What I did on my spring break...

WOW! What a whirlwind. I was joking with the ladies at DFW Fiber Fest that I should have flown through Detroit and Durham (instead of Chicago) so I could have said I was touring all the great D cities. Denver, Dallas, .... All week I was constantly saying I was in the wrong huge city.

While in Colorado, I went to Mecca (AKA Interweave Offices). I got to see where all the magic happens behind my books and the magazines. It was great to finally meet so many people in person that we only know each other online. It was really cool. The town of Loveland has an artistic vibe going so I can see how everyone can be so creative. While there, I taped some DVDs for Interweave and Crochet Me. They will be available this summer. It was the first time for me to be alone taping, usually I have someone else I am talking to so I can block out everything else going on. The entire video crew made me feel at home immediately so all those nerves just went away. It also helped that I talked to these cuties the entire time:

Here are my two sets. They pretty much tell exactly what I taught, but I will wait to talk about content until the promos are out. Yes, I said promos. Weird. I am so dyslexic it was QUITE the challenge to say the promo script clearly. I just ended up memorizing it in the end. So much easier.

I really can't wait to tell you more, so crazy that this summer they will be out. That's just a few weeks away!

Crazier that I flew directly from this to teaching in Dallas. Amazingly teaching totally different stuff too. I basically taught 6 different classes in 3 days.

DWF Fiber Fest was fantastic. The crocheters in TX were so excellent that we flew through my classes. I was so happy to be with them and I think they liked me too. Or at least I didn't bore them too much. They then treated us to a yummy dinner on Saturday night, what could be nicer? I, of course, totally forgot to take pictures- oops! Speaking of classes, I will be teaching at the June TNNA show too if you are a yarn store employee and want to come join me Sunday or Monday morning.

I will say that my mind is starting to totally erase last week since I was picked up yesterday at the airport and driven directly to CJ's pediatrician. Of course she is super sick again, so I am in full mom mode making sure she is getting better. Hopefully my brain will come back and I will have more tidbits for you soon!

Fun in PA

This past weekend was a lot of fun in Pittsburgh. So much so, that I totally forgot to take more pictures. It was also funny in that "that's just plain odd" sense.

For example, my first class on Saturday, I knew I would be sharing a space with another class. I also knew that the other class started 30 mins before mine. So I got to the classroom 10 mins before the other one started, to start setting up and basically moving around all the loud stuff (like tables and chairs). Only there was one problem. We had NO tables and chairs! To make matters worse, to get to my side, my students had to totally walk in the middle of the other class space. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a while. That just about cracked me up. No worries though. You know us crocheters, we are resourceful to say the least! One student ran to the hotel desk to ask for tables and chairs, while I contacted the event coordinator so she knew what was up. Another helped me unpack as much as possible without tables to set thing one. Another told the rest of the class what was up and held them back in the hallway. Two more came and helped the one hotel worker unload our 5 tables and 25 chairs. It was like a well choreographed dance. I love crocheters! They really come to the rescue! I do still feel bad about the other instructor. I don't think she realized she had to share the space, and even though we were as quiet as possible; I am sure we distracted her flow. Besides, look at how they divided the space (you can see it in the pic above). Just some lattice between us. It ended up not being a problem, because you know if you have ever taken a class from me, I'm loud and move around a lot.

Speaking of the pic, that is some of the members of the Three Rivers Crochet Guild that took my class on Saturday. They are a great group! If you are in Pittsburgh, and need some crocheters to sit and stitch with they are your people. I also got a pic of Michele wearing her Paige Sweetheart top. Doesn't it look great!

Sunday's class was less eventful then Saturday, since we had chairs. But no tables. I know! We all started to laugh again as soon as we saw the room. Too funny.

Hope you all had a great weekend too! I'm now trying to recoup from being away and packing to go away again! This weekend is my very last book tour stop, and my last teaching gig for 2009. Yup, that's right. I'm taking a break till probably summer of 2010 on teaching. Traveling is fun, but balancing it with crochet work and engineering work and family life is a bit exhausting for me. I'm looking forward to a year of only traveling for family events and fun only. So I hope I see you guys there in Lansing this weekend!

Meet Me in PA this weekend?

If you are going to be near Pittsburgh, PA this weekend; please come by the Knit and Crochet Festival and say hi!

There will be yarn stores from all over the area selling yummy yarn, as well as classes.

I'll be teaching:

Crochet Like a Pro, on Saturday 2-5pm
In the class, we learn designer tips and tricks to make your work look sensational. We discuss the joys of blocking, the ways around frogging some of the worst mistakes (like how to move a button hole, and how to cut your crochet), finishing techniques that will make your garment look store bought. We will also try out different techniques to crochet colorwork and crochet with beads.
What you need to bring: any 2 balls of plain yarn (contrasting colors) and matching hook. One Swatch of 16 hdc across by 10 rows tall. After 6 rows, crochet 6hdc, ch 4, sk 4 hdc, 6 hdc in last sts. Next row, crochet in each hdc across and 4 hdc in ch-4 sp.

Cozy Feet from the Toe Up, Sunday 9am-12
In the class, we learn the secrets of crocheting great socks from the toe up and dispel the myth that crocheted socks are only for slippers. We will practice our skills on a baby sized sock, and learn how to translate them to any size sock. Replaceable heels, arch expansions, and interchangeable cuffs are only a few of the fun tips we will discuss.
What you need to bring: one ball of sock yarn and matching hook.

After class both days, I'll be signing books and anything else you would like me to sign. I'll have Blueprint Crochet (18$) and MF Goes Crochet (15$) for sale as well as my full line of patterns. At the show, I will only be able to accept check or cash. If you want to reserve one for the show now, just email me and I'll send you a paypal invoice. (Note, this is for festival goers only. I am not selling BC or MFGC online to non-festival goers at this time).

I hope to see you there! And just remember, I like giving out gifts at my classes so you never know you just may walk home with more then crochet skills but some freebies too!

Charity Luncheon at Knit and Crochet Festival

There is a new activity at the Knit and Crochet Festival in Pittsburgh this year, that I wanted to tell you all about. (I forget if I told you that I will be teaching there in February again, but I will.)

Three Rivers Crochet are hosting a charity luncheon to raise money for two great organizations.

All luncheon proceeds will be benefiting Rwanda Knits and the Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter. The luncheon is being held on Saturday, February 14^th, 11:30a – 1:30p, cost is 30$. (Note: One not need attend the festival to attend the luncheon, but registration in advance with the festival registration form are necessary.)

It is a sit-down meal, hence the pre-registration, of Pecan Crusted Salmon, Chicken Asiago, Roast Top Sirloin of Beef, or Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. They are planning a people’s impromptu fashion show where you fill out the card detailing the item you’re wearing, present it to the MC (ME !), and walk across the stage. There will be other items in the fashion show as well like a bunch of the projects from Blueprint Crochet and the Crochet By Faye Line, so you won't be the only one at all! And they will have door prizes and baskets to win via raffle ticket with yarn, knitting machine, hooks/needles, books, etc., totaling over $1000!! (Wowzers!) All from Caron, Southwest Trading Company, and Dark Horse Yarns, as well as other local places. Plus, its a really nice break in the day. You can take a class in the morning, head to the luncheon, take a class in the afternoon, and still have lots of time to shop!

Three Rivers Crochet are an awesome group of crochet and knitters, so if you are in the area, I recommend you drop by and hang out with them. They have all been incredibly welcoming to me every time I visit. I am really cheering them on, and hoping they have a great turn out, since they are some of the nicest people you will meet. Please pass this post along to anyone you think would be interested. Hope to see you all there!

Vacation Wonderland

Just in case you were wondering, our vacation last week was amazingly restful.

The scenery and cultures in New Mexico are just astoundingly fascinating. We enjoyed every step of our journey. If you would like to see some pictures, I have them on flickr.

Now back to crocheting those snowflakes (I'm leaning towards making a necklace with them for some extra holiday cheer.)

Pittsburgh the Place for Crafts

In the Chachula Family, the days after Thanksgiving are all about shopping. Some years we have nearly gotten all our Holiday Gifts in 48 hours of shopping. We start super early and don't come home until the stores close.

This year, as in most years, we headed down to the Strip District in Pittsburgh for some deals and fun.

The Strip District is a historic area in downtown where you can find tons of ethnic food markets. There are amazingly good pastries to pastas. It is truly a must if you are in the area.

My favorite part is on the weekends, vendors line the crowded sidewalks selling anything from Steelers T-shirts to handmade items. This year I found some truly beautiful items that I will totally admit, I did not purchase for anyone but me.

Like this coffee mug that I picked up from some artists that were literally glazing them on the street in garbage cans. (you can see it in the background) You could watch them work and pick one hot out of the fire. Bonus was that they gave you hot cocoa in the mug with every purchase. They totally got me on that!

The other purchase of the day was this beautiful crochet bag that my mother in law bought for me for Christmas. The stitching is all hand embroidered in the chain stitch. I saw it from 2 blocks away and across the street. I nearly ran to the vendor, only to find my mother in law already getting me one. Hee hee, guess I'm pretty easy to guess at what I like. Isn't it lovely?

Hope you all had a great weekend filled with little gems like ours!

Fun in Philly

This weekend the CBF Fam and I headed down to South Street in Philly to enjoy some yarny good time at Loop.

If you haven't been, it is a definite to add to the list in the Philly Area. Just a few blocks off of the South Street Bridge, very easy to find. Craig's shop is bright and cheery. He has lots of my favorites in stock, plus a boatload of fun buttons and shawl pins to choose from. I came home with some Colorful Yarn (dyed and spun only a few blocks from the shop- the color on the hank is "steel" and how can this engineer not buy that right?) and a couple handmade buttons. (I'll try to get a pic on flickr in the next few days). Mom came home with a handmade shawl pin that was beautiful.

Saturday morning we had a full class for Beyond the Afghan. My personal success of the day, was my friend Stacey. Stacey and I have been friends since we were 2 years old. She is the one that actually got me to talk. (This may seem wild, but I didn't actually talk until I was 2. I know you can't believe that since I am such a blabber mouth now). In daycare, she would hit me whenever I would point and grunt at something, and say "talk". Well I learned quick after that! Anyway, Stacey has been a crocheter most of her life. But never really moved beyond some basics. Well, I encouraged her to come to the class anyway, because I just had the feeling she would pick it up. And boy did she! By the end of the day, she not only totally was hooked on symbols but already completed a bunch of granny squares for the Crystal Lace Bolero. Totally awesome! I'll have to get her to send me a pic when she is done and post it for you guys. The rest of the class I think enjoyed it too. So I'm adding them to my converts to symbol crochet. Oh, and another amazing crocheter commuted 2 hours to come talk the class. Big hug to her! (Sorry I am picture less of the class, I totally forgot to stop chatting long enough to snap a picture.)


After lunch; Mom, Stacey and I headed back to Loop for the book signing. We had a constant stream of the nicest crocheters come by and say hi and pick up a copy of the book. I got to finish a Madison Scarf (for Madison actually) while I was signing and chatting.

Sunday morning we headed back down for Crochet Like a Pro. This time I had crocheters from not only Philly, but NJ and Delaware! We had a good time learning new stitches, moving buttonholes, and playing with beads. (In the background you can see the Colorful Yarn hanging up behind me. Now you know why it had to come home with me.)

Even though it was a short trip back home, it was so enjoyable to be there. I still had a lingering cold, so I did not get a bite of the fantastic cheesesteaks or pizza (but I made Mr CBF eat enough for both of us). But the yarn I brought home and all the wonderful crocheters I met, made the travel all worth it even with my cold.

More from Denver

Marly, from Yarnthing, has uploaded some more pics from our trip to Denver. You can check them all out here on flickr. Below are some of my favorites:

Marly and Me- aren't we cute?




Heather modeling Courtney- I think she likes it, don't you? She was a great sport for modeling!







Angela modeling the Dream Motif Tunic- I adore how cute she looks in it. I was tempted to give it to her, but I like it a bit too much. Plus, she is wearing it backwards. I love it! How cool is that on her it looks so cute with that little dip at the neck line in the front?








Me in Marly's Comfy Cardi- How wild is this? Not only do I get to admire another crocheter's work, I got to try it on! Marly is teaching a class at Knit Knack on the Comfy Cardi, well I think she is on her third class of it, so really she is now more the expert then I am! Also, if you zoom in, I'm wearing the Heather earrings from the book


Thank you for all the pictures, Marly!

Hello Denver!

I have to say, Denver was amazing! You denverites (or is it denvertonites or denverons) have a great city. Not only is your downtown fun (and has a great sense of humor), but you have incredible scenery just minutes away.

We were so impressed driving around, that we felt like we must have been on a different planet. This and this were what we awoke to each morning, not bad!

Marly, from YarnThing, was my gracious host though all the great yarn stores. She was also my class angel by keeping all the classes fun with her bright smile. (Thanks, Marly!)

Here's a quick recap of all the fun:

Friday
Channel 9 News- yup, I got to tape a news segment for the local news at 4pm. It was Mr CBF's first time in a studio, and as an architect, he was quite drawn to all the cool spaces they have in the building. Kirk Montgomery was my host, and was quick and very knowledgeable about crochet. It was quite a surprise, as I was ready to have to explain all sorts of things about the book and crochet.
Break- We then got a bit of a break and got to check out the downtown. Tricia and Laura tipped us off to the big blue bear at the convention center, and who can pass that up?
Purls of Wisdom, Sock Class- Jen from Purls of Wisdom was my great host at her shop. It was modern and bright and very comfortable for teaching and shopping. We got to pause during class to catch the end of the news segment which was very surreal to do. Class was great, I got to hang out with a number of crocheters which was very special for me.
Marly Day 1

Saturday
Knit Knack- Holy Cow, this store is amazing. Gerri was my host for her shop, which is exactly what my dream shop looks like in my head. She has combined a coffee shop with a yarn store, which just gives off this great vibe to want to come and stitch.
Beyond the Afghan- Our morning class was great. I was so proud of all my students for being so much fun to teach and really giving it their all in learning.
Sit and stitch- After lunch and class, I got the really special treat of hanging out with the "regulars". I can not tell you how amazingly welcome they all made me feel. Betsy gave me a sweet gift of one of her Bear Stitch Marker, which I wore around all day. I also got to check out a bunch of comfy cardis, which was so much fun (like Jill's to the right.) I can't tell you how special it is to see so many people making something I published- big heart swell!
Fashion Show/ Yarn and Button Score - At the end of the day, we had an impromptu fashion show and cake. (I know how amazing is that cake?) Heather was my very patient model, and we all had fun. (Sorry I am picture less- she was really cute!) I got a score from the shop of olive buttons and hand dyed yarn. I just couldn't pass up when Marly said the yarn is local.
Indian Restaurant/ Brewery Dinner- as Mr CBF said, "if their was an Indian restaurant with a brewery near us, I would have insisted we get married there."
Marly Day 2

Sunday
A Knitted Peace- Marsha and Jane were my lovely hosts in Littleton. Their shop is warm and filled with gems.
Crochet Like a Pro and Katie Bolero classes were again filled with crocheters who where bright and ready to learn which really warmed my heart.
Marly Day 3 (getting tired? 4 classes of me, and I would be tired too!)
Mexican Dinner (our last time to fill up before heading back to Ohio) and a Quick Hike. Then off to pack and bed for our early flight out.

All in all the weekend was a blast! Can't wait to go back soon!

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!))

Check List

Toothbrush.... check

Yarn.... check

Book on CD.... check

Tour of the Abandoned Cincinnati Subway.... check!

Ok, so maybe I should have been getting ready for my trip today, but when the opportunity comes up to visit and tour your city's 90 year old- never-used- subway it was hard not to go. The Cincinnati Subway is famous for literally never being used. It was constructed in the 20's, but they only were able to build half of the track. And money ran out before they were able to put in rails or electricity. Plus, the couple of subway car companies they were going to use went bankrupt and the remaining ones' cars were too big for the tunnel. In its entire lifetime, the city has come up with hundreds of schemes to use the space. A bomb shelter, a light rail, etc. But they have not done any of those, so it is literally a tunnel under the city that goes nowhere for nothing. (Well not totally nothing they have an emergency water line and telecom wires in there, but they do not take up even a quarter of the space.) Fascinating, talk about stuff that urban legends are built on! It was one of the coolest places I have toured. It is a completely finished structure, with platforms and stairs and even rooms for bathrooms- but no cars. The tour is completely in the dark since there is no electricity. It is quite the production to tour it, since they have to turn off the water line and use the police to stop traffic to get in. We heard that there is a ghost of a horse living down there, but we didn't see it on our tour. The fantasy of a real underground city that is an actual reality for us was incredible. So really, how could I have passed that up?

Yes, I may have thrown my entire wardrobe in the car instead of packing. But who needs organized and packed luggage? I have a really cool memory instead.

Taping for Knitting Daily TV starts at 830am tomorrow for Kim and I. We go to makeup at 7am. I am so excited to be taping, I am sure it will be a rough night of trying to sleep so don't mind my huge circles whenever you get to see it this fall. With luck I should have some behind the scenes shots for you all.

Three Guesses

Three Guesses on how

Beauty Products

Clean Clothes

Random Balls of Yarn

all could be related.....

---------------------------------------------------------

Super Secret Revealed 1.0

All of those signs above point to only one outcome.....

I'm getting ready to tape new episodes of Knitting Daily TV and Knit and Crochet Today!

You knew it had to be something like that right? I'm not exactly the type to 1) own let alone use beauty products and 2) have that many clean clothes on hand. Because I am playing with 3) yarn, all day and night long, and never make time to beautify or clean. And yes, you could say I kind of lied to you when I said my spring would be peaceful. I didn't mean to. But you kind of forget how much goes into getting ready for taping (not that I have all that much experience- just my previous episodes on KCT).

So these past few weeks I have been much more focused on ME then I have ever done in the past. I decided I really didn't want to look all haggard and tired, so I thought some quick beauty products would do the trick. Whiten away some of my coffee smile, and smooth away some of my "stress blemishes" (b/c honestly an almost 30 yr old can't call them acne that's for teenagers). And when all else fails on the beauty front, I would dazzle you with sparkly jewelry and bright colored clothes. Actually, finding clothes is really interesting, like a scavenger hunt. Here's the game: find clothes that 1) fit and flatter, 2) are not white, black, or red (they don't show well on camera), 3) that do not have any little pattern (no dots or tiny checks - they wig on camera too), and 4) are elbow or long sleeved (evidently cap sleeves make you look wider). It actually makes shopping more fun thinking about how to piece these all together. I am going with the layering look, so lots of cardigans and camis and tees. That was one reason I was dying to get my cardi finished this weekend, it fits in really well with my TV wardrobe.

Then after the ME focus, I shifted to the PROJECT focus. And that's what I'm obsessed with right now. I am crocheting away step-outs to use on the show. If you haven't seen a craft show, think of a cooking show. You want to show off the ingredients (the yarn, notions, hooks), how to chop them up (or how to start the project), tips on boiling/baking (or the harder steps in the project), and the Voila moment (the completed piece). So for every project, I have about a half a dozen step-outs that can range from just a chain to half the size of the project. Its fun to do them too, especially since we have been watching John Adams on HBO (boy that's well done) and I just crochet right along while watching.

After this comes the TRAVEL focus, which I have already started to shift that way. I will be driving up to Cleveland on Sunday to tape Knitting Daily TV. Then flying to Allentown for Passover next Friday. And finally flying from there to Detroit to tape KCT. So I started putting books on CD on hold at the Library (aren't libraries great! I think in my second life I'd like to be a librarian), mapping out the yarn stores, planning dates with friends, and finding huge suitcases for all my stuff I'm packing.

Needless to say, I am SO excited! It was amazing to be asked to be on Knitting Daily TV and asked back to KCT. I can not wait to see friends and crochet on TV, how cool is that! But it probably means I might be out of touch the next two weeks. I am hoping to blog as much as possible, but I might be slow in emailing back. There is one other secret that I have to hold back on related to all of this, but I will hopefully be allowed to spill the beans soon.

Till then, wish me clean skin, a bright smile, and crocheting speed!

Happy Feet

Back from Vacation.

A bit red, sore, and definitely tired. But very happy!

We had an amazing long weekend full of visiting with our dearest friends and their wonderful fantasy house (they have fruit trees in their back yard as well as an entire desert to hike). We went swimming, lounging, out to dinner, hiking, horseback riding, to a hockey game, grilling, campfire hanging out, mountain biking, golfing, to the botanical gardens, more eating, and lots of laughing. It is so sweet to hang out with people who mean so much to you that you just feel at home no matter how long its been since you have last seen each other. Thank you Crystal and Chris for the amazing weekend!

If you want to see some pictures, I have a set on Flickr. It is the blooming season in the desert right now and it was just stunning to see all the wonderful colors.

Hope you all had a great weekend too! I will be getting back to everyone that emailed just as soon as I can this week. Thank you so much for being so patient!

Heading West

Getting excited! We head out for the airport hotel and Faye off to camp in a few hours. I am running around packing all sorts of things for our 3 day vacation. There's the hiking boots, walking sticks, camelpacks pile. The jeans, sneakers, jacket pile for the dude ranch (yeah- we are going horseback riding- cool, huh!). The swimsuit, sunglasses, hat pile. The clubs, balls, golf shoes pile. Then the nice dinner clothes and pjs. But with all those other piles, I doubt we'll sleep (well, besides on the plane- our flight leaves at 6am tomorrow so we get to get up at 330am-fun!)

In typical Murphy's Law fashion, I was going to be all done with all my projects before this little trip to Phoenix- but of course, that didn't happen and I will be finishing ribbing and buttons on the plane too. I did pick up a new book which I am loving. The Monsters of Templeton. Definitely worth it, if you like quirky semi-based on history stories. Its about a woman searching for her true father, and digging up generations and generations of her family's past. Its a great read so far, so I am hoping to cruise through my final project so I can just read the rest of the trip.

Anyway, I will be away from my computer from Friday to Tuesday morning. I will get back to you as soon as possible when I return. Hope you all have a nice weekend!

What are you doing in a few weekends?

So what are you up to on Feb 9th and 10th?



Nothing, you say?






Then why not head over to the Knitting and Crochet Festival in Pittsburgh, PA.
Its being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is right across from South Hills Village Mall. (And funny enough, only 5 mins from my in-laws. Got to love how that works out! I'll get to play with yarn and visit family- too neat.)




So what are they going to have there, you ask? Well, besides a ton of yarn there will be classes and lectures. The classes are super reasonably priced. (Actually, most of them are half of what I have seen them go for at other festivals and conventions.) Annie Modesitt will be there teaching her fantastic classes, if you can still get in- (I totally recommend signing up. Her classes are the best. You learn a ton and have fun.)




And there will be ME!




I'm teaching a class and doing a lecture. Both I am super excited about!





The lecture is "How I joined the "In Crowd" " on Saturday afternoon from 3:30 on. Its free with the price of admission. I'll be chatting about my journey from hobby crocheter to professional crochet designer, teacher, and author. I'll be giving tips on how to get a great idea published, how to put together a professional proposal, and steps to getting you in the "In Crowd." Basically, this lecture is for anyone, knitter or crocheter, that is interested in a backstage look at how the yarn industry works. Please bring questions, I love them! I'll be doing a book signing after the lecture, so bring your copy or get one there. Either way, come say hi! I'd love to meet you!





The class is "Beyond the Afghan" on Sunday morning from 9-12. In that 3 hour period, I'm going to pack in as much as I can on how much I LOVE granny squares. We are going to be learning about symbol crochet and why I think they are awesome, how to play with blocks and turn them into a garment, and explore our creativity on granny squares. We'll be playing with joining techniques and finishing techniques to turn your ho-hum project into a wow-wow project. The class is 20$. You'll need to bring 2 granny squares any size any pattern, they just need to be the same. Bring extra yarn and hooks, and your creativity!




And if you can't make it to class or to the lecture, come say hi sometime during the festival. I'll be roaming the exhibitors as well, looking and playing with fun yarn.




All the directions and info is on the site if you are interested. I hope to see you there!

Amazing Race Moment

Would you like an Amazing Race moment? Yes you say?

Then book a flight through Phoenix Airport. Be sure your flight in is on USAirways, and your connector is on Delta. Let yourself have about an hour between flights, and let the fun begin!

So while running through the terminal wondering 1) how to I get to the next terminal and 2) why don't they like signs here; I thought man I bet I will beat all the other passengers on my flight. (That is if any of them are also racing between the terminals to change flights to get home from TNNA.) And with triumph at my fingers, at the Delta gate; I can admit I did a little dance that I ran fast enough; caught the first terminal bus; to wait in the 40 min security line to re-check through; with 5 mins to spare before boarding my next flight. SUCCESS! (aka. I get to pee before getting on my 4 hour flight) Woo-hoo! That was my Sunday afternoon Amazing Race Moment.

Otherwise, TNNA was fun as usual. I got to catch up with friends (Hi everyone!), meet new friends (we got to meet Jess and Casey from Ravelry- totally awesome people), see new designs, play with new yarn, and learn a bit more about some secret projects of mine. (hee hee) Actually, those secret projects won't be secret for long; and you are going to LOVE what is in store this year. (Well, love it if you love yarn and crafts like I do.)

I got to take some really fun classes. Cat's sock class made total sense, and I got half way through a tiny baby sock. Brandon's class was really interesting to look into his color theory.

And the best part? I got to actually start a project for me! I decided that I wanted to start a Comfy Cardi just for me. I'm making it elbow length, and I almost finished the lace from all the plane rides.

So how was your weekend?

Save the date

February 9-10, 2008

Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival at the Crowne Plaza Hotel

There will be vendors, free classes, Annie Modesitt (whom I HIGHLY recommend taking a class from), and me.

I'll be teaching a beefed up Beyond the Afghan Class on Sunday morning from 9-12. (Its really a steal at 20$) And I'll be giving a lecture on "How to join the "In" Crowd" on Saturday at 3:30pm. The lecture is mainly tips on how you can get your designs published, and some of my behind the scenes knowledge. I'll be sticking around after the lecture and will be happy to sign any book. Hope to see you there!

Class and Party Reminder

We're still about a month away, but I am so excited!

I really hope you can come join me at the class I'm teaching at Stitch Cleveland. I'll have crochet diagrams- and talking about granny squares.

If not the class, then at least for the big party for Crochet Me! There will be cake!

I really hope to see you!

I went to NY and I'll I got was....

This past weekend Mom and I snuck out to NYC to have a bit of fun. When I was younger, we used to take the bus into the city to see a show (from the half-price ticket booth) and wander around the city a lot.

This time we wandered around the city for hours. It was a blast. I picked up this fantastic crocheting bag. We both picked up uber fashionable sunglasses, and hammed it up on fifth avenue. We ate at a classic diner for brunch which made us feel at home. We wondered in the beauty of all of NY's parks, esp Bryant Park; where I also did so much sketching (b/c it was fashion week- and the park was swimming with models and designers). We saw half of a hysterical show (Avenue Q), like pee in your pants-funny. But that's where our fun ended. I must have caught a bug, and got sick half way through the way. So our second half (the yarn crawl), was cancelled and I caught the earliest flight home. I did pick up the hubbie a gift, since he was getting a mess of a wife to pick up. Luckily for me, he is so easy to please. Now two days later, I'm all better. Only slightly bummed that I missed out on the yarn stores- but in all had a great weekend.

So next time, I will have to go do my yarn crawl first. Thank you to everyone who gave me some great places to go check out. Here is a google map if you are traveling to NY anytime soon, and need some yarn stores to visit. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Vacations like these....

Vacations like these only make you wish they were 3 weeks longer. Especially when you come home to deal with:

1. Bugs in the house- YUCK.

2. Water flooding the basement- Double Yuck.

3. Broken car - Grr

4. Sick puppy- poor baby.

5. Hurt hubbie- esp sucky since he leaves on a work trip tomorrow super early- so tonight we'll be in the ER- fun.

6. Grass that has turned your lawn into a jungle, yet the deer still have found a way to eat all your pretty roses. - grr-grr-grr

7. Work that was supposed to be worked on while you were gone is still on your desk- and has found a way to multiple into more work then you could possibly do in 2 weeks- ouch.

Oh well.

We have some photos if you are interested. Not many. We were too busy playing and eating and drinking. I do have some great crochet projects to show you, whenever I can get my head above water. Wish me luck- and more soon.