Dino and the Dinolets

Sometimes the simplest objects make the most fun gifts for kids. Dino and his friends are simple extended triangles with spheres for feet. So easy you can stitch up in a night and play the day away in the morning!  Pattern premiered last month at the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet festival.  

Yarn:
SWTC Saphira (CYCA #5),
100% Superwash Merino
Wool, 131 yds/ 100g:
MC: Aqua 602 1 hank
CC1: Red 601 75 yds
CC2: Lime 598 20 yds
CC3: Yellow 562 10 yds

Hooks:
K/10.5 (6.5mm) hook or
hook needed to obtain
gauge

Notions:
Tapestry needle for
weaving in ends.
Polyfil Stuffing
Stitch Markers

Stitches Used:
CH Chain
SL ST Slip Stitch
SC Single Crochet
ST Stitch
SK Skip
PM Place Marker
BLO Backloop Only

Finished sizes:
Large Dino is about 9” tall
by 5” wide. Medium
Dino is about 6” tall by 3”
wide. Small Dino is
about 4” tall by 2” wide.

Gauge:
14 sc by 14 rnds = 4”x4”

Notes:
Yarn amounts are given for
all the dinos.
Dinos are worked in spirals
rounds, without joining
and chaining at each
end.
More pictures at my flickr set.

 $5, PDF Download Only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

Reims Baby Quilt

As promised weeks ago, here is the Reims Baby Quilt! The pattern preimered at the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet festival to great reviews.  I hope you all enjoy it as much.  Amazingly, I crocheted this 3 years ago.  I know before CJ was even born!  It was a fun project for me to do while waiting at all those doctors appointments so long ago.  The blanket is made from motifs that are crocheted together with a single crochet seam.  No, weaving in of ends, you just crochet over them all.  And the motifs are super portable that you can crochet one while waiting in long grocery store lines.  Loosely based on traditional diamond quilts mixed with inspiration from gothic stained glass windows, this baby blanket will leave any new parent in awe of your wonderful gift for the new little one.  Make it as shown, or in the optional quilt layout included in the pattern.  

Yarn: 
SWTC Tranquility (CYCA 4), 70% Wool, 30% Bamboo, 142 yds/ 80g: 

MC: Blue 895 4 (4) balls
CC1: Aqua 893 2 (2) balls
CC2: Olive 901 1 (2) ball(s)
CC3: Gold 899 60 (60) yds

Hooks:
I/9 (5.5mm) hook or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends. 
Wool wash and blocking pins. 
Stitch Markers

Stitches Used:
CH Chain
SL ST Slip Stitch
SC Single Crochet
DC Double Crochet
ST Stitch
SK Skip
t-ch turning chain

Finished sizes:
Quilt is 33” in diameter

Gauge:
Diamond Motif =6”x2½”

Notes:
Yarn amounts are given for Layout A (Layout B). 
Quilt pictured shown is Layout A.

$5, PDF Download Only


Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

Mini Update

As I mentioned, I have been a bit busy... hee hee that is such an understatement.  Now, I like busy.  I thrive on  busy.  But this has been crushing/ can't breathe busy.  Luckily, it has been crochet related, so that takes all the sting out of being so swamped.

One giant hurtle was crossed-off on my to do list, and instead of jumping into the next giant project I decided to breathe and reflex for a moment on the past month.  My month was filled with so much crochet and finishing that cramping hands was just a fact of life. The thumbnails on the side here are just a few of the projects we finished.  We?  yes, I had quite the gang of helpers.  Rebecca, Diane, Megan, Ginny; all worked around the clock with me to get these together.  They would crochet the large sections while I would be writing/ diagramming the necklines or armholes.  If I didn't move fast enough, I would have them send them back and I would crochet on all the shoulders or arms myself.  Then I would take all the pieces, block them, crochet on edgings and the other finishing.  If you have crocheted my work, you know that the finishing can take as long as crocheting the large sections sometimes.  To say it was a joint effort is an understatement.   One in particular is my favorite.  It is a top down sweater.  While I was crocheting the yoke, Rebecca was crocheting the sleeves.  Yes, on a top down project that has no seams!  We are just that talented.  I will let you know which project it is when the book comes out next year, but I can tell you, you will never be able to guess.  We crocheted them together seamlessly.  (If you have taken Crochet Like a Pro class with me, you know this technique too.)

The sad part was that we had to crochet this on the way to my cousin's funeral last week.  We really had a tough month... if you have followed me on twitter you know the story.  My cousin was very young, only 36. She has 2 kids, 3 and 5 in age.  It was liver cancer.  And no matter how much you are "ready" you are never ready, even though she was.  She was an amazing person, as all my family are.  I am very lucky to have very  loving, funny, and wonderful family (both in marriage and by birth).  So while we were grieving, I was feeling very lucky to have such a loving family to get to remember her with.  I really can't express how much it means to me that I get to work with my other cousin Rebecca.  It makes me happy to know that Tara would have loved to cheer us on and hear about all our funny crochet stories.  

 Speaking of Rebecca, I know some of you have gotten to email her and chat with her on Ravelry.  Isn't she the best?  I think so.  Especially for me to know that she can answer your pattern questions, instead of you having to wait weeks until I get a chance to write you.

Where do I stand now?  Can I breathe yet?  Well, not really; but soon.  I have these projects done, now I need to polish them (aka edit them) to make them as clear as possible and make that into a book.  I'll talk more about the book when I feel like it is really a book.  It is not even listed anywhere yet, so this is our secret for now.  While doing that, I took on a new job.  I have been editing, ghost designing, and drawing diagrams for a new publication.  This publication I am very excited for.  I really think you guys will like it, I know I do.  I can't mention what it is yet, but of course I will as soon as I can.  For now, I can just enjoy the work.  Basically, I am engineering other designers projects into workable patterns and diagrams.  I love it.  I needed a break from the constant flow of creative design work. I was staring to get worried that my designs where getting stale.  Pausing that for a minute (ok, not really a pause but slowing down); has really reminded me what I love about crochet.  Working on others patterns is so inspiring.  I love getting to see how they think.  Along with this work is some work for magazines and a yarn company.  Those are super secret, so I will leave it at that.  I am hoping in a month or two I will be feeling more on top of my work load.   Well speaking of that, I better get back at it.

Hope you enjoy the tiny glimpse into my work.  I will be back with more concrete news soon!

Welcome, Rebecca!

Linked Jacket, Simply Crochet, Interweave 2011

I hope you all will join me in welcoming Rebecca to my Crochet By Faye team.  Rebecca has been my contract crocheter forever, literally.  (The pictures are just a few of the many things she has crocheted for me.)  Rebecca is my cousin, you see; and we have been obsessed with crochet together.  Besides just a shared obsession, Rebecca, is the person I lean on to help me crochet; meaning she is the first editor of all the patterns I give her to make.  Many times she has to decode the ramblings and craziness that comes out of this brain.  She is my crochet savoir.

After our weekend together at the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival, I had a brainstorm. See after talking to so many of you wonderful crocheters, I felt really guilty that I am going to go radio silent on my email and Ravelry for the next 2 months.  My workload is so nuts, in a good way, that I really can't keep up.  That should be no surprise to you waiting to hear back from me!  I just get so behind on my email and Ravelry messages, that I can't find the time to answer you when CJ gives me so few spare minutes to think.  Step in Rebecca!

Rosa Car Coat, Baby Blueprint Crochet, Interweave 2010

Once again she is willing to come to my rescue!  She has agreed to field all your crochet questions.  If you stopped by the booth, you know that she is super knowledgeable!  Honestly, it is like we share the same brain; and we sort of do.  You will get the exact same laid back approach I have to crochet, with her.  You will get expert knowledge; she has taken all my classes, reviewed all my DVDs, read all my books.  In some cases, I feel like she knows my work better then I do!  She is also an active member of the Three Rivers Crochet Guild (which is an awesome group if you are looking for a group to crochet with on Saturdays; I should know, I go whenever I can!)

Starting today, I will be forwarding all your crochet questions to her; so I know that you will have help.  And honestly, in my sleep deprived state; it is much better help then I can give you!  You can contact her directly at rebecca at crochetbyfaye .com.  You can contact her on Ravelry at RebeccaCrochets.   She has gotten all your questions that I have not gotten to in the last few months, so please give her time to get caught up.

Thank you, thank you, thank you; Rebecca!  And welcome!

Sunflower Jumper, Crochet By Faye Pattern Line

Szechuan Sweater, Interweave Crochet Fall 2009

Thank You!

 Thank you for everyone who came out this weekend to the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Show.  I know it was tough with all the snow, so I really appreciate everyone that stopped by!  My cousin, Rebecca, and I really had a great time chatting with you all about crochet.  I just love how everyone is so excited about crochet.  All my classes were packed with wonderful crocheters that were so fun to teach and hang out with, that it makes coming back year after year so much fun.  You all really keep me on my toes, I am not sure what to teach next year!

I really hope you all enjoy the books and patterns you purchased from me.  I am so sorry we sold out of Simply Crochet so fast on Saturday, next time I promise to plan better!  We had printed patterns from crochet by faye, all my books, DVDs, and necklaces!  I love making jewelry, and thank you so much for all your kind words on them!  I do have a few left over, so when I get a free chance I will put them up on etsy to sell.

We had a few brand new patterns for sale at the show.  Dino and the dinolets and Reims Quilt (see the pictures).  I am hoping to have those up for sale here in a week or so.  The best seller at the show was the Sunflower Jumper.  I was so pleased!  I love that sweater, and was so happy to see so many others love it too.  Funny actually, none of the best sellers at Ravelry sold even 1 pattern.  How about that, right?

The best part was seeing old friends and making new ones!  I made a number of people stop and talk to me because I recognized their crochet projects. Speaking of, I spotted 2 Beatrice Scarfs.  That made me SMILE.

I really can not express how much fun the entire weekend was, snow and all.  I know there is so much more to share, but I am still too spacy from it all!  I will be going pretty quiet again for a bit.  I am reading a really good book that I need to concentrate on (wink wink).  Then I need to finish crocheting 7 projects by the 28th.  I will be back, though, with lots and lots of fun new things!

Here are some posts from some of the crocheters I talked to at the festival  (if you have one let me know and I will include your blog post too!):

Amaryllis Musings
Not Your Gram's Afghan

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.