click the picture to go to the free pattern!

I am looking for a free graph of a parrot to use for filet crochet.

Backstory: I am going to my very first Jimmy Buffett concert this September and I would love to wear something fun. I had thought of doing an openwork top made of lacy motifs, to wear over beach clothes or a tee, but I haven't been satisfied with the samples I have made so far.

I thought that maybe I could do the front and back of the shirt filet crochet, with a parrot, and then use the motifs to make the sleeves.

Google has not been my friend. I've found doves, a flamingo and a cockatiel, but no parrots.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Hi all!
Long-time lurker.
I don't post very much because I've mainly been working on this massive thread bedspread for about the past year, which has been the focus of all my crochet-energy for a while.
But, my boss is having a baby, so I made her my favorite baby blanket

( more pictures... )

I seem to have a problem...

I don't know if it's b/c there's been a lull in time where I haven't crocheted (thanks to 2 carpal tunnel surgeries, almost back to back!), but I can't seem to be able to keep a long chain that I've slip-stitched to the beginning of the chain to stay even & in place. As in, it's crooked/twisted, and I don't realize it till I've finished the 1st or 2nd row. I don't seem to remember having this sort of problem before!

Has this happened to any of you? Does anyone have any tips/tricks that could help me out w/this? I'm so frustrated! There's a pattern I'm trying to follow, a baby poncho (pics here, at the bottom left corner I'm trying to make for a friend who is expecting (as well as an adorable skirt I'd like to try & make for my kiddo later on) that requires me to slip stitch a very long chain, and I'm tired of frogging & starting over! :(

(xposted)

Hi! It's my birthday coming up and relatives keep asking me what I'd like... I fancy I'd quite like a book of crochet patterns but searching through Amazon I'm finding a bit puzzling knowing which one might be best... was wondering if some people might have some suggestions?

I've heard lots about 'The Happy Hooker' but it looks as though half the book is teaching you to crochet... and I've near enough mastered it all now through tutorials online so I'm not sure I'd want to get a book where I'd only ever look at half of it? Quite a lot of the books I've found seem to spend a large proportion teaching about yarns/hooks/stitches actually...

I'm looking for something quite fun, nothing too boring or granny-ish..!! Lol. I'm loving Amigurumi and would like to start investigating further into things like bags, hats, the odd afghan!!

I'd call myself an advanced beginner, I think, but more complicated patterns would not put me off! I need/want/must!! learn more!!

Haha. So yes, any suggestions??

Thanksss! xxx