Simply Crochet Countdown to Fun

It's here! Simply Crochet: 22 Stylish Designs for Everyday
is releasing Dec 7 in print (or now in ebook). In honor of its release, I am hosting a party.

The book is packed with gifts since all projects use less then 5 balls of yarn, perfect for your holiday gift crocheting. The book is also packed with great designers, hence the party. Everyday in December we will be talking about one of the projects in the book. You can see the full schedule below. We will be going through the book in order, like we are turning the page and finding out from the designer herself on each project. I can't wait to hear all their behind the scenes on working on the projects myself.

Besides the projects themselves, the book explores what it really means to crochet on a budget. I proposed this book right before I was laid off, and at the time we had to go down to 24 hour work week. Needless to say, my family had budget planning on the mind like never before. I had a ton of stash yarn and I knew there was a great book in there somewhere. Of course at the same time, I was also pregnant. When the book got going, I had an infant and no time to design all the projects myself. So I roped in some of my crochet friends, and tapped their brains on crocheting on a budget. They had amazing projects that only used a few balls of yarn and totally was invigorating working with them on each one. I only have 6 projects in the book, but I think you will love everything they made as much as I do. I also included my tips on how I crochet on a budget. So besides great projects to use that stash yarn, or leftover yarn bits; there are ideas on picking stitches that will make your crochet go farther, literally; recycling yarn from old sweaters; organizing your yarn so you do not "lose" any skein; and more.

Hope you enjoy! Here's a preview to tempt you. Don't forget to come back tomorrow and the day after and the day after...

Simply Crochet Countdown to Fun Schedule:
1 Ball or Less
Dec 1 Iced Ascot by Rebecca Velasquez
Dec 2 Flapper Hat by Margaret Hubert
Dec 3 Billows of Baubles Scarf by Sheryl Means
Dec 4 Twist Cowl Wrap by Linda Permann
Dec 5 Mystic Cuff by Robyn Chachula
Dec 6 Emma Lace Scarf by Simona Merchant-Dest
Dec 7 Diamonds and Lace Hat by Linda Permann
Dec 8 Neck Lattice by Vashti Braha

3 Balls or Fewer
Dec 9 Botan Placemats by Marlaina Bird
Dec 10 Tapestry Basket by Carol Ventura,
Dec 11 Blooming Beauty Purse by Tracie Barrett
Dec 12 Nedburt Puppet by Robyn Chachula
Dec 13 Natalie Shrug by Megan Granholm
Dec 14 Giselle Vest by Simona Merchant-Dest
Dec 15 Sidney Cardigan by Robyn Chachula
Dec 16 Annabel Shawl by Kristin Omdahl

5 Balls or Fewer
Dec 17 Tallula Baby Top by Marlaina Bird
Dec 18 Amelia Cardigan by Julia Vaconsin
Dec 19 Float Vest, Float Cardigan by Robyn Chachula
Dec 20 Linked Jacket by Robyn Chachula
Dec 21 Dots and Dashes Blanket by Ellen Gormley
Dec 22 Spa Shawl Top, Spa Shawl Tunic by Doris Chan

Holiday Crafting

I took the holiday weekend "off". Meaning, I did not write or do anything on my laptop, but just crocheted and only when I wanted to crochet. Not on deadline mode. It was so relaxing, and reminded me that I really need to schedule more time off.

I got a bunch crocheted too. I am making a sweater for CJ in a one of a kind colorway from Lorna's Laces. When it is done I will make the pattern available for you guys. I am planning on up-sizing it to go from 12 mths to 8 yrs. It's a wrap cardigan that will have a solid lace edging. The contrast of variegated yarn to solid color lace edging will balance the very girly silhouette perfectly I think. CJ approves, and that's all that matters.

I also got through crocheting half of my next project for the book. Of course I had to rip it all out and start again, but by today I am at the same point so not too bad. I am laughing b/c it was a total tension thing. I am a tight crocheter, no doubt. But I crocheted something that was supposed to be 12" and it was 9" when I was done. In my tension too, wonder what was stressing me this weekend? All good now. Tension back to normal.

Time to get back to work. CJ has been playing with another item on my to-do list recently and it reminds me I have to format that pattern too. It is so funny watching her start to get into imagination play. Today she was a countess making dinner. (not sure where that came from, but the play hat is the pattern I will be releasing)

Inspiration Week - day 5

It is not by chance that my favorite season is autumn. I love when you can wear sweaters every day, play in the leaves, drink hot cider, and feel the excitement of the holidays coming up. And oh, the colors. I really did not capture the beauty of the colors this year, but they were amazing. Bright yellow, blazing orange, eye catching red, spring green, blue sky... So it is was an easy choice to want one of my projects to be that maize yellow to have the harvest time of year to be warn all year. (besides the leaf shape that so inspires my passion for motifs)

Inspiration Week - day 4

The children's garden at Phipps Conservancy is so much more then for kids. Sure they have areas they can water the flowers, touch leaves that feel like a lamb, get lost in a maze, or climb a tree; but the beauty is what keeps me taking her back week after week. The romantic beauty of the rolling stream down to the lily pad is one of my favorite pictures. The romance is all in this project too with its berry lace pattern. It is a project that you wear in romantic places. So naturally the color needed to be a springy green, with dark as night blue contrasts just like the lily pads in the water.

Inspiration Week - day 3

Ok so the thing about living in the area we live in, is that at first glance it is not the most beautiful neighborhood. Not even the second glance, especially for me coming from living in the historic district in Cincinnati with all the painted lady houses. But after you live here for a while you notice the little things, like the flowers on your neighbors steps or the trees blooming on the hilly walk to the park or the stunning view of the bridges in the winter. This project is like that. At first glance, it is ok, but then you really look at it and the mix of crochet lace and structure make you want to wear it everyday. Or at least, I do.

Crochet Today Jan/ Feb 2012

Preview for Crochet Today Jan/ Feb 2012 Issue is out!

I have two small projects in this issue; a scarf and necklace.

The scarf is a little doily scarf with three different doilies in three different colors. They all blend together really well, so far away they look the same, but upclose you get the joy of seeing the differences. The yarn is a lovely cotton yarn. It was really a joy to crochet. Perfect for warm weather climates and for wool allergies.

The necklace has 2 tiny amigurumi hearts. I really like the hearts without the embroidery. The inspiration was conversation heart candy, but the final piece I like more plain. I gave CT the option figuring they know what they are doing more then I do. EC is for my sweethearts, CJ and Charles. (Instead of giving our name, Chachula, Mark always gives Charles to the hostess since it is so much easier to pronounce. That and in college, we all called him Chach.) There are a ton of options for the hardware for the necklace. I like the stacking of the necklaces, but I also like placing them side by side. I think a ribbon option would be really cute too.

These projects were so enjoyable to crochet. I was crocheting them while I was editing and it was such a nice break to crochet while reading and re-writing. I hope you enjoy too!

Inspiration Week- day 2

I minored in Architectural History in college, so you know I adore all forms of architecture. My other half is a modernist lover. On our trips this summer we visited the Art museum in Milwaukee. The form obviously set in my mind for a project. Clean lines with open spaces. What makes me chuckle looking back is the color. CJ was wearing a hot pink jacket that day, and it definitely stuck with me I guess.

Inspiration Week - day 1

First up this week is a pretty picot project. The crocheting was handled by my cousin, Rebecca. She is fast and great.

Inspiration of the shape of the project will have to wait. The color and crochet where inspired by Phipps Conservancy in Pittsburgh. They have a toddler storytime where they read books, then either do crafts or plant flowers. CJ loves it, and I love the venue. On one of our trips we stumbled into the Japanese garden. CJ was in love with the bridge and secret passageways. It was easy to be inspired to add more Japanese crochet into my work and use a neutral color to let the crochet shine.

Ryan Motorcycle Jacket

Ryan Motorcycle Jacket

Do you know of a tyke who is “too cool for school”? Then this jacket is perfect for him. Its motorcycle-inspired style, complete with snaps and zipper makes this a decidedly “cool” sweater. The high collar will help keep your little guy warm and it can even be unzipped when the air gets a little warmer. Plus, the Tunisian stitch pattern adds just a touch of texture and will offer many the chance to learn a new skill. Pattern was originally cut from Baby Blueprint Crochet, then published in Inside Crochet Issue 17 with UK terms. Download-able pattern is written in US terms and fully diagrammed in crochet symbols.

Yarn

Red Heart Sport (100% acrylic), CYCA #3, 165yds/70g: #12 Black 2, 3, 3, 4 skeins

Hooks
J/10 (6.0mm) afghan crochet hk and H/8 (5.0 mm) hk or hks needed to obtain gauge

Notions

Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Steam iron and rust proof straight pins

14” Black sport separating zipper

(3) size 2 snaps

3/8” by 9” of black grosgrain ribbon

Matching thread

Stitches Used

ch Chain

sl st Slip Stitch

sc Single Crochet

t-ch Turning Chain

sk Skip

Gauge

15 sts by 12 rows (7 Stitch Repeats by 6 Row Repeats)= 4”x4” inches (in tire tread stitch pattern)

Sizes

Pullover sized 12 mth, 24 mth, 4 yrs, 6yrs. Chest circumference is 24” (26”, 28”, 30”). Garment fit is relaxed. Sample shown in a 6yrs size.

$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.

1 step forward 2 steps back (or is it the other way around?)

Even when you plan as much as I do, I am still always surprised how behind I am. If you know me, you know even when I try really really hard, I will always be at least 10 mins late. This translates to everything. And I really should not be surprised that I have only 5 projects finished for the new book, when I wanted to have 8 done by now.

I should be less surprised that I have to work through the holidays. Every year in January, I vow not to work through the holiday season. By November, I am always behind and have to work long long nights through and put on a happy face while I do it. So no surprise I will have to do it this year as well.

My one saving grace is getting one afternoon off a week to sit back and just work. To actually work when I am alert, it is such a noble concept these days. Work for me happens all the time, but I usually have one eye on my 2yr old making sure she isn't wrecking havoc while I check my email. My only time to concentrate is during nap or bedtime and you know how with-it you are after wrestling a toddler to sleep. Still I am amazed at how just one afternoon really can re-charge me.

Like this week for example. I got the 5 projects back from my crocheters 2 weeks ago. I planned a week of doing the finishing bits and send them off. (I always do the finishing so that I can write exactly what to do for that piece. You know that yarn can vary so much and you never quite know which one will really need a steam bath to get it to settle down, or which one will need a larger edging to support the weight of the crochet. Instead of wasting my crocheter's time, I do it. Plus, then I can get my hot little hands on the project too. I can get very jealous sometimes that they get to crochet with the yarn. Anyway.) After an entire week of late nights (think newborn sleep hours); I was only half finished and really disheartened. In all the planning who new that it would take me 2 weeks to finish, instead of one. So going into the week, I knew I was behind and really need to get to the next step on my to do list. No magic pill to make you not totally disheartened at the time it is taking you to finish, other then to just finish. But on my one afternoon off, when I can sit and think. It comes to me, put all my struggles finishing these in the book. Because I know everyone has had projects that they think they have to frog, but actually might only need some blocking or lining or edging to fix them. See, it is amazing what you can do even when you are at your end with just a few hours to think straight.

Even with all the late nights these past few weeks and all the going ons in our house (if you have been following me on twitter you know that nearly everything in our house needed fixed at one point); how can you trade it in when I get to visit places like Phipps (the pic above) in Pittsburgh. Our daily routine consists of going to a museum/ library/ park everyday to get CJ tired and I can then work. I won't lie, I get most of my inspiration for my work in those activities. I mean come on, look how beautiful that place is and just try to not be inspired.

So a little late, but this week will be inspiration week around here to remind me that even if it takes me an extra month I can finish projects. The first is to the right, and noticing now how all those colors looked plucked out of the picture above; just goes to prove that even when you don't know you are being inspired you really are. The project on your right is for a magazine, so i can't say much other then I really enjoyed making it. It took me a month to crochet. I would literally get to crochet one or two rows a day, but hey even that will add up in the end right? More sneak peeks all this week, hope you enjoy!

Climbing Vine Vest

Climbing Vine Vest

Since crocheting can sometimes take a while, I love projects that you can wear all year round. This vest made from silk can easily be layered over a cami in the summer for a dressy tank top or over a buttoned down shirt in the winter for a polished vest. As with all my patterns, the construction is both written out and diagrammed in symbols. The pattern was originally published in Inside Crochet Issue 9 in UK terms. The version available to download is in US terms.

Yarn:

Rowan Purelife Revive (CYCA #3), 36% Recycled Silk, 36% Recycled Cotton, 28% Recycled Viscose, 125m (137 yds) / 50g: #462 Basalt 6, 6, 7, 7, 8 balls

Hook:

G/7 (4.5mm) hk or hk needed to obtain gauge

Notions:

Blocking pins &spray bottle

Stitch markers

Tapestry needle

Stitches Used:

ch Chain

sl st Slip Stitch

sc Single Crochet

hdc Half Double Crochet

dc Double Crochet

t-ch Turning Chain

sk Skip

Gauge:

7 dc by 8 rows = 11.5 cm (4.625”) wide by 11 cm (4.25”) long in stitch patt

Sizes:

Bust/chest circumference is 86, 94, 102, 109, 117 cm (34”, 37”, 40”, 43”, 46”) to fit S, M, L, XL, 2X. Fit is close. Shown in M.

$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.

Victoria Scarf

Victoria Scarf

Like shoes, I think scarves are best when they are popping with color. Victoria is scarf that can stand out from a crowd easily, and I love that about her too. No reason to go through the winter with a boring gray scarf, right? Might as well have something fun wrapped around your neck to make you smile. As with all my patterns, the motifs and construction are both written out and diagrammed in symbols. The pattern was originally published in Inside Crochet Issue 14 in UK terms. The version available to download is in US terms.

Yarn:

Mirasol Tupa (CYCA #3), 50% Silk, 50% Merino Wool, 125m (137 yds) / 50g:

#817 Aquamarine 2 hanks

Hook:

G/7 (4.5mm) hk or hk 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

tr Treble Crochet

sk skip

t-ch turning chain

Finished size:

Scarf is 5” wide by 60” tall (13cm by 153cm).

Gauge:

First Motif = 13 cm (5”) in diameter

Notes:

Scarf is worked one motif at a time. Each motif will connect to prev motif with a sl st at the end or beginning of the row.

$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.

Note: This pattern has not been tech-edited. Please let me know if you find any errors in the pattern. I will give you a free pattern for any errors you might find. Hope you enjoy!

Crochet snuggle

Chair snuggle
Originally uploaded by rchach

We all should love on crochet like this, don't you think?

Life has gotten a bit out of control. If you have been following my twitter account, you already know. In the last 10 days my laptop fried completely, CJ had to start nebulizer treatments for a cough, and our washing machine, garbage disposal, and dishwasher all broke in the same night. Fun times.

I thought that maybe we all could use a bit of a break. So I am having a half-off sale on all my patterns.

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year. Leaves changing, jumping in piles of leaves, apple cider, crisp air, and the return of crocheting with wool.. I hope you can use the sale to pick up a pattern you have been wanting to crochet. All I ask is you to enjoy it, while enjoying some of this nice autumn weather.

Sale Details:
Visit my ravelry store and pick out a pattern : http://www.ravelry.com/stores/crochet-by-faye-designs
enter the coupon code: AUTUMN at checkout
It will automatically take 50% off the pattern price. I will have the sale up for 2 weeks. Coupon only will work once.

Off to some crochet snuggles myself

Unexpected Afghans Preview

Months and Months before it will be available. Here's the preview to my 3rd book this year. I am madly in love with this one. The designers were all amazing and I can't wait till you can see it all. Till then, I can't even say much. But I think the preview does speak miles.

Unexpected Afghans

Get it before it hits the shelves!

Simply Crochet is available now as an immediate download e-book. That's almost 6 weeks before you will be able to get it in the store. Crazy!

I will have more soon on the book and all the projects starting in December. I'm just very excited that it is available so soon!

Simply Crochet

Final Stop: Crochet Chat

Today is the last day on our blog tour.

I am very thankful to Wiley for sponsoring the tour with so many book giveaways. And very thankful to all our blog authors for their generous reviews of the the book. I really hope you all enjoy the book as much as I did writing it!

The last stop today is with Jocelyn over at Crochet Chat. She has the pulse on all the going ons in the crochet world. Be sure to sign up to follow her on twitter for everything crochet. She interviewed me on some of my favorite crochet books and techniques. Hope you enjoy!

And thank you all for following along!

Day 13 Stop: Manhattan Craft Room

Heading over to New York for Brett's review of the new book.

Brett and I are pals from Crochet Today when she was the editor and, of course, from Knit and Crochet Now. Brett is one of the most creative people I know. She can master a new craft in a instant. Have you checked out her jello creations? Amazing right? She is also the author of the fantastic book, Sewing in a Straight Line.