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26 Free St. Patrick’s Day Projects to Crochet and Knit

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St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, so it’s time to get started on your shamrock-themed projects! Whether you’re making a leprechaun for your table, a clover throw to snuggle under, or a necklace to wear, here’s a St. Patrick’s Day project for you!

26 Free St. Patrick's Day Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Projects to Wear

Shamrock Headband Free Crochet Pattern

Kitchen and Dining

Make dishcloths, coasters, placemats, a scrubber, and even cup cozies for St. Patrick’s Day! With shamrocks and leprechauns alike, you’ll find the right way to bring the holiday into your kitchen and dining.

Luck of the Irish Free Crochet Pattern

Blankets

Lucky shamrocks and Celtic-inspired textures provide seasonal touches to your living space!

Lucky Clover Throw Free Crochet Pattern

Decorations

Decorate your home for St. Patrick’s Day with these classic decorations! Add them in your living room, or put them as decorations in the background of your video calls.

Kitrick the Leprechaun Free Crochet Pattern

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BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters!!

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Step-By-Step Instructions for Learning to Crochet

with Bonus Tips for Knitters Who Want to Become BiCrafty

SIGN UP TODAY. IT’S FREE

IMPORTANT UPDATE FEBRUARY 2022:

BiCrafty Bootcamp weekly lessons resume 2/3/22. Get your materials list RIGHT HERE.

For the past several months the Marly Bird team has come together every week for BiCrafty Bootcamp: Knitting Lessons for Crocheters. Those crocheters are now bicrafty. In fact, they have intermediate knitting skills that they never expected to gain so quickly.

And now we want to give knitters the same chance to become bicrafty.

So, starting on September 1, 2021, we’re launching BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters!!

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. I receive a portion of sales made from clicks on those links. This does not affect your price. Thank you for your support.

What Is BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters?

This is a step-by-step from-the-ground up set of lessons in learning how to crochet. It’s designed specifically for knitters. We’ll provide tips and tricks for how to use what you already know in knitting to make it easier to learn how to crochet.

How Does BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters Work?

First, sign up here ✅ This lets us know that you’re interested in joining us. Each week we’ll send out a newsletter about the week’s lessons. Therefore, it also helps keep you on track with your beginner crochet lessons.

???? Starting 9/1/21, we’ll begin posting weekly crochet lessons here on the blog. In each post, you’ll find:

  • New crochet skills, starting from the beginning and graduating towards more advanced skills.
  • Tips for using your knitting knowledge to make it easier to learn how to crochet.
  • Helpful insights from the team about learning how to crochet. All of Marly Bird’s team members are now bicrafty.
  • A pattern, or a portion of a pattern, so that you can put the skills that you’re learning to use. We believe that the instant gratification of making something as you learn helps solidify the skills. Plus, it keeps you excited all through your beginner crochet lessons, as you see how far you’re coming each week.

Each week we’ll also have a live YouTube video where Marly shows you all about that week’s crochet lesson. She’ll usually be joined by one or two team members: Cryssi and Kathryn. They’ll answer your questions, chat with you about crochet, and encourage your growth in this craft.

Who Should Join BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters?

Simple, THIS IS FOR EVERYONE!

Obviously, people who already know how to knit but don’t yet know how to crochet are the primary audience for this set of free online crochet classes. However, if you don’t know how to knit, then you can still learn crochet from these lessons.

Moreover, if you do know how to crochet, then you can still join us! You can help encourage the newbie crocheters in the live video chats and in the Marly’s Minions Facebook Group. It’s a great opportunity to crochet in community. Plus, you’ll complete a lot of crochet projects that are great for you or for gifting. We hope to see lots of people join up!

What Are Some Of The Items We Will Make in BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters?

That is a great question and Marly has a HUGE line up of items for this fun free online crochet course. Knowing that crochet is a LOT faster than knitting, she has some larger items planned for all of us wanna be bicrafty people.

Here are just a few: crochet spa items, crochet winter accessories, crochet amigurumi, crochet blanket, crochet pillow, crochet market bag, and a final project surprise…I am not going to tell you!

Don’t’ those sound like fun?

Materials: What Do We Need To Get Started?

You don’t have to invest a lot of money to get started in crochet. You’ll need some yarn and a crochet hook. Plus, we’re going to teach you how to use an I-Cord maker. BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Edition is approximately 20 weeks long.

Here’s what you’ll need for the first four weeks of the class:

*note: we will give you the list of items you will need at least 2 weeks before you need them during the BiCrafty Bootcamp.

  • YARN:
    • WeCrochet Dishie Yarn: 2 balls color A, 1 ball each of colors B and C. It is best if you coordinate these colors. This is a great worsted weight cotton yarn that will work really well for our first set of projects. *psst: you know Marly and she will offer tips to use more colors than 3, so if you want to splurge and get 5, go ahead…but not 4…never 4! LOL.
  • HOOKS:
    • One set of crochet hooks. We’re going to work with worsted weight yarn. As you know from knitting, tension affects gauge. Therefore, you may need a hook size smaller or larger than what we recommend for a pattern. Getting a set makes that easier. We recommend at least US size G, H, I, and J crochet hooks. Learn more about crochet hook sizes here. You can get affordable crochet hook sets from WeCrochet here.
      • For anyone seeking ergonomic crochet hooks, we highly recommend Marly’s favorite hooks which are sold on Etsy by Too Shay Crochet.
  • NOTIONS:
    • Locking stitch markers. KnitPicks has a great affordable set that you’ll use again and again.
    • Chenille needles as well as tapestry needles for weaving in ends. We aren’t going to crochet over our ends in Crochet Bootcamp!
    • OPTIONAL: I-Cord Maker. As a knitter, you might already know how to knit the I-Cord. However, an I-Cord Maker simplifies things for you so much. We’ll be working with this starting in week one of your beginner crochet lessons.

These supplies will take you through our first four weeks of BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Edition. Plus, of course, you’ll keep using the hooks and other tools throughout the classes. Order these now so that you’re ready to start with us on 9/1/21. And remember to sign up here!!!

Big Thanks to WeCrochet!

WeCrochet is our sponsor for BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Edition. WeCrochet sells yarn, hooks, patterns, and more. They love all things crochet. Therefore, they’re an obvious sponsor for this project which seeks to make more knitters also fall in love with crochet!

LESSON PLAN

➻ Lesson One: Introduction to crochet hooks, single crochet, turning chains. Spa headband pattern. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Two: Half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet. Long Wave Crochet Stitch. Self-care beginner crochet facecloth pattern. VIDEO HERE

➻ Lesson Three: How to crochet into spaces, work multiple stitches into one stitch or space, and crochet shells and granny stitch. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Four: How to increase and decrease for chevron crochet. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Extra Credit Week: Go-To Baby Shower Blanket Crochet Pattern. Practice single-double combination stitch while working with double-stranded yarn.

➻ Lesson Five: Crochet edgings for beginners. Triangle-style shawl pattern. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Six: Granny square crochet motifs and ear warmer pattern. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Seven: Confetti Dots Granny Blanket pattern and Join As You Go Motifs. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Eight: BiCrafty Bootcamp is on pause for the holidays. Finish your blanket. Practice your skills. And order your yarn for PART TWO which begins 2/3/22.

➻ Lesson Nine: Crochet stitch anatomy. Learn to work in the front loop, back loop, third loop and around the posts in crochet. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Ten: Crochet Cables. Cables are NOT just for knitters! Learn to work front and back post stitches to create a gorgeous fabric. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Eleven: Crochet Top Down Hat. Learn how to crochet in the round to make a hat from the top down. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Twelve: Crochet Waistcoat Stitch, aka Split Single Crochet. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Twelve (cont’d): Colorful Crochet Market Bag. VIDEO HERE.

➻ Lesson Thirteen: Corner to Corner Crochet. VIDEO HERE.

➻

7 Colorful Crochet Vest Patterns for Spring

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crochet vest patterns

Crochet vests are starting to look like they’re going to be a spring/summer trend. They’re great because you can wear them over blouses and dresses of varying sleeve length to adapt to almost any weather. Are you ready to embrace this trend? Here are seven cute, colorful crochet vest patterns that are perfect for spring.

1. Caron Color Block Party Crochet Vest

Caron Color Block Party Crochet Vest

This is one of the new crochet vest patterns over at Yarnspirations. In fact, it was seeing this super fun, colorful, springtime crochet vest that inspired the idea for this post. It has a great retro vibe but it’s totally contemporary and is going to be on trend for spring for sure.

There are many different vest styles; this one is the kind that you can wear over a long-sleeved blouse, a short-sleeved dress, or even as a tank top all on its own.

2. Waterfall Waistcoast Cardigan Pattern

Waterfall Waistcoast Cardigan Pattern

This is the vest style that many people think of when choosing vests for their wardrobe. It’s an open-front flowing design that you can wear over a variety of different tops and dresses. This is one of two crochet vest patterns that I designed about a decade ago. They still stand the test of time. This one was first shown in an issue of Inside Crochet and then later in Love of Crochet. You can get the pattern today by purchasing the Love of Crochet issue; you’ll find the link on my Ravelry page for this pattern or right here. Note: image is from @artobella.

3. Poinsettia Vest Crochet Pattern

poinsettia vest crochet pattern

This is the second of the two crochet vest patterns I mentioned. It was featured in the 2012 Love of Crochet magazine, which you can still purchase online. Although it references poinsettias and definitely works for the holidays, this pattern also works well for spring. It’s obviously a floral design, and you could create it in different colors.Use a variegated bright yarn to make it especially interesting! The openwork design is perfect for pairing with many things in your wardrobe.

4. Best In Hoodie Vest Free Crochet Pattern

Best in Hoodie Vest Free Crochet Pattern

A little bit hippie, a little bit steampunk, this is one of the most unique and versatile crochet vest patterns. And it has a hood! The tie-front is a favorite feature of this unique vest design.

5. Red Heart Rainbow Circle Vest Free Pattern

https://www.yarnspirations.com/red-heart-rainbow-circle-vest/RHC0132-016338M.html?&utm_source=influencer_MB&utm_medium=blog

This is one of those crochet vest patterns that you can make nice and long for flow, which is perfect for spring wardrobes. And look at those fun colors. The circles are so easy to crochet but they make for a really fun polka-dot-inspired design!

6. Red Heart Stunning Vest Free Crochet Pattern

Red Heart Stunning Vest Free Crochet Pattern

Take a simple crochet vest pattern but work it in a really bold color. Then use a big satin ribbon to tie it together in the front with a bow. Fabulous.

7. Red Heart Cozy No Seam Vest Free Crochet Pattern

Red Heart Cozy No Seam Crochet Vest Free Pattern

Did you know that you can basically crochet a square or rectangle with built-in armholes and you’ve created a vest? It’s a super simple seamless approach to crochet vest patterns. Try it with this pattern!

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Caspian Crochet Hooks On Sale!

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The tools that you use for your craft matter. First of all, you want tools that work well, of course. Everyone has different needs when it comes to the right style, material, and design of their knitting needles and crochet hooks. Finding the ones that are the right quality for you is important. But that’s not all that matters. Aesthetics matter, as well. In other words, you want to choose craft tools that inspire you. For example, check out the Caspian crochet hooks, wooden ocean-inspired crochet hooks that are on sale this month over at WeCrochet.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Purchase items from those links and I receive a small commission. Your price does not change. THANK YOU.

caspian crochet hooks sale

Caspian Crochet Hooks Are Wooden

There are several different materials for crochet hooks. For example, you’ve likely worked with aluminum crochet hooks in the past. Perhaps you’ve worked with plastic or even, much more rarely, glass crochet hooks. Of all of the materials, wood and bamboo have the most variety in terms of how smooth they are.

The Caspian crochet hooks are wooden crochet hooks. They’re smooth but they also have good grip. Many people appreciate the way that yarn glides nicely against wooden crochet hooks. It moves fast, but not too slick, which can make for comfortable crocheting for many crafters.

Deep Groove

As you figure out what types of crochet hooks you like best, you’ll get familiar with hook anatomy. The throat of the crochet hook is where the groove is that catches the yarn. It varies in depth. The Caspian crochet hooks have a deep groove. Many crocheters find that this allows them to better control the yarn as they work each stitch. As a result, this is a favorite feature of these hooks among their fans.

Inspired by the Sea

Aesthetics matter. Any crochet hook can do the job. Getting the right fit and feel is key. But aesthetics are important as well. Why? Because crochet is something you do to give yourself joy and pleasure. It’s a treat. It’s a form of self-care. Therefore, you shouldn’t neglect the small things. You should use yarn and tools that you truly love. Don’t settle for less.

Many people love these specific crochet hooks entirely because of their beautiful design. They have an ocean feel to them. More specifically, they’re inspired by the deep swirling beauty of the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest salt lake. We as humans are innately drawn to the beauty of large bodies of water. To see this replicated in the swirling colors of the crochet hooks inspires us!

Sale on Caspian Crochet Hooks

caspian crochet hooks

WeCrochet has a sale of 30% off all of their Caspian Crochet Hooks. This deal is good now through 3/22/22. You can purchase the hook sizes that you want individually. Alternatively, you can purchase an entire set of crochet hooks, which range from size E-4 (3.5mm) up through K-10.5 (6.5mm)

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Celebrate Crafting! March is NatCroMo and National Craft Month

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National Crochet Month

March is National Craft Month. Crocheters also specifically celebrate it as National Crochet Month, known better as NatCroMo. It’s the perfect time of year to reset and really enjoy your knitting, crochet, and crafting.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one, I get a commission. Your price doesn’t change. I appreciate your support.

What is National Craft Month?

The Craft & Hobby Association designated Match as National Craft Month back in 1994. (The organization has now rebranded as the Association for Creative Industries.) Initially, it was simply to celebrate the craft industries.

Over the years, there are ebbs and flows as to how “craft” as seen by the larger worlds of art, design, and making. Celebrating their value is an important part of making sure to recognize that crafters are important and valuable in our society.

There are ebbs and flows into how much people celebrate NatCroMo, too. However, it’s always important!

Why It Matters

Crafters play an important role in our world. They offer designs, patterns, and projects to help inspire creativity in every day life. They add to special occasions and holidays with the things that they create. Crafting offers many health benefits, not the least of which is stress relief, so crafters bring that to the world as well.

The world of fine art has sometimes looked down on craft. And even within the craft world, there are divisions with some crafts elevated above the rest. But they’re all valuable, meaningful, and important. Celebrating National Crochet Month helps remind everyone of this value.

How People Celebrate National Craft Month

Over the years individuals and groups within the craft community have also found many ways to celebrate National Craft Month including:

  • Follow along with Marly Bird’s Daily Inspiration Prompts.
  • Learning a new craft. It’s a great time to sign up for craft classes.
  • Exploring a new technique in a craft you already know.
  • Having virtual or in-person craft parties.
  • Knitting / crocheting in public.
  • Yarnbombing.
  • Teaching others to craft.
  • Promoting crafts and crafters online and through word of mouth.
  • Starting new projects.
  • Learning the history of crafts.
  • Watching craft documentaries.
  • Finishing old WIPs.
  • Crafting every day.
  • Participating in online craft challenges, forums, and community discussions.
  • Reaping the health benefits of crafting

Basically, anything that you can think of to do to celebrate the value of crafting is a way to celebrate National Craft Month. Here are some other ways to celebrate. And here’s a calendar of National Craft Month ideas.

celebrate crafting and crochet in March

What is NatCroMo?

In the year 2000, the Crochet Guild of America established March as National Crochet Month, or NatCroMo. Crochet is obviously a subset of other crafting. People in the art world have sometime looked down on crafts as the “ugly step sibling” of art. Similarly, crochet has sometimes been treated as the lesser of all the fiber arts. But obviously it’s not. And NatCroMo celebrates it to make sure that more people realize that.

How To Celebrate NatCroMo

You can apply any of the National Craft Month ideas to specifically celebrating crochet. You might also celebrate NatCroMo by:

  • Buy a crochet book.
  • Purchase or use a fabulous skein of luxury yarn.
  • Organize your yarn and crochet supplies.
  • Tell someone what makes you love crochet.
  • Join a crochet-along.
  • Find new crochet patterns to enjoy.
  • Become BiCrafty.
  • Check if your local library and/or craft stores are offering anything in person or online for National Craft Month. Many are!

Here are some other ways to celebrate NatCroMo.

Marly Bird and NatCroMo

Fun fact: In 2015, I was part of a designer blog tour with Crochetville for National Crochet Month. This is a big annual blog tour; check it out this year.

In 2019, I did the Hooked on Yarn Instagram challenge for NatCroMo.

National Craft Month Deals and Specials

Every year various shops and individuals offer discounts and deals for National Craft Month and National Crochet Month.

For example, this year, Agrarian Artisan announced 25% off the price of their March Crochet Scarf pattern on Ravelry throughout the entire month.

As we hear about additional March sales, we’ll update you!

What are you going to do in order to celebrate the importance and joy of crafting this month?

58 Free Bunny Rabbit Patterns to Crochet and Knit

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March is here! With springtime comes bunny rabbits poking their quivering noses out of their nests to hop around. Celebrate spring with these 58 Yarnspirations patterns featuring bunny rabbits in all styles. Decorate for spring or for Easter, or just use them for a nursery theme.

58 Free Bunny Rabbit Patterns to Crochet and Knit

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one then make a purchase, I get a percentage of the sale. Your price doesn’t change. Thank you for your support.

Bunnies to Play With

Toy rabbits have been a staple of childhood for generations, from The Velveteen Rabbit to today. These rabbit toys come in all shapes and sizes: some are meant to be dressed up, while others are suited for cuddling with during naptime.

Beatrice and Basil Free Crochet Pattern
One Skein Bunny Free Crochet Pattern

Bunny Hats and Outfits

Adding bunny ears to a hat instantly makes it cuter. Make a matching set with a pair of booties for a picture-perfect look!

Knit Baby Jacket Set Free Knitting Pattern
Crochet Velveteen Rabbit Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Bunny Pillows, Garlands, and Other Decorations

These bunny items are perfect for nurseries or for seasonal decor! Floor pillows are great for preschoolers’ imaginative play, while garlands and wreaths look great in your dining room and front door.

Funny Bunny Faces Free Craft Pattern

More Springtime Patterns