Here be Pirate Treasure!

Aaaaaaaar! Don't ye be knowin it's International Talk Like A Pirate Day? Well, it be so! Here be some pirate booty that be bound to get your hooked hands a'working hard!

Booty be a mixture of free, paid, knit and crochet designs, and ye better be paying attention or ye may just lose yer head! ;)

There be no particular order....

1. There be only one "Captain Jack", but if yer be hankering after one of yer own, then this be the pattern fer ye
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/captain-jack

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

It be not only important to talk like a pirate, but to attire yerself in the correct manner as well. Here be two patterns to be assisting yer younger crew members
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ethans-pirate-hook
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/childs-pirate-costume
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-pirate-boots
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-kercheif
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-owl-pirate-beanie-earflap-hat-pdf-pattern-sizes-newborn-to-adult-boutique-design---no-60-by-angelschest

7. If it do be a crew ye be after, then ye may be able to "aquire" them here:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirates-2

8. It be important to make sure all is ship shape, so ye be best to find yer pennants here so ye can hoist the colours!:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-pennant-bunting-flags

9. 10.
 When parley is afoot, then ye be needin' a sober head. For sobriety, tea swillin' be the cup of the day, and ye can be a'keeping yer tea hot with these fine lasses - best be warned though, they be sisters but not identical. One be the daughter of Captain Knit, an t'other be the daughter of Captain Crochet!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-tea-cosy-crochet
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-tea-cosy

They do be having a cousin who be after keeping yer mug warm
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-cozy

11. Tis a sad thing to need a hook in place of hand, and protectin' what's yours is a good thing indeed. Protect your mitts with this mitt!

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-skullery-potholder

12. 13.
The ocean do be a heartless mistress to be settin' a pirate to shivverin'! To be fightin' off her icy touch, here be a scurvy design or two to warm the cockles of yer heart:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-granny-squares
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-applique-set

14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 

The ocean do be filled with strange and mysterious creatures. Bears that do be talkin' and pirates with multiple arms. If they be the crew ye be after, then ye can find them here:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-owl-korsarette
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/buccaneer-teddy-bear
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-wench-teddy-bear
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-bear-pattern
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salty-the-pirate-octopus

   

19. There do be indeed some scurvey pirates sailing the seas, and ye would be remiss to ignore this one
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/czornomaz-the-pirate---amigurumi-pattern

20. A pirate do be indeed taking whatever comfort he or she can, and this pirate be no exception. To be sure this pirate do be the be all and end all of pirate cheer!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pirate-lovey

I fell into a CAL!

Those of you who know me from The Creative Crochet Crew on Facebook, will know that I'm the ultimate temptress, although I prefer to think of myself as encourager and enabler. ;)

Well, for once I've been bitten by my own bug. I posted the link to Wink's new CAL on the group page, and on my Facebook page Get Knotted Yarn Craft and thought it was great that I could get word out there, because I really admire Marinke. Except people kept signing up, many were my friends, and I kept getting all of these comments and notifications and they started to work their magic.

I thought I would at least check out the pricing to participate from Australia using the kit from Deramores. I added it to my cart, and started clicking and filling in details, the whole time intending to cancel because I just wasn't sure that I had the time, or the finances to commit at the moment. The left hand side of the PayPal page kept displaying a message that said I would be informed of the total before payment, and thinking it was like Ravelry, I kept clicking - until I got to a receipt, without ever finding out the quantity in Australian Dollars. Whoops!

So, I guess I'm in. I'll just have to work very hard at clearing my desk, and maybe make some items to sell to cover the cost of the yarn (33 pounds, but with conversion rates and bank fees, I'm expecting it to be closer to $70AU - although for 26 balls of cotton yarn, that's not too bad! I had a coupon back from when I first signed up with Deramores, and as this is my first order with them, I got 15% off, which turned out to be 5 cents more than the shipping cost. LOL!)

I have to admit, although I'm swamped with makes for family and friends for Christmas, and one current order, I'm pretty excited about this. I just need to hook my wee fingers off to earn/justify it. I think it will be a huge amount of fun, and it will be nice to be in a CAL for once that I'm not leading. :P

Have a great crochet day!
xoxo

My top twenty favourite shawls from Ravelry

I'm a huge fan of Ravelry, and all my patterns can be found there. I love the database, I love the search options, I love the fact that you can investigate yarn, and designers. I love the forums and I love the dedication of the fans (check out the huge number of volunteer editors and forum moderators). I love it's flexibilty, but most of all, I love the massive amount of patterns listed there.

So, today I'm doing a round up of 20 shawl patterns that just stopped me in my tracks. 

All Shawl:
This shawl is a long garment shawl and Doris Chan is a stunning designer. The edging on this shawl is what gives it an amazing finish and lifts the garment to a new height. Don’t miss checking out her Blue Curacao shawl as well.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-shawl

Flying Wingspan Shawl:
Anyone who knows me, knows I love dragonflies. When I first saw this shawl my jaw just hit the floor, and even now looking at it I just want to make about twenty of them! This is a spectacular and clever design  that can be worn as a wrap or elongated for a full, cosy and one of a kind design. A must have for anyone wanting to lead the way in unique couture.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flying-wingspan

Cosmos Fields Shawl:
I love the usage of colour in this you have plenty of opportunity to make it vibrant or serene, and it’s a solid wrap so incredibly cozy. While this has a lovely solid finish edge to it, I could also see it comfortably worked up with a fringe – now doesn’t that take you back down memory lane? Cozy and elegant, I can see this going for picnics and long walks holding hands. A beautiful design from a lovely colourful designer.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cosmos-fields-shawl

Dahlia Shawl:
This lovely design is in a class of its own. I can almost hear tapping heels and castanets in the background. This would work up lovely in cream for a bridal accessory, or for mother of the bride, and is delicate and lacy beyond words. A truly gorgeous shawl with an edging just as spectacular.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dahlia-shawl

 Dixie Charm Shawl:
This is a sweet and summery shawl that adds grace and elegance to an outfit. It’s a full length wrap shawl. In solid colour it’s really stunning, and I think it goes well with casual clothing as well as formal ones. With the length, it also loans itself to being tied on, which can be handy if you have your hands full with little ones. 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dixie-charm---a-summer-shawl

Proud as a Peacock:
And wouldn’t you be too if you had designed this? Truly, I had difficulty picking between all of the lovely shawls designed by the very talented Lily Go.  It was the colour of this one that initially caught my eye, but it was followed a second later by the magnificent design. Go is an artisan that is beyond compare when it comes to shawls. The Peacock is flexible in size and shape and the pattern is written and charted. This was an easy pick for my top twenty.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/proud-as-a-peacock-2

Festival shawl:
It is truly amazing the difference that colour choices can make, especially when a variegated yarn is chosen. This is a shawl that works really well either way, and I love how it seems to be a celebration of all that crochet is!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/festival-shawl

Half Granny Square Shawl:
If you’re a beginner and want to make a shawl, but are put off by the complexity of many, then this is the shawl for you. Because of the ease of the pattern, it’s flexible, allowing you to mould it to any size and length you want.
For those with more experience, this shawl should be a quick make for a last minute gift, a great stash-buster project or the ideal project for a charity or fete.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/half-granny-square-shawl

Jenny’s Faith:
This is the kind of shawl that makes people take a breath when they see it, especially if they crochet themselves! It’s lacy and delicate and yet solid enough to provide good warmth. As if the shawl isn’t lovely enough, the border is spectacular as well. This shawl is truly a work of art and a gift that would be easily appreciated by any friend.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jennys-faith

Multiplicity Shawl:
This is one of my absolute favourites!  Wow, what a shawl. I love how you can wear it in so many ways, it’s cute and flexible and very stylish. How utterly clever and what a fabulous thing to make.  I don’t need to say anything about this one, it speaks for itself.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/multiplicity-lace-shawl

Muscari Shawl:
This is indeed a simple and feminine shawl and who could resist it’s charm? A solid capelet to start with extending down to a beautiful lacy finish, it would be at home on the shoulders of any generation. A classic piece that could easily become an heirloom garment.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/muscari-3

Desperately Seeking Shallow SC Crescent:
There must be a fascinating story behind the name of this one somewhere. I love a good crescent shawl, I’ve made a few myself, and this is hot on my list for another. This is a centre start shawl so no long foundation chains for this one, and it’s wide enough that you can throw an end over your shoulder and it will stay there! It should also be long enough to tie around your waist.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/desperately-seeking-shallow-sc-crescent

Sunday Shawl:
This is a great wrap around shawl and a pattern that is flexible in its colour usage. Tone it down in colour for an evening gown look, or ramp it up with lots of bright beautiful shades. Whichever way you go, this shawl will do the right thing by you. A real snugly wraparound that will keep you warm any night of the week.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunday-shawl

Oswin Shawl:
This shawl is worked from one end to the other, rather than from top to bottom, and because of this, the use of self striping yarn can have a truly stunning effect. This lightweight and lacy shawl adds a touch of elegance to whatever outfit it is teamed up with. It is equally spectacular in solid colour.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oswin

Ripple Effect Shawl:
This fabulous design was actually an entry in Design Wars this year where designers had to make something with a bit of swank and this shawl certainly delivers. I have this pattern and I have the perfect yarn for it, all I need now is the time to hook it up! Sassy and bold and deliciously divine, this will send ripples through the crowd when you turn up wrapped in this beautiful creation.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ripple-effect-shawl

Seems Like Old Times Shawl:
This shawl is the kind of thing that you think of when people say shawl – long, large and elegant, it is a lovely garment that would be fitting in any period movie. However, don’t let that fool you. Give it some modern colour and you come up with a suave and stylish garment that would be fit for any red carpet event.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/seems-like-old-times

Schultertuch:
Gosh, the more often I see this, the greater my desire to make one! This spectacular shawl is wonderful worked up in solids or in self striping yarn. There is a link to an authorised English translation in the notes of the pattern page, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular around the world.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/schultertuch---dreieckstuch

Sidewalk Shawl:
This is a pineapple sized pinapple shawl and don’t be deceived by the name. This would equally grace your great-grandmother or your great-granddaughter – it’s a classic piece and will not pass as a phase or fad. Dress it down with some jeans, or put it around an evening gown, either way, it’s as home in you as you are in it.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sidewalk-shawl

Sweet Pea Shawl:
This one I can see done in pastels for a teenager, or done in metallic tones for a “more mature” lady. Sweet and almost shy seeming, this shawl is light and lacy and just the right garment to add a little sophistication to your day or night.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-pea-shawl

Be a friend shawl/ Have a heart shawl/ Valentine Shawl:
Whatever you want to call it, it’s fabulous – the shawl of many names! Who wouldn’t consider you a friend if you gave this lovely giant to them? This is a shawl to wrap up on a chilly night, to fling around a friend when you’re out and they are cold, and to wrap around your kids at half time at sporting events ;) . Generous in size, and generous in the love that shines through it.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/be-a-friend-shawl---have-a-heart-shawl-valentine-shawl