The Knit Kit

Is this not the coolest little device? I saw it while I was reading Marty's blog about TNNA.

Looks like it comes out in March, and you can be sure I'll be the first one to sign up for one.

Check out more here.

Still Here

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Originally uploaded by rchach

I feel like I haven't updated my blog in forever.

I am still here. Just working like crazy. The picture above is one of the projects I finished up this week, wrote up (in record time I might add), and shipped off all within a week or so. Granted I had to rip it out like 3 times, but that's to be expected when you are working on tight deadlines, right?

This weekend I am concentrating all my forces on finishing up some projects for IC summer and Amy's Teddy Bear book. Luckily, the former is well underhand thanks to my awesome cousin, and the latter is pretty close as well.

Hope to have more fun things to show you all next week!

Knitscene Spring 2009

Yesterday, before the white heaven descended (aka snow), I received my new copy of Knitscene.

This issue (Spring 09), as in all the issues, are some really cute projects. By first glance, I like the sixteen-point tee by cathy carron and broad street hoodie by faina goberstein.

In this issue, I have 2 projects both are some quick accessories. One is a hat and mitten set, Street-smart Hat and Mittens, made from louet's wonderful gem's merino. I adore their color line, it's so much fun to mix and match. These guys I was picking from colors from my summer wardrobe. I kept thinking that summer colors would make winter so cheerful. You can see some more pictures here on flickr. The hat and mittens have a knitted ribbing, and if you don't knit, you can always substitute some sc blo (single crochet in the back loop) ribbing instead.

The other project, Mumzy Scarf, is a bit of cute neck candy. Something fun to throw on to brighten your winter wear. It is made from Sheep Shop's Number 1 which gives a cute halo to the flowers. The flowers are crocheted all separately, then connected by crocheting a chain ladder on the back. This joins them and creates opportunities to hook the flowers through to connect the scarf. So you can wear it like a keyhole scarf or like a long necklace. The project is easy, but I will admit you need to read the directions a few times. It may help to look at the stitch diagram too. Here is one for the small mum (the large mum is similar in construction), you will need to read the written directions while looking at the diagram, but I think it will clear up any questions. My best advice, is to just go for it, don't worry if you totally get it, but just start crocheting and it will work out. (btw, my diagrams are for your help only. I really don't want them to be used for any other purpose then to advise.)

Well, I'm off to play with the monkey in the white heaven that is all around the ground. She just can't get enough of it.

So many projects what's a girl to do?

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Originally uploaded by rchach

I am still plugging away on my pile of projects that surround my desk. (Only 2 more to design, and half a dozen to crochet or finish up)

Above is a work in progress shot of a project I am working on for Amy's new book. Since I couldn't get to TNNA (and see my roomie, Amy), I decided to work on her project this past weekend. I worked on some other secret projects as well, but I can't tell you much about them yet.

I can say, that this project above, is turning out really cute. It is all done except for some buttons, and now that I have it nearly completed; I think it needs accessories. So I'm going to whip up some for Amy, and surprise her with some cuties. Once I am all finished I'll so some sneak previews for you guys.

It is a weird feeling to be so swamped and behind, but still feel like you should be doing more. Maybe it's the overachiever in me, but I am still kicking myself that I have not turned in (or really worked on) a new book proposal for Interweave. The next few weekends I will be devoting a bit of time to getting that done, because I really really want to be working on another book. But that certainly can't happen, unless you submit!

Well, back to crocheting. Actually liking to me able to bundle up under some crocheted afghans and crochet the night away with our freezing temps lately. Hope you are as well!

Plans Change

My Ridge Swing Coat
Originally uploaded by rchach

Well, instead of waking up this morning and finishing packing my bags for San Diego and TNNA, we got a little "winter present". Which was in the form of frozen pipes and a mess in the basement. Not fun, not fun at all. Needless to say, I had to cancel my flight and call the plumber. It looks like a dozy of a job over here.

The only good news is that we have heat and I have crocheting. So in between following the plumber around to find the broken pipes, I am getting some good crochet time. Speaking of crocheting time, I finished my version of the Ridge Swing Cardigan this week. It is so cold that I have been wearing it around as my house coat, which is really nice and warm. I made it a bit too big for me, especially in the back (so the arms hang down too low) but that's ok I can just wear lots of layers underneath.

I will surely miss everyone at TNNA and all that yummy yarn this time, but I am not trying to think about that and am trying to enjoy snuggling into my Ridge Cardigan.

Charity Luncheon at Knit and Crochet Festival

There is a new activity at the Knit and Crochet Festival in Pittsburgh this year, that I wanted to tell you all about. (I forget if I told you that I will be teaching there in February again, but I will.)

Three Rivers Crochet are hosting a charity luncheon to raise money for two great organizations.

All luncheon proceeds will be benefiting Rwanda Knits and the Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter. The luncheon is being held on Saturday, February 14^th, 11:30a – 1:30p, cost is 30$. (Note: One not need attend the festival to attend the luncheon, but registration in advance with the festival registration form are necessary.)

It is a sit-down meal, hence the pre-registration, of Pecan Crusted Salmon, Chicken Asiago, Roast Top Sirloin of Beef, or Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. They are planning a people’s impromptu fashion show where you fill out the card detailing the item you’re wearing, present it to the MC (ME !), and walk across the stage. There will be other items in the fashion show as well like a bunch of the projects from Blueprint Crochet and the Crochet By Faye Line, so you won't be the only one at all! And they will have door prizes and baskets to win via raffle ticket with yarn, knitting machine, hooks/needles, books, etc., totaling over $1000!! (Wowzers!) All from Caron, Southwest Trading Company, and Dark Horse Yarns, as well as other local places. Plus, its a really nice break in the day. You can take a class in the morning, head to the luncheon, take a class in the afternoon, and still have lots of time to shop!

Three Rivers Crochet are an awesome group of crochet and knitters, so if you are in the area, I recommend you drop by and hang out with them. They have all been incredibly welcoming to me every time I visit. I am really cheering them on, and hoping they have a great turn out, since they are some of the nicest people you will meet. Please pass this post along to anyone you think would be interested. Hope to see you all there!

Putting yourself to sleep

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Originally uploaded by rchach

We have enjoyed twice this week my voice putting us to sleep.

See Knit and Crochet Today airs in Cincinnati on Wednesdays and Sundays at 6am, 12pm, 6pm, and 12am. So far we have caught the midnight show right as we have been drifting to sleep. It is very weird hearing your own voice as you drift off.

I hope you have been enjoying the new season! I know am really impressed at how well they have come out!

Writing and Writing and Writing

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Originally uploaded by rchach

That was my entire week last week. I designed and wrote up 4 garment designs. To put that number in perspective, while I was writing Blueprint Crochet, I would design and write one garment a week. So this week I was moving 4x as fast, incredible to me! Maybe some of my editors will cringe when they see them, but I hope not. Hopefully my dyslexia was not too awful in the patterns.

This week I have only 2 to design and write up. (I know I'm getting soft. Ha) Mainly because on Friday I fly out to sunny San Diego for TNNA. I think I am looking forward to the sunny and 70 degree weather just as much as I am looking forward to catching up with friends while fondling yarn. The hotel Amy and I are staying in has an outdoor rooftop fireplace. Can you say cocktails by the fire? I can! The great thing about flying out is that it takes pretty much a whole day to fly out and back, so it's forced rest time for me on Friday and Monday. I'll be able to start crocheting some of those 6 garments while catching up on some Audio books I have been wanting to listen to.

I'll be in and out this week and back next week with some fun tidbits from the show.

Hope you all have a great week!

Amazing Stellar Incredible: Superior Crochet

I have to give a big huge hug to Kristin and Doris (and Tahki Stacy Charles for that too) for their new booklet, Superior Crochet.

For some previews and backstories, check out Doris's and Kristin's blog.

I am a huge fan of both of them for always knocking my socks off with their incredible designs and for being incredibly great people.

This is definitely a book you will want to bug your local yarn store in getting. I for one can not wait until TNNA next week and will get to see all the projects in person and ooh and aah over them with Doris and Kristin.

Super huge mazel tov to you both!

Urban Wave Sneak Preview

Urban Wave
Originally uploaded by rchach

First up for 2009 is this cute summer top. I finished seaming it last night around 11:30 (which was right in the nick of time too). It goes out in today's mail for tomorrow delivery.

I was in quite the quandary on this projects for weeks, and instead of tackling it head on I waited till inspiration struck. Which for me was last Friday. Yes, I started the design (the sketch/ diagram/ etc.) 3 days ago. So as you can imagine I crocheted no stop through Saturday and Sunday. I crocheted while furniture shopping (which btw makes for long shopping in that all the sales staff stops you and asks what you are doing), at dinner both nights (only got funny looks and whispers from wait staff), while taking Faye out (by neighbors are totally used to that), while exercising (I did lungs and squats on the easy rows and leg lifts on the hard ones), and pretty much everything in between. Thankfully it all worked out for me.

My main hurtle was how to shape the garment with out making it super advanced project. I am really trying lately to rein in my crazy and create projects that are truly intermediate level and not super experienced. I am pretty happy with the breakthrough that came to me on Friday, and I think the finished project looks better for that. (Added bonus!)

Now off to write up the pattern (and like 6 more- but that's another story)

Ringing in the New Year

Ringing in the New Year
Originally uploaded by rchach

Hope you all had wonderful holidays! Mine were extended a bit, since I caught a bug while in Allentown and did not get home until New Year's Eve; but no harm done. I am just a day or two late getting back in action.

And speaking of action, this year is starting with a bang! Each one of those balls, represent one project. Yes that's right I have 10 projects to finish in the next few short weeks. Actually I have 6 to finish by the end of January, 2 by early February, and 2 by late February. I know, it's quite the schedule! (and the sad thing, is that I still don't have all the yarn for all the projects yet- oy!)

What are all those projects? Well, some are for magazines, one is for Amy's new book on teddy bears, and some are so secret this is the only time I will mention them (until they are released, of course!).

So I apologize early if I am a bit distracted, and you can not get a hold of me right way. I am burying my head for now in work (with a few pop ups now and then), and will return in February. Hope you are ringing in the new year with lots of crochet, joy, and love!