Yarn Fanatic Party #17

Welcome to the seventeenth Yarn Fanatic Party!  This will be the last one in December.  I know that a lot of us (myself included) are working on projects that we can't share until after Christmas.  More importantly, we all will be focusing on family during the holiday season.  Be sure to come back in 2015, there are some great things in the works for the Yarn Fanatic Party!

Did you see this adorable Snowman Card that was linked up last week?

If you're looking for Christmas gift ideas for the crocheters in your life look no further!

Time to party!

What have you created with yarn?  I can't wait to see!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
• Please come back in 2015!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.     

Ruffle Scarf Crochet Pattern with Boutique Sassy Fabric from Red Heart

Disclosure: I received this yarn from Red Heart.

This post contains affiliate links.

Have you seen the Boutique Sassy Fabric from Red Heart?  It's a long strip of fabric with evenly spaced holes that you can crochet or knit.  The 100% polyester fabric is sheer and has a pleasant feel -- my four year old called it "slippy" which is what she calls silk scarves.  It comes in quite a few patterns, everything from chevrons to skulls, but the yarn that I received from Red Heart to try out was this classic black and white houndstooth pattern:

Red Heart has a few patterns that use this yarn.  After looking through their selection I decided to stick with making a ruffle scarf.  After playing around with the fabric for a little while the following is what I did.

• Chain 6.  I used a size K crochet hook.  The recommended size is a J, but I really wanted something a little looser.
• Single crochet in second chain then until the end. (5 stitches) Chain one.
• Single crochet across. (5) Chain one.
• Repeat until you reach the desired length.

I used one hank in its entirety, which is about 30 yards of fabric.  Personally, I would have liked the scarf to be a little bit longer, but it is fine as is.  I think the length is just about perfect for my sweet little model, Catherine!  What do you think?

It did take just a few minutes to get the hang of working with the fabric, but once I caught on the project took about a leisurely hour.

Have you worked with any of the Boutique Sassy Fabric from Red Heart?  What did you make?  Did you enjoy working with it?

If you liked this post, I'd love to have you follow me!

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Crocheter

1. Crochet Hooks

If you're looking through this list for gift ideas, chances are the crocheter in your life already has a hook or two (or fourteen!).  However, there are some specialty hooks out there that are sure to delight.

Cornerstone Products Lite Crochet Hooks -- That's right, it lights up!  How cool is that?  You can crochet in the dark with these!

19 mm Crochet Hook -- If you don't know, this is a huge hook, but it could be fun to use!

Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set -- I have this set.  It's fantastic.  The grips are also really great if your hands get tired after a long crochet session.

2. Hook Cases

My Mom gave me a great little case a couple of years ago for Christmas.  It's so great to have.  It travels with me everywhere.  It might be a bit ridiculous, but I would be somewhat devastated to lose the case.  (Especially if my hooks were in there!)

Pink Crochet Hook Case -- This one looks cute.

3. Pattern Books

Looking through crochet pattern books is so enjoyable!  It sparks the imagination for new projects.

Easy Crochet Critters -- I own this book, it was a gift from my husband, and have made quite a few of the animals.  Some multiple times.  I love it.  The directions are clear and the animals are adorable.  It's a great introduction into amigurumi.  (Here's an elephant I made.  Here's a giraffe.)

4. Crochet Reference Books

Even the most experienced crocheter needs a reference book.

Super Stitches Crochet -- I reference this book frequently.  I love that it has both written instructions and diagrams for many stitches.

5. Yarn

This shouldn't come as a surprise, but crocheters love yarn.

Bonbons

Nature's Choice

Heads Up

I hope that this list helps you find a gift for the crocheter in your life.  If you crochet, what are some items that you would love to receive?

Wordless Wednesday: Silly Kids in Sweaters Made by Mommy

Catherine is wearing the Pink Butterfly Sweater and her Orange Hat. Dominic is wearing the Five Hour Sweater. I made all three items!  I will be sad when the day comes that they don't want to wear something made by Mommy.

Link up your own family friendly Wordless Wednesday posts!

Yarn Fanatic Party #16

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Now it's time to start preparing for Christmas!  I just have to share this Crochet Christmas Light Pattern with you because it's just too cute.  It's free and looks easy enough.  (And would be a great way to use up those random little bits of leftover yarn.)

Did you see this Infinity Scarf from Undeniable Glitter?  I just love the bright coral color!  She includes the free pattern in her post.  I think I'm going to be making one of these soon.

Time to party!

What have you created with yarn?  I can't wait to see!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.  I would appreciate it very much if you:

• Follow me somehow.
• Check out the above links.
• Link backs are awesome.  (I'm planning on making one of those cute little party buttons at some point.  Just not yet.)
• Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
• Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
• Please come visit and link up every week!

Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.  (With a link to your post, of course!)