Strapped for Bags, Volume 3

The Straight From Today's Designers group has put out Volume 3 of 'Strapped for bags' with 7 new designs by top designers: Dee Stanziano, Vashti Braha, Doris Chan, Tammy Hildebrand, Marty Miller, Amy O'Neill Houck and Noreen Crone-Findlay. See more details here. Don't forget, Volumes 1 and 2 and "Crochet Belts from the hip" are all available. Collect 'em all as PDF digital downloadable e-books.

This book includes felted bags, regular bags, tote bags, a backpack. Lots of good stuff. Enjoy.

The low-down on SFTDonline.com and catch-up

The new issue of the Crochet Insider is out! Congratulations Dora on another terrific issue. In this issue are some great interviews including one with Designer, author, teacher, Nancy Nehring. Go Check it out!

Also, there is a review of the Strapped for Bags vol 1 from the Straight From Today's Designer's Group in the new issue of the Crochet Insider. Thanks Dora for the great review. I love crocheted bags, they always fit! Bags/totes are what my friends request most often. Missy and Sue requested the Spa Bag (click at right). and Missy and Shelley both have requested a new bag that should be out NOW in Crafts N' Things magazine, Jan/Feb 2009 issue. Have you seen it? I haven't seen it yet. Does anyone get this magazine and can help me determine if I do in fact have a pattern in it? I couldn't find it on their website. As soon as I find out, I'll be able to reveal it.

What else is new? I was on Getting Loopy last night with Mary Beth Temple. Did you miss it? You can hear it here on archives. We just had a short conversation about the CGOA Mentor program. I took on the Mentor program back in October and have been working hard on developing the philosophy of the program and helping everyone utilize the program better. So far, the feedback has been good. Mentors are for members of CGOA who want a career in crochet and have made strides in achieving their goals but need a "consultant" to help further their efforts.

Lastly, for today's round up. I have formatted all the photographs for the "Repair a Granny Square" Tutorial. Now I just need to add all the text and descriptions, but here are a couple of starting photos:

Above is the basic granny square...

And the arch nemesis of yarn arrives and CUTS (ugh) a stitch. Imagine a toddler with scissors, or just a tear from wear, or some crafty critter gets a hold of your heirloom granny blanket...

And you're left with a HOLE in your granny square! Oh what to do?! Never fear, the Tutorial is here.... well, not here exactly, but coming the Tutorial is coming! Keep tuned as the week goes on and I will show you how I repaired this granny square.

Hobo Bag Revealed

This was the sneak peek, and here is the full peek! It's here! (well, any day it will be here)... Straight from Today's Designer is Bag Book, volume 2! Here's my felted Hobo Bag crocheted side to side with two strands of wool held together. Check out all the bags in this second of 3 volumes. Don't forget volume 1 and the Belt book are also still available at the same link.

Strapped For Bags

The Straight from Today's Designers group has done it again!

This bag book has 7 designs, available on Ravelry (and here at GoCrochet) any day now. This book includes designs by Pam Gillette, Margaret Hubert, Carrie Sullivan, Gwen Blakely-Kinsler, Noreen Crone-Findlay, Christy McMahon and Myra Wood. This says 'Volume 1', because there are MORE volumes coming! I have a bag in volume 2, and there is rumor of a third volume. Wow, crochet friends, you are seeing history in the making. You are seeing the industry changing right before your very eyes! Designers joining together for a mutually beneficial project getting designs to the consumer faster than ever. Fantastic.

The Captain and I took Chickee and Chief to Indianapolis this weekend for a quick trip to the Indianapolis Zoo and the Indianapolis Children's Museum. I have lots of crochet sightings and crochet inspiration to share with you! This is what's coming in the next several days!