3 Cables Scarf

Saw a photo of this online and decided to figure it out.

Click title to pattern.

Modular Cardi-Wrap

Just finished Doris Chan's 'Modular Cardi-Wrap' from the L.A. booklet#4269- 'A Style for You'.

Made a couple of her patterns, and I really liked this one.

But I did make a few changes.The pattern called for using Caron's 'Simply soft Heathers', but I just used RH SS 'Aspen Print'(thinner than most RH SS), and Dark Sage for the sleeves. I wanted to try it in 2 colors instead of just one.

She used a stitch pattern called 'herringbone hdc' on the front loop for both the back and sleeves. I tried it in a sample swatch, but didn't care for it, so I just did the back in plain dc and worked the sleeves(separately than what the pattern called for) in the diagonal box stitch. I did the front sections with the same ripple stitch pattern as per the pattern.

Tye Dye Boxes Top

Someone had given me Summer 2007 issue of Knitter's magazine, and I saw a nice top that was mainly made of 3 mitered squares in the front and back.

So I thought I'd give it a try in crochet.

Spending a Day With a Crochet Friend...

I was surprised the other day when my best crochet friend Pam (we call each other cousins be cause we have the same last name)emailed me about giving me a duplicate crochet book she had.

I misunderstood, thinking she just wanted me to see it, not realizing she was returning the favor I did a couple months earlier.

Well, she calls me the other day, saying where can we meet up, maybe on Saturday, so I said sure. So we decided to meet at a LYS downtown.

It's always a treat to see her, she so energetic, funny, and we relate very well.I've known her for over 8yrs, and she's always a joy.

We love talking everything crochet!!! From what's going on today, to stuff done years, and years ago.

As both former crochet teachers, we always have strange and funny stories to tell.

So, back to today, we went into this LYS(Loop) , browsing around. I didn't plan to buy anything (it's a little too high end for my taste), and she said she had some coupons she wanted to use.

But, we spend more time talking getting friendly with the store owner and workers.

Finally, we left, with me buying a magazine I really don't need, and her getting anything, go figure!!

So, we decided to stop by to another LYS, that we were more familiar with, Jane's Yarn Shoppe. I was feeling a bit tired, don't know if it was the diabetes, or my blood pressure (or both), but I didn't want to end the day so soon, was having fun, so I went on.

So we get there, and normally, the store doesn't have that many people on Saturdays, but today, she had 4 of her favorite ladies there, and let me tell you, they're a lively bunch.

Normally, it's like this if I stopped by during the middle of the week, but for some reason, today, the ladies showed up.

We all had a good time, telling stories, catching up on the latest news and gossip, laughing and just having a great time.

Although, for me, I was a little tired most of the day, I enjoyed myself, even when I fell off my chair, trying to squeeze myself in a tiny space, when another lady joined in(the space was near the 2 steps of the small landing where we all sat).

I was OK, too tired to even feel embarrassed, besides, I was among friends.

So, after a couple hours, we decided to go, and call it a day.

All in all, it was a fun day, which I don't have too many of.

'The Crochet Dude'-Designs for Guys book

Just got the book thru Amazon the other day.


I have to say I was impressed (as I thought I'd would be.)

Well written, well photographed, well organized.

The patterns ranged from easy to experienced, with a variety of yarns and colors.

I'm not a big fan of thin yarn and hooks, and he offers work with that in mind ;-)

Of course, there's a couple things with thinner yarn and hooks, but that's OK, I can live with that (hee, hee!!)

I'm also glad to see the book coming out now, just in time for the upcoming holidays (hint, hint for anyone who wanted to make me a sweater.)

I'm a Size XL, in case you were wondering!

Some of my Bags I've made in the last couple of years:

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It's great to be appreiciated!!

I was really surprised the other day when I stopped in on a senior citizen center crochet class hosted by twin sisters(Grace & Yvonne)that were former students of mine.

Some time ago, after I left teaching there, the twins (who were among my more advanced students), decided that with so many people still there, and no 'one' person could help, especially the beginner students, that they decided to give help to a much smaller class on a different day.

They started in a small room in the first floor of the newly adjacent senior apartment building, then eventually found a space and time (on Wednesdays) in the same senior center.


One day, I happened to stop in the regular class(on Thursdays) to see what the everybody was working on since returning from the summer break. While chatting, one of the twins (Yvonne) asked if I could help her understand how to read diagrams.

Naturally, I said sure. So I suggested stopping in on the Wednesday class, being they were less people.

So, when I showed up, I noticed that she had some copies made dealing with understand stitch diagrams, hoping to teach her students, once I explained it to her.

Well, I realized that she seemed a little flustered with getting things organized, as well as dealing with helping some of the students, especially a couple of beginners.

So, I kinda took the bull by the horns, and began teaching the class as a whole.
Normally, I would of waited at least till one or both would of asked for my help, but they seemed to be overwhelmed.

The sisters were relieved and grateful, so much so, that together, they gave a nice stypen to show their appreciation.

I was glad to help out, didn't expect to get anything, but when I think about it,

that just the thing they would do.

Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet Event

Well we just had our Annual Knit Out here, and I had a good time.

Although it was an abbreviated version, at least we had a gathering space.

Times being what they are, we may not find ourselves flush with gifts and goodies, as in past years. But like all other Philadelphia Area Knit Out & Crochet Events, we can come together for an afternoon of fun, sharing, creative inspiration and camaraderie.


So, if you bing your latest project in progress to work on,
· your friend(s),
· some extra yarn and accessories to share and swap,
· and your enthusiasm and willingness to share your expertise and skill with others.

We should all have a great time together.

As a teacher,it always feels nice to help and share to eager minds what I know.

Of course, you'll get some who only reason there is to see what they can get for free, but for the most part, a good amount were there to learn and share.

Topsy Turvy Sweater/Shrug

I originally made this a heavier worsted weight yarn, but thought it might be too warm for the Summer, so I decided to make one using Caron's 'Simply Soft'

Pattern is available at: (click title)

Red Cotton Newsboy Cap

Great for the Summer.



Click link to pattern:

Cotton 'Jeff' Cap

After several request, I wrote up a Summer version of my Jeff' Cap.

Made with cotton yarn, it's something for us 'guys'

OK, for you ladies too.....;-)





Click link for pattern: buy now

Shades of Denim Afghan

I made this afghan several years ago for my myself. The last thing on my mind was writing out a pattern.

But since I posted it on the Web, I've had several request for the pattern , so I decided to write it up.

The afghan made of small and large squares, triangles and unique corner squares. A great summer project to plan for the Fall/Winter, even a Christmas present!


Click the above link or here for the pattern:

Open Shell Cluster Brim Cap

Saw a unknown stitch pattern in a photo online and came up with this cap. Click link or at my Ravelry store (below) for pattern.

Shell Stitch Tank

Just finished this top (click Title to pattern)

Saw a vintage photo of a dress that I can't find the pattern for, so I came up with my own version. Decided to just make a top, maybe I'll come up with a seperate skirt pattern later.
Although I used RH SS, I'd suggest using something like Caron's 'Simply Soft', feels nicer, I think.

My Hi Top Sneaker Slippers

I made these a few years ago, mainly for demonstration and advertising when I used to have a table at different craft fairs and bazaars. They were a big crowd attraction.

I only had a Polaroid pic of them (a bad one at that), so I decided to update the pic.

I thought the pattern was available online, but can't seem to find it.

Doily Shell Stitch Round Shawl

Got the idea from of doily vest I saw online.

Can be made with either any light or worsted weight yarn.

Quick & easy, great for that last minute Mother's Day present....or just for yourself!

Click link for pattern.

Here's some of my latest work.....and it's only April!!

Mary J Blige Cap

Here's another hat pattern.

I saw a photo of a knitted cap worn by the singer Mary J Blige.

You know me, gotta try it, right?

Click link for pattern.

Chevron Granny St Sweater

I just added a new pattern.

Actualy, I made this nearly 2 years ago. Got inspired by something knitted I saw online, and thought I give it a try in crochet.

It wasn't until someone ask me for the pattern (still getting used to that), that I even thought about writting it out.

So far, I've written about a dozen (it still takes me forever!!),but I'll still keep at it.

Tell me what you think. Click link for pattern.

Cluster Newsboy Cap

Just added another pattern.

I made this a few months ago, just getting around to posting the pattern.

Click link for pattern.

My First Podcast Interview

Well, I just had my first podcast interview!!

It was with Marly, from her blog, 'Yarn Thing', a really nice and fun lady!

Actually, it was 2 interviews, we had one the day before, everything went great, but one of her small children accidently shut down the computer, wiping out the whole thing.

No biggie, we just did it again the next day (when the little demons were asleep)...hee, hee!! ;-)

I really enjoyed it. I felt honored to be asked to do it. I'm one of the male crocheters she's speaking to. She's already spoken with Peter Franzi (Hooker Bear Creations and owner of Men Who Crochet, a Yahoo Group). Go there and check it out.

My interview won't be available for a few weeks, so I'll let you know when it's online.

Girl's Cocoon Collar Shrug

Someone recently requested the pattern for this Shrug.

I made it for young girls (mainly teenagers). I have a couple young pre-teen great nieces that made me come up with the pattern.

Click link for pattern.

'All About Eve' Duster

I made my first one a few years ago, and asked one of my crochet students (Eve), to try it on. She really liked it and has since been bugging me to finally write out the pattern.

I'm almost done, just need to decide if I should add the pocket section. I made inside pockets, but I'm thinking maybe that's too much for some people to figure out. Maybe I should just make the pockets seperate, then just sew them on.

We'll see.

Granny & V-St Bolero Jacket

Well I finally got around to writting out this pattern. I know, it took me awhile, but with only working with 2 fingers (I call it 'chicken' typing!!), one can only go but so fast, right?

Click link for pattern.

Scalloped Sweater Set

I've been wanting to make this for many years. I saw this in a old 74' issue of Woman's Day magazine (yes, I was crocheting when the issue came out!). It was part of a series called 'The Warm, Wonderful World of Sweaters'.

There was a men's striped sweater set I liked, started to make it, but thought all the colors (I was using different shades of blue, my favorite, of course)would make it too busy. Also, the fact that the entire thing was to be done in the (sc, ch1) seed stitch didn't help either.

Back to the woman's set......the ripple slipover is what really drew my attention. The cardigan was a V-neck made in plain dc.

One problem was that the slipover looked too small, and the different sizes depended on using different size hooks. Well, I tend to crochet tight, so that threw out that logic out the window, and the other thing was that they wanted you to change colors on every row...

UH, WHAT?.....Hell, I didn't like it thing THAT much!!LOL

So, I just put it on the back,(WAY, WAY, BACK!!)burner, forgeting all about it.

For some reason don't know why, I saw the pattern while looking for something else, and thought, hmmm, I'll give it another stab at it.

I did make a couple changes (put the 'KEN' spin on it!), and did my version of the matching cardigan (in one piece from the neck down!!The pattern will be available soon on Lulu.

The only sewing was the shoulder seams, how cool is that!!

So, what do you think?

Diagonal Box St Shrug

Wanted to try another way for a sweater-like shrug.
I choose this stitch pattern to give it a more textured look without looking and feeling bulky.

Click link for pattern.

Design 7539 Coat

I finally, FINALLY finished it!!!

I'm still not too happy about the opening. the pattern calls for just one button, at the collar...no clips, fasteners, nothing......

Thinking of adding hooks, but I'm not too sure about that. We'll see.

Vertical Shell St Jacket

Well, I finally finished it. A good online friend sent me the pattern from Germany while attending school a couple of years ago. It's from a magazine called Diana.

There was one problem, all the patterns were written in German!! OK. at least the pattern that I was interested in had a diagram, so I kinda could figure it out from that. But I decided to put the idea aside for awhile.

I finally picked it back up, mainly because, while browsing thru different Ravelry forums, I ran across a member whose ID was 'HilaryinGermany'. I thought I'd just ask if she'd translate it for me, and she did (thanks, Hilary!!). Don't ask me why I didn't ask the friend who sent the magazine, maybe I just didn't want to be a bother.

Anyway, after reading Hilary's translation, I wasn't too sure about it, especially the sleeve instructions, so I came up my own version.

I decided to choose the color 'Linen' so it could go with alot of different Fall/Winter colors (besides, I had alot of it). The original pattern called for 3 different colors, changing each every row (Yeah!, like that was gonna happen!!). The 3 colors looked too busy to me, and my taste leans toward the simple, basic side.I'd planned to put a accent color as a trim anyway.

The pattern says that this is made in one piece, from one sleeve to the other. OK, that might work, but that means that you'd have to work decreases in the opposite direction. HUH?.....we can forget about that idea.....

I just made 2 identical pieces, then just sew the pieces together at the back.
Hey! I already started both sleeves anyway, so I went with it.

I made the sides (front and back) a little longer, and planned to add side pockets (just gotta thing about jackets and coats having pockets), as well as buttons on the front too.

The next tricky part was figuring out the back collar/scarf. The pattern wasn't too clear, but I did figure it out (Personally, I think the scarf width is too wide, but it's have to do.....the brother ain't taken it out now!!)

So, onward I went.....what do you think? Click link to pattern site.

Ripple Lace Shawl

I saw this nice shawl on Etsy the other day and thought it was something easy to make. The pattern is available at:(click title).

I tried to figure it out from just the photo. I used 2 skeins of RH SS 'Pale Yellow'. I think it called for some thin, thin yarn (UGH!!)