52 Week Crochet Challenge - Are You Ready?

March is National Crochet Month, so now is the perfect time to launch my 52 Week Crochet Challenge!

I devised this Challenge as a way for me to explore crochet in ways I haven’t done before. I’m going to share my weekly discoveries and progress here on my blog and I hope to connect with other crocheters.

Click the link below to download a pdf file that includes all the Challenge information. Each page is loosely sectioned to a season, and I’ve included week numbers as well as dates, but this guide is meant to be inspirational, so feel free to add your own creative twists.

Please link to this blog and the 52 Week Crochet Challenge pdf, and email me if you
are taking up the Challenge. I would love to see your responses and to post a blog roll of participants.

Let’s celebrate and have some crochet fun!

Julie Oparka
Red Berry Crochet
redberrycrochet@gmail.com 

Join the Ravelry Group, 52 Week Crochet Challenge. Not on Ravelry? It's free to join, what are you waiting for?

Download 52 Week Crochet Challenge

1. Click the above link.
2. When the page opens, click on File in the top left tool bar.
3. Then click download in the drop down menu.
4. Open or save the file to your computer.

New Crochet Pattern - Round Rug!

Yesterday I launched a new crochet pattern and I'm excited to announce that it's now available for purchase! I created this pattern because I thought it would be nice to have a coordinating option for my rectangle rug pattern - which is my most popular seller. It took awhile for me to figure out the stitch pattern, but I wanted to make sure that the rug can made to any size, and I include detailed instructions in the pattern on how to make it larger or smaller. It was fun to design, and now I have a round option for my home.

This is an easy crochet pattern that requires super bulky yarn and a size N (10mm) hook. It features a cobblestone stitch center, which is super cushy on your feet. This rug would be great for kitchens and bathrooms, or really any room in your home. The pdf file also includes complete instructions, color photos, Helps & Hints, and a yarn substitution guide. This pattern looks difficult, but it works up very quickly -- you could make your rug in a weekend!


Available here:
RedBerryCrochet.etsy.com

My Ravelry Shop

My Craftsy Shop

Broomstick Lace Clutch Purse free crochet pattern courtesy of Lion Brand and St. Martin's Press

Lion Brand is once again offering a free pattern from my book Crochet-opedia on their website. This pattern is available for download courtesy of the publisher St. Martin's Press. Click here for the pattern. You'll need to register if you haven't already, but it's free to join, so why not?

I really wanted to showcase the beautiful broomstick stitch pattern in a very modern project. I think this clutch handbag does that wonderfully. It is made in two panels which are then single crocheted together. The clasp is different, something that I hadn't thought of before this design. It is worked in one piece directly onto the clutch and consists of chain and slip stitches to form the clasp.

The yarn I used is Vanna's Choice in Cranberry. It is a wonderful yarn to work with and the deep red color makes this clutch perfect for an evening on the town!

Broomstick lace is a fun technique to learn. If you've never tried it, grab a copy of Crochet-opedia. In it you will find how-to instructions. The book also includes patterns and how-to's for hairpin lace, Tunisian crochet and many more crochet techniques!

Broomstick Lace Clutch crochet pattern
and last week's pattern
Hairpin Lace Mobius Wrap crochet pattern

Enjoy :)

Hairpin Lace Mobius Wrap free crochet pattern courtesy of Lion Brand and St. Martin's Press

I am so happy to see that one of the patterns from my new book Crochet-opedia is available for free download through the Lion Brand website, courtesy of the publisher, St. Martin's Press.

Click this link for the pattern. You'll need to register if you haven't already, but why not? It's free to sign up and you'll have access to many other patterns, crochet and knit. I also receive the Lion Brand newsletter's and I enjoy them very much. Along with patterns there are yarn and kit sale notifications, amusing stories, videos and more.

Out of all the 30 patterns in the book, this hairpin pattern is my favorite. (Okay, so they are all my favorites!) I really enjoyed designing this wrap, it came together easily and works up surprisingly quick once you get the hang of making the hairpin strips. I love the yarn, Vanna's Glamour in Topaz. It was easy to work with, drapes beautifully, and the gold thread running through the yarn really makes it shine.

If you've never worked hairpin lace before, grab a copy of Crochet-opedia, which includes how-to instructions. In my book you will also find patterns and how-to's for broomstick lace, Tunisian crochet and many more crochet techniques!

Enjoy :)

Friday Finds - Ergonomic Crochet Hook Holders

Awhile ago I was talking to a co-worker about crochet. She was telling me that her mom used to crochet a lot but had stopped because the arthritis in her hands was making it too uncomfortable and painful. I remembered seeing egg shaped ergonomic holders in the stores and mentioned that it might help her mom. To my delight, my co-worker brought in an afghan that her mom had made for her using an ergonomic holder. Her mother is back crocheting with a vengeance! I am so happy that my suggestion was able to help her mom, and I hope that maybe this blog post will help someone else too.

This handle by Boye will adjust to fit hooks size B (2.25mm) to size K (6.5mm) and is available online through Annie's.

For those who also like to thread crochet, I found this Eleggant Hooks set which includes 3 hook heads for thread and 3 for yarn in the basic kit. Additional hook sizes are also available on their website. 

I have not used these types of handles myself but I would appreciate any comments from those that have. 

Happy crocheting!

A Glorious Spring Has Sprung!

Finally the weather has turned springlike and it's been a gorgeous week! I've been spending as much time as possible outside and took some pics of the pretty daffodils growing behind our house. It gave me a chance to fiddle around with my new tripod. It didn't get very good reviews, but for what little time I've used it so far it has worked very well for me. I love the flexibility that allows me to get perspectives that wouldn't have been possible with my other tripod.

I've taken a few rides on my bike, but sadly the tire was completely flat last night when I wanted to take a spin. I'll have to get it fixed as soon as I can to take advantage of this perfect bike riding weather! I've found a few terrifically cute crochet patterns to spruce up my bike in the mean time.

Bike Seat Cover Crochet Pattern

Bike Streamers Crochet Pattern

Happy crocheting - see you around the bend!

Thrift Store Rescue - Just in Time for Summer?

After a dreary and rainy week here in Michigan, and an unexpected snow shower yesterday, today we've had a bit of sunshine at least. The colder temps have have really got me wishing for warmer weather.

Last week while shopping at a thrift store this pretty bag caught my eye. The person who made it did a wonderful job and I'm thankful it was donated. I just had to rescue it! The cotton yarn colors are so bright and cheery. It will make a very nice beach bag and I've already got my towel, book, and sunglasses ready to go!

Celebrating National Crochet Month

Welcome and thank you for joining me on the first stop of today's Tour Through Crochet Country. I am honored and happy to be included in this celebration of National Crochet Month with so many fabulous designers! As a group, the participating CGOA designers have chosen a special charity to support this month -Project Night Night.

With that in mind I am offering a free blanket pattern. This easy blanket is a great carry-and-go project. It is made up of 9 individual 12 inch blocks which are then joined with crocheted seams. You can add rows or columns of blocks to make larger size blankets. This would also make a great scrap yarn project. Please consider donating a blanket or making a monetary donation to Project Night Night. If you do make a donation, please add to our group totals here.

I have been a Professional Member of the CGOA since 2009 and I started a local chapter, the Mi Stitchin' Time Crochet Guild. We crochet for local charities (as well as Project Night Night) and I really enjoy our meetings. We have a lot of fun! Click here to find a local chapter near you. It's a great way to share your love of crochet and meet new friends.

I am fortunate to have had patterns published in Crochet World and Country Woman magazines. I am also the author of Crochet-opedia which is set to be released in June of this year. (I am so excited about that!) I hope to be adding new patterns to my shops soon. You can find my patterns at redberrycrochet.com, Etsy, Ravelry and Craftsy.

Thanks for stopping in, and please visit Cari Clement for CGOA, your second stop of the day.

Tomorrow's stops include April Garwood and Mary Colucci for CGOA. 

 In case you've missed any of the previous blog posts click here for a complete list of participating designers.

I would like to thank Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of Crochetville for organizing this amazing tour - thank you so much!

Bright Striped Blocks Blanket pattern

download now

 

Crochet-opedia - my book is now available for pre-order!

I am so excited to announce that my book Crochet-opedia is now available for pre-order!

US edition - amazon.com

UK edition - amazon.co.uk

The release date for both editions is June, 2013. Click on either photo above to be taken to the appropriate Amazon site.

Crochet-opedia is a comprehensive reference guide to crochet. The book is designed to help the readers learn and master each skill before moving on. With step by step instructions, color photographs, detailed diagrams, and 30 enticing patterns, Crochet-opedia will appeal to newcomers as well as advanced crocheters. It also comes complete with a handy stitch directory, allowing the reader to browse through thumbnail photographs to easily choose a crochet stitch. 

Years ago I taught myself to crochet from a book, so I realize the importance of clear instructions and good illustrations. As I was writing the book I continually asked myself the questions I had when I was learning. As a result, I have also included tips to help avoid pitfalls with each technique. There are many techniques covered including: basic stitches, increasing/decreasing, working in rounds, colorwork, and so much more. More advanced techniques explore thread work, broomstick lace, hairpin lace, and tunisian crochet, and again, so much more. It is my hope that this book will become an invaluable reference guide for anyone who crochets. It is truly the book I wish I had when I was learning. Crochet has brought so much joy to my life and I am so happy to be able to share it with others. It's been an incredible journey!

Craft Gossip Crochet posted a review which you can read here. I have to say Wow! It doesn't get much better than that!

Celebrate National Crochet Month!

Take a Tour Through Crochet Country with 48 crochet designers this month to celebrate March as National Crochet Month. All the participating designers are Professional or Associate Professional members of the CGOA. Each day a different designer (or two) is being featured through a blog roll. Click here for the introductory blog post and a complete list of participating designers. If you haven't been following along, catch up on the previously featured designers here. At each stop along the tour each designer has a special surprise for you! It may be a free pattern, a sneak peak at the designer's crochet studio, or a stitch or technique tutorial.



All the participants have voted to support Project Night Night, a charity that helps homeless children. You can help by donating blankets or a gift of money to this worthy cause. If you do make a donation, please add to the group totals on the Tour page here.


Many thanks to Amy and Donna at Crochetville for coordinating and sponsoring this special event. Please join me here on March 19th for my tour stop - I hope to see you then!