Crocheting Supplies

When you have decided to crochet, you will realize you actually need very few crochet supplies to make beautiful hats and scarves.  Below you will find my preferred hooks and a few other things that will set you on your way to make beautiful crochet creations. 


This post contains affiliate links. 


1. Hooks: I have used Boye Aluminum hooks for a long time, until about 5 months ago, I took the plunge and decided I needed to get a more comfortable ‘G’ hook. That is when I came across Clover’s hooks.  Oh my. My crocheting experience has been forever changed. Super comfy, soft, and easy to maneuver. 

 2. Case for Hooks: Personally, I use a case I found at Wal-Mart from the make-up section. It works for me. It’s light, easy to pack, good zipper, and spacious enough for my hooks. There are other kinds of case where you could keep your hooks organized like 











3.  Tapestry Needle: You definitely will need it to weave your ends. 










4. Yarn: There are many, many places where to find yarn online. I have shared some of the ones with best reviews I have found online in this post. Another option is to shop at craft stores where you can use coupons (JoAnn, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Hancock Fabrics, ACMoore). Stores like Wal-Mart and Meijer have a good supply. Ebay and Etsy are good options too.  My personal favorite yarns are Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft, I Love This Yarn, and Bernat. 

5. Sharp / Pointy edge scissors: You’ll need a good set of scissors for snipping off those ends once you have weaved your ends. Check some here. 

6. Measuring Tape: Singer’s retractable tape has been my favorite because it fits nicely into my crocheting case.



7. Stitch Markers: This handy item will help you keep track of your first stitch when making a hat. How I wish I had a stitch marker when I made my very first hat!  I still have the same set I got about three years ago they’re still good as new. More options here. 











8. Stitch Counter: Great for amigurumi, counting rounds or rows when making a blanket, hat, or any other item. Great to have! 

9. Storage: I use clear plastic bins to store my yarn so I can easily see what I have in stock. 









10. Books and Patterns: There are many blogs and websites that offer free crochet patterns. There are also paid patterns, ebooks, and books available.  


Trust this post is informative and helpful to you! Let me know in the comments which is your favorite 'essential'! 

Happy Crocheting!

~ Fabi 

Crochet for Cancer: Crochet-a-long and Giveaway

I am so excited to be participating in my first crochet-a-long (CAL) for charity. Sara from My Merry Messy Life has set up this opportunity to give to others affected with cancer and also the possibility of winning a fabulous prize from Red Heart Yarn. 

Over the next two weeks, we are going to be making four projects (or more if time allows!) to mail to a chapter of Crochet for Cancer, Hooks of Hope, located in Eastern Pennsylvania. We have 9 bloggers participating and have compiled all of our best hat patterns for you to choose from to make your projects. The person's whose packaged is first received by Hooks for Hope wins a prize package from Red Heart Yarn, worth $125!!

UPDATE

The Crochet-A-Long is open worldwide, but the contest is better suited to residents of the US and Canada, although anyone is welcome to mail a package to Hooks of Hope. Contest rules:

1. Complete the challenge by making at least 4 projects (or two large projects, like a blanket or shawl)

2. Mail your package to Hooks of Hope (address above)

3. Make sure your package is postmarked on or before April 28, 2014

4. All packages with that postmark will be entered into a raffle three weeks afterApril 28 on May 19 (to give time for all the packages to come in the mail). 

5. The first package drawn will receive the grand prize from Red Heart. The 2nd through 5th packages will received handmade plarn bags with yarn goodies inside from Hooks of Hope!

If you need a pattern, here are the patterns from the bloggers participating below. If not, make your own!

Participating Bloggers: 

• Beatrice Ryan Designs
• I'm Hooked
• Curious Tiff Crochet        
• KT and the Squid
• Elk Studio
• Moogly
• Grammy Dirlam
• Petals to Picots
• Tales of a Crafty Mommy

My Merry Messy Life

• Moose Beanie - All Sizes
• Fox Beanie - All Sizes
• Lion Beanie - All Sizes
• Sugar Love Beanie - Baby Sizes
• Cheery Lime Adult Beanie - Adult Sizes
• Baby Boy Beanie with Pom Pom - Preemie and Baby Sizes 
• Crochet Monster Hat - Toddler and Child Sizes

Beatrice Ryan Designs 

• Amazing Grace Prayer Shawl
• Amazing Grace Hat

 

I'm Hooked  

•  Basic Single Crochet Beanie - All Sizes
• Basic Half Double Crochet Beanie - All Sizes
• Jake the Dog Hat - Child Size
• Blue's Clues Hat - Child Size
• Cute and Warm Beanie with Bow - All Sizes
• Holiday Hats - All Sizes 

Curious Tiff Crochet

• Pixie Hood Hat

KT and the Squid

• Free Simple Single Crochet Beanie - All Sizes
• Bright Stripes Beanie - Child and Adult Sizes
• Walkabout Slouch  - Toddler, Child, Adult
• Easy Preemie Hat

Elk Studio

• Morning Frost Hat - Adult Size     
• Country Appeal Hat and Matching Scarf - Adult Size
• Mystic Beanie - Adult Size
• Grammy Dirlam
• Cabled Hat with Brim - Adult Size 

Moogly

•  Leaping Stripes and Blocks Beanies - All Sizes

Please Read the Requirements for Your Donation, per the Crochet for Cancer website:

        

·  Must be new – never worn

·  Clean – free of perfume, pet hair and smoke

·  Placed individually in clear ziplock style plastic bags

·  Soft yarn is best- cotton, acrylic, silk, fleece or a blend is best. Do not use wool or alpaca as they can irritate the scalp.

·  We accept baby, children, youth, and adult hats.

·  Please use patterns that do not have gaps or large holes. A tighter stitch is best so that it covers the scalp.

·  Be sure to wash your hands on a regular basis while making the caps.

They also accept other items, which are fine if you want to use these instead for the CAL.

        

·  Scarves   

·  Blankets (all sizes)

·  Prayer Shawls        

·  Be creative, we accept any type of gift item to give to a person fighting cancer. For example, a crochet pink ribbon pin to support breast cancer awareness.      

·  Yarn, Yarn, Yarn!!!

·  We accept gift cards to purchase yarn and supplies from the following locations: Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, AC Moore Crafts, Wal-Mart, and JoAnn Fabric.

Please Mail Your Package to:

Hooks of Hope

c/o Melissa Wortmann

P.O. Box 163

Neffs, PA 18065

International Readers

We would still love for you to participate by donating your projects to your local hospitals or charities. Let us know what you're up to by sharing on our social media! (Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, etc).

The Fabulous Prize - $125 Worth of Yarn From Red Heart!

Here is the prize that Red Heart Yarn has graciously provided to participate in our event! The person's whose packaged is first received by Hooks of Hope AFTER the two weeks have ended 0n April 20, with 4 projects included, wins this prize package, worth $125!!

So, share the projects you've completed and are sending in on any of my social media and comment with what you'll be making below! Use the hashtag #CrochetForCancerCAL so we can follow each other!

Thanks, Sara for all your hard work in putting together this event. Thanks also to the fellow bloggers who are sharing their patterns and sharing about this CAL and giveaway.  

Happy giving!

~ Fabi 

Crocheting Mandalas

The other day I went bold with cotton yarn. I took line green, light blue, darker blue , hot pink, and baby pink; I knew those colors belonged together somehow. In a matter of an evening, I completed a crochet mandala that is now hanging up over my kitchen pantry. I followed Made in K-Town's pattern which was very easy to follow thanks to the clear instructions and detailed photos. 

Hope you enjoy the pictures I took along the way. 

Have you made a mandala? What colors did you use? How do you use your mandala? 

Happy crocheting! 

~ Fabi

New baby outfit

I have been spending more and more time lately working on special gifts for little boys. As a mom of two boys, I have noticed the wide availability for girl things.

As I was a creating a custom piece, I looked for my favorite materials to create a one of a kind outfit for a little boy who will enter this world sometime in April. 

Here are some pictures:

The new outfit is available at my Etsy shop. Feel free to send me a message if you would have it. 

happy crafting! 

~ Fabi