Nov 26th, 2015

MikeyIn This Issue

4 NEW TutorialsIncluding

Mega Bulky Cowl

2 New Afghan Tutorials

Diva Dan is doing the Macramé?

Hawt off the Hook with Mikey

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I’ve been thinking a lot about the art of appreciation. Many of us crocheters and give it away as a gift. Some of us have a gulp in our throat looking for that flicker of light in their eyes. You know that one… the look that says thank you without even saying it.

Sadly, in some of our lives, the appreciation of our creativity doesn’t get recognized as much as we hoped. In some cases, we know they accepted our gift but you get the overwhelming feeling they didn’t like it, even though they claimed the did… only to find it in next year’s garage sale.

Daniel and I have been together for 7 years now but there was a moment in our first year that changed me. You see, Daniel is a fanatic with his garden. He loves it, it is his treasure. He can spend hours digging around the dirt, moving plants, trimming and more. For me, I have an attitude of “Whatever floats you boat!” It’s not important to me as it is him.

So one gorgeous afternoon, I had to mow the yard. One of his massive perennials was over grown and grow-ing over the border of the garden, it was lying partially on the grass. I saw it, I looked around… and I bull-dozed that plant to tim buck two! Firstly, I don’t know what I was thinking, having flower petals and green leaves blown for several feet across the grass, he is going to notice… Hindsight is 20-20. Yeah, I’m an idiot!

To my horror, I didn’t realize he happened to be looking out of the window and seen me do it. Crap, now I can’t blame the damn cat! He pushed opened the window and screamed, “OH MY GOD!” So loud, I defi-nitely heard him over the grinding of the lawnmower. Oh boy... I got a tonque lashing.

He said one sentence and then I felt like 2” high. “I was so proud of that plant… How could you?”

It never occurred me the strong passion he has for every living plant of his. What one plant in amoungst hundred? To him, it was all summer of taking care of it, only to have me ruin his hard work without care.

I learned that one afternoon through a very significant moment. Firstly, don’t mess with Daniel’s plants but most importantly, just because I didn’t see the creativity and what it meant for Daniel clearly, I learned that I need to be more vigilant and perceptive to the creativity Daniel has and what is important to him.

Happy American Thanksgiving and Hookin’ - Mikey

You make me smile This week

You make me smile This week

Yarn Talk

: )

3 Yarn Talk4 Tri-colour Cowl5 Globetrotter Shawl6 Facebook Holidays8 Easy Pleasie Aghan9 Simple Textured Blanket10 Open Work Scarf11 World largest Stocking and Meet Mikey!12 Facebook Selfies14 Jeanne’s ?s15 Ticky Tacky Sweater16 Mikey;s Video Library18 Spinrite E-Tent SALE19 Most spots open for the Cruises20 Ideas from Yarnspirations. com22 Facebook shares 23 Facebook Meme24 Black Friday Sale25 Last Weeks Features26 Diva Dan!27 Past Issues

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For the Fur Babies

Cat Paws Stocking

Tunisian Rib Stich Hat

How to Crochet with Wire

Zig Zag Baby Blanket

Contents

The *NEW* LookBook just in time

for the Holidays

Happy American Thanksgiving! Photo Model on Cover Page, Rachel Cantwell

Try this Crochet Cowl. This cowl is really

interesting and definitely a statement to wear this win-ter. Mega Bulky Yarns are in demand this fall. Many new crocheters and knitters love this yarn as projects can be doing really quickly. The stitching is unusual as the half double crochets are in the middle bar.

Get the Pattern, Video and Blog

Tri-Colour Cowl

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Globetrotter Shawl

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We would like to say this is one of the most interesting and outstanding shawls that we have even did as a tutorial.

The Globetrotter uses super fine yarns so this will take a while to crochet but the results are worth it.

Be sure to watch Mikey’s video on how to do the Bruges Lace. Mikey’s sug-gested helpful tips on how to centre yourslef to do the curves used in the pattern is very helpful. :)

Get The Pattern, Video and Blog

This Pattern calls for Pa-tons Kroy Sock FX. The use of colour transitions beautifully. But you can use any super fine yarn of your choice.

You can also see other options for yarn choices

HERE

Landy has been busy made several Snowflake scarfs

Allannah made this wonderful nativ-ity scene. Very well done!

Tina out did herself with the holi-days decorations.

The snowflake sugar cookie scarf is adorable on Alana’s Niece!

Customized Stockings by Lori Grondin.

Catherine had so much fun make-ing these little stockings for Gift

Cards

Shares of Holidays

Rhonda’s Jewelled Snowflake is every so pretty!

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Pat’s cute little wreaths would be great for the tree.

These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for the up coming Holidays.

Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the crowders themselves. Also you can go to our Facebook Page, Click ‘Photos’, them ‘Photos Posted by Others’ and scroll down to find what you are looking for. Don’t forget to say you love their Creativity!

This Snowflake Afghan is just stun-ning! Great Work Gabriela!

Linda’s On the Dot Stocking is co-lourful. Awesome!

Barbara did the Happy Holidays Afghan. WOW!

Brenda’s Fabulous Snowman is going to a friend.

Leslie’s First Christmas Beanie. The tree is fantastic! Simple!

Robert finished his Noel Granny Throw. Well Done Robert!

Shares of Holidays

Peppermint and Spearmint Afghan. Love the two colours Donna!

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The yarn does all the work in this pattern,

choosing Bernat Blanket and doing the most simplist V stich, it really couldn’t be any easier.

Cozy, colourful and great for beginners,

Bernat Blanket yarn is still the top choice for many crocheters.

Get the pattern, video and read the blog and tips.

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Easy Pleasie Afghan

Bernat Blanket comes in a range of colours and shades. Be sure to check out your local crafting store or shop online at Yarnspirations.com for the fabulous array of options.

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Using the Crinkle Stitch, this Simple

Textured Blanket has tradi-tional elegance without the hard work involved. It’s a cozy blanket that can bring warmth to any room.

The Crickle Stitch al-ternates two stiches to

prevent the typical train track look of an afghan, therfore giving a very lovely testured look.

Learn how to do this afghan with Mikey.

Get The Pattern, Videos and Blog

Simple Textured Blanket

Remember that buying Caron United Yarn $0.15 goes to-wards the Children of Fallen Pariots Foundation. You too can do a little extra during the holidays just by buying a ball of yarn.

Yarn shown in Picture. Caron United Dark Green

This Openwork Scarf is actually quite an

enjoyable pattern to learn and use. Once you get the rhythm of it you are off to the races.

Laura Jean did our sam-ple for this week using

Caron Simply Soft Ombre ‘Stormy Seas’. She thought since it is going to be Black Friday coming up, how appropriate to do a scarf in ‘Black’

Get The Pat-tern, Video and Blog

Open Work Scarf

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Set your Sights on some Christmas lights and bring your holiday cheer to see the

biggest stocking of the year!

More information will be coming soon! Check out TheCrochetCrowd.com for the

latest updates.11

Last week we asked our fans to post their ‘Mug Shot Selfie’ working on their crochet project, showing us what is on their hook. Here are a just a few people out of 700 or so. Crocheters (even Knitters) from all around the world smiling and proudly showing what they are working on! But if you look closely, look at the smiles, the joy and happiness people do when it comes to crochet! Seriously, what a fantastic group of people!

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Facebook ?s with Jeanne

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Jeanne is looking for questions on Facebook to answer.

I want to make a polar bear rug but was wondering if you can scotch guard yarn? from Shawna W.

I want to say that is a fantastic idea and I wish I had thought about that sooner! I read the can of Scotch-gard Carpet and Rug Protector and I believe it would be safe. Carpet in our home is made up of a type of yarn fiber, so why not. But I would suggest that you make a little swatch and test it for discoloration before using it on your project.. And please post your project on our wall when it’s finished. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a crocheted polar bear rug.

First time attempting Victorian thread ornaments. Opinions on starch vs glue/water for stiffening. from Dani B.

I turned to Mikey and Diva Dan for this one since I don’t have any expe-rience with thread ornaments and stiffening. Mikey recently experi-mented with different methods of stiffening from using sugar to starch to glue. The both agree the Elmers glue and water method is the best way to go.

Please explain working with the WS and RS, including in rounds. Also, can you work strictly either one while making afghans? from Kristin B.

Sometimes crochet pieces are two sided, which means if you could flip them over and they would be the same on both sides. Afghans can be that way. But sometimes there is more design and texture to one side of a piece. The designer will choose and state in the pattern when you are working the wrong side (WS) or the right side (RS). I have worked many afghans where the entire afghan is worked in the round completely on the RS, so yes it can be done.

Is there a way to make the soles of slippers nonslip? from Mickey F.

There are many possible methods and ideas for making your soles non-slip, but my favorite way is to use just regular clear silicone that you can easily find at your local hardware store. It comes in a tube in the chalk section of the store. Just smear it or add small dots on the bottom of the slipper and it will not only be non-slip, it resists water.

Let the Party Begin!

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So it Started! What will your TICKY TACKY sweater Look

Like!!! What kind of Fun can you create! Get the Details to have a Bit of

Creative FUN!

Do you know who this? This is Karen Ellis a really good friend of ours! She will be with us LIVE on Facebook to judge the ticky tacky sweaters! Here she is shopping to come up with her version to wear. Stay tune for the fun LIVE with us and Karen Ellis!

If love the teaching, the patterns and the down to earth nature of Mikey, then take the time to subscribe to the Crochet Crowd’s YouTube Channel. You will get updated with all the latest videos that could spark your next project!

Holiday Ideas Tutorials by Mikey

Cozy Posy Wristers On the Dot Stocking

Chain Links Pillow

Granny Rectangle Afghan Christmas Tree Skirt

Trendy Baby Blanket

Click16

Mikey’s Afghan

17For More Information

Order HereColourful, Textured & Adventurous

BLACK FRIDAY All Week… 1/2 Price Yarn

25 Selected Yarns 1/2 price Surf the Tent & Save

While Supplies Last, No Limits

November 24th to November 30, 2015 Ends Monday Night at 11:59 pm (EST)

Order online for amazing discounted or overstocked yarn through

Try out these patterns from Yarnspirations.com with your new order!

Visor HatRainbow BearLacy Picture Frames

Spinrite’s E-Tent

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Crochet Cruises Update

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CaribbeanSherry our Cruise agent has suggested that there are some last minute cabins available for the March 2016 Crochet

Cruises in the Caribbean.

If you are interested in a last minute va-cation and be part of a wonderful group

of friends and crocheters. This is a great opportunity.

For more information on the last minute op-

portunities. please click here.

Get Your Own Card

Imagine free shipping anytime exclusively for members of The Crochet Crowd! Need an emergency order of yarn, get your code and keep it on file! Only at Yarnspirations.com.

Does not include any sales from the Spinrite E-Tent.

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Ideas

Christmas Tree Throw Crochet Tripod Hat Perfect Pattern Poncho

Striped Mittens

Eight Shades Ripple

Gutsy Textured Cowl

Christmas Tree Skirt Textured Hat

Check Please Blanket

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Crisa made this outfit for her sister in law, The Cowgirl outift is extra

cute!

Wendy finished her Lily Lake pattern by Jane Crow. Really beautiful!

Candice did the stepping texture hat. Love the colour variation!

Abigail is so proud of herslef. This is first adult size blanket! Awesome!

An adorable little unicorn! Sarah did a FABulous job!

I can’t imagine sewing all this to-gether but WOW Fatma Fantastic!

Shares from Our Community

Shannon got her Mystery Afghan done. It looks amazing Shannon!

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Gina’s Tiger, Lions and Bears baby Blankets won her 1st prize.

Congratulations!

Liisa has been busy making gifts. Lots of Amigurumis!

Nikiesha HOTH is the Triangle scarf with Fringe. Nicely done!

What would your meme say?

Check in with us, we will post on Facebook, the photo Meme of the day. We like you to come up with something clever for the photo. We will pick the one we like, then add it to our Magazine!

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I think the Shirt says it

all!

Starting Today, Thursday, Nov 26 through to Monday, Nov 30, 2015, Yarnspirations is having

their annual

Black Friday Cyber Yarn Sales.

Each day of the sale will be different and runs out in 24 hours.

Be sure to check out Yarnspirations.com or even their

Facebook for the sale of the day.

Sale

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We love seeing what people had done by reading our Mikey Magazine.

Here we have Oogoo oogoo made some slippers for the whole family!

Mary Joy’s daughter loves the new Granny Stripe Hat!

Margie worked on the Granny Rectangle

& Kathy finished her Granny Square hat!

To see our last week edition.

Our Features from Last Week’s Magazine Edition

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Diva Dan!

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I know, I know, you see the picture, you love the scarf but it not crochet! But this is a crochet magazine!

Once in a while Michael and I, (mostly me) like to try some-thing new out! Sure there are a lot of yarns to explore but some of those yarns, well, lets say, there is not much we can do with them. They have one purpose, a trend yarn that cro-cheters AND knitters buy insistently but soon discover they have their limitations! I get excited to try a trendy yarn! After all, it is like on a whole new wardrobe.

Big and Bulky is absolutely in trend for the fashion side of the business. Teenagers and young adults love the size and thickness of these yarns. Since a few years ago when arm knitting was popular, (Mikey has some great videos on how to arm knit), enthusiasts wanted big and bulky yarns that was colourful and nice to wear. Before long, the industry started playing with the idea. But as a crocheter, I would need a super size hook to do this and it sometimes takes strength! The results are a thick and big scarf to make a fantastic statement but I do find it bit too thick for my tastes.

So late last year, I decided to try my idea to use Bernat’s Mega Bulky yarn and do some Macramé projects with it. Macrame! Mikey would said, Who likes Macrame? ( in a very sarcastic voice.) I end-ed setting up in the laundry room closet and decided to teach myself how to do the simple stitches. It is sad that a style of craft has a bad reputation with that heavy and bristly cord back in the 60’s. Hours later, I came out of the closet with a soft and fabulous scarf. (*wink*) Mikey was floored.

So from me to you, here is a video that I found that you can learn how to do the square knot in the photo. The photo is just the alternating square knot, with three colours of Mega Bulky. You can play around with any combinations and make it as wide and as long as you want. The length of each cord is about 4 times longer then you want the scarf to be to wear, that’s a rough guess. I have been ask to do videos for some of projects and they will appear in the new year.

Enjoy and Happy American Thanksgiving! -Diva Dan

Past Issues

This newsletter is produced by Michael Sellick and Daniel Zondervan, Creative Directors of TheCrochet Crowd. While we try our best to provide a grammatical error free newsletter, a few errorsmost likely will slip between the stitches. We are a very small company with a creative thirstycrochet following. If we are to produce a newsletter that has no errors, we would never be able tosend one out.

Our team is also propelled by Colleen Barden - Samples & Show Support, Laura Jean Bartholomew - Community Info Seeker and Jeanne Steinhilber - Community Chaperon.

© 2015 TheCrochetCrowd.com

You can download our newsletters from our web-

site anytime you wish. If you decide to print, the

links will be not active. In any case, most of all

the patterns can be found again through our web-

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