HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Okay girls and boys, start dreaming of quick crochet slippers to use up that yarn in your stash.

All of the below patterns are on sale at etsy.com
(all photos copyright their respective owners)

Click PHOTOS to go to the purchase page

This first pair is my favorite.  Not only quick, she mentions her Oma!  I have an Oma as well, so this one pulled at my strings.  They also look very well designed.
by Mamachee on etsy.com
$5.50 immediate download

Simply Felted Slippers – crochet pattern
$4.99 at etsy.com, by knotsewcute

Mens Oxford Loafers, crochet pattern
Would also be great for grandma’s with swollen feet… I’ve had such a hard time finding slippers that fit for my Oma when her feet are in rough shape.
$4.00 at etsy.com, by hollanddesigns

Ladies Sporty Casual Crochet Flats
A new take on the slipper, I really like the details on this one.
$4.00 at etsy.com, also by hollanddesigns

Baby Boy Boots, crochet pattern
Very interesting construction and oh so baby cute.
$3.99 at etsy.com, by monpetitviolin

Enjoy!  and don’t forget to pass on your crochet skills to someone, it’s a yarn craft that can NOT be done by machine!

In my search for a new crochet blanket pattern to work up I found some really great patterns on ravelry and on the net.  Here are my top picks for Fall 2009.

(click the images to view the pattern or to download)

Just Enough Blanket by Amy O’Neil Houck
yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton
Interweave store $5.00 download

DROPS blanket . Alpaca
FREE pattern at their website garnstudio.com

Andalusia Blanket by Berroco
yarn: Berroco Comfort
FREE pattern!

Ripple Blanket tutorial and pattern
FREE on the blog attic24.typepad.com

Airy Spring Throw by Marianne Forrestal
In the Crochet Today! Mar/Apr 2009 issue

Woodcliff Throw by Treva McCain
Pattern is FREE on the NaturallyCaron.com website.

Salem by the Berroco design team.
Another great crochet blanket pattern by Berroco!
Available in the #273 NaturLin booklet.

These are great patterns that get away from the traditional granny square afghans (those are sometimes cool too, but…).  I’ve found that cotton is a great way to spice things up in the blanket world, I generally choose a wool or acrylic blend but the new cotton’s that are out there wear beautifully and are easy on the hands.  Try linen too!