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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Knitter's Pride Waves Crochet Hooks Review


If you don't already know I love working with large hooks and chunky yarn! I like fast projects that work up in a pinch! Normally when you shop for crochet hooks in larger sizes, say anything above K (6.00mm) you'll find plastic hooks! I cannot stand plastic. I have a set of Glitter plastic hooks and while they look pretty I don't like working with them. I didn't find much success finding aluminum hooks in the larger sizes until I got a recommendations from a friend a few months back! 

I'd heard of Knitter's Pride Knitting Needles but didn't realize they had hooks too! I was thrilled that they had hooks up to size 12.00 all Aluminum. 

They are priced amazingly at $3.49-$4.59. Under $5.00 a hook for larger hooks! That's good in my book! You can find these in the Webs Online Store.  I purchased K, L, M, N, & 12.00mm  the shipping wasn't bad either and they came in the mail quickly.


The handles are comfy and grippy! The shaft seems short from the hook to handle but doesn't really bother me. It was just different for me at 1st. The head is tapered and shaped more like Boye hooks (my preference) If you are a Bates hook lover you may not like these. I've crochet several items with these hooks already and I did't notice anything strange with gauge being off. 
 I would highly recommend these! 

My favorite hooks by far are still Tulip Emito hooks! I have the whole set just wish they made bigger than a J Hook. I actually have the Silver Set but I really want this Rose set! So pretty! Not that I need it I just um...need it! LOL.



What's your favorite type of hook? 

You can read more awesome crochet hook comparison facts on Crochet Cabana





Tuesday, January 7, 2014

10 Free Birthday Party Themed Crochet Patterns

I thought today it would be fun to share some of my favorite 
Birthday Party Themed Crochet Patterns.


Today is my sons 6th birthday! I can hardly believe it! He started Kindergarten this year and absolutely loves it! He was so excited to get back to school yesterday after winter break. He's growing up so fast and I love him dearly! 


Now on to what you really want! Free patterns! 

1. Party Hat by Mamachee

I love this pattern and have made in many times in different variations! They are always a fun hit for the party. You can see my versions here.

2. Ballon Applique - By Me

The appliqué's are great on hats and other clothing. They even make great embellishments on cards or bunting. 

3. Birthday Candle Scarf by Twinkie Chan

Who doesn't love Twinkie Chan's Whimsical designs! They are always fun, colorful and unique. 

4. Cupcake Pin Cushion by One and Two Company 

I'm always losing my tapestry needles. I really should make a good pincushion. 
This one looks yummy but don't eat it!! 

5-7. Party Pennant Garland by Moogly. 

She also has crochet Letters and Numbers for you to make the perfect pennant! 


These would be great with a name, age, number and/or ballon appliqués. 

8. Cupcake Hat by Sara of Repeat Crafter Me


I love Sara's Patterns. I've made several. They are well written and on gauge for me! 

9. Rainbow Cake Tissue Cozy by Ashley Nichole


I just came across this adorable pattern! I will have to add this to my to do list! I love the colorful rainbow of colors and little textures added to the frosting! 


10. Party Cake Dishcloths by Jennifer of Fiber Flux 


I love crochet dishcloths! These caught my eye because of the bright colors. 
A great modern granny square! 

I hope you enjoyed this Round up! Which one(s) will you try? Have you made any of these already? 
Feel free to link up your favorite Birthday themed patterns in the comments! 






Monday, January 6, 2014

Cross Your Heart Coffee Cozy - Free Crochet Pattern

Do you love Coffee! I drink way to much so I think this year I'll start a goal of trying to write 12 coffee cozy patterns. One for each month! Here is the 1st. Lets see how far I get. 

This one is Valentines Day themed. It uses fun crossed double crochets to make x's and some fun combination of other simple stitches to make hearts. You'll be sure to fall in love with this one. It's a great stash buster too as you only need small amounts of yarn. Have fun with Valentines Day Colors like pinks and reds, or go with a pastel theme like conversation hearts! Enjoy! 

Cross Your Heart Coffee Cozy


Do not use my images for any purpose! If you sell items made from my patterns please make and photograph your own work! Thank you! ~Elisabeth


Level: Easy

Materials: 
Worsted Weight Yarn of Choice in 3 colors
I used scraps of Vanna’s Choice, you don’t need much at all! A great stash buster! 
I'm not entirely sure but I think the colors I used are pink, raspberry and silver heather.

*Hook Sizes: 
H-Hook - (5.00mm)

*Tapestry Needle
*Terms and Stitches used:


*Special Stitch: Crossed Double Crochet - (csdc) -(sk st, dc in next st, working across the front, dc in previous sk st) -This special stitch makes an “X” shaped texture.  Click here to see video tutorial of this stitch -www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDvbWdrdgk

Notes: 
*Chain stitch does not count in stitch count!
*The number at the end of each row is the stitch count for the row (#).


Starting with Color # 1 Leave a bit of a tail, about 4-6 inches.

Round 1: ch 25, hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across, join with a sl st to 1st hdc to form a circle (Take care not to twist the ch.  You’ll use the tail to join the bottom of the hdc.)

Round 2: ch 2, *(fphdc around next st, bphdc around next st), 
Repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1 st of round (24) 

Round 3: ch 1, sc in each st around, join with a sl st to 1st sc (24)

Switch to color #2
Round 4: ch 2, CSDC around, join with sl st to 1st dc of round (24 or 12 csdc)

Switch to color #1
Round 5: ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to 1st sc (24)

Switch to color #3
Round 6: ch 3 {counts as 1st dc in this round only}, dc in same stitch as join, ch 1, sk 3 sts, *(2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next st, ch 1, sk 3 sts, Rep from * around work (2 dc , ch 1) in same stitch as join (already has the ch 3, dc from beginning), join with sl st to top of ch 3. 

Switch to color #1 
Round 7: ch 1, sc in ch 1 space before join (center of the 1st heart), *ch 2, sc in the center sc of the sk 3 from Round 6 below, ch 2, sc in ch 1 space (center of heart), rep from * around. at end of round join with a sl st 1st sc.

Round 8: ch 1, 1 sc in each sc and ch-2 space around, join with a sl st to 1st sc (24)

Switch to color #2 
Round 9: ch 2, CSDC around, join with sl st to 1st dc (24 or 12 cdsc)

Switch to color #1
Round 10: ch1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to 1st sc (24)

Round 11: ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to 1st hdc (24)

Round 12: ch 2, *(fphdc around next st, bphdc around next st),
Repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st st (24) 


*Fasten off and weave in ends! 

Legal stuff! Copyright 2013 Calleigh's Clips and Crochet Creations

Download the PDF File here!

You will need Adobe to read this pattern. 
Please do not copy and/or redistribute this pattern, but direct people back to the blog post.


Thank you for using a Calleigh’s Clips original pattern. I have done my best to keep my patterns simple and easy to understand. If at any time you need assistance, please feel free to contact me using the contact me tab.

Please remember that there may be a slight variance in sizing due to different tensions of each individual and materials used.

All patterns are copyright protected, but you are welcome to sell finished products made from my patterns. I do ask, however, that you mention my company name along with my web shop address as follows:

Calleigh’s Clips & Crochet Creations by Elisabeth Spivey 

I would love to see your finished products if you would like to send me pictures. These will be for my personal use only and will not be posted anywhere without prior written permission from you.

Enjoy,
Elisabeth