Day 12 Stop: Lindamade

Today we travel to Texas to stop in with Linda Permann. Linda is my crochet soul-mate. Her designs are everything that I want mine to be; fun, hip, creative, and colorful. I was an admirer of her work long before we ever met; and once we did I knew we would hit it off forever.

Linda is a crochet author, designer, and teacher. You probably have seen her books Crochet Adorned or Little Crochet. She designs for everyone, so may have caught her work in a magazine. Or of course, from her pattern line. Isn't her latest design, Starry Night, great? Besides that Linda is a great teacher. You can catch her at her local yarn store; or even better online. Her classes are very organized and packed with great tips.

Linda and I are so similar we keep laughing about it. She and I both wrote modern baby crochet books at the same time, having no idea that's what the other one was doing. Both made online DVDs or classes about very similar crochet topics, again at the same time having no idea that we did it again. It just kept happening. So when I was writing Simply Crochet and Unexpected Afghans, Linda was one of the first people I contacted to collaborate with me. I love her work and I hope you do too. So be sure to stop by her blog and enter a chance to win a copy of the book.

(By the way, in case you didn't know Crochet Adorned is also a mini stitch dictionary too. Just saying...)

Day 11 Stop: The Crochet Doctor

We head over to stop in with Marty Miller, the Crochet Doctor. Marty is one of the most educated crochet designers I know. She has an interest in almost everything which makes it a joy to talk with her. In the crochet world, Marty designs, edits, teaches, and volunteers.

Marty's last booklet was a cute bunch of totes. They are perfect for running to the grocery store or library (where i use all my totes).

Marty's review of the book is wonderful. She put the book to the test by hopping in and testing out some of the patterns. I couldn't be more delighted that she found some inspiration inside. Marty is so knowledgeable with crochet that it is pure delight that she likes the book.

Hope you enjoy!

Day 10 Stop: Yarn Craft Podcast

Today we are chatting with Zontee at Lion Brand over at the Yarn Craft Podcast. We talk yarn, stitches, and how to use a stitch dictionary. Hope you enjoy!

Book Winner and Update

First, I'd like to congratulate Melody. She won a copy of Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia from Vickie Howell's review of the book. I hope you enjoy it!

This last few weeks have been rough for us. So writing three books at once is tough, but I totally forgot (DUH) that while I am only writing one right now; I would be editing another and publicizing another two. Talk about feeling behind. At least we have been getting some good inspiration lately. I took CJ to my parents over the weekend to get her a good dose of the country, since she is such a city kid. She loved visiting all the "dogs"; all animals other then cats, cows, and sheep are dogs in her world. The colors were beautiful which you can sort of see below.

I have been working an a bunch of new projects too. One fun swatch which I am not going with, but I still love is below. More soon once I can have a minute to breath without a toddler on top of me.

Day 9 Stop: Styled by Kristin

We are headed to Florida today to stop in with Kristin Omdahl over at Styled by Kristin. Kristin is an amazingly talented crochet and knit designer. Her designs are truly one of a kind and blow me away every time. Her mind thinks in geometry and makes the most incredible motifs that always are inspiring to me.

Her newest book is Seamless Crochet. It explains how to crochet a group of motifs without fastening off. It is really cool if you have not seen it before, you will say ooh and ahh at the same time. In really really simple terms, you crochet part of all the motifs in a strip then come back and crochet the rest in the return pass. It is a lot of fun to play with and you can see how lovely the projects come out to be.

Day 8 Stop: Nexstitch

Nexstitch with Amie Hirtes is our stop for today.

Amie is a designer, graphic artist, and art teacher. She is incredibly talented. Her tutorials constantly are getting amazing praise, and are definitely worth a look when you need a crochet stitch reminder. Her patterns are always fashionable and easy to follow.

Her review of the book really warms my heart. She took a genuine look into the book and to my delight found some inspiration in it. I am truly touched!

Day 7 Stop: Knitgrrl

Today we check in with Shannon Okey, over at Knitgrrl.

Shannon is the real deal. She is a designer, sure; teacher, you bet; and PUBLISHER, whaa? Yup, she literally does it all. She comes up with fantastic designs (knit, crochet, and felting); then can teach you backwards and forwards how to make them; oh and somehow finds time to publish wonderful books. Check out some of the titles Cooperative Press has coming out.

Cooperative Press is her brain child born from wanting to give designers more freedom in publishing. Her indie venture takes publishing to a new level. They are combining all forms of media (like print and ebooks); plus giving total freedom to the designer. Now it is not a breeze, these designers are working their tails off; but the product is lovely with totally fresh approaches to craft books. If your local yarn store has not heard of them, help them out by spreading the word. The patterns and designers are not to be missed. They are all truly masters at their craft.

Hope you enjoy!

Oooh! Coming Soon

Look what is up for pre-order!

I am so excited the newest Crochet Accessories is about to come out. I'm not in it, I'm just excited to see all the great projects. By the looks of the preview, it looks amazing. Just look at those shawls! And how in the world did they pack in 59 projects? Is it a fold out magazine? I mean, that is amazing.

I just can't wait!

Day 6 Stop: Annie Modesitt

We head to Minnesota today and visit in with Annie Modesitt.

Annie is a good friend of mine, and I am also a GIANT fan of hers. She is the best teacher I have taken classes from. I actually keep all of her handouts close to me every time I knit, especially cables. She just explains stitches really well and while entertaining you in the mean time. So you are there laughing, all the while not even realizing you are learning a new technique.

Annie teaches all over the country, but if she is not going to near you anytime soon you can also take an online class from her as well. How great is that?

Annie's review of the book, makes me blush. She is just the greatest cheerleader, is she not? Every time I am getting down and exhausted, she makes me smile. Enjoy!

Day 5 Stop: Vickie Howell

Today's tour stop is with the ultimate working crafty mom, Vickie Howell. You can her thoughts on the encyclopedia and see a swatch in her new yarn, Sheepish.

Sheepish is an acrylic wool blend yarn. It gives great stitch definition since it is a single ply with a shiny sheen. You can see a few of my swatches when I was using it for a pattern here.

Have you seen the yarn in your local hobby and craft store (Like Micheals)? What would you love to see made with this yarn?

Answer either of the above questions (by email to me, or here in the comments) by Wednesday at noon, EST; and I will enter you to win a copy of the book. I will send all the answers to Vickie, I know she loves hearing what you think as much as I do. I will pick the winner at random and have Wiley send you out a copy of the book. Make sure you leave a way for me to get a hold of you, email is best.

Day 4 Stop: The Hook and I

Today we are headed to Alaska to talk with Amy from the Hook and I.

I love Amy. We were roomies at all the conferences until she and her family moved to Alaska, and travelling became much more difficult. Amy is multi-talented. She's a great teacher, crocheter, designer, author, editor, chef, and more. You can catch up on their adventures in craftiness in Alaska on her blog. Amy is the author of a bunch of crochet books as well, so check her out on Ravelry when you get a minute too.

Day 3 Stop: Go Crochet with Ellen

Today we are headed to Cincinnati (our old home) and stop in to see Ellen Gormley.

Ellen is a very busy crochet designer. So much so, that I think in the 6 years we lived there, we only found time to see each other 3 times, And once way the day I was leaving! I literally think she sleeps with a hook in her hand. And I might be wrong, but I think she crochets all her designs herself. So she must not sleep either.

Her latest book, Go Crochet! Afghan Design Workshop, is a fantastic workbook of motifs. I blogged about it here. But I have it close to my desk to look at for inspiration all the time. You can see lots of her designs at Ravelry as well.

Look Look...

Look what I found!

Book 5 Revealed!

Unexpected Afghans: Innovative Crochet Designs with Traditional Techniques

More soon about the book, it will be amazing is all I can say. Like hold on to your hats projects. I can say that since I only did 5 small ones in this book. Most from the people that inspire me, and I hope you too. Doesn't come out till next summer so more when we get closer. I am editing for the third time this week. Nice little pick me up to see it for pre-order.

Day 2 Stop: Yarnthing Podcast

Today's stop is with the sunny and giggling, Marly Bird, over at Yarn Thing Podcast.

Come join us at 12 noon today for some laughing and chatting about crochet. Marly and I always have fun, so it will be a great time!

Till then, have you seen Marly's latest book, Curvy Crochet? Or her latest designs? She is the creative director over at Bijou Basin Ranch (along with author, designer, teacher, and podcast host). Her work with them is fantastic and really shows what amazing things you can make with their great yarn.

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See if you can tell all my great mothering acts in the 30 min show....

1. Let CJ watch Sesame Street to buy me 10 mins of quiet

2. Threw stickers on the floor to buy another 10

3. Then threw cookies on the floor to keep both baby and Faye quiet for the last 10.

Fabulous! Seriously can you hear me running away from the crazy loud toy she was playing with? You wondered how I "do it all". Quick answer-- not well.

Encyclopedia hits the Road....

Starting today and going until Nov, the encyclopedia is stopping and visiting with some incredible crocheters. At each stop there will be an opportunity to win a copy of the book, so be sure to check in every day for the tour stop for your chance to win. The complete list of tour stops is below, but I will be posting about these great crafters everyday as well to remind you to check them out.

Today's stop is with Mary Beth Temple over on her podcast, Getting Loopy. Be sure to take a listen tonight at 9pm (est), and call in if you have any questions (or ask in her chat room). You can always catch up on our chat later this week too on itunes. Mary Beth is one of my fellow crochet designer, teacher, authors; that is as nuts as I am taking on a million projects and hardly ever sleeping. Her latest blog post about dropping off a package, was like she was scripting my life. Exactly the same. You can check out her latest designs on her pattern line hooked for life. I hope to hear from you guys tonight!

Tour Schedule:

Oct 10- Getting Loopy

Oct 11- Yarn Thing

Oct 12- Go Crochet

Oct 13- Hook and I

Oct 17- Vickie Howell

Oct 18- Modeknit,

Oct 19- Knitgrrl

Oct 20- NexStitch

Oct 24- Styled by Kristin

Oct 25- Yarn Craft

Oct 26- Crochet Doctor,

Oct 27- Lindamade

Oct 31- Manhattan Craft Room

Nov 1- Crochet Café

First of Many Giveaways

Today mark's the first of many giveaways for Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia

All you need to do today, is head over to Wiley's Craft Blog and leave a comment to be entered to win.

Starting next week and going through November, every day you will be able to enter to win a copy of the book at one of the blog tour stops... so get ready!