End weaving Day

It's end weaving day! Weaving in a blanket's worth of ends is my main goal today. Do I dread it? Nope.  It's just work that has to be done and I like seeing the snippets add up into a bigger and bigger pile.

Oh!  Amy Shelton of Crochetville is hosting a booth at CGOA's Knit and Crochet Show in Reno.  She'll be partnering up with Red Heart and I'll be able to sign THIS book there!  I can't wait!

Book Review and GIVEAWAY!

Sharon Hernes Silverman has come out with yet another strong techniques based book!  You may remember her last book, Crochet Pillows, with Tunisian and Traditional Techniques.
And don't forget her Tunisian crochet book: Tunisian Crochet: The look of Knitting with the Ease of Crochet.

You won't be surprised then, that no only are there beautiful TUNISIAN and Traditional techniques taught with the scarves in this book, but ALSO she teaches Broomstick too!  She also has projects with lace, filet patterns, basket weave patterns, and shells.

There are 21 scarves in the book (one is a cowl).  Scarves are really terrific learning projects.  Move through the book, learning all the techniques making scarves along the way. As you know, scarves make excellent gifts and charity projects. Think of them as big, functional swatches :)  I like to think of scarves as a way to bring a pop of flattering color to the face when in the midst of gray weather.

Many of the projects caught my attention, but the one I will try first is the above photo, Premium Cable.  This is a simple Tunisian CABLE pattern.  There are 21 photos that illustrate step by step how to do this technique. Don't be scared though, 21 photos doesn't indicate how hard the pattern is, but how thoroughly Sharon teaches!  Have I brought home my point yet? The point is... this book is about learning new things... and scarves are just the vehicle to make great projects in the process. You can apply these techniques and stitch patterns and apply what you've learned to any project.

If you want to stick with traditional crochet for now, the Sea Splash Scarf (blue above) is really lovely. The rolling wavy edge on both sides makes this scarf really feminine.

Sharon and her team at Stackpole publishing are offering a copy of the book to one of you readers!  US residents may leave a comment on THIS post with:
* your First name and last initial
* your town/village/street (one of those to help identify who you are)

by WEDNESDAY 9:00 PM EST August 1, 2012.  I will announce the winner first on my Ravelry Live Chat 9pm EST (here's the link...) I will then announce the winner here on the blog on Thursday. The winner will need to check back to see if you won, then email me at Ellen @ GoCrochet dot com with your MAILING address by August 7, 2012. Good Luck!

Photo Friday

GASP!

It's the big breath, pulling my head above water after nearly drowning in work this week. I'm so excited to move forward. Here's your Friday photo:

Knit and Crochet Show

You all have heard me talk about the Knit & Crochet Show's of years past. NOW is the time to think about RENO in September!  I'm already signed up for a few classes.  It's the best opportunity to learn from pros. A flood of learning all in one week!  For those of you who are interested in becoming a knit or crochet professional, the Crochet Guild of America will be presenting the Professional Development Day on Wednesday, Sept 12.  (I'll be helping with PDDday). After that, it's non-stop learning, shopping, and fun.  There is a Fashion Show and Dinner on Saturday night.  Here's the link to learn more about the event.  If you aren't a member of CGOA, it's ok, you can still attend!  If you are a member, you can message your friends in the CGOA yahoo membership group. Perhaps you can "hook" up with your online pals and go in together on rooms and travel. That's what I always do! Hope to see you there.

 Cari Clement, Kimberly McAlindin, Marty Miller, Renee Barnes

 Vickie Howell and me at last year's event in Minneapolis.

Monday

I say it with every pattern, and I'll say it again.... If I had the chance to re-do it, I'd do it a little differently.  LOL Every single pattern teaches me something. One day I hope to make something that comes out EXACTLY as I envisioned it.  Really, I'm only speaking of garments. Garments seem to take on a life of their own. 

I just love a photo of deep winter in the middle of summer. :)

Photo Friday

Maybe this chicken is smarter than the rest? Standing in their water bowl during this heat?

Baah!

I met a new (to me) yarn company while at TNNA this year, Baah! Yarn had two lovely weights in MANY great, vibrant, colors. Handpainted by Mira Cole, these beautiful yarns caught my attention. I can imagine many gorgeous accessories specifically in these accent colors.  A representative of Baah! actually met us at the door to the trade show floor with tiny hanks of their yarn! (You better believe that generosity made me go visit their booth!).  I tried out the LaJolla Fingering Weight but would love to give the Sonoma DK weight some attention. See some projects and pattern ideas on Ravelry. 

What was I thinking?

I was thinking that I have too much going on to post today. :)  This morning I had a meeting that will require me starting a new binder. (That's code for 'really big undertaking' generally involving multiple designs).

While I'm working on multiple projects... I am carrying around a really funny looking swatch as I work on my left-handed crochet at least 10 min per day.

I'm working on a post for you for tomorrow about a new to me yarn company I met at TNNA.

Here's a photo of Chickee at the WWII Memorial in Washington DC.  I met a WWII Veteran yesterday at the haircut place (of all places) and while I waited for Chickee to get her haircut, he and I and Chief had a nice conversation. He had just visited the WWII Memorial as well, as part of the Honor Flight program.

Carlotta Crescent Shawl

I really enjoy Lorna's Laces yarns. So much that a few months ago I asked them if I could do a design in a yarn and color of their choosing.  Amanda sent me some lovely Sportmate in Cummerbund and I was off and running! Every one of their yarns comes in every one of their solid or multi-colors. Here's the design I came up with:

I plan on having the Carlotta Crescent Shawl PDF available by Sept 1. But wow, is time flying.  The pattern is worked top down from the back neck. It decreases on the edges to make the points, and increases at the body to make the length.

Monday, Monday

Many of you like it when I write each weekday. Today is one of those days when I don't have much to report! 

On my to-do list this week are many mundane tasks...
June came and went, so my half-year check of my balance sheets is in order.  Making sure I've been paid, sending out 2nd notices, making sure I haven't been slacking off on my basic accounting.
My mid-year reflection on 2012 goals needs to happen.  I love seeing that I accomplished things that never even made it on to my list!  One thing that happened, that will reveal in September, I hadn't even dreamed was possible to know to put it on the list!  (Very cool). 

I'm in the midst of a set of 3 projects that all have to go out ASAP. I need to write the pattern for the Carlotta Crescent Shawl. (OH!  I can write about that tomorrow!)  I need to get a submission or two together, ASAP.  I have a past project that the buyer wants another one in a 2nd color, ASAP. It's all part of the business.

While I'm doing all those things, Chief has a check-up on his broken arm (Did I tell you he broke it again? the same one.)  Chickee has to be run back and forth to volleyball camp all week. Both have swim team practice, so just another boring week ;)

Here's a flashback photo. This is the Girl Scout trip to Washington DC last month.  We visited the Arlington National Cemetery's Women in Military Services for America Memorial. The girls wrote cards and drew pictures to send to women currently deployed and were able to deposit them here for shipping. 

Photo Friday

The Captain and the Chief at a Cincinnati Reds' game.

Winner and Book Review: Slip Stitch Savvy

And the winner is.... Kacy from the Texas Boonies!  Kacy, you have until 7/10 to email me at ellen @ gocrochet dot com and give me your email address. I'll pass along the information to the fine folks at Interweave to get your digital copy of Unexpected Afghans to you!

And now, NEW from designer Rebecca Velasquez, an e-book of slip stitch accessory designs called Slip Stitch Savvy! It includes 5 designs in one e-book for $12.00. (a great value!) (2 cowls, 1 shawlette, 1 hat, 1 scarf)

Each pattern adds a different technique of slip stitch to create a unique effect.
Each pattern in this collection has been tech-edited for accuracy and has complete written instructions along with a clear diagram and schematic.
Also included is a Printer Friendly version of the pattern.

 I've never tried this slip stitch technique and it's just fascinating the different drapey fabrics that can be made from slip stitching! The 5 patterns graduate in skill level so that your skills grow with each project.

 These projects, as you can see, look fantastic in solid or multi-colored yarns.

I think there are some great yarns in my stash that would make some fantastic slipped stitched gifts this holiday season!  Stash-busting accessories are always a hit. At minimum, I'll have to try out the patterns just to explore the possibilities of this under-utilized but EASY technique.  Get all the info with this Ravelry link.

Learn Bruges Lace

Book #2 has now been revealed!  Check out the 'Coming Soon' section of the Annie's Website. You can sign up to be notified when they are ready to take orders!  Here are a few photos from the 8 projects that are in this book. Full step-by-step photos on the basics of Bruges Lace are included so that you can make the projects! Ranging from beginner to Advanced, I hope you'll find a project or two that you'll love.

Mimi Dress Revealed!

For all of you who enjoyed the Zoe 'one day' dress, here's another toddler dress to enjoy. The Mimi Dress is made of Caron Spa. It is sized from 3 mos to 4T. Professionally tech edited by Shiri Mor, it also includes a symbol diagram for the skirt pattern and a full schematic. Modeled by Mimi Zimmerman, this easy fitting garment lets little girls prance and play. The button-up the front makes it easy for toddlers and little girls to dress themselves.  The button-up the front makes it easy to change diapers on the littler ones.  The skirt is worked from the bodice down so it is easy to add length for taller children. The cap sleeves make it easy to get arms through the holes and allow for unrestricted movement. It is now available as a PDF pattern download on Ravelry and Craftsy.  Enjoy!

Buy the Mimi Dress PDF now for $6.00 USD


Also, in case you missed it, here's the Zoe 'one day' dress:

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Zoe Dress PDF buy now $6.00

Giveaway and What was I thinking

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Above is the finished product! The Peacock Throw, my contribution in Robyn Chachula's new book, Unexpected Afghans. And before I give you the details on the Digital GIVEAWAY, you have to listen to the 'what was I thinking' part. (giggle)

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You know I love hexagons. And I love complicated over and under stitching. And while I was so happy with the hexagon, for THIS book, with all these great designers, I knew that I'd have to push the design to a new level. Placing the hexagons point to point (instead of traditional side to side) was just the creative push I needed to make the blanket go from "wow" to "Holy Cow!" The point to point placement then caused a negative space that needed to be filled.  Above is a sketch of how I attempted to stitch a diamond "fill-in" motif, placing taller stitches at the points.

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Like most writers, sometimes I struggle with getting just the right words. Luckily, as a crochet designer, I can use visual aids and photos to describe what I'm doing. This photo is used not only for my own clarification and notes, but if need be, I could use it to help the tech editor and answer consumer questions.

Here in this detail photo, you can see that the rows of hexagons are matched at a side, but the next below row, should be staggered like bricks to fit in the spaces. This is where I turned the hexagon on it's head, and made an unexpected change by letting them touch points leaving the space for the diamonds. Here's the link to the project page on Ravelry in case you feel like putting it in your favorites ;)

If you are daunted by sewing in all those diamonds, configure the hexagons in the traditional way and leave the diamonds out.  Either way, I'd love to see your photos on Ravelry. But, if you are going to make the project, you'll need the pattern....(and all the other patterns by great designers: Doris Chan, Kristin Omdahl, Marly Bird, Linda Permann, Jill Wright, Edie Eckman, Tammy Hildebrand, Kimberly McAlindin and of course, Robyn Chachula).

To win your digital copy, leave a comment on THIS post by 11:59 pm July 4.  In your post, leave your FIRST NAME, Last Initial, CITY/Province, AND whether or not you like to be challenged beyond your comfort zone with crochet or if you prefer to move quickly to autopilot with a comfortable project.  A winner will be randomly chosen from among the complete entries. You may enter only once. The winner to be announced July 5 or 6.   The winner will need to email me at Ellen @ GoCrochet dot com  by July 10 to claim your digital copy of the book.

Want to see more from this book?  Check out all the designers blogs this weekend. You might want to start with Robyn's blog, Crochet by Faye, to get the complete itinerary and map to many more opportunities to WIN.

TNNA Recap Part 4

 More sponsors swag from the Yarn Thing Designer Dinner. Above, Velocity needles and a Knit Check from Susan Bates.  This is just a mere glimpse at the multitude of needles and hooks and tools they carry.

 JHB gave us an assortment of buttons!  You should have seen their booth, button heaven.

 Fiesta yarns! Fiesta yarns gave us a little party in a bag of new yarns to play with. I KNOW these will be among the first of my yarn catch that I'll be playing with.

Here I am with Doris Chan!  I wonder if she is wearing a sneak peek?  We'll have to wait and see.  Tune in tomorrow for something REALLY SPECIAL... psst... giveaway.

TNNA Recap Part 3

More swaggy goodness from the Yarn Thing Designer Dinner at TNNA last weekend.

 The Hadaki Tote Big, beautiful, washable, magnetic closures for happy yarn. Generally my blanket projects are big and this tote is really going to come in handy. Thanks Hadaki!

 Made by Indian Lake Artisans, these hexagonal shaped needles are so fun and fascinating! You all know I like to knit so I couldn't resist giving these needles a quick go.  Made from smooth American Hardwoods, each size of needle has it's own "lake" themed lightweight topper, so you can easily see which needles go together and what size they are.  My toppers are lanterns, but there are all sorts of other toppers, owls, feathers, cottages, arrowheads. Very fun.  I admit that I did poke and prod the owners about making something for the crocheters so we can join the fun too!  We'll see!

 Ok, I admit it, the gift from the Alpaca Yarn Company came with a THIRD ball of yarn. But it was quickly separated from the others and put into my carry-around bag at the conference so I could play with it when I got a minute (which I didn't, but the point is, it was so luscious that I didn't want to be parted from it). These other two are also incredibly luscious, so I know they won't be lonely for long.

Vickie Howell posted a lovely photo of us on her blog! Go check it out.

Here I am with designer Rebecca Velasquez at the Craftsy party.  Rebecca has a new e-book out that I will be reviewing as soon as I get the chance, "Slip Stitch Savvy". If you can't wait and want to go look at it now, here's the link.

TNNA Recap, Part 2

 More great sponsors from Marly Bird's Yarn Thing Designer Dinner event! Above, a collection of yarns from Tahki Stacy Charles including their Cotton Classic Lite, which I used in the Bruges Skirts in the Spring 2012 of Interweave Crochet.  The bottom left yarn is a lovely metallic. The top left is a tweedy, but very interesting yarn with blues and golds.

 Here is a lovely assortment of yarns from (L-R) Skacel's SimpliWorsted by HiKoo     (it's a superwash merino/acrylic blend...very soft); Patons Classic Wool (Superwash) DK (yay for a new DK!); Kraemer Perfection (30% domestic merino and 70% acrylic) yay for the USA!  It's a quality chunky weight yarn.

And the last of today's sponsors: Random House Audio Books!  Most crafters LOVE a great audio book while we work or do chores, and I'm one of them!  In my swag bag was this copy of Anna Quindlen's "Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake"  (was it a coincidence that I, of all people, received on that references cake?)

Now, to finish up with a photo of more great people I got to see this weekend:

Here I am with Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet. She is wearing a design by my good pal, Tammy Hildebrand.  What a great compliment. One day, maybe Marcy will wear something of mine... we'll see.

TNNA Recap Part 1

So, I just got home from a few lovely days in Columbus Ohio at the The National Needlework Association's Summer Show.  Yarn companies, hooks/needles, book companies come from all over the world to show off their new products and colors.  It's an industry event and it's big business and great fun.

The ever talented and entertaining Marly Bird, designer and host of the Yarn Thing Podcast, organizes a dinner every year. Companies sponsor the event and give the designers "Swag" of great products to try out and use in our work. O MY GOODNESS, there are so many great yarns and products that I'll be telling you about probably for WEEKS.  It's so exciting.  The list is LONG of companies who shared their new stuff with us.  AND I'll be looking into doing a GIVEAWAY next week, because, it's simply too good not to share.

Here's a few of the sponsors and products
For the second year in a row....Namaste bags was a sponsor!  I STILL use my ZUMA bag that I received last year and I LOVE it.  They make bags specifically to meet the needs of fiber folks.  Animal friendly, PVC-free materials, great features that help crocheters and knitters keep track of our little tools while offering great spaces for snag-free yarn storage.  Not to mention the bags come in a variety of cool styles.  This year, I received the Skinny Mini bag in Eggplant. Gorgeous!  The perfect size for many crochet hooks, a pair of scissors, my tapestry needle, etc.  really, a great piece to go inside my Zuma bag. It comes in many colors so you can match it to your project bag or get a contrasting color.

(this is Namaste's photo) THANK YOU Namaste for making consistently great products.

Another sponsor from Last year who continues to support designers is... XRX books, Knitter's Magazine and Stitches Expos (All the same people).
They provided a variety of books from their line-up!  This year, I received:


Swing, Swagger Drape Knit the Colors of Australia by Jane Slicer Smith  and last year I received Gwen Bortner's Entree to Entrelac.  This weekend, I was able to take a class from Gwen about the business of teaching. 

The third sponsor for today's list is the Simplicity/Boye group who have some awesome new hooks and needles out!  Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude has some ergonomic crochet hooks in his line of tools. I'm looking forward to trying them out. Follow the link to check them out. I haven't take a photo of mine yet.

Left to right, Marly Bird, Kristin Omdahl, Mary Beth Temple, me, Jill Wright.  We were all contributors to Robyn Chachula's Unexpected Afghans book. The blanket shown is Linda Permann's blanket from the book. You can't see Robyn, because she was busy signing for LYS owners, but it was great fun.