I love love love to crochet. My Grandma (the first Grandma Dot) was my hero. I was not only named after her... I wanted to BE her. Her hands were always busy. I thought she was sooo ambitious, but later realized that it was probably nervous energy. She loved to sew, and she loved to crochet. So patiently she guided my fingers and proudly displayed my masterpieces. I now own many of them and they were anything but masterpieces. How Grandma would have loved the internet with its endless images and free crochet patterns.

When my own daughter came along I wanted to pass on this tradition, with its cherished memories, to my own "baby girl". The problem was... Tracy is a lefty. I tried and tried to teach her stitches, with much frustration and little success. Then Grandma tipped me off to teach her in front of a mirror. DUH. What turned out is that my Grandma taught my little girl, and another generation keeps Grandma alive through cherished memories.

Tracy has been bit by Grandma's "crochet bug". From the time she hit the double digits, through high school, college, grad school, working and anywhere went, her fingers were always intertwined with yarn. All her friends owned homemade afghans, from traditional granny squares to unusual and unique stitches. Her cousins all have dolls and toys made with her hands, and her nieces and nephews came into the world with a yarn and thread crochet wardrobe waiting for them; shoes and booties, dresses, and of course baby blankets galore. Her roommates and co-workers were blessed with bookmarks, hats, hair bows and purses, and my favorite... Her brother's collection of the ugliest Christmas sweaters you could imagine.

Last year, Tracy's life was altered forever by a young man who drove his truck into her drivers door. Having lost the use of her left hand she can no longer crochet and thus lives vicariously through the work of others. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But she does take pleasure in seeing the beautiful craftsmanship in the colorful and creative yarns and threads available. Thus this blog was birthed, to combine her passion for crocheting and her desire to help others get "bit by the bug" by providing a place where they can find fabulous free crochet patterns. Enjoy. Get bit. Let us know what you're up to. We want to hear your crochet story.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Free Crochet Patterns: Afghans III





Cherry Blossom Lace AfghanCherry Blossom Lace Afghan
Lovingly knit this precious afghan.This ripple baby afghan will make the perfect gift for a baby shower or even for your own new bundle of joy! Use up to 6 different colors to really highlight the ripple effect. Knit with approximately 1,200 yds of worsted-weight yarn at a gauge of 17 sts per 4" using U.S. size 9/5.5mm needles. Finished afghan is 30" x 40".










Critter Caboose AfghanCritter Caboose Afghan
Crochet a cute baby afghan for the new addition in your family.The crochet afghan uses worsted-weight yarn and has the finished dimensions of approximately 37" square, the perfect size for a newborn.








Cathedral Rose Window Afghan PatternCathedral Rose Window Afghan Pattern
Back by popular demand! The Cathedral Rose Window crochet afghan pattern will enliven any home.We took this award-winning crochet afghan pattern and updated it with modern colors. And we think it's still a winner! Crochet this afghan for yourself or as a gift. It would be a perfect -- and very special -- wedding present. Made with worsted-weight yarn. Approximately 78" in diameter.










Field of Wildflowers Afghan KitField of Wildflowers Afghan Kit
A luscious and exquisite afghan to show off your great taste! The vibrant hues of this beautiful afghan reflect a field of wildflowers. Stitched in large triangle motifs, this pattern is made using worsted-weight yarn. Kit includes enough yarn to make one afghan. All you need to add is the hook!

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Free Crochet Quilt Patterns












Reims Baby Quilt Crochet Pattern - Electronic DownloadReims Baby Quilt Crochet Pattern - Electronic Download
Add color to your nursery with this beautiful quilt blanket!The blanket is made from motifs that are crocheted together with a single crochet seam. No weaving in ends?you just crochet over them all. And, the motifs are so portable that you can crochet one while waiting in long grocery store lines. Loosely based on traditional diamond quilts mixed with�inspiration from gothic stained-glass windows, this baby�blanket will leave any new parent in awe of your wonderful�gift for the new little one. Make it as shown or in the optional quilt layout included in the pattern.�Quilt is around 33" in diameter using a worsted weight wool/bamboo blend of yarn. As with all Crochet By Faye patterns, the pattern has both written and diagrammed instructions.











Ultimate Book of Quilt Afghans - Electronic DownloadUltimate Book of Quilt Afghans - Electronic Download
12 old-fashioned quilt favorites to crochet using sport- and worsted-weight yarns.You?ll find popular quilt designs such as the Double Wedding Ring, Amish Star, Ohio Star and the Drunkard?s Path in this great book. Instructions includes charts and illustrations for easy stitching. These projects were originally published in other Annie?s publications.













Baby Pinwheels Afghan & Soft Blocks Pattern Pack - Electronic DownloadBaby Pinwheels Afghan & Soft Blocks Pattern Pack - Electronic Download
This soft baby blanket looks like a quilt, but it's crochet!This crochet baby blanket pattern gives you the cozy comfort of crochet with the fun look of quilting. It uses worsted-weight yarns and a size H hook. Customize your baby blanket by choosing pastels or primary colors for a bolder look! Crocheted afghan is 30" square, and Soft Stacking Blocks are 3 1/3" and 5" cubes.











Crochet Princess Quilt - Electronic DownloadCrochet Princess Quilt - Electronic Download
An afghan fit for a princess!Every little girl will love this adorable princess quilt. It is made using Red Heart� Soft yarn. Easy-to-follow instructions help with the assembly. Finished size is approximately 40" x 26".









Crochet Tulip Quilt Set Pattern Pack - Electronic DownloadCrochet Tulip Quilt Set Pattern Pack - Electronic Download
Made using worsted weight yarn and only single crochet. Combine the beauty of a quilt with the softness of crochet.The center panels follow a color-change chart, and the checkered and outer borders are crocheted as separate pieces. Quilt is 34" square, and pillow fits a standard 14" pillow form.