Inside Crochet Issue 2

On Monday, Inside Crochet Issue 2 will be hitting newsstands in the UK*. Which means it is time for a preview! Check out some of the projects here.

In this issue I have 2 projects and one motif article. The projects were nail biters, since the yarn was about a month late and we didn't know if they would make it into this issue. But looky looky, they did!

Zany Tunic
Crocheted in some lovely Sirdar Baby Bamboo (ravelry link). The silky drape makes the tunic fall on your body in the good way, showing only the positives and not the negatives. The construction and motif are actually pretty easy. It would make for a good first crochet sweater, since once you get the motif down you have the pattern made.

Want some more views? I got some close ups at Flickr. You can also check out the old Sneak preview for more info too.




Flowering Shawl
Crocheted in the yummy Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK (ravelry link). The shawl is similar to the tunic in that is it also made from a number of motifs crocheted together as you go. The one key here is that the shawl is not blocked. I know, I know. Totally against my own crochet rules. When I was playing with the shawl, it was just so darn cute all curled up that I decided why fight it and went with the curling texture. The other key about the shawl is that you can wear it in a ton of different styles. I have some show in more views at Flickr. You can see one of the styles below.

You can also see a bit more info at the old Sneak Preview.


Hope you enjoy the issue!



*don't forget you US crocheters, you can get the issue for really cheap by getting a digital subscription. I love my digital subscription, not only is it much cheaper (like 6$ cheaper) then buying it at B&N (they charge like 11$ an issue) but you can get it weeks before too. The US issues usually take an additional 3 weeks or more to come to B&N, and I know I can't wait that long.*

Countdown Crochet

I get asked all the time how I stay on track while juggling crochet projects. Well it is all logistics to me. Basically I breakdown the crochet work into segments and then schedule them out in my calendar.

For example, I really want to be able to wear a version of the RaeAnne Sweater from Blueprint Crochet to TNNA next month. So I figured out how many blocks I have left, then divided them by how many days I have left (taking days out if I knew I would be busy). That came up with I need to crochet 3 blocks a day to finish on time and still have 2 days to finish the edging.

For crochet projects, I do the same thing if they are granny square projects. If they are back and forth stitch patterns, I break them into other kinds of segments that would be of equal time. Like 4 time segments to crochet the back panel, 2 for each front panels, 1 for each sleeves, 1 to seam, 1 to edge body, 1 for finishing, etc. Then divide them by the days I have left before shipping.

My calendar looks like a stylist's with blocks of time hashed out each day for different projects. For me, it makes like easier to know that I have 4 hours a day free for one week or no hours free the following, etc. That way I can figure out if I need to call in reinforcements to help crochet, or if I can handle everything myself. It may seem very anal, and it totally is; but it is my engineer organizer coming out. Plus, it keeps be from being bored, in that I get to jump between different crochet projects all day long.

This week I will be crocheting RaeAnne for me, 2 magazine sweaters, a crochet article, and swatches for the new book. And even though I know I'll be busy, I know I can handle it; and it will be fun hopping around each day.

Ghanzi Sneak Preview

Ghanzi Sneak Preview
Originally uploaded by rchach

Here's a glimpse of what I was finishing today.

My fantastic cousin crocheted the panels for me. I seamed them and added the finishing touches. One touch I decided to make a step out tutorial since I thought it would be helpful once the pattern is released.

The garment is for a crochet magazine in their Fall issue.

I am quite pleased with the outcome. I think it is mighty cute, and I can't wait to show you all more.

Do you frog?

Today I spent the day finishing up a new project for a Fall Crochet Magazine, and I thought while I was crocheting and sewing that perhaps a tutorial was in need since what I was doing is not readily known. What was I doing? Making frogs.

I love frog closures. There is just something so unique about them, that makes your project look so cool when they are used. You can easily purchase them at the sewing store, but making them is so much fun!


Frog Closure Tutorial
Makes one closure approximately 3.5" long by 1.5" high.


What you need:
- strap yarn and matching hook (I used sport weight yarn and 4.0mm hook)
- 8 or so straight pins
- tapestry needle
- tape measure


Loop Side: Make chain approximately 10" long, turn and slip stitch in each chain across. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.



Step 1a: Measure and place pins A and B 1.5" apart in the North/ South direction. Measure and place pins C and D 2.25" apart in the East/ West direction.



Step 2a: Pin end of chain in center. Loop other end around D in the counter-clockwise direction.









Step 3a: Loop end around center pin and around B in counter-clockwise direction.









Step 4a: Tuck end under previous step. Loop end around A in clockwise direction.









Step 5a: Place end on top of previous step towards C.











Step 6a: Loop end around C in clockwise direction and tuck under previous step.










Step 7a: Pin center of closure secure with remaining pins. Unpin A, B, C, and D.










Step 8a: Turn closure over. With tapestry needle, secure center of closure with long tail. Weave in opposite end.









Loop Side Complete: With tapestry needle and long end, embroider loop end to fabric.







Button Side:

Button: With adjustable ring, chain 1.
Rnd 1: Single crochet 5 times in ring. Pull ring closed.
Rnd 2: *Single crochet twice in next sc, single crochet once in next sc, repeat from * once, single crochet twice in last sc, do not turn. (8 sc)
Rnd 3- 4: Single crochet in each sc around, do not turn.
Rnd 5: *Sc2tog [sc decrease] over next 2 sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * once, sc2tog over last 2 sc, do not turn. (5 sc)
Rnd 6: Sc4tog over next 4 sc.
Chain for 8", turn sl st across ea chain back to button. Fasten off, leave long tail. Squish button flat. Using tapestry needle and long tail secure button flat by sewing from front to back multiple times.

Step 1b: Measure and place pins A and B 1.5" apart in the North/ South direction. Measure and place pin C 1.125" from center in the East/ West direction.


Step 2b: Pin button off center slightly. Loop end around A in counter-clockwise direction. Tuck end under top chain at center.









Step 3b: Loop end around C in counter-clockwise direction over last step.









Step 4b: Loop end around B in clockwise direction and tuck end under previous step. Repeat directions 7a and 8 a above.










Button Side Complete: With tapestry needle and long end, embroider loop end to fabric.


And that's it. You can get more fancy by making a longer chain and adding more loops. Hope you have fun!

Anthropologie Summer Crochet Inspiration

I love anthropologie. And getting an email in my inbox with crochet in it makes me squeal.

Here's a few from their catalog.

Sunflower Sunhat

Snowflake Necklace-- (This has been in stock for a while. I actually used it as my inspiration for a project coming out in a few months)

Hooked Yarns Tee-- I love this look. If CJ wasn't on board, this would be mine.

Sundae Best Cover-Up- How great is this neckline?

Man do I love their designers. Here's a list of crocheted items they have.

Dino Sneak Preview

dino 5
Originally uploaded by rchach

Here's a quick sneak preview of a new CBF design I finished last week. It will be coming out this summer, and will be available here and at the Stitch Coop. More details soon.

Getting back in the saddle

Back in the saddle
Originally uploaded by rchach

A lot of things have upset our little apple basket this past week, and have distracted me from getting a proper start on the new book. It wasn't until Friday of last week before I even got a chance to swatch. But I am getting back in the saddle again.

When I get into slumps of "I-don't-even-know-where-to-begin-my-to-do-list-is-so-long", I try to quiet my mind and pull out any hook and any ball of yarn and just get started. I have found that it doesn't matter what I crochet, just as long as I start.

I have my book sketches pinned up all around my office (aka dining room) and I pick one to focus on for the day. I grab a stitch dictionary and the yarn I think I want to use and just get started. I find if I think about it too long, I get designer's block. But if I just force my hands to work, I find that ideas will start flowing.

Every time I need a break, do something away from the office- like take Faye out or run an errand. Then come back and evaluate my swatches (once they are dry), pick out my favorites, and pin them up.

I probably swatch out half a dozen stitch patterns for all the garments, slowly narrowing down my focus to one in particular. It is not a quick process, but it is relaxing (esp when you put an audio book in and can check out for a bit.)

It does make for a bit of boring blog posts, but hopefully you guys will hang in with me this month as I hash out all the new designs.

Yarnthing Podcast

Late last night, Marly and I stayed up late and chatted about crochet, crochet symbols, woman's fashion, plus-size fashion, and more.

Listen close, because you can enter to win a copy of Blueprint Crochet. Marly explains the details on the podcast how to enter.

Hope you enjoy. Here's the link.