A New Logo and Other New News

I previously had a small berry logo that I really liked, but it didn't quite capture what I was truly looking for. So, I created and designed my own (and I must say that I am thrilled that I was able to do so!). I love that it compliments my tagline (for the love of hook and yarn . . .) I am in the process of changing my website, eCrater store, Ravelry, Twitter, and updating my patterns with my new logo. Eventually I will also incorporate the logo into my Etsy store banner too.


And I am excited to say that I am teaching another Beginner Crochet class. I have 5 students, which is a small class for me, but I think maybe it's because it's a Saturday morning class where my others were weekday evenings. But, I am really looking forward to it! It's a great group and having less students will allow me to be much more hands-on.


And just for fun - a cute mug perfect for the crocheter in your life. (I wish I had a nickel for every time that I had to tell my husband "hang on, I'm counting!")


Thanks for stopping in :)

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 - WIP for the Holidays, Take Heart!

A special hello to all of you during this holiday season!

I came across this video and thought I would share. If you are like me, with several WIP (works in progress) take heart! It only took this woman 67 years to finish hers!






But wow, isn't it beautiful!

Thanks for stopping in and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Special Olympics Michigan Charity Scarf Project - my finished scarves

Awhile ago I posted about donating scarves to the Michigan Olympics winter games. I have four scarves completed and ready to send off. Here's a few pictures:





Here's a link to the pattern I used for the scarves I made (the crocheted version, of course):
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/2009-special-olympic-scarves

They were fast and fun to make, and I'm really excited for the participants! I hope they all have a great time and I'm really happy to be a part of it (albeit in a very small way).



More info:

Michigan Specific Project Guidelines:
http://www.scarvesforspecialolympics.org/states/view/22

Project Guidelines:
http://www.scarvesforspecialolympics.org/states


Thanks for stopping in, I'm off to work on my next project ;)

Crocheted Paperback Book Covers - a New Pattern from RedBerryCrochet

With this easy crochet pattern you have two choices - make your book cover with vinyl flaps, or use the included crocheted flaps pattern. It's 2 patterns for the price of one! Also included is a full size template and instructions to make your vinyl flaps. Why bother with vinyl flaps? Because they are less bulky, and I also like to stick notes inside that are easily readable - but it is your choice :)

I have been selling these book covers since 2006 on Etsy and have quite a few requests for this pattern, so I have finally obliged. These book covers are a fun, yet functional accessory. You’ll never lose your place with the attached bookmark, plus it keeps prying eyes from seeing what you’re reading ;) Makes a unique gift for yourself or any book lover!

Purchase through My Pattern Shop and receive an instant download link upon payment:
My Pattern Shop

or you can purchase through my Etsy Shop:
Crochet Patterns pdf

Thank you, enjoy your day!

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!

Yarn Dyeing Sheep & Wool Festival

Last weekend was lots of fun despite the cool and windy weather. I went to the Sheep & Wool Festival at Mt. Bruce Station and had a great time! I was able to take a yarn dyeing class, which I thought was very informative. The instructor showed us how to dye yarn using the water immersion method using acid dyes. Here's a photo of the gorgeous yarn, dyed in three different autumn colors.



And here's a pic of my yarn swift - getting ready to wind:


The yarn is sock weight, wool, a bit of nylon, and something else that I can't remember (and didn't write down!). Now is the hard part:


What do I want to make? Socks maybe? I'd really like to find a good toe-up crochet sock pattern. Or maybe a pair of fingerless gloves? I wonder if there's enough yarn to make a neck cowl?
Hmm, I don't know yet, but suggestions are welcome :)

Monarch Butterflies Passing Through Michigan and The Butterfly Project

I was lucky to have spotted a lot of Monarch Butterflies around our house the last week of August. Especially around our willow trees, they were hanging out in groups, so I was determined to take some photos. I wasn't able to find a group of them, but this little guy was hanging around.




Cool picture? I thought so! It was getting close to dusk, so I used the auto setting with flash. I tweaked it a bit in Paint.net to darken the background up.

Being curious about the migration I found this great site: Journey North's Monarch Butterfly Migration. Lots of info here, FAQ's, maps, and lists of sightings. There's quite a few sightings listed in Michigan - I'm not surprised!

And along with my Monarch sightings, it called to mind a very special project which I plan on donating to - The Butterfly Project. Thank you Doris! She's my crochet friend that let our crochet team know about this, and you can read Doris's original blog post about the project here. But essentially, The Holocaust Museum Houston is collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies in remembrance of the innocent children who perished.

I will be sending in some crocheted (of course!) butterflies and I found this great 2-D pattern here. But, they don't have to be crocheted and can be made in any medium. This would be a great project for kids.

Here are a few pics of some butterflies I crocheted. The first I made in worsted weight yarn.


The smaller butterflies I made using variegated embroidery floss. I used to love to cross stitch, but don't anymore, so I have tons of floss. Each butterfly took less than 1 skein and I used a size 3 (2.10 mm) steel crochet hook. I think they turned out really pretty!

Piece of Cake Potholder - NEW Crochet pdf Pattern

Today I listed a new pattern in my shops:


Cute, whimsical, and quick to make :) Here's more pattern details:

Who doesn't love cake?! This cute and whimsical potholder is a really fun project and quick to crochet. You'll need 100% cotton yarn and sizes G and F hooks to complete this intermediate pattern. The finished size of your potholder will be 6.5 inches (19 cm) wide by 6 inches (15.2 cm) tall.

This pattern includes complete instructions and color photos in a pdf file. My patterns also include a Helps & Hints section to explain and show (with photographs) techniques and steps that may be unfamiliar to you. Also included are explanations of special stitches and a list of abbreviations used in the pattern.

This would make a great gift for birthdays or any celebration. Choose different yarn colors for different “flavors”. The potholder is reversible so you can “decorate” the frosting to suit your “tastes”. They also look cute displayed in a kitchen and make a fun and useful gift!

You can purchase this pattern by clicking on the Pattern Downloads button, or visit my:

Ravelry Pattern shop (also instant downloads upon payment)

RedBerryCrochet Etsy Shop

redberrycrochet.ecrater.com

Thanks for visiting, and please check back for more new pattern updates!

Special Olympics Michigan Charity Scarf Project

I was spending some time in the forums the other night and someone had posted information about this Michigan Special Olympics Charity Scarf Project.

I had donated scarves to 2009 World Games and the response was overwhelming and the organizers had extra scarves to share with the local community of Boise. So, I really like the idea of helping out in my home state and will be making scarves to donate. I will encourage my fellow crocheter/knitter friends to do so too, it's an easy and fun way to contribute!

Here is some more information about this project:

Scarf Project for Special Olympics Michigan Winter Games

Scarf Project Deadline January 15, 2011
Goal: 2500 scarves

Yarn: Coats and Clark Red Heart Soft Yarn #9518 Teal & #9925 Really Red or Red Heart Super Saver #0656 Real Teal & 0319 Cherry Red. These are the official colors of the Special Olympics Michigan.

The requirements for the scarves are that they are hand knit or crocheted using a combination of the above two colors. Sizes for the scarves are 6 inches wide and 50 to 60 inches in length but you can use any pattern that you would like.

Please send or deliver completed scarves to:

Special Olympics Michigan
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326 or

Thank you to cstewart who had posted the original thread I found on Ravelry. If you belong to Ravelry you can find the link here: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/michigan-yarn-sales/1163479/1-25#reply_form
and if you're not on Ravelry - why not? It's free to join, full of information, and a really great community of wonderful fiber enthusiasts!



Click for more info and to see my finished scarves:
http://redberrycrochet.blogspot.com/2010/12/special-olympics-michigan-charity-scarf.html