I worked as an illustrator for almost 30 years and when I took an early retirement two years ago……I stopped drawing and illustrating completely. I’m still astonished at that. Two years later, I still have no desire to draw (!!!!!) BUT….I will always make things. I’ve knitted and crocheted forever and now that I have all the time in the world to play with color and pattern (the way I want to), I am really enjoying this next phase of my creative life. I’m still figuring out my crochet designing voice but I do know that everything I do starts with color. I love color. I love how some colors are best friends and some colors like to cause trouble and some colors just kill a conversation….color relationships never get old. You would think after all this time I would know what I’m doing but it’s still a surprise to see which colors end up being compatible with others. There’s always some sass from various colors but eventually…….an unexpected but happy ending. :-)
From the October 2017 issue
Inspired by the vibrant hues of a beloved fall flower, this afghan unites the coziness of the season with the fresh feeling of chrysanthemum motifs. Even better, it’s easy to work up because the motifs are joined as you go.
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Crochet square motifs vary in size and technique, and this version is one of our favorites! Starting with a magic circle, the square then takes shape keeping the center circle as a main focal point of this square. Creating visual interest with two geometrical shapes makes this square appealing to use with solid colored yarn for a wide variety of projects.
View ProjectTo make the Winter Gerbera Flower Pillow, you’ll need to learn how to create the magic loop. Plus, this is a great technique to learn for so many other crochet projects. Try it out by following this photo tutorial and then try the pillow!
To begin, lay yarn over the fingers of your non-dominate hand.
Bring the
View ProjectFrom the October 2019 issue
Buffalo plaid is a classic cabin look that evokes a relaxed and cozy lifestyle. This simple pillow is easy to crochet and becomes flannel soft once felted in the washing machine. Give it a try; you’ll love the results!
View ProjectFrom the February 2019 issue
Inspired by Japanese Sashiko embroidery, white pinwheels embroidered on dark denim indigo are a fun update to a classic pairing of colors. Turn the pillow over for a completely different look.
View ProjectFrom the December 2018 issue
These little mandala sachets are fun to make with stash yarn but especially nice when made with alpaca yarn. The softness of alpaca invites squishing which releases the wonderful scent of lavender. Crocheting/knitting friends will appreciate the moth repellent quality of these sachets for their yarn stashes. Non-crafty friends will love the lavender scent when used as drawer sachets. They make a nice holiday gift and are easily personalized since there are so many color combinations to play with.
View ProjectFrom the June 2018 issue
This kilim-inspired pillow is an excellent stashbuster and a great way to play with color. Besides being a colorful addition to the home, its double sided, meaning you can flip the pillow over for a fun, new look!
View ProjectFrom the April 2018 issue
This vase cozy disguises a simple cylinder vase to make a bouquet of flowers extra special on Mother’s Day. The base is crocheted first to fit the bottom width of any size cylinder vase. The gingham pattern is then worked in the round in double crochet with two alternating colors for each round. A simple scallop edging completes the sweet look.
View ProjectFrom the October 2017 issue
Chrysanthemum motifs seem to bloom out of the pillow on this beautiful fall design. The bright pops of color will transport the brilliance outdoors to the inside of your home when you work up the easily joined motifs.
View ProjectFrom the August 2017 issue
Inspired by Mondrian’s “Broadway Boogie Woogie” painting, this pillow is also playful and light in spirit because of the color choices Mondrian made. Instead of using black, he used white and when combined with a few bright colors, the composition becomes a little slice of happy.
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