Vogue Knitting Crochet

Have you all seen the preview for Vogue Knitting Crochet?  Its a special issue from Vogue Knitting all on fashion forward crochet.  The last time they put out a special issue was 1994.  It is still one of the ones I treasure in my library.

I am quite tickled about this issue.  So much so, that I actually gushed to the editors about how excited I was for the issue at the last TNNA.  To the point, that I know I sounded like a crazy person.  But when a group wants to put out fashion forward crochet, and wants to take the time to really make it modern; I am so thrilled.

Chachula Motif Tunic

This issue was one of my special projects that I absolutely LOVED working on.  In the issue, I have one tunic design, an article, and a ton of graphics.  My design is classic me.  It is a motif, join as you go design.  The style is perfect for summer.  I envisioned it as a beach cover-up/ willowy tunic.  Something that you would put on when you were feeling extra romantic. The yarn is quite lovely Mulberry Silk; but you can easily substitute a fine cotton (to make it a really cover-up).

The article I wrote is all about reading crochet diagrams, no big surprise there.  Naturally, I wanted to make sure that every pattern would have a diagram when needed; and volunteered my services to help in that effort. I could not be more thrilled at their excitement for including as many diagrams as possible.  I have not seen the final print version; but I know that between print and online you will find all the diagrams you could ask for in a magazine.

Yoko Hatta's Shell Purse

Doris Chan's Motif Tunic

Working so closely with some of the patterns (I worked on about a quarter of them); I got so inspired by the other designers.  A few of the ones I drew diagrams for and edited are on the side.  I totally fell in love with Yoko Hatta, she is a a designer that writes only in crochet diagrams.  I adored her work.  It was so easy for me to draw and write up the written directions; it was more of a joy then actual work.  Her shell purse is so simple, it is brilliant.  I also worked on Doris Chan's motif top.  Again, it was thrilling to see into her design process.  The tunic increases by changing the motif from a square to a pentagon then a hexagon.  Another favorite was Jennifer Hansen's Cardi Shawl.  It is one large rectangle that is cleverly seamed into an oversized cardigan.  You can wear it long as shown, or short with a large collar (by putting it on upside down).  While it was in my office, I tried it on quite often I loved the ease of style so much.

I can not wait to get my copy and see it all put together.  I am just so happy to be a part of the issue, and hope for a ton of success for them with the issue.

Jennifer Hansen's Cardigan

Photo Credits: Vogue Knitting Crochet 2012, photo by Rose Callahan

Interweave Crochet Winter 2011

Amaryllis Tunic, Interweave Crochet Magazine

Another project that slipped by the blog, is my Amaryllis Tunic in Interweave Crochet Winter 2011 Issue.

This is the project that when finished last year, I said it's either brilliant or awful.  The jury is still out for me.   My vision was a tunic that you wear over leggings and tall boots.

To be honest, this top was made for teenagers in mind specifically.  It is actually sized from pre-teen.  I don't do many teenager fashions, that is probably why I am still waffling on it.  I was thinking a mashup of plaid and flowers.  The empire waist is really high to hit right under your bust (if you are built like a teenager that is, aka, not like me).

It is a blast to crochet though.  The plaid is super fun with little chain spaces built in for your embroidery.  The motifs are easily memorized sc and ch pattern. The yarn is fantastic, Cascade superwash.  I think I have used it at least 10 time since crocheting this sweater.  

You can check out all the pictures over at ravelry, and let me know what you think.  Would your teenager wear it?

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!

Bartlett Car Coat Live

Petite Purls just went live this morning with their latest issue. If you are not familiar with them, they are the online knitting and crochet magazine for little ones (babies and small kids). They also have great articles on moms and other crafty ideas.

In this issue, I have a baby girl car coat that is free for you guys! It is sized from 6mth to 24mth. Made from a few skeins of Spud and Chloe Fine, it is a great wearable sweater for playtime. CJ is modeling it here on the blog, and Brandy's daughter is modeling it on Petite Purls. So you can see how it fits on 2 different 2 yr olds. The stitch pattern is really easy with just back and front post double crochet stitches. Sometime after this book, I hope to release it here for sale on Crochet By Faye in more sizes; but knowing me that will be a while from now.

I couldn't be happier with how it turned out, and can easily see it being a staple in CJ's wardrobe this winter. Big Thank You to Diane for crocheting the sample for me. She just won the grand prize at CGOA's design competition, besides being thrilled for her, i am so thankful to have her expert help on my projects too.

I have lots and lots more pictures of the sweater modeled by CJ, here at flickr. Don't forget you get the pattern over at Petite Purls.

Granny Square Skirt

The preview for the Nov/ Dec issue of Crochet Today is up on their site. Included in the issue is my granny square skirt.

I was asked to create a granny square skirt, and since it is way to difficult for me to do anything literal... I had to do something different. The motif is an off centered granny with log-cabin-like edging on 2 sides. Each motif is rotated before seaming together to get a mosaic-ish fabric.

Of course, in my head there are a lot more motifs. Especially since, in my head I am designing for me, which would have more motifs to go across my hips. I think if I were to make this for me, I would make the motifs smaller so there are more of them. I really like the idea of the skirt, but am not crazy with the outcome. Oh well, that happens.

I finished this in June with the help from my cousin. She crocheted 12 of the motifs; then I made the shaping ones, seamed it together, and added the edgings. I love my cousin for being so cool with helping me out. Having someone who can tag team crocheting with me is fantastic. I still get to crochet and work out the fussy bits, perfect! (a lot of times I have to get a contract crocheter to crochet the entire project, so then I pout because I didn't have the time to make it myself).

You can see more of the skirt here and the details on the yarn. (Which actually is perfect for skirts. Durable and sportweight.)

Summer Interweave Crochet

Look who's design is on the cover again!

Back to back covers if you are keeping track at home.

How amazing is that?

The design has been in my sketch pile forever. It is a basic summer tank top that you can throw on on the hottest days of the year, or layer with a jacket when its cooler out. I am still not convinced if the variegated yarn adds or takes away from the stitch pattern. The stitch pattern is a simple shell repeat, nothing too exciting so I am not sure. I do like the two tone. For me I would love it in a navy/ eggplant/ fuchsia collar and a pale yellow or peach body.

The yarn pictured is Manos del Uruguay Serena (60% baby alpaca, 40% pima cotton). It was heavenly to crochet with. I kept a partial ball here in the studio to play with and pet from time to time. If you do have heat waves like we do, you can easily sub in other yarns. Actually, Lustersheen by Red Heart would work really well in its place. I know, acrylic for an alpaca blend, but it would work. Watch the cottons if you try to sub those in, get something in a blend to make it a bit lighter. The collar takes all the weight and cottons can be heavy.

Speaking of the collar, I did use grosgrain ribbon around the edge on the inside to help strengthen. I know it is a pain to sew in a ribbon, but it is SO worth it! I have a few more photos on my flickr site and Interweave has a few on theirs.

The issue is very pretty with lots and lots of lace tops and retro home items. Definitely take a closer look at Linda Perman's top, the vertical lines are really great; and it would be a pretty simple garment to make. The one that has won me over is Kristin Omdahl's tunic. The sleeves and lace are just stunning.

Keaton Vest

A little late, since this came out on the newstands last month....

Keaton Vest in Inside Crochet Issue 15, March 2011.

This simple vest is cleverly a tweed by just changing colors each row. It may look challenging in color but really it is just using a new color each row and the rows repeat easily. I designed it to be the classic sweater vest for the office.

Especially for those offices that are cold, and you still want to look pulled together. The yarn is Mission Falls 136 Superwash which is unfortunately discontinued. But here are some alternatives: Save : Brown Sheep Naturespun Superwash Sport,

Cascade 220 Superwash Sport, Spend : Debbie Bliss Rialto, Spoil Yourself : Rowan Purelife Organic Wool

Just a little reminder, Inside Crochet is written all in UK terms. By the fall, I will have this for sale here in US terms and crochet diagrams.

Spring Cover Part 2

SQUEE!

Yup, it's true. 2 covers in the same quarter. Crazy!

Interweave Crochet Spring Issue (and the Crochet Today cover).

I find it very funny that they both are that aqua color. I guess i need to run out and get me some yarn in that color.

The Interweave sweater is called the Petal Pullover and is made in Merlin. Ginny crocheted most of it for me, and when I took it out of the box I swooned. She did an amazing job with it.

It has a basic shape with a large scoop neck line. The sleeves are classic short sleeve- not caps, which I know you don't see a lot of these days. Guess my age is starting to show- or I should say my mommy in me. The stitch pattern is a delicate shell pattern while the ribbing is a simple sc over an over again.

I will say that I got to check out a preview of the issue at TNNA in January, and the photos are great. Pretty different then the previous issues, and I really enjoyed them. Very artistic and almost like ballet poses. You'll see.

I can't wait for the preview now to pop up on the website. Soon I bet.

Interweave Crochet Winter 2010 Preview

A nice surprise came through the email while I was away, the preview of Interweave Crochet Winter 2010. My projects in here are pretty special, since I designed them before our move and put the finishing touches on the first week in the house. Which means, I had no mannequins to style or sewing needles (I had to buy new ones), and had to keep CJ from crawling on them since I had to work on the floor (we had no furniture).

Belcarra Cardigan

This projects is a classic comfy cardigan. It is worked in one piece from the bottom around the shoulders to the front. The yarn is the heavenly Road to China LT by the Fiber Company, an alpaca cashmere blend. Ginny did the heavy lifting crocheting this. I crocheted the ribbing only, I think. Thank goodness for her since our new house does not have A/C and it was over 85 in the house that week.

Bristlecone Pullover

This pullover is asymmetrical cable design. The majority of the piece is really simple to crochet in hdc stitches. The front is the only part with the cable. The cable part itself is not challenging with a diagram, you just need to keep a marker where you are on the pattern. Diane did the beautiful crochet work on this for me, since she is an ace at crochet cables. I originally proposed it in a charcoal gray background with a light gray cable, and if I ever have time I think I will make one in those grays for Mr CBF. It is definitely his kind of style.

I can't wait to see the magazine and get to look at all the other great projects in there!

Beatrice Scarf

In the last few posts, I have talked a bit about how in love I am with short rows in crochet. I didn't mention that there is one other technique that is inspiring me lately. It's partial motifs that you crochet one at a time but join to the last one (sort of like entrelac). The finished piece does not look like motifs at all but a continuous row of crocheting. I find it to be really cool.

The finished piece is a strip, so it can easily make neat scarves (like Beatrice) or bracelets. What I am working on is how to join them to make tops and skirts. I really think their is something cool to be done in there.

I should also mention that this scarf was also inspired by listening to a ton of Beatrix Potter stories. I can so see her wearing a scarf like this if she was a crocheter.

Ella "short row" Headband

So yesterday, I told you about how obsessed I am with short rows, remember?

Well, It all started from this stitch pattern. The cuff yesterday had added circles at the ends of the long rows from the short rows. Today's stitch pattern has added diamonds in the center of the fabric from the short rows.

It is just such a fun technique. I hope I have some time to swatch more and see where short rows can go. I am envisioning some very cool fabrics.

Anyway, this headband is in Interweave Crochet Accessories. It is a very quick crochet. And one ball can make a bunch of headbands too.

Tatianna Cuff

These days I am a writing machine. I had to finish up half a dozen patterns and ship out the yarn to my crocheters to stay on task. That is fun for me to figure out the math and best way to show the stitches in diagram form; but makes for very boring blog posts.

Instead, I want to show off a couple of my designs in the Interweave Crochet Accessories Issue. I love the concept of having a ton of small projects all in one place. I hope they continue this special issue!

My hands down favorite is the Tatianna Cuff. I knew the moment I finished the cuff that I would not want to part with it. It is very much my style. Plus, it is pretty cool to crochet.

It is made up of little short rows inside of longer rows, which give the little circles at the end of the rows. I just love the look slightly eastern European.

After I made this cuff, I became obsessed with short rows, so don't be surprised if you see them popping up in more of my work.

Interweave Crochet Accessories

Have you seen the ads for the special issue of Interweave Crochet? It's all about Accessories, and I am SO excited. I LOVE the idea for this issue. It is a ton (like over 40) patterns all that you can easily stitch up in a few days. I am just itching to get my hands on a copy! See, now that CJ has joined the CBF team; my time to crochet anything large (other then for work) has pretty much left with our ability to sleep through the night. BUT, do I have time to make little things here and there, sure!

I have 3 patterns in the issue, and I will talk about them more when the issue comes out (its on Pre-Order now). One was featured in an advertisement I got the other day (It's the center blue jewelry) . And frankly, it is my favorite of the bunch I made for the issue. I can't wait. I think they come out in October, and you will want to pick one up; since I just know they will sell out fast!

Cover Girl!

This really makes me smile that I have been lucky enough to grace another cover of Crochet Today. This is especially true since I have had to reduce my work load a bit. (And I know you all know why! That little cutie can't take care of herself.)

I am tickled that they got the retro feel (see the intro), since that is exactly what I was going for. I was inspired by Anthropolie's traveling retro line from a few season's ago. Actually I have had pictures of their catalog pinned to my inspiration board for a while now, and am so delighted that it must have finally seeped into my conscience.

I started this project right after I finished the book projects. I wanted to jump right into more work to unwind from the craze of the book. (yes, I realize most people would take a time-out, but for me to work on one project was enough of a break. I think of it like a cool-down after crazy mental exercises from the new book.) Actually I only finished this project in early Feb. I think that is the fastest I have seen a project go from my fingers into publication, which is pretty neat.

The yarn is Red Heart Heart and Sole, a fingering weight yarn with an F/5 hook. If you want to make it, be sure to get something fine; since the lattice stitch pattern really can open up on you the thicker the yarn. I know working with fingering weight can be a pain, but trust me it will go fast with the stitch pattern. I think I crocheted this in 2 weeks and that is with taking care of CJ who was 4mths at the time.

Here are some more pics over at flickr. And my sneak preview from Feb.

I think the issue comes out in a few weeks. Be sure to check out Linda's cute baby dress and Roxana's bridal headband, too!

Crochet Today Sept/ Oct 2009 Preview

Over the weekend while looking for something completely different, I stumbled on Crochet Today's Sept/ Oct 2009 Preview. And look what I found....

Yup, another motif design of mine. I don't know what it is about them, but goodness do I enjoy making garments from motifs. I just think they turn out to be so eye catching when worn, so much so then a garment full of single crochet. (Granted that could be because I just don't have the patience to go round and round and round with the same stitch over and over again.)

Looking through my posts, I think I even forgot to do a sneak preview of this guy. I know I crocheted the tunic pretty darn fast, and finished it before TNNA. Which from finishing it to seeing it published is a really short time period in publication world (usually its like 6 mths).

Hope you enjoy the issue, it has some really cute kid projects this time.


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On a totally different note,
For those of you going to CGOA's convention this week, I just wanted to wish you guys lots of fun. I won't be able to make it, being so huge now, travel is not easy for me. But I hope everyone enjoys the classes and catching up with friends. I know I'll be thinking of everyone!

Knitscene Fall 2009

Have you gotten to see the sneak preview of the fall issue of Knitscene? For those of you who are not familiar, Knitscene is produced by Interweave twice a year. It has simple knit and crochet projects. The majority are always knit, but you will find a few crochet projects in each issue. I enjoy magazines with both knit and crochet in them, I find them inspirational to use both of sides of my craft brain. Plus, I like knowing that I can handle all the knit projects in the magazine if I wanted to tackle any. (and in this issue, there are a number of really cute pullovers with raglan details that are adorable.)

For me, I have 2 projects in the issue.

Crochet Coed Vest
It is a simple vest with minimal shaping on purpose to keep the skill level low. The stitch pattern is a simple sc, ch-1 repeat. All the colorwork is row by row, so you don't have to worry about carrying yarns across the row, since you will only use one at a time. Even the pockets are nothing to worry about, being simple slits made by a long ch space. The yarn is Mission Falls 136 Superwash, which really is a great sportweight wool yarn to crochet with. It has just a nice hand and is really soft. It really is worth it, if you are looking for a good wool to crochet machine washable garments. You can check out some more photos of the vest on my flickr or the sneak preview for other styling options.


Crochet Bobble Beret
This hat is constructed as a simple circle to get you to the widest circumference, then just round and round to the desired length. Can't get more basic then that for a hat. The bobble is not your traditional bobble though. I wanted a thin fabric for the beret, and the traditional bobble can get pretty bulky. This stitch pattern uses an extended extended single crochet (about the same height as a double crochet) alternated with regular single crochet to make them pop out like bobbles. The stitch really is not hard at all once you try it, and is pretty fun to crochet. Here are my photos on flickr and the sneak preview.

Inside Crochet Issue 2

On Monday, Inside Crochet Issue 2 will be hitting newsstands in the UK*. Which means it is time for a preview! Check out some of the projects here.

In this issue I have 2 projects and one motif article. The projects were nail biters, since the yarn was about a month late and we didn't know if they would make it into this issue. But looky looky, they did!

Zany Tunic
Crocheted in some lovely Sirdar Baby Bamboo (ravelry link). The silky drape makes the tunic fall on your body in the good way, showing only the positives and not the negatives. The construction and motif are actually pretty easy. It would make for a good first crochet sweater, since once you get the motif down you have the pattern made.

Want some more views? I got some close ups at Flickr. You can also check out the old Sneak preview for more info too.




Flowering Shawl
Crocheted in the yummy Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK (ravelry link). The shawl is similar to the tunic in that is it also made from a number of motifs crocheted together as you go. The one key here is that the shawl is not blocked. I know, I know. Totally against my own crochet rules. When I was playing with the shawl, it was just so darn cute all curled up that I decided why fight it and went with the curling texture. The other key about the shawl is that you can wear it in a ton of different styles. I have some show in more views at Flickr. You can see one of the styles below.

You can also see a bit more info at the old Sneak Preview.


Hope you enjoy the issue!



*don't forget you US crocheters, you can get the issue for really cheap by getting a digital subscription. I love my digital subscription, not only is it much cheaper (like 6$ cheaper) then buying it at B&N (they charge like 11$ an issue) but you can get it weeks before too. The US issues usually take an additional 3 weeks or more to come to B&N, and I know I can't wait that long.*

Urban Wave Top Revealed

This week I got my copy of the new Crochet Today May/ June Issue. In it you will find, the Urban Wave Top. Here was the sneak peek.

If you remember, I created this guy in 3 days. That's 3 days for the design, crochet, sewing, and writing. Brett gave me the inspiration. Her idea was an Urban Outfitter-ish chevron top half then a fabric body. We chatted about the stitch pattern a bunch, I sent her a bunch of swatches and sketches. From my swatch and sketch, she picked out the fabric. Then I assembled it all together. It was a definite collaboration, which I absolutely love.

The top half is actually not that hard at all. It is 2 panels. The are parallelograms in shape. The wave pattern is all sc, dc, or dtr. No fancy stitches. They are connected by a chain under the arms, and a few rounds of sc. The fabric body is one tube, that you gather at the top and sew to the body. The sewing is really basic, since I have no idea how to write anything more complicated.

I love the final look. I think it totally looks like its from the summer collection at Urban Outfitters or the like. If I wasn't so huge at the moment, I would definitely make one for myself for summer. Especially since I know it only takes 3 days to make!

Here are some more of my pictures on flickr, with a close-up of the zipper and side seams too.

Hope you enjoy the issue!

Inside Crochet Goes Digital

This week Inside Crochet (the new crochet mag from the UK) opened up their digital subscription.

So of course, I ran out and had to download a copy immediately. That way I could tell you first hand how cool it is. I love magazines, but I don't love trying to find space to store them all. Knowing that, I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy a digital subscription.

The reading panel is very easy to navigate. You can zoom in or flip pages with ease. The table of contents is all linked up, so you can click directly to the pattern that interests you instead of flipping through all 100 pages. So far, I have really liked it. Best part is the price. If you get a subscription, the price per issue is 2 pounds (that's less then 3$).

One note of warning to US readers. The crochet terminology is all in UK terms. So you will have to learn to convert from a UK dc to a US sc. I know I can't do that in my head, so I would have to mark it all down. The good news is that all my patterns have their crochet diagrams, which are international; so you will have no translation issues if you just use the diagrams.

Inside Crochet Uncovered

Have you seen the preview for the new magazine, Inside Crochet?

It is a UK based magazine that is headed by two of my favorite people, Amy O'Neill Houck and Julie Holetz. Both of who have tech edited my books, Amy on Mission Falls and Julie on Blueprint Crochet. So even though I love them anyway, I can say too that they are awesome editors and this magazine I just know will be great.

I feel extra special, because they let me contribute a couple of articles that I hope you all will love. One will be a series in the magazine, but I won't say more until you get it in your hands. Which you should be able to do either by ordering it online, or at B&N or Borders here in the US. Check with IS just to be sure, first. You can also join the Ravelry Group, where I am sure they will have lots more info on the magazine.

There are a couple of designs I can share with you though. I have 2 designs in the first issue.

River Road Cardi is a combo of granny flower yoke and a top down cardigan. Yup, I combined my 2 favorite methods in one sweater. It is made with Debbie Bliss, Rialto DK yarn (very nice to work with). Here are a few more pics of the cardi before I sent it out. And of course the sneak preview (I know I was super sneaky with that one!) My preview was correct, I did whip this out quick. Mainly because I must have fiddled with the next line at least a dozen times, so in the end I had to move quick to ship it over to England in time.


Meadow Scarf is another granny motif project. This one is bright and fun with different colors on each round of the granny flower. Here is my pic of it before I shipped it out, you can see the colors a bit better. This one didn't have any sneak preview, or at least none that I can find. My wonderful cousin whipped this out for me over the holidays when I was designing the rest for the magazine. The yarn is Sublime, which (and I know Rebecca would agree with me) is sublime to crochet with. It's a cashmere, wool, silk blend- what's not to love?

I can't wait to get a copy of it. I really love the look of Chloe's Kimono and Monica's vest; and I can't wait to see what else they have in store for us!