projects for beginner crocheters and the blankets can be made by working rows or by working in rounds. I still have those blankets I made years ago, they wear really well and have been laundered many, many, times. 

Contact your local shelter first to make sure they will accept your blanket or toy donation. You can also check out the Snuggles Project here. This website is a great resource for finding shelters, and they also have a free pattern library. The Snuggles Project has been around for years, and I am happy to see they are still up and running. 

For other ways to help your local shelter, check out the list at PetFinder.com. There are many great suggestions, such as helping to promote special events for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

One of my first self published patterns is a swirly cat toy. Pictured below is my most adorable cat B.C., who sadly, is no longer with us. I love to look at this picture of him though, he was quite the character - a fierce warrior, and yet a snuggly cuddle bear. He was the first pet we adopted when we moved into our new home. He got a new home too, and we got the best cat - ever!

Click here for the free Swirly Mouse Toy pdf crochet pattern 

Thanks for joining me for week 31 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge!

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BeauFO - at least I think so!

I've been in the mood to work up some smaller projects for myself lately. Here's a few lovelies:


I crocheted this cute beanie (Mesh Cap) from a pattern I found in Vogue Knitting Crocheted Hats. I made it in black to match my coat. I needed something for those bad hair days of mine when all I really want to do is run out to the post office, or to the store, or wherever. This hat is perfect!








This pretty headband was made from a pattern by Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude. I made mine from Caron Simply Soft yarn. The pattern can be found in his book in all Caps! It works up very nicely and would be a great pattern for anyone interested in learning a basic cable pattern, and I like that it is reversible too!









I really love this project, made with Lion Brand Jiffy yarn, which is really soft and has the right amount of "give". It is the Scalloped Cowl pattern which can be downloaded for free from their website. You'll have to register first, but it's free to join and there are lots of great patterns to be discovered!


And in case you're wondering, BeauFO = beautiful finished object - I hope you'll agree!

Fabulous Friday Finds - Cool Crochet

I have a bookmark folder on my computer titled "Cool Crochet". I've been collecting odd, funny, and really cool crochet links, so I thought I would share a few with you on this fabulous Friday.


An awesome way to dress up your car



I smile every time I look at that picture :)




An amazing crochet artist



Enjoy, and have a great weekend!