July = Goal Review Time!

July is upon us! That means goal review time. Did you make goals for 2009 when I talked about it last December? Now is the time to review if we are on course or not for 2009 and make adjustments. Now is also a good time, all you people making money doing crochet some way or another, to tally up receipts and balance sheets from Jan through June so that you don't have to do a whole year at once in January 2010. On first glance, I'm on track for 2009. Because it might be useful to share, here is my goal sheet back from 2004, the first year that I started designing:

2004

1. Earn enough to cover my expenses.

This goal was a bit ambitious as it turns out. I ended up approximately $XXX. in debt for the year. My expenses were high when I chose to mail-order specialty yarns to make garments that weren’t successful projects. Otherwise, I did a good job returning extra yarns purchased locally. Try again and keep this goal for 2005.

2. Develop a professional business communication- letterhead & business card, correspondence.

I didn’t need business cards since I am not going to conferences or symposiums. The letterhead is good for cover letters for submissions.

3. Expand my skills with edging, add two to a notebook.

I did accomplish this, starting a folder with notes and doing some thoughtful study about the mathematics of edgings. I can continue this work in 2005.

4. Make a computer accounting report, credits and debits.

I accomplished this goal with my expenses and credits reported on an excel spreadsheet with all my receipts attached.

5. Sell to two different publishers.

I only sold to one, but I started to find more outlets for my work. I have a “maybe” from a second publisher.

6. Learn how small business works.

Good progress on this goal. The learning never ends.

7. Stay legal with taxes and within the boundaries of hobby (not business regulations).

This was not a problem since I didn’t make a profit.

8. Write and submit a book proposal.

a. research what is already out there.

I actually submitted two book proposals, still waiting to hear back from the second try. I started a list of book publishers and gathered some manuscript guidelines.

9. Enter the Herrschnerr’s contest.

I entered the Herrschner’s contest and found another contest to try in 2005, (Mary Maxim).

10. Join the society of Craft Designers. (in 2009, no longer exists)

I spent the $. to join this, but I’m not sure it was worth it. I have been listening in to the discussion group and while it is interesting, I don’t know that it helps. They have a mentor program, but I’m not sure what I would even want from a mentor at this point. I haven’t decided whether or not to join in 2005.

11. Make one original project per month.

This was a little ambitious, I think in the ten months that I worked with this endeavor, I created, 11 projects, but I pushed really hard.

12. Ask XX if I can only sell them firstrights and if I can get copies and design credit for tear sheets of publications that print my designs in the future. I see some designs show up in multiple publications.

I don’t feel that I am in any position to negotiate with anybody about anything at this point. I feel I should just be grateful that they even look at stuff with my name attached. (they’ve rejected the last X or more.) I know that this isn’t the best attitude, but I have to be realistic too.

13. Begin a list of publishers (potential buyers for my stuff).

Yes, I did this.

14. Consider joining CGOA

I did join the CGOA, and for $35, I think it is a bargain, and will continue my membership.

15. Make one item for me.

I made my Blue Halter top, a snowman, a grey sweater that I won’t wear, 2 winter scarves, and started 2 other projects that I didn’t finish because they didn’t turn out. Nothing that I could profit from, although it is all good experience.

16. Make one gift.

I made a baby afghan gift, three snowmen, Natalie’s poncho, a scarf for Lee and almost finished with one for Tricia. I made an afghan for Erica, from pattern.

17. Learn basics of bead crochet.

I learned this and understand it, but not proficient at it.

GoCrochet T-shirts, mugs, totes and more!

Come visit my store on CafePress!

I now have a CafePress store! All items feature the new "GoCrochet" logo you see at the top of the page! I know what all my poor relatives are getting for Christmas this year! haha. I decided to do a CafePress store instead of putting ads on my blog.

Hello! To all my new followers! Thanks so much for joining us!

CAL: Floating Ripples

Stitched by Anna, Hi Anna! Thanks for submitting a photo.

CAL Floating Ripples Row 3 help

Ok, you're starting row 3, ch 3, turn, 2 dc in same st (photo 1)

photo 2, dc in each of next 3 chs,

photos 3, work FPdc3tog (Front post double crochet 3 together) around the stitches below. See, 3 were skipped on the linen row. The third part of the that FPdc3tog goes around the whole dc3tog from the previous row as if it is one st. (because it is!)

Photo 4, do it again.

Photo 5 Now working in the chains again, dc in the next 3 chs.

Photo 6, this is what the back looks like now. My finger is pointing to the unused chains behind where the FPdc3tog went.

Photo 7 back on the right side, 3 dc in each of the next two FPdc.

I'll do some photos on end weaving another day. Do you have questions about these photos?

Big News, BIG

No, for the last time, I'm not pregnant! Although, my author friend, Susan Huxley, tells me that writing a book is much like having a baby, full of trials and angst and excitement and joy. Yes, my friends, I am writing a book! My very own book! Just me. All me. I'd better not dwell on that part because I'll start getting overwhelmed. There's very little I'm allowed to say at this point, just that is it obviously a crochet book, and it is being produced by Krause Publications (a division of F+W Media) and that this new title is scheduled for release in Fall 2010. That seems so far away, but the deadline is going to arrive very quickly.

That's it. That's the big news. I'm thrilled, won't you be thrilled with me? Here's a sneak peek of the new book: Keeping this quiet is going to be hard!

Yarn Thing

Oh, by the way, I was on YarnThing, Marly's Blog Talk Radio Show last night. Here's her blog. We were talking about the Summer issue of Interweave Crochet, 2009. I'm on for about 10 min near the 45 minute mark talking about the Beach Sarong and tips for working with linen. You can hear it here on archives if you missed it. Also on archives is when I was the guest for the whole show! It was on 4/7/9, listen to it here.

CAL Floating Ripples, Big news Tomorrow.

Diane writes:
Hi, I am having trouble with the rows lining up, I posted yesterday because I'm not sure how to handle weaving in all those ends either. but I'm plugging along. I probably need to frog and start over. UGH!

That is so frustrating for you! Hmm, I'm not sure what you mean by the rows lining up right. Make sure that you are placing your last 3 dc in the top of the last dc from the row before. That last dc from the previous row is actually the ch-3 turning ch that counts as a dc.

The 2 FPdc go in the middle of the arch. There are 2 groups of 3 dc in the top middle of the arch. So if we count them and call them dc 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Your 2 FPdc will go in dc number 3 and 4. This is true whether you are right or left handed.

For weaving in the ends, just weave them under the dc. You can even work over them as you go. Shall I do a photo?

I hope this helps and doesn't confuse you further. If I haven't answered your question, let's try again.

Big news, coming tomorrow. YOU, blog readers will be first to know!

CAL Floating Ripples

Hi, I am Letty from the Netherlands and would like to join your CAL Floating Ripples. I just bought the pattern and have a question: what does BPdc and FPdc mean?

Hi Letty! Thank you for joining us. "BPdc" means Back Post double crochet. Instead of inserting the hook in the top of the indicated st, you work the stitch around the post of the stitch. Because it is a "Back" post double crochet, when you are done, it sits behind the stitch you are working around. Yarn over, put your hook on the back side of the fabric, reach from the back around the front of the indicated st, then yarn over and complete your dc. The stitch is worked around the post of the stitch instead of the top of the stitch.

"FPdc" is Front Post double crochet. The hook starts on the front side of the fabric reaches around the back of the indicated st back to the front, then yarn over and complete the stitch.

Crochet designer extraordinaire, Amie Hirtes has a video tutorial of the stitch on her website/blog. Check it out here.

CAL Floating Ripples

In the poll on the right, someone indicated that you need "help" with the pattern. Please leave a comment or contact me on Ravelry and ask your questions. Here's a photo of rows 1 and 2 before working row 3. When should I reveal my big, BIG news? Today is Tuesday....how about Thursday? Are you busy Thursday?

Happy Art Day!

Happy "Art" Day everyone! Chief, age 6, declared today, 6/22 the "Art holiday". He says decorate with pictures and be thankful for colors!

CAL Floating Ripples

Hi All! How are you doing on the Floating Ripples CAL. What do you need from me? Do you need encouragement? You can do it! Here's a photo for you from one of your fellow CAL members. This one is stitched by DeeDee, and it is still in process:

The way DeeDee has these colors reminds me how great this blanket would be in school colors as a back-to-school or off-to-college gift! Thanks, DeeDee for sharing. Everyone is invited to send me photos of your CAL progress and I'll be thrilled to post them. We'll see all the different ways crocheters interpret the same pattern. DeeDee has chosen not to do the FPdc3tog and instead is doing FPdc. Here's a photo of my swatch and you'll see the subtle difference.The part I'm talking about in my swatch is directly under the "o" in Go on the photo. It's great to have choices. If you are customizing your project, show me a photo and let me see what innovation you have chosen!

Big News coming soon. BIG.

:) Mwah haha (wicked laugh).

TNNA Sunday 2009

Hmmm, at some point, Drew got his picture taken.

And here's Mary Beth Temple at the Teacher 'meet and greet'. This is where yarn shops could walk around and meet prospective teachers for their shops.

Here's Robyn Chachula and Amy O'Neill Houck at a shindig after the Fashion Show Friday night. Sunday I spent looking at the map of the convention floor trying hard not to miss any companies or booths that were on my list of "must sees". I went in search of Kristin Nicholas and found her! But she was busy doing business, so I didn't interrupt and I missed meeting her. I saw lots of other "greats" from a distance. I think I saw Melissa Leapman stride by. I said 'Hi' to Edie Eckman, and caught a few minutes with Brett Bara, the editor of Crochet Today and Candi Jensen, Author, designer, tv producer of Knit and Crochet Today show. I said 'Hi' and congrats on a beautiful Fashion Show piece to Annie Modesitt. Now that I'm reading other people's blogs and tweets on Twitter, I am hearing that I totally missed many great people I would have liked to have said, "Hi" to. I saw Jennifer Hansen, the Stitch Diva from a distance. I said "Hi" to Eunny Jang (Editor of Interweave Knits) and Lisa Shroyer of Interweave fame. I saw Nicky Epstein from a distance. I got a book signed by Sharon Silverman! I forgot! I have her book to give away! I also have Mary Beth Temple's book "Hooked For Life" to give away! I need to think of a fun way to give those away. And Kristi Porter, knit author of "Knitting in the Sun", I got to talk with her and see an advance copy of her book. I got to spend some time with Kristin Omdahl, she's got great perspective.

It's kind of strange in such a huge event, some people you run into over and over again and other people you miss completely. Then there are the people you want to meet, but you don't know what they look like, so unless you can read name tags while you are walking, you may have passed that person a dozen times and never have known it!

TNNA Saturday 2009

These photos are all in the wrong order... anyway, above is me with Marly Bird of the YarnThing podcast and Mary Beth Temple of Hooked for Life publishing and the Getting Loopy Podcast, both on Blog Talk Radio. Marly is wearing a hat she designed for Polarknits (I think). Mary Beth Temple had just finished a long day of signing BOTH her new books, Hooked for Life, and DIY Afghans. Me, tired, with the hair back for the evening. This was taken at like 11pm.

Here's me earlier in the day with Kim Werker, author, designer, and former editor of Interweave Crochet. She has a new book that debuted at TNNA for Interweave Press, Interweave Presents Crocheted Gifts.
Here's the Ravelry gang with friends. From left to right, Jessica, Rockstar Doris Chan, Mary Heather, Sarah, Casey, designer and CGOA Board member, Vashti Braha, and Renee Barnes.

Here I am with Bobbie Matela. Bobbie has had a long career in the needlework industry and now is with Coats & Clark.

Saturday morning I was up bright and early for an 8am class with Author, teacher, designer, crochet and knit advocate, Lily Chin. Lily has TWO new books coming out in the fall also, Crochet Tips and Tricks and Knit Tips and Tricks.

I had some meetings, walked around and explored yarn from all over the world, met cool people, had lunch with Doris Chan and Drew Emborsky at Columbus' North Market. Drew was showcasing his new pattern line with Leisure Arts. Doris is coming out with a 3RD book in Spring for Potter Craft. Doris let me try on a Doris Chan Original dress while I was there that was just fantastic, but it showed just a little too much leg (for my age) for me to wear it around the show floor.

Saturday night before dinner, I hung out with many cool people. Are you ready for some more serious name dropping? Vashti Braha, Marty Miller, Jane Schwartz, Amy Schwartz, Drew, Mary Beth Temple, Doris Chan, and Renee Barnes, then a few of us went out to dinner and when we came back I ran into (more name dropping): Robyn Chachula, Amy O'Neill Houck, Julie Armstrong Holetz, tech editor Mandy Moore, Kim Werker, and knit designer and editor of YarnForward magazine, Shannon Okey. Wow. It's going to take me an hour to go back and link all these talented people to all their respective accomplishments. I'd better do a pre-emptive save on this post lest it disappear and I have to start over!

Beach Sarong revealed

Here's the sneak peek you saw last summer (above)

And here's the prototype (above). summertime.
And here's the finished Pareo. In Louet Euroflax. Look out the window in the background, 8" of snow!

And now it's in a magazine, this summer. A year in the making. Check it out in the new issue of Interweave Crochet, Summer 2009

TNNA Friday 2009

Above, is me with Marcy Smith, Editor of Interweave Crochet magazine. She is wearing a design by Kristin Omdahl. I am wearing, yep, you guessed it, the Super Speedy Shrug!

Above is me with Kathy Merrick, designer, and author. She has a new book coming out Crochet in Color coming out in October with Interweave Press.

Friday at TNNA, I arrived in Columbus in the afternoon and did a quick look around. The "Market" didn't open until Saturday and Sunday. Friday afternoon there is a table display of many of the vendors and their featured items for us to look at. There is a "Sample It" area where retailers (not designers) are allowed to go and "sample" the new yarns. Also, there is a "Great Wall of Yarn". The Great Wall is fun because the yarn companies hang 4-5 of their newest yarns from these kiosks along with little swatches, and there are strands of each yarn that you can take and bring home. They give you a guide book to all the yarns on the Great Wall and you can tape your strand of yarn onto the guide book if you want to remember what it was! There were probably 100 that I could have taken, but I don't like them all (gasp) and I'm already familiar with some, and so I just took what I wanted to remember for later.

Friday night was also the Fashion Show. I had not been to the Fashion Show before so I was anxious to see it. The 96 knitwear items were amazing and inspiring. The 4 crochet items were too. Yarn companies sponsor the items entered in the Fashion Show with a fee. They use the fashion show to highlight their new products and stimulate sales to yarn stores. Just like other garment fashion shows you may have seen, some of the items are "show pieces" designed to have a strong visual impact all the way to the last row. Last year, the fashion show ended up on YouTube, so, we'll see if a link can be found for it. Go to Youtube and search "TNNA Summer show" if you are interested in seeing January's show.

Ok, more another day on TNNA Saturday, and TNNA Sunday :)

CAL Floating Ripples

Anonymous asks: "Is Red Heart still making TLC Essentials? My Wal-Mart is not caring it and Red Heart.com doesn't have it listed. Is there something else you could recommend? Thanks."

Coats & Clark still makes Red Heart and TLC Essentials. Both can be found here. Both of them are brands distributed by Coats & Clark. I have been hearing rumors for the last 2 years or so that WalMart is cutting back on the yarns and fabrics they carry. Any worsted weight yarn will be fine. Caron Simply Soft and Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarns are fine too. Hobby Lobby's "I love this yarn" would be fine. Plymouth Encore would be fine. All these yarns are worsted weight. They are also all acrylic (plastic) so they are all machine washable and dryable and hypoallergenic. If you want a natural fiber, you can choose a wool or wool blend. (Remember wool felts unless it says 'superwash' or 'washable wool' on it. I think people like Cascade 220 and Brown Sheep, though I have never tried them and I don't know their fiber content. Acrylic yarn is fine, but remember, there are also other great choices.

CAL Floating Ripples Blanket

Let's get this CAL party started! First Task: Do your swatch! Make sure you know how to do the 2- row repeat, decide what colors and color sequence you are going to use. Questions about the swatch or colors? ask them here. Let me know if you need a process photo for the first couple of rows.

I had a great time at TNNA, but it's going to take some time to sort through my to-do list. I have 2 stacks of business cards, 1. take action immediately, and 2. take action as soon as possible. I took several photos and met many great people and I plan to tell you all about it.

Kristin Nicholas' staff!

Knit designer and Author (farmer, mother, TV guest, etc,) Kristin Nicholas wrote a great post yesterday about one of the lesser known sides of Crochet/knit design: Customer Service. If you get the chance to get over to her blog www.Getting-Stitched-On-The-Farm.blogspot.com and read this post. Kristin is also the 'Knitting Pro' on Knit and Crochet Today show on PBS. I really enjoy her blog and I'm a 'follower'. Hopefully, I will meet her this weekend at TNNA.

60! TNNA, odds and ends

Today is a bunch of random thoughts (big surprise, lol)

60! GoCrochet followers are now 60 strong! wow! Thank you! What a thrill. Wow. I'm sorta speechless. (Now, the longest post I have probably ever wrote...)

I found an item in my crochet tool box that some might question. A balloon. That's all. Does it need an explanation? Oh, ok, for those of you new to the GoCrochet blog... I use the balloons to reach the circumference of the head size I need to display/size hats. :) Because I don't have a mannequin head. This is fine with me, because I think a mannequin head would be kinda creepy and Chickee is already prone to nightmares.

I'm packing for TNNA, the National NeedleArts Association Summer Market. Again, TNNA is the professional organization for wholesale, retail, and affiliate members of the needlearts industry. The Summer show is where the yarn companies (and needlework including embroidery and cross-stitch, etc) show off their new products to retailers and LYS's hoping the retailers will buy. Publishers are also there selling their new books to retailers. Designers are there too networking. For those of you aspiring designers out there, the membership application for TNNA is on their website. In addition to paying yearly dues, and credentials, you need to have a letter of recommendation from a wholesale member of TNNA. Classes are held. (for an ala carte fee) The only thing they don't have is Yarn for retail sale. There is no yarn available for sale at this show. Captain gets to keep the kids for the weekend cuz I'm Audi. (to steal an old '90's phrase for 'I'm outta here!')

I'm taking two classes at TNNA, coincidentally, they are both with Lily Chin. I have taken a class from Lily in the past and she is very talented. Last time, I just tried to absorb everything so I could process it later, because she talks and moves so fast, that I couldn't absorb all the information at the time! Unfortunately, there weren't a huge number of crochet classes available. I would love to take classes from other great teachers also. Last year, I took a class with Robyn Chachula.... remember that?
It's Columbus, OH in the summertime! which is why my hair was completely flat! yes, I know, I'm wearing a sweater in the photo. It's hard not to show off crochet when at the TNNA show! This year I have better summer-wear to show off. (Except for the skirt, of course, that isn't going to get done.)

Oh yeah, back to the topic. I just finished my 'homework' for my classes with Lily and packed all my supplies. It took me about 90 minutes to do all my homework, but I'm glad it's done.

There will be a Fashion Show on Friday night. The yarn companies pay to enter items to show the fibers in vivo. We will be counting how many crochet items are displayed hoping the number continues to grow every year.

I wonder what's the most efficient way to pack chocolate in my suitcase without having it melt?

I am bringing too much yarn. I'm going to need a bigger bag. Or another bag. I don't really need all the toiletries and make up right? What's more important? yarn, of course, the yarn. LOL. Ok, I'm just bringing another, bigger bag. It's too funny! My duffel with the yarn, is bigger than my clothes bag! LOL!

The yarn is for swatching. I will not bring a contracted project with me for fear that someone might see it! I will also be bringing all the usual networking tools:

my day planner/phone numbers
business cards
Submission packets for various yarn companies if they show the inclination to look/take them.
the Camera, gotta have the camera
2 pairs of comfortable shoes (and band-aids, just in case)
Crochet attire
crochet books for my author friends to sign (Doris, Mary Beth Temple, Robyn Chachula, Sharon Silverman... y'all are on notice!)
one set of knitting needles in case someone feels like giving me some pointers (haha, no pun intended)

I'm sure I'll forget something important.

I don't know if I'll have time for a short post on Friday, but then you won't hear from me until Monday, probably! So get your yarn ready for the CAL! Post your goals if you are so inclined.

CAL Floating Ripples Row 2

If we change the multiple to 14 + 3 then on row 2, you'll be skipping 12 sts instead of 11. Please swatch before beginning.

CAL Floating Ripples -Foundation discussion.

I know we're schedule to start Monday, but some people are beginning already. There is some discussion that we should add 1 ch on the instructions for the beginning foundation (regardless of the size you choose to make, including the swatch). Neither I, nor my two testers have noticed this, but I'm investigating it. Just a heads up! So, we are investigating a multiple of 14 + 3 instead of a multiple of 14 + 2.

Floating Ripple CAL Timeline

Some of you don't want a deadline. Cool. Some of you want an end date only. Fine. Some of you want goals for a certain number of rows per week. Great. I'm thinking that most people do better if they state their goals in front of the group. Then, they are more likely to stick to their goals. So, if you want the accountability of telling the group your plan... and you want us to ask you about your progress... post a comment on THIS POST, with your goals and we'll all work toward them together. If you don't want the accountability, then don't give yourself a deadline, ok? Tell me a date, or tell me how many rows you want to have done per week. We start Monday, June 15th!

The pattern will be on sale TODAY! Click the "Buy Now" button for the $5.00 Adobe PDF. Clicking the button takes you to PayPal.

Super Speedy Shrug

My tester, Tracy, stitched this Super Speedy Shrug. It's so close to being ready for release that it is hard to wait. But, it's important that all my testers come back with their experience with it. Hang in there! I haven't forgotten!

CAL FLoating Ripples Blanket

Good morning! I've put a CAL poll on the right sidebar about how you want to do the CAL. If you are planning on participating, please vote on how you want to do it. I'm so excited, many of you are already getting the pattern! If you are on Ravelry, I have added the 'Floating Ripple Blanket' to the Ravelry database, please put it in your 'queue' and begin a project page. (I'd appreciate it, pretty please). In the meantime, tell me what colors and yarn you are going to use.

CAL Floating Ripples Blanket

I've been struggling with what to do about this CAL. I love my blog readers and want to give you something special, but I also don't believe in giving my hard work away for free. So this is what I'm going to do. I'm going to give the CAL Floating Ripples to my blog readers only for the next 3 days, to get the free pattern, you have email me at Ellen At sign GoCrochet dot com and tell me the name of my cat before 6am Eastern on Wednesday June 10th. I'll email you back ASAP with the Adobe PDF. After that, the pattern can be PURCHASED by clicking the 'Buy now' button on the right sidebar or through Ravelry for $5.00.

The CAL will officially start on Monday June15th. Please post your questions about the pattern here or on other CAL Ripple Blanket posts, as comments so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Ballpark Blankie and CAL Ripple Blanket

I called it the 'Baseball throw' because I make silly jokes like that, but it is the 'Ballpark Blankie' in the new issue of Crochet Today July/Aug 2009.

I think the CAL pattern is coming TOMORROW, with all the details then.

Sail-Away Robe

The Sail-Away robe! It's in the new issue of Crochet Today July/Aug 2009. Crochet Today also has a cool new website. Check it out!

That's my kitty, odds and ends

Oh, I'm so busy! It's so good to be busy! Also, this is the last week of school for Chickee. Chief has to go on Monday as well, then he will be done. So our week has been full of fieldtrips, picnics, out-of-uniform days, remembering to layer on the sunscreen before they go to school, etc.

I have a new Secret Project with a capital S and P going on. Of course, they are all secret. I'm going to ask if I'm allowed to do a sneak peek. I had started a skirt to wear to next week's TNNA conference in Columbus, OH, but It's not going to get finished. I'm working from the waist down, and I'm at the mid-hip right now. I already inserted the zipper just to make sure that I could and that I was on the right track. The zipper isn't the best color and doesn't match well. Still, this is the first skirt I can recall ever crocheting, so I'm thinking of this as a practice piece.

I have a tester working on the Super Speedy Shrug, so I haven't forgotten about it. I just don't want to put out the pattern unless it's as correct as it can be.

You've got a day or two to vote on the Ripple CAL on the right side bar. If you previously voted 'Maybe, but want to see a photo', now that you have seen a photo, I think you can change your vote.

Ah, Summer and Sneak peek

Summer has hit Ohio. Sorry I didn't post yesterday, but I was working, sorta. I intended to work. I brought work. Ok, I didn't work. I had a very productive work day on Sunday, so Monday I just didn't get as much done. The sneak peek is not in it's final colors. It's just a swatch. Many times when I'm swatching I use scrap yarn to work out the construction. It's a good chance to play with wacky color schemes. Sometimes I'm surprised by what happens when I choose colors at random. It's also surprising to me how different a design can look based on where you place the light and dark colors, then switch their placement and it takes on a whole new mood. Back to work. Maybe :)