Interweave Crochet Summer issue arrived from the USA yesterday.

Interweave Crochet Summer 2010

This issue has a special emphasis on shawls. Also included are patterns for flirty skirts, easy-wearing tops and lightweight lacy garments by some of your favorite designers—Annette Petavy, Kristin Omdahl, Doris Chan, Lisa Naskrent, and more—as well as projects by emerging designers. In addition, Beyond the Basics introduces you to a variation of Tunisian crochet called double-ended crochet, with table mats to practice your technique. In the Craftivism column, Betsy Greer focuses on charities for homeless pets, including a pattern for a Cat Nap Mat by Laura Rintala. In all, there are 25 projects to keep you crocheting through the summer!

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The Spring 2010 issue of Interweave Crochet is here.

In this issue, there are special focus on shells. In Beyond the Basics, Doris Chan explains the structure of shell patterns and how garments are shaped with shells. There are seven patterns featuring shells, including a tunic by Robyn Chachula, a vest by Tracy St. John and a fabulous mother-daughter duo by Doris Chan.

There are also two Tunisian shawls and several great season-spanning cardigans, plus four mod projects for the home. Learn more about Kristin Omdahl’s designs in our profile and work her clever linked-motif shawl.

In the Craftivism column, Betsy Greer explores blanket charities. And Interweave Crochet launchs their year-long Chain Reaction Afghan Project, which brings together the work of established designers and reader designers (that could be you!) in a single project that will be auctioned for charity.

Interweave Crochet is one of the best sources for innovative crochet patterns—with diagrams, illustrations, and clear instructions—as well as news, tips, and insightful articles. Everyone from beginning to advanced crocheters will find something that inspires.

Just came across this FREE lovely crochet cardigan pattern from crochetme.com

Flame Scallop Cardi Crochet Pattern

I really am going to have to practice my crochet skills so I can have a go at this.

I know there’s not much time to crochet this before Advent starts on Tuesday, but I just spotted this free crochet pattern on Rowan’s website to crochet an advent calendar.  It looks really simple – just lots of pockets with numbers on them, hung from a pretty hanger – for you to fill with whatever goodies you like.

Free Rowan crochet pattern for an unusual advent calendar

The pockets are actually felted and the numbers stitched with Rowan Shimmer

You can download the pattern here.