It's National Crochet Month. Check out the history and details here: NATIONAL CROCHET MONTH -March 2023 - National Today. Designers are offering free patterns via blog hops (check out: 2023 International Crochet Month Blog Hop - Underground Crafter), days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and there may be a surprise or two at our March 11 meeting. CTC will be hosting an online option for those who can't join us in person. The link was sent out in the newsletter, but feel free to email us at ctclist@gmail.com if you need it.
There are many ways to find patterns online, but one of my favorites is Ravelry. My introduction to Ravelry came through friends at CTC, and CTC has held education sessions on using Ravelry. Besides searching for patterns, you can view projects by other members, create an inventory of your tools and/or yarn stash, and post your own projects with notes.
Ravelry: Crochet Twin Cities is a group for our members, although many non-members also belong to the group. If you aren't comfortable with Raverly, bring your tablet or laptop to a meeting or meet-up and I promise there will be someone there who can show you around.
If you are looking for inspirations for projects, there are plenty in March. March is known for coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb. Due to a certain yarn brand name, searching for lion patterns can be frustrating, but lamb patterns are abundant. And this particular lamb made by Gloria is too cute to pass up.
A Ravelry search for "basketball" produced a number of fun looking projects and patterns. If you are a basketball fan (or know one), you just might find the perfect project for yourself or to give as a gift. Lori made these cute little high-tops. There are pillows, hats, blankets and more basketball themed projects, or you can find projects that relate to your favorite team or mascot. There are some great Goldy Gopher projects posted by our members, and so many more ideas!
Whether or not you're Irish, celebrating St. Patty's Day is a bunch of fun, and there's no shortage of leprechaun and related patterns and projects. The little guy on the left was made for my son a few years ago. At least one other member has completed a similar project. And of course, there's Irish lace and celtic cable patterns to keep your eyes smiling, even if you're not Irish.
There are many other sites that you can use to search for patterns, Facebook, YouTube, Pintrest, designer blogs, allfreecrochet.com, sites that sell yarn and crochet tools often have patterns free, and don't forget the paid patterns you'll find on Etsy, Craftsy. A well-written pattern (with a chart, please?), can be worth paying for if it's just the right project. If hard copy patterns are your thing, check out the books and magazines at your local library.
