Sneak Preview: New Book 7

Like yesterday, this guy was one of the first designs I wrote as well. As you can see it is all about texture with a bit of lace. I am really into just a bit of both in my designs lately. (Think how well cables and lace go together in knitting, and that's my inspiration. But crochet-wise)

The yarn is Lion Brand's new Recycled Cotton, which is very cool stuff. It crochets like cotton, hence why the sample took me so long to crochet. But if you like cotton, you will like this. I really does have a unique look, and I love that it comes from scraps. Drew (the crochet dude) has a great review of it on his blog that you should check out, too.

Sneak Preview: New Book 6

This preview is actually the first pattern I wrote for the book.

It took me quite a while to figure out exactly what stitch pattern I wanted for this project. I must have tried at least a dozen out before I settled on this one. And if I had more time, I think I would still keep on tweaking it.

The yarn is Classic Elite Summer Sox, a very nice summer yarn to crochet with. It makes an elastic lightweight fabric. Definitely perfect for this project, but I can easily see it used in all sorts of crochet projects.

Sneak Preview: New Book 5

Today's peek into the new book is a funny one for me. The project totally makes me chuckle every time I walk by. You will understand when you see it a year from now, till then you will have to take my word for it.

Diane helped me crochet it, and in a dizzying short amount of time. I think it was about a week from sending her the yarn to her sending it back. (So I do have a ton of projects in the book that are going to be very short timewise- which makes me really happy) The yarn is Spud and Chloe Sweater (that's the new yarn line by Blue Sky Alpaca). It is great! Some washable wools can be a bit pilly, but this was great to work with and I just love that I can toss it in the wash. How great for garments! Oh, and the yardage is huge. Really well done in my opinion. Anyway, this project also uses my favorite (of the moment) stitch pattern. I think I have 3 projects going on (2 that are for me) that use this pattern. It is just a fun one to crochet.

CJ's Gifts today

CJ's Gifts today
Originally uploaded by rchach

I just had to break in from the sneak previews and show off CJ's gifts today.

The crocheted toy was a present from Gwen Blakley Kinsler, the Crochet Queen. I was so touched by her kindness to not only give CJ a gift, but to crochet for her as well. I will admit I totally teared up over it. Gwen is a fellow crochet designer and teacher. She is also the founder of CGOA. And incredibly sweet person as well.

The baby blanket was a gift from one of my dearest friend's, Crystal. I was blown away that without asking she picked out an accessory for CJ's room that not only matches the color scheme perfectly, but goes with our hippo animal sheets too. The blanket was made by Hazel May, if you are interested. It is very nice. Oh and she also got CJ's a sushi bib. Which is perfect; since we both adore sushi (Crystal and I), and I have been dying to have some since CJ came along.

Sneak Preview: New Book 4

This project is another example of where I am going in the new book. This project is really easy (and really quick- I crocheted it in 2 nights), but it teaches a way that charts can show you shaping and colorwork at the same time.

This project is Mr CBF's favorite of the book so far, and if I wasn't watching I bet he would steal it. I have to admit it came out great and makes me really smile big when I see it all finished too.

Sneak Preview: New Book 3

Today I have this lovely project made by Ginny for the book. It again, like sneak 1, combines granny squares and stitch patterns together in the same project. I just adore the final look of the project, it drapes exactly the way I hoped it would when I sketched and swatched it. And that's just heaven to me.

The yarn is Classic Elite's Allegoro which is a linen blend. I really like the stitch definition it also gives with the wonderful drape. Plus, with this yarn you don't have to wash it ten times to get the linen to chill out.

I just realized that all these first sneak previews are all pink- totally weird for me. And I promise the whole book is not pink at all. Funny that I randomly picked all the pink ones first though!

Sneak Preview: New Book 2

Next up in our sneak preview line up is made from classic cotton from Tahki Yarn. As you know, I am not normally a fan of cotton yarn, I prefer wool. But sometimes you just need cotton in your life, this project is one of those times. And what better cotton then something that slides nicely on your hook (no hurt hands with this yarn). In the book, there are going to be a couple of options on this project, but I am only going to show you one here. The one that I like the button the most. I don't know if it happens to you, but I get a bit obsessed with buttons. Whenever I find ones that I like I buy them, whether I have a project for it or not. It is obviously a family trait, since both of my grandmothers did it too (and I got a beautiful stash from them.) No worries, this button you can get easily at your local JoAnns.

Sneak Preview: New Book 1

I am in the home stretch of meeting my first milestone deadline for the new book next week. So I thought it would be appropriate to start a parade of sneak previews. I am going to shoot for one each day, we'll see if I can keep up with that pace. *

The first sneak peek is a granny square/ stitch pattern project combo. Meaning that I am combining techniques. The new book will give projects that start to expand what you can do with symbols in crochet. It may sound like the projects are going to be much more difficult, but actually I think most of them will be easier skill wise. This one is made from Naturally Caron Spa, a really nice yarn to crochet with. (I have a secret hope that they will continue to add colors to this line, because I enjoyed working with it.) My cousin helped me crochet the project and in perfect time too. Only about 2 weeks after she gave it to me, she went into labor early. (I'm hoping it is not a trend!)

*Those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I am having the "fun" pregnancy symptom of carpal tunnel in my hands for the past few weeks. It certainly has slowed me down considerably. Typing, sewing, crocheting are not the best things to do right now; but a deadline is a deadline. Plus, it's not like once CJ comes it will get any easier. So I am plugging along as best as I can. Hoping that I can finish half the book before she decides to arrive.*

Knit and Crochet Today Clip

Here's a clip of Brett and I talking about crocheted ribbing and extended single crochet stitches taken directly from Knit and Crochet Today. Oh, and I just found another where we are talking about stitch diagrams.



KCT is working hard to get new underwriters to film Season 3. They are also taking donations. Candi (the producer) really wants to make the show a people's show. So if you have an extra few dollars, they could use them as well as any suggestions for the show.

yarn sneak preview

yarn sneak preview
Originally uploaded by rchach

Here's a glimpse into some of the colors for the new book. As you can see, it is going to be very cheerful with all the colors. I just love looking at the range and dreaming up how I am going to incorporate them all. This book will definitely have a different feel then Blueprint with more projects with multiple colors. I think it is going to turn out great.

Beautiful Sneak Preview

I just had to show off this sneak preview in a bigger size. It is simply stunning. My wonderful crocheter, Diane, gave me a helping hand in crocheting this beauty. It was one of those projects that when I opened the box and pulled it out, I gasped. It was just that stunning. Not to often lately I am blown away, and I was with this project. It is for a winter crochet magazine, so it will be a bit before you see it. I actually really had a hard time boxing it up and shipping it to the publisher. I really just wanted to keep it for myself. Sure it doesn't really fit me in my current state, but who cares I'd wear it anyway. As I'm sure you can tell, it is another motif design. This time the motif is a bit more doily-like. The yarn is a heavy lace weight extra fine merino wool (simply heavenly on its own). Ah, I am just in love and can't wait to show you the full picture!

Moving Along

I know I haven't been posting each and every time I finish writing a pattern for the book, like I like to do; but I have been moving along on the book. This is not news if you follow me on Twitter. (Which my updates are pretty boring, since they always pretty much say the same thing. "Working on book project")

Even though the book is coming along, it is not moving as fast as the last one. I have about 1/4 of the patterns written, with the deadline of 1/2 of them written by the end of the month. A few things have slowed me down, like other crochet projects for magazines and such (but they do help pay the bills- so I'm not complaining). I think the thing that has slowed me down the most is CJ. My brain is just not at full power, and everything I do lately (from walking to crocheting) goes a lot slower.

Still progress is being made and that makes me happy. As does writing itself. It is such a joy to get to work on projects that I dream up with very little input from others. (don't get me wrong, I also enjoy the challenge that some editors give me. Like "can you come up with a project in X yarn" or "can you create something close to this idea I had" or "can you create a new motif by tomorrow", challenges like those are fun too since they always help me think outside of my little design box and challenge me to grow as a designer) It is just different when you get to have (almost) complete control over what you are producing and writing.

Good news is since about 1/4 of the projects are written, I should start to have some sneak previews for you soon. This time I am crocheting over half of the projects myself (in BC I crocheted about 30%), so sneak previews come a bit slower. But they will also come in bunches too, since I tend to work on like 4 projects at once; which means I finish those 4 projects all pretty close to each other. I'd say by next week I'll have a couple for you.

Hope you have been having a productive summer!

Crochet Today Sept/ Oct 2009 Preview

Over the weekend while looking for something completely different, I stumbled on Crochet Today's Sept/ Oct 2009 Preview. And look what I found....

Yup, another motif design of mine. I don't know what it is about them, but goodness do I enjoy making garments from motifs. I just think they turn out to be so eye catching when worn, so much so then a garment full of single crochet. (Granted that could be because I just don't have the patience to go round and round and round with the same stitch over and over again.)

Looking through my posts, I think I even forgot to do a sneak preview of this guy. I know I crocheted the tunic pretty darn fast, and finished it before TNNA. Which from finishing it to seeing it published is a really short time period in publication world (usually its like 6 mths).

Hope you enjoy the issue, it has some really cute kid projects this time.


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On a totally different note,
For those of you going to CGOA's convention this week, I just wanted to wish you guys lots of fun. I won't be able to make it, being so huge now, travel is not easy for me. But I hope everyone enjoys the classes and catching up with friends. I know I'll be thinking of everyone!