Moms-to-be could use some pampering. This Springy, cheery bath pouf will be a great gift, don't you think? (Hint: It's a great gift for your mom, too. Mother's Day is fast approaching...)

• Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (or other worsted weight cotton) in white and coral swirl (or other preferred colours). One ball of each.
• Size G/6 (4.25mm) hook

Do not join rounds. This pattern is crocheted in a spiral.

US convention used.
sc(s) = single crochet(s)
sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)
st(s) = stitch (es)
tog = together
flo = front loop only
sk = skip

Begin Front

Using pouf base colour, start with a magic ring. Sc 6 into ring.

2sc into next 6 scs.

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).

Recycle those paper bookmarks you get for free at the bookstore. Chuck those decrepit woven things you've kept since childhood. Take a few minutes to crochet yourself a simple, elegant book thong that will make you feel like the sophisticated intellectual you know you are.

Small amount of size 10 cotton crochet thread

Size 7 (1.65 mm) steel crochet hook

Beads that will fit snugly over the crocheted chain (center hole of approximately 2mm)

Stitch marker

Needle with an eye large enough for the crochet thread

One size.

When you make a chain, the front looks like a series of Vs (and each V has a top and bottom loop) and the back looks like a series of bumps that forms a spine or ridge.

US pattern notations used
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet

Up one side:

You’re starting at the

This can be a doily, a tablecloth, a place-mat, a pillowcase or whatever you decide it to be. It all depends on which yarn you use, and how big you make it.

Note: This pattern uses US terminology

• Two balls of Schachenmayr Crazy Cotton (100% cotton, 125m/137 yards per 50g/1.75 oz ball). This is a so-called self-striping yarn. The colour changes give the plain square a soft, "hand-painted" look. Also, they make it more fun to work the piece!

• A 3 mm hook, to get a solid, yet not too stiff, fabric.

With two balls of Crazy Cotton, I ended up with a 34x34 cm/13.5x13.5 inch square.

This is a square made in the round! This means that the increases in every round are made in four, evenly spaced places, forming the corners. A "chain arch" of 3 ch in every corner keeps the angels straight, and creates nice eyelets.

1) All stitches are worked in the back loop only (except, of course, in round 1 and when stitches are worked around the "chain arches").

2) There is no extra chain in the beginning of each round. You start right off with a sc around the "chain arch". The aim is to make the change between rounds as unnoticeable as possible. For this very reason, it is useful to mark this first stitch by placing a marker (e.g., a safety pin) in it. When the round is finished, you join it with a slip stitch in the first stitch. You will notice that the loop forming the slip stitch will sit on top of the stitch it’s worked into. When you finish the subsequent round, you work the last stitch into the slip stitch. You simply work into every "loop" on top of the round below. As long as you mark that first stitch in the round, it’s very easy.

Getting started

Three different containers can all be made with one ball of Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton.  Embellish the pieces with large sequin-like paillettes (found in any craft store).

Use them as "jewelry cozies" or desktop pieces to store little goodies while you're at your computer.

• Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton (or 60yds of aran cotton yarn)
• Size F (3.75mm) crochet hook
• Large paillettes

You will be using a hook smaller than what the yarn calls for to get a tight crochet. You can use just about any yarn to make these boxes. Start with the box pattern, choose a hook two sizes smaller than what the yarn calls for, the crochet piece should be tight with a little bit of curl. Use the same hook for all three projects.

Join us in The Inaugural Project. Consider it almost a call-to-arms for all you crocheters itching for some fresh patterns.

With the permission of designer Pam, The Inaugural Project begins with her very, very simple pattern for a dish/face cloth. (And really, I'm a beginner and I immediately eyeballed this as a piece-of-cake, so I'm sure you'll have no trouble with it.) Without further ado, here's the project:

I've heard from many crocheters who haven't tried their hand at designing yet, whether due to intimidation, humility, or just not having enough time. Well, here's your risk-free, fun-guaranteed opportunity to give designing a whirl, because sometimes we don't even know what we have in us. And if the crochet world ends up with a few more funky designers in it as a result, so be it:

Using this pattern as a start, come up with your own, funky crochet design. You may maintain the goal of creating a dish or face cloth, or you may go wild and make up a whole new item (ear muffs? trivets? a furry friend bearing an uncanny resemblance to your cat? I shudder at the thought of writing it, but perhaps even a funky doily?). Use whatever gauge and/or funky yarn you want. Your imagination is your only constraint. In a world squirming for fresh crochet ideas, here's our chance to have a go at it for ourselves.

I've started a thread on Pam's Crochetville message board so we can keep in touch about our progress and creations (you'll find it under the topic for Crochetalongs). There's no time limit, and you're under no obligation to share your experiences or ask questions or meet new people or even to have fun. But I suggest you do.

Take this if you want it:

The small print: Please note that I will not accept patterns resulting from this project as submissions to crochet me. But, it would be very, very cool if you became inspired to design many more hip patterns after your experience with The Inaugural Project.

Happy tinkering, toiling, and otherwise - *gasp* - designing! Remember, start here, and go where your genius takes you...

• 2 oz. of 4 ply worsted weight cotton yarn
• Size J (6mm) crochet hook

(Ed. note: Use whatever yarn and hook size you want, and create whatever you want.)

This comes out to be a 9-inch-round dish/wash cloth for me. Everyone's tension is different, so you may want to adjust your hook size larger or smaller.