Most yarn stores offer free patterns. Some even offer forums and pod casts. The great things about the yarn stores is that they really have an interest in helping us find the best designs and in learning more about the art of crochet. As they expand their resources on the internet they are just going to become more and more awesome to browse.
DMC Yarn- free patterns
Red Heart-check out the Red Heart Club where you can sign up and save your favorite projects and notes
Pattons - check out the My Hive area where you can sign up to have an account and save your favorite projects and books
Lion Brand Yarn- check out their learning center, pod-casts, and even comics about yarn crafts.
Bernat- check out their section for beginners
Caron Free Patterns- Caron has some of my favorite patterns
Berroco- check out the Free Friday Pattern
***Note: Berroco is one of the LEAST CROCHET FRIENDLY companies out there. Let them know that crochet is deserving of as much respect and attention from yarn companies as knitting.