Hankering for Yarn » free resources

For you vintage pattern lovers

Del — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:15:35 +0000

Love vintage patterns? Think they don’t make them like they used to? If you want to peruse (and possibly make) some patterns from decades past, you must check out the antique pattern library.

Tons of old patterns have been put into PDF format for you to download — knitting, crochet, tatting, embroidery and more. I have yet to take advantage of any of these (I already have a backlog of projects I want to do!) but one day, I’m going to make time to go through this extensive list and choose at least a handful of vintage projects.

This is perfect for anyone who loves patterns from the past.

Post from: Hankering for Yarn

Lace star dishcloth

Del — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:55:52 +0000

Here’s a nifty little pattern I recently completed, a bit different than the average square dishcloth (although I did quite a few of those, too). It’s the lace star cloth pattern (link to it; it’s FREE), done in basic Sugar n’ Cream cotton.

You start with a circular cast-on…while you don’t have to, this one is so neat. Once you get going on the pattern, you pull the loose end to tighten up the center and it works beautifully. A regular cast on (one you might use to begin a straight edge) can leave you with a gaping hole that’s impossible to pull closed.

I didn’t block it, mainly because it’s a dishcloth, not a doily. It’s going to get wet and wrung out over and over anyway, but maybe next time I make one, I will block it just to see how much of a difference it makes.

Image: © D. Sandeen

Post from: Hankering for Yarn

Free graph paper designer

Del — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:13:59 +0000

If you design projects and following charts is a big part of a particular pattern, using graph paper is important. Now you can always go to an office supply store and get what they have…or you can print your own, created to the exact specifications you need.

ABCs of Knitting provides a free graph paper designer that allows you to input the number of stitches and rows you need. You print it out in a PDF format and voila — easy charts that make your pattern look professional and easy to follow!

Post from: Hankering for Yarn

Love-ly projects for Valentine’s Day

Del — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:07:00 +0000

I know we have a way to go before February 14, but if you want to make something for your sweetie, you have to plan ahead. Here are some links to FREE patterns, all of them with a heart motif of one kind or another:

Wee hearts

Valentine cloth

Seven of hearts socks

Hearts dishcloth

Hot pad

Chain of hearts bookmark

Lattice hearts dishcloth

Enjoy!

Post from: Hankering for Yarn

Crocheting for charity

Del — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:26:29 +0000

One thing that rings true for many of us crafty people is that we’re giving. Maybe it’s because there’s no way we can use all of the things we make, so we’re happy to gift others!

If you want to gift something and feel good about it, too, consider charities. There are many different charities that need handcrafted items. I usually choose a charity at the beginning of the year and make items throughout. I try and switch it up each year so that I can help different ones.

Baby items are always a hit because they’re small and you can whip them up in no time. If you’re a crocheter who’d like to get involved, consider these charities for babies:

Care Wear

Caps to the Capital

The Preemie Project (Crochet patterns page)

You get to do something you love and help someone at the same time.

Image: Photos.com

Post from: Hankering for Yarn

Free crochet pattern: Maggie’s Wrap

Del — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:20:17 +0000

If you’re not yet a member at Knitting Daily, you should definitely consider it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a knitter because they also feature crochet and crochet patterns. And you don’t have to pay a dime…just register with your e-mail address.

This is a free download offered at Knitting Daily TV. It’s called Maggie’s Wrap and isn’t it cute?

Of course, its lacy prettiness isn’t going to keep you warm. This is more of a garment made to be noticed. The cropped design should work up pretty quickly and you can add your own unique flair by choosing the perfect button for it.

Scroll down to Episode 111-2 and download this free pattern as a PDF file if you’re looking for a cropped cardi crochet project, for yourself or for someone else.

Image: Knitting Daily TV

Post from: Hankering for Yarn

Free knitting stitch patterns

Del — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:17:45 +0000

There are quite a few stitch dictionaries available. Some hold hundreds of different stitch patterns in them for you to try. These are useful if you’re looking to incorporate an original design or add a unique border or hem to a project.

You can always invest in a stitch dictionary in book form, but you may find yourself needing two, three or more. That’s fine if you want to add to your knitting library, but this can get expensive.

You can also find free knitting stitch patterns on the Web. What I like about this particular site is that, as far as I can tell, all of the stitch patterns are accompanied by a photo, so you know exactly how the finished product should look. Many of the stitch patterns also come with a free pattern using that stitch.

Using stitch pattern resources like this allow you to try a stitch out to see if you like it and how you can use it in an original or modified design.

Image: Photos.com

Post from: Hankering for Yarn