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There are SO many patterns out there, it can be overwhelming. I’m here with a brand new series to help you decide which ones you should spend your time on! Let me introduce…

 – Friday Faves –

One Friday a month I’m going to bring some fave patterns to you. I’ll pick a theme and choose some patterns I’m loving right now within that theme. Some patterns…I’m not committing to a certain number. I don’t like rules! This month I have 8 for you. Next month it could be 5 or it could be 15. Who knows. Now, keep in mind I haven’t necessarily MADE these patterns, but I like what I see. I’ll link you to the pattern on Ravelry and give you some details on what I’m loving about that particular pattern. If there’s a theme you want to see for Friday Faves, email me your ideas at yarnybird@outlook.com and maybe I’ll feature your theme idea!

Without further ado, here’s your first Friday Faves!

I decided to keep a loose theme for this first one – my fave recently released crochet patterns from people I love to follow on Instagram. It’s a long name, I know. But stick with me. The patterns I see the most are from the designers I follow on Instagram, and there have been some great releases recently from these folks.

All photos are the property of the original pattern designer. This post may contain affiliate links that support YarnyBird content. All opinions are my own.

1. Double Thick Crochet Potholders from Sewrella

© Ashleigh Kiser

Admittedly this isn’t a recent pattern release. But it’s a favorite for sure. I HAVE actually made this one, and I’ve made a bunch of them. Why I love it…they actually work! Sometimes a crochet potholder can’t be used for holding a pot, because it’s too thin, but simply works as a trivet to protect your countertop. These are, as the name implies, double thick and they truly do work to hold a pot. The pattern is written for Lion Brand’s Re-Up yarn, and this is a surprisingly pleasant yarn to work with. These are great for gifting, too.

2. Lighthouse Wrap by Rachy Newin

© Rachy Newin

Just look at how that red pops! If you’re looking for a crochet shawl pattern using gorgeous hand dyed yarn, this is where to go. Why I love it…it’s a simple design that lets the yarn do the talking. The stitches and construction aren’t terribly complicated, so the yarn really is able to sing. Choose a main color and supplement with mini skeins – the perfect way to use up those random ones you grabbed when you visited all those yarn shops on vacation. 🙂 You can use as few or as many colors as you want, and modifying the size of this wrap is simple.

3. Cozy Christmas Morning Slippers by Rohn Strong

Rohn is the *master* of crocheted socks/slippers. I won’t lie…crocheting socks is not my favorite thing. I prefer to knit socks. I had a bad experience with crochet socks a decade ago and I’m still recovering. Why I love it…the name says it all – cozy. These truly do look cozy, and I think I need to make them in every color of faux fur yarn available. This pattern uses 2 types of yarn – Lion Brand Go For Faux and Lion Brand Color Made Easy. The pattern includes instructions for five sizes as well as a video tutorial – you cannot fail with this pattern!

4. Basilisk Baby Blanket by Coco Crochet Lee

© Lee Sartori

Why I love it…you don’t have to weave in all those ends! Okay, that’s not the main reason, but it’s a selling point. This uses Lion Brand I Wanna Make a Blankie yarn, which is a bulky yarn so it’s going to work up quickly. It’s a great introduction to color work in crochet, and is very forgiving because you WANT the carried color to show through. This is a charted pattern, so if you haven’t ever worked with a crochet chart, take it slow. It’s really not as scary as it seems.

You can purchase the kit from Lion Brand Yarn including the pattern and all the yarn needed HERE.

5. Crochet Twisted Cowl by Little Red Knits

© Little Red Knits

I’m going to give you a little spoiler – this isn’t the last time you’ll see this cowl…sort of. Gianna collaborated with Chantal from Knitatude on this design, making the crochet version to Chantal’s knit version. Next week I’ll be doing this same theme with knit patterns, and you can bet Chantal’s version is going to be here. Why I love it…it looks knit, but it’s crochet. That’s always a win. This one uses Lion Brand Color Made Easy yarn, so maybe you can make a cowl to match your Cozy Christmas Morning Slippers and use up the rest of the Color Made Easy from that pattern.

6. Luxe Faux Fur Cowl by All About Ami

© Stephanie Jessica Lau

This cowl is for those of us who can’t decide which yarn to use.  Why I love it…luxury look with affordable yarns. Stephanie provides you with a step-by-step tutorial, a video for the stitch used, and there’s also a knit version available. This is truly a statement piece that will keep you cozy. You’re going to want to snag some more of that Lion Brand Go For Faux yarn, as well as Heartland, which is one of my favorite worsted weight yarns.

You can purchase the kit from Lion Brand Yarn including the pattern and all the yarn needed HERE.

7. Portland Beanie by Woods and Wool

© Melissa Fisher

Melissa is one of the most thoughtful designers out there. From yarn purchases to the actual designs to the names, she thinks through everything, and it truly shows in her patterns.  Why I love it…this is a texture that works for both solid and variegated yarn. You can make this hat as slouchy as you want , and you’re going to get tons of compliments on it. The pattern uses a DK weight yarn, which I feel is an under appreciated yarn weight, especially in crochet. Many DK weight yarns are going to come with enough yardage for this hat, so it’s a great one skein project.

8. Bradley Afghan by TL Yarn Crafts

© Toni Lipsey

I’m a sucker for blankets, so I’m doubling up in this post. Why I love it…all the things. Lion Brand’s Color Made Easy is back – it’s a bulky weight yarn, so it’s not going to take too long to work up. Basic stitches with a unique construction make this great for beginners. Even if you make this with a solid color, rather than multicolored stripes, it’s going to be beautiful.

You can purchase the kit from Lion Brand Yarn including the pattern and all the yarn needed HERE.

 

And there you have it! This month’s Friday Faves. Don’t forget to email me your theme ideas for future Friday Faves.