Seamless Crochet Review

I am hoping you have all by now have seen Kristin Omdahl's latest book, Seamless Crochet: Techniques and Designs for Join-As-You-Go Motifs , advertised.  I can tell you first hand, it is just as beautiful as you think it is.  Seriously, it has all of Kristin's beautiful projects, plus tons of stitch diagrams to help you along with the seamless technique.

The lowdown on the book is a fantastic old technique of making continuous strips of motifs without having to fasten off.  I had seen this done in an old Japanese book, which totally blue me away, years ago.  And since then, when I crochet sometimes I slip right into the seamless method just to avoid weaving in ends.  Now you have seen this before from me (in a much much much simpler way), just look at my heading that's the Madison Scarf from my first book, Blueprint Crochet.  That is the seamless technique.  It looks like a bunch of circles but its just regular crochet with really long rows.  In Seamless Crochet , Kristin starts off simple going in rows, then she kicks it up a notch to show you how to go in diagonals and 3 dimensions.  It is mind blowing awesome.  If you love granny motifs as much as I do, I really urge to you get the book and learn this technique.  It is so inspiring and fun, and I am in love with Kristin for creating such a great book for us to use!

I took the blog tour opportunity to hassle my friend, Kristin, a bit.  It can be so hard being a friend, when I am such a fan too.  She is so sweet and went along with me and answered my burning questions.  Hope you enjoy!

RC: You know I am a total nerd, and have an obsession about researching cool techniques that are not used frequently here in the US. I do know your crochet genius pretty well, and you can come up with these techniques without all my geeky research.   But how about this book? How did you come up with the concept for Seamless Crochet ? 

KO: I was reading an old Japanese magazine with color coded charts written in four colors and couldn't understand the color coding. I studied it for days and had an a-ha moment when I realized the technique. I then worked on figuring out how to manipulate different shaped and different types of grids (offset and straight up and down) of joining and tried to figure out how to make this "seamless technique" work for all of them. I practiced the technique on random motifs for a year before feeling confident I could design a collection of motifs and even figure out shaping to create 3-dimensional projects using this technique. It took a while to figure out how to best write the explanation in line-by-line instructions.

RC:  Now that you have so well defined this technique, I am jumping up and down to use it on everything.  But where do you see this technique being best utilized?

KO:  Well, I have been using it every motif project I've ever done since learning the technique. But as a designer under deadline pressure (as I'm sure you understand), eliminating the time of weave in hundreds of ends really appeals to me. However, for the hobbyist who is looking to take a project on the go, this might not be the best project. It takes a little extra attention, too, so maybe a stitch party with wine I would take a different project, too. At least until you totally understand it.

RC:  Besides the technique its self, What most inspired the aesthetic design of projects for this book?

KO: This was a total puzzle geeky project for me. I was inspired by geometry and tried to push the technique to the limits of what I could do with it. The mobius and cowl were feats to figure out how to join the fabric in the round while maintaining the continuous thread of yarn without cutting. The shawls with shaping were very difficult to figure out at first, especially figuring out the sequence of where the shaping should go. But once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing, and the patterns are not difficult to follow once you get the idea of what you are doing. The hats I am especially proud of because now that I've figured out 3-dimensional projects, I know I can do any style of sweater yoke, too. That would be a really fun exploration in my future.

RC: Living in Florida, it can be amazingly hot and humid. How do you stay motivated to design cold weather things when it is sweltering outside?

KO: I despise air conditioning, so you'd be surprised how often I feel cold here! I wear shawls year round in movie theaters and restaurants and our winters are just cold enough to need hand knit sweaters without having to hide them under coats! So I wear hand knit and crochet items almost year round. I find Florida to be especially inspiring to me because I love the nature so much and love to recreate the textures I see in nature in my fabric textures.

RC: Do you have any favorite gift projects for others living in warm weather climates like your own?

KO: One of the projects that I want to talk about is the Flower Trivets. I think they are great trivets, but my original idea was to make them Exfoliating Washcloths and use them in a gift box or basket with various spa products. I love to make my own sugar scrubs and bath bombs and think that if you used soothing spa colors, that would make a FANTASTIC gift! If you don't feel comfortable making the body products, you could purchase them separately but put them in the gift package.

RC:  You have heard me say this before, but you know I adore your creative and unique ways of pieces projects together that always blow my mind. Where do you find inspiration for your dramatic and amazing crochet projects?


KO: Nature for sure. Especially geometry in nature. But I also find inspiration in geometry period. I can find inspiration in the geometry of tile work, cracked pavement (seriously, I know that sounds weird), and sometimes I come up with ideas in my dreams, too.

RC:  How long have you been designing in crochet?  What was your first project you designed?

KO: I've been designing in knit AND crochet as long as I've been knitting and crocheting. I lived overseas when I taught myself both crafts and due to the fact that I had very limited resources for patterns, I was forced to create my own things if I wanted to stitch! You have no idea how grateful I am for that now! It forced me to become a designer whether I wanted to or not! I love what I do more than words, but had no idea back then that it would snowball into a career to support my son as a single mom.

RC:  I know that you are super crafty, what is it about crochet that appeals to you?

KO:I used to sew before I knit and crocheted. I think it is super math geeky that we create our fabric instead of just cutting it. I ADORE making lace stitch patterns for crochet (and knitting) and watching the geometric pattern blossom in the negative space when blocked. That always makes me smile. And I ADORE the luxury fibers we have the privilege of working with every day: from the artisan hand dyed colors and the luxury fibers, I would never want to choose just one.

RC: You have changed the landscape of knitting and crocheting by making it much more beautiful.  What is next for Kristin Omdahl?

KO: Thank you, Robyn! It's funny, but I'm looking to go in three extreme directions in my next book projects. One involves very little yardage, one involves more yardage than most books out there, and one involves a totally different set of materials -- but all three are knit and crochet books. Ha! How's that for a puzzle clue?


What a tease!  Now don't you love her too?  I really hope you take a chance to check out this book.  It is such a great one to have in your crochet library!
  Seamless Crochet BLAD

TNNA Recap

Before the book signing.

This TNNA in Phoenix last weekend was great!

Me and Miriam Felton, and yes we are
 wearing the exact same dress!

It was the first one in more then I can remember, I only had 1 thing scheduled.  It was fantastic.  I had a late afternoon book signing and that's it.  Meaning, I actually had time to talk to people and look at all the booths.  Well, not really the later.  I am a talker.  I ate up all my time talking to people.  Seriously, I talked nonstop for 3 days straight.  That's what you get when you work in an attic alone (except for a toddler and dog).  Get me near real people and I don't stop.  Ask anyone, some had to run from the jabber mouth I am!

Simona Merchant-Dest, Me, Marly Bird

Anyway, it was great!  It was also awesome talking to SO many yarn store owners that all have crochet in their shops. Honestly, at my book signing I probably talked to 50 or more store owners that all have crochet.   If yours doesn't, they are really starting to be in the minority; and need to get on the crochet train.  I found the ones that really did want to have crochet and didn't was only a matter of having no one to teach.  So if yours doesn't and you can help, doesn't hurt to offer to teach some classes.

As always, I had a blast with all my yarny friends.  And these are only a few of the pictures I could find.  I don't know where I put Sunday and Monday's pictures.  I really did chat and really chat with so many great people my head is spinning.

Anne Lukito and I in her hats

I did come back with some goodies too. I am usually terrible about getting goodies, being so scattered.  I got to spend some nice time with Berroco at this show.  They gave out these adorable samples of yarn. I have not had the chance in forever to catch up with their yarns.  It was so nice to discuss and really get to study the yarns to see what I think would be great in crochet.  And boy, there are a ton in their yarn line.  I will have to tell you more when I can swatch more, but keep them on your radar for a great yarn to pick up at your local yarn store.

Goodies from TNNA

The books you see are for you guys.  I got a copy of both the Best of Interweave Crochet and Custom Crocheted Sweaters for you guys.  I will do a giveaway later this winter so be on the lookout!

Ok, so back to my crazy book deadline that I am swimming in.

CSVE Inspired Project

I am in LOVE with this project by Denise on her Voie de Vie blog.


She look a bunch of the stitch patterns from the book and combined them for a fabulous afghan.  She was nice enough to write down her recipe with where in the book you can look for the motif pattern and edging and such.


Love it, Denise.  Thank you so much for sharing it!


If you have a CSVE inspired project, please email me I'd love to see it!

Come Join Me: Knit and Crochet Festival Pittsburgh, PA

Come Crochet With ME!


I'm heading back to the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival Feb 10-12th, 2012 with lots of new things.


Backstory:  Ok, so I started teaching at this festival years ago from my cousin telling the event organizer that her  cousin was a designer.  Since that introduction, I have taught every year (except when CJ was so little and I was nursing).  Why do I keep coming back year after year?  The people!  Seriously, you will be blown away by the skill and love of all things fibery in Pittsburgh.  Everyone is super excited to touch new yarns, meet other yarny friends, and general glee of yarn fun; it is totally infectious.  


This year:  I will be teaching and, new this year, I will have a booth! (Booth #57) I will be selling all my books, DVDs, patterns, and (totally new) crochet jewelry. Crochet will totally be represented you believe me!  Of course, anything I don't sell there I will keep in case any of you wanted a chance to purchase it too. 


Classes:


Friday Feb 10th, 2012 2-5pm:
Guide to Tunisian Crochet: Woven Fabric with one hook
Often confused with both knitting and crochet, Tunisian crochet is an art form all unto itself making the most unique woven fabric. In class we will learn how to make the basic stitches, then dive into crocheting with color. We will discuss Tunisian Crochet stitch diagrams and tips to making the most beautiful fabric.  I will have samples of all my Tunisian Stitch Patterns from Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia ; and Tunisian Projects from Simply Crochet .  We will go from basic to color fast, to have fun and keep us laughing. 

Sunday Feb 12th, 2012  9-10am: 
Crocheting with Color
Come get a taste of how to get powerful results in all your crochet colorwork projects. We will discuss the simplicity of mosaic crocheting, the joy of slip stitch embroidery, and easy ways to stay on track in charted color.  This mini class will get you excited about color and give you inspiration to go have a color explosion.  

   Sunday Feb 12th, 2012  3-4pm:

Go International!

Come see how easy it is to crochet around the world with symbol diagrams. We will discuss crochet symbol charts and how to use them, plus we will look at crochet patterns from Japan, Russia, and Belgium; and dissect them to see how easy it is to use them with symbol diagrams.

Hope to see you there!  I will be crocheting and I hope you stop by Booth 57 to say hi!

Interweave Crochet Winter 2011

Amaryllis Tunic, Interweave Crochet Magazine

Another project that slipped by the blog, is my Amaryllis Tunic in Interweave Crochet Winter 2011 Issue.

This is the project that when finished last year, I said it's either brilliant or awful.  The jury is still out for me.   My vision was a tunic that you wear over leggings and tall boots.

To be honest, this top was made for teenagers in mind specifically.  It is actually sized from pre-teen.  I don't do many teenager fashions, that is probably why I am still waffling on it.  I was thinking a mashup of plaid and flowers.  The empire waist is really high to hit right under your bust (if you are built like a teenager that is, aka, not like me).

It is a blast to crochet though.  The plaid is super fun with little chain spaces built in for your embroidery.  The motifs are easily memorized sc and ch pattern. The yarn is fantastic, Cascade superwash.  I think I have used it at least 10 time since crocheting this sweater.  

You can check out all the pictures over at ravelry, and let me know what you think.  Would your teenager wear it?

New Year, lots of crocheting

Winterburn Hexagon, Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia 

Happy New Year, everyone!

Motifs from project

How was everyone's holidays?  I spent mine working, granted not as much as I wanted, but working still.  I got  a couple of projects squared away, and a number underway.  Both that can be tough.  Now I am just looking forward to getting back on schedule.  The top two photos are both motif garments that I designed on break.  The pumpkin one I crochet 75% then handed it off to my cousin.  She is SO much faster then me, and I'm not slow.  I bet she can whip through 2 balls of yarn at a sitting.  The bottom one is a top down project that I am loving the design, not the yarn.  The yarn is fine to crochet with, I am just not happy with the variegation.  I would have loved it if the white was not there.  Oh well, I'll add it to "when I run a yarn company" list.  The last is some necklaces I made my friends for Christmas.  My best friends and I long gave up on gifts for each other.  But every now and then I like to make them something.  Being a mom, you so rarely get anything pretty, and I wanted something like that for them.  I liked making them so much, that I think I will be selling the necklaces and pattern at the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival.

Holiday Necklaces for Friends

Oh wait, I totally forgot to tell you guys about that, right?  Man. I am out of it.  Yes, I'm going to be teaching a few classes again this year.  New, is that I will have a booth.  I will be selling my books, patterns, and DVDs from there.  I am thinking that I will make a bunch of these necklaces too.  That way, when a non-crocheter goes by there is something they can purchase too.  I will have to tell you guys more soon.  It is coming up in little over a month.

Also in just a few weeks is TNNA in Phoenix.  I will be going to sign copies of Simply Crochet.  If your yarn store wants a copy, tell them I will be signing. But really, I am going to play with my best friend's baby for a few days and get out of this crazy cold.  I figure un-thawing my brain for the weekend will help more then it will hurt, even though my deadline is so close.  

Top Down Crocheting Project

What deadline?  Oh yeah, I'm writing yet another book and I have a nasty deadline that I am 5 sweaters behind on at the end of January.  I know, I could pass out myself.  I keep saying, at least it is not 10.  The worst part is this book is the book I have been waiting to write for years.  I have been given full creative and technical vision.  Yet, I am so tired that I am getting frustrated that I am not doing it justice.  I would love if I could have 3 more months, but that's crazy talk.

Ok, so I really should be either crocheting or designing.  More soon on the Pittsburgh Festival.

Ballet Rock Cardigan Winner

Congratulations to Katelyn for winning the Lorna's Laces yarn and pattern for Ballet Rock Cardigan.  I have sent you an email, so please check your junk folder if you have not received it yet.

Hope you enjoy the pattern and yarn!

Simply Crochet Countdown to Fun: Spa Shawl Top and Tunic

Very sadly, today is our last stop on the blog tour.  I have really enjoyed sharing with you some of my favorite people in the crochet world.  I hope you have enjoyed as well.


If you haven't been hook yet by Simply Crochet , today might just be the kicker.  I have been waiting and waiting to show you the masterpiece in the book, Spa Shawl Top by Doris Chan.  Now, you all know of Doris's genius right?  Let's pretend you have no idea who I am talking about for a second, and let me wax on about her.  

Besides being a wizard with a crochet hook, she is my guru.  Her designs run that line of modern and fresh and classic and beautiful.  I seriously have no idea how she does it.  She can take a dated doily, and throw it on its head and make it the most amazing stunning project you have ever seen.  Of course, she can manipulate complex pineapple stitch patterns and make them into stunning garments with just an extra chain or shell here and there.  I swear, it is magic.  My very very analytic brain is stumped on how she comes up with her designs, and I just stand back in awe.  


Now if you honestly have not seen her work, you need to run over and check out her books.  Then check out her line of crochet patterns online and at Tahki Stacy Charles and at Interweave.  By the time you are done, you will see what I mean.  (in looking at all her work, I fell in love with a new one.  What do you think?)


I can't wait to hear her thoughts on the project.  My directions to her was a doodle I scribbled on a note at the Crochet Guild conference.  From that, she made this beautiful feminine top.  

Simply Crochet Countdown to Fun: Dots and Dashes Blanket

Ok, so by now you have seen kids clothes, women's accessories, toys, and baskets; all that can be made with 1, 3, or 5 balls of yarn.  But today, I am here to proudly show you a fantastic blanket that you can make with less then 5 balls of yarn.


Of course, this stunner would come from Ellen Gormley.  Ellen does the most creative granny square projects.  Her afghan designs are usually the ones that I bookmark, because I want to make them too.  This is not a surprise, if you have seen her book Go Crochet.  It is filled with inspiration to take the simple granny square motif and run.  I can't wait to see what she has to say about the blanket on her blog.  I can tell you that I jumped when I got her swatch and sketch, and said yup!  I love it.  From that very very early stage, I knew i would adore it.  Now if only, I could swipe it for CJ's room.  

Simply Crochet Countdown to Fun: Linked Jacket

Today's project, Linked Jacket; has been in my proposal rejection pile for years.  I think I first proposed this maybe 5 years ago, maybe more.  It went through 4 different rounds of rejects from all the crochet editors.  And as you know, if they can't fit it in their magazines, I use it in my books.  Seriously, nearly all my projects in all my books are rejects from proposals I did for other publications.


I never look at projects that are rejected as bad ideas, but simply as not right for the issue or book at the time.  And when I love them, I usually write a book around them.  


Enter Linked Jacket.  It is an adorable jacket that uses as little as 4 balls of yarn.  When I was calculating the yarn I would need for it, I laughed.  4 balls?  How is that possible.  I was convinced my math was off.  Way off.  Normally, women's crochet projects are always like 10 balls of yarn.  Two things work in favor for this project, one its short sleeves... that cuts off a bunch right there.  And 2, the stitch pattern is essentially a bunch of chains with a single crochet every now and again.  The stitch that uses the least amount of yarn is the chain, that makes sense; but it is tiny.  Doing a quick experiment comparing a swatch made of chains and a swatch of single crochet.  The chain one still uses 15% less yarn.  The only challenge comes in when you want to use chain stitch patterns but you do not want a lacy fabric.  This is why I love this top so much. It is just a bunch of chain spaces separated by single crochets, and when turned on their side makes a very simple fabric of horizontal lines.  Nothing too lacy, nothing that pulls funny.  Hope you enjoy!

Simply Crochet Countdown to Fun: Float Vest and Cardigan

We are getting close to the end on our book tour, just 4 projects left to show off.  And 2 of the 4 are mine.  The Float Vest and Cardigan are an oversized top that could also be looked at as a shawl (with armholes).  It is a basic rectangle with holes for arms.  You can wrap your self up or belt it in the middle or leave it open.  The stitch pattern is a fun chain space trefoil lace, very easy to memorize and quick to crochet.  I crocheted the tan and my wonderful, amazing crocheter; Diane, crocheted the green.  It was funny being at crochet group and we both where working on it.  Easy to check that our gauges were matching!  One thing to point out.  This shawl/ top will grow.  The lace is extremely lacy and the wool/ cotton blend is a bit heavy.  The top will naturally grow over time.  If this bothers you, try sub'ing a non-shiny acrylic (think velcro, not silk).  The silkier and heavier the yarn, the more it will grow.  The stiffer and lighter, the less it will grow.  I personally think growth is no issue, since the top is oversized to begin with; who is going to notice months from now it is an inch bigger?  But I know that can annoy some, so just watch your yarn choice.  

Today is one of my favorites, not because I love the stitch pattern (I do) but because it shows how easy it is to add sleeves.  I love when I have a funny concept and Interweave says "yes please go for it, Robyn."  So my idea was to have a bunch of the projects in the book shown in two ways.  One as is, and one with one additional skein.  My thought was, what if you had one more ball of yarn.  What could you make with it?  In this case, sleeves!  In Doris's case in a few days, a crop top becomes a tunic.  We had a couple of others, but they had to be cut for space. Still, it is really neat to be able to explore even just a little what you can do with just one more ball of yarn.  Hope you enjoy!

Crocheted Softies Winners

Congrats to Kelly and Kacy!  You both won a copy of Crocheted Softies.  I have sent you both an email, so check your spam folder if you don't see it right away.  


When I asked CJ her favorites, she said..."mmm, I like doggies."  Me: "there are no doggies in the book."  Her:  "I like penguins."  Me:  "Peanut, I know you love penguins, but what animal in THIS book do you like best."  Her:  "Oh.  Owls have eyes."  Me:  "So you like the owls, with the big eyes?"  Her:  "Fishes have eyes too."  Me:  "Yes, they all have eyes..."  Needless to say, she wasn't much of a help.  So I picked two winners at random instead.  


Hope you guys enjoy the book!