Read more about the article Pattern Release: the Snowflake Hat

Pattern Release: the Snowflake Hat

Each October, my dear friend Christine from Sweet Potato 3 hosts the Crochet Cancer Challenge, and all of the participating designers are so gracious to allow me to claim the October 5th slot in honor of my father's birthday. I designed the Snowflake Hat for this year's Cancer Challenge using my favorite yarn to work with- Lion Brand Ferris Wheel. What I didn't know when I started this design was how much I was going to LOVE creating it- I loved it so much that for the first time ever, I designed 3 versions- Standard beanie, Messy Bun, and Slouchy!

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Read more about the article Romantic Ripples Shawl- Free Crochet Pattern

Romantic Ripples Shawl- Free Crochet Pattern

The folks at KnitPal reached out to me last fall and asked if I would be interested in testing out their new yarn. You know I can't turn down an offer for yarn, so of course I was delighted to accept! I chose 2 colors of their Retro-Glam yarn. This yarn is incredibly soft and shiny. I immediately fell in love with it...

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Read more about the article Pattern Release: Kitty Catiolis

Pattern Release: Kitty Catiolis

Did you know that my daughter is also a crochet designer? She doesn't publish patterns often, but I am always thrilled when she does- and in case you hadn't guessed already, today's pattern was designed by my amazingly talented daughter! The Kitty Catiolis are a fun, quick way to use up scrap yarn. You only need a few yards to make one Catioli and can whip one up in just a few minutes! They look like toy raviolis when complete, hence the name "Kitty Catiolis".

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Read more about the article Pattern Release: the Puppy Placemat

Pattern Release: the Puppy Placemat

For my Pet Appreciation Month design, I originally planned to create a cute placemat in the shape of a dog bone.... that was a fail and a half! More than likely, I could have conquered this design if I had more time, but in true Malena fashion I failed to read the calendar properly and my deadline to submit the design to the Pet Appreciation Blog Hop was rapidly approaching by the time I sat down to start my design. Combine a tight deadline with a curious puppy who was pretty sure that I was making something neat for her and would NOT stop trying to remove the crochet hook from my hand with her sharp sharp teeth, and I resorted to designing something more simple that can easily be completed in just one day!

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Read more about the article Sweet Little Granny Square Baby Blanket- FREE Crochet Pattern

Sweet Little Granny Square Baby Blanket- FREE Crochet Pattern

My friend Helen from Sunflower Cottage Crochet invited me to participate in the Preemie Crochet Challenge again this year, and of course I agreed! My niece was a micro-preemie born at 24 weeks gestation, so this event has a special place in my heart. (Plus I love designing baby things even though it really isn't in my normal niche of pattern designs!)

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