Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Stop and enjoy the flowers with the new Flower Garden Chevron Afghan crochet pattern

Heartbeat Chevron Afghan
I Love to crochet and I Love gardening!  You would think that those 2 things would show through together more often in my work than they have, right?  Well, as I mentioned in my post releasing the Heartbeat Chevron crochet pattern, I have never been a fan of flowers on afghans.  I also have never really been a fan of Granny Squares and I think that's where my dislike began.  When I was little, that's where you saw all the flowers in crochet work - granny flower squares.  They were big, they were bulky and I just didn't like them.
Flower Garden Chevron Afghan

It's funny how we change as we grow older!  There are still some flower patterns that I don't care for and I'm really picky about granny square blankets, however, this new Flower Garden Chevron Afghan crochet pattern I designed is among my favorite! This is the 3rd design in my new "Love My Garden" Chevron collection.  There are still a few more to come, but for now, let's stop and enjoy the flowers with a special release offer!





Thursday, February 11, 2016

Rainbow, Chevron and Butterflies, OH My! The 2nd Crochet Pattern in a fun, new and unique collection

I'm so thrilled to bring you the 2nd design in my new chevron crochet pattern collection.  It has been so fun to create some cute and unique chevron afghans and there are many more to come, so be sure to follow me on Facebook so you don't miss out.

Each new design will have different aspects to the chevron  so you are aren't just getting a fun new shape to work, but also a good variety of stitch patterns to mix it up.   

Heartbeat Chevron
Last week, I released the Heartbeat Chevron with cute little hearts and it was SO exciting seeing it shared everywhere.  The response was amazing and I appreciate all of your help in spreading the word about it and giving it a "heart" on Ravelry.  


Rainbow Butterfly Chevron Afghan
This week, I'm bringing you a bit of summer with the new Rainbow Butterfly Chevron Afghan. This one is on the lighter side and perfect for spring and the cooler days of summer.   Enjoy a special release price through Valentines Day Sunday (2/14/16)

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Heartbeat Chevron Afghan - The first in a fun new Crochet Pattern Collection

 Reversible Textured Chevron
Reversible Textured Chevron

I am thrilled to bring you a new, unique and fun Chevron crochet pattern collection! 

 Chevrons have just ruled my creative expression over the past year and this set takes a slightly different twist from my others.  






 Classic Cable Chevron
Classic Cable Chevron

Last year, I focused a lot on textured chevron using stitches that you normally wouldn't see in any other shape than square or rectangle.  Reversible Textured, Cables, Basketweave and Trisquare were really fun stitches to turn into chevron and I enjoyed each one.




Basketweave Chevron

Diamond Burst Chevron

Now,  I have to admit, I really despised flowers and things on afghans in the past  lol.  This new collection surprisingly came together and are among my favorites now!
Without further blah, blah, blah from me, I bring to you the Heartbeat Chevron Afghan and special release offer... 

Heartbreat Chevron Afghan Crochet Pattern

Friday, January 29, 2016

Peaked Shell Afghan Crochet Pattern

Peake Shell crochet patternIt's been a busy January!  I have so many fun new designs in the works, but it will be a while before I can share them with you.  To help fill in the gap of releases, I've worked up this pretty Peaked Shell Afghan crochet pattern for you.  It's simple, quick and has a fun little texture!

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Free 12" Diamond Square Crochet Pattern

Diamond 12" Square Crochet Pattern



Materials: 2 or more colors of 4ww yarn.  I used Red Heart Super Saver.  You can use other yarns as long as you match gauge prior to starting your square.  If gauge is not met, your end result may be a smaller or larger square.

Hook: Size I/9 - 5.50mm (I use Boye hooks)
Gauge: 3 HDC & 2 Rows - 1"
Skill Level: Easy

Stitches: 
     st(s) - stitch(es)
     Ch - Chain
     sk - skip
     sl st - slip stitch
     SC - Single Crochet
     HDC - Half Double Crochet
     DC - Double Crochet
     TR - Treble Crochet
     HDC2TOG - HDC 2 sts together
     HDC3TOG - HDC 3 sts together
     BrSt - Brick Stitch (SC, Ch 2, 3 DC) in same st


Yarn  

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Fun and Unique Afghan Crochet Patterns you MUST try. Autumn Sale

What was the very first thing you ever crocheted?  Mine was an afghan, but since I was only 10 yrs old when I learned to crochet, it was a small afghan for the Cabbage Patch doll that my mom made me for my birthday.  It was probably 12"-18" square (only it wasn't so square   lol)  and it worked.  
The 2nd one that I made by myself was this Twin size Red and White chevron afghan that I still have in the closet.  It's almost 30 years old and I still remember the feeling I had when I tied that last knot. Ahhh, Accomplished and that was fun!  :)

I've made close to 150 afghans during the past 30 years and most of them have been large in size as they have either been sold or given to my family.  I LOVE afghans!  It could be hot outside in the middle of summer and you could still find me with an afghan because they're comfy and comforting.


Afghan Crochet Pattern Collection by Crafting Friends Designs
  Here are just a handful of the blankets I've designed over the past few years.  To celebrate Autumn and the leaves starting to change where I live, I have all afghan crochet patterns on sale through August 31st in my Ravelry Shop. See below for details

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Red Heart Twilight Yarn Review and Free Round Blanket / Rug Crochet Pattern

**This post contains Affiliate Links.  I may be compensated for any clicks or purchases made through these links which will help me continue to offer more free patterns on my blog.**
 
About a month or so ago, I received a fun bag of yarn from Red Heart to try out.  Normally, I stick to 4ww yarns for all the designs I do, so it was fun to work with something different.  Red Heart's Boutique Twilight is quite a bit thicker and comes in a bunch of fun Sparkly colors. My first thought was a cowl but I was sure there would be a bunch of them out before to long, so I played with it for a while and waited for the perfect something to use it for.  Then one day, my 6yr old daughter saw it, loved the "Romantic"  shades of purple, pink, tan and sparkle.

 
She decided it should be turned into an afghan for her, so the start of a new FREE crochet pattern was on the hook!   

Friday, July 31, 2015

It's County Fair Time with my Basket Weave Chevron Afghan Crochet Pattern

Have you ever entered something you've made into the County or State Fair?  When I was little and in 4H, I entered some Lemon Bars that I made and a Cake that I decorated, but that's been my one and only experience.  I don't like being judged!  It makes me really nervous to have someone look over my work really closely and then critique or judge it, so I've never entered any crochet projects let alone my own designs!  


Basket Weave Afghan by Crafting Friends DesignsOur County Fair is at the end of this month and I think I've finally found the perfect thing to take and enter.  (Yes, I'm already nervous!) When I first started considering working with the Basket Weave stitch, I wanted something completely unique from what was out there.  It seems like everything is always worked in straight rows and I HAVE to be different!  I've been obsessed with Chevron designs lately and thought "How cool would this combo be?!" When I designed my Basket Weave Chevron Afghan crochet pattern, I was amazed with myself.  I did it!!!  Woo Hoo :)  I originally just made a small prop size blanket because I thought the texture would be amazing for photos.   When that was finished, I knew I HAD to make a throw size blanket for myself and boy am I glad I did...

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Serenity Afghan Free Crochet Pattern from the Battle of the Stitches Round 6 Challenge

** This post contains Affiliate Links**
2015 is half over and it's been a busy year.  I have been determined to make this year a success not only by releasing many great new crochet patterns, but also by updating older designs and offering more coordinating designs. The 6 Basic Infant Dress Set Patterns have been updated already and the toddler sizes are underway. 
 
https://www.facebook.com/BattleoftheStitchesRecently, we held another round of the Battle of the Stitches.  Round 6 was based on Serenity as the crochet stitch and theme to focus on.  We wanted you to find your serenity with us and enjoy some crochet time with some amazing designs from wonderful designers. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Ribbon Candy Flower Free Crochet Pattern

Free Ribbon Candy Flower Crochet Pattern
Ribbon Candy Flower
When I designed the Ribbon Candy Infant Dress crochet pattern, I wanted a fun embelishment that would play off the design of the twirling ribbon effect in this stitch.  This was the final result and I think it's pretty fun to work up and it fits!  
It is included in the dress pattern, and now, it will also remain free here on my blog for everyone to enjoy.

Materials: 
Small amount of 4ww yarn (2-3 colors)
**Color A will be the center color, Color B will be the outer color**
Hook size H
Button (size of choice)
Matching thread and needle

Stitches:
Ch - Chain

Sp - Space 
St - Stitch
Sl St - Slip Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
DC - Double Crochet
TR - Treble Crochet