10.24.2012

Interweave Crochet Accessories



Out now is Interweave Crochet Accessories.  It is a special issue filled with just accessories.  Anything from hats to shawls to toys to jewelry.   Funny enough, that is nearly everything I have in this issue.  I have a necklace and earnings  flower bag, plaid scarf, and dreidel toy.

The Zylphia Necklace was inspired from a necklace I saw in a catalog that reminded me of crochet.  I love mixing crochet motifs and beads on jump rings.  So easy to switch out the motifs or beads when you get bored with the look.

Zylphia Necklace and Earrings, Interweave.com
The Dreidel Plushie was definitely funny to crochet in April.  I live in an area where everyone would know what a dreidel is and why April is a weird time to crochet one. It is actually a super easy one to make.  All in the round with the sides sewn on after.  The Hebrew letters I embroidered on by using a piece of trace paper that I drew them on in block style. Definitely something you can crochet during Thanksgiving and have for Hanukkah (which is super early this year!)

Evening Blooms Purse this one was originally designed as a clutch which cracks me up.  I got the yarn and the blooms where so huge, I new it had to be a redesign.  Luckily, Marcy didn't have a bag like it in the issue yet and we enlarged it.  Crocheting the flowers really doesn't take long on this bag, even lining it doesn't take forever either. At least it did not for me, and I hate sewing!

Bearsden Plaid Scarf is a striped scarf with embroidery for the vertical lines.  It is a perfect scarf for dad since its easy to make and has no frills.

I can't wait to see the rest of the projects in the issue!  I love getting ideas from these special issues.
Evening Blooms Purse, Interweave.com
Bearsden Plaid Scarf, Interweave.com
Dreidel Plushie, Interweave.com















Surprise Project!

Its nice when projects that you think have gotten put at the bottom of the pile of publishers get picked up!

I finished this project for Caron in January and just saw it show up on my Ravelry list.  (yay for Ravelry!)
I am very excited to see that it is getting published.  It is a really cute shawl.

It is made from all motifs that are crocheted together as you go.  You can make it in really any size you want. You can see from my in progress photos that it would be great at a capelet or poncho length, as well as the cape length.

You can play with how you style it too.  I like the waist band at the waist so the top is baggy and you have more room to move.

 
You can find it in Crochet! Magazine Warm and Cozy.

Showing Waistband
Back
Length Options

10.23.2012

Road Trip: Destination... New KCN Season!


Brett and I on set filming our last episode of the Season.
Honestly, I was shocked when it was announced that Annie's purchased Knit and Crochet Now and wanted to produce more seasons a few weeks ago.  After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I looked at the calendar and thought uh oh, I have a lot of exercise to do before we tape- yes, vanity was my first thought!  Then I started to get really excited for seeing friends and going to crochet camp for a few days.

See no matter how prepped I am, I am always crocheting backstage for a segment.  Its like a think-tank for a few days talking about the best way to show knitting and crochet techniques    We are always brainstorming new ideas to show viewers.   There will be days at breakfast we throw out an idea, spend time between breaks crocheting, and film that idea after lunch.  One of those it is the picture of me and Ellen.  I had totally different sleeves for my secret project, and crocheted new sleeves then showed how to insert them on camera the next day.

Ellen and I backstage.  Me crocheting for the following day.
Are you scratching your head when I said Ellen?  Well, let me break the news first!  Ellen Gormley has joined the cast!  She is my better half showing crochet techniques too.  Ellen is great.  She and I used to get to spend time together when I lived in Cincinnati.  We actually met through our husbands first versus at a conference funny enough.  I always say I want to be just like Ellen when I grow up.  She is so professional and has such a great work/ family balance that I am always picking her brain when we get together.  Plus, she loves being outside just as much as I do and we go walking whenever we are together.  How can you beat that?

This season will bring some classic crochet projects and a few head scratchers that will leave you saying, WOW crochet can do that?  Really it was so fun to demo.  Another twist is that I switched knitting partners.  Maggie had a secret filming shoot to get to in LA, so she taped first and I taped my episodes with Kristin.  It was so great getting to spend time with Kristin she is so much fun to hang out with along with Candi.  They could be their own comedy routine with each finishing each others thoughts.  At one point, I was worried Brett and I would lose our voice from laughing so hard.
Brett and Fred playing on set.

As always, we had the fabulous people at Detroit PBS to thank for hosting us.  They make it so easy to film.  The camera crew are all welcoming and inviting making us feel at home.  (You can see how much we love them with Brett and Fred joking around during a break).  Honestly, they are fantastic and really make you feel at home in their space.  It is so nice of them.  Then there is our makeup artist/ life coach, Amanie Mokdad, who makes you look great inside and out.

This season was so fast in taping.  Letting us laugh a bit at that.  Only took what 5 seasons for us to get the swing!  But swing we did.  In and out in less then a week, with 13 more episodes coming your way.  Plus, the good news we will be filming another season this spring!  Now if Pittsburgh would just start playing them, I could see my friends doing what they do best!  On that, there are a few secrets Candi has up her sleeve for getting the episodes out there.  Can't wait to share those secrets!  Its good stuff!
Makeup Room.  Go from exhausted mom to put together in 40 mins,  Amazing Amanie to thank!
Backstage whilrwind of hooks, needles, and yarn!
Dressing Room.  Those are just Brett's jewelry.  I always want to live in this room drooling over them. 
Set and Camera.  Yes, we have 4 cameras filming.  It is such an impressive studio and crew!

10.10.2012

I love Yarn Day

Are you ready for I love Yarn Day?

No?  Then check out these free patterns.  Oh and don't forget to enter their contest to win big!


You can check out my free pattern too.  Its a quick hat that you can easily whip up in 2 days.  How do I know?  I made 4!  Seriously.  One for the website, one for me, one for CJ, and one for Mr. CBF.   I'll try to get a picture of all of us in them for Friday.