Peppermint Pals Hot Pad Set from http://www.ilikecrochet.com/issues/december-2014/?mqsc=DAHOPBL111414

I Like Crochet – Holiday 2014

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Checking out the 2014 Holiday issue from ILikeCrochet.com

Have you had a chance to check out the 2014 Holiday issue from ILikeCrochet.com?  I have to admit, I have had access to this issue since November but have been so busy that I am just now getting a chance to really check it out and it is great!  As a contributor, I am honored to have my  Peppermint Pals Hot Pads included.  It really has some great patterns, articles and tips.  There are a number of hat patterns-I do love hats-shawls, scarves, baby items and tops.  And if you have time before the holidays, some great holiday themed items as well.  Check out those stockings on the cover!  Adorable!

Peppermint Pals Hot Pad Set, crochet pattern

Peppermint Pals Hot Pads Now available at CrochetByDarleenHopkins.com!

I’m picking out yarn for a couple of hat patterns-did I mention I like making hats?  to use in my stash busting in the upcoming year.  Two hats from this issue have been marked high on my to-do list, the hat from the Wistful Wisteria pattern set and the Butterscotch Cream hat.  I’ll be sure to post photos of the finished items.

Shawls B2G1

Handmade Holidays-Winter Crochetvolution is a great place to start

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If you are like me, and if you are reading this blog about crochet, it’s likely you are, you like to include handmade items in your holiday gift giving.  I’m always looking for something unique to make and to give.  It’s also nice to be able to gift something special that didn’t cost an arm and a leg.  One great place to start looking for gift pattern ideas is Crochetvolution (it’s FREE!).  This “new” eMag has been growing over the last 14 months; both in readership and in pattern offerings.  The latest issue, Winter 2012 is fantastic (yes,  I’m a little biased as I contributed an article and a pattern).  But I’m talking about the other fantastic patterns, beside mine.

There are too many patterns to highlight them all here, so you’ll just have to take a look yourself, but here a few of my favorites and the ones I hope to incorporate in my gift making this holiday season.

Mitten Bookmarks!  Adorable!!!! 

I’m making 4 sets of these to give as teacher gifts.   Best part, each one uses only about 5 yards of yarn!

Anastacia’s Textured Scarf is a unique twist on a warm winter scarf.  The yarn she chose for this project is gorgeous and works wonderfully with the pattern.

Sarah Jane’s Cowl is gorgeous too!  How can I choose which one to make???  And she has a fingerless mitt pattern to match  (see above), both can be made with just one skein of yarn, fantastic!

Last, but not least, my contribution to the issue, the Snowflake Ice Scraper Mitt.  The mitt part is made from a damaged wool sweater (instructions on felting here) and the snowflake can be made with just scrap yarn. Upcycle an old sweater and give a great gift!

This issue is jam-packed with fantastic gift giving ideas, from quick projects to larger ones for the very special individuals in your life.  Check it out, read the articles too and sign up to be on the mailing list (it’s FREE).