My arm said it was time to take a break from looming so I've been crocheting lately. This is called the Chunky Brimmed Winter Hat. I had some variegated yarn in pretty fall colors I wanted to try and think it turned out nicely. The free pattern is located at http://www.yarnsandmusings.com/2007/01/chunky-brimmed-winter-hatchapeau.html .
Lion Brand published a book called Just Hats, Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet. It has basic hat patterns for both techniques as well as variations and more complicated patterns. This hat is called The Kiss and was as easy as the pattern promised. It's the first time I've used double point needles and they turned out to be quite manageable.
Krystal makes afghans which are donated to charity. She has created this pattern and shares it freely. Her only requirement is that you agree to send her a completed square. Above are two of the squares I'm sending her. There are pictures on her blog of squares sent to her from all over the world and of some finished blankets. She has even started a Yahoo group to help people with the pattern. If you crochet, you might want to check it out at http://krochetkrystal.blogspot.com/ .
The chain is long enough to fit around a large book. Pulling the ends of the chain snugs the pony bead up to the book so the bookmark keeps its place. By attaching a small metal ring to the sock and to the chain where the sock is attached, the sock hangs freely.
Using Isela's Mini Sock Loom, this set was made with Paton's Grace. Leftover sock yarn was recommended but I have to knit some more socks before there is any leftover yarn. If you're not part of the Yahoo Loom Class group, you can find the patterns at http://decoraccentsinc.com/looming_instructions.html .
These hats, done from Sara's pattern, have received lots of complimentary comments from my friends. They're a nice change from the traditional style I usually do and work up just as quickly. The patterns for all of Sara's designs are available at http://www.loomknit.com/ .
After seeing a friend's felted purse, I decided it was time to try the process. The first attempt was needleknit. Turns out my washing machine's very gentle agitation makes it worthless for felting, so I tried doing it myself in the sink. The purse ended up being 10 in wide by 6.5 in high.
I found a couple of crocheted goodies on people's blogs that I just had to try. The first is a dishcloth. It was an easy project but I haven't wanted to actually get it wet and dirty yet. Shortly after finishing it, I saw that Janice on the Looming Dishcloths group posted the directions for it there. Here is the link to the pattern I used: http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/cpatterns/crodress.html . 
The other projet is a hot pad that is two thicknesses. It is crocheted in one continuous piece with no shaping. To finish it, just fold it properly and close the seam. This link will take you to the pattern and some nice pictures of the work in progress: http://www.mielkesfarm.com/diagonal_hotpad.htm
st had to try it. It is shaped into a circle by shortrowing. The first one was done exactly as the pattern said. On the second one, I eliminated the edging.
) . Some suggested knitting the two edges together to finish it and others suggested sewing them. One suggested using the kitchener stitch and that's what I did.
The first cozy I made was done with yarn that was too soft. It loosened up so much it would only fit an extra large mug. This version is made with WoolEase. It has loops and buttons to keep it together, which are less bulky than the ties. Also, I ran a thin piece of elastic around the top to help hold the shape. After constant use for a few weeks, I hear it's doing its job well.
