OK, I know there are crocheters here...whats everyone working on? My next project is an afghan, but I can't seem to decided on a pattern. Actually I just haven't had the time to decide on one. I was hoping to get one finished to enter in our county fair in July, but I'm not sure that's going to happen.

I'm working on an afghan, but it is kind of on the heavy side.  I might work on it when it gets cool in the evenings.  I'm considering some lanyard lacing for when I am out and about.

Dawn

I am finishing up a scarf and working on some doilies for a friend who opened up a B&B.

Nancy, are doilies difficult? I've been crocheting for a long time but haven't ever tried one. Do you block it when finished? I've never really understood if the doilies require blocking or is it an option?

Sue, I've done so many doilies that it is now more comfortable for me than working with yarn.  When I first started (about 15 years ago) it took some getting used to working with smaller hooks and thread.  My stitches always came out much too tight and it was hard to get the doily to lie flat.  Once I got the hang of it, I hardly worked with yarn anymore.

Most doilies do require some blocking.  After I'm done, I soak them in cold water and a little mild detergent.  Then I take the damp doilies and pin them out on a towel.  When they dry, they retain their shape nicely and are soft at the same time.  I like this result much better than using starch (or sugar water) as my grandmother used to do.   Some designs, however, do require the starch for stiffening but I haven't tried any of those. 

You can find lots of great doily patterns from Leisure Arts or Annie's Attic. 

I'm with you, Nancy.  I much prefer making doilies than the yarn items.  I like the dainty stitches and the many different designs that I can do with thread that just isn't available when using yarn.

I have many patterns; too many that I don't think I'll ever get through all of them!

~kelly jo

thanks for the info Nancy...I'll have to give the doilies a try. I also like the look of thread for a lot of things.

I used to do doilies.  They were ok to me, but I kind of prefer to have some substance in my hands.  I may try to do some shaped items again (I have a pattern for a Christmas train), but that won't be for quite a while.  I have too little time on my hands with trying to homeschool our kids, run our business w/ Noah's Ark, and spend time doing crafts and reading books.

Dawn

I love crocheting... I am working on afghans and prayer shawls.  I have been trying to do christmas projects, but I am not that skilled.

I like making afghans too, but they make my legs all hot and sweaty, especially in the summer months.  Doilies are light and portable.  And they make great gifts too!

my problem I have been having, is granny squares. For some reason, I just don't get it.

What kind of problems are you having, Laura?

I like Granny Squares and have done a couple of afghans using them. Usually they are pretty easy. Laura, maybe someone here can help with the problem you're having.

Hi Judy,  Here is an excellent crochet site with tons of free patterns.

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php

Thanks for posting, Susan!  I will check it out.

Here's a picture of a doily I'm making now.

http://www.pkcrochet.com/7enthralling.jpg

That is really pretty Nancy!

Hi I am looking for a Navaho baby afghan does anyone have a pattern for one??  Thanks.

This is not specifically a baby afghan, but I think you could make it smaller. http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/navindmulcol.html

Have you tried Googling it?

I just found another great site with links for lots of crochet projects. http://www.squidoo.com/freecrochet/  I really need to get off this computer!

Thanks Susan I have made the big size Navaho several times just not sure how to cut it down to make it baby size and haven't been able to find a pattern for one!  And Yes I have Googled it.  Someone has to have it somewhere?

I am doing a baby blanket in hope that my sister will pop one out someday...

Has anyone tried clothing ie. t-shirts, toddler dresses ?  I am not that skilled either.

:(  glenda

Jody, I remember making a Navaho blanket a looooonnnnggg time ago. I don't think I have the pattern amymore, but the one I used was worked across and would've been easy to make any size. Sorry you havne't been able to find a pattern.

I have not tried crocheting any clothing. I have no trouble with the actual crochet stitches...my problem seems to be reading the instructions correctly.

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and have never posted to it. 

I've been crocheting for years, ok, decades.  Currently, I have been making angels for www.angelsforhope.org

I've been making angels for them for a few years now.  I had about a hundred made up and finally used them all, so I had to re-stock. I decided to stick with crochet thread, instead of yarn, as it is less expensive.  This group also makes butterfiles and smiley faces, but I just stick with the angels.

You should check them out.  It really is a nice charitable organization.

Ann