Maggie's Crochet Blog

Crochet Swimsuit and Coverup Patterns: Modern and Vintage Style

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:16:42 +0000

While your getting swimsuit ready, check out these great crocheted swimsuits that can turn heads while lounging on the beach or hanging out by the pool. Whether your looking for the classic bikini, a one piece, or going for a more vintage style swimsuit. These swimsuits are perfect for this summer and can be made to fit any shape or size. Once you’ve made a swim suit, create a matching tote to carry all of you beach goodies in using Marty Millers, Totes for all Reasons book and find a pattern that suits your style.

Try out this classic bikini! The pattern provided allows you to create three different styles of bikinis. Check it out in the ErenaCrochetStudio on Etsy.com.

Looking for something fun and flirty, try this ruffle crocheted bikini bottom. Play around with it by adding a different color ribbon. This pattern is available at positivelylace.com.

If your looking for something that is still stylish but not as revealing, try this vintage style mermaid swimsuit to flatter your figure. The pattern is available on etsy.com in WonkyZebra shop.

If you have a fuller figure but still want a stylish swimsuit, try this vintage style one piece from the 70′s. This pattern is available for sizes 8-16. This pattern is also available on Etsy.com in the LittleGalsStudio shop.

Don’t forget the coverup to go with you new swimsuit! This vintage tank cover up is a great way to show off your swim suit underneath. Find this 60′s pattern in the vintagepatterncopies shop on Etsy.com.

If you’d like to show a little less skin, try this maxi cover up that could easily convert to a dress to wear to a picnic. This BOHO beach dress is available at furbabiesboutique shop on Etsy.com.

If you enjoyed these crocheted swimsuit patterns, check out this crocheted coal reef!

Sunbonnet Sue; Inspirational Designs and History

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:06:57 +0000

Sunbonnet Sue is perhaps one of the most widely recognized crochet and needlework designs. This lovely and traditional pattern is used to create the most charming dolls, clothing, quilts, and accessories, and makes the perfect addition to country home décor. But did you know that Sunbonnet Sue can be traced all the way back to the late 1800′s? British book editor Kate Greenaway first introduced the design in her book entitled Under the Window in 1878, depicting little girls in bonnets who would become the inspiration for “Sunbonnet Sue.” This particular pattern is not only a popular modern crochet design; it’s also an important piece of history!

The Mini Broom Dolls Pattern Leaflet featured on Maggie’s Crochet includes eight original thread designs by Maggie Weldon.

And here are some other inspirational designs:

Elaine’s Crafty Corner’s Baby Quilt

Sunbonnet Sue Doll Quilt and Pillow from Etsy

Sunbonnet Sue Doily on Mary Maxim

And those new to this pattern should be sure to check out this free Sunbonnet Sue Broom Doll Pattern from Maggie’s Crochet!

Crochet Amigurumi; History and Fun Ideas for All Ages

admin — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:51:13 +0000

Looking to crochet unique gifts appealing to children of all ages? These amigurumi crochet stuffed toys and accessories are perfect carry-a longs for play dates, school activities, and family trips. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting stuffed animals. Amigurumi crafting began in Japan in the 1950′s and has since become a popular hobby for many crocheters around the world. With their vivid colors and endearing features, amigurumi animals served as a comfort to children and adults alike in the aftermath of World War II. More complex amigurumi crocheting is even considered to be a form of art!

Some simple, yet stylish pieces include:

This triceratops by Ana Paula Rímoli

Vanessa Chan’s S’mores monster

Pencil cases from Amigurumi on the Go. For some amigurumi crochet patterns and tips, check out Amigurumi on the Go from Maggie’s Crochet.

Coral Reefs made by Crocheting!

admin — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:16:00 +0000

Words cannot describe how amazed I am by these unbelievable crochet Projects! While perusing the internet for ideas about cool crochet projects , I came across the words “Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef”. So, of course, I was perplexed and interested. I clicked on this link and it directed me to an amazing website! Here, I learned that two sisters, who actually lived near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, wanted to recreate different aspects of beautiful coral reefs.

Below are some amazing pictures of the projects, but to learn more about the history of this project, click here. To learn how to get involved in their project and make your own unique Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef, click here. To read about the creation stories of the different reefs, click here.

Enjoy, marvel at, and obsess over these next pictures because they are surely exceptional and gorgeous!

The rainbow colors of coral reef with several starfish!

A magnificent Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef project.

Daina Taimina, a former mathematics teacher, creates amazing hyperbolic crochet projects.

A Hyperbolic Crochet interpretation of the Föhr Reef.

A Toxic Reef made completely out of plastic

A really colorful coral reef design filled with coral and cacti.

A UK crochet reef assembler taking a break among the creation.

If you want to make sea critters, creatures, plants, and seashells but not in such a complicated manner, try out this Maggie’s Crochet Book: 75 Seashells Fish Coral & Colorful Marine Life to Knit & Crochet- NM160782

Crochet Jewelry

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:23:43 +0000

Jewelry is one of the best ways to take an outfit from so-so to WOW! Because jewelry has such a large affect on your outfit, it is very important that you have stylish, statement pieces that resemble your style. Staying true to your style preferences can be difficult with the limited options in stores, but, by crocheting your own pieces of jewelry, you can create one-of-a-kind, magnificent items. Whether your style is modern, eclectic, traditional, punk rock, earthy, boho, or some other style, you are sure to find an amazing piece of crochet jewelry that was made to reflect your style!

See if you can find a favorite jewelry piece in the pictures below!

Pretty raspberry-rose colored earrings in a sophisticatedly modern design from Lilena on Esty.

Dream catcher jewelry pieces patterns with a bit of Native American flare from FreePatterns.com.

An adorable necklace with crochet beads for mothers to wear for their baby to play with.

Get crochet jewelry inspiration from this colorful necklace that will match any outfit!

Purchase this sterling silver ring cast from beautiful vintage crochet lace from A.J. White on Etsy.

Pretty flowery earrings made with shiny pearls sold by Trifon Naydenov on Etsy.

Elegant foot jewelry designed with a Victorian lace pattern from Wanelo.

Want to make some of your own jewelry? Check out the gorgeous tatted jewelry patterns in this book from Maggie’s Crochet : TATTED JEWELRY-AA871137

Staff Favorite: Miranda’s Super Cute Crochet Sock Animals

admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:24:38 +0000

Being a fairly new team member at Maggie’s Crochet Needle Works and Crafts, I have not had as much exposure to the items as my fellow coworkers so I had not chosen my favorite item. However, yesterday I found my absolute favorite book of designs that we offer! The book, Stray Sock Sewing, includes patterns for small toys which can be made by cutting and sewing socks together in different ways. I have always loved to make sock puppets so, when I saw these designs, I instantly wanted to make one of these more sophisticated sock toys! The designs in this book create little animals which are very quirky and show a great deal of personality. These sock animals are perfect for everyone because they are soft, cuddly, and just so darn cute! Each animal can be customized with different button, thread color, and sock color. I love the patterns in this book because they are so unique and produce adorable results.

Have a look at some of my favorites below:

You can see more and order the Stray Sock Sewing #BZ1600611990 by clicking the blue link! Don’t miss out on these cute little bundles of love, they are perfect little gifts!

Here’s another cute example from The Crafty Duck

Sewn sock toys would be great for pets too! Check out some more fun crochet patterns for your furry friends on the Maggie’s Crochet blog.

Crochet by Mandy – Purple Hook

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:38:02 +0000

Mandy Nelson is an incredible crocheter who used to work for us editing patterns. She started her own business called Purple Hook in 2009 that enables to her create homemade crochet gifts and products full-time. She is the lucky mother of 3 cats and has a very supportive husband who has helped make creating her own crochet business come true. Currently Mandy has a booth in the Market Shoppes building at the local Piedmont Triad Farmers Market.

Mandy donates 10% of her profit to the Animal Rescue & Foster Program. She has adopted one of her adorable cats from there and is using her love of crochet to help support animal adoption.

You can visit Mandy’s website Purple Hook by clicking here.

Take a look at some of her beautiful crochet products!

Crochet Lip Balm Socks

Beautiful Crochet Butterfly Crochet Magnets

Cozy and Colorful Crochet Ponchos and Shawls

Gorgeous Crochet Wraps

Fun Fingerless Crochet Mitts

Adorable Crochet Flower Pins

Colorful Crochet Scarves

Green Infinity Crochet Scarf

Mandy’s Donation to the Animal Rescue & Foster Program

Local Crocheter Mandy Nelson

We love that Mandy was able to turn her passion into a business and is donating to a local animal rescue program. If you are ever in the Triad area of North Carolina, you will have to stop by and see her booth! You can also visit her Purple Hook website for more products and information.

Have a look at some other Crochet Charities that you can use your crochet talent to be apart of!

Color and Crochet

admin — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:00:11 +0000

Color is in everything we see. We use color to accentuate, decorate, design and wear in order to illustrate our feelings, mood or style. Color in crochet can make all the differences and it’s absolutely stunning to see a collection in monochromatic tones. Below are some emotions and characteristics colors are associated with and some beautiful examples of color in crochet:

RED: strong, passionate, prideful, powerful, bold

BLUE: Cool, calming, loyalty, trust, creativity, wisdom

GREEN: nature, health, growth, fertility, finance, security

ORANGE: bright, warm, tropical, healthy foods, stimulates appetite, fun

PURPLE: stability, royalty, nobility, wealthy, extravagant, mysterious

YELLOW: youth, fun, happiness, energy, playfulness

To find out more about color psychology visit Digital Skratch and find out how colors affect your life and style!

If you’re in need of some bright, bold new colors for your crochet projects, we’ve got some fantastic premium yarn in a huge variety of colors that will suit all your needs!

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Think & Quick #NM640

Starbella #NM15

Da Vinci Yarn by Lion Brand #NM824

Check out these beautiful crocheted rugs in a variety of colors and textures!

Crochet Rugs: A Modern Classic

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:45 +0000

Crochet rugs have been around for years. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and designs. They are trendy, stylish, functional and have a very fun process behind the final product. Check out some of these beautiful crochet rugs from around the web:

Beautiful minimalist floral rug from Architonic

Amish crocheted rug from Eco First Art

Handmade Mega Doily Rug from Etsy seller ladiesandgentlemen

Crochet Tarn Bath Rug via Happy Lizard Hill

Giant Granny Squares as rugs using super bulky yarn from Dana Barnes

Designs and concepts for crochet rugs are endless as you can see. These are merely inspirations as to what you can do for your home. Family and friends will definitely be impressed and would love to display one of these in their home. Feel free to explore different patterns and yarns to create a unique texture and feel for your home!

At Maggie’s Crochet, we offer a really great book to help get you started on creating your own signature rugs!

Stylish Rugs for Every Room Pattern #LA3782

Take a look at these Apartment Therapy inspired post about more crocheted home decor on Maggie’s blog here!

Crochet Summer Scarves

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:00:35 +0000

Just because the weather’s heating up here in the U.S. doesn’t mean we have to stow away all of our scarves for the winter! Crochet scarves can be stitched using clever designs and lightweight yarn in order to keep our favorite fashion accessory appropriate throughout the year. Check out some of these trendy summer crochet scarves!:

Crochet Art Scarf from Etsy seller VitalTemptation

Gardenia Pattern from My Little City Girl

Butterfly Stitch Scarf from Crochet Today

Crocheted Multi Color Bamboo Lace Scarf from likeknitting on Etsy

These beautiful, colorful, and lightweight scarves are great for adding a pop of texture to any simple outfit. You could easily use a scarf as a focus of an outfit sporting it all day long and in to the night.

Our Lacy Cotton Scarf Pattern #PA310 is perfect for adjusting color choice to match everything in your wardrobe.

See how delicate and dainty this is? Imagine styling it with a simple t shirt, pair of jeans, and sandals- super classy!

Take a look at these other crochet fashion trends for spring and summer!