Hot Little Hands

In the last few days I got two exciting publications in my hot little hands!

First was a TOTAL shock, Unexpected Afghans, showed up on my doorstep.  I wasn't expecting this for at least another month or more. Unexpected Afghans: Innovative Crochet Designs with Traditional Techniques  Crazy ahead of schedule. I believe it will be shipping to pre-orders in June.  I was so excited.  I love this book. It has by far 24 of my favorite afghan patterns of all time (mainly because they are from designers I respect and admire).  I just can not wait until you all can see inside!  It has lovely pictures, great diagrams, and fun tid bits from everyone.  It is arranged by technique, and I can guarantee each chapter will have a new twist on cables, color, granny square, Tunisian, and lace that you have not seen before.  More soon, we are planning a giant celebration party in June and will get you all the details soon.

The second surprise was my contributor copy of Vogue Crochet.  I was such a nerd, I immediately opened it to the back.  why?  So I could check out my diagrams.  NERD.  This magazine should be on your wish list.  Sure the projects are great; that would be a given for Vogue Knitting; but it has so much more inside.  There are tons of articles on crochet from technical stuff like seaming and symbols; to artwork, to thread, to new products, and to travel.  I myself can't wait to sit down tonight and read it cover to cover.  You know what is also amazing, that over 80% of the adds are all for crocheters too.  Now as for those patterns, you should know that Vogue Knitting really did their homework.  You will find written patterns that are written for crocheters by crocheters.  No using knitting pattern terms.  These are modern crochet writing.  Plus, there are diagrams. And I don't mean a few either.  There are whole pages just of diagrams.  I am just in love with this one too.  And I won't lie, I am totally crossing my fingers that Vogue Knitting decides to do another special issue (last one was in the 90s).  It is not easy to make a magazine these days, and I really applaud publishers that do it so well (like Interweave and Crochet Today, also my favorites).

Enough of my gushing!  I have no idea how I will focus the rest of the day, I can't wait to look at these over and over!