Super-Soft & Cozy Striped Crochet Lapghan -- Free Pattern

As you know I've been lamenting over my decision to take on three crochet projects at a time. Normally, I'm a one-project-at-a-time girl, but I got caught up in the excitement of new projects and began feeling pressured by the knowledge that it's almost time for me to return to Germany and I wanted to get certain projects done. Two days ago, I was thrilled to check one of the three projects off my Crochet To-Do list on Off-the-Hook Thursday -- my Twisted Infinity Scarf!

In the midst of work, family activities and hosting my It's Finally Friday Link-a-Long (join in the fun!), I've finished the second project -- a super-soft and cozy striped crochet lapghan! As a work-in-progress, I loved working with the soft, chunky yarns and knew they'd work up into a thick, luxurious lapghan.

I'd had many curious "supervisors" watching to see when this soft, cozy lapghan would be finished, and over the last two days, they've given it the Paw of Approval.

Alice is the first to approve.

So does Patches...

And Ernie.

Last night I was lucky enough to enjoy my new lapghan without a cat on it, and it was deliciously cozy and wonderful! It feels like the crochet version of a favorite old pair of jeans or a warm slice of freshly baked bread that's been slathered with butter...snuggling up with it just feels good.

Super-Soft & Cozy Striped Lapghan

This is a breeze to crochet, requiring:

• a Q hook
• 2 skeins of Redheart Light & Lofty in Cafe au Lait
• 2 skeins of Lions Brand Homespun in Burgundy
• 1 skein of Lions Brand Chenille (no label, not sure of the color)

Chain to reach the desired length of your lapghan. Mine was about 5 feet long.
Rows 1 & 2: Chain 3 (counts as first DC). DC in every stitch to the end of the row.
Row 3 until you're two rows from your desired width: Ch 3, skip 2 stitchs. *DC in the next stitch, ch 1 and DC in the same stitch to form a V-stitch. Skip 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * until the end. DC in the last stitch. Ch 3, turn your work and repeat.
Last Two Rows: DC in every stitch to the end of the row. Ch 3, turn your work and repeat.

The finished product, folded in half.

This pattern is not a revolution. There are tons of variations of V-Stitch chunky lapghans all over the internet. I've just added my own twists of the DC rows on either end for a more stable edging, plus the stripey effect (using up more scraps!). Now that it's done, I'm really ready to turn my attention to projects that say "Springtime!" How about you?

It's Finally Friday Link-a-Long at Go Crochet Crazy

Yippee, it's Friday, and we're just days away from springtime! Although I'm a summer girl through and through, I find springtime to be one of the most inspirational seasons of the year. Doesn't the onset of spring make you want to do a little redecorating, start a new project or do something that says "New Beginnings"?

Speaking of new beginnings, my newly published crochet pattern eBook, Four Infinity Scarf Patterns to Keep You Warm, is now available (more on that in an upcoming blog post).

One of my greatest sources of crafty inspiration is seeing what you're crocheting and creating. Join in the fun and show us what you're up to in this week's Go Crochet Crazy Friday Link-a-Long. Yay, for Fridays!

Go Crochet Crazy Friday Link-a-Long Rules

1. Add links for up to three of your blog posts (not just your home page) using the ADD YOUR LINK button below.
2. Leave a comment on the two blogs before you, letting them know you found them through the Go Crochet Crazy blog. If you're one of the first two to the party, you can comment on the last one or two from this Link-a-Long from last week (this way everyone gets comments). Please feel free to comment on more, if you like.
3. Share this post through Google+, Pinterest, Twitter or Facebook...that's more exposure for everyone joining the link-a-long.
4. Optional: Let your readers know you've joined the Go Crochet Crazy Friday Link-a-Long by linking to this post in text on your blog.

An InLinkz Link-up

Off-the-Hook Thursday: Twisted Infinity Scarf

This week I learned an important lesson: crochet multitasking is not for me. I've been working on the last of four infinity scarves for a pattern eBook, a lapghan and a poncho pattern (get a glimpse of these WIPs here). While they're all wonderful, worthwhile projects, I haven't enjoyed them as much as I know I would if they were solo projects.

As I've hopped from one project to another, I've discovered that I feel pressured and unable to get lost in the joy of creation. And isn't that what crocheting and craftiness is all about? Relaxation and love of the craft are certainly amongst the reasons I crochet.

So it's with great pleasure that I take one of the three projects off the hook today!! The project that looked like this last week...

Twisted Infinity in Progress

Now looks like this....Ta-da!!!

The Twisted Infinity by Go Crochet Crazy

Now that the Twisted Infinity is finally off-the-hook, I'll be able to get my pattern eBook finished and published in the upcoming week. It feels good to finish projects, doesn't it? What are you taking or have you taken off-the-hook this week?

Crochet Hook Preferences -- Do You Have Any?

Until recently, I didn't have a preference for crochet hook size. I happily hooked away with whatever size I fancied or whatever hook a pattern recommended. It was all the same to me.

Currently, I'm working on three crochet projects simultaneously...another first, since I normally have only one WIP at a time. Two of the projects I'm working on involve my beloved Q hook, which I inherited from my grandmother (you can read more about the 1937 afghan I inherited from her too). The other one has me hooking away with a tiny E hook.

My grandma's old Q hook.

As much as I'm happy to be working on these projects, I have to admit I'm not loving working exclusively with an extra large or extra small crochet hook. The tiny one creates lots of work with all the tiny stitches. The large one just doesn't glide through the yarn like an average-sized hook does, making it more of a workout for my fingers. I have to say, I'm really looking forward to crocheting with my J or K hook again.

Which leads me to wonder if you have a preferred size of crochet hook. What is it and why do you prefer it? Also, do you have a favorite hook you defer to...one you inherited or received as a gift? Let's talk about hooks today! I invite you to join the conversation. And if you're in the market for some new crochet hooks or want to see my favorite, take a look at the #1 Best Seller in crochet hooks, Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hook Set in Pouch Sizes F, G, H, I, J, K.

A Weekend in Pictures

Many happenings have made this a wonderful weekend. On the blogging front, I started my first Link-a-Long with a link widget on Friday (you can still add a thumbnail picture and blog link here and I hope you will!). The temperatures have risen ever so slightly as spring draws nearer. I had a fun overnight with the oldest of the littles (my children's children) who is nine and as fun and honest as a nine year old can be! And progressed on a few crochet projects and made some exciting purchases.

Here's my springy, child-centered, and yarnily awesome weekend (thus far) in pictures.

It warmed up enough for a walk...the first outdoor walk in a month!

Oh joy, oh joy! The first robin of spring!

Teaching nine-year-old M to play Crazy Eights

Breakfast with my little friend

We laughed and enjoyed Mr. Peabody and Sherman

To go with an upcoming room redecoration I'm planning on with Cath Kidston colors.

Bought the burgandy to go with the beige for a quick chunky lapghan.

Yarn for an upcoming Giant Granny Afghan in Cath Kidston colors.

Start of chunky stitch lapghan in beige, taupe and burgandy.

Continued work on my upcoming poncho pattern!

As you can see, it's been a wonderful weekend with much-needed signs of spring, some solo time with the oldest of the littles and a few hours tangled in yarny goodness. Come join my link-a-long so we can see what you're up to. What happenings have been filling your weekend?

Free Pattern Friday & Link-a-Long!

When my crochet hobby morphed into a crochet business, I never knew that I'd encounter so many wonderful people in the process of promoting my work. Crocheters are a special group...the people I've encountered have been supportive, encouraging and they appreciate the fact that crochet adds so much more to their lives than just a few handmade items.

Before arriving to this point in my life's journey, I've worked as a teacher, and I've been a writer and businesswoman for nearly two decades. As a small business coach, I've always enjoyed seeing others succeed. It's in that spirit that today marks the first Go Crochet Crazy Free Pattern Friday!!!!

In yesterday's blog post, I invited people who blog about crochet and offer occasional free patterns to contact me so I could promote their blog and a free pattern of theirs. Not a lot of responses poured in, but for the first Free Pattern Friday, it's okay. Directly below you'll find a mixture of some of my free patterns, free crochet patterns that I'm promoting in response to yesterday's post and a few favorites from some of my most beloved blogs (I get a lot of inspiration from reading others' crochet blogs). Pictures used for this promotion are original from the crocheters and all credit for the patterns go to the people listed with each of the patterns.

**If you visit any of these blogs/patterns, please leave the crocheters a comment (we all love to receive comments) and let them know you heard about their pattern from Mary at the Go Crochet Crazy blog.**

After sifting through the free patterns available (links to the patterns are in the titles), continuing scrolling to participate in today's Link-a-Long, where we spread a little crochet love by visiting one anothers blogs!

Free Pattern Friday: March Promoted Patterns

Cotton Spa Cloths by Go Crochet Crazy

Easy skill level and quick to make, these spa cloths are a wonderful gift or fantastic, functional treat for yourself.

Cream and Pastel Chunky Infinity Scarf by Go Crochet Crazy

Wrap yourself in beauty and warmth, with the easy-to-crochet infinity scarf that works up quick with a chunky stitch.

Baby Play Block by Joanita Theron

Such a fun and educational item to crochet for babies! The skill level is easy, and the play block has pockets and embellishments to keep baby busy. 

Snow Cape with Hood by Linda Dawn 

Linda has a lot of beautiful patterns on her blog (they're all free to download on Ravelry). This snow cape, for sizes 0-3 months, is so elegant it even makes wintertime special. 

Granny Square Crochet Diamond Pattern by Crochet Geek

If you're in the mood for something a little bit different and pretty for your next crochet afghan, Crochet Geek's Diamond Pattern YouTube tutorial will get you on your way. She also offers many patterns for left-handed crocheters.

Happy Flower Block by Annie's Place

Just looking at this afghan square makes me happy...the colors say spring, summer and happiness all at one time.

Raindrops Stitch Cushion by Attic24

This newest of free patterns from Lucy at Attic24 is a beautiful color explosion. She uses it for a cushion/couch pillow, but you could easily use the stitch for an afghan, as well.

So there you have it, Free Pattern Friday on the Go Crochet Crazy Blog! I hope you'll stop by and tell me what you think, and visit some of the other crocheters, too!

Onto this week's Go Crochet Crazy Link-a-Long!

An InLinkz Link-up

I AM so excited! I can't wait to visit all your blogs, see what you're up to and spread a little crafty love! One things I've found as I've become more involved in the crochet community is that we're really a great group of people. I invite you to join in today's Link-a-Long to give and receive some of that wonderful kindness, camaraderie and a little love from fellow crafters. 

Happy Yarny Crochet Crazy Friday!!

Let's Get Ready for Free Pattern Friday!

Even though I'm a freelancer whose "weekends" seldom take place on the weekend, there's still something about the impending arrival of Friday that excites me. Each Friday on this blog I try to do something a little extra special to spread a little crochet love and help promote other crafty crochet bloggers. A couple weeks ago, I hosted a Link-a-Long (which I'll be including in tomorrow's promotion to increase exposure for participants even more. Last week, we celebrated Off-the-Hook Friday to showcase our recently finished crochet projects.

Tomorrow, in celebration of Friday and our love for all things crochet, I'm hosting the first (of many) Go Crochet Crazy Free Pattern Friday! My greatest wish is that you'll be a part of it.

It's hardly a question of whether or not we're going to crochet, now is it? It's just a matter of getting our hands on the next pattern we want to work. That's where you come in! On Free Pattern Fridays, I want to promote a free pattern you have available on your blog. Come one, come all...here's what you have to do:

Free Pattern Friday Guidelines

1. Email me at MaryYlisela@yahoo.com or through the Contact Link on my blog. Include a link to your blog with the free pattern you want to promote.
2. If there's not an About You blurb on your blog, just give me a couple sentences about you and your blog.
3. Comment on my Free Pattern Friday blog post tomorrow.
4. Promote Free Pattern Friday blog post (this increases exposure for you and the other participants) through your most active social media venue (Google+, Facebook, Pinterest, etc). 

I love love love the opportunity to promote fellow crocheters and crafty friends! Nothing would please me more today than to have you light up my email inbox with links to your free patterns. Lets spread the crochet love and get more visitors to everyone's blogs. Happy Almost Friday!