Battle of the Stitches Crochet Challenge Round 2 has Begun!

How exciting is it that the Battle of the Stitches crochet challenge was well received by the crochet community?  I seriously couldn't be more thrilled!  It is so fun to have a group of Designers focusing on something so similar and enjoying it.  It's also exciting that we can bring the joy of crochet to others and share a wide variety of ways to use 1 crochet stitch. 

Round 2 will not disappoint!  We welcome back Schere's Crafty Crochet, Trifles N Treasures, Hatch-ed With Love, The Country Hooker Designs and KT and the Squid as Challengers. 
We're excited to announce our newest challengers for the round: Kaleidoscope Art & Gifts, MNE Crafts, Misty Makes, Cuddle Me Beanies, Harvester Products, Snappy Tots and Knit Pick N Crochet!   

www.BattleoftheStitches.com

This round, our theme is Fun in the Sun and the stitch....the Triangle
I looked at a handful of stitches to give the challengers, but I kept coming back to the Triangle.  It just made me think of Sail Boats and being out on the water and then the Sun - how when you draw a sun on paper, triangles are used a lot for the rays.  So many options and I can't wait to share with you what the challengers design.  Fun in the sun for many means "beach" or "swimming".  While I like to go to our nearby lakes every now and then,  I really enjoy working in the garden.  So, for me, fun in the sun makes me think of flowers and sitting out on my patio having a picnic with the kids and enjoying the day.
What does it mean to you?

Help me name this design for a chance to win the pattern

Who is ready for another fun design?  How many of you liked the Sassy skirt posted a few weeks ago?
I have a fun new skirt that is about ready for release and it needs a name.  This one uses a small amount of Sassy, but I chose the Sassy Lace this time.  Many of you have commented that you are unable to find it, so I will post a few links for you.


 Red Heart Sassy Lace on Amazon
www.joann.com 
www.redheart.com

Though I'm not Fabulous, I do love to play with colors in my designs.  I've always really liked the pink, white and blue or even grey color combo, so I had to try it out on the new skirt.

Sweet N Sassy Accessories Crochet Pattern Release

Sweet N Sassy Accessories Crochet Pattern

About a month ago, I released the Sweet N Sassy Skirt using Red Heart's Boutique Sassy Fabric.  I had a little extra to use and since I have 2 cute little toddlers, I thought it would be fun to make them some accessories.  Sure enough - they LOVED them!  So,  Just for Fun and Just because I Can - I'm offering these patterns for free.  Woo Hoo!!!

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Happy Birthday Snappy Tots!

It's always fun to meet other Crochet Designers and even more awesome when you find out they live nearby.  I've had the opportunity to meet Heidi from Snappy Tots and I just ADORE her!  She is so pretty and creative and fun and talented and fabulous at designing.  I have been able to get to know her better and work with her over the past few months and when I found out that she celebrates her birthday this month - I HAD to do something special for her and her fans!!

If you follow Snappy Tots already, you know she loves bright and cheery colors.  Recently, she designed "Miss Snappy".  Such a cute little doll who loves to play and has a clothing line that's just her style.

Featured Crafter - Too Yarn Cute

Stacy from Too Yarn Cute

This week our feature is Too Yarn Cute Crochet Designs by Stacy who is also the owner of Too Yarn Cute Magazine.  I've had the pleasure of becoming friends with Stacy over the last few months and she is such a kind and sweet person who really wants to help others learn and grow.  Even though I have never met her in person,  I value the friendship we have gained through our love of crochet!

Here's your chance to get to know more about her businesses.

 

Sweet & Sassy Skirt and Accessories

I always find it fun to try out new products to design with.  A couple of years ago, Red Heart Sashay was all the rage for scarves and I wanted to be different and use it for my Princess Britt dress.  I work it up slightly different than what Red Heart suggests, but it was easier for me and the results were amazing! I love the look of the Sashay and was excited to see a new option  come out recently. 

Have you heard of Red Heart's Sassy Fabric?  It's still pretty new and there are a few patterns out there, but I wanted something for my girls again. 
I've designed a new skirt and a few accessories for my girls to wear and they couldn't wait to wear them out!

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Ribbon Candy Infinity Cowl/Wrap Pattern Release

Ribbon Candy Cowl from Crafting Friends Designs

I knew when I designed the Ribbon Candy Scarf pattern that I wanted an infinity cowl also.  I love the look of this stitch pattern and am very pleased with the end results.



This makes such a beautiful Cowl for adults!  Using *Red Heart Soft Yarn, it is very comfy and drapes quite nicely.  This is NOT just taking the scarf pattern and stitching it together, it is a very unique pattern and fun to work up. 

As Ashlee from Ash & Co was taking photos for a few other patterns, my daughter started getting a little cold, so we threw the cowl around her to warm up her arms and WOW - I loved it as a wrap for toddlers!  Such a great option to have and perfect for spring!



**This post has Affiliate Links which means I make commission off of items purchased through the link**

New Free pattern release: Spring Sparkle Cowl

Remember the Spring Sparkle Shawl that was released last month?   Red Heart sent me some  Tealessence Boutique Swanky Yarn to try and I think the color is amazing!   

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This yarn is so soft and drapes well.  Since I've been working on the Battle of the Stitches crochet challenge for the past few weeks and using the Rocky Road crochet stitch, I thought it would be great to make a cowl with it.  You may use other yarns for this pattern, but the results will be different.  Boutique Swanky has a nice stretch to it and works well with this stitch pattern. 

Such a fun way to dress up any outfit!  I can't wait to get some more Swanky and work up some of these cowls for gifts. 
Enjoy this free crochet pattern!

V Stitch Preemie Hat Pattern

­­V Stitch Preemie Hat

Hook Size: G                                                                                        Gauge: 4 SC & 4 Rows = 1”
Materials: 1-2 oz Caron Simply Soft Yarn
Stitches: Ch, SC, DC, V Stitch (DC, Ch2, DC in same stitch)

And we have a Winner!!! Battle of the Stitches Round 1

I want to give a HUGE Thank you and shout out to our Battle of the Stitches Judges:

Heidi from Snappy Tots
Stacy from Too Yarn Cute
Lisa from Loops of Love
Jennifer from Crochet by Jennifer





They had the challenge of deciding the winner of our Battle of the Stitches Round 1.
Each design was scored 1-10 based on 4 categories -
1. Best overall design
2. Most creative/unique
3. Best use of Stitch
4. Best use of color to show the stitch

I am so glad it was not up to me!  What did you think of all these designs?  Aren't they amazing? Which is your favorite?  Not that you have to choose - All of these patterns will be in  the Special "Battle of the Stitches" issue of Too Yarn Cute Magazine Releasing on April 11th