Book Designs

Book Designs

Not Your Mama's Crochet: Sept 06 the book

What's mine in the book?
Well, you know about the Peacoat:







Another is the kimono inspired partial wrap sweater. Its made with my all time favorite yarn from Knit Picks: Ambrosia. Its half openwork half straight sc. Now that its done, I'm thinking I would like another one of these babies for summer. Nothing better then actually, liking and wearing your work, huh?








Lastly, is this quickie belt. Its truly a quick project. I made myself a prototype in an afternoon, and wore it that night.










Catwalk Crochet: 2007 Release

Lacy Tunic: Blog Details

Light weight, flowing sweater, but warm for the winter. Ribbed belt at waist, Bell Sleeves, Tear drop button closure.

Generation T

I am a DIY nut. I will always try to fix or fashion something myself before asking/ hiring a professional.

I think this is why I love this book.

I have this secret (ok, its not that secret) desire to take all of my cute architect's t-shirts and fashion them into something else. He has hundreds, by the way. Many are circa 1985, and not in the cool punk way. I've been toying with quilting them into a blanket, an idea from my sis and cousin, but I stink at (and really don't like) sewing that many pieces together.

So again, I think this is why I really like this book. Her diagrams are really easy to follow (got to love, No Reading Required!), and the patterns are quite simple to create from. Now, most of these fashions, I could never pull off, but my wealth of nieces could! (We have 16 nieces and nephews, and are still counting). So if you have a teenager that wants to throw out all her tees, you might want to have her look at this first. It could be super easy summer clothes!

Sweaterbabe's New Book

I received this book last night from Amazon. And all I can say is WOW!

If you are looking for fun fashions for crochet, GO GET IT!

I love openwork. And Katherine uses it all throughout the book, in cardigan, cowl sweaters, car coats, tanks... Its great. My favorite is the green "Collared Shawl Wrap Cardigan" made from an angora blend. Not only would this cardigan be fun to wear, it would be amazingly soft. The book has patterns that you can definitely use over and over for gifts for yourself, daughter, or mother. I actually would recommend this over the Stitch and Bitch: Happy Hooker Book.

I highly suggest you go check it out!

Another cool tidbit about Katherine is that she is living my dream. She went to school for IE (industrial engineering) and her curving path lead her to be a full-time crochet designer. Very cool.

Morning Craftiness

So any of those who know me, know that I am a complete "joy" to be around in the mornings. This was no exception.

I am sure you have all been here: You are getting ready for work, late as usual. About to take Faye out, when you realize that you have a meeting today. Which (b/c my day job as a structural engineer- I don't normally have to wear nice office clothes) means you have to go back and change, so you run back in, search through your closet for that one last ironed shirt. Yell "oh, crum" (not really- I'm much more nasty in the morning), b/c you realize that your last ironed shirt is the one that needs cuff links. You hate this shirt, b/c you have lost the original cuff links and the spare set already, and why on gods green earth did you buy a shirt that needed cuff links? Option one: heck with the shirt- wear a sweater, even though you are going to probably sweat b/c its going to be 70 today. Option two: Make cuff links.

What did I do? Made my own cuff links in 30 seconds flat! Here they are (sorry about the crummy pic- taken at work before my meeting):

I was quite impressed with myself! I grabbed some glass beads my sister gave me for the holidays and some jewelry wire I have laying around. ( I have numerous half finished craft projects all throughout my house, so this is not weird at all.) Made sure the beads would fit through the buttonholes. Then wired them up in a figure eight pattern, cut off the extra wire. Slipped them in the holes, and off I went.

I was so pleased with myself, that I didn't even need my coffee!

It lends me to believe, that if I can be this crafty when I am cranky and half asleep. What can I do when I am awake?

I love Swatches

Nothing better then fooling around with yarn to see what it can do!

Check out my Flickr set:

I love making them so much, I signed up for the Yarn of the Month Club. Being surprised is the best!

Can you pick out the designer yarn?

Before I get started, I want to make myself clear. I adore all these yarns. They all are incredible, but when they differ so much in cost, it just makes you wonder....

Can you pick out the designer yarn?
Lets start with cost: (all from online sources)
a. $7.85 for 137 yds (5.7 cents per yard)
b. $2.98 for 109 yds (2.7 cents per yard)
c. $6.00 for 185 yds (3.2 cents per yard)
d. $9.95 for 146 yds (6.8 cents per yard)

How about fiber content:
a. 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere
b. 60% Baby Alpaca, 30% Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere
c. 100% Alpaca
d. 50% Superfine Alpaca, 50% Silk

Care: All except "a" are handwash only. "a" can be machine washed.
Gauge: All are about 28 st to 4 in on US 3 needles

The touch test? All are super soft, but IMHO: D, A, B, C (starting with softest)

So what's your guess?

Reason for rambling? Well, when designing and sketching new patterns, sometimes I get a bit upset that the project with be breaking a fellow crocheter's bank. When I know that I couldn't even afford to look at some of these yarns, am I really being a good designer by using them? Or am I being overly sensitive? So my conclusion, is that if you can afford the designer yarn, by all means, please use it. They are really nice. But if you can't, that shouldn't stop you from using something not as soft, but just as pretty, and won't kill the bank. So for now, if I use a designer yarn in one of my patterns, you will be able to check here for the less expensive version. I just feel like that's my duty to you.

Dying for the answers? a. Cashmerino Baby by Debbie Bliss b. Baby Cashmere by Elann.com c. Classic Lite by the Alpaca Co d. Alpaca Silk by Blue Sky Alpaca

Correction!

Thanks to a great crocheter, here is a correction to the Spider Shrug.

On Row 3 and 51, there is an extra ch 3 after you DC in the center SC. Here is what row 3 should look like:

Row 3: DC in CH 1 space, *CH 3, skip next 3 DC, DC 3 times in CH 3 space, CH 3, skip one SC, DC in next SC, CH 3, skip next SC, {DELETED CH 3} DC 3 times in CH 3 space, CH 3, skip next 3 DC, DC in CH 1 space*, repeat * * 3(4, 4, 5) times, {M and XL only} DC in turning CH, CH 1, turn, {S and L only} CH 3, skip next 3 DC, DC 3 times in CH 3 space, CH 3, skip one SC, DC in next 2 SC, CH 3, turn

Hope this helps!

Where have I been?

Man, I've been blogger lazy.

Things are definitely moving over here.

Putting the final touches on the kimono, and FINISHED the peacoat:

Here's the front. Its a very fitted winter coat. Great to wear to the office on cold days. Or as your winter jacket for everyday. It has cute little features like a back belt and pockets. The pattern also has suggestions for other variations.

It will be published in Not Your Mama's Crochet Book Its coming this fall, so check your bookstores then. The book is going to be great! If you want cool fashions, this will be the book to add to your library.

I am so excited about this coat!
Off to go admire my work. I find it hard not to just Ogle it. We're having a dinner party tonight, and I am half thinking of making it the centerpiece on the table! JK- I am way to neurotic about getting it dirty.

JACKPOT!

Go check out Happily Handmade giveaway

They are doing an amazing giveaway of fantastic baskets made up of all sorts of great goodies from all their indi sponsors. Trust me- they are fantastic baskets! While you are there, check out some of their sponsors sites- holy cow! These people are great! I have seen tons of stuff I will order!

Spring is in the Air

The new spring issue of CrochetMe is up!

Its all about Amigurumi dolls. The dolls made by SC continuously in a spiral to create the basic form. Click here to see the basics. Or click Timmy the Toad and he will take you to the gallery of ones done by some of the designers at CrochetMe. That's the neat part. We all used Kim's basic form, yet all our creatures are very different. I can't wait to see what our readers come up with themselves!




Looking for accessories? Check out my belt pattern. Its a Victorian edging made into belt. You can make yours in any yarn you wish, just follow my tips in the pattern. I think one made from Berroco's Suede would be awesome!

Want more? Just wait. I will have a very summery shrug coming soon on CrochetMe.

What's Next?

My sister appropriately asked, "Well what's next?" And she's right, here at Crochet by Faye,we are finishing up the construction on the kimono and peacoat. So where are we going?

We are charging ahead with sketches and swatches to be sent out to magazines, designs for CrochetMe summer edition, and more patterns for sale at NiceKnits.

So more interesting is, "What's been inspiring you?"

In a word- LAYERS!! I love the new spring line with the layering of vest on tees over dresses with big belts and cute shoes.
Some of my favorites:

1. Vests

Check out Athropologie:

Big surprise that I love openworked knits, but I really love them paired with cute springy skirts and dresses.



2. Jackets

Check out Ann Taylor:

Who can go wrong with the classic belted raincoat? You look professional and stylish.




3. Belts

Check out Neet Magazine:

Thick, thin, long, short. They are the greatest accessory to show off your personal taste. So why go retail? Check out the amazing indie designers, for your one of a kind look.

One Down!

Last night i finished the first of my 3 sweaters!

Remember when Suzie was wearing the mockup?

Well look what's she's wearing now:

I am very pleased with the style and fit of this cardi. I think it will be a great layering peice. And will look great with a pair of jeans or your favorite skirt.

The pattern will be available in August from JCA Crafts. It is sized from a 32" bust up to a 48" bust. The openwork pattern stitch goes amazingly quick. All in all, it took about a week for me to construct. I will let you know when it comes out, if any of you are interested.

YEAH! ONE DOWN!

Knitter's Review

You all know how much I get inspired just by playing with swatches. Well, I also love a good yarn review. It saves so much time, when you know a certain yarn will or won't work for your project. For that, I go over to the e-zine: Knitter's Review Go check them out. I find them to be VERY insightful!

On a related note: Yarns I am currently swatching with:

Knit Picks: Ambrosia
Knitter's Review

My all-time favorite yarn. It is so soft, its yummy. The stitch definition is beautiful. I'm a nut about sweaters- and with this yarn, I could never have enough. Its so wonderful, and not itchy, that you can make anything that you would wear against your skin; scarf, hat, gloves, tops...




K1C2: 2nd Time Cotton
Knitter's Review

This yarn just speaks to my eco friendly side. Its recycled cotton from the garment industry. I just think that's so cool! After a night of swatching, its a great yarn for purses and hats. Sweaters not so much, the ribbing gets all stretched out after one wear. But cool tanks, would look awesome, b/c it holds pattern stitches amazingly well.


Noro: Kochoran
Knitter's Review: For another Noro Yarn: Transitions- but mentions Kochoran

This yarn is expensive, I won't lie about that. The amazing colorway it creates is so beautiful, it is almost worth your paycheck. It just slowly melts into another color, and another, and another. It would be great for really warm sweaters that you will only make once, and cherish forever. It is a wool, so if you can't stand itchiness, DON'T buy.

March Madness

So with the Crochet Olympics over, my group of crocheters decided to continue our drive into March.

So my "official" challenge.... Finish the three sweaters you see in my DQ'ed post.

For some this may be easy, for me- very challenging. If you couldn't tell already, I tend to wander in my interest in projects. I always have at least a dozen projects going on at once. Well, not this month. This month- only 3.

Wish me luck!