Mini-Update

sneak preview
Originally uploaded by rchach

I have been quiet on twitter and the blog world for a few days since I am in a crunch again. I feel like I am never going to get out of that feeling, but I know I will start finishing these giant books soon.

I finished the first round of edits of the galley copy of Crochet Stitches Visual Encylopedia on monday. That beast of a book had to have over 50 pages cut, it is just that big. I think we were over 300 pages. That is amazing to me since we already cut 50 patterns while I was writing. Can you imagine if we left those in? Needless to say that ate all my free time this weekend (esp since I messed up the deadlines and thought I had another week...)

So I went from turning that in, to finishing up this project. It is for a winter crochet magazine and it is pretty obviously has some classic grannies. The rest you will have to wait to see. But this guy, had me up super late last night crocheting away.

Of course, I have been grinding away all after normal hours since our family from Louisiana is up visiting. Only figures I have crazy deadlines when they are here. So my days have been so funny. Do something fun and touristy in the day, crochet/ write the night away.

At least I am starting to make a small dent in my to do list. I have another chunk to edit and write for Book 3 (of this year) and then I will really feel better. Off to clean the house a bit then jump back in.

New Product Weekly: Sewing in a Straight Line

Today I have the pleasure of bringing you Brett Bara's new book, Sewing in a Straight Line.

I will say that I have been quite excited for Brett's book. Sewing is a craft I love, but am just not the best at. I always say, "I am ok. I can sew in a straight line. Most of the time". I have made at least one probably everything you can imagine. I'm done one quilt, one skirt, one baby cardigan, one cloth diaper and on and on. I would love to say it is because I am so busy; but really I like to tackle a new project and then move on.

This is why I am so excited for Brett's new book. I now have a ton more projects that I know I can tackle since they all just use a straight line and nothing too fancy.

My hands down favorite in the book, are these lovely bowls. And LOOK! Brett even made a video demo on how to make them. How perfect is that?

Sewing in a Straight Line by Brett Bara – How to Sew a Round Bowl with Straight Lines Only from Rarebit Productions on Vimeo.

A few other projects that caught my eye are the belt and baby quilt. They

look like projects I can tackle and be very proud of finishing. In all there are 26 projects in the book. 16 home, 10 fashion. Each one has great photos of the finish piece, tips on making the project, and illustrations to describe the more complex ideas.

Make sure you stop on by Brett's blog for more videos and a huge giveaway. She is giving away a Singer sewing machine and serger. Winning that prize is like winning the motherload! Make sure you enter!

Brilliant or Awful

preview
Originally uploaded by rchach

Today I finished a project that I seriously have no idea if it is brilliant or awful. Only time will tell, and I will tell you all more about it as soon as I can.

I will say that it was crocheted with my new favorite superwash wool. Cascade 220 superwash DK weight. Very nice in ball, plus an incredible amount of yardage. Definitely see more projects in this yarn.

Preview and last Winner

First things first,

I would like to congratulate Diane H on winning the last lot from TNNA. It was great fun dividing everything up,. CJ looked forward to every Monday morning picking out the winners. Thank you all for playing along with me, made my TNNA last all month.

This week brings me a challenge of editing the encyclopedia, finishing the last chapter on Book 5, and designing and writing 3 magazine projects. It is a tall order. No sleep for this mommy, I am sure. I keep thinking that I have to be getting close to the end of my to do list and it keeps growing longer. Kind of like the laundry that never seems to end, even though I do at least a load every day. At the very least I have another preview for you. This one is from the secret Book 5. (In the last 12 mths I wrote 3 books, Book 5 is the last of the 3. I might have called it other things on the blog, I can never fully remember. I have got to get a better secret code name for future ones that is for sure!) This is a highly close up version of the project, but still it is a preview. More on the book when I can. But better get back at in now!

Petals Pullover Crochet-Along

Check out CrochetMe's latest crochet-along....

Petal Pullover

They will be crocheting the pullover now to the end of August. If you were thinking of crocheting it, it may be nice to join them. I know I like working with others on the same project to be able to ask questions and what not. You can pick up a copy of the issue over at Interweave.

CAN NOT wait to see what everyone creates!

Winner Announced

I will not lie. I am not ready for our 3 day vacation to be over. I did not turn on my laptop once and just enjoyed friends and family for 3 days. So nice!

But I thought you all would want to know who won that great bag right away. We had over 100 entries between here and ravelry. I put them all in a bowl and let CJ pick over waffles and sesame street this morning. Congrats to RebeccaCrochets over at ravelry. I hope she loves it, I know I love mine. Yes, you guessed it. I did get one myself. For the most part, I am giving away everything from TNNA. I did keep a ball from the blossom street collection, heel cream, tape measures, and my own Namaste bag in peacock. It is fantastic and I am in love! One last giveaway this week!

Also this week I will be working on book 3 (preview above). Actually I will be cramming in book and magazine work this week. I have 2 chapters to work on and a sweater to finish. Better wake up from my vacation mode, and get moving!

TNNA Treasures. part 4

Last Stop on our TNNA Treasure Tour:

Wooly Goody Bag:

1 ball of Stitch Nation Washable Ewe by Red Heart

2 balls of Gerbera Solid from the Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection by Universal Yarns

Heel foot cream by Soak

Tape Measure by Red Heart

Boye wooden Crochet Hook

Key Dot by Polar Knit

So this last group is definitely for the crocheters. Both the Washable ewe ad Gerbera Solid will crochet beautifully. The Heel cream is my favorite and lives in my bag.

Leave a comment here or at Ravelry to enter to win the loot by July 10th. I will announce a winner on Monday.