We may not want to admit it, but winter is hardly over. Here's a quick, versatile cloche hat you can whip up in no time at all. Perhaps it will get so many compliments you'll forget how much you long for Spring...

• 1 ball of Joann's Sensation Angel hair yarn
• K/6.5mm hook
• 1 yard of 1-inch ribbon

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
sk = skip

These Filet Crochet letter charts work up quickly and are a romantic addition to any table.

One of the beautiful aspects of Filet Crochet is that any hook/yarn combination that works together will create a completed piece in the pattern you select -- all that changes from one hook to the next is the size of your completed project. For that reason, you can create a small wine coaster and a larger matching doily for the wine bottle using the same thread and different hook sizes. You could even go up to a fingering weight yarn and an aluminum hook and use the same charts to create decorative monogram placemats.

Filet Crochet can also be worked a few different ways. Traditional filet uses {3 dc} for a block and {2 ch, 1 dc} for a space. However, you can also get a tighter, more closed-up effect by using {2 hdc} for a block and {1 ch, 1 hdc} for a space -- the coaster in the photograph is an example of hdc filet (#10 thread, 2.25mm Steel Hook).

East meets West with a flourish of fashionable pom poms in this simply elegant necklace. It is easy and fun to crochet and requires very little yarn.

• Crochet hook size E (3.5mm)
• Vine: Shaded yarn such as Linie 157 “Tessa” (8 yards)
• Berries: Schaenmayr Nomotta “Bravo” (1 5/8 yards)
• Pom pom blossoms: Schaenmayr Nomotta “Bravo” (3 yards)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

US crochet stitch terms are used in this pattern
ch(s) = chain(s)
st(s) = stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet

It has occurred to me that while we often play Santa or other generous holiday characters we rarely play Cupid to anyone but our most favorite person. I designed these ‘One and The Other’ scarves to be a quick and personal gift for a favorite couple. Now you may be thinking “But I’m in my favorite couple.” That’s just fine too, but I encourage you to share the love this Valentine’s Day by planning a surprise for a couple you admire or a pair of best friends.

These scarves are worked in a simple pattern of chains and single crochet: easy but substantial. They’re so distinctly non-lumpy that knitters will wonder what they’re missing. One is wider with four main colors and four accent colors. The Other is a bit thinner and reverses the color scheme. I was inspired by Japanese newlyweds who often wear harmonizing outfits to emphasize their new togetherness. So in celebration of people who aren’t afraid to color-coordinate with each other I give you Vice Versa!

• Eight skeins of worsted weight yarn of any soft kind. (92meters/50grams per skein) Choose four main colors for One and four main colors for The Other, making sure they coordinate for use as accents too. (Of course you can adapt the stripes to any combination/number of colors you choose.)
• Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook
• Scissors

One: 17cm x 174cm, The Other: 13.5cm x 174cm

21st/10cm (4in), 17rows/10cm (4in) in pattern (sc1, ch1)

This pattern uses US notation
ch = chain
sc = single crochet

Edges

Changing Colors

The Very Simple Pattern:

One (shown on Peter)

It may still be Winter, but a stylish scarf can take you clear through the cool nights of long-awaited Spring. This one will take you no time at all to crochet in a stitch that mimics the ever-popular knitted drop-stitch you see everywhere. Work it up in a soft wool and you'll be cozy while you catch snowflakes on your tongue; use a ribbon yarn for those warmer days we know are coming soon. Really soon. Really.

• 3 balls of Lion Brand Incredible ribbon yarn
• K/6.5mm hook

This ribbon yarn looks the best when it is worked loosely. A very loose tension is recommended.

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
yo = yarn over
st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space

This super fun hat will lend flair to anyone's wardrobe -- young or old. This simple pattern can be sized from infant to adult, just by changing the size of the hook you use to make it. Can't get any simpler than that!

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, 3 oz (MC)
• Bernat Boa or Bernat Eyelash Yarn, small amount (CC)

• Size G Hook for Infants Cap
  Size H Hook for Toddlers Cap
  Size I Hook for Childs Cap
  Size J Hook for Teen/Small Adult Cap
  Size K Hook for Adult Cap

US Pattern Notations Used
tr = treble crochet
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sc = single crochet
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
st = stitch

This stylized cat-toy is a real quicky to make, and the hemp string really holds up to even kitten-style rough housing.

• Ecolution Fine Hemp Twine (0.8 mm diameter, 325 yds/297 m, 2.3 oz/65 gm) – 1 ball natural.
• Stuffing material: Any kind of stuffing is fine (cotton balls or leftover bits of yarn, for example), but I prefer pieces of cellophane or mylar because they make crinkely noises that cats seem to like. A really excellent source of mylar is from the windows of envelopes from bills and junk mail. Recycling at its finest! Add catnip as desired.

US Pattern Notations Used
ch = chain
st(s) = stitch(es)
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
dec = decrease

My sister-in-law swears these keep coffee warmer longer than an insulated mug. You won't burn your fingers and you'll save a few trees.

• Any worsted weight yarn of any type. A small amount of novelty yarn for the border.
• Hook size: H/5mm

All sc are worked in the front loop only throughout the body of this project.

US Notations Used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sc 2 tog = single crochet two together