Crafty in September?

Looking for something crafty to do in September? Looking to get away? Why not combine the two and join me at the Creative Connection?

It is a weekend conference in Minneapolis September 16-18th. There will be classes in all sorts of crafts, from crocheting (taught by me) and knitting (taught by Kristin Nicholas!), to felting and sewing, to jewelry making and painting, and more. Here's all the classes.

There's also 2 lectures from crafty women entrepreneurs that really sound fantastic. Oh, and a handmade market with oodles of cool items.

I hope to see you there!

Burst

working
Originally uploaded by rchach

Last week I had a burst of creativity while swatching some new yarns.

I love swatching, because I never really know what direction the ultimate project will go. For these guys, they could become a project, sure.

But what they really did, is give me a great idea for another book or series of magazine articles. Now that is cool. I go for a sweater and I end up with a book. Funny how that happens.

Now just have to hope that my burst can overlap with CJ's cooperation long enough to do something with it.

Sunday Inspiration

While holding CJ while she eats a spoon that I am unloading from the dishwasher early this morning, my mind floated to crochet. As it does while I do pretty much anything like cleaning, showering, wiping away boogers, really anything mindless.

Lately, my brain has been firing on all cylinders with new projects I have in mind. This can be very fun and frustrating all at once. Fun that my creativity is going bonkers and my hands are itching to get moving, and frustrating since my time is about half of what it once was (and even then I always had eyes bigger then actual hours in the day).

I cracked up laughing this morning, while I was surfing for a present for a friend's new baby, because crochet was jumping out at me left and right! Here's a few that caught my eye...

Crocheted Vest at Baby Gap- this is last season's line I believe. I think I saw it in the store while I was pregnant, but I still think it is cute. And for CJ, I love vests. Not only is the layered look cute, but we don't have a fight over getting our hands through the long sleeves. (If you are interested I noticed it was super cheap at only 10$, just saying...)

Crocheted Dress at Gymboree- This cap sleeved dress I think is adorable for spring. Surprisingly for me, I actually dress CJ in dresses almost every day. Since she is a drool machine right now, I use them like big bibs/ burp clothes. When she has drooled all over it for the day, I just switch it out for a new one. She looks cute all the time, and I don't have to go running for a burp cloth ever five minutes. And if you think about it, crocheted cotton make the best washclothes. I can see a whole line of washable tunic dresses in my future. See creativity just can't stay still for a moment.

Speaking of Gymboree they had a bunch of crocheted cardigans, hats, dresses, and tops trimmed in crochet too. I know some crocheters are relucant to dress their kids in crochet that they have themselves not stitched. But think about the great topic of conversation. If an adimer says, "I love that dress, did you crochet it?" You can say, "no, but I am learning how would you like to join me in learning how to crochet?" Or "No, but I do crochet and I am working on this cute project, would you like to see it?" Just saying...

Well, speaking of babies; it is time for me to give CJ some lunch, which means I am sure I will be dreaming about more new projects...

on the work table

on the work table
Originally uploaded by rchach

On the work table today is some lovely yarn to swatch. I am working on some ideas for new projects. I let CJ play with the hanks while I wound these into balls. Her favorites are the ones with Merino Wool in them, just like me! How funny.

While winding the hanks, I was smiling to myself at how pleased I am for Marly and her new job. She is the new creative director for Bijou Basin Yarns. I think she is going to be fantastic at this. She has a knack for picking out projects that become huge. And speaking of huge, I have also really enjoyed watching Bijou Basin explode at each TNNA. I am just thrilled for everyone involved.

Which lead me to think about my dream job, which I do not think I have shared before with you. I do enjoy being a designer and book author, I love the creativity I get to share. And I know I would love being a craft book editor, getting to work closely with other authors to make their work look amazing. But my true dream job is to be a creative director for a yarn company. To get to work with other designers and design myself, would be a blast. I think concentrating on one line of yarn, and promoting it to the best of its potential would be a fun challenge. Researching the latest trends in fashion, home decor, and colors and interpreting them for each new season. I mean how fun, right?

So you can see why I am just so thrilled for Marly. I think her getting to work so closely with Bijou Basin will be tremendous for both of them.

As for me, I am a believer that dreams are totally attainable, if you put your whole heart and soul into it. That is why I am just tickled to watch my friends succeed in the industry. It just makes me smile.

Ok, enough typing my hands are itching to crochet!

Zany Tunic

Zany Tunic
As first seen in Inside Crochet Issue 2, the pattern has been re-written in US terms and additional sizes. Deceptively intricate lace pattern, the Zany Tunic is simply a combination of the most basic crochet stitches. Whether you make it close fitting as shown, or oversized by going up a size; it will turn heads everywhere you go.

Yarn:
Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK (CYCA #3), 80% Bamboo, 20% Wool, 95m (104 yds) / 50g:
#138 Waterbaby
10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 balls

Hook:
G/6 (4.25mm) or H/8 (5.0mm) hook or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Tapestry needle
Spray bottle, blocking pins

Gauge:
Zany Motif =
3½”x 3½” w/ small hook
3¾”x 3¾” w/ large hook

Size:
Bust/chest circumference is 34”, 37”, 41”, 44”, 48”, 51” S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). Fit is close. Tunic shown in a Medium.

Stitches Used:
CH Chain
SL ST Slip Stitch
SC Single Crochet
DC Double Crochet
t-ch turning chain
sk skip
blo backloop only

Notes:
1. Work motifs for small and large sizes with smaller hook. Work medium and x-large sizes with larger hook.
2. Work the first Granny Motif completely and then join the following motifs on the last round.
3. First Published in Inside Crochet, Issue 2.

More photos over on Flickr



6$, PDF Download Only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

Next Project

sneak peek
Originally uploaded by rchach

Here's a little sneak peek of the latest project that is hot off my hook. It will be published in just a short bit. I had to run it to the post office in the snow last week with both peanut and Faye in the car with me. I had only 10 min to get it to the office before it closes, so I just threw all my girls in the car and ran. We made it no problem. The post office is only a 2 minute drive, which made me laugh that we had to drive too. It is so close we always walk, but with all the snow on the ground there was no sidewalks to get there.

I really love this stitch pattern. It is quick to crochet and give a pretty lace when it is finished. The yarn is Sublime, which lives up to its name.

Surprise at Knit and Crochet Festival

surprise at pa knit and crochet festival
Originally uploaded by rchach

Over the weekend, I got a little mommy break and was able to get to the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival for the afternoon. I went with my cousin, Rebecca, (yes the same one that crochets for me and had a baby about a month before me). I can not tell you how much I enjoyed my afternoon out. It is always the best to be around people who love crafting as much as you do, and the bonus of being able to share that with my family is great!

While walking around the booths, we spotted RaeAnne. My other fabulous crocheter, Diane, made this for herself out of Highland Alpaca. And Highland Alpaca loved it so much they displayed in their booth with a few copies of Blueprint Crochet. Seeing it in person was a delight. Her version is just stunning. And I also got to ooh and aah over their Bamboo Blend. Very unique!

It was also great being able to check out yarn and notions for more then 5 seconds. Baby A (Rebecca's cutie) let us have almost an hour, what a sweet girl she is!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Flowering Shawl

Flowering Shawl
As first seen in Inside Crochet Issue 2, the pattern has been re-written in US terms and crochet symbols. This convertible shawl can be worn in many ways. Wrap it around your shoulder for a short caplet, wrap it around your neck for a cowl, or drape it over your shoulders for a flowing shawl. Any way you decide to wear it the bobbly texture is sure to keep you cozy.

Yarn:
Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK (CYCA #4), 75% extra fine merino, 20% silk, 5% cashmere, 116m (127 yds) / 50g:
#059 Beetroot 9 balls

Hooks:
H/8 (5.0mm) hook or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Spray bottle and blocking pins.

Stitches Used:
CH Chain
SL ST Slip Stitch
SC Single Crochet
HDC Half Double Crochet
DC Double Crochet
t-ch turning chain
sk skip

Finished size:
Shawl is 13½” by 63”
(34cm by 160cm)

Gauge:
Flower Motif =5¼” dia

Notes:
1. Make flower motif A and then connect the flower motifs B-K as you crochet following the joining directions. Lastly join flower motifs 1-23 following the joining directions
2. First seen in Inside Crochet, Issue #2

More photos here on flickr



4$, PDF Download Only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

Meadow Scarf

Meadow Scarf
First seen in Inside Crochet Issue 1, this pattern has been re-written in US terms and crochet symbols. Quick crochet to cheer up your chilly neck.

Yarn:
Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK (CYCA #4), 75% extra fine merino, 20% silk, 5% cashmere, 116m (127 yds) / 50g:
MC: 058 1 ball
CC1: 053 1 ball
CC2: 108 1 ball

Hooks:
H/8 (5.0mm) hook or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Spray bottle and blocking pins.

Stitches Used:
CH Chain
SL ST Slip Stitch
SC Single Crochet
HDC Half Double Crochet
DC Double Crochet
t-ch turning chain
sk skip

Finished sizes:
Scarf is 4½” by 67”

Gauge:
Flower Motif =4½” dia

Notes:
1. Make one complete flower motif, and then connect the remaining 14 motifs as you crochet following the joining directions.
2. Make 5 flowers in each of the flowing color sequences:
A: Rnd 1 MC, Rnd 2 & 3 CC2, Rnd 4 CC1
B: Rnd 1 CC1, Rnd 2 & 3 MC, Rnd 4 CC2
C: Rnd 1 CC2, Rnd 2 & 3 CC1, Rnd 4 MC
3. First seen in Inside Crochet, Issue #1



4$, PDF Download Only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

Busy Busy Crocheter

Well, as you may have guessed, I hopped from finishing the book straight into magazine work again. I swear, keeping busy really does help me stay focused and get things done. Plus, I have not worried one bit about the book, say how's the technical editing going or how the photography came out*. Nope, total peace, since my brain is all focused on my next project and CJ.

The next project is for a summer crochet magazine. You can see the sneak peek to the side here. It is a short sleeved top with black touches. It is very classic in style. Once it was done, I wished I made the scoop neck lower, but oh well. The yarn is a sock yarn, so I knew that I wanted a really lacy pattern. There was no way I was going to finish it this century if it was a solid or textured pattern in sock weight. The pattern looks a lot like lattice, which you can see a hint of here.

Next up on the docket?
Where do I start?
I have patterns that I want to get up on the CBF line, organization for the next CGOA Professional Development Day (its in July this year), 2 projects for Inside Crochet, 1 project for Interweave Crochet, a vest I have wanted to crochet CJ since she was just a tiny peanut (and then release as a CBF pattern), and some swatching for Marly (she is the next creative voice behind Bijou Basin Yarns).
So only a little bit of work.
My eyes have been bigger then CJ's naps lately. Now that I am feeling much like my old self again, I find it hard not to want to try to do every project that I have accepted or dream up. My timeline to get a project finished has greatly increased, but my brain does not always remember that. Take this project. I was a week late in getting the sample crocheted. Not because anyone was overly sick or anything, just because I forget that my time is spent doing other things now. You would think that after nearly 5 months (this Wednesday) I would have gotten that down. Oh no. Still trying to squeeze out time to answer emails and check ravelry. But haven't found that time yet.

Speaking of time, I think (fingers crossed) that I have 30 mins of nap time left, so I am off to crochet one of those projects up there.

Happy Crocheting, Everyone!


*In case you didn't know, I actually do not get to see the photography for quite a while. Different publishers have different policies, but for Interweave I am not at the shoot or have anything to do with it. Many bawk at this, but I look at it this way. They are responsible for producing and selling the book, so to them they want to take the best photos possible. And they really do.