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Showing posts with label Crochet Adventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crochet Adventures. Show all posts

Life Before the Magic Ring πŸͺ„✨

Before learning the Magic Ring .... my crochet projects tended to have large gaping holes. One of the biggest was the one seen in this Giant Crochet Doily Rug

Crochet Giant Doily Rug

And if you are thinking that maybe it is because it is a large project with lots of large holes, this is not the only reason. Take a closer look at some of my other crochet from 2012 before I learned the Magic Ring, and my one of my first intricate Doily Earring Patterns, again, before I had heard of the Magic Ring....

While it isn't horrible, I much prefer a tighter center, now that I know of the Magic Ring, and its many wonderful uses.

Crochet Doily Earrings

As well as these other Doily Earrings from 2012 as well. Do you not agree they would be a lot better without the center hole? What is that thing in the middle?

Doily Earrings 2012

Too many times I have heard people complaining about the Magic Ring and asking me if there was an alternative for my patterns. While there is, I still strongly suggest the Magic Ring. In several of my patterns the Magic Ring is a must!

If you are unfamiliar with the Magic Ring, you can take a look at my video tutorial on Doily Designs Youtube.

Find the Magic Oval Pattern, Magic Flowers Pattern with Magic Leaf (Crochet Pencil Topper), and more on Doily Designs Etsy.

Magic Flower Pencil Topper Pattern:

Crochet Flower Pencil Topper Pattern

and.... 

Magic Oval :) Newly Released Pattern, was a great Father's Day Gift last year ;)

Magic Oval takes place of the Chain Oval, that can sometimes leave holes in the center of your crochet ovals. This new fun pattern is great for all OVAL projects, like Bags, Placemats, Coasters and more.

Poker Placemat Edition ♠️♥️♣️♦️

Crochet Magic Oval Pattern

Thank you for stopping by.

Share in the comments what was one technique that changed your crochet?

Best wishes and happy crocheting,

~ Cathleen 🧢



Magic Flowers Crochet Pattern 🌺🌹

 Mr Flowers™ Magic Flowers Crochet Pattern 🌸🌺

Magic crochet flowers to make into jewelry, headdress, garland, bunting, and more!

magic flower crochet pattern mr flowers design I love crochet by doily designs cathleen


New Release:  Crochet Magic Flower a Garden of Jewelry!

mr flowers magic flowers bunting

I am thrilled to be finally long awaited pattern for the Magic Flower collection. Today I have launched the standalone Magic Flower Jewelry pattern, and it's perfect for anyone looking to make a quick and easy crochet flower for use with more than just jewelry.

Meet the Magic Flower Jewelry Pattern

Make flowers, bands for rings, or bracelets or just make a long string of flowers for hand bands, garland, and bunting.





Mr Flowers Magic flower crochet pattern jewelry bunting appliquΓ©s more

Thank you for stopping by and for your continued support. It means the world to me.

Best wishes and happy crocheting,

~ Cathleen 🧢



Poker Charm Crochet Pattern ♦️♠️♥️♣️


Update!                                         ♠️♥️♣️♦️

Crochet Poker Charm pattern has gotten a fresh update with 2.0 new and improved Heart and Spade, along with a new video tutorial on Youtube.
(Picture is from original pattern.)

New update improved on the already great Heart and Spade Poker Charms to make them their very best.


                                                           ♠️♦️♣️♥️






Thank you for stopping by.



Best wishes and happy crocheting!

 ⭐️

~ Cathleen πŸƒ 🧢

Karmic Comedy with Yoshi

 

From Mother to Daughter: The Karmic Comedy of the Yoshi Hat

Now that my youngest daughter has picked up sewing, it has brought up old stories and tales from my Mother and myself, her recalling and telling the story of the Puppet Rush, bringing back my Karmic comedy when my daughter returns the request in sorts to me. This turns into one of my most popular blog post, by far, about a crochet Yoshi hat. Maybe the reason for its popularity, I think, is the story behind it, a tale that proves Karmic Comedy is a very real thing in my life.

A few nights before Halloween, my sweet daughter came to me with that all important request that she needed a Yoshi costume. Now, if you’re a maker, you know that request a few days out is like a five alarm fire. But, like any good parent, I thought, “Sure, why not?” and immediately started planning.

At the time, Yoshi costumes were hard to find, and patterns were scarce, so I decided to make it myself. I dove into a creative frenzy. I sourced a basic cap pattern, engineered the perfect set of big, adorable Yoshi eyes, and found a pattern for the iconic shell. I worked through the night, fueled by caffeine and the pure desire to see her smile. By morning, the costume was complete, and she went to school a very happy, very cute little dinosaur. The hat was the centerpiece and has gone on to be a beloved post and family treasure, a testament to that late night hustle.

The true comedy, though, lies in the flashback it triggered.

The Puppet Flashback

When I was little, I went to my own mother, a talented seamstress and maker. It was a Friday, and I confidently informed her that I needed three puppets by Monday for a school play. I didn’t just need any puppets; I needed a bear, a woodsman, and his wife.

Of course, she pulled it off. But she didn’t just make three functional puppets; she went above and beyond. Her fabulous trio was a masterpiece, stitched with care, personality, and flair. They were a huge hit in my little school play and a source of quiet pride for me.

My last minute, demanding request of my mother came back to me years later in the form of my daughter’s last minute Yoshi request. That, my friends, is karmic comedy, the universe’s gentle way of reminding me that what goes around, comes around, even in crafting.

Sharing the Love and Talent

In the end, that Yoshi hat is more than just crochet; it’s a symbol of the incredible love, talent, and kindness my mother shared with me. Every stitch I make, every late night I work for my own kids, I’m channeling her generous spirit.

And if you’re feeling inspired by this tale of late night crafting (or feeling the karmic loop yourself!), you can find all the details, patterns, and references for my iconic Yoshi hat post HERE.

What’s your best “karmic comedy” story from your crafting or parenting life? I’d love to read it in the comments!

Thank you, Mom❣️

& Thank you for stopping by.

Best wishes and happy crafting,

~ Cathleen 🧢

Crochet Stars ⭐️ ✨

 The Stars are out again tonight..... shining like celestial gems.


....And speaking of Stars, have you seen the new commercial for our Crochet Star Chart Pattern on Youtube?  The Star Chart Pattern commercial is a stellar reminder that you can bring the magic of the night sky right into your home. What a perfect night it is to celebrate the cosmos with a star project of your own!


Whether you're looking for a gift for your favorite stargazer or a beautiful new pattern to add to your collection, we've got you covered. The Star Chart Pattern is on sale now, along with a few other Doily Designs Star Patterns.  We have something to make your crafty heart sing. 

Thank you for stopping by.


Best wishes and happy crocheting!
⭐️
~ 🧢 Cathleen 

Captain Blacklace Doily of Doily Designs

 Captain Blacklace Doily 🧢

 a.k.a. Cathleen of Doily Designs πŸͺ

Avast, mateys! Captain Blacklace Doily has a new anchor to drop on Substack

Thanks for droppin' anchor here at Doily Designs, matey. 

✨Set yer sails for our Substack ~ even if you don't sign on board, there'll be treasures to behold. No need to even sign the ship's log to see what's what! 

SubStack Link Between the STARS ✨'s  πŸ§­⚓️πŸ‘‡ 
Full of Treasured free patterns for SubScribers who anchor here ⚓️πŸ‘‡
(or click anywhere it says SubStack to take you to Cathleen's SubStack ;)

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Subscribe or walk the plank!  πŸ—‘️ 🌊  πŸ‘€ πŸ˜‚

🧭 Best wishes, happy travels, and happy crocheting! 🧢🌊

~ Captain Blacklace Doily 🧢πŸͺ

Free Crochet Treasures Inside πŸ’ŽπŸ§ΆπŸͺ

Charting a course through the vast digital seas of the internet, a pirate's greatest treasure isn't gold or jewels, but the sight of a crew thriving on the bounty you've shared.  πŸ’Ž

There's nothing that fills me with more joy than seeing my free patterns come to life in your hands. It's truly a sight to behold your beautiful creations, and I'm always grateful when ye take time to share your loot.

A mighty thank you to all who have featured my designs on your blogs and social media! Your support means the world to this old salt.

I especially want to give shout out to the hearty mates who recently shared my patterns. It is a true compliment to see my work featured, and I appreciate the specific credit given ~ like the 'Cathleen Gorbatenko'.  It warms my barnacled heart to see the care you take in showcasing my work, thank you!

Drop anchor ⚓️  and check out a few of their creations and blogs:

Hi CROCHET Written by Jeff Tse
*  1001 Patterns Written by Anna


Hi CROCHET featured the Mint Chocolate Chip Doily Pattern at #2 on their list. πŸ₯³




Go to Hi CROCHET to see the rest of this post.



Below 1001 Patterns featured the Tiny Star! ⭐️πŸ₯³πŸ’Ž









Thank you for all the likes and shares ❤️


Best wishes and happy crocheting!🧢


Come back aboard the Jolly Purl on Doily Design to follow the adventure and hear the latest Pirate tales. 🧢πŸͺπŸ΄‍☠️
~ Captain Blacklace Doily 🦜




🌊⚓ 🧭 The Captain’s Compass: Charting New Waters Online ⚓🌊

 Hooks & Horizons: A Pirate’s Voyage Through the Net 🧢πŸͺπŸ›œ Cyber meets Fiber adventure....


🧭Our pirate, Captain Blacklace Doily, has set her sights on new seas — and aye, they’re not waters of salt and tide, but the swirling currents of today’s technology. She surfs the waves of the web, balancing between satellites and space junk, her sails filled with hope as she rides the digital oceans.

Anchoring ship in such ports as; SubstackYouTubeEtsy, and my blog — each a different island along our map. πŸ—Ί️

Some shores hold free patternsπŸ‘‡, like a messages in a bottle drifting to you πŸ“œπŸΎ, while others guard new releases, treasures I’ve worked long and hard to uncover🎁, too precious to be given away.

Follow the links as Captain Blacklace Doily shares free treasured secrets in LINKS TO FREE PATTERNS

The tides of technology rise and fall, but our compass points ever toward creativity. This is just the beginning, mates — a fresh pattern release has surfaced, with more charted on the horizon. 

Set sail aboard the waves of Christmas Mandala Doily Pattern Tutorial on 
Hopes are high. If the wind continues to favor us, we’ll carry on into uncharted waters — and you’re welcome aboard for every stitch and every storm.

So raise your hooks, keep your eyes sharp, and sail with me. The web is wide, the adventure grand, and our ship’s only just left port. 🧢πŸͺ

Thank you for stopping by.
Best wishes, and happy crocheting!

~ Pirate Blacklace Doily 🧢





We've Set Sail and found our first TREASURE ⛵️ πŸ₯³


Ahoy, mateys! 🌊🏴‍☠️ We’ve set sail, and the wind's are in our favor ~  our grand adventure is officially underway. 

With needle and yarn as our compass, we’re charting a course toward treasures that can be held, hugged, and handed down. 🧢πŸͺ

What be our first discovery, you ask? None other than this Mini Boho Granny American Flag a charming heirloom design that waves with timeless beauty. This tiny treasure carries the spirit of freedom, stitched square by square, stitch by stitch, and it’s waiting to be recreated by your own hands.

With the replicating power of patterns, you too can bring this flag to life ~ a small treasure mighty in meaning. 

Whether you make it to display, gift, or cherish, this little flag will stand as a symbol of creativity, tradition, and the adventures that lie ahead.

⚓️ The voyage has only just begun. Stay tuned, sailors ~ more treasures await on the horizon.

Follow this link ahead to dig up more treasures; Doily Designs Etsy

And yet another to follow us along the shores of SubStack.

Thank you for stopping by.

Best wishes, happy sailing, and happy crocheting!

Doily Designs Setting Sail

 

Doily Designs Sets Sail

Doily Designs is beginning a new, unique adventure on SubStack

In these shifting seas of creativity, I find myself riding the wild currents of change, perched atop a beast of burden in this vast and unpredictable market. The waters are teeming with fierce and talented makers—each vying for their own glimmering treasures. Yet I hoist my flag with pride, setting my sights on heirloom troves and hidden knowledge, ready to carve out my own place among them.

This voyage won’t be easy. The world of crochet design is full of competition, and every new stitch feels like a battle won. But with hook in hand, imagination as compass, and courage as crew, I press forward—charting a course through storm and sunshine alike.

Why Set Sail Now?

The seas of handmade design are more crowded than ever. There are countless brilliant crafters, each offering their own patterns, techniques, and treasures. It would be easy to feel swallowed by the waves.

But every sailor knows: the sea is vast enough for many ships. My work—my doilies, shawls, ponchos, and playful creations—isn’t just about patterns. It’s about story, memory, and the joy of turning a ball of yarn into something timeless.

This Substack is my logbook, my captain’s journal, a place to share the maps I draw (patterns), the ports I visit (projects), and the treasures I uncover along the way (tips, inspiration, maybe even a few secrets).

What You’ll Find Here

  • Patterns & Projects: Some free, some exclusive—woven with care.

  • Behind the Scenes: The design process, the challenges, and the triumphs.

  • Treasure Maps: Tutorials, tips, and heirloom wisdom passed down through stitches.

  • Adventure & Storytelling: Crochet is more than loops of yarn—it’s a journey worth telling in tales of storm and sparkle.

The Pirate Spirit of Making

To crochet is to be part pirate, part poet. We take humble string and steal back time from the endless rush of life. We craft beauty from chaos, treasure from the ordinary. And yes, in a market where competition is fierce and the winds are unpredictable, we need that pirate’s daring spirit to survive and thrive.

I may not have a ship’s wheel or a parrot on my shoulder (though a crochet hook tucked behind the ear feels close enough), but I do have the same hunger for discovery, the same stubborn spark to chase after what’s just beyond the horizon.


So come aboard. Grab your yarn, sharpen your hooks, and sail with me into this adventure. The seas are wide, the competition fierce, and the treasures endless. Together, we’ll stitch our own legends.

Fair winds,
Cathleen of Doily Designs πŸͺ (a.k.a. Captain Blacklace Doily 🧢

Find me on SubStack in link between ✨'s πŸ‘‡

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Thank you for stopping by.
Best wishes, and happy crocheting!

Cranberry Pineapple Crochet Christmas Tree Skirt Pattern

⭐  Doily Designs Cranberry Pineapple  Crochet Christmas Tree Skirt Pattern One of a kind tree skirt  is an eye catching take on the classic ...