SheilaSparkles Crochet!
Ranked #3,436 in Arts & Design, #48,066 overall
About My Crochet
A conversation about what crochet means to me, why I enjoy crochet designing so much and how it has become such a passion in my life.
You can get my free and for-sale crochet pattern designs right here on my Squidoo pages.
ALL proceeds of sales from my patterns directly support the furkids in my Miniature Schnauzer Rescue, Sheila's Schnauzies. You can see the furkids at http://www.squidoo.com/Schnauzies. "Woo-Roo!!" (Which is Schnauzerese for "Thanks for visiting, and have an amazing day!"
On My Hook Now - Sally's "Dancing Angels" Doily (Crochet-Along!)
You Can Make This With Me!
I wanted to design a little doily for my BFF Sally, she's been in and out of the hospital a lot lately. She loves angels, and I thought this would be a cheerful sight for her. I'm doing it as a crochet-along. You can join me at http://www.squidoo.com/sallydoily.
My "Accidental Leopard" Scarf
Way too much fun!
Get the pattern for this at www.squidoo.com/mobiusscarf
Get My Crochet Theme Artwork, Sayings & Humor At CafePress!
Crochet Theme Stuff Printed On T-Shirts, Bags & Other Cool Stuff!
Before becoming disabled years ago I spent part of my career as a graphic designer. I love to make designs relating to crochet and I put them on the many items available at CafePress. They have everything from sweatshirts, aprons and t-shirts to license plate holders, calendars and mousepads; smartphone covers, laptop skins, and much more!The link to my store there is http://www.cafepress.com/Schnauzies
I am always adding new designs so stop by often and check to see what's new! If you see a design you like but I don't have it on a particular product you want, just ask! I can put any of my designs on virtually any item CafePress sells.
3D Columbine Doily
Pattern Available Soon!
Recently Finished
This is a scarf I designed for a girlfriend. I wanted to do something special for her. At that time, I couldn't go up to my attic where my yarn stash is stored, so I sent her up to get the purple and blue bags of yarn (her favorite colors). She selected her own yarns and I had her choose a couple of neutral colors for spacers. So here are her choices. She had no idea WHAT I was making!
Just Completed!
Decadent Indulgence Afghan
Here it is, my real work area! SueSue the Schnauzer is test-driving the new afghan as I make it, which is normally how things go around here! This is an afghan that started out as a vest in progress that became too big for me! I had a whole lot of white and cream yarns left from my doggie sweater projects and hooded pocket scarf projects. So I turned the vest start into an afghan, and it is almost complete. The pattern is available now, check the featured lenses at right. It is so soft I can't describe it. Selfishly I am keeping it for myself, I'm always cold in the winter!I am offering this afghan as a custom order via my Etsy store (see link on this page in the Etsy section). You can choose your colors and I'll take it from there!
Just Off My Hook!
I Always Have More Than One Project Going!
This is a vest I just finished designing... the first one's for me. Since it went so well, some girls may find it under their Christmas tree too in different colors! I'll also be making the pattern available soon.I started off with my gray/black/white yarn stash from last winter's scarf project, and ended up back out buying a few more yarns ! I fell in love with a yarn called Bamboo Spun from Hobby Lobby, in the color "Naturals." The feel is addictive and it comes in some great colorways. Also picked up more of the sequined yarn, "Enchantress" in white and a new color, gray!! (Can you tell I love gray?)
On My Hook Now!
Right now I'm in the middle of designing a doily I'm calling "A Different Rose." I'm featuring it as a Crochet-Along on my online crochet group, which you can join at http://groups.yahoo.com/CrochetWithSheila. Or you can find the directions here at www.squidoo.com/differentrose. "Girl's Got Skills!!"
How Do You Rate Yourself As A Crocheter?
Just Off My Hook!
Crocheted Opal Pendant Illusion Necklace
I also love to make jewelry, and last year I learned how to combine my love of semi-precious gemstones with crochet to form beautiful gemstone illusion necklaces! The directions for doing these can be found in the Featured Lenses link on the right hand column here. You can shop your own jewelry box for old pendants you never wear to use as focal pendants. For example, I bought this gorgeous opal and sterling pendant about 20 years ago at a rock shop in Colorado! Or, you can go to any bead store that handles real gemstones and find beautiful pendants in glass, gemstones, etc. No other clasps or findings are necessary. You can use anything from Czech glass beads to the most beautiful gemstone beads. It is SO much fun!! Try it!! The "Scruffy" Face Cleanser (Or Kitchen Scrubber, Depending On Yarn)
My Newest For-Sale Pattern Design!
Everybody has to wash their face, right?? Well here's a way to do it that will gently exfoliate your skin, do a great job of applying product, and pop right into the washer/dryer! (Provided you make it of 100% cotton yarn as I did).I'm calling it the "Scruffy," and the pattern is for sale for $3.95. All you have to do is Paypal $3.95 to the email, sheilaschnauzies@gmail.com, and the pattern will be sent to you right away via email in Acrobat (PDF) format. Enjoy! Make dozens for holiday or birthday gifts! Make them in different fabrics for different purposes (i.e., net for a kitchen/bathroom scrubber). Have fun with it!
Oh and one more added bonus - mine has a handle so you won't be tossing it everywhere!
My Poinsettia Ornament
I made these in pink, red, and white.
Recently Completed...
Here 'tis, whatever it is I've been working on recently. It's my own little "Show & Tell!"This is called the "Laurie Doily." It was made for my grown-up fairy goddaughter, Laurie Ann. She is a "purple girl" and loves bling, so the design incorporated both!
My Favorite Things To Crochet
Some Of My Recent Projects
My most recent "huge project" of Fall/Winter 2010/11 was a series of pocket pullover scarves crocheted in the most yummy yarns I could find, in themes of colors. The pattern and custom order completed scarves are available by emailing me at SheilaSchnauzies@gmail.com. Or, you can get them at my Etsy store, http://sheilasparkles.etsy.com. Pic of the gray/white/purple theme shown.I have completed several "lifetime dream" projects over the past few years! One was a pink thread filet shawl that took two months, doggie theme filet curtain valances for several windows took up one summer... then I worked on some really fun designs in thread for Christmas in a poinsettia theme. One winter I spent working on a new set of luxury yarn doggie sweaters. Custom order sweaters are available on request.
Get The Hooks I Use
And Help Our Schnauzer Rescue Too!
A Sneak Peek Of My Next Design Coming Soon To A Crochet Hook Near You!
A Hint, It's In The "Decadent" Series...
Think 2 + 2! Two squares, you have a tote bag, just add a handle; Two plus Two, you have the foundation for a beautiful lap afghan!
Crochet Is The Thread of Remembrance
A winning essay I wrote for a crochet group contest long ago...
Crocheting, to me, is the thread of remembrance. It is the means of joining me to my late mother, who taught me so much. I hold her old doilies and remember watching her make endless, perfect tiny stitches.I leaf through her pattern books and remember her many gifts of love to family and friends - intricately edged pillowcases and starched doilies made. It makes me proud that I do the same as an adult. It is the primary way in which I can hope to emulate her.
It is "my thing," a talent that others in my family do not share nor have patience for but admire. It is so exciting to see them open gifts knowing they will be thrilled with whatever little treasure they have come up with. It is that excitement, the joy of sharing with others, that inspires me to keep creating.
But the biggest thing crocheting means to me in this part of my life is the ability to accomplish tangible creations, despite disabilities that have taken away my career and many things I formerly enjoyed in life. Somehow, miraculously, I can still crochet and I have taken an unbelievable measure of comfort in it! It relaxes me no matter how tense I am and gives me an unlimited source of things to continue accomplishing in the future!
Crochet thread is the ink with which I will sign my life with my hook as the pen.
What Do You LIke To Crochet?
Just Finished...
Free Pattern Available!
This is what I call my "leopard" necklace - I wanted one in Leopard colors. The focal pendant is a Peruvian Picture Opal. Other stones are citrine, tiger's eye, smoky quartz, freshwater pearls, Moonstone, Peach Aventurine, White Quartz, Citrine, White Opal, Blue Goldstone (which is actually black), regular Goldstone, and a few sterling beads and Swarovski crystals. There is a link on my Featured Lenses section to the free pattern for "Crocheted Illusion Jewelry." Get The Crochet Hooks I Use...
At An Amazing Price on Amazon, Right Here!
Thanks, Mom
Me & My Adopted Mom Isabell, Who Taught Me To Crochet
Whenever I smell someone ironing, it instantly takes me back to lazy summer vacations from school and my mother, Isabell, "doing up" her doilies. (And hand embroidered pillowcases, tablecloths, and more...) while I watched TV. It was somewhere around my 11th birthday that I asked to learn how to crochet. Mom dutifully took me to the Benjamin Franklin to pick out a pattern to learn from and a LOT of bright purple yarn!. I actually have the tiniest scrap ball of that yarn in my stash as a memento. Can't seem to part with it. I don't know if I still have the pattern, but it was for a crocheted hot pants outfit!! (Hey, it was the early 70's...) Mom taught me the chaining and somehow the other stitches I'd need. One of my grandmother's best friends, Mrs. Pearl, was someone I hung out with a lot back then and she had a hand in my instruction. So did my Mom's mom, grandma Ethel. Between these three ladies I was turned into a crocheter. I don't know if any of them can read my website from Heaven, but if you can, a big thanks to you ladies for a lifetime of enjoyment! OH - and I never did finish the hotpants outfit. We had to go back for another pattern, for a crocheted vest! (And the pattern acquisition syndrome is born...) Tips For Disabled Crocheters!
Crochet Anyway!!
This topic grew so much that it deserved its own lens! For tools and tips on crocheting with disabilities, please check my Featured Lenses list below for the lens, "Tools To Help You Crochet Despite Disabilities" - you'll find it there! Show Your Crochet Pride
Great Gifts For Crocheters, Or For Yourself!
Hooked On Crochet Tote Bag
Price: 
Fun Crochet Tote Bag!
Price:
My Crochet Supports My Schnauzer Rescue!
These kids like to eat...
I have been rescuing miniature schnauzers since 2000. The picture shown is at our former farm in southeast Missouri, in 2009. At that point we had SIXTEEN little mouths to feed:) My Scrappy Jack and SueSu (a former rescue) plus rescue kids Bailey, Koby, Whizzer, Monty, Harry and Sammy. Then there was Sissy the Basset Hound who showed up one night at our door in late September nearly starved to death, dehydrated, raw with flea dermatitis... and pregnant! We nursed her back to health and she presented us with SEVEN little basset hound babies! Oh my goodness.Sales of my patterns and finished objects help support the ongoing expenses of food, veterinary care, and the occasional new toy.
You can meet all the furkids at http://www.squidoo.com/Schnauzies.
Some Of My Designs
More Coming Soon!
One of my crocheted doggie ornaments
Some More Of My Designs
More Coming Soon!
Large and small Carnation doilies. Not sure if the first, but the beginning of my work in 3D flowers.
Crocheters, Clean Those Drawers And Help Rescue Dogs!
Did you know that the thousands of dog and cat rescues across the U.S. would LOVE to have your old crocheted afghans that have been loved to death? In many rescues doggies have to be in outdoor unheated buildings. Older dogs especially tend to appreciate soft, warm blankies. If you just do a quick Google search, you can locate your nearest dog rescue. Or you can email me at sheilaschnauzies@gmail.com for my help to locate one. The rescue doggies say thank you!!
Sheila's Crochet & Other Links
Where you can find me on the 'net.
- My Main Website
- My official website for crochet, the Schnauzer rescue, and everything else! You can purchase my finished crochet objects, find crochet patterns, handmade jewelry, home grown comfrey salve, and lots more!
- My Crochet Pattern Mailing List
- Here is where you can join my crochet mailing list.
- My Crochet & Dog Artwork Printed On Cool Stuff At CafePress 4 Sale
- Buy my designs printed on many items at CafePress! All proceeds benefit my miniature schnauzer rescue.
- Sheila's Online Crochet Group
- This is where I hang out with my crochet friends. We have crochet-alongs, I share free patterns with the group, we have fun activities like monthly prizes and crochet related games. Post pics of your work, make new friends, have a cup of coffee and come on in!
More Crochet Fun Gear!
See/Buy All Items at www.cafepress.com/Schnauzies
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Crocheter Feedback
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Thanks for stopping by, please leave a note!
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nightbear
Jan 13, 2012 @ 10:33 pm | delete
- Beautiful work, great designs, and I love your animal rescue cause. Blessed!!
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GrammaLinda
Jan 7, 2012 @ 11:53 pm | delete
- You have some beautiful work displayed here. I haven't had time to crochet in so long...Now I have the urge to find a hook and some thread! Blessings!
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ArtByLinda Dec 21, 2011 @ 7:28 pm | delete
- These are wonderful, I admire your talent! Happy Holidays, Blessing this lens!
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LisaAuch
Dec 10, 2011 @ 4:40 pm | delete
- Fantastic! I saw thins in your signature link and had to check it out, now you got me interested in your rescue doogies....off to visit them too ad beautiful crochet work! I am just beginning ;-)
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sagebrush_mama
Nov 27, 2011 @ 3:56 pm | delete
- Beautiful designs! Congratulations on the purple star for this lens!
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Beautiful Handmade Hooks!
You must see these!
BrainsBarn- c/o Brian Bergmann - Home
Brian makes beautiful handmade crochet hooks!1 point
Anne Crochets!
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Follow @SheilaSparkles on Twitter!
Proud Member of CGOA
(Crochet Guild Of America)
You can get info at www.crochet.org My Etsy Store!
Where I sell my items, patterns, yarn stash, handmade jewelry and more!
CUSTOM Rainbow Bridge Memorial Pet Bracelet All Genuine Gemstones Made To Order | Price: $30
I use all genuine semiprecious gemstones to create your special memorial bracelet. The bracelet is done in your choice of crocheted illusion monofilam... (full description)
Blue Goldstone Sterling Lever Back Earrings | Price: $20
Each earring has a genuine large Blue Goldstone, which is extremely sparkly (appears as black except under strong light), approximately 12-14 mm facet... (full description)
Freshwater Pearl & Moonstone Illusion Cluster LeverBack Earrings | Price: $20
These are hand crocheted monofilament with sterling plated leverback findings. There are six genuine rainbow moonstones and one freshwater pearl on ea... (full description)
Handcrafted Sterling, Opalite, Crystal, Blue Topaz Heart Earrings with French Hooks | Price: $18
I love these earrings - they are very sparkly and catch the light in so many ways! They are handcrafted by me including some coiling detail above the... (full description)
Ladies' Crocheted One Button Vest in Luxury Yarns | Price: $99
This vest is done in many luxury yarns of similar size, selected for touch and interesting texture. This example is done in horizontal stripes on the... (full description)
My Free Patterns & Other Crochet Lenses
About Me
by SheilaSchnauzies
My name is Sheila, and I am known by two "pen names" on the internet - SheilaSchnauzies and more recently SheilaSparkles. I have operated Sheila's Schnauzies... more »
- 79 featured lenses
- Winner of 29 trophies!
- Top lens » "I Heart Hearts!" Free Crochet Mini Doily/Candle Cover Pattern
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Won purple star
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Get The Hook I Use On Amazon!
I Can Crochet Despite Arthritis!
Clover Soft Touch Steel Crochet Hooks, No. 8/0.90mm
Amazon Price: $4.54 (as of 02/17/2012)
This hook is amazing! I have collected almost every size of Clover Soft Touch hooks - they come in sizes in metal for yarn, and in stainless steel for thread. I probably use the sizes 8 and 9 the most. There is something about the ergonomic handle that allows me to work for long periods without my hand cramping up! That's something I can't do any longer with regular straight hooks.
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