T.G.I.F. Link Party

TGIF 1

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Welcome to The Greatest In Fiber Link Party, where everyone gets to show off their own handmade fiber creations!

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This link party is for YOU to link up YOUR handmade fiber creations created by YOU!! You can link any handmade creation, as long as it is made by YOU - finished items, patterns, tutorials, etc. - paid or free. The BEST thing about this link party is - your ONE LINK will be seen on as many as 7 different websites - that is up to 35,000 views in one week!! The participating websites are (THANK YOU!!):

SnApPy ToTs Crafting Friends Designs Glamour4You Sandy's Cape Cod Originals

Trifles N Treasures 3 Boys & a Ball of Yarn Too Yarn Cute

Rules:

You MUST grab the TGIF Link Party button to the right & display it on your page you are linking in the link party. This will link back to the link party from your site increasing the amount of people that see your link. I would LOVE if you follow me on any of my social media sites (Facebook, Pinterest, Google+) You can ONLY link blog posts/pages from your original site - please DO NOT link from Facebook, Etsy, Raverly, etc. ONLY fiber related links to your handmade creations will be accepted - any other links will be removed.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.craftingfriends.blogspot.com" title="T.G.I.F. Link Party"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/4/2/10422242/6949835.png?185" alt="T.G.I.F. Link Party" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

TGIF Link Party!! 

• Please link your handmade creations below. 
• Each participating website has the same LinkUp - so only link a particular creation once.
• Click on your favorite link to Vote. 
• The 5 TOP favorited links will be Featured in the next link party!! 
• Please also choose 3 links to share to your favorite social media site!!
• Linking & voting will stay open until the following Tuesday after the current Friday's post date.
• This is all about cross-promoting & supporting Handmade - the more you support, the more you get back!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Expression Fiber Arts Yarn - Absolutely Amazing!

Have you heard of Expression Fiber Arts?  Chandi has some of THE most Beautiful yarns I've ever seen!  I absolutely LOVE how she shares a photo of where she draws her inspiration from each time she creates some new yummy yarn. 
3 very lucky people will be winning gift certificates to her shop. 

Chandi is one of our fantastic sponsors for Round 2 of the Battle of the Stitches.  Our Judges Choice Challenger winner will receive a $50 certificate to Expression Fiber Arts shop,  Our Fan's Choice Challenger winner will receive a $25 certificate and one of our wonderful fans will receive a $10 certificate.  How fun is that!!??  You REALLY need to go check out all the beautiful photos on her website or here Expression Fiber Arts on Facebook

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!



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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

Challenger #10 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

Our final Reveal for the Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Crochet Challenge.  I'm kind of sad to see this last one posted, but I'm excited to look forward to another round with a new stitch challenge. 

Our Challenger #10 is Kimberlie from ShopKimberlie.  Kimberlie is a fun designer who puts her own unique style into various designs.  I had not known Kimberlie until she was suggested as a challenger for this round.  I'm happy she accepted the challenge!

Challenger #9 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

Challenger # 9 from the Battle of the Stitches Round 1...  Can you believe we're almost through the reveals?

This Challenger is another super lady who I have seen in various crochet groups on FaceBook but didn't really know until now.  Hope is the talent behind the business Awe Stitch and I would love if you could go tell her what you think of her design using the Rocky Road crochet stitch.

 

Challenger #8 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

 

Our Battle of the Stitches Challenger #8 is one talented lady!  I have seen her designs and spoken with her a few times and she is such a sweet person.  I knew I wanted her involved in this challenge when deciding who to ask.  I'm very happy she joined in the fun.

JoAnne from GrammyJo Lids is creative and fun in her designs and I hope you have taken the time to get to know her and see her talent. 

Challenger #7 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

Battle of the Stitches

Design #7 out of 10....Are you as impressed as I am?  10 Battle of the Stitches Challengers using the Rocky Road stitch with the Mother's Day theme.  Have you thought about what you will make for your mom, grandma or even yourself?

Our Challenger #7 is Tera from Trifles N Treasures. She chose to use Red Heart Gumdrop yarn (another one to add to my list) and I think it worked great!
Isn't it fun to see how the different yarns show the same stitch? 

Challenger #6 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

This design is one of the most Genius ideas I've seen!  You will have to wait for the pattern to find out why - but seriously - Love it!

Our Challenger #6 for the Battle of the Stitches is Katy from KT and the Squid.

I have seen her work, but didn't really know her until she was suggested as a challenger.  I'm so glad she accepted the challenge and I'm sure you will agree - she has a fabulous design.
She chose to use Cotton Ease Seaspray & Stone for her design and they are "Calming" and "Relaxing" to me.  Very pretty!

Challenger #5 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

I think you will agree - this is a beautiful design.  They all are and I'm so glad that I was not a judge in this Battle of the Stitches!  This is definitely on my list to make (ok, so I think I am adding 10 new designs to my list of projects)  and I know right where it is going.  My Great Grandma had a beautiful Serving table that is now my parent's.  This is the ONE thing that I Really want passed down to me. 

Challenger #5 is Rachel from The Country Hooker Designs. Rachel is just starting out in designing and I was happy to have her join the fun.

She chose to use Cotton Yarn for her project and I think it looks amazing. 

Challenger # 4 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

Our 4th Challenger in the Battle of the Stitches chose to use Red Heart's Unforgettable yarn.  Oh how pretty this is! Another yarn to add to my ever growing list :)

Schere is the face behind Schere's Crafty Crochet and her design is so pretty.  I can see this easily being made in a small size for a doll and a child size so that some cute little girls can have "Mommy and Me" shawls. Wouldn't it be fun to make some for moms and daughters for photos?

Challenger #3 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

I'm ready to reveal the next design - Are you ready to see it?

Challenger #3 in the Battle of the Stitches was Ann from Glamour4You.

Ann is a designer that I have watched for a while and she amazes me.  Very unique and creative.
She chose to use Deborah Norville Yarn for her design and it's beautiful! It's a brand that I have not tried yet and it's now on my list.

Challenger #2 Battle of the Stitches Reveal

Challenger #2 in our Battle of the Stitches Round 1 was Jennifer Hatch




Spring is Definitely in the air with this collection from Hatch-ed With Love. Jen chose to use some fun, bright colors in the I Love this Yarn Brand.  The 3 different options she worked up are wonderful and I would love to make some for our home.  Buttons are such a great touch to the design and I plan on using some fun ones for mine!

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