A bit of color Sneak Preview

40.365
Originally uploaded by rchach

Here's a new sneak preview for you guys. It's a garment that will be published sometime this fall in a magazine.

I think its adorable on Susie Q. Even M, approves.

The yarn is Mission Falls 136 Superwash, which is a delight to crochet with. Big surprise, right? It's a DK merino wool- my favorite blend!

Megan gave me a big hand by crocheting the body for me. Which really helped, since I ripped out the edging a bunch to get it just so. So many times, that while I was home sick on Monday; I was re-crocheting it again in bed with me. Got to be the perfectionist!

The big push of designing and crocheting is finally over with this (and the next one I will show you) out the door. I'm really happy that I got them all out. It was a push for sure! The next few projects on my desk have wonderful deadlines of April and May; so I'm hopeful that I'll be able to take care of the business side (yucky taxes) and still have some time to get moving on a new book proposal.

Hope all your crocheting is going well!

Storm in Lansing

Crochet Storm that is! We had a blast in Lansing at Threadbear last weekend. 4 classes in 3 days was a lot of stuff to pack, but so fun to do.

Lansing reminded us a lot of Penn State, so we got a bit nostalgic. For us, that's a large college town where the weather could be freezing and snowing and you are still out and about. Speaking of weather, it was cold, and I knew it was going to be cold; but I totally forgot to pack for it. On my morning walk, I looked like an Umpa Lumpa (I had to wear M's sweatshirt over my coat.)

On Saturday, the weather channel was calling for 5-8" of snow or more, so I was also worried that students would get stuck or worse in it. Luckily, the Friday class let me on to a Lansing secret, don't listen to the weatherman. It turned out that we got 2-3" that day, which was nothing to them. So much nothing, that in the height of the storm at the afternoon class on Saturday we ended up with more students not less. So many more, that I actually used up all my handouts (which never happens to me).

The students were awesome! All willing to help each other (which I love) and all definitely crochet fans. I have to give a big shout out to Tammie who drove from Canada to take all four classes. Hopefully I was worth the drive and weekend away! Faye also wants me to give a big kiss to Robin who brought her a present of doggie treats. (Robin she LOVES them! Thank you so much!)

The best part of the days were break where everyone would try to get in some shopping. Then coming back 10 mins later all saying, man this store is SO big, I am totally going to have to spend more time after class going through everything. It is true. The store is the largest I have seen, packed with goodies. Lots and lots of them. And they have the largest selection of hooks I have seen yet. (Besides crochet bags, that were extremely tempting.) I think it was a tad overwhelming to M. While we were driving home I mentioned all the shop samples they had, and he said "what samples?". I said, "you know the hundreds of sweaters that were hanging from the walls and ceiling." "I didn't see that." That's how impressive the store is, when my architect doesn't notice things hanging from the ceiling.

Thank you so much Rob and Matt for having us come out. We had a wonderful time with you and the puppies (even if they were terrified of Mr Meanie).

Nominated for a Flamie!

Holy Cow, you guys like me. I am so honored!

I just was tooling around Ravelry and noticed on the CLF group that they had posted a Vote for the Flamies award. I clicked the link, and was blown away!

Wondering what a Flamie is? It's the Crochet Awards given out by the Crochet Liberation Front (CLF) on Ravelry. Think Oscars for crocheters. Want to learn more? Here's the Ravelry link. Want to vote? Here's the link to the ballot (which is not on Ravelry, so anyone can vote).

CLF would love it if we could spread the word to all crocheters (on Ravelry or not).

Off to vote for my favorite designers!

Fun in PA

This past weekend was a lot of fun in Pittsburgh. So much so, that I totally forgot to take more pictures. It was also funny in that "that's just plain odd" sense.

For example, my first class on Saturday, I knew I would be sharing a space with another class. I also knew that the other class started 30 mins before mine. So I got to the classroom 10 mins before the other one started, to start setting up and basically moving around all the loud stuff (like tables and chairs). Only there was one problem. We had NO tables and chairs! To make matters worse, to get to my side, my students had to totally walk in the middle of the other class space. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a while. That just about cracked me up. No worries though. You know us crocheters, we are resourceful to say the least! One student ran to the hotel desk to ask for tables and chairs, while I contacted the event coordinator so she knew what was up. Another helped me unpack as much as possible without tables to set thing one. Another told the rest of the class what was up and held them back in the hallway. Two more came and helped the one hotel worker unload our 5 tables and 25 chairs. It was like a well choreographed dance. I love crocheters! They really come to the rescue! I do still feel bad about the other instructor. I don't think she realized she had to share the space, and even though we were as quiet as possible; I am sure we distracted her flow. Besides, look at how they divided the space (you can see it in the pic above). Just some lattice between us. It ended up not being a problem, because you know if you have ever taken a class from me, I'm loud and move around a lot.

Speaking of the pic, that is some of the members of the Three Rivers Crochet Guild that took my class on Saturday. They are a great group! If you are in Pittsburgh, and need some crocheters to sit and stitch with they are your people. I also got a pic of Michele wearing her Paige Sweetheart top. Doesn't it look great!

Sunday's class was less eventful then Saturday, since we had chairs. But no tables. I know! We all started to laugh again as soon as we saw the room. Too funny.

Hope you all had a great weekend too! I'm now trying to recoup from being away and packing to go away again! This weekend is my very last book tour stop, and my last teaching gig for 2009. Yup, that's right. I'm taking a break till probably summer of 2010 on teaching. Traveling is fun, but balancing it with crochet work and engineering work and family life is a bit exhausting for me. I'm looking forward to a year of only traveling for family events and fun only. So I hope I see you guys there in Lansing this weekend!

Meet me in Lansing this weekend

This weekend (Feb 20-22) is my last book tour stop and I'm going out with a BANG! I'll be at Threadbear Fiber Arts Studio in Lansing all weekend long. I'll be teaching and showing off projects left and right. If you are in the area, please stop by I'd love to meet you. I am really excited to come to Rob and Matt's shop. I have heard a number of great things about it. I can't wait to check out their yarn and stock. These book tour stops have been really cool checking out stores all across the country and I am just thrilled to see how the Midwest differs from the all the other regions I have been.

Here's the list of classes. You can contact Threadbear for more info on cost and such.

Julie Cuff and Heather Earrings
Friday, February 20th, from 6 to 9pm
In this class, we will learn how to make some fun jewelry from Robyn Chachula's new book, Blueprint Crochet. All you need is a ball of yarn and crochet hook plus some basic knowledge of crocheting granny squares. We will be discussing the secrets behind symbol crochet diagrams, working with thread and wire, and tips for customizing the jewelry for your own taste. We will also discuss working with beads and jewelry supplies. PERFECT for knitters looking to add a little crochet to their toolbox!



Beyond the Afghan Saturday, February 21st, from 10am to 1pm
We will learn how to transform granny squares into amazing lace for sweaters and fun motifs for unique jewelry! Along the way we will learn to read crochet symbols, practice different fun lacy motifs and modular pieces, learn how to read layout diagrams, how to play with blocks to get your own customized sweaters, and learn how to join squares in a variety of ways using only crocheting. That's right, no sewing required! Lastly we'll talk about finishing techniques to transform your projects from ho-hum to wow-wow.



Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Baby Sweater Saturday,February 21st, from 2 to 5pm
In the class, we learn how to become our own crochet designer. Focusing on design techniques and tricks, we use a baby garment as an example (because they're smaller and quickly accomplished, even if you don't have a baby in mind for gifting). We talk about what yarns are good to use, what styles are easy to wear, and what stitches are best for kids. We will learn how to plan out a garment from stitch count to row count. Baby sweaters are a great stepping stone into garments since they do not require much shaping. By the end of the class, everyone will have their own design planned out for their unique baby sweater. This is a great class for any advanced beginner crocheter that is ready to take that next step into garment projects or for any aspiring designers that are looking for some tips.


Crochet Like a Pro Sunday, February 22nd, from 10am to 1pm
In the class, we learn designer tips and tricks to make your crochet projects look sensational! We discuss the joys of blocking, the ways around frogging some of the worst mistakes (like how to move a button hole, and how to cut your crochet), and finishing techniques that will make your garment look store bought. We will also try out different techniques to crochet colorwork and crochet with beads. The perfect skill builder for those who know the basics of crochet stitches, you won't want to miss this great class!

Zany Sneak Preview

The last sneak preview I have for you this week, before I pack up the show and head to PA, is this pretty garment.

The idea is pretty standard now for my taste. A bunch of motifs connected to create cool fabric. Of course, my favorites are when the fabric created makes geometric shapes of its own that does not resemble the original granny motif. In this top, I am loving the zig-zag lines the little motifs create. It almost looks like a field of lattice with flowers stuck in here and there.

Ginny graciously helped me with this beauty. (And in record time! We had a yarn mix-up that cost us a month of work time, ouf! So she was awesome, working so hard in the time we had left.) I have said this before, and I'll say it over and over. Hug your contract crocheters! They are amazing people.

The project will be published later this year and I'll let you know more about it when I can.

With that, I am out of here. I hope to see some of you in Pittsburgh this weekend and if not maybe in Lansing next weekend. Hope you have a great weekend for crocheting!

Summer Sneak Preview

This little cutie sneak preview is one of my favorite projects this season.

As you know, I love flipping through fashion mags and store circulars for the latest trends and styles. While flipping one day, I came across the most gorgeous necklace make from large gold wire motif-ish pendents. I ran to the computer to buy it, and quickly saw there was no way I could justify the expense. By as always, crochet came to my rescue.

I grabbed my steel hooks and thread, and whipped out a similar necklace in only a sitting. Got to love that. This project is a take on that one, made from thread in bright colors for the summer. The preview (on purpose) does not show off the best parts, which I hope you guys enjoy as much as I do.

It will come out sometime this summer. Stay posted as always for more details.

Bobbly Sneak Preview

Today's sneak preview is full of bobbly textury goodness.

This project just makes me smile. It was originally going to be a completely different shape. But after I swatched and ran the math, I realized I would need a ton of yarn. So I switched up my design idea a bit, and I am so glad I did.

The project is now much more versatile then it ever was going to be. It creates a number of ways to wear it, each cuter then the next.

It is definitely one of those projects that you enjoy wearing after you are done, because between the yarn and the stitch pattern it oozes comfiness.

It will be out later this year in a magazine. I'll let you know when I can when and where.

Big thank you to Diane for crocheting it for me!

Scalloped Sneak Preview

If you were following my twitter or facebook feed this weekend, you know that I spent quite the time struggling with how I wanted to finish this project.

The project is a garment for a summer crochet magazine, so I was channeling fun, light, and bright for the style. My own personal taste always tends to shift to clean lines for edging, whether that's a bunch of single crochet or ribbing. This time though, I knew I did not want heavy ribbing or single crochet since I wanted the project to be as airy as possible. I knew I wanted to do some form of X-sts, because I think they are fun. I finally ended up going against my gut reaction, and added a scalloped edging. And boy, am I glad it did. It really transformed the top from uh ok, to hey that's pretty awesome. The result reminds me a bit of fancy stonework in Romanesque castles and a bit of tribal animal tracks. I'll let you know when it's available, and more about it later.

This week I'm going to be bombarding you with sneak previews. Remember how I said I was super busy? Well, yesterday I sent out 4 completed projects. (Usually, I send out like maybe one a week, so 4 in a day is a bunch). I'm very happy to have them completed. Not just because I think they turned out cute, but because now I just have to focus on 2 more projects and getting ready to teach in PA and Lansing (Feb 21 weekend). Whew. I'm finally making hay, so that's great!

A special thanks to my cousin Rebecca too for crocheting the body for me. The yarn is a cotton blend, which is not my or her favorite thing to work with; so I owe her an extra big hug!

Look who's in the Post Gazette today

Little old me.

I was interviewed last week, and we chatted a storm about crochet, symbols, and the festival in Pittsburgh this weekend.

If you want to read it, here's a link to the story.

Meet Me in PA this weekend?

If you are going to be near Pittsburgh, PA this weekend; please come by the Knit and Crochet Festival and say hi!

There will be yarn stores from all over the area selling yummy yarn, as well as classes.

I'll be teaching:

Crochet Like a Pro, on Saturday 2-5pm
In the class, we learn designer tips and tricks to make your work look sensational. We discuss the joys of blocking, the ways around frogging some of the worst mistakes (like how to move a button hole, and how to cut your crochet), finishing techniques that will make your garment look store bought. We will also try out different techniques to crochet colorwork and crochet with beads.
What you need to bring: any 2 balls of plain yarn (contrasting colors) and matching hook. One Swatch of 16 hdc across by 10 rows tall. After 6 rows, crochet 6hdc, ch 4, sk 4 hdc, 6 hdc in last sts. Next row, crochet in each hdc across and 4 hdc in ch-4 sp.

Cozy Feet from the Toe Up, Sunday 9am-12
In the class, we learn the secrets of crocheting great socks from the toe up and dispel the myth that crocheted socks are only for slippers. We will practice our skills on a baby sized sock, and learn how to translate them to any size sock. Replaceable heels, arch expansions, and interchangeable cuffs are only a few of the fun tips we will discuss.
What you need to bring: one ball of sock yarn and matching hook.

After class both days, I'll be signing books and anything else you would like me to sign. I'll have Blueprint Crochet (18$) and MF Goes Crochet (15$) for sale as well as my full line of patterns. At the show, I will only be able to accept check or cash. If you want to reserve one for the show now, just email me and I'll send you a paypal invoice. (Note, this is for festival goers only. I am not selling BC or MFGC online to non-festival goers at this time).

I hope to see you there! And just remember, I like giving out gifts at my classes so you never know you just may walk home with more then crochet skills but some freebies too!

Cover Alert! Crochet Today Mar/ April 09

Have you seen the cover to Crochet Today!'s March/ April 09 Issue?

Well, that little pink cardi is MINE! I am so excited. I have no idea why getting the cover makes me so excited but it always does. Granted seeing my name in print never gets old either.

The project is a quick crochet, well at least it was for me. I think I crocheted it up in a week, so it did move right along for me. It's made from Wool Bamboo, which is really enjoyable to work with and a H hook. You can see some more views of it here and here. I do have some crochet diagrams of the shaping. Give me a few days and I'll post them here.

The issue also has a cute clutch from Candi Jensen and a great article on embellishment from Linda Permann.

snow sneak preview

snow sneak
Originally uploaded by rchach

Not what you were expecting huh?

Well, around these parts lately, snow is just a part of life and nothing to get excited about. Until, that is, I decided to make motifs out of snow inspired shapes.

This project that you can barely see (on purpose) on the lower right hand corner is one of those snow inspired projects. My awesome cousin, Rebecca, helped me by whipping it up for me. For now, that's about all I can say about that without getting into trouble.

I do want to shout out to all my contract crocheters though. You guys are awesome and really have saved me from more stress then you know about this month. So next time you see a contract crocheter, give them a hug! They are wonderful!

Interweave Store

One big excitement on Saturday was found in my mailbox in the form of my first ever royalty check. But it was not exactly what you think. The royalties were from online pattern sales over at the Interweave Press Store (formerly you could find them at Knitting Daily Store), not from sales of Blueprint Crochet. (Although, BC is doing quite nicely and I have been thrilled with the total sales so far.)

For those of you who haven't heard me say this before, I love working with Interweave. They are some of the good guys in the industry that really to try to work with designers. What I mean by that is they offer designers the choice to have their patterns sold at their online store, and to what extent (in terms of min cost and rights). It is really quite revolutionary of them, since most publishers would never even think of doing this.

What it means for me, is that every time you buy one of my single patterns at the store I get 40% in royalties. (That's a huge amount considering royalities are usually like 10%). Some designer may opt for more rights and they will get less in royalities, but you can be sure that every time you buy a single pattern from the Interweave store the designer is getting a percentage of the sales.

You will find 3 of my patterns for sale: Rosemary Sweater, Eagle Pullover, and Empress Top. You can also purchase Blueprint Crochet, or any of Interweave's Books. Plus, they have a number of back issues of Interweave Crochet, Interweave Knits, and Knitscene.

Have you seen KCT?

Have you seen the Knit and Crochet Today show? Not shown in your area? Or only shown on Create and you don't want to wait till the new episodes air?

Well, I stumbled upon Detroit Public TV Video On Demand. They have some of the episodes that you can watch up on their site. Here's the link.

Pretty cool! Definitely check it out, and then thank them for posting!

Teddy Bear Sneak Preview

Teddy Sneak Preview
Originally uploaded by rchach

Over the weekend I finished up my project in Amy's new book on Crocheting for Teddy Bears.

It's a party dress plus all the accessories. The skirt is in my fav style of granny motifs joined as you crochet. The top is in a simple stitch to set off the pretty motifs. Once I was done, Pearl (that's the teddy bear), she told me that she really needed some accessories to complete her look and I couldn't agree more. I finished out her outfit with a little hair tie and clutch. Pearl loves the outfit, and hopefully Amy will as well.

I was lucky enough to use Vickie Howell's Love for the whole project, which is just awesome to crochet. Pearl is a very cool soy made bear from SWTC. All kids that have come near Pearl have adored her, so I really recommend you check them out if you are looking for a soft teddy.

I'll let you know when Amy's book is out. I know its going to be so much fun!