Thank Goodness for Diagrams!!

I ran across this photo of a pretty pineapple shawl and realized that it's from a Japanese book.


OK, so you know I don't read Japanese, right? But, as luck would have it, I found ( don't ask me where), the diagram for it.

But there's a catch.... it's not the WHOLE pattern, but pretty much!! ;-)

Had to figure out the rest on my own, and since I've done a few pineapple patterns before, it wasn't too hard to figure out.

I find that diagrams help out a lot. Written (especially pineapples) patterns can sometimes be overwhelming, so wordy, it makes me dizzy!!

Now, here's the thing. I know the original pattern probably calls for some thin expensive, sport-weight type of yarn, but you know me......I'm a '4-ply kinda guy!!'

Hee, Hee!!

What are you doing this Winter?

So, what's going on with everyone?

I know most are still doing last minute things for the big day, but what are some of your plans for the coming year?

If the big snowstorm we just had on the East Coast is any indication, we're going to be stuck in the house a lot more next year, so they're be a lot of crocheting and knitting.

So, what are you planning to work on? Still trying to finish up those projects that you've putting aside?


Planning to start making things for the Spring season?

I really need to buckle down and finish some of the things I've started....they're beginning to pile up! ;-)

Philadelphia Male Crocheters?

Are there any male crocheters in Philly?

I've lived here all my life, and only met one male, who was a senior citizen originally from Texas. And he too, was surprised to have met another male crocheter.

I did see one young guy on the subway, tucked in a corner seat, working on a fashion doll dress, looking very nervous. I came up to him, asked if he was working in sc or dc, just to put him at ease, but he still was too nervous to talk, so I left him alone.

Whenever I go to our local Knit-Out, I might see one guy there, usually someone's young son,dragging around with their mom. Normally, I'm the only guy there (except maybe for the janitor)!!;- )

And you can forget seeing them at our LYS, (well, we only have one 1 crochet friendly LYS). I might see a male knitter (OK, that's a different group altogether...a subject for later!) ;-)

If it weren't for the Internet, I don't think I'd ever would of met another male crocheter.

I'm sure there others out there, maybe they were like me years ago, pretty much kept to themselves, doing it privately, still dealing with the public stigma attached to it.

It's frustrating sometimes being in a room full of just women, having them (unintentionally, of course), talk down to you, and treat you as one of the 'girls'.

So, where are you guys??

DC KEYHOLE NECK SCARF

DC KEYHOLE NECK SCARF

CrochetGuy Copyright © 2009







Materials: 4ozs of any 4-ply Soft or Sport yarn ‘I’ hook Yarn Needle

(If using worsted weight yarn, use ‘J’ hook)

Size: 5” x 33”

Gauge: 3dc & 2rows=1”

Abbreviations: Ch-chain sl st-slip stitch sc-single crochet dc-double crochet rev sc-reverse single crochet (sc, working from left to right)

Note: Ch2, does not count as a dc

Row 1: Ch 122, dc in the 3rd ch from the hook, and in each ch across, turn (120 dc)

Rows 2-4: Ch2, dc across, turn

Row 5: Ch2, dc across the next 86dc, ch13, skip 13dc, dc across remaining dc, turn

Row 6: Ch2, dc across each dc and ch, turn

Rows 7-9: Ch2, dc across, turn



Keyhole Edging:

With right side facing, join yarn to 1st dc of opening, sc around, join end off

Outer Edging:

Row 1: With right side facing, working along all sides, sc around, working 3sc at each corner, join

Row 2: For Women, (sc in the next st, sl st in the next st) around, join, end off

Row 2: For Men, rev sc around, join, end off



Weave ends

Copyright © 2009 That Crochet Guy



Please do not reproduce, sell or distribute this pattern by any means.



You may sell your finished work made from this pattern.

Shell Stitch Crazy!!

Just finished a few hats and some scarves as gifts for the upcoming holidays, and I'm about 'shelled' out!!! :-0

Cable Comfort

I recently purchased this book called 'Range of Fashion'from Amazon for the cover sweater:



I couldn't see all of it, due to the way the model was posing, but I was intrigued by the way the cable was made. It reminded me of a Lion Brand knitted pattern that I first saw in a fashion runway photo online.

Oh, by the way, the patterns are made by another 'male' crocheter, George Shaheen.





Well, I received it, and after getting over the fact the book only has 5 patterns for $15!!!!, (one is OK, but the other 3...not for me!) :-)

Got to see the whole sweater.....not bad!


So, after reviewing how the cable strip was made, I decided to make a smaller version, just to see. I decided to try it in a one color bag, then, another version as a hat, with 2 shades of gray(left over yarn),(wasn't too sure about this one, but, what the heck, right?)

Philadelphia Area 8th Knit/ Crochet Out Event

Well, it's that time again.

On Oct 4th, from Noon to 5p.m., the Philadelphia Convention Center (corner of 12th & Arch Sts) will be holding the 8th Annual Philadelphia Area Knit/Crochet Out Event

OK, OK, don't get so excited!!

It's not it used to be. It's main objective to still to promote knitting and crocheting(among other types of crafts)free to the public.

But the key word is 'free'....

Everything is 'free'...I mean that's everything's 'donated'. Volunteers, materials, even the hall is 'donated'.

Over time, like most things, free doesn't last forever. So after a while, the donations (and some volunteers)have dwindled.

So, if your salivating over what 'free' goodies you're going to get, think again.

The companies that used to donate materials aren't truly doing so out of the kindness of their hearts, they're hoping to generate some future business.

But if you don't shop in their stores, then why should they continue.

They say 'you can't get out what you don't put in'.

So c'mom people, if you want things like the Knit Out to continue, you need to do your part as well.

Smooth Cable Hat

Saw this hat on Etsy and wanted to figure out the stitch:

Visor Cap

Saw this FREE pattern online (click title for pattern) and thought I'd give it a try:

Pretty Pineapples Caplet

Here's my latest design:
Click here to purchase pattern:

Crochet Dad!!

I recently met Gene (aka Crochet Dad)from California here in Philly the other day. He and his wife were here to their youngest daughter's graduation from Drexel University.

We met up at a local Starbucks, and one of the first things that struck me was he greeted me with a great big hug....not your standard handshake... that was nice!!

He treated me to a cup of coffee, while I sat and talked with him and his wife, daughter and her boyfriend.

It was both nice and strange at the same time. Nice, because I rarely get to see and talk with another male crocheter, strange, because I've only done that online.

I once met a senior male crocheter(Ed) at a local senior center that wanted to meet me when he heard of me thru a mutual craft friend. She talked about me and he was so excited to hear of another male crocheter( a Black one too!!), that he asked me to come to his center.


So, whenever I came by, he'd always have something for me to see. after awhile I realized that in his funny way, he was 'testing me'. So, sometimes, I'd act as if I didn't know something, just so he could 'teach' me.

He was originaly from Texas, were he learned to crochet as a kid.

He was also glad to meet someone who understood crochet on the same level. Most of the ladies didn't, and he would get frustrated with them, so he figured it would just be better to flirt with them (hee, hee!!)

He since passed. But before he did, he gave me dozens of old patterns and a complete set of knitting needles (he was a knitter as well.


So, it was really nice to meet another male crocheter in person, especially one that gives'hugs'!!

Pineapple Wrap

Click title to purchase pattern

I Have a Life!!

Recently I was talking several ladies about something on the Internet, then one, who has a computer, but rarely uses it, says:

" I can't be bothered with all the computer stuff, I have a life!!"

I've heard several ladies say that, but it's funny how, if they need something, they're quick to ask you to find and get it for them.

Reminds me of people that always ask (even tell) me to crochet something for them, even ones that can crochet themselves. They usually try to butter me up with high praises before they go in for the kill!!!

People must think that, since I either crochet or be on the computer a lot, I have the time and will do whatever they want. Like I don't have anything else to do, and they're giving me something to do.


And they wonder why I get pissed!! HELLO!!!

Most times, I just don't say anything. I mean, what would be the point. If you tend to think in terms about people that they're "only as good as they're good for"....then they just won't get it.

I just smile, grit my teeth, and push it out of my mind.

But.....if they bring it up again....LOOK OUT!!

JANE'S YARN SHOPPE!!

I stopped in to my favorite LYS:
Jane's Yarn Shoppe
1707 E. Passyunk Ave (near the corner of 12th & Morris Sts)
Philadelphia, PA 19148
215-463-8181

The Crochet Friendliest LYS in Philly!!!

The 'Lustre Sheen' Queen!!

If you're looking a more crochet friendly place, there's none other than Jane's.

And,if you're coming, plan to stay awhile!!!

Make sure you bring something to snack on, 'cause you're gonna have a great time.

She's been a great friend for over 15 yrs. She carries all types of yarn at reasonable prices(and we need those more than ever, right?).

Looking for Lustre Sheen? Well, she has the best supply in town.

So, stop on by. Tell her I sent you!! ;-)

7 Point Round Shawl

Here's my latest pattern:

I wanted to come up with something quick & easy to make for Mother's Day, or just for the Summer.

Click Title for link.

Granny Square Market Bag

This is a nice pattern.

Quick, easy, and simple to make. Both practical and economic.

I've seen other market bags, and there OK, but they all looked like they're about to pop any second from all those chains!!

I plan to make another one, but it won't be as wide, longer straps, and have a stronger bottom base.

A Student's Work

Got a nice surprise today.

One of my former senior citizen students (Rose) from a Senior apartment building I taught at sent a couple of photos of a afghan & bedspread she just had finished.

One was from a pattern I gave her, the other was just something she made up. I call her my 'Afghan Lady'. That seems to be the thing she enjoys making the most. Don't really need a pattern, I can just make up a diagram, suggest some colors, and off she goes!!

I'm no longer teach there, but stop by from time to time (it was my first official class 10 yrs ago), so some of the members are like family (the ones you really want to be around!!) ;-)

I's so rare that I get photos from my students, so I really wanted to share.

In a 'Poncho' Mood

Funny thing.

A former crochet student who now, along with her twin sister, teaches some beginners on their own time (and a different day), asked me about some poncho patterns.

Seems she wanted to make one for a good friend or relative (don't remember which), so I brought in some from one of those Jack Frost Gypsy Vest Accessory Books (Volumes 77 & 78) From that old website.

I remembered making some of these a few years back (don't remembered why, was just the thing everyone was making at the time,I guess.)

Anyways, I decided to make the same one as her choice, then, after she and a couple ladies were browsing thru some old pictures of my work, saw a variation of another type poncho I made (from the same old 'Groovy Patterns' book, I decided to make another one.

Well, here's some pics of both ponchos:

Crocheted Cape stole

Crocheted Cape stole, originally uploaded by b5sycop1.

I really would like to make this!!

National Crochet is Almost Over...

Like each year, whenever the National Crochet Month rolls around, I try to see if there's anyone else is interested in doing something, but as always....nothing!!


Most people either never heard of it, and couldn't care less!! I get those strange looks, "What the hell are you talking about??"


Maybe it's me.

Well, I tried to do my small part. I visited a couple of my old classes, and the only crochet friendly LYS in town (Jane's Yarn), to donate photocopies of instructional papers as well as some actual patterns(they loved that!!)

Offered to help some students with their projects, brought in sample swatches, demonstrated different stitch techniques, and brought in some of my own projects.

I enjoyed doing it. Guess it's the 'teacher' in me.

I also tried to encouraged the students to promote crochet(and knitting) to other people and invite them to come and learn....we'll see what happens ;-)

National Crochet Month-2

OK, I just came from a beginner knit & crochet class which branched
off from one of my regular old crochet class (that's on Thursdays). I dropped
off a bunch of old knitting (and some crochet ) papers and leaflets,
mainly to one of my old student teachers for the class.

Plan to go tomorrow and bring more.

Hopefully, I'll bring some each each this month.

I figured since I'm no longer teaching, I'll pass along all the papers I've collected over the years.

One person's junk is another's.......!!

Some People Got Nerve!!

Maybe it's me.

I seem to have this bad habit of whenever I see something online or a email that I think other people might like, I pass it along (I call it 'sharing').

Well, the other day I saw a baby hat online pattern that I thought some people might like. I'm not into baby stuff, but I know a few ladies who are.

So, after sending the pattern, I got a response from a old crochet friend ( who, by the way, I never hear from till I send her a email), who thanked me for the pattern, and then went on to say that she liked my website, particularly a 'Jeff' cap I designed, and requested me to 'send' her the pattern.

What's up with that!!

What does she think my website is? A 'free' online service? There's a clear difference between a free online patterns and purchased ones.

But because she knows me, she automatically thinks I'll 'give' her the pattern (then won't hear from her till the next time she wants something)..

Well, I tried to be nice, so I didn't respond.

After a week or so, she replied "Since you have not answered me I guess if I want that” JEFF” pattern I will have to pay for it."

Well DUH!!!

Like I said, maybe it's me!!

National Crochet Month

March is National Crochet Month.

Anyone have any plans? I asked this question last year, and most people had never heard about it. I guess it's not so much of thing anymore.

Here, in Philly, the only thing I ever hear about is the annual Knit Out in September. And that's starting to thin out. They're hanging by a thread lately (no pun intended).

Seems as though everybody's just staying in and just working on their own, sneaking out just to get yarn.

Was just in a Michael's the other day, and you could hear a pin drop in the yarn section.

Maybe it's the weather.....that must be it! ;-0

Hopefully, as Spring arrives, more people will get out of the house, and interact more.

We'll see;-)

'Jocelyn' Caplet (without Roses)

'Jocelyn' Caplet (without Roses)

I recently got this pattern from Annie's Attic (on sale at half price now!).

It says it only takes 3-4 ozs. of Caron's 'Simply Soft'.... I think she meant skeins instead of ounces!!

I didn't like the opening, so I closed it. And I also didn't care for the roses either.

I added a long chain and added it around the neckline.

Why use Red Heart Yarn?

I use Red Heart Super Saver for almost everything I make.
People always asked why don't I use 'better' yarn....well, here's a couple of reasons:

1: With as much stuff I want to make, it's just cheaper.
2: I make mostly women's items, usually just hats & scarves for guys.
3: Although I get compliments on my work, nobody's buying them, so why spend extra money when people only look at my pictures?
4: When designing, it makes sense to use a more 'durable' yarn.


When I first started crocheting, all I thought about was improving my technique. As a young teenager in college in the middle of nowhere, yarn was scarce. Besides, all I saw was Red Heart at Woolworth's (OK, I'm dating myself!!)

So, when I came home, I did go to this yarn store called Clivden's, where they had a large variety of different yarns, but they where mainly out of my price range.

I did try, from time to time, to use some better yarn (like when I made that ripple gown), but that was a special occasion. For the most part, I mainly crocheted just for my personal enjoyment.

I still had conflicting issues with me being a 'guy' crocheting, so there were times I just didn't bother with at all.

But, when I decided to teach years later, I found that most of my students used Red Heart. They were mainly senior citizens, on fixed incomes(like me!!), and mainly crocheted for the comfort it gave.

So, I figured that, for those who were interested improving their crochet skills, they could still use the same type of yarn.

Now, I'm at a point in my life, that I don't care what type yarn I use. It's more important on how well you crochet, not what yarn you use!!