customer photos...

Our favorite part of designing is seeing all of your wonderful creations! Year after year you continue to wow us, which is why we never tire of sharing customer pictures!

Pictured here is the Ladies Felted Chapeau sent in by the very talented ladies...Laura and Kristine from LKsCreativeThread.

Both Tara and I are awestruck by this beautiful piece, and we admire how Laura and Kristine's felted projects become the canvas for their one of a kind works of art!

As you can see from the pictures Laura and Kristine take pride in what they do, and as mentioned in their bio, they make things with love as if you were their family. To see more of their creative designs we invite to check out their delightful Etsy shop. 

kim.

6 tips for summertime crochet...

Many mistakenly think that crocheting is strictly a cool weather hobby, so Tara and I have come up with 6 tips that will help you to continue crocheting...even when the weather is heating up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#1 Think smaller projects like coasters.

Tara's latest crochet pattern for the "Vintage Coffee Coasters" is an excellent example of a small project that is not only cool to work on, but it is also portable and quick to make.

Vintage Coffee Coasters by Tara Schreyer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#2 If you have your heart set on a larger project, how about motifs?

Motifs are a small project that pack a big punch. Since motifs are made individually they have all the same benefits of a small project, cool to work on, portable and quick to make. Once the cooler weather hits you can join them together to turn them into a queen bed cover, a table cloth, a scarf, a pillow. Your only limit is your imagination.

Bed of Flowers Baby Blanket by Tara Schreyer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#3 Choose fibers that are cooler to work with.

Summertime is the perfect time to try out some new fibers. How about cotton, linen, bamboo and hemp, all of which create breathable fabric that is cool to wear in warm weather.

Girls Cotton Tam by Kim Miller

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#4 Use your downtime to unwind.

Don't let your kids "back to back" swimming lessons leave you feeling frustrated and bored. Instead, take advantage of this time to catch up on some reading and yes...crochet!

Chevron Dishcloths by Tara Schreyer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#5 Pass the time while travelling

Crocheting is a wonderful way to pass the time while travelling. Whether you are travelling by car or plane, the trick is to think about your situation. Is there going to be a lot of quiet time, or are you going to be chatting with family and friends? Knowing your situation will help you to decide what kind of project you want to work on. 

Crocheting while flying may take some extra planning. Airport security may be a problem so it is usually a good idea check with your airline to see what items you will be allowed to take on the plane. If bringing a metal hook is a problem, than how about a plastic or wood hook? If blunt scissors are going to be an issue then you may need to get creative. I read once that someone used the cutter on a dental floss container to cut their yarn.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#6 Vacation time is crochet time!

Don't forget the pool, beach and camping. With minimal planning, you will find that all 3 are great places to bring your crochet. 

Spring Bunny by Josephine Wu

Have a wonderful summer, and may your days be filled with lots of relaxing time with crochet and hook!

kim and tara.

new crochet pattern - back roads beanie by kim miller.

Skill Level: Intermediate

A crochet beanie pattern for that special man in your life!

This pattern was designed with the Canadian outdoor man in mind. 100% wool and cables make for a thick, warm fabric, and ear flaps ensure that the ears are not exposed to the cold.

This well written crochet pattern calls for 1/3 of a ball of Patons® Classic Wool [100 g (3.5 ounces)/192 meters (210 yards) per ball] (colour shown – Dark Grey Mix), 1 ball of Patons® Classic Wool (colour shown – Light Grey Marle), and a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook. The beanie is worked from the bottom up. The beanie measures 48.3 cm (19”) in circumference, and 22.9 cm (9”) long (excluding the ear flaps). The beanie will stretch to fit 55.9 cm (22”) to 59.7 cm (23½”) in circumference and will fit most men. Please note that measurements are approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn.

This crochet pattern calls for the following stitches and techniques: slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet, front post treble crochet, single crochet 2 together, front post double crochet 2 together, front twist and back twist.

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern using the "Buy Now" link above and receive 20% off your purchase by using coupon code "BACKROADS20" at the checkout. Offer valid until Thursday, December 3rd, 2015) 

kim.

new crochet pattern - crossroads cabled beanie by kim miller.

Crossroads Cabled Beanie by Kim Miller

Crossroads Cabled Beanie by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Intermediate

Crossroads Beanie features lots of texture and visual interest with 4 gorgeous knit-look cables!

This well written crochet pattern calls for 1 ball of Lion Brand® Heartland® Worsted Weight (4) [142 g (5 oz)/230 meters (251 yds) per ball] or comparable yarn, scraps of a contrasting colour, a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook and a 3.50 mm (E) crochet hook. The hat is worked in one piece from the top down. The finished beanie measures 19 cm (7.5”) in circumference, and 22.9 cm (9”) long. The beanie will stretch to 54.6 cm (21½”) to 57.2 cm (22½”) in circumference and will fit most ladies. Please note that measurements are approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn.

This crochet pattern calls for the following stitches and techniques: slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet and front post treble crochet.

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern using the "Buy Now" link above and receive 20% off your purchase by using coupon code "CROSSROADS20" at the checkout. Offer valid until Thrusday, October 15th, 2015)

kim.

sneak peek.

I was really surprised at how fast this crochet pattern came together...that rarely ever happens!

Also, I'm so excited and happy with how it turned out!! In the pattern the cables are getting progressively longer, but I love that they also look like they are getting progressively wider at the bottom.

I should have the pattern up later this week :)

kim.

new crochet pattern - apple of my eye baby hat by kim miller.

Apple of My Eye Baby Hat by Kim Miller

 

 

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

Welcome the precious, little apple of your eye with a crocheted gift that says, "I love you"! This sweet little apple hat crochets up fairly quick, and the fingering weight cotton blend makes it extra special for baby.

This crochet pattern calls for ½, (½, ¾, 1) ball of Knit Picks® Comfy Fingering Yarn [50 g (1.76 oz)/199 meters (218 yds) per ball], a 3.25 mm (D) crochet hook, a 2.75 mm (C) crochet hook, and uses the following stitches and techniques: adjustable ring, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, front post double crochet, and back post double crochet.

To help you to get a custom fit for that special new bundle in your life, the pattern is complete with detailed instructions for 4 different sizes.
• Size Preemie: Fits 26.7 cm (10½”) in circumference.
• Size Newborn: Fits 30.5 cm (12”) in circumference.
• Size 0(0-3 months): Fits 34.3 cm (13½”) in circumference.
• Size 1(3-6 months): Fits 38.1 cm (15”) in circumference.
Please note that age ranges are approximate and are intended as a general reference

only. Since every child is different, we recommend measuring the child’s head to

ensure proper fit.

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

Purchase this pattern using the above link and receive 50% off by entering the coupon code "SUMMERSALE50" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Sunday - June 21st, 2015

 

 

 

kim.

 

 

sneak peek.

 

The crochet pattern for this light and airy, knit look slouch will be coming to our shop soon!

 

 

kim.

new crochet pattern - simple pompom hood by kim miller.

 

 

Skill Level: Easy

You can crochet this fun, simple pompom hood!!!

If you are comfortable with post stitches, and working in the round then you will be able to crochet this chic, modern looking hood. The pattern is written in American Standard terms, and uses the following crochet stitches and techniques: half double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet, and the adjustable ring.

This crochet pattern calls for 3 balls of Lion Brand Amazing® Yarn [50 g (1.75 oz)/135 meters (147 yds) per ball], which is an worsted weight (4), and a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge). Pompom instructions are included.

The crochet instructions are written for one size only.

 

Buy Now

 

 

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "pompomhood20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Wednesday - January 29th, 2014) 

 

 

 

kim.

the joys of working with a live model.

With the shorter days and the overcast skies, I needed something to make me smile. These pictures definitely did the trick for me, so I'm posting them with hopes that they add a little sunshine to your day and bring a smile to your face :) If you click on the link below each picture you can see the pictures that I chose to publish with the pattern. Enjoy!

Button-Up Cowl - Crochet Pattern

 

Drawstring Slouch - Crochet Pattern

 

Vintage Inspired Felted Cloche - Crochet Pattern

 

 

 

kim.

new crochet pattern - striped slouch by kim miller.

 

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

You can crochet this knit-look, 2 colour, stripped slouch! This hat is crocheted using 2 different colours of fingering weight cotton, which gives this hat year round appeal. Plus, I show you an easy way to switch the colours without having to fasten off, and having a ton of yarn ends to work in.

This well written crochet pattern calls for a 3.25 mm (D) and a 2.75 mm (C) crochet hook, and 1 to 1.1 balls (depending on the size made) of each colour of Knit Picks® Comfy Fingering [50 g (1.76 oz)/199 meters (218 yds) per ball] or comparable yarn. The pattern includes illustrations and instructions for 3 different sizes to fit ladies 21” to 23" in circumference. The pattern calls for the following stitches and techniques: double adjustable ring, single crochet, and front post double crochet.

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code STRIPEDSLOUCH20 at the checkout! Offer valid until Wednesday - July 17th, 2013)

 

 

kim.

new crochet pattern - dahlia slouch by kim miller.

 

 

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

From my family to yours....this crochet pattern was inspired by my youngest daughter whose favorite flower is the Dahlia and who also just happens to love slouch hats!

This well written crochet pattern calls for a 3.50 mm (E) and a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook, and 1 ball of Noro® Silk Garden Sock [100 g (3.53 oz)/300 meters (328 yds) per ball] which is a sport (2) weight yarn. The pattern also includes a chart to assist you with the first 5 rows of the hat and instructions for 3 different sizes to fit ladies 21” to 23" in circumference. The pattern uses the following stitches: single crochet, double crochet, extended single crochet, and double crochet 5 together.

 

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

 

 

kim.

 

sneak peek.

Perfect for fall, the crochet pattern for this super easy, stylish slouch will be coming your way soon...

 

 

 

kim.

day seven of 7 days - 7 unfinished projects.

This is day seven, the last day, in a seven day series :)

Not only did I get all 7 projects completed but I also managed to sneak in an extra project, so I'm doing a happy dance!

Here are my last few projects...

I finally lined the "Touch of Africa Shoulder Bag"!

I am almost embarrassed to admit it, but I released the crochet pattern for the "Touch of Africa Shoulder Bag" way back in August of 2010 and the bag has been sitting ever since just waiting to be lined. I wasn't sure if I would get this project done this week so I'm pretty excited and so is my daughter as she is the happy recipient.

If you are interested in purchasing the pattern for the Touch of Africa shoulder bag you can find it here.

A Touch of Africa Shoulder Bag

I also finished the "Ladies Felted Chapeau"!

Ladies Felted Chapeau

On October 5th, 2011 I posted a felting tutorial and at the end of the tutorial I showed what the Ladies Felted Chapeau looked like after it was felted but there was still some finishing work to be done. At the time I was a little discouraged as I got so involved in the tutorial that I shrunk the hat a bit too much. I tried steaming it and stretching it but without a head form I really wasn't getting anywhere. I figured that I would finish as is and pass in on to someone with a smaller head, but after I added the cording and the top stitching I gently washed the hat in lukewarm water and I found that I was able stretch it while it was drying and now it fits perfect!

If you are interested in purchasing the pattern for the Ladies Felted Chapeau you can find it on our blog under hats.

Other than a couple of patterns that I am working on I am officially caught up....yay!!! Now as a reward I have my eye on the Lacy Shopping Bag by mycraftyideas :)

kim.

new crochet pattern - honey bee beret.

by kim miller

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

Whether you wear it as a beret or slouch it up this crochet hat is sure to be a wardrobe favorite. This hat is fun to make and as shown in the bottom picture it makes a beautiful addition to the Honey Bee Scarf - Crochet Pattern. Please note that this purchase is for the Beret pattern only.

This detailed crochet pattern includes instructions on how to make 3 different hat sizes ranging from 21" in circumference to 23" in circumference. The pattern calls for 1 ball of Patons® Lace or comparable yarn and uses the following techniques and stitches: adjustable ring, double crochet, front post double crochet, and back post double crochet.

Buy Now

kim.

sneak peek.

coming soon...

Honey Bee Beret - Crochet Pattern

kim.