I love love love to crochet. My Grandma (the first Grandma Dot) was my hero. I was not only named after her... I wanted to BE her. Her hands were always busy. I thought she was sooo ambitious, but later realized that it was probably nervous energy. She loved to sew, and she loved to crochet. So patiently she guided my fingers and proudly displayed my masterpieces. I now own many of them and they were anything but masterpieces. How Grandma would have loved the internet with its endless images and free crochet patterns.

When my own daughter came along I wanted to pass on this tradition, with its cherished memories, to my own "baby girl". The problem was... Tracy is a lefty. I tried and tried to teach her stitches, with much frustration and little success. Then Grandma tipped me off to teach her in front of a mirror. DUH. What turned out is that my Grandma taught my little girl, and another generation keeps Grandma alive through cherished memories.

Tracy has been bit by Grandma's "crochet bug". From the time she hit the double digits, through high school, college, grad school, working and anywhere went, her fingers were always intertwined with yarn. All her friends owned homemade afghans, from traditional granny squares to unusual and unique stitches. Her cousins all have dolls and toys made with her hands, and her nieces and nephews came into the world with a yarn and thread crochet wardrobe waiting for them; shoes and booties, dresses, and of course baby blankets galore. Her roommates and co-workers were blessed with bookmarks, hats, hair bows and purses, and my favorite... Her brother's collection of the ugliest Christmas sweaters you could imagine.

Last year, Tracy's life was altered forever by a young man who drove his truck into her drivers door. Having lost the use of her left hand she can no longer crochet and thus lives vicariously through the work of others. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But she does take pleasure in seeing the beautiful craftsmanship in the colorful and creative yarns and threads available. Thus this blog was birthed, to combine her passion for crocheting and her desire to help others get "bit by the bug" by providing a place where they can find fabulous free crochet patterns. Enjoy. Get bit. Let us know what you're up to. We want to hear your crochet story.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Free Crochet Patterns: Easter Baskets









Easter Baskets & Toys - Electronic Download



Easter Baskets & Toys - Electronic Download
With Easter just a hop, skip and jump around the corner, what child wouldn't love one of these delightful baskets and toys? They are so quick and easy to make with two strands of worsted weight yarn for the baskets and one strand for the toys. The toys are approx 7" high and the baskets are approximately 6" wide x 10" high. They would even look great as a display in one of your rooms!





Easter Owls - Electronic DownloadEaster Owls - Electronic Download
Owl lovers can now get ready for the holidays with this adorable Easter Owl set. Coasters, magnets, and a tissue box cover are all included in this pattern. Magnets are stitched on 10-count plastic canvas and remaining designs are stitched on 7-count canvas. Sizes: coasters: 4" square; magnets: 3" x 3 1/2"; tissue box cover: fits a boutique-style tissue box.









I have included this basket with the Easter baskets because the way this winter is going I am sure we will have a snowy Easter.



Just Hatched Easter Words Fuchsia Just Hatched Easter Words Fuchsia
Designed by Jane Jones for Timeless Treasures, this cotton print fabric is perfect for quilting, apparel and home decor accents. Colors include light blue, green, yellow and orange on a fuchsia background.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Link Exchange

If anybody is interested in a link exchange, just comment on this post with a link to your blog  and post a link to this blog on your blog. I will gladly add it to my my blog list on my main page.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Crochet Tutorial: Loop Stitch





Loop Stitch Rugs Pattern Pack - Electronic Download


Loop Stitch Rugs Pattern Pack - Electronic Download
You can now color-coordinate your floor decorations to match the furnishings throughout your home with these practical crocheted rugs.They?re quick to make with large hooks and use double strands of yarn throughout for extra softness. Finished rug measures 24" wide by 36" long. Made with worsted weight yarn.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Crochet Tutorial: Broomstick Lace





Special Afghans For Baby - Electronic Download Special Afghans For Baby - Electronic Download
Two one-of-a-kind crochet creations!Diamonds & Shells and Broomstick Ripple Lace afghans are both unique afghans for Baby. Diamonds & Shells is made using worsted-weight yarn and measures 52" x 65". Made in motifs which are stitched together, this pattern is a great way to use up your scrap yarn! Broomstick Ripple Lace afghan is a combination of broomstick lace and the traditional ripple pattern. It is made using a fingering-weight yarn and measures 30" x 30".