Winter Magazines

In the mail I saw a few of my patterns have been published.  One I knew about, and one was a surprise.


Crochet Today:
  

Material Girl Stole,
Crochet Today Jan/ Feb 2013

Material Girl Stole,
Crochet Today Jan/ Feb 2013 

Entrelac Tunisian Crochet Stole.  As I have been mentioning, I have fallen in love with entrelac Tunisian crochet.  I love Tunisian crochet, but I do not love having to have a million loops to keep track of on my hook.  Entrelac alleviates that completely.  You only need a hook as long as your block you are working on (instead of as wide as the project). This stole uses 2 stitch patterns, one lace and one textured.  The piece is worked in the bottom corner diagonally up to the opposite corner for a rectangle shape.  The "row" uses the same stitch pattern for each block.  I really like the simple shape of this stole.  I love wearing cowls in the winter, but once I get to wear I am going, I always find cowls bulky.  I love that I can unbutton this stole and wrap it around my shoulders instead and not worry about all the bulk around my neck indoors.  (Mainly because I am a total klutz and always spill things on my cowls.)  With the buttons and length, you can wear this accessory in a number of ways.  I love that the magazine shows 4 ways to wear it.

As for entrelac, no worries if you have not done this technique before.  The magazine asked me to write an article on it and you can get step by step photos on how to attach each block as you crochet.








Crochet!

Split-Neck Tunic,
Crochet! Winter 2012

This tunic I designed over a year and a half ago, and I thought maybe it would stay one of those secret projects I made.  But hey look, it was found!  I designed this for the Sheep(ish) yarn line, and Crochet! picked up the design for their winter issue.  It is a pretty basic tunic (from what i can remember), that has granny squares lining the bottom and neck edge.  The stitch pattern is trebles alternated with single crochet to give a wide stripe look. The fit is close and hugs the body.  I designed this one for me, I'll be honest.  I love the look of floaty tunics with split necks, but they just look like bags on me.  This one hugs curves and I can accentuate my shape well with accessories.  If you don't like such a close shape, consider adding extra stitches after the neckline for a more floating body. (but be sure to do it after the neckline, so that you have a nice fit on your shoulders and back).  Sheep(ish) is a great yarn for this tunic, the shine of the yarn makes the stitch pop even more and make it a cozy winter sweater.  The ravelry link has more photos of the sides and back, if you need them when you crochet.

Split-Neck Tunic,
Crochet! Winter 2012

Winnie and Ottis Baby Blankets

 

I just wanted to take a minute more to talk about the two projects on my workshop video, Unexpected Crochet Stitches for Afghans and Beyond.  These two blankets are pretty special to me since I designed them for specific people and not really for the workshop.  Was just a great instance when they worked perfectly to help the video too!

About 2 years ago we moved from Cincinnati, OH to Pittsburgh, PA to be closer to family, but we left behind another family of ours, our friends.  Our friends in Cincinnati have been through the same economic war that we had with all of us being either Architects or Engineers   At one point, over half of all architectural professionals in Cincinnati were laid off at the same time.  Needless to say, that bonds friends together, especially when we all are in the same boat.  I was lucky being 8 months pregnant, I did not have time to worry about being laid off, I had a little monkey on the way!  (and another career that I could fall back on, since I was doing both engineering and crocheting full-time)  But through supporting each other and a lot of laughter, we have all came out of it and are all employed in better positions then when we were laid off.  The other great turn of events was that nearly all of our friends got pregnant too.  So besides being in better states of minds, they all have new peanuts I can snuggle!  And I mean a lot of babies!

Winnie Tunisian and Ottis Colorblock
Baby Blankets

Which got me thinking, what do you make for architect offspring?  Architects are terribly hard to design for since they are immersed in design all day.  I knew that basic granny squares were just not going to cut it for those babies.  Step in these projects.  The idea was stylish, colorful, and useful blankets.  I wanted something I knew the parents have never seen before, but still would have that touch of home that would make them use the blankets.  I didn't want them to just dress up the room, but actually be used to play or snuggle.

To help with the useful factor, I turned to Berocco yarn.  Besides being totally affordable (the yarn for these is around 30$)  they have great washable yarn in fun colors.  Ottis Colorblock uses Berroco Comfort in 3 colors.  Comfort is a very soft acrylic nylon blend.  Winnie Tunisian used Berroco Weekend in 3 colors as well.  Weekend is a cotton acrylic blend that whizzes off the hook.  Both blankets went really fast.  Rebecca crocheted Ottis in one weekend for me (and she has a 3 yr old to run after).  I crocheted Winnie in about a week (I crochet while putting my monkey to sleep).  Neither are a huge time commitment, and besides that the video shows the techniques used, each pattern is has clear written instructions as well as crochet diagrams.

Ottis techniques  mosaic crochet, joining blocks with crochet, sl st embroidery in the border.

Winnie techniques: Entrelac, color work in Tunisian, Lace Border.

I am really happy how these turned out, and hopefully their namesakes will like them as much!

Ottis Colorblock Baby Blanket,
Unexpected Crochet Stitches Workshop

Winnie and Ottis Baby Blankets

Winnie Tunisian Entrelac Afghan,
Unexpected Crochet Stitches Workshop

Closeup of blankets

Surprise: Unexpected Crochet Stitches Workshop is Available!

Look what I found today!

2 Baby Blankets
Included in Workshop 

This is the first half of my Super Secret Project I taped in September.

The workshop video will be available in a DVD or as a download (right now!).  As with all my classes, there is an extensive handout.  For this class, the handout like a mini crochet stitch dictionary; packed with tips and over 20 stitch patterns.  If you ever wished that you could see a stitch dictionary in action, this class is for you!  The class also has 2 new crochet projects.  The projects are baby blankets that combine a lot of the techniques you learn in the workshop.  Ottis Colorblock uses simple stripes to get a unique fabric pattern.  It is a great blanket for the boys in your life, its a great cure for the "lite blue blues".  Winnie Entrelac is a fun colorwork Tunisian afghan that mimics a woven look.  It is actually quite easy once you see the technique in the workshop.  Its one of my new favorite ways to do Tunisian crochet now.   In the video you will see all 29 projects from Unexpected Afghans and over 100 swatches from Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia .

Winnie Tunisian Entrelac Blanket

The video covers 5 types of crochet; Colorwork, Cables, Granny Squares, Tunisian, and Lace crochet.  I include every tip I have in my arsenal for crocheting each of these techniques to take them from so so results to stunning.  Colorwork shows easy ways to just use strips or embroidery so you are only using one yarn color at a time in a row, for results that look like anything but stripes.  Cables shows so of the most impressive texture I know that can be made with crochet, and how easy they really can be once you break them down.  Granny Squares we jump into combining them with anything but sewing.  Tunisian crochet we quickly review the basics then get into super fun and easy ways to add color.  In Tunisian crochet we also discuss my favorite, Entrelac.  You can get large projects with only a tiny hook, instead of a giant cable.  We end with lace crochet which will always hold a special place in my heart.  We break down even the most challenging lace patterns so that everything is just one step at a step.

Ottis Colorblock Afghan

The workshop DVD will be available at Interweave.com Nov 30, the download is ready now.  With either the DVD or download, you will get the workshop video, class handout (mini- stitch dictionary), and 2 baby blanket patterns. Hope you enjoy!  I had a lot of fun gathering together all the samples to demo on the film and to share with you!  Can't wait to hear what you think!



**by the way, I am not that stiff through the whole class!  In the preview, I had to read a script and since I am dyslexic- it was like a nightmare for me.  Honestly, I talk normal on the rest of the video!  It does crack me up though!**

Congrats!

Congrats to all the winners of last weeks giveaways:

JeneeR at ravelry--- Curvy Crochet Book
Melody--- Best of Interweave Crochet Book
jenmo42 at ravelry--- Custom Crocheted Sweaters Book
Veronica, pinkyrican at ravelry-- yarn from Connect the Motifs Giveaway
Katelyn---Crochet Boutique Book
carmelvineyard at ravelry--- Yarn from Clever Accessories Giveaway
Melissa--- Sugar and Spice Crochet eBook

Please check your email (sometimes the spam/ junk folder too) or ravelry messages.  I send you all emails.

Thank you everyone for entering!

Book Review: Curvy Girl Crochet

Curvy Girl Crochet: 25 Patterns that Fit and Flatter by Mary Beth Temple came across my desk quite a while ago, and I feel very remiss that I did not get to review it here earlier.  Mary Beth, besides a designer, is a great crochet teacher.  I love books from teachers since they approach material differently and actually think about how a crocheter will make the pieces.  Now, from a curvy girl perspective myself I really appreciate her collection that all will work well on my body.  The very first rule I tell all my students is you need to know what flatters your shape.  Once you know that you have just cut your work in half.  You will know after you put in all that work if a new sweater will fit or hang strangely on you.  And who has time for the latter?  I don't.  I know that when I design garments, I rarely get a chance to design for girls like me.  Mostly I only get the opportunity for proportional measurements, meaning I rarely get to design for me.  Having an entire book that would flatter is a nice addition to the library.

Skirt the Issue, Andee Graves

The Essential Pullover, Mary Beth Temple

The projects are sized from a Large to 5X.  Every project has clear directions and a stitch diagram for the gauge swatch. You will find tips in the beginning of the book on how to adjust and customize the projects to your shape.  My favorites in the book you can see to the side.  Each are ones I could easily see myself wear.  Keep your eye out for the drape on the projects.  The right drape makes all the difference in a beautiful flattering sweater and you can see that here.  There are 25 projects in the book, 17 are garments, 5 are scarves/ cowls, the rest is a mix of bags/ ponchos.

Orange Marmalade, Marly Bird

You can enter to win a copy of the book by leaving a comment (or email or twitter) on what type of sweater best flatters your shape (like a empire waist tunic or cropped cardigan or oversized pullover). I will pick a winner on Saturday and contact them (don't forget to leave a way I can contact you! Again, email, facebook, ravelry, or twitter all are fine)


 

Book Review: Best of Interweave Crochet

The Best of Interweave Crochet: A Collection of Our Favorite Designs is exactly what you think the book contains.  There are a selection of projects from sweaters to blankets from the past issues of Interweave Crochet.  But more then that there are a bevy of articles on crochet techniques   They are a selection of the "beyond the basics" that are published in the magazine.  I am not usually a fan of "best of" books, but this one is worth it.  The crochet technique articles are truly fantastic and even if you have every issue of the magazine you probably do not have all the articles in one place.  Take a look at the list below and you will see what I mean.

Rosemary Sweater,
Best of Interweave Crochet

Beyond the Basics:
Foundation Stitches

Kathryn Dress,
Best of Interweave Crochet

Linked Crochet
Laceweight Crochet
Crochet Symbols
Weaving in Ends
Tunisian Crochet
Closures
Post Stitches
Changing Colors
Adjustable Ring
Sewing
Seaming
Shell Crochet

Project Breakdown:
10 Womens Garments
3 Kid/ Baby Projects
5 Scarves/ Hats/ Bags
2 Shawls

Moorish Mosaic Afghan,
Best of Interweave Crochet

3 Blankets

They were sweet enough to include one of my first designs, Rosemary Sweater, with linked treble crochets.  My two favorites in the book are the Kathryn Baby Dress and Moorish Mosaic Afghan.

You can enter to win a copy of the book by leaving a comment here (or on twitter or email) on your all time favorite project from any Interweave Crochet Issue.  I will pick a winner by Friday and contact them (don't forget to leave me a way to reach you: email, twitter id, facebook, ravelry id).

Book Review: Custom Crocheted Sweaters

Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments that Really Fit is one book that has been laying on my table for so long it felt like it lives there.  I received Dora Orhenstein's book right when I was in the middle of writing my book.  I was so freaked out that by the title alone they were too similar to me, I buried it under yarn and did not crack it open until now.  I am so easily influenced by things I read I was so worried I would somehow use some idea of hers in my book that I literally hid it out of sight.  Then I told Dora, I am a nut and did just that.  We got a laugh out of my crazy.  Of course, then I forgot all about it!  Doh!  Now that my book is nearly ready to be ready for the galley edit, I thought it was safe to open and dive in.

Floating Tee

Eleganza Raglan

Dora approached the subject of garment crocheting from a technical point of view.  Inside you will find a primer on garment crochet with then 10 projects to test your skills.  She spends the front part of the book explaining all the basics of garment construction from style to drape to yarn choice.  She goes into how to use your gauge and math to get the fit you want.  The projects all have clear instructions and a stitch diagram for the gauge swatch and any confusing bits on the project (very helpful!) The best part of the book in my opinion is the lessons after the projects.  Each project has an in depth lesson on how you might add length to the body or sleeves for example or substituting yarns.  It is as helpful as crocheting the project!  A few of my favorites you can see here.  I love the texture on the floating tee (so much that I just realized I designed a sweater recently in a really similar stitch pattern- too funny! That's what happens when you hide your books!)  Honestly, Dora did a great job with this book.  It is extremely in depth on how to do garment crochet for your body.  If you have been looking for a reference this is a book for you.

To enter to win a copy of the book, leave me a comment (or email/ twitter) on what you find the most challenging part of crocheting sweaters.  I will pick a winner on Thursday and get in contact with the winner (so be sure to have a way to contact you: facebook, email, twitter, or ravelry id are all fine with me!)

Book Review: Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs

 Edie Eckman has done it again.  In her new book, Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs, she brings new techniques from connecting crochet motifs and new creative shapes.

Connecting Motifs, Connect the Shapes

I will let you in on a little secret.  I got to preview her book a few weeks ago, because she asked if I would give a quote for the book.  I was so touched that she thought of me, and readily agreed.  What I found in the PDF (and in the book) honestly blew me away.  Yes, yes, we all know you can join motifs by sewing them together, crocheting them together, crocheting them as you go, crocheting them seamlessly; but Edie moves beyond that.  Don't worry she goes through all those techniques and in detail with photo tutorials and crochet diagrams.  But she moves into chapters of sculptural joining that a flat piece turns artistic in a simple join.  Or a seemingly easy filet pieces gets interwoven for a layered graph.  My favorites in the book are the inner connectivity motifs and wheels and shells motifs (you can see two on the side).  Both are textural and colorful for stunning results.

There is really something for every kind of crocheter, whether you are a beginner or advanced.  This is one to add to your bookshelves for sure!

Shell Octagon, Connect the Shapes

Inner Connectivity, Connect the Shapes

I am going to be really greedy and keep my copy.  Instead, enter to win some colorful yarn by leaving a comment (or email or tweet me) about a new crochet technique you recently discovered and are in love.  I will pick a winner by Thursday, and email them (so be sure there is a way I can contact you (Ravelry id or twitter or facebook are fine ways too!))

Book Review: Crochet Boutique

Crochet Boutique: 30 Simple, Stylish Hats, Bags, and Accessories is a collection from Rachael Oglesby.  As true to the title it is a collection of simple projects.  What I love about the book is that even though these are simple projects they are completely on trend.  There is nothing worse then a quick project that you can't do anything with.  These are all fashionable wearable projects that you can complete quickly.  A few of my favorites are on the side.  These are ones that I could easily see myself wearing.  The projects are written with clear directions, there are no diagrams or illustrations, but I think everything you can accomplish with out those.

Cuddle Cowl, Crochet Boutique

Small Bow Pin, Crochet Boutique

Bubble Beret, Crochet Boutique

Leave a comment on the blog (or email or tweet me) about your favorite simple useful project.  I will pick a winner out of the entries by Tuesday and send you the book as a prize.

Book Review: Clever Crocheted Accessories

Clever Crocheted Accessories is a great collection of crocheted gems from the fabulous Brett Bara.  If you have been missing her crochet inspiration, this collection will fill that void.  Brett is the former editor of Crochet Today, and the host on our PBS show, Knit and Crochet Now.  Besides that she has a great eye for color and textures, and combined with her vast knowledge of needlework (crochet, knitting, embroidery, sewing, and more!); this book just oozes will beautiful projects.

There are 25 projects inside that Brett culled from her crochet designer favorites.  For my projects in the book, we worked together very closely to create her vision.  I personally adore working that way!  I love collaborating to create a project that has a bit of everyone in it.  We actually hashed out the clutch on the set of Knit and Crochet Now, Season 4.  I was demo'ing how to needle felt motifs to a project I made for the show, and she loved the idea.  And the clutch was born from that moment!  The mittens were taken from an inspiration photo she sent me and my recent obsession with post stitches.  Combined with her colors and stripes, the mittens were created.   Totally a collaboration, I love it!  You can see my pictures of the projects before I sent them in over at Flickr (esp if you want to see the size the clutch was before I felted it).

Mixed Motif Clutch

Stripey Mitts

Diamonds and Lace Socks

Inside, I found a number of other projects I love.  Two are the Fine Feathered Cloche by Linda Cyr and Diamond Lace Socks by Kim Kotary.  The hat has a great textured with the double crochet in the back middle bar.  The diamond lace socks are a projects that would move fast for you with all the lace. The book has crochet diagrams, crochet illustrations, and clear patterns.  I don't think you could go wrong with asking for this book for Christmas or Hanukkah.  There are a ton of projects that will keep you crocheting all year!

Fine Feathered Cloche

You can enter to win yarn to make your favorite project from the book by leaving a comment on the blog about your favorite yarn to crochet (or  send me a tweet or email).  I will pick a winner on Wednesday and email them (so leave a way to get in touch with you!)