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!!

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.