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

Voting is Live!

Voting is now Live for the 2010 Crochet Awards!

I was nominated in Best Crochet Pattern Book, Best Design for Children, Best Designer for Children, and Best Designer, Women's Wear. But honestly, go vote for your favorites. I know I did.

I really had a blast looking through all the designs and websites. It was great seeing so many great projects.

Here's the link to the website with all the nominees and their projects.

Knitting Daily Episode

In my typical craze around here, I forgot to mention my episode of Knitting Daily is now airing.

I got to tape my segment last June at TNNA, which now feels like it was years ago. I had to keep checking my hairstyle to make sure it was only last June. (Crazy wave in hair= post CJ- so I knew it was only last June.)

On the show I am demo'ing crocheting in the middle bar of a half double crochet. It is used in the Upcycled Washcloths from Baby Blueprint Crochet. You can get the pattern for the washcloths by checking out Knitting Daily.

You can watch the preview of the episode here. Or check out Knitting Daily for more info on when you can see it in your area. Hope you enjoy! Kristin and I had great fun making the samples for the show 15 mins before we taped. We had our own mini crochet and chat session.

Baby Blueprint Crochet Hits the Road

All of December, Baby Blueprint Crochet (BBC) and I will be popping up all over the web till the holidays. I hope you can visit a few of my friends along the way with me. Don't worry I will remind you where BBC will be each day.

Here's the schedule:
Dec 1: Go Crochet

Dec 2: Yarnthing Podcast

Dec 3: Spud Says

Dec 6: Loop-De-Doo

Dec 7: YarnCraft Podcast

Dec 8: Crocheting with Dee

Dec 9: Manhattan Craft Room

Dec 10: Lindamade

Dec 13: Getting Loopy Podcast

Dec 14: Modeknit

Dec 15: Petite Purls

Dec 16: Crochet Doctor

Dec 17: The Crochet Dude

Dec 20: Styled by Kristin

Dec 21: The Hook and I

Dec 22: Vickie Howell

Inside Crochet Issue 10

Inside of the latest issue of Inside Crochet has a little article on me! They have pictures of a few of the projects from Baby Blueprint and a few from work I have done for them. I was very honored that they asked for an interview!

Here's a snippet of the article.

Boring Week

I am going to be really boring this week. I have the "fun" task of finishing up our taxes and organizing our bills. BORING, but it needs to get done. So I won't have too much fun crochet bits. I'll try my best to pop out a few when I can.

Speaking of...

Over at CrochetMe, Marcy did an interview of little old me. We talk about Blueprint Crochet, my crochet life, and life in general. Hope you enjoy. And stay tuned, the post on Thursday should be a lot of fun!

Yarnthing Podcast

Late last night, Marly and I stayed up late and chatted about crochet, crochet symbols, woman's fashion, plus-size fashion, and more.

Listen close, because you can enter to win a copy of Blueprint Crochet. Marly explains the details on the podcast how to enter.

Hope you enjoy. Here's the link.

2009 Crochet Awards

Did anyone get a chance to listen in to the Live 2009 Crochet Awards show on Getting Loopy last night?

If so, then you know how absolutely tickled I was to win Best Tech Crochet Book and Best Crochet Instructor. (if not, click the link above and you can listen to the show) Tickled may not be the word, Astounded may be better.

Not only for winning the awards, but for being nominated for 6 of them. (Besides the ones I won, I was nominated for Best Crochet Pattern Book, Best Crochet Blog, and Best Crochet Designer of Women's and Men's fashions). Being nominated for so many really touches my heart, especially since I really respect everyone I was nominated with in the categories. It must really mean that a number of you like my work, which is just so wonderful to hear. Every designer has days when they just don't think their work is up to snuff, and I am so lucky that I will be able to look back and say hey- people do like what you are doing- so keep doing it!

I have to say winning the Best Crochet Instructor is really amazing. I love to teach, and having my students vote for me was just incredible. Winning the Best Technical Book makes me beam. Knowing that so many of you love crochet symbols as much as I do. So thank you guys so much for taking the time to fill out the survey and vote! And thanks for asking if Blueprint Crochet Two is in the works- that is just so sweet of you. On that last note, all I will say is that stay tuned to the blog and later this week all will be explained. It's been a secret for months now and I am looking forward to spilling soon!

Nominated for a Flamie!

Holy Cow, you guys like me. I am so honored!

I just was tooling around Ravelry and noticed on the CLF group that they had posted a Vote for the Flamies award. I clicked the link, and was blown away!

Wondering what a Flamie is? It's the Crochet Awards given out by the Crochet Liberation Front (CLF) on Ravelry. Think Oscars for crocheters. Want to learn more? Here's the Ravelry link. Want to vote? Here's the link to the ballot (which is not on Ravelry, so anyone can vote).

CLF would love it if we could spread the word to all crocheters (on Ravelry or not).

Off to vote for my favorite designers!

Look who's in the Post Gazette today

Little old me.

I was interviewed last week, and we chatted a storm about crochet, symbols, and the festival in Pittsburgh this weekend.

If you want to read it, here's a link to the story.

Getting Loopy Live Tonight

Tonight I will be on Getting Loopy with Mary Beth Temple at 9pm (est). We will be chatting about Blueprint Crochet, crochet fashion, crochet symbols, and more.

Feel free to call in questions, or ask them in the chat room.

If you can't listen live, be sure to check out the archive sometime this week. I will be giving away a copy of my book and a hank of Blue Sky Alpaca's Dyed Cotton (in Caribbean). One hank is enough to make the Madison Scarf from the book (the color is the same as in the book). Check out the podcast for details on how to win the book and yarn.

Hope you hear from you tonight!

Getting Loopy Live this Monday

I'll be on Getting Loopy on Monday night at 9PM (EST). Mary Beth and I will be chatting about Symbol Crochet and anything you want to ask. So call in or IM in the chat room.

If you aren't familiar with the show, go check out the archives. They are really great!

Blushing

Sheryl from Yarntopia and Hip Cat Hooks formed a group over at Ravelry for,
uh..
how do I say this?
Fans of ME!

Crazy! I have fans!

I am so speechless. And honored. Really. My face is hot pink over here.

If you want to join, here's the group link, Crochet By Faye.

WOW!

TNNA Recap

One Word...

WHIRLWIND

Some Highlights:

Fashion Show- Calla Lily Cowl (cover of Mission Falls) walks the catwalk. Nearly die at how well it was received. Try to thank every friend that cheered for me!

Dinner with Marly- So much fun! Exactly what you think it would be like. With in 5 mins, you are best friends chatting away like you have know each other forever. She also brought me a gift. How sweet was that?

Beyond the Afghan Class- I was SO tired, but the students were awesome. I am just hoping I got one or two of my ideas across ok. No matter what, it was obvious Yarn Stores love crochet. So if yours doesn't move on, I just met 25 that do.

Stitch Cooperative- 9 friends who just happen to be indie designers- what couldn't be more fun? We were so well received we just beamed. We are finishing the website- then LYS will be able to sell our patterns anytime. So cool. More soon.

Interweave Party- Not only did everyone get to see a real sneak preview of the book, but they told me they liked it. Yes, I could have fainted again from my excitement! Best part- Sandi Wiseheart (yes, the guru of all things yarn! I know!!) loved the blue cover sweater so much she wore it on her segment of Knitting Daily TV. I'm still beaming! (I love you Sandi!)

Knit and Crochet Today Party- We didn't win the Emmy, but we sure were proud to be nominated. And we partied like we did win! Speaking of, I got to see previews of myself on the new format. Totally cool, then I made Brett pose with me with the DVD running of us on TV. I don't care how dorky that is either!

Potter Craft Party - Such a nice place! Got to cheer on Amy and her new book. Its so cute, you just fall in love with all of the projects.

Mission Falls New Yarn- Not only did they display the new book, and put Calla Lily in the fashion show- they displayed the new yarn. I got to brag on it and show it off to anyone who would listen. I just love the new DK merino- can't wait till you guys can see it too!

Soak's New Campaign: Soak Worthy- LOVE IT. Plus, they are teaming up with Lexie Barnes for a new product, that I adore. Stay tuned for details.

Sheep Shop New Yarn- I am going to be playing with Sheep One and Three for a new project, but while in their booth I was quizzing them on their new yarn, Sheepfeet. Their colorways are awesome!

Blue Sky Alpaca New Yarn- Skinny Cotton- amazing colors. I am in love with the salmon and kelly green. Can't wait to start swatching.

Lorna's Laces Folks- And I can't leave off with out saying Hi to Lorna's Laces crew. You guys totally make the weekend a blast!

So from the yarn picture, you can kind of see I have my work cut out for me for the next few months. CAN'T WAIT! (what an awesome birthday gift, right? (I turn 30 today!))

Emmy Party!

Will you be at TNNA this weekend?

If so, stop on by booth#1008 for...

AN EMMY PARTY!

Please join us to celebrate
the EMMY NOMINATION of
Knit and Crochet Today...
and the debut of two new seasons!
Come meet host Brett Bara and experts Kristin Nicholas, Maggie Pace, Robyn Chachula and Drew Emborsky

Sunday, June 8 at TNNA
4-6 pm
Booth #1008

See you there!

CraftStylish

Have you guys checked out Craft Stylish?

It's a relatively new website that talks about all crafts; anything from crochet and knitting to quilts and jewelry. They have book reviews, product reviews, and how-to tips and tricks. Linda Permann is the crochet contributor at the site. She was super nice enough to interview me about crochet. You can read the article here. But Linda, is also a crochet designer, herself. You can see a lot of her work in Crochet Today. One of my favorite projects of hers was a stiffened doily bowl from a few issues back. So, you know she is going to be giving you lots of great tips. I really loved her article on how and why you would want to use a stitch gauge. When you get a minute, check them out, and bookmark the page. I think you are going to really love the site!

Yarn Thing Podcast

Marly of Yarn Thing was super nice and interviewed me on her podcast.

Get ready to giggle!

I'm inspiration

Or Crafty Crafty thinks so, I was Monday's Inspiration.

I did get a big chuckle out of the first comment, though.

You're Invited!

Come party and learn with me!

For what you may ask?

For the most rockin book launch party ever!

So you probably already heard about Kim's CrochetMe book launch going on at Webs, and maybe you were like me super bummed that you didn't live closer to them. Well the super great people at Interweave decided to bring the party to us!

What? you may be saying.. Details, details, details, you may be crying. Well then here's the scoop, direct from me, Shannon, and Interweave:

Calling All Crocheters!

Join us for the Crochet Me American Nationwide Book Launch Party and meet contributor Robyn Chachula

1 Day: 5 Cities – (that's right, 5 cities, MD, MA, MI, WA, and here in OHIO!)

When: Sunday, October 14, 2 pm for party; class from 12-2pm (that's right I am teaching! see the detail below)

Where: Stitch Cleveland, 1387 Sloane Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107, (216) 220-4808
(Oh yeah, I scored huge on my location!- I got Shannon to agree to have her shop bombarded my us crocheters! Since I am driving in from Cincinnati, I'd love it if we could have people from Erie, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Toledo, and anywhere else that's drivable to come and party with me!)

For: Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution, edited by Kim Werker (you can see all my contributions on the blog today)

Why: Because you are a crocheter. Because you know deep down in your marrow that it’s time to represent the craft. Because you want to toast local Ohioan Robyn Chachula, a contributor to the book, and get your exclusive debut copy signed in person. Because you have been dying to visit Shannon's shop, and some free cake is helping make the decision really easy. Because Robyn will be partying down, since her book; which was totally inspired from and helped get from this book; will be off at the publishers the day before, so she will be soaring! And really, because you want to be a part of the crochet revolution! (And really, who doesn't want to join the revolution? You can also join the crochetalong. )

Class info: Beyond the Afghan

When: Same day, 12-2pm

Cost: 35$, see Stitch Cleveland for payment

What will you learn?

Learn how to transform granny squares into lace for sweaters and more!

Hour one: Learn to read crochet symbols and make them your new best friend. Also, practice different fun lacy granny squares.

Hour two: Learn how to join your lacy squares together with crocheting. That's right, no sewing required! Learn how to read layout diagrams and how to combine squares into sweaters, vests, boleros, and on and on until your hands are sore.

Take away: Packet of how to read crochet symbols, 2 granny square diagrams, crochet joinings, and a pattern for the Crystal Lace Bolero.

What should you bring?

- Some basic yarn. Nothing fancy, something that show stitches well.

- Your favorite hook that works with that yarn.

- And your smiling face!

So please, please come visit Shannon and I in Cleveland!

We'll have cake!

And I'll have crochet diagrams.

And it is going to be so much fun!

Look, Mom, I'm famous!

Well sort of. Or in my world I am.





In the current April/ May 07 issue of Crochet Today!, there is an article on.... ME!





Can you believe it? Me!

Pretty cool, right? I am so tickled I can hardly stand it. They think I am an "up and coming" crochet designer. *HUGE SMILE* I love Brett. She is so cool to include me in her magazine, and now an article. I'm a happy happy girl.

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So is my baby, Fayette. She's got her picture in there too. Actually, after my hubbie read the article last night, he turns to me very quietly and says- "The article is great, honey. You talked about your family and Faye, but didn't mention me." (Insert sad face) And he's absolutely right. Oops. When it comes to crochet, I connect so much with the women in my family- almost like I am channeling the essence of my Bubbie and Grandma Rose. My immediate thoughts go to them and not to the real person behind the show. Really, it is so horrible of me to not mention, Mark. He is a huge part of why I do what I do. I can not imagine a more loving and supportive partner. I guess I'll have to find a way to make it up to him. Its like that episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" when he gets an award and doesn't mention his wife.