Patterns currently available:

  Free!Super Self Pouching String Bag 

For years, Europeans have known the pleasure and practicality of shopping with string shopping bags. These bags, when created "on the bias", are very expandible and sturdy.  They hold much more than a plastic or canvas bag of the same size, as well!  Here's an improvement on the classic French string bag-- a string market bag that folds neatly inside itself for hassle-free storage!  The bag works up quickly from common cotton string, such as is sold in garden centers and hardware stores. It's designed with smaller mesh near the bottom, to encourage small items to stay inside the bag, and larger ones near the top, to allow for expansion around bulky items.  The carrying handles are long enough to fit over an arm or shoulder easily, and are wide enough not to "cut" when carrying a heavy load.  I've been making these and using them as gift bags for friends and loved ones who want to "shop greener."

 Quickie Cuffs Pattern FREE! These easy wrist warmers work up in a snap. They're a perfect complement to any fall outfit, especially if you work them in the same yarn as your favorite scarf.  Simple double crochet stitching is "dressed up" with a slightly ruffled shell edging.

QuickieCuffs.pdf

Circle Placemats Pattern FREE!These easy, breezy placemats are specially designed for round or oval tables. Crocheted in a smooth, polished cotton yarn, they are dressy enough for entertaining, and casual enough for everyday use.

CirclePlacemats.pdf

A matching coaster pattern is available from The Crochet Studio, designed by Tracie Neill. You can contact her at tracie@thecrochetstudio.com.

Origami Turkish Socks Pattern FREE! Rather than regular "set" sizes, this pattern creates a custom fit for the intended foot. Starting with several measurements of the foot, working flat through the toe and heel increase/decrease sections, and invisible "whip stitch" seams, create a comfortable, close-fitting sock that will fit easily into shoes. Made with simple stitch combinations, this is an appropriate pattern for an advanced beginner desiring to "move on" to intermediate patterns that include textured stitch patterns, increases and decreases.

OrigamiTurkishSocksPattern.pdf

Beginning Crochet Kids' Patterns FREE! Assuming that chains and single crochet stitch have been taught, these three (four if you count the larger purse variation) provide kids aged 8 and up with fun projects, teaching skills in a practical sequence. The first project, "Scrunchie Bracelet/Hair Tie", is a quick and easy project that combines an alternating sequence of chains and single corchets, working into an elastic band ring instead of working into chain. After making one or more scrunchies with regular worsted weight yarn, kids have fun making them with various bulky and novelty yarns, creating quick and beautiful accessories. The second pattern, "Silly Pet Snake" has kids crocheting into a loose chain, and learning to increase and count stitches. It's best worked with a yarn in which the plies are tightly spun, to avoid splitting as the work progresses. The third project and its variation teach working in rows, even, and introduce kids to the possibilities of felting their work. Felting is great in beginner projects, because it makes so many common beginner mistakes in tension and stitches just disappear! The small purse is sized to make a holder for lunch money, or a cell phone or ipod. It's also easy to customize for different sized or shaped objects, remembering to expect some surprises in the shrinkage due to felting. My students love the element of surprise involved in the felting process.

BeginningCrochetKidsPatterns.pdf