Feb 13 2017

Octo Project – Crochet Octopus for Preemies in NJ

A few days ago, a dear friend and a crochet student of mine had sent me this article, The Incredible Way a Crochet Octopus is Changing the Lives of Preemies. The Octo Project originated in Denmark and over 21 thousand octopuses have been delivered to preemies since 2013 world-wide.

The secret of these crochet octopuses are the tentacles that remind babies of the umbilical cord and their time in the womb.  The feeling of the womb is very comforting to babies and I remember spending the first 4 months of Zoe’s life trying to recreate that feeling just so she would sleep!  It is especially important for preemies to have the comfort of the womb as it helps them develop.

Preemies have a soft spot in my heart. My nephew was born too soon just at 19 weeks gestation, a little angel.  In his honor, I walk with March of Dimes as every baby deserves a strong start in life.  I even designed this little cardigan that I’ve named after Jeremiah and all proceeds from this pattern are donated to March of Dimes.

The Octo Project for me is different in a way that you can “see” the immediate result.  It is not collective research in the future but it is help and comfort for one baby/one family right now.  I guess I am thinking more like a mom than a scientist.

Crafters in Sweden, Norway, Iceland, The Faroe Islands, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, France, Italy, Turkey, Croatia, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Australia have donated Octos.  In the US the project only took off in two states so far: California and Florida. We are going to take on NJ starting with the hospital where my little girl was born and spent a few days in the NICU.

Through the powers of social networking and great friends, we were able to get in touch with NICU manager and one of the nurses who took care of my little one.   As it turns out there is a need at the NICU for those creatures. Since I’ve shared the article on my Facebook wall a lot of people have expressed their interest in volunteering so we will be going ahead with using the magic of crocheting to help little fighters.

The original pattern provided by the Octo Project is written to be used with thinner yarn which is a little harder to get in the US.  I have created a sample following the original pattern and I felt like it was too big.  I created several prototypes to modify the pattern to make it work for the yarn that is more readily available and will be posting an updated pattern for it shortly.  The modified pattern can be found at CrochetforBabies.com.

I have also have recorded a video on how to make one so anyone with very little crochet skills but a big desire to help can make one (or ten, seriously, it is very hard to stop making them, very addictive).  Once the videos are edited, I will share it too.  The video is below.

So what yarn should be used to make Octos? The main page states 100% cotton yarn. I would recommend not using mercerized cotton as it is treated with chemicals to make yarn shinier. I would also recommend not using yellow color for preemies (bad juju). I have used Sugar n’ Cream which can be purchased at any big box craft store. It’s inexpensive, readily available and comes in a lot of colors. It could be a little hard on your hands as it needs to be crocheted at a tight gauge. Another great option that I will mostly be using is Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton, very soft, great color selection.

If you would like to make it here is the link to the pattern and the video tutorial.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.anastasiapopova.com/2017/02/octo-project-crochet-octopus-preemies/

Nov 18 2016

Crochet Classes at Hobby Lobby, Lawrenceville, NJ – Winter 2017

Crochet Classes at Hobby Lobby, Lawrenceville, NJ – Winter 2017

Join published crochet designer Anastasia Popova for crochet classes at Hobby Lobby.

 

 

3360 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

 

Crochet Class horizontal

 

 

Learn to Crochet  
Thursday evenings    
$75 for 4 sessions
6.30-8pm 
In this class, students will learn everything they need to know to start crocheting. No prior experience is required. To practice and reinforce the technique, students will make a variety of simple yet fabulous projects.
Materials for the first class will be provided.
January 5, 12, 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16, 23

Choose option



Permanent link to this article: http://www.anastasiapopova.com/2016/11/crochet-classes-hobby-lobby-lawrenceville-nj-winter-2017/

Oct 01 2016

Aliya & Ann – Free Crochet Cowl Pattern – Infinity Scarf Pattern

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

Aliya and Ann Cowl or Scarf

This is a free crochet pattern for a cowl, infinity scarf or a scarf. The pattern is designed in two different widths and can be finished as a cowl (infinity scarf) or a regular scarf.

 

It only uses one skein of Miss Babs Yowza – Whatta Skein! This cowl/scarf is worked flat until desired or specified length is reached, or until you run out of yarn. Then, for a cowl, edges are slip stitched together. Flower motif is then completed and attached to the cowl.

 

Special thank you to Aliya and Ann, mom and daughter team, for crocheting this cowl.

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

Finished Size:

Scarf is about 62″ long by 6.5 (9)” wide.

Cowl is about 54″ around by 6.5 (9)” wide.

 

Yarn: Miss Babs Yowza – Whatta Skein! (100% Superwash Merino; 560 yds [512 m]/ 8 oz [227 g]), French marigold monochrome, 1 skein.

 

Hook size: US H/8 (5.00 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

 

Notions: Yarn needle.

 

Gauge: 7 clusters and 8 rows = 4″. Gauge is not crucial but will affect the amount of yarn used and finished measurement.

 

Stitch Guide:

Cluster (CL): [Yo, insert hook in indicated sp, yo and pull up lp, yo and draw through 2 lps on hook] 3 times, yo and draw through all loops on hook.

Half cluster (HCL): [Yo, insert hook in indicated sp, yo and pull up lp, yo and draw through 2 lps on hook] twice, yo and draw through all loops on hook.

 Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

Pattern Instructions

COWL/SCARF

Ch 25 (33).

Row 1: HCL in 3rd ch from hook (counts as CL), [ch 1, sk next ch, CL in next ch] across, turn – 12 (16) CL.

Row 2: Ch 3, HCL in 3rd ch from hook, [ch 1, CL in next ch-1 sp] across, turn.

Rep Row 2 until piece measures 54″ long for a cowl and 62″ for a scarf from the foundation chain, or until the desired length is reached.

Cowl only: with WS facing, align short sides and join them as follows: [sl st into ch-1 sp on opposite side] across.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

MOTIF

Rnd 1: Work an adjustable ring, ch 1, 12 sc in the ring, sl st to 1st sc made, pull tail to tighten the ring – 12 sc.

Rnd 2: [Ch 8, sl st into next st] 11 times, ch 4, tr in next st – 12 ch-8 loops.

Rnd 3: [Ch 3, sc in next loop] 11 times, ch 3, sc in tr – 12 ch-3 sps.

Rnd 4: Ch 2, HCL in same st, [ch 2, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, CL in next sc] 11 times, ch 2, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, sl st into top of ch-2—12 petals.

Fasten off, leaving yarn tail for sewing.

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern

FINISHING

With yarn needle, sew the motif to the cowl. Weave in ends.

Free Crochet Cowl Pattern 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permanent link to this article: http://www.anastasiapopova.com/2016/10/free-crochet-cowl-pattern-aliya-ann-cowl-infinity-scarf/

Sep 16 2016

Crochet Fall Bundle

Fall Crochet Bundle by Anastasia Popova includes 7 patterns that are perfect for the chilly and changeable weather.

Download now for only $10! Over 70% savings over buying individual patterns!

This bundle is geared towards advanced beginner to intermediate crocheter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hats! When I think fall I immediately think hats! This bundle features two hats sized from toddler through adult . Brianna is probably the easiest pattern in the bundle, worked from the top down in single crochet and uses worsted weight yarn. (click on each picture for more details about each pattern).

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Cardigans are perfect for layering and this bundle includes 3 cardigan patterns: 2 for adults and 1 for babies. Harmony is worked in worsted weight yarn. It is made in pieces and the seamed up. Emma is a seamless bottom-up-construction worked in fingering weight yarn. Jeremiah is a seamless top-down cardigan for babies (preemie – 18 months), worked in fingering weight yarn.

Socks are irreplaceable in the colder months. BJ socks are sized for adults and Arianna socks are sized for babies. Both patterns use fingering weight yarn.

Arianna Baby Socks


 

Permanent link to this article: http://www.anastasiapopova.com/2016/09/crochet-fall-bundle/

Sep 07 2016

Crochet Classes at Hobby Lobby, Lawrenceville, NJ – Fall 2016

Crochet Classes at Hobby Lobby, Lawrenceville, NJ – Fall 2016

Join published crochet designer Anastasia Popova for crochet classes at Hobby Lobby.

 

 

3360 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

 

Crochet Class horizontal

 

 

Learn to Crochet  
Thursday evenings    September 22, 29, October 13, 20
$75 for 4 sessions
6.30-8pm 
In this class, students will learn everything they need to know to start crocheting. No prior experience is required. To practice and reinforce the technique, students will make a variety of simple yet fabulous projects.
Materials for the first class will be provided.
Crochet for Advanced Beginner  
Thursday evenings   November 10, 17, December 1, 8
$75 for 4 sessions (sign up by Oct 20 and receive $10 discount)
6.30-8pm

If you know basics of crocheting and would like to take it to the next level, then this class is for you.  Bring any pattern of your choice to work on.

If you have a project in mind but don’t have the pattern, please let me know and I will help to find something for you.

Materials: Pattern, yarn and crochet hooks necessary for selected patterns.

 

 

 

Payment is required to reserve your spot


Choose option



Permanent link to this article: http://www.anastasiapopova.com/2016/09/crochet-classes-hobby-lobby-lawrenceville-nj-fall-2016/

Jun 14 2016

Mommy and Baby Crochet Class

Mommy and Baby Crochet Class

Mommy and Baby Crochet Class

4 sessions – Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 (make up class Aug 5)

11-12.30 pm
This class is a great opportunity for you to learn a new skill, bond with your baby and meet other moms.

Crocheting is a great skill to have, imagine all the cute stuff you can make for your baby or for yourself. Plus little ones would love watching your fingers move and a playdate!

Skill level: No prior crochet experience is required. All skill levels are welcome.

Coffee, tea, water will be served. Playmats, swing for little ones

Address: 822 Executive Dr, Princeton NJ
$60 for 4 sessions




Permanent link to this article: http://www.anastasiapopova.com/2016/06/mommy-baby-crochet-class/

Jun 14 2016

Crochet Classes at Hobby Lobby, Lawrenceville, NJ – Summer 2016

Crochet Classes at Hobby Lobby, Lawrenceville, NJ – Summer 2016

Join published crochet designer Anastasia Popova for crochet classes at Hobby Lobby.

 

 

3360 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Mixed Level Day class – Tuesdays 11.30-1pm  –  June 21, 28, July 5, 19
Advanced beginner –  Thursday evenings  6.30-8pm  –  June 23, July 7, 14, 21
Learn to Crochet –  Thursday evenings  6.30-8pm  –  July 28, Aug 4, 11, 18

 

Crochet Class horizontal

Mixed Level Day class  

11.30-1pm  

Tuesdays June 21, 28, July 5, 19

All skill levels are welcome to this crochet class, there is something for everyone.   Learn everything you need to start crocheting for the first time, to advance your skills, learn new technique (tunisian, cables, lace, etc), or refresh a craft you learned a long time ago.  To practice and reinforce the technique, students will make a variety of simple yet fabulous projects.  Advanced beginners are welcome to bring any pattern of their choice to work on.

 

 

Advanced beginner  
Thursday evenings   June 23, July 7, 14, 21
6.30-8pm

If you know basics of crocheting and would like to take it to the next level, then this class is for you.  Bring any pattern of your choice to work on.

If you have a project in mind, but don’t have pattern, please let me know and I will help to find something for you.

Materials: Pattern, yarn and crochet hooks necessary for selected patterns.

 

Learn to Crochet  
Thursday evenings    July 28, Aug 4, 11, 18
6.30-8pm 
In this class, students will learn everything they need to know to start crocheting. No prior experience is required. To practice and reinforce the technique, students will make a variety of simple yet fabulous projects.
Materials for the first class will be provided.

 

 

Payment is required to reserve your spot

Choose option



Permanent link to this article: http://www.anastasiapopova.com/2016/06/crochet-classes-hobby-lobby-lawrenceville-nj-summer-2016/

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