CrochetMaryEllen's BLOG

Check out the quick Christmas Patterns

2007-12-22T01:34:00.000-05:00

Check out some of my quick AND FREE Christmas patterns for those last minute gifts!

2007-07-15T22:50:00.000-04:00

Click on this link to download my latest cross stitch pattern. It's called "A Tribute to Mary Magdalene".

Easy Daisy Granny Square

2007-06-26T23:15:00.000-04:00

There has been a huge response to a Crochet-a-long that is using my Easy Daisy Granny Square pattern, so I thought I'd post it here:

MaryEllen’s Easy Daisy Granny Square

Materials: G hook for 6” sq. H hook for 7” sq.
Small amounts of 4 ply worsted weight yarn in yellow for the center,
white for the petals, green for leaves, and your choice for background rows.
Weave in all loose ends as you finish each round.

Row 1: With yellow, ch 4, join with sl st to form a circle; * work sc, ch 4 in
loop* 8 times.
Row 2: Join white, in any ch 4 loop. In each loop around work *sl st, ch3, 2
tr, ch 3, sl st ch 1*. Repeat around.
Row 3: Join green with a sc in ch space between any 2 petals. Work *ch 4,
sc in each ch 1 space between petals* all the way around, finish with sl st into
top of 1st sc. Push white petals to the front of the green loops.
Row 4: Sl st into next green ch 4 loop. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, in same loop.
Work *3 dc in next loop; work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, in next loop (corner)*; repeat
around. (4 corners with 4 3 dc groups between) Finish off green.
Row 5 & 6: (Background rows) Attaching your choice of color in any corner
space, work beg corner (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). *Work 3 dc groups in each
space between the 3 dc groups of previous row, across to next corner. Work
corner (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)*. Repeat to complete row. Sl st into corner space and
repeat as for row 5.
Weave in all ends. If a larger square is desired, work additional background
rows as needed.
(c) MaryEllen Stover 5/20/99

A notice to my loyal supporters

2007-05-27T19:55:00.001-04:00

Currently, this site as well as my other religious based sites are under a verbal attack by a certain man who I believe is trying to cause my seminary school as much trouble as one man possibly can.
At no time have I ever presented myself as an academic. My ordination and my doctorate degree are from a religious seminary. They are religious credentials.
As Dr. Martin Luther King was a Doctor of Theology, so am I.
Since this man has what might be considered internet knowledge, I will be slightly altering the names and hometowns of those who post to my BLOGS, contribute to this Ministry and in other ways identify themselves to the world through any of my web sites. This is necessary, in my humble opinion, to protect my wonderful supporters from any attack, verbal or otherwise, from this person’s questionable behavior.
Please pray that God touches this man's heart and that She will stop him from any future harassment.
Thank you,
CrochetMaryEllen

Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers

2007-04-18T18:42:00.000-04:00

Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to all those who lost their lives at Virginia Tech. We also offer our prayers to innocence lost; to those who survived this tragedy but will never be the same.

Ryann's Cuddle Cover & Gerbera Daisy

2007-03-19T19:42:00.000-04:00

Do to the overwhelming request for these patterns, I have added them to their own page on my Crochet Web Pages. Click the link to go there.

Ryann's Cuddle Cover will also be included in the 2008 Crochet Page A Day Calendar. It will be in the August patterns.

New Spring Pattern Posted

2007-03-12T23:33:00.000-04:00

I've just posted a new pattern on my crochet page.

2 New Spring Cross Stitch Patterns

2007-01-06T23:47:00.000-05:00

I added 2 new free cross stitch patterns to my webpage.

I've posted a different Pattern of the Month.

2007-01-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

I've just posted "Ryann's Cuddle Cover" as the new Pattern of the Month on my crochet web pages. Click this link.

New web pages and email

2006-10-18T16:04:00.000-04:00

As of Nov. 15th the older sites for CrochetMaryEllen's Free Patterns will be deleted.
The new link is : MaryEllen's Web Pages.
My new email address is mariyel@verizon.net
Thanks

Here's a quick and easy Fall project

2006-09-30T22:23:00.000-04:00

Instead of trimming the pumpkins as decorations, try using black felt, cut into jack-o-lantern face shapes and glue them on with white craft glue.

Pumpkin Centerpiece ( size is approx. 3" tall, depending on yarn and hook used)

Materials:

Small amounts 4-ply worsted weight yarn in orange, sage green and hunter green.

2” plastic ring

“H” hook

Small amount of scrap yarn or Fiberfil for stuffing

Assorted fall silk flowers and leaves as desired

White craft glue, hot (or cool) glue gun

Pencil

Yarn needle

Pumpkin:

Row 1: Leaving a 24” tail and using orange, chain 17. Work hdc in 3rd stitch from hook and in each stitch across. Chain 2 and turn.

Row 2: Working in back loops only, work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Chain 2 and turn.

Row 3-15: Repeat row 2, ending without chain 2 and turning. Leave a 20” tail.

Folding short ends together and using 20” tail, whip stitch to form a tube. Using beginning 24” tail, weave through one open end creating a drawstring. Pull drawstring tight and fasten off. Cut another 24 “ length of orange and repeat with remaining open end, stuff before pulling tight and closing. Weave any loose ends to inside of pumpkin.

Stem:

Round 1: With sage green, chain 2. Work 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook.

DO NOT JOIN, BUT CONTINUE WORKING IN ROUNDS MARKING 1ST STITCH OF EACH ROUND AS YOU GO.

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around.

Round 3-5: Work 1 sc in each stitch around.

Fasten off leaving a 20” length of yarn. Whip stitch the stem over the gathered top of pumpkin.

Taking a 20” strand of sage green, pull it through the base of the stem. Thin white craft glue with a few drops of water and saturate the strand. Wrap the strand around the pencil to form a curl. Set aside to dry. Remove pencil when thoroughly dry.

Base:

Using sage green attach to 2” plastic ring with a slipstitch. Sc around ring covering completely (approximately 30sc). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Using hot (or cool) glue gun, glue pumpkin to base. Add silk flowers and leaves as desired.

A big ole NOTE OF APOLOGY!!

2006-09-25T23:19:00.000-04:00

BLOG is supposed to notify me when anyone leaves a comment, so I haven't been checking on the comments myself. Tonight I found half a dozen that were never forwarded to me or that I had never been notified of. These comments were for specific pattern requests. I have answered all of them now, but if you need a specific pattern, first check for the pattern thru my web page at : www.crochetmaryellen.com.
If you still cannot find the pattern you're looking for, please e-mail me directly at mariyel@crochetmaryellen.com. Put the words" pattern request" in the subject line.
Again, I'm sorry for the delay to those who have been waiting and sour raspberries to "BLOG".
MaryEllen

New Free patterns on my Cross Stitch Page

2006-08-03T00:52:00.000-04:00

I've just added some new, FREE, patterns to my Cross Stitch page. Click on the picture.

Please give this a read.

2006-05-08T00:30:00.000-04:00

Please check out this article on the proposal to allow "Drive-Thru" mastectomies and consider signing the petition against this practice. If it was a man having penile surgery, it would be a no brainer!
http://www.lifetimetv.com/reallife/bc/pledges/bc_mast_thanks.html

What's New

2006-02-27T23:26:00.000-05:00

My newest pattern and project is now posted on my web page. Check out the Square Ruffled Baby Blankie.

Jen's Stuffed Toy Archive - New Patterns

2006-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Jen's Stuffed Toy Archive - New Patterns

This is a wonderfully talented Crochet Artist. Give her site a look see. Her "stuffies" are great!

2006 Crochet Olympics

2006-02-01T23:16:00.000-05:00

2006 Crochet Olympics
You really need to check this out! It's a wonderful idea!
Here are the rules:

The project must be a challenge for you to complete in the specified time frame.
You can NOT start until opening ceremonies (Feb 10, 2pm Eastern Time)
You MUST finish by closing ceremonies (16 days later, Feb 26th)
You can do prep work before (guage swatches, winding, etc), but no working on the actual project.
Pick something that is doable, but challenging. Do not set yourself up for failure.

Yarn Comparisons (IMHO)

2006-02-01T01:10:00.000-05:00

Red Heart Regular = good basic worsted weight yarn; a little stiff, but great for crafts and most crochet; super color range.
Bernat Super Value = much softer than Red Heart but still a great value for the cost conscience crocheter. Good color range. Good price.
Red Heart Soft = lovely soft & silky feel, slightly lighter worsted weight, great stitch definition, fair color range.
Bernat Satin = super softness and silkiness, slightly lighter worsted weight, great stitch definition, fair color range.
Caron Simply Soft = soft & silky feel, slightly lighter worsted weight, great stitch definition, good color range. Good price.

2006-01-24T21:48:00.000-05:00

Here's a pic of my second Round Ripple Baby Afghan. The first one sold quickly on eBay!
This second one is now available for sale.
White with pastel bands, Round Ripple Baby Afghan

2006-01-19T23:43:00.000-05:00

I've finished both of my round ripple afghans. They worked up so fast!
The Baby round ripple is currently for sale on eBay: Variegated Round Ripple Baby Afghan
I working on another Baby Round Ripple. This second one will be mostly white with narrow bands of blue, yellow & pink. I'll post a pic when it's done.

What I'm working on:

2006-01-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

I'm currently working on 2 afghans.

The first is the "Round Ripple".
I'm using Bernat's "Satin" yarn for this. It feels soooooo nice. I'm using 4 colors: Wheat, Admiral, Bordeaux, and Evergreen. These colors almost match exactly, the colors in my sofa. I just have to do 1 more row Evergreen and then 10 rows of Wheat.
http://www.sewonfire.com/round_ripple_afghan.htm

The next is the "Granny Ripple" afghan pattern from Project Linus.
I'm working this is Lion Brand Wool Ease in Rose Heather and Pale Rose with bands Bernat's Dark Teal. These are the favorite colors of the person I'm making it for. It's a lovely and rich combo!
If you've never visited the Project Linus site, please do. They offer some wonderful, free patterns and are a worthy cause as well.

http://www.citiusa.com/grannyripple.html

New Year's Resolutions?

2006-01-04T00:32:00.000-05:00

Have you made any Crochet resolutions for this year? There are only 361 days until Christmas!

I've resolved to try out some of the new "fashion yarns". Since the price on some of these lovely yarns can be prohibitive, try using them as a accent. I made a very simple hat into something sensational. I used Caron Simply Soft for the hat and Red Heart Symphony (a textured fuzzy yarn) to create the cuff around the bottom. I did 3 rows of front post and back post stitches. It turned out like fluffy band around the base of the hat.

Let me know how you use some of these yarns as accents and I'll post them here on the BLOG.

Happy New Year!

2005-12-31T22:36:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

and

Welcome 2006!

Merry Christmas

2005-12-24T23:10:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

An article from The Lion Brand Newsletter

2005-12-22T23:30:00.001-05:00

The newsletter is free and is a great source for all thing Knit & Crochet!

You can sign up for the newsletter thru this link:Lion Brand Newsletter.

Our Readers in their Own Write

We couldn't resist sharing this clever story!

"My 7-year-old grand-daughter (who's also a ballet student), refused to wear a pair of mismatched "stretchy" gloves, one pink and one black...

"Her resourceful Nana (that's me!) crocheted a cuff of black fun fur on the pink one, and pink fun fur on the black one, and now she's the envy of all
her dancemates; she loves these, and all the other little girls want them
too!"

-- Mary Ellen Arden

Yet some more Ho Ho Ho's !

2005-12-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

You Are a Cranberry and Popcorn Strung Tree

Christmas is all about showcasing your creative talents.
From cookies to nicely wrapped presents, your unique creations impress everyone.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

Your Elf Name Is...

Giggles Tinsel Toes

What's Your Elf Name?

Another Ho Ho Ho!

2005-12-16T00:10:00.000-05:00

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Each year, you really get into the spirit of Christmas.
Which is much more important to you than nifty presents.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Ho Ho Ho!

2005-12-11T22:59:00.000-05:00

You Are Dancer

Carefree and fun, you always find reasons to do a happy dance.

Why You're Naughty: That dark stint you had as Santa's private dancer.

Why You're Nice: You're friendly. Very friendly.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

New Pattern Added

2005-12-08T23:19:00.000-05:00

I've just added a new pattern to my homepage. The pattern is for another quick Holiday gift item. I've called the pattern, "Almost Instant Slippers". I made a pair in about an hour!
Click here to go to the pattern.
Thanks to "Jean" for sending me an e-mail with a heads up about forgetting to put the pattern link above! Brain lapse!

Beautiful Crochet Hooks

2005-12-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

Check out this site for absolutely beautiful hand made crochet hooks.
BriansBarn.

CROCHETERS' NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

2005-12-06T00:23:00.000-05:00

I found this somewhere online a few years ago. I love sharing it with all my fellow frazzled crocheters at this time of year!

CROCHETERS' NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
~Author Unknown ~

>> * <<

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
There was unfinished crocheting not under the tree,
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

>> * <<

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep---he was no help at all.
And the sweater for him was 6" too small.

>> * <<

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my hook to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash.
Tripped over my yarn and fell down in my stash.

>> * <<

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how far I still had to go.

>> * <<

When out on the lawn I heard such a noise,
I was sure it would wake up both Dad and the boys.
And although I was tired--my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment that it must be St. Nick.

>> * <<

Yet what I heard left me very perplex-ed
For nothing I heard was what I expect-ed.
"Move Red Heart! Move Patons! Move Caron and Clover!
>Move Plymouth! Move Bernat! Move Spinrite! Move over!

>> * <<

Lopi, don't circle around, just stand there in line.
Pay attention you sheep and you'll work out just fine!
I know this is hard, as it's just your first year
But I'd hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer."

>> * <<

I peered over the sill. What I saw was amazing:
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing!
And then in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's big boots stomping on the porch floor.

>> * <<
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet.
As I turned around, St Nick I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his heat to his toe
And his clothes were hand crochet from above to below.

>> * <<

A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back.
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran crochet sack.
His hat was a wonder of bobbles and lace
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
>> * <<

The scarf on his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
On the back of his mitts was an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I spotted a small label:
>> * <<

"S.C." in duplicate on the cuff.
So I asked, "Hey, Nick, did YOU crochet all this stuff?"
He proudly replied, "Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to crochet when I was just a kid."
>> * <<

He was chubby and plump; a well dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I'd thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.
>> * <<

He spoke not a word, but looked down in his lap
Where I had laid my crochet hook and yarn for a cap.
He began then to crochet, first one cap then 2--
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
>> * <<

He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks,
While I sat back drinking a scotch on the rocks.
Quickly like magic his hooks they flew,
Good Grief! He was finished by two!
>> * <<

He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
I heard him explain as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year, start your crocheting sometime around JUNE!"

>> * <<

Quick Holiday Gift Idea & Pattern

2005-12-06T00:18:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick and easy gift idea. These "Bloomers" are really 2 dishcloths. They make up easily in an evening. They're tied together with ribbons to create the Bloomer effect.
Check out the pattern here: MaryEllen's Bloomers.
I've included the link to several photos to guide you through the ribbon tying.

2005-11-29T22:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a pic of some of the stockings I've made and stuffed for Christmas this year. The free pattern is available thru my Crochet Homepage@
CrochetMaryEllen's Christmas Pages.

Great slipper pattern.

2005-11-28T23:29:00.000-05:00

With Christmas fast approaching, here's a link to an easy, one piece slipper pattern. They make great, easy to make, last minute, gifts!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2005-11-24T21:26:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know in these tough times that it's hard to think of others but let's all try to give a helping hand to those less fortunate.

Another Quiz Thingie, this time for all the yarnies out there!

2005-11-23T23:58:00.000-05:00

You are Merino Wool.
You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to
keep you close because you are so softhearted.
You love to be comfortable and warm from your
head to your toes.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I love these quiz things!

2005-11-22T23:21:00.000-05:00

These are good with Thanksgiving right around the bend.

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional
Those who like you crave security

What Kind of Pie Are You?

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Oridnary, comforting, and more than a little predictable
You're the glue that holds everyone together.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Christmas Patterns

2005-11-19T23:43:00.000-05:00

Christmas is right around the corner! Check out some of my free patterns

Great Online Mag lots of FREE patterns

2005-11-16T22:12:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this site? It's super, and free! The mag offers at least 6 free patterns every month, and they're funky and cute. Check it out!

Click the pic!

Newest project:

2005-11-15T21:28:00.000-05:00

Since Christmas is drawing fast upon us, this is crochet crunch-time! Check out the Christmas links on my homepage for some fast and easy Christmas ornaments and quick gifts ideas.

I'm currently working on a poncho for my grand daughter. Ryann is a peanut. She's 4 but very tiny (she was a 4lb. + premmie). I have found that most patterns designed for toddlers or young children are just too big in the neck area, so they fall off her shoulders, or too small, like the toddler sizes that are to short. Anyway, when I finish I will post the pattern on my web site.

News!

2005-11-15T01:47:00.000-05:00

I've just finished moving my BLOG over here to BlogSpot. This blog site allows direct comments to any of my postings. Don't be shy! Let me hear from you!

A New Crochet-A-Long

2005-11-15T00:21:00.000-05:00

I've just joined a new Holiday Crochet - A - Long. Check it out!

Ryann's Cuddle Cover is done!

2005-11-15T00:15:00.000-05:00

Ryann's Cuddle Cover is done!
I finished the cuddle cover for my grand daughter. The pattern is available thru my homepage.

Snuggle Cover for my Grand daughter

2005-11-09T00:07:00.000-05:00

I had recently made some 12" squares from my Gerbera Daisy Granny Square pattern to donate to a Comfortghan request on the Crochetville site.
After I made those I decided to made a 3 square by 4 square Snuggle Cover for my grand daughter Ryann. I used 2 shades of pink, 2 shades of blue, 2 shades of yellow, 2 shades of lavender/purple and 2 shades of peach to make the 12 squares. I used a flower button with a happy face in the middle to accent the center of each square. I'll post a pic of the finished cover when it's done. I haven't decided what type of edging or border to do. Any suggestions?

Work in Progress

2005-11-02T00:04:00.000-05:00

What I'm working on.
I'm currently working on a puppy cover. I was playing around with an idea for a granny square I call "Gerbera Daisy". I know I have seen similar squares somewhere on line, but this is my own concoction.
I had to scan the square, camera's on the fritz. The colors are a deep brown center, gold Popcorn stitch round, hunter green "leaves", a buff colored round and finished in soft denim. It's much prettier in person.
I made 3 sample squares and put them together in a rectangle. Now I'm working granny square rows around to make a cover for the dog. Our little sweetie is a 3 year old Doxie named SnickleFritz.
He loves to sleep on the sofa and constantly pulls the big afghans off the back of the sofa to snuggle up on. He has a couple of comfy covers already but he always needs more!

Midnite the Cat

2005-10-29T23:58:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite cat and yarn story . . . . and it's true!
My friend Rosie had a cat named Midnite. He was a large, fat, black cat. He loved to play fetch, specially with Rosie's yarn balls.
Anyway, we were both in Nursing school at the time and working part-time to boot. Midders did NOT like being left alone.
One night after a long week at school and picking up some extras hours at work, Rosie had a date. She was VERY late coming home. Mr. Midders had taken yarn balls and smacked them all over the living room.
Ok, a mess to clean up, right? Nope, it gets better.
Somehow. Monsieur Le Cat had managed to do the wrapping about 2 inches up off the floor. Just enough for an unsuspecting human to slip their foot right under the yarn.
Getting the picture here?
Poor Rosie comes home after her date, tired and a little tipsy. It's dark, and in she goes. The next few seconds she recalled to me like they happened in slow motion. She's now in free fall, she has no idea why! She still can't see anything because the lamp she had been reaching for is in free fall with her. She lands with a resounding THUMP. The light lands next to her and comes on. She is now half in and half out of her front door, the light shining for all the world to see, she's on the floor in what she calls the most unladylike position imaginable, flat on her stomach with the air knocked out of her, and as she glances up, there is Midnite, sitting just out of reach, and she swears he was grinning at her like the Cheshire Cat himself. He very calmly walked over to his cuddly place and sat down to give himself a well deserved bath! Cats! gotta love 'em!