snowflake 2019, free jakigu.com crochet pattern

It’s December and that means it’s time for Crochet Snowflake 2019. Like every year, I am eager to welcome winter. The start of every season brings a tingle of excitement and December is no different. The cool, shorter, darker days that replace the bright weeks of autumn mean only one thing: the nature is getting…

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crochet rainbow factory

I’ve been wanting to publish a pattern for a simple crochet rainbow wall hanging since I first wrote about macrachet last winter. Back then, I almost absent-mindedly crocheted a simple rainbow, more to illustrate the concept than to create something particular. The rainbow came together so quickly and effortlessly I didn’t bother taking any process…

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wraps per inch method of yarn identification

What are wraps per inch? Wraps per inch is a simple method of measuring yarn thickness and determining yarn weight. It can be equally helpful to crocheters, knitters, weavers, or spinner. Professionals often refer to it simply as wpi.

work in progress: all things jute

As strange as it feels typing it in the heat and humidity of early August, the summer break is over. My son just started Kindergarten  and took to the new environment like a fish to the sea. After getting over this bittersweet motherhood moment, I excitedly welcome several hours of uninterrupted work time each day….

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work in progress: black and white crochet

Last Friday night, I grabbed my hook to quickly whip up a test black and white crochet spiral for a collaboration project I am considering. While I was working on the swirl, another black and white circle idea popped up in my mind. So, I made it – and while doing so, like bubbles, another…

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crochet infant toys – crochet pattern preview

Once again, the life story of a crochet pattern makes me ponder the relativity of time. How can a project that takes less than an afternoon to complete be the result of a pattern that has been 5 years in the making? I have my suspicions.

one minute crochet heart – free crochet pattern

When I say a “one minute crochet heart,” I mean it. You can literally crochet a whole heart in less than 60 seconds. So, if you are finding this post on February 13 (and your child just announced that they are doing Valentines exchange at school tomorrow after all), do not worry! You’ve got plenty…

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macrachet: macramé inspired crochet

Recently, in a detour from my beloved crochet baskets, gift bags, and picture frames, I’ve been toying with something quite different. Call it a hybrid craft, if you will. Macramé inspired crochet. Or, you might get used to calling it macrachet (© 2019 jakigu.com). As in macramé + crochet. Pronounced ma-kra-‘shea, of course. I see macrachet…

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crochet gift guide 2018

You may be like my mother-in-law, and have your presents bought and wrapped since September. But if you are more like me, a last-minute gift maker, you might appreciate a little inspiration. To help you out, I lined up some of my most favorite crochet projects into a versatile crochet gift guide. They represent a…

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snowflake 2018, free jakigu.com crochet pattern

Call me a purist, but in our house the magic of winter season doesn’t start until the first day of December. The good thing is, that’s today! And that made me want to go “Hooray!” more than once. ‘Tis the season. My 5-year-old son was helping me decorate the house for the first time today….

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new pattern: crochet picture frame collection

Sometimes, if feels like this crochet picture frame pattern collection has been years in the making. And rightly so. Trying to remember the day I shared my first crochet picture frame pattern 6 years ago is as hard as trying to remember a past life. I suspect not many of you were here through the whole…

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free crochet pattern: beaded karma pendant

Happy Halloween! When I scheduled the release of this free pattern for Halloween, I had no reason to choose this date other than pure practicality. I love sharing – even fueling – my 5-year-old’s excitement about Halloween and all things spooky. Personally, though, October 31 is just an ordinary day. But as I was editing…

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how to crochet: waistcoat stitch

Ah, the waistcoat stitch. The crochet version of the knitted stockinette stitch. A.k.a. the knit stitch. Or the “v” stitch. Or, if we wanted to get more technical, the center crochet stitch, or the split single crochet. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? However intimidating some of these names may be, though, don’t let them fool you…

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pattern preview: wine bottle koozies

I’m putting finishing touches on two new crochet patterns, just in time for the upcoming gift giving season. These adorable wine bottle koozies work up quick, and – dare I say – they are quite unique in the world of handmade crochet gifts. Aren’t they just perfect? Seriously. Don’t tell me you can’t think of…

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pattern preview: crochet picture frame

Let me introduce you to the first design in the series of crochet patterns for beginners: crochet picture frame with picots, available as part of an exclusive crochet picture frame collection here, at jakigu.com, or though my Etsy shop. Its petals with picots remind me of a daffodil. Or the rays of the still sleepy sun…

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learn to crochet: adjustable magic loop

Adjustable magic loop comes in handy whenever your work starts as a crocheted circle and you do not desire a visible hole in the middle. Examples of such work include coasters, placemats, hats, doilies, rugs, or basket bases. In fact, I use this technique to start all of of my baskets. In essence, adjustable magic…

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