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Giveaway + Everything’s Coming Up Crochet!

Last month, we focused on lace, sharing some of our favorite tips, tricks and tools for successful projects for lace enthusiasts; we even shared a photo tutorial starring our brand-new lace blocking wires! While lace designs can be created with both knitting and crocheting techniques, we'd like to put crochet in the spotlight this month by highlighting both traditional and Tunisian techniques which can be used to make a variety of projects. In today's post, we'll begin with a closer look at traditional crochet techniques; we hope you'll join us later this month when we delve into Tunisian crochet techniques (hint: we'll have a surprise from designer Rohn Strong!).

Most of our fans are familiar with traditional crochet, i.e. techniques which are created using a single-ended hook. There are lots of great tutorials to help you get started, such as these free video lessons over on the FreshStitches website. You can also find more advanced techniques such as this bobble stitch tutorial starring one of our Dreamz crochet hooks!
Stacey Trock, the designer behind FreshStitches, is best known for her adorable and cuddly crochet amigurumi designs. Amigurumi is a Japanese term for knitted or crocheted stuffed dolls which are traditionally smaller in size, although many crocheters have broadened the use of this term to describe any knitted or crocheted stuffed toy. Stacey's newest book, Modern Baby Crochet, features some great examples of amigurumi in addition to crocheted afghans, pillows, and other household decor which would look great in and out of the nursery!

Modern Baby Crochet by Stacey Trock

February Giveaway
This month, we're giving away one Japanese Bamboo single-ended crochet hook set! To enter our giveaway, simply leave a comment telling us what's currently on your hook, or what you'd like to make if you won this set! Be sure to also include your Ravelry ID or email address so that we can contact you if you win. 

We will randomly select one lucky winner to announce on our next blog post on Friday, February 21. Good luck! 

155 comments:

  1. I am currently crocheting a skirt - I have been working on it off and on for about forever!

    I'm Rockup on Rav

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  2. A crocodile stitch scarf is happening right now.
    I've been looking for some crochet inspiration, maybe these hooks will help me out with that.
    Woodfrogs on Rav

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  3. hmmm... thought I posted but it didn't stick. hmmm...

    My next crochet project will be an afghan for my son and his fiance as a wedding (September) and/or Christmas present. Still working out the color scheme. These hooks would make an awesome addition to my hook stash!

    radarkaty on Rav; same name at yahoo for an email address.

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  4. I'm currently making a Minion hat for my step-daughter and step-sons. I'm still pretty fresh to crochet and have a list of projects a mile long and some really nice hooks would help!

    My rav id is : vidar42 Help a male crocheter out!

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  5. I'm currently crocheting a turtleneck sweater. Can't wait to wear it as it has been so cold here in MI this winter.

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  6. I am making a zig zag red, white, and blue baby blanket that is going to be for my grandbaby that is due on July 3rd. Email: lalughlin9875@aol.com

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  7. I'm mostly a knitter, but every once in a while I have the NEED to crochet. Lately I've started to get the itch to crochet baby blankets. Rav amchart

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  8. I just downloaded a pattern for heart shaped scrubbies that are crocheted. Wouldn't those bamboo crochet hooks be helpful?
    Rav: Lcubed

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  9. I saw a fun basket on Ravelry that did a single crochet over bulky yarn to make a basket, spiraling up as it went. I'd like to try that.
    wahoomerryf on Ravelry

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  10. I am currently working on a cowl pattern.
    Rav id: knittingdancer

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  11. On my hook right now is a provisional cast on for a sleeve. I'd love to make some of those super cute Mario Bros mushrooms that are crocheted. alcbrooks on Ravelry

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  12. I'm currently crocheting a bunny lovey, a shawl, and a dinosaur. My ravelry ID is desertgreen.

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  13. I would like to crochet an elegant evening clutch with silk yarn!
    asteride on Ravelry

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  14. I'm starting a lace tablecloth for my sister. Ravelry ID spikesmommy

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  16. The crochet set looks lovely! Ravelry ID: PAW

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  17. I have a cowl on my hook right now, and I would love to win these!

    Ravelry ID Gypsy9320

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    1. Goofed! My Ravelry ID is Phoenix9320

      Delete
  18. I currently have an afghan square on one hook and a short-sleeved sweater on another. (asimplehomestd on Rav)

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  19. I don't currently have anything on my hooks (I've been knitting lately), but I am looking at some rainbow yarn that I think wants to be a monster of some type. I often prefer crochet to knitting for softies, maybe I need to make on of Stacy's monsters?

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  20. If I won this set I could finish a special hexagon animal that requires different size hooks. LOVE these. mypinkkangaroo on Ravelry

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  21. I'm making a Lollo the African flower bear. I want to make more african flower stuff. Rav ID Maja-san

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  22. I'm wanting to make a granny square afghan. Shuttermom77@gmail.com

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  23. I just finished an amigurumi monkey with a heart for Valentines Day and am now starting some chicks and ducks for Easter.

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    Replies
    1. ravelry id: minibea
      e-mail: nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

      Delete
  24. I am currently working on Knight's helmets for a family party. e-mail:
    annwise10@gmail.com

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  25. Currently crocheting an afghan for my grandmother's 90th birthday.

    I'm HipStrings on Ravelry.

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  26. The Augusta Shawl is on my hooks ... in different yarn weights!
    MarissaFH on Ravelry

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  27. I'm a knitter but I'd love to learn to crochet! Currently, I only have a few hooks to help me with different bind off techniques, so this set would be a great way to help me learn. Thanks for the opportunity! Ravelry ID: ivnvi

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  28. Currently crocheting a small toy cat that is also a lady bug! :D

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  29. I'm working on 2 amis for my husband's birthday.

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  30. I am working on a CAL with Red Heart Yarns. I am working with a Dreamz crochet!! I love, love your hooks. Hope I win and thank you so much for the opportunity

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  31. I'm almost finished with a giraffe baby blanket buddy for my cousin's son who is due next month! It's turning out really nice, despite me spending most of my time ripping out and re-stitching since I'm going from a pattern in my head.

    My Ravelry is MegMcMuffin!

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  32. I'm currently crocheting a dishcloth.

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  33. Beautiful! I just learned how to crochet! ravelry id: lisforlizbeth or lisforlizbeth@gmail.com

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  34. currently on my hook(s): a modified Hunger Games inspired cowl for my daughter at college and a star shaped afghan. I feel that these lovely hooks would be a benefit in helping me to create the perfect wedding accessories for my daughter's dream wedding ... thank you for the opportunity . . .

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  35. If I won these hooks I might be tempted to crochet a bit more often. Usually I knit...but crochet works better for some projects, such as amigurumi or lace.

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  37. What would I not be able to make with these! I love the feel of bamboo for crochet and knitting. I'm Pettalwing on Ravelry

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  38. I have a baby blanket on one hook and a baby dress on another hook.

    jmrw@adelphia.net

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  39. Currently nothing. But use to make washcloths and granny squares. One can never have enough needles. These look awesome.

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  40. oops! I didn't leave my rav page or email!

    http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Evanka

    And once again, I have ear warmers on my hook

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  41. Right now I am designing a crocheted light and airy tank made of laceweight yarn! I also have two crocheted hats to finish up and a half done purse and amigurumi cats that need clothes...

    My name on Ravelry is Bellz.

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  42. If I won I'd have no excuse to not have the folks who crochet and out knit and crochet night teach me

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  43. Hats! Crocheting hats for a local preschool. They keep spares on hand for kids who "forget" theirs. I'm Joyce411 on Ravelry.

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  44. Cindybeachgirl on Rav. I love bamboo for knitting and crochet. I love the crocodile stitch and making baby booties.

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  45. I have long wanted to crochet small colorful baskets with Mexican or Aztec designs with elite cotton yarn. Moreen on RAVELRY

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  46. I have been eyeing a combination knit/crochet dress for spring. Don't have the crochet equipment, however! This would be perfect and very timely for me. My Ravelry ID is kschippers and my email is schipperskathryn@gmail.com. Thanks!

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  47. leosmomma on rav...I love to hook up a lily go shawl with these!

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  48. The crochet along Afghan. Right now.

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  49. I am crocheting a Dragon Scarf for my (adult) son!

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  50. I am making a filet crochet table runner for my cousin who got married almost a year ago (I'm a little behind) Other than thread crochet, I crochet exclusively with bamboo crochet hooks due to arthritis.
    Rav: bizeknitting

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  51. I've been dying to try crocheted amigurumi! New hooks would be just the excuse I need to give it a go!

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  52. I am making some granny squares now that will either be a pillow (if I decide that I don't want to make more) or an afghan.

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  53. Love those crochet needles

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  54. Working on a scrap afghan. Too many bits and pieces around the house

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  55. i am crocheting a toy barn and barn animals for my 2yearold. And i have a skirt for myself in the queue

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  56. I am currently knitting but crochet was my first love. I hope to start on a crocheted Easter dress and bolero for my granddaughter and possibly her sisters. I was just gifted a bamboo knitting needle and I like it. I didn't think I would. I would love a chance to try bamboo hooks. Email tobyredhead@aol.com

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  57. I'm currently working on putting together a granny square baby blanket. I'm also doing a little experimenting with Koigu yarn and tiny granny squares.

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  58. Baby blankets and more baby blankets. All my friends' kids are having babies. Email: jkbknitspot@yahoo.com

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  59. Flowers to adorn a knitted cloche!

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  60. Noro silk garden bobble hats - cenger30@gmail.com

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  61. I am currently making a crown for my daughter. annejz on Rav

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  62. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  63. I need to make blankets for the two babys soon to arrive on my street. But I do have the cutest little jacket on my knitting needles right now. Rav id sdmermaid. Thanks so much!

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  64. I'm crocheting a vest for my son.
    Onephadedsun@yahoo.com

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  65. I will make some little animals or a new blanket with these hooks. My ravelry ID is hcrone99

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  66. Crocheting a scarf for one project and a corner to corner afghan for another. Multitasking!

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  67. I have crocheted for 35 years with only metal hook. Thank you for the opportunity to win these. dlhitt@gmail.com

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  68. I only have metal crochet hooks right now and would love to play with some wooden ones. I think they would be easier on the hands. Thank you!
    ravetar: loomitic

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  69. Booties! One's all done, and I'm halfway through the next and I managed to leave my hook in a hotel room in Ottawa this weekend. :S So this is very well timed!

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  70. Working on a double layer doily.

    clvail on Rav clvail@sbcglobal.ent

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  71. One word: amigurumi. These needles would be great. Rav id: poet4revolution.

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  72. I just finished a large afghan for my bed. Now I'm crocheting small blankets for the local animal shelter.

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  73. I think I will do a granny squares afgan with leftover sock yarns.

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  74. I'm designing a new baby afghan...it's gonna be awesome!

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  75. My hook is currently empty as my thumb recovers from too much work last year -- but I absolutely love crocheting with bamboo hooks. I started with them almost nine years ago and never use anything else if possible! Denise Ravelry ID: feltwerker

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  76. I am putting a picot edge on a knit mohair shawl. New bamboo hooks would make picoting more pleasurable!
    Ravelry - UpSheepsCreek

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  77. I am currently working on a scarf for a friend, ear muffys for our headsets at work, afghan for a friend. Granny cowl hoodies for my granddaughters and fingerless gloves. Planning a baby blanket, house warming afghan. I love working with bamboo needles and hooks, they are light weight and the yarn just glides on them. My Raverly id is grammy11 my email is gemini6751@yahoo.com

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  78. I am a knitaholic and have only to this point crocheted edgings and enhancements for knitted projects. But I'd LOVE to learn how to crochet as well as I knit and weave. If I won this set, I'd get started-there are lots of great crocheting classes at my LYS and on You Tube...megg.howerd@gmail.com

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  79. Scarves for the homeless. Simple and fun while I travel. So needed this winter in MI.

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  80. I would love to make some amigurumi animals.

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  81. Right now I'm feverishly working on play food for a friend whose son is turning two. His birthday party is this weekend and I still have tons of food to finish up. I'd love to use the bamboo hooks to work on some unfinished afghans I have lying around.

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  82. Right now i am knitting a sweater, but soon I would like to crochet a lace christening gown. I need a good set of crochet hooks to do it!
    psychokitty5238@yahoo.com

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  83. Just purchased the Nova interchangeable knitting needle set and would love to add these to my set! I'm not a crocheter, but would definitely start if I had this awesome set! I would want to make a hat as my first project to help cope with these North Dakota winters!

    Email: joshua.resch@gmail.com
    Ravelry: jallen89

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  84. Recently finished a zig-zag Afghan for my niece. These beauties will give me the incentive to make another one!
    Ravelry ID: mkilcoyne

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  85. I recently returned to crocheting. . . after knitting a slew of hats, scarves, gloves and sweaters. Right now I have a HUGE ripple afghan going. I just finished a baby blankie. And I have plans to make lacy sweater soon. I love the bamboo knitting needles - so I think I would adore these hooks!

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  86. I'm making Minion hats for my two boys who have waited so patiently while I made them for everyone else's kids! I'm littlepotatoes on Ravelry.

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  87. I would like to make some fun baby bib's for gifts; such as an owl bib, pig, cat, snowman, etc. My Ravelry name is Busybbug.

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  88. I'm crocheting a baby blanket for my friend's first baby! Using a great shell stitch pattern and bright colors.

    Ravelry name: melaufenberg

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  89. I'm not doing much crochet now except for edgings, but my daughter is new to crochet and loving it. I would love to win this for her!!!

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  90. I'm crocheting a cat cave - would love to have a set of these hooks!!

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  91. I'm currently making a lace floral pattern for a clutch I have in mind.

    Rav ID: peone

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  92. I'm making a lace cowl right now. It's so much fun, but I wish it would go faster...
    I love these hooks! Very nice.
    My Rav id is annahj.

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  93. I just finished a bunch of hearts for Valentine's Day. If I won this, I would give it to my niece who is a brand new crocheter and could use some lovely new tools of her very own! My rav name is mrsbeasley.

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  94. I've been knitting lately, but would love to have some new crochet hooks to inspire me to start a crochet project. There's some great projects out there! I'm PrairieToller on ravelry.

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  95. i crochet mostly when i'm making pieces for yarnbombing, because you get so much more surface area per minute with crocheting! I'm Lynpugh on Ravelry

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  96. I am currently making a granny square afghan for my daughter for college. I am using Cascade yarn bought online from Webs of course! The squares are coming out gorgeous. This is the second crochet project, the first was an afghan for my older daughter at college. Knitting and crocheting brings so much joy to the people that do the craft as well as the people that receive the finished projects. I am a self taught crocheter and would love these beautiful crochet hooks.

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  97. Two of my best friends just found out they are becoming grandmothers so I will be crocheting beby blankets for a while.

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  98. I'm hooked on squares of all sorts, and also making granny squares for a large afghan. I love hooks and would love this set! (B.J.)

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  99. I am working on an afghan for my new baby nephew who is do any day now. I would use this to make a matching baby set for him of booties etc. My Ravelry ID is tralaaje

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  100. been a knitter for 7 plus years and im new to crocheting so this would be great starter kit for me..tsidlik199@hotmail.com...thanks

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  101. I'm waiting to get my cotton yarn so I can Crochet a cover-up or tunic top for summer. Nice thought on a wintry day,

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  102. working on crocheted twisted cowls for family and friends to keep them warm with this never ending winter here in the northeast!! then i may try my hand at baby booties with a pattern i just saw today!

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  103. I'm making a baby blanket with Interlocking Crochet, and it's so much fun!
    Ravelry: elloluv

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  104. Just love Knitters Pride needles...would love to try the crochet hooks.

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  105. Oh! How lovely! I am new to crochet and am currently working on a peddler's shawl. It is my first attempt with lace weight yarn! I have never worked with wooden crochet hooks before; what an exciting opportunity!
    lkowynia on rav
    lkowynia@marianchs.com
    Thank you for the opportunity!
    Lisa

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  106. Currently working on a cozy asymmetrical scarf and would love to crochet a pair of fingerless gloves with the bamboo hooks! Ravelry user beachknitternc

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  107. I am learning how to crochet after 40+ years as a knitter. I am making my very first afghan. (Ravelry: akadolla)

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  108. I am currently working on a scarf and crocheted socks! Ravelry: KRWKnitwear

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  109. I am currently making a cowl. Have been wanting to try cochetling socks.
    ravelry: craftycb

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  110. I'm currently working on my first crocheted shawl. At some point, I want to try socks. Ravelry name - Sunryze

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  111. I have learned how to crochet over the past year and would love to work with a set of bamboo hooks.

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  112. I would like to crochet another afghan. I just finished a flouncy skirt for my granddaughter.

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  113. I am currently making a granny square afghan. I have so many things i want to make, but i think i will try a sweater next! Ravelry Kendybu

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  114. Working on a set of anniversary afghans for my inlaws!!!

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  115. While I am not a knitter, my Japanese wife is an avid knitter! On her behalf, I would love to present her a set of these wonderful bamboo hooks!!

    canyon_man95726@yahoo.com

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  116. Hi! Lifelong crocheter who just learned to knit and I LOVE KP knitting needles but have not used the crochet hooks, in fact have never used a wooden hook. I am excited about these! Current project: scarf/stole of local alpaca. Rav name: dancinglawn.

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  117. These look great. A sure upgrade of my hooks. Great hooks make beautiful items

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  118. I would like to make one of those pouf seats for my niece

    Ravelry - AbigailDawn

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  119. OMG sure would love to win these awesome set of crochet needles!!

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  120. I am just learning to crochet and would make dishcloths and scarves with those lovely hooks!

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  121. I am working on a reversible hat for my Uncle...it may be warm here in Cali but he is freezing in TN! I have only been crocheting for a couple months and have been dying to try this set!
    Rav ID: mcobb2006

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  122. Pick me!! I crochet and knit all the time!! I would love to have bamboo crochet hooks!! Pick me!! KrisMason@hotmail.com

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  123. Edging for a hat. Shecreates on Ravelry.

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  124. This is a very nice set of crochet hooks. Didnt even know they made them in bamboo. :D I am patiently lol waiting for an order of yarn that I have coming. These would go great with the yarn lol

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    Replies
    1. opps forgot my email
      xxev75@gmail.com

      Delete
  125. Crochet has come a long way since I was a kid. I am intrigued of late and am just starting to learn. A set of needles would really help! Thank you.

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  126. I am working on Heidi Bears Lollo Bear and the Happypotamus.

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  127. I have been obsessed lately with making felted crocheted hats. I only have metal hooks and would love, love, LOVE to have this set. My email is: jthorson@ultraplix.com

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    Replies
    1. I can't access my Google account. My name is Jill Thorson-Friedman (not anonymous)

      Delete
  128. I have a lucy/attic24 ripple blanket going right now. Hope to have it done soon.

    redwoodsong on ravelry

    Thank you

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  129. I have bamboo on my hook right now. I'm working on a cardigan in cotton bamboo.

    LEcrochets on Ravelry

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  130. A scarf from the Modern Crochet book

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  131. Sweet! Love the sharp top and deep hook. Bamboo is so warm and relaxing to work with. I see beautiful crochet items in my future......crossing fingers!

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  132. Getting ready to start a cardigan with bamboo pop. First big project in a long time.

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  133. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  134. Currently working on a set of Flower Potholders as a gift. rschlott@hotmail.com

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  135. I usually knit but really want to make a blanket using various sizes of granny squares like the Babette Blanket. froggirl on rav

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  136. I'm just finishing up an "Elementary" Cowl and then I am starting my very first afghan ! I am just getting back into knitting/crochet after many years and this set would be wonderful. I joke with my friends that each new project I think about trying needs yet another size needle/hook that I don't own.
    Raverly ID is PFknit2!
    naturetoclick@yahoo.com

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  137. Would love to learn to crochet, need the tools. My kniitters pride knit needles are great.

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  138. Right now I'm crocheting a turtleneck sweater. Would love to try these hooks when I move on to a shawl for spring!

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  139. I would make an afghan for my cousin getting married in October. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Adia on Ravelry

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  140. I'm making blankets to donate and an amigurumi animal for my youngest nephew. I would make everything with them. My metal hooks would be forgotten forever or donated to friends who are still trying to build up their supplies.
    TShanafelt on Ravelry

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  141. I crocheted a flower recently! I've never crocheted anything but granny square afghans! I'd love to crochet a cardigan, a bag, and more flowers.

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  142. I recently taught my best friend to crochet and she's already on her third or fourth afghan, all gifts!! These hooks would make the most amazing present for HER.

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  143. My poor hooks are empty!

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