Prep and Talk!

I'm preparing to get back in the studio this spring. Swatches are happening, math is happening, binders are filling up. Here's a photo from Season 7 behind the scenes at Knit and Crochet Now. (Before the glam...)

I'd really LOVE to hear more about YOU though... what do you like to make? How often do you crochet? How long have you been crocheting? Are you a designer or a happy maker? What questions do you have? What can I do here on the blog to provide you with inspiration?  :) Write me a letter, drop me a note. Comment below if you like!

Weekend Crochet Challenge!

Tell me to get working.

I had a productive morning but then I took a "break".

There is still time to crochet something.

If I promise to work on 2 design ideas between now and Monday...

what will you challenge yourself to do?

LET'S GET MOVING! 

Yarn Love Challenge

Have you been following the YarnLoveChallenge on Instagram? If not, here are a few of my highlights:

My handmade home... We have about 11 crocheted afghans at last count, that are in active use in our home. This blanket above is from BEFORE I started designing. It's still holding up!

#Gratitude My first book, translated into Chinese. Chickee's boyfriend speaks 4 languages and was able to read the dedication back to me the other day. When I wrote this book, I had no idea all the wonderful blessings that I would have in this day.

Random photo of Theo because he's so darn cute. He is in the hanging chair that is in Chief's room. 

Here is about half of my yarn book library. I have an additional two shelves on the other side of the room and random books scattered around the house with projects and a stitch dictionary in the car... ya know, in a design emergency.

Old School

I was having trouble visualizing a shape I wanted to design. I went old school. I got out the big 1" grid paper and drew out the actual size and shape I wanted to recreate in crocheted fabric.

As I work, I can put the crocheted piece on the paper and make sure I'm getting it right. I made a paper pattern, basically.

Have a great weekend!

Dune Throw, A Second Chance!

If you didn't get my Dune Throw pattern in my book, Learn Bruges Lace, you have another chance! The pattern is now in the Easy, Breezy Crochet Lace special issue.  You can buy the hardcopy or you can get the digital download. Or, you can message me and I'll sell you Learn Bruges Lace (in USA only). Here's the link to the pattern details on Ravelry.

Name That Crochet Clip!

Here's a hint... I'm really late to the party on this one.

I actually have several clips from this show. The art director must have been a crochet enthusiast!

Name that show! If you can't get it, I'll post another clip from the same show as an additional clue.

The Wrong Side

There's a wrong side of the bed. The wrong side of the tracks. When you drop a piece of buttered bread, it always lands with the wrong side down.

Some crochet projects have a wrong side. Sweaters of course have a wrong side against your skin so the right side can be seen by the world. But what about blankets?

90% or more of my crochet motif projects, I design with all the "right sides" facing. That is, I don't turn when I join rounds. In some ways I would rather that one side be 100% right and the other side be 100% wrong than to turn rounds and have both sides be 50-50.

Of course blankets, worked in rows, not worked in the round, are always 50-50. Of course if you put an edging on it, you often have to choose which side is going to be the right side. And you can't put the edging on the wrong side because as soon as you put it on you are declaring it the right side.

But, if you put the edging on the side where you have woven in ends, then you have put it on the wrong side. That would really be awkward.

Above, Theo is sitting on the wrong side of the blanket.

So, my question is, when it comes to blankets, does it bother you when one side is the right side and the other side is wrong? Would you prefer to have 50-50 blankets where they are both equally right and equally wrong?  Do you prefer your motifs be turned or all worked on the right side? (I won't judge!)

Sometimes it's hard to tell right from wrong, and not just in blankets! 

Designing Again

I've never stopped designing but I did slow down there for a while. It's fun to pick up the hook and yarn again with no agenda but my own musing to drive the project. You've heard me say it before and I'll say it again... The cure for a lack of creativity is to just start with no regard for the outcome. Make no plan, have no expectation, just play. When you like something, keep going. If you don't like it, go another direction.

I have some very exciting irons in the fire right now. I'm really hopeful that a new permanent agenda will unfold soon.

Optimism for the Win!

I feel like I should say something about the Super Bowl. Maybe something about crocheting while watching the big game. But the truth is, we only watched a few minutes of the game while we ate dinner at a restaurant. The Falcons were up something like 21-0 at that point.

I really shouldn't sink to the level of cliche and say that it's a commentary on life... when you think you are down and out of the game... but then you persevere and show up anyway and keep striving. Then somehow you come back in extra innings (haha, just kidding) overtime to win the game. How it's always darkest before the dawn and all that. Slow and steady wins the race... etc.  (Do you have any more cliches for pressing on?)

Just last night I had a conversation with Chief about the importance of optimism and how it can be difficult to be around pessimism.

I have a very optimistic week ahead. Wednesday I should have some crochet to show you... a sneak peek at least!

Chickee had her Sophomore dance this weekend.

The Next Day

Minnie is asking, "What will you do next?"

I'm not sure, Minnie, I'm looking at my options. I have tons of yarn, plenty of ideas and now an open schedule. I've wanted to write another book. I'd like to help someone write their next book. I'd love to help a company sell some yarn. I am sort of (kind of) thinking of running a marathon. (That rhymes! ok, it loosely rhymes)

I have an abundance of confidence ;) a ton of experience, and God on my side. (I think I can, I think I can...)

You WILL see new designs from me. I already have two on the calendar. Stay tuned!

On Instagram, I've just joined in the #yarnlovechallenge  Follow me on Instagram (GoCrochet) and see the daily yarn related postings for the month of February.

If we are connected on LinkedIn and you feel compelled to recommend me, please consider it!

Shocking News...

Shocking News... do I have your attention yet? It's a really long, but not that long, story. I am no longer the editor of Crochet! magazine. After 3 years of being committed to the magazine's success, it's time to move on.

Now what?

I am looking for another job that 'utilizes my talents' and provides for my family in a way allows me to continue to juggle it all while being creative.

In the meantime, I'll play with yarn.