Cute Crochet Chat

"Use Up That Yarn" Review and Giveaway!

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

What crocheter doesn't have lots and lots of yarn leftover from their other projects in their stash? I know that I certainly do!

Well, there is a new book "Use Up That Yarn", 13 Designs to Crochet from your Stash, that will help us deplete some of the leftover yarn in our stash!

Designed by Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude ®) and published by Leisure Arts, this new book showcases thirteen never-before-published designs that are 'fantastically fast at shrinking" your yarn stash.

From worsted weight to bulky weight, almost every category of crochet projects are included in this book. There is something for every crocheter, from quick coasters to intermediate outer wear. Most of the projects in this book use less than 250 yards of yarn and are rated either Beginner or Easy+.
This would be a great book to add to your crochet pattern library!
My favorite designs include Fingerless Gloves, Snow Scarf and Hat Set and the Coasters.

One lucky reader will win a copy of this book, compliments of Leisure Arts. To be eligible to win, comment on this post telling us what you usually prefer to crochet: home decor, thread crochet, wearables, accessories, afghans or toys and dolls.
Please don't forget to LEAVE your EMAIL ADDRESS or a way that you can be reached if you are the winner. One winner will be drawn at random next Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Custom Crocheted Sweaters Giveaway Winner

2012-02-02T14:20:00.001-05:00

The winner of Dora's Ohrenstein's book Custom Crocheted Sweaters is Gloria of PA. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment! The sweater most people liked was the Eleganza Raglan. Stay tuned.....we have two new books from Drew Emborsky, AKA The Crochet Dude coming soon!

Monday Market

2012-01-30T16:25:00.000-05:00

It is time for Monday Market again! Monday Market is being offered to the readers of our blog and Facebook fan page and will showcase one design for a week from my Etsy shop at Too Cute Crochet by offering the crochet pattern at a 40% discount! One of our newest patterns is the Animal Flap Purses and is the one we chose for this week's Monday Market! For this week only, you can purchase the Poodle and Bear Flap Purses pattern for $3.60. That is 40% off the regular purchase price! Two patterns are included with this set. Sale runs through FRIDAY February 3rd.

Custom Crocheted Sweaters and Giveaway

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

Custom Crocheted Sweaters, "Make Garments That Really Fit" by Dora Ohrenstein.

I was thrilled to be asked to review Lark Craft's newest crochet book, Custom Crocheted Sweaters by Dora Ohrenstein. As a designer, I am always interested in learning all I can about garment construction and the best way to make them fit! Dora's new book specifically focuses on the construction and fit of crochet sweaters. But the contents of this book give readers so much more than that!
Dora starts us off with a basic "Overview of Sweater Construction" in Chapter One where she takes us through the most common construction techniques and then continues with choosing yarns for the best drape and of course, how to measure our bodies for that perfect fit!
Dora walks us through Understanding Fit, picking the right size and "Demystifying Patterns". All of this BEFORE we get to the patterns. There is so much to learn from this book, whether you are a seasoned veteran
of garment making or a beginner!

All the sweaters in this book are tailored perfectly, and contain several different and interesting stitch patterns. I love the way that Dora has designed each sweater, showing us how to "make garments that really fit."
There are so many design shaping and alteration techniques in this book. The sweater patterns each tackle a different construction or altering technique which include 17 'master class' techniques for creating garments that fit perfectly. Brilliant! Some techniques included are: an in-depth discussion on how to alter an armhole and how to do internal shaping to create a bust dart! Each crochet pattern also has beautiful stitch diagrams that are usually left out of other books of it's kind. What a great addition for the stitches who prefer diagrams! The photos throughout the book are stunning, with many close-up shots of the designs. Lark did a fabulous job on the photos; a lot of crochet EYE CANDY included!

From the publisher: "Presenting the only how-to guide to focus specifically on customizing crochet sweaters, Custom Crocheted Sweaters teaches crocheters how to create the perfect fit for every body type."

Some of my favorite sweaters include:

Eleganza Raglan

Fiji Cardi

Floating Tee

Double Trouble Shell

Sterling Publishing has graciously provided this review copy as well as one other copy to be given away to one lucky reader! The book is also available for sale at Amazon.
In order to be eligible for a chance to win, please comment on this post and let us know which is your favorite sweater design from the ones that are pictured on this post above. PLEASE don't forget to include your EMAIL ADDRESS! If you are the winner I cannot contact you without it!
Contest closes next Wednesday, February 1st and a random winner will be drawn then. Thank you!
THANK YOU, WE HAVE A WINNER!

Crochet Eye Candy

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since I posted any images for Crochet Eye Candy, so I wanted to show you few things I found on my crochet searches! I did not realize until my third entry that I have a flower theme going on! I always try to include links to the items when available, so you can check them out for yourself!

Pretty Flower Pillow

Pretty Flower Bracelet

Pretty Flower Headband

Pretty Flower Pins

And last but not least, we have a couple of cute items from Melissa at Crafty Kitty Crochet. Melissa has a variety of cute crochet items for sale in her Etsy Shop! Check it out!

Monday Market

2012-01-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! At Cute Crochet Chat and Too Cute Crochet we are celebrating the new year by adding a new feature to our blog. I call it Monday Market and it is being offered to the readers of our blog and fans of our Facebook page! . Monday Market will showcase one design a week from my Etsy shop at Too Cute Crochet by offering the crochet pattern of the week at a 40% discount! Our best selling pattern is the Pretty Headband with Flower, so it is the first pattern that we offer for SALE in this new feature for 2012! For this week only, you can purchase the Pretty Headband with Flower for $2.40. That is 40% off the regular purchase price! Sale runs through FRIDAY Janurary 13th. Stay tuned each week for a new Monday Market!

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet DAY FIVE

2011-12-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

At Too Cute Crochet, today is our final day of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY FIVE, two days before Christmas, two (2) winners will be chosen to receive our newest crochet pattern, Baby Santa Set..

In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on THIS blog post! Tell us what your favorite Christmas song is.
PLEASE DON'T forget to leave a CONTACT EMAIL, so I can notify you if you are the winner.

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Christmas week of giveaways!
Merry Christmas to all my readers!
Jocelyn

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet DAY FOUR

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-05:00

At Too Cute Crochet, we are CONTINUING our FULL WEEK of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY FOUR, three days before Christmas, three (3) winners will be chosen to receive our crochet Christmas Gift Bags.
In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on THIS blog post! Tell us one Christmas tradition in your household either past or present! I will start it off by saying that we ALWAYS have cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning! This tradition has been going on for over ten years now!
PLEASE DON'T forget to leave a CONTACT EMAIL, so I can notify you if you are the winner!

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet DAY THREE

2011-12-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

At Too Cute Crochet, we are CONTINUING our FULL WEEK of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY THREE, four days before Christmas, four (4) winners will be chosen to receive THEIR CHOICE of any pattern from my Etsy shop at http://toocutecrochet.etsy.com
In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on THIS blog post! Please visit Too Cute Crochet at the link above and let us know WHICH PATTERN you would choose if you are one of the winners! ALL patterns are eligible. Come back here and comment on this post. PEASE DON'T forget to leave a CONTACT EMAIL in the comment.

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet - DAY TWO

2011-12-20T08:19:00.000-05:00

At Too Cute Crochet, we are doing a FULL WEEK of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY TWO, five days before Christmas, five (5) winners will be chosen to receive our our new Animal Flap Purses (Poodle and Bear) crochet pattern set!
In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on THIS blog post! Tell us one (or more) things you have to still do to be ready for Christmas,,,,,,is it shopping, crochet, baking, wrapping....etc!
PLEASE DON'T forget to leave a CONTACT EMAIL, so I can notify you if you are the winner!
Five winners will be chosen at 3pm ET today.
Stay tuned also for tomorrow's Christmas Week giveaway!
ALL WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED! THANK YOU!

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet, DAY ONE

2011-12-19T08:43:00.001-05:00

Santa Purse and Headband Crochet Pattern

At Too Cute Crochet, on our Facebook page, we are doing a FULL WEEK of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY ONE, six (6) winners will be chosen to receive our Santa Purse and Headband crochet pattern!
In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on the original post HERE for a chance to be one of SIX winners! While you are there, please give Too Cute Crochet a LIKE!
Stay tuned also for tomorrow's Christmas Week giveaway!
Contest ends for each day at 3pm ET.
SIX WINNERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

Shelf Sitter Snowmen

2011-12-13T14:25:00.000-05:00

Recently, a crochet customer, Kirsty, sent me photos of the Snowmen that she made from one of my patterns in Country Treasures in Crochet World magazine. I thought they were so adorable, I couldn't resist putting them here for all to see. Kirsty did such a wonderful job! I love ALL the colors she used, especially when they are all together! The PATTERN is now available at: Free-Crochet.com. I like Kirsty's use of color better than my own! They way she photographed the snowmen, made them come alive!

Huggable Crochet Winner

2011-12-12T16:56:00.003-05:00

We have a winner! Congratulations goes out to Traci of Florida for winning our giveaway of Huggable Crochet! Thank you, thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned for more giveaways in the next few weeks!

Huggable Crochet Review and Giveaway

2011-12-01T14:07:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows anything about Cute Crochet Chat, knows that we love cute! A lot...So when I was asked to review the adorable book, "Huggable Crochet", how could I resist! The best part about this review is that one lucky reader/commenter will win a copy of this book!
This book is titled, "Huggable Crochet, Cute and Cuddly Animals from Around the World", and is written by Christine Lucas. It is published by Krause Publications/FW Media.

"Huggable Crochet" has some of the cutest crochet stuffed animals that I have seen anywhere AND has several crochet animals that I have never seen patterns for! With a menagerie of adorable animals, I can see why this book was named Huggable Crochet!

The patterns for all the animals are divided into five interesting chapters, with fun names. They include The Pranksters, The Protectors, The Scientists, The Covert Operatives and The Entertainers! All in all, there are 19 crochet patterns for cute animals.

The book describes all these animals as being TRULY huggable, as they measure from between twelve inches to eighteen inches!
The patterns look very easy to follow and include wonderful illustrations that will help you create the animal to look as the designer intended. She also gives finishing tips.
There is a metric conversion chart in the beginning that I actually learned something from!

Christine takes you on a "magical tour of the animal kingdom!" Each chapter has Alternate Color Versions and I love the fact that Christine offers variations; the realistic or traditional colors for the animals AND a nice whimsical color palette for them! Such fun!

Some of my favorites animals include Sly the Snake, Bandit the Raccoon, Tiger Lily the Snail, and Hannah the Hippo!
You can learn more about Christine Lucas at her website: Scarecrow Originals and follow her on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/scarecroworigin
One lucky reader has a chance to WIN a copy of the delightful book. In order to qualify, leave a comment on this post with your EMAIL ADDRESS, so we can contact you if you are the winner. We ask that you would also either LIKE FW Craft on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/fwcraft OR follow them on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/fwcraft @fwcraft
A winner will be chosen next Wednesday, December 7, 2011!
Thanks for participating and good luck!
We have our winner! Thank you for participating!

Christmas Crochet Patterns Posted

2011-11-13T12:32:00.001-05:00

It is that time of year again! At Cute Crochet Chat, we ♥ Holiday and Christmastime! I recently re-listed some of my most popular Christmas and Holiday crochet patterns. They are all available for pdf download in my Etsy Shop. You can view what is available below! I will be periodically listing Christmas and Winter patterns from other designers here, so if you have a pattern you would like to see featured, contact me at toocutecrochet AT gmail DOT com!


Ernie Elf Country Cutie


Holiday Gift Bags


Winter Christmas Hat and Purse

Santa Purse and Flower Headband

Petite Stocking Set

Crochet Stitches Giveaway Winner

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning! We have a winner! Congratulations goes out to Shawn of New York for winning Robyn's new book, Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia. Shawn is an AVID crocheter who makes a lot of gifts and charity items in crochet. She is thrilled to win this book! Thank you, thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for SEVERAL new crochet book reviews! After all, it is the gift giving season!

Friday Fun - Crochet Patterns

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Let's face it....crocheters and knitters LOVE patterns! Some stitchers collect patterns the way others collect antiques! The downside to this is that we NEVER get around to making ALL the designs that are in our library. The upside is that we can be continually INSPIRED by the best and the brightest crochet and knit designs that are out there. Here are a few for this week:

Cupcakes by Skymagenta --
These cupcakes are not only cute, they are PRETTY! You can purchase the pattern from Skymagenta.
Skymagenta has a wonderful pattern shop on Ravelry and
you won't believe all the incredible crochet goodies she has to offer!


Dahlia Shawl by Lisa Naskrent for Interweave -- Wouldn't this Dahlia SHAWL by Lisa Naskrent be beautiful for the HOLIDAYS? Gorgeous!


Peter and Patty Pilgrim by Rachel of Crochet Spot -- How cute are these crochet Pilgrims? They measure between 8 and 10 inches, so I think they would crochet up quickly. Especially for this month!

Urban Revival Slouch Hat by Vicki Howell - Love this slouchy hat! Functional yet ultra feminine!

Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia by Robyn Chachula

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

At Cute Crochet Chat, we LOVE any kind of giveaway! Today I am pleased to review (and give away) a wonderful new book by the incredibly popular crochet designer, Robyn Chachula. The book is entitled, Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia and is published by Wiley. It has been a while since I have seen a crochet book that is so visually appealing.

This book is beautiful. But Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia is so much more than that! This is a book that you will keep in your crochet library forever. This is a book that you will browse through when you want to be visually inspired. This is a book that you will pick up when you are looking for just-the-right-stitch-pattern for your latest design or project. This is a book that you will go to when you want to LEARN a new crochet stitch pattern or when you want to EXPERIMENT with new crochet stitch patterns. Not enough? There are stitch patterns in this book that I have not seen anywhere else!

Each crochet stitch pattern is accompanied by beautiful full color photographs and easy to read stitch diagrams. There are TIPS throughout the book, which will make learning and using the stitch patterns even more enjoyable!

There are a whopping 36 individual crochet stitch categories, encompassing nine chapters! Included are Simple Stitches, Textured Stitches, Lace Stitches, *Unique* Lace Stitches, Colorwork Stitches, Tunisian Stitches, Square and Hexagonal Motifs, Flower and Snowflake Joining Motifs, and Edging Stitches!

Some of my favorites are the Circular Motifs and the Partial Motif patterns.

Robyn was gracious enough to answer a few questions for our readers!

1. Do you have a favorite book that you have authored?

That is a hard question since I am in love or hate every book I have worked on. It all depends. Right now I am loving this encyclopedia. I have one stationed upstairs in my office and downstairs in my living room. I am coming back to it over and over while I am writing my new book. And that is exactly what I wanted to do. I really wrote this one for me, to catalog all my favorite patterns in one place. * And so far I have been really using it. But I am sure my mood will switch and I will get fall back in love with another soon.
* (Reviewer's Note) I love the fact that Robyn initially wanted to write the book so she could compile all her favorite stitches and motifs into one resource!

2. Which is your favorite crochet technique?

Again, it all depends on the way the wind is blowing. I adore motifs when I am exploring a yarn for the first time. I love simple stitch patterns to highlight more challenging garment construction. I use Tunisian to relax after a stressful day; I just love the woven look some patterns can give.

3. Do you ever crochet from other designer's crochet patterns and if so, do you prefer to follow the written instructions or a visual stitch diagram?

I rarely have time to do anything but my own work. I think the last time was 18 months ago, when we were moving actually. And even then, I made up my own pattern. I do like reading patterns though. I love to see how another designer's brain works. For me, stitch diagrams are the key to reading. I am dyslexic, and the abbreviations are incredibly difficult. That's why I love stitch diagrams. I can follow those so much easier and really understand how a piece goes together.

Thank you, Robyn, for giving us a glimpse into your design world! If you would like to "meet" Robyn or learn more about her new book, she recently was interviewed on Getting Loopy podcast and Yarn Thing podcast and LB YarnCraft podcast.
Just for FUN, Wiley is giving away a copy of Crochet Stitches to ONE lucky reader of Cute Crochet Chat! In order to be eligible to win, comment on this blog and tell our readers how you have used crochet stitch dictionaries in the past to enhance your crocheting! If you have not done so before, HOW WOULD you use this crochet stitch encyclopedia? Please DON'T FORGET to leave a contact email address in your comment!
A thank you goes out to Wiley Publishing for providing the review copy to Cute Crochet Chat and also the giveaway copy of the book!
You may also purchase a copy of this book at Amazon.

I ♥ Yarn Day 2011

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today is I LOVE Yarn Day! What knitter or crocheter does not LOVE yarn! Help celebrate by visiting their WEBSITE and also CROCHETVILLE.
In honor of I ♥ Yarn Day, I have selected several places that have YUMMY yarn for sale. Each yarn name is linked to the site where it can be purchased! Enjoy! What are you doing today for Yarn Day?

Hand Spun Wool/Silk Sari Yarn

Organic Cotton/Bamboo Blend

Thick and Thin Handspun

Super Bulky Cotton

Handspun Merino Bulky

Sock Yarn Mini Rainbow

Super Bulky Handspun

Harvest Moon Handspun

Pretty Yarn Bowl

Can you tell that I LOVE colorful variegated yarn? Which is your favorite?

2011-10-13T12:41:00.000-04:00

We have a winner! Congratulations goes out to Jenifer of Oregon for winning our latest giveaway! Thank you, thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned in the next 2 weeks for ANOTHER crochet giveaway! Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

Granny Square LOVE review and GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-05T00:30:00.000-04:00

Today on Cute Crochet Chat, we are delighted to present a review of a new crochet book published by North Light Books, a division of F+W Media. The title is "Granny Square LOVE" A New TWIST on a Crochet Classic for your Home, written by Sarah London!

If you love granny squares like so many crocheters today, read on to find how you can win your very own copy from Cute Crochet Chat! There is also a LINK included at the end of this post which will enable you to obtain a copy of this book at the reduced rate of $12.99! That is $10.00 off the publisher's price!

I am pleased to say that I was 'around' for the first wave of granny square mania. To be honest, I was never really happy with the avocado and harvest gold family of colors that were so popular in the seventies and many granny square designs reflected this muted color palette.
Now that the granny square has made a big comeback, I love all the color combinations and uses for it that are so popular today. Sarah London, known for her beautiful color combinations, has done a wonderful job of giving us a multitude of great projects! She has actually created uses for the granny square that I have not seen before.

At first glance, I was struck by all the colorful diagrams and great photographs included in "Granny Square LOVE". This lovely book is wonderful and FUN to browse through because of its colorful photographs and pretty color palette. Is it a perfect book for the beginner crocheter because so much information is included. There are well detailed, visually pleasing diagrams of all the crochet stitches used and

also well defined photos of how to create the perfect granny square.

Sarah gives us lots of details, tips to create the perfect granny square and an easy-to-read crochet diagram for every project, as well as written instructions. Each project even has its own "Color Commentary" from the author herself.

There are 25 crochet granny square projects included. Here are some of my favorites!

Stool Cover

Bath Mat

Bold Bedroom Cushion

Grocery Tote AND

Tablecloth

One copy of "Granny Square LOVE" is available for our giveaway. For a chance to win, post in the comments section and let us know the very FIRST or the LAST granny square project you crocheted. Was it for yourself or for someone else?
One winner will be drawn at random at the close of the contest, on or around October 12, 2011! Please don't forget to leave a contact email address in your comment, in case you are the winner!

If you can't wait to see if you've won and would like to purchase your own copy at a reduced rate, visit the Martha Pullen Company online store. Enter the promo code GRANNYTOUR and receive "Granny Square LOVE" for $12.99! That's $10.00 off the publisher's price! Promo Code expires on October 8, 2011.

Crochet Eye Candy

2011-09-13T11:47:00.000-04:00

I am mesmerized by all the beautiful crochet images that are on the web today! Such beauty, such talent, such color! Here is a small, varied collection of crochet that I thought you might enjoy! What are your favorites? I always try to include links to the items when available, so you can check them out for yourselves. With summer waning, I hope to have Crochet Eye Candy more often!

I love the simplicity of this bracelet, which encompasses the 'bigger' jewelry look that is so fashionable today. I would love to see this done up in blacks and whites or even metallic yarn for an evening look. You can find the instructions at CRAFT STYLISH

Aren't these little guys the sweetest? I am a pinky girl and love the cuteness of them. I found the image on FLICKR.

Speaking of pink, the designer calls this adorable hat, Strawberry Beret. The hat is made with Super Chunky yarn and would work up super fast! The pattern is available HERE.

I just LOVE the simple beauty of this pretty wrap! It looks so soft and feminine, doesn't it? The stitch pattern looks so lacy and airy. And the good news is, the pattern is available for FREE from Caron Yarns. Designer Marty Miller did a great job on this!

What crocheter or knitter doesn't LOVE looking at yarn? I love this picture, not only for the incredible yarn colors, but because I love this storage idea! In my house, it is important that I protect my yarn (and other valuables :)) from dust, so I like the idea of having a cabinet I can close!

Stay tuned for more Crochet Eye Candy in the very near future!

Hookin' Up Project, Day 30

2011-07-30T05:03:00.006-04:00

Today I am excited to be a part of the "Hookin' Up Project" a crochet blog tour being hosted by Kathryn Vercillo at Crochet Concupiscence.

I was lucky enough yesterday to have my blog reviewed by Rowena at An Open Book. I was thrilled by the review and can't thank Rowena enough for all her kind words!

Thank you, also, to Kathryn of Crochet Concupiscence for putting together this great crochet blog tour for the month of July! It was a wonderful idea and I have enjoyed reading and 'meeting' so many of the fabulous crochet blogs out there!

Now I have the distinct honor or reviewing one of crochet world's best and brightest blogs, Crochet Concupiscence.

Kathryn is a blogger, writer and collage artist, based out of my most favorite city in the whole world, San Francisco!

Kathryn brings a natural flair for writing to all her posts and I have followed her diligently since she started Crochet Concupisence! If you are like me, though, you will need a description of what her blog title encompasses!
In its widest acceptation, concupiscence is any yearning of the soul for something good. The dictionary states that it is a noun and the second explanation lists that it means ardent, usually sensuous longing.

con·cu·pis·cence [kon-kyoo-pi-suhns]

Kathryn self describes the meaning of her blog as:
"Put simply, this is a crochet blog designed to share my passion for the art and all of the news that surrounds it."

Kathryn's crochet blog is chock full of crochet yumminess! From crochet artist profiles to crochet book reviews, to crochet techniques and tutorials to crochet inspiration, to crochet on the runway and more, Crochet Concupiscence has it all!
Kathryn has an unbelievable amount of crochet information on her blog and generally blogs SEVERAL times a day (yes, I said DAY). She helps us to keep current on the latest crochet trends, yarn, yarn stores and the newest things on Etsy! You won't find more crochet information for the taking anywhere!

To keep up with all this crochet goodness, you will want to follow her blog, as well as follow her on Twitter as @CrochetBlogger. On Twitter, Kathryn constantly shares the most wonderful crochet links. If you follow her, you will be kept up to date on what's the newest in crochet.
I learn something great about crochet every time I read a new post from Kathryn!

Totally Simple Crochet Review and Giveaway WINNER

2011-06-30T11:56:00.005-04:00

Jacqueline of Chez Mukweto is the winner of the crochet book Totally Simple Crochet! Thanks to everyone who participated in our giveaway!
For a chance to win another copy of this book, check out Karen's review and giveaway here: KRW Knitwear Karen's contest ends tonight!

Totally Simple Crochet Review and Giveaway!

2011-06-15T14:42:00.004-04:00

Today on Cute Crochet Chat, I am pleased to present a recently published crochet book, "Totally Simple Crochet", Over 30 Easy Projects for the Home and to Wear, published by Trafalgar Books.
Most of us who crochet would agree with the book's author Tove Fevang, "When evening comes and I'm rather tired after a long workday, getting out the crochet hook and some yarn re-energizes me. Everything else melts away as I relax with my crocheting".
Aren't we all lucky to have something like crochet to feel so passionate about?
If you are new to the art of crochet or if you have been crocheting for years, you will find a project in this book that you want to make. From dishcloths to baby hats to scarves and afghans, there is something for everyone! Each project is well photographed and some of the beginner designs have step-by-step photographs that will help you breeze through the instructions. The crochet designs in this book are just what they say, "Totally Simple", but that does not mean beginner-only. Fevang uses a wide variety of interesting crochet stitches to create some very pretty designs that will be popular with every skill level. Even some of the beginning projects have interesting crochet textures!
The book begins with Abbreviations and General Crochet information. Each stitch used is outlined with a nice description and the photographs are very clear. The Materials section lists several tips and techniques by the author written in plain language to help you as you begin to crochet.
For the beginner, there are also several pretty colored dishcloths that will take you through learning all the basic stitches in crochet, each color a different stitch and edging! I love this idea for the novice crocheter, who will have something useful when practice time is over!
Some of my favorite projects include:

Hexagonal Block Afghan (I love the color patterns chosen for this design)

Net Bag (I love the stitch pattern used)

Blanket with Flower Border (love all the different colored flowers)

Potholders (done with dc post stitches)

Half Gloves (fingerless gloves)

Pink and White Scarf (it uses a very interesting stitch pattern)

Totally Simple Crochet is available from:
Amazon
Crossings
WEBS Yarn Store
Trafalgar Books website

Trafalgar Books has donated the book for our giveaway! In order to be eligible to win, become a FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG in the left sidebar (if you have not already done so!) and leave a comment on this post. Let us know the title of the last crochet book your purchased and why you bought it. It should be fun to see what responses we get!
PLEASE, PLEASE don't forget to leave your contact information and/or email address, so we can contact you if you are the winner!
One lucky winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday, June 29th!
Good luck!
OUR GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

Crochet Eye Candy

2011-06-09T18:59:00.005-04:00

Let's face it; we're hooked on crochet and everything it has to do with, ie yarn, hooks, crochet patterns, etc. In this new, ongoing feature, I am going to share photos and links of some of the things I find interesting in crochet. I might just include some knitting, also!

I LOVE this pineapple crochet sarong, designed by Dora Ohrenstein, in the current issue of Crochet Today! The beautiful, lacy pineapple stitch is one of my all time favorites and it looks as though this could be stitched up quickly using Lustre Sheen instead of thread. The design is also shown as a scarf or wrap, which makes it very versatile.

Crochet is such an incredible craft, in that it is so versatile! You can go from a very pretty and lacy shawl (as above) to a formed and stuffed item! This adorable crochet chair is an example of how crochet can become anything! I love all the dainty details of this design. The pattern can be purchased from AmiEggs Etsy shop!

Is this the cutest baby hat that you have ever seen? I ♥ it! Crochet baby photography props have become all the rage lately and designers are outdoing themselves to create some of the sweetest looking crochet yet. This adorable Lamb crochet pattern is available for purchase at RAKJ Patterns.

I flipped out when I saw this gorgeous Mega Doily crochet rug! It is truly a work-of-art. The rug is crocheted with cotton rope and is 3 feet in diameter. It can also be made in custom sizes. I cannot imagine crocheting with any material this large, but I think Ladies and Gentlemen did a beautiful job! The rug carries a hefty price, but I would bet it is worth every penny!

I hope you have enjoyed our first Crochet Eye Candy post. If you crochet and would like to be included in future Eye Candy posts, email me at toocutecrochet AT gmail DOT com
Stay tuned for our next update, which will be another crochet book review and, of course, a GIVEAWAY!

I recently created a new Facebook business page for Too Cute Crochet! If you are on Facebook or would like to join, please stop by our NEW PAGE ! Thanks!

Ripple Stitch Giveaway Winners & Follow Up

2011-06-06T22:57:00.003-04:00

We have two winners in our "50 Ripple Stitches" book giveaway.
Marie Anne of Ohio and Jodie of California are our two winners!
Thank you to everyone who commented and participated.
I recently received two new crochet books from the Publisher for review, so stay tuned for a couple of more reviews and giveaways! We love giving away crochet books and crochet items at Cute Crochet Chat!
On another note, I recently created a new Facebook business page for Too Cute Crochet! If you are on Facebook or would like to join, please stop by our NEW PAGE ! Thanks!

50 Ripples Stitches Crochet Book Review and GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-18T18:57:00.003-04:00

What a treat! A book devoted only to crochet ripple stitches! I love crochet stitch reference books. I have several different ones and the books that have beautiful color photos are my favorite.

As a designer who loves crochet stitch patterns, crochet stitch reference books can be so inspirational when contemplating my next design.

This new book, "50 Ripple Stitches" by Darla Sims and published by Annie's Attic is definitely a book that you will want to add to your crochet stitch library. Since I learned to crochet, ripple stitches have been one of my favorites stitch patterns, especially in afghans and dishcloths. But I recently designed a women's headband in a ripple chevron stitch (you can view it on the left sidebar), so wearables can be designed with these pattern stitches also! There is something magical about the variety of patterns that can be achieved just by changing the order of your basic ch, sc, and dc stitches! I think ripple stitches also remind me of quilt patterns, which I love!

"50 Ripple Stitches" has such a variety of ripples with so many different stitch patterns!

Each listed Ripple Stitch has very detailed instructions. Each Stitch is named, the Pattern Notes tell you how many colors are used in each sample, it outlines the Special Stitch for each pattern, then gives row by row instructions on how to duplicate the stitch pattern.

There are some incredibly UNIQUE and fresh Ripple Stitches in the book including

SWEET DREAMS

AND

CURLIQUES

Some of my most favorites stitch patterns are:

BODACIOUS

LITTLE HEARTS

PRETTY POSIES

Besides the ripple stitch patterns, this book includes:

An illustrated Stitch Guide with stitch abbreviations,
A yarn conversion chart,
A conversion chart for both United States and United Kingdom crochet stitches.

Some of the ripple patterns were familiar to me but most were ripple stitch patterns that I have not seen before, which is a great plus!

Annie's Attic has generously supplied us with TWO books for our giveaway! In order to be eligible to win one of these books, become a FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG in the left sidebar (if you have not already done so!) and leave a comment on this post. Let us know if you have any crochet stitch reference guides and which one you like best! I am going to enjoy seeing all the responses! PLEASE, PLEASE don't forget to leave your contact information and/or email address, so we can contact you if you are one of the winners!
Two (2) lucky winners will be drawn at random at the end of the contest!
I ♥ giving things away! Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

Wordless Wednesday STAY TUNED!

2011-05-04T11:41:00.000-04:00

The Crochet Dude Accessories Giveaway

2011-04-17T18:51:00.000-04:00

We are excited to report that we have 2 confirmed winners! Lillian of New Jersey and Mardell of Washington State are our winners! Thank you so much to EVERYONE who participated in our giveaway. It has been so much fun to read all of the comments about the types of crochet hooks you have and prefer! Stay tuned; we are always giving away something crochet and craft related on this blog!

The Crochet Dude Collection and Giveaway!

2011-04-04T06:00:00.003-04:00

We have another giveaway here at Cute Crochet Chat and I am certain you will all be thrilled with the chance to win these great prizes! This month we are giving away crochet hooks and accessories from The Crochet Dude!

I am a Boye girl and I have been since I started crocheting almost 35 years ago. I am sure that I could crochet with other brands of hooks, but because I love my crochet hook set from Boye so much, I really have no desire to.

That is why when Drew Emborsky, also known as The Crochet Dude, announced that he was going to be coming out with his own line of crochet hooks and implements, I was thrilled to hear it was with BOYE!

In the last few years, Drew Emborsky has taken the crochet world by storm, giving us wonderful books of his designs to his own PATTERN LINE and FREE PATTERNS to his Purse Pattern of the Month Club. And now he has his own line of crochet hooks and accessories known as The Crochet Dude Collection! There is something for every crocheter in Drew's crochet line. The collection includes a Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Crochet Kit, sets of crochet aluminum hooks crochet plastic hooks and steel crochet hooks, a retractable tape measure, yarn cutter, beaded stitch markers, cool stress relieving gloves, a hook organizer case and curved blade snips! What a great collection!

We are thrilled to be giving away some of the items from his collection. The items include The Crochet Dude Aluminum Hook Set IN Carrying Case (D,E, F, G, H, I, J, and K), a Retractable Tape Measure and the Crochet Plastic Hook Set, (L, P, & Q).

In order to be eligible to win one or more of these prizes, become a FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG (in the left sidebar) and leave a comment on this post. Let us know what brand and kind of crochet hooks you like and use the most. It will be fun to see all the different responses! PLEASE, PLEASE don't forget to leave your contact information and/or email address, so we can contact you if you are one of the winners!
Two (2) lucky winners will be drawn at random at the end of the contest!
Good luck!
OUR CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you to EVERYONE who participated!

I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting Socks Book Winner

2011-03-29T09:58:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to announce that Kimberly of GA is the winner of our Sock book by Karen Whooley!

Please stay tuned for a new great giveaway this week!
Sneak peak!

I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting Socks Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY!

2011-03-16T06:00:00.169-04:00

Yes! another giveaway!
In honor or National Crochet Month, we are giving away several crochet related items this month!

I am so pleased to present a review on the new book from Leisure Arts,

"I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting Socks"

by Karen Ratto-Whooley.

Even at first glance, this book is awesome! I love the fact that EVERYTHING you need to know about crocheting socks is included in this book. As a novice sock crocheter, I can see that this book has A LOT to offer someone who wants to learn how to crochet socks. But it goes much further than that and offers nine creative designs for every level of sock crocheter!

This book is as complete as any crochet sock book that I have seen. There is so much helpful information. Not only does it contain really nice patterns for making socks from different techniques, it explains how to pick the correct yarn and supplies, how to insure that your crochet socks will fit perfectly and the different methods of constructing socks. And there is something for everyone: men, women and older children.

Crocheting a sock that fits is one of the more important aspects of Karen's instructions. One of the most frequent comments that Karen gets about her sock instructions is that "you can actually make them to fit your own foot"! She covers everything from yarn, types of yarn fibers, colors, heel types, sizing, construction and tools. All the patterns come in multiple sizes and there are lots of step by step colorful photographs for the beginner Basic Cuff Down and the Basic Toe Up Sock. I can't think of one thing that has been left out of this wonderful book.

With her very complete instructions, Karen assures us that "Yes, we can crochet socks that fit and look great!".

Karen was good enough to answer a couple of questions, that will allow us to make good choices if we are considering crocheting socks from her book:

Q: If someone were crocheting socks for the first time, which one or two pair would you advise that they start with?

A: I would definitely start with the Basic Cuff-Down Sock (shown at left) first. Once that is mastered then try the Basic Toe-Up Sock! (shown at right). The hardest part of a sock is the toe, based on my classes. I find that if a student takes the cuff-down sock class first, they understand what the toe should be doing and that makes the toe up easier!

Q: Are there any patterns that would be considered to be for the Advanced crocheter?

A: I would consider the Cabled Sock, the Lace Sock and the Cobblestone sock patterns for the Advanced Crocheter. In those 3 socks, stitch counts and knowing where to put the hook to get the texture/lace work to come out right, can be confusing at times. Counting and making sure your counts are right is crucial in order to get the cable, lacework and texture in the right places!

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this great book, signed by Karen herself! In order to qualify for this giveaway, make a comment on this post telling us if you have ever tried crocheting socks before and what your experience was. PLEASE, PLEASE leave an email address or some other way we can contact you if you are the winner. One comment will be drawn randomly soon after the end of this Blog Tour, twelve days of socks!

Crochetville NATCROMO 2011 Treasure Hunt!

2011-03-06T06:00:00.014-05:00

National Crochet Month Treasure Hunt 2011

Win a Fabulous Crochet Gift Basket!

In honor of National Crochet Month 2011, CUTE CROCHET CHAT is partnering with Crochetville and a number of indie designers, spinners, dyers, and hook and toolmakers for the Crochetville NatCroMo 2011 Treasure Hunt.

Each indie business has donated one or more special items for a super-special crochet gift basket that will be presented to one lucky winner by March 31.

The following contest logo has been hidden somewhere on each indie business's website:

Contest participants will have to find the logo on each indie business's website. Entry forms may be submitted from March 8 through 11:59 PM CST March 25, 2011.

Click here to visit the Crochetville site for complete contest details and an entry form!

Click here to visit's my site at Cute Crochet to find where I have hidden the logo for the contest!

List of Participating Businesses

Positively Crochet
Designing Vashti

Click here to visit's my site at Cute Crochet to find where I have hidden the logo for the contest! Be sure to visit all the other indie participants in order to be eligible to win the fabulous crochet prizes!

Perfectly Plus Knitting Book Winner

2011-03-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

We have a winner of our contest for the "Perfectly Plus" Knitting Book.
Our winner is Kathryn of California! Congratulations to Kathryn and many thanks to all who participated in our Giveaway!
Stay tuned. We have two new reviews coming soon and YES, there will be more giveaways!

Perfectly Plus Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-15T06:00:00.010-05:00

Cute Crochet Chat is privileged to be the second stop on the blog tour for a new knitting book for plus sized knit fashions, "Perfectly Plus". As a bonus, we are giving away a copy of this book!

Not only does Perfectly Plus have instructions for wonderful knitted plus size fashions, it features the "Knit-to-Fit" Workbook for the full-figured woman. The book has a detailed chapter, "Creating Knits That Fit" that outlines everything you need to knit and create the perfect sized garment for your own figure; from Gauge, to Adjusting Gauge, to Choosing Sizes and Making Adjustments. The Make It Fit Basic Cardigan and the Make It Fit Basic Shell guide you step by step through the fitting process, unlike any knit how-to book I have ever seen.
This book is not just a how-to guide to fitting plus size fashions, though, as it also has nine complete and pretty knitting patterns.

The designs are basic yet trendy, beautiful and very figure flattering. They certainly are designed for today's woman. My favorites are Ipanema designed by Marlaina Bird, Make Me Blush, designed by Amy Polcyn and Savoir Faire designed by Kristin Hansen and Sharon Wittenberg.

The "Swing Along" jacket, shown at left is designed by Barb Kervin and is one of the most colorful designs in the book. I love the fact that it is knit from side-to-side instead of the traditional bottom to top or top-down construction. The slip stitch pattern stitch creates a very pretty chain detail with a contrasting yarn that lends a very nice compliment to this design. The patten outlines everything you need to complete this detailed garment, including Special Techniques and Pattern Notes. The garment looks well designed and is fitted to be figure flattering. As outlined on the back cover of the book, this pretty sweater has some 'sizzle'. "Swing Along" is rated for the Experienced knitter.

You can purchase this lovely book at Annie's Attic, HERE.
We are also giving away a free copy of "Perfectly Plus" to one of our blog readers!! To be eligible to win, please leave a comment on this post, letting us know how helpful this new book could be for you!! Please don't forget to leave where you can be contacted in case you are the winner! Winner will be drawn at random in about two weeks.

Check out the next round of this Blog Tour at Romi Hill's @Romi's Studio, where she will be reviewing the "Make Me Blush" sweater designed by Amy Polcyn.

Special Olympic Scarf Project 2011

2011-02-05T08:22:00.002-05:00

It is time for the Special Olympics Scarf Project again!
They are handling the project a bit differently this year and you can CHOOSE which State you want your scarf to go to!
The program has been ongoing, but there are many States that have not met their goal for 2011 yet! Let's try and not have someone go without a knit or crochet scarf! The project is being sponsored by Coats and Clark again. You can read all about how to submit your scarf or scarves HERE.

These are my submissions from a previous year:
I loved this pattern that was designed by Darla Fanton. She designed this scarf using the book: 365 Crochet Stitches A Year Perpetual Calendar by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. I think the pattern stitch she used is beautiful and I just couldn't resist copying it! With permission, of course! Thanks, Darla! The pattern stitch works up so quickly that I was able to make two scarves in a very short period of time.

This time around, the scarves must be knit or crocheted from Red Heart #886 Blue or #512 Turqua.

These are the States that are still in need of scarves (lots of them!) and that you still have time to crochet or knit a scarf for:

Maryland - 120 / 600 - deadline February 18, 2011
Minnesota - 229 / 1000 - deadline February 18, 2011
Montana - 2 / 750 - deadline February 18, 2011
Arizona - 164 / 600 - deadline February 21, 2011
New Hampshire - 61 / 1200 - deadline February 26, 2011
South Dakota - 150 / 500 - deadline March 1, 2011
Alaska - 46 / 350 - deadline March 9, 2011
Louisiana - 126 / 1400 - deadline March 4, 2011
Nevada - 0 / 50 - deadline March 4, 2011
Idaho - 185 / 650 - deadline March 4, 2011
Virginia - 133 / 1700 - deadline March 7, 2011

You can read about the States that have already met their goal HERE
I can't wait to see all the beautiful scarves and if all the States meet their goals!

Giving Thanks to Project Linus

2010-11-24T12:07:00.015-05:00

On this eve of Thanksgiving Day, I am very thankful and grateful for many, many BLESSINGS in my life. There are so many!
On a crochet note, though, I will forever be thankful for organizations such as Project Linus. I would like to ask you to please support Project Linus in the 2010 Craft for A Cause contest! They could win $50,000! How great would that be for such a wonderful crochet organization! Please click HERE to go to the Joann's Craft For A Cause website and vote! You can vote once per day on their website until December 4, 2010. Please take a moment each day and vote. $50,000 could go a very long way for such an independent organization!
Project Linus has had a very special place in my heart for a few years now. When my mother was discharged from the trauma center into the rehab center after she was hit by a car, she had to travel by ambulance. The problem was that she had only her thin hospital nightgown to travel in and it was the middle of winter in New York! Her problem was solved when a wonderful therapist went down to the Services' office and came back with a beautiful, warm, crocheted afghan that was tagged Project Linus! I could not believe that someone had lovingly made something so precious for a stranger! It was a beautiful thing (see photo above) and definitely served it's purpose in keeping my mother warm AND still does! Thank you to all crocheters and knitters who lovingly donate their time, yarn and talent to such worthy craft causes!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-11-10T18:50:00.000-05:00

Fall/Autumn Linky Love

2010-11-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Autumn! Join us for our most recent LINKY LOVE for FALL needlecraft projects. If you have any type of crochet/knit/sewn/handcrafted pattern or finished item, either for sale or for free, join this post! Just click on the 'Add Your Link' button below and follow the instructions! I have done the first few for you to give you an example! The ability to post to this Linky Love will expire on November 30, 2010. JOIN US!

Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers by Amy Polcyn

2010-09-24T07:31:00.000-04:00

I am so happy to be the fifth stop in the Blog Tour of Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers by Amy Polcyn and House of White Birches!

This is a great book of thirteen knitted slippers patterns by Amy Polcyn. There is something for every taste and skill level! Directions are given for three different sizes and the instructions are easy to follow and explained well. Following the review, Amy was gracious enough to answer some questions about her design work.

Brightly Beaded Moccasins is one of my favorite pair of slippers in the book. They look so comfortable and functional, but because of the added touch of seed beading, have just the right touch of elegance. The color pattern looks simple to do and is highlighted by contrasting beads that are sewn in place. What a nice addition!

Crochet Cafe: Can you explain the beading technique that is used on the finished knitted slipper?
Amy: To keep it easy and to use the size beads I wanted, I simply sewed the beads in place on the finished slipper, following the chart and using matching thread. Alternately, you could string the beads on the yarns and knit them in as you go, but along with working the colorwork pattern at the same time this might be too "fussy" for some. If you choose to string the beads on the yarn, slightly larger beads may be required.

Crochet Cafe: Is there a special technique for changing colors in knitting?

Amy: I used a stranded colorwork technique for the toe of the slippers, similar to Fair Isle designs. Carry the yarn not in use loosely along the wrong side of the work, and knit each stitch in the color shown on the chart. To keep the work from puckering, be sure to avoid pulling the yarn tightly when making a color change. This usually requires keeping the tension looser than you would normally.

Another great pair of slippers in this book are Mary Jane Slippers. Mary Jane's are one of my most favorite designs to crochet and having a fun, simple pattern in knitting is a great change of pace. Using variegated yarn, as shown in the photo, makes a simple garter stitch even more attractive!

Crochet Cafe: Would a beginning knitter be able to follow this pattern?
Amy: These and are an excellent choice for a beginner! The slippers are worked in garter stitch throughout, so each row is knitted (no purling). Although the short row heel may seem tricky for a new knitter with the "wrap and turn" instruction, it is simply a matter of moving the yarn between the needles, slipping the next stitch, and moving the yarn back. The bulky yarn and larger needles make this a fast project, so even a new knitter can be done in no time. For a more experienced knitter, it's possible to whip these out in an evening. I'm planning to make a few pairs of these for myself to use up some leftover yarn-- Mary Janes are my favorite.

Crochet Cafe: Do you have a favorite way to cast on your stitches?

Amy: My favorite cast on is the long tail. I think it's fast to work, easy, and gives a neat, fairly elastic edge. I don't like taking the time to calculate how long the tail needs to be before casting on, though, so I just overcompensate and cut off the excess when I'm done.
Thanks, Amy!
Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers can be purchased HERE.
Be sure to check out the next stop on this blog tour tomorrow at:
Two Sticks and a Sheep by Amy Duncan

MEET THE DESIGNER - Vashti Braha

2010-09-01T20:30:00.030-04:00

We are introducing a brand new feature here at Cute Crochet Chat! Periodically, we will be posting an interview with some of your favorite crochet designers! Today, we are lucky enough to have the incomparable Vashti Braha with us! Vashti recently launched a new website with some incredible crochet designs for sale. After reading our interview, check out all the wonderful crochet patterns she has to offer!

1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROCHETING AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST LEARN?

My mother taught me when I was nine. She had started out a self-taught knitter, but as a young mother with two children under the age of three, she taught herself to crochet so that she didn’t have to worry about dropped stitches. Her grandmother’s crochet inspired her to learn. I instantly fell in love with crochet when I learned it. I felt like I was empowered to make anything that I could imagine.

2. IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY WITH ANYONE, LEARNING AND SHARING ABOUT CROCHET, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Ooo, that’s a tough one! I’m going to rule out those with whom I’ve already been able to do that. It would be James Walters or Annie Potter. Two very different people! It’s because of both the breadth and depth of each of their penetrating explorations into stitch structures and range of materials.

3. How did you become interested in actual designing in crochet?

Once I knew what crochet was, I don’t think there was a time when I wasn’t interested in designing. It just took me a long long time to find out how to go about it! I didn’t know that’s what I was doing all along. I found out six years ago by attending a CGOA conference and being asked to sell the designs that I was wearing.

4. Where do you get most of your inspiration from, for crochet designs?

Most often it’s from the challenge of solving a problem, and from specific crochet stitches. My fingers will start craving the feeling of a type of stitch in a type of yarn, and I’ll start getting a vision of the kind of fabric I want to end up with. The “Weightless Tunisian Stole” is a perfect example. I was driven by a specific fabric fantasy. Or take love knots. The stitch fascinates me and the space “inside” each love knot captured my imagination. The Love Knot Embracelet and the Lovepod Boa designs result from my daydreaming about the spaces as being places.

Weightless Tunisian Stole

The Weightless Tunisian Stole pattern is available HERE

Currently a Weightless crochet-along is starting up in Crochetville HERE

5. Would you say that you have a particular design style?

If you mean an overall look and feel, I suspect I do by now but I’m not good at stepping back and looking at my stuff that way. I think of myself as doing a quirky range of different things, but one word editors have used from the beginning to describe my stuff is “breezy.” Maybe living in Florida influences my design style.
If you mean a particular approach, overall I seem to favor side-to-side construction, and mixing types of construction in one piece. Lately I’ve been on a “corner-start/on the bias” jag. I like unexpected ways to arrive at the same thing....or to arrive at an unexpected thing :)

6. Has your style changed at all since you first started crochet design?

I look at some early designs now and think, “Ah, yes, that was from my exuberant phase.” For example, “Lunar Window.” Back then I had just learned how to make chainless foundation stitches of any height. Meanwhile in the Crochet Partners forum, people were complaining about Fun Fur because it was difficult to work the first row into the foundation chains with that yarn. I figured, people would have more fun using their Fun Fur stash if they avoided using a foundation chain altogether. I used 3 colors of Fun Fur so that the color would change as the stitch heights changed.

Click for Lunar Window (Ravelry pattern page)

I’m very fond of my early patterns and the way I went out on a limb sometimes. I had no idea what I was really in for when it came time to write up the patterns for them!
On the other hand, I feel like I’ve always used crochet to express everything, as my “mother tongue”, just like how I use English, and time seasons my skills and reveals new crochet vocabulary. Not sure how much that changes my style.
I sure don’t understand people who think they know all there is to know about crochet! Sometimes I hear this from people who learned how to knit and crochet and only seem to let themselves be challenged by knitting. For me, crochet is ever full of mystery. There’s plenty more to discover. I’m grateful for every day that I have the time and health and passion and funds to explore it!

8. Do you have a favorite pattern of your own design, either sold or self-published that you love the most?

I have a few kinds of favorites. When I succeed in designing something that is perfection in function, it’s a “go-to” pattern--the first thing I reach for and use all the time, like Quencher. When my current Quencher wears out, I will make another to replace it immediately. (To this day I’ve never succeeded in creating a go-to cardigan for my picky self, but I keep trying. It has to settle across my back neck and shoulders a certain way, allow freedom of movement, not feel heavy, be something that I want to make in every color, etc.)

Quencher

Other patterns are my favorites because they express my spirit so much, such as Mermaid Shrug, Lovepods Boa, Crystal Jubilee Vest (and of course the infamous Chaps LOL). And then there are the ones I’m proud of because of the engineering: the Barcelona, Baroque Tabard, Tokyo Jacket (the first is a join-as-you-go side-to-side raglan with invisible lace seams; the other two are simple shapes with various features that give the illusion of shaping).

Mermaid Shrug:

Crystal Jubilee Vest (to commemorate CGOA’s 15th Anniversary)

The Chaps

Barcelona Jacket (free pattern)

Baroque Tabard (free pattern)

Tokyo Jacket (free pattern)

9. How did you first become involved with the Crochet Guild of America?

I discovered the online crochet world shortly after I became a mom in 1999. It was heaven. (It’s still heaven!) I found out about CGOA and their Chain Link conferences from the first forum I ever joined, Crochet Partners. The first Chain Link conference I attended (for 1 day!) was in 2002 because it was held in West Palm Beach and I could drive to it. It was my first time away since having a baby. I was hooked from then on. My next conference was 2004, where I met Gwen Blakely Kinsler, the founder, and I learned all about the history of the organization; and I met Marty Miller, who told me about CGOA’s mentor program for Associate Professionals.

Here’s a photo of Marty and me at the CGOA design booth for the 2005 Chain Link conference:

10. Most of our readers love learning about 'breaking into' the crochet design business. What advice or tips can you give other crocheters who are interested in such a venture?

If a crocheter would like to go professional, the best thing he or she could do is to crochet every day in an exploratory way. This accomplishes many things: you grow your skills which strengthens your designs; you develop a bank of design ideas so that you’re primed for when an editor puts out a call for design proposals or for when you’re ready to launch a pattern line, or put together a book proposal; and you get habituated to a productive routine. Try a new-to-you stitch pattern, or a hook size outside of your comfort zone, or a yarn with a different texture or fiber than you’re used to. It doesn’t have to be for a long period of time every day, but it’s even better if you keep a pen and design notebook nearby, get into an introspective/reflective zone, and start playing with hook and yarn. When you discover something, jot it in your notebook and save that swatch. Have little hang tags at hand so that you can label it with the hook size you used (get a box of them at any office supply store). Tape the swatch to the page, or if that’s not practical, write the notebook page number on the tag.
I keep colored pencils nearby too. I’ve learned about myself that I forget to experiment with colorwork, so after I experiment with a stitch combination, I try visualizing what would happen if I changed colors here and there, and I sketch for later.

11. What's on your hook now?

Four things:

- A diamond-shaped vest/wrap shape experiment with an interesting picot mesh stitch pattern worked on the bias. This one’s suspenseful! I have no idea how it’s going to turn out.

- A beaded craft yarn version of “Frostyflakes,” a wide shallow side-to-side triangular wrap that I’ll be adding to my pattern website soon. I made a white one in mulberry silk yarn shop yarn, and I like to show my designs in yarns from both yarn shops and craft chain stores.

- A thing, which will be in a book. You can wear it. I can’t talk about it because I’m not the publisher :)

- Teaching a class on my popular “Satin Pillows Necklace” in a yarn shop inspired me to use my pale pink pearl strand to make a third one. It has a Ravelry project page:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/vashtirama/satin-pillow-stitch-necklace target="blank"

(Pattern page: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/satin-pillow-stitch-necklace target="blank" )

Thank you Vashti, for an extremely informative and interesting Meet The Designer!!

Naturally Caron Country

2010-07-19T08:07:00.020-04:00

Several months ago, I designed and crocheted a hat using Naturally Caron Country yarn. I thoroughly enjoyed crocheting with this yarn.

For this design, I chose an
F (3.75 mm) crochet hook to work with and for the HAT that I was working on, it seemed to be the perfect size. The yarn was so very soft as I felt it slipping through my fingers. It actually felt almost like silk as I was crocheting it. The fabric that was created had beautiful stitch definition and unlike most other acrylics I have worked with, it had a wonderful drape as well. Perhaps the 25% merino wool makes all the difference in this gorgeous, yet very affordable yarn! I was first drawn to the vibrant, intense colors in the yarn bin at the store. All the colors in the Country line are lovely and yet dramatic at the same time. This yarn was a joy to crochet with and I look forward to making many more items with it!

Christmas in July

2010-07-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

Etsy is having a Christmas in July sale! So many great items are on sale this month! Go to Etsy and search for CIJ under handmade! And, check out this great VINTAGE CROCHET PATTERN site that is participating in the CIJ sale!

Yellow Summer Treasury

2010-07-09T18:20:00.001-04:00

Such fun! I have discovered Treasuries on Etsy! I just completed my first one. You usually have to come up with a theme and then chose items that are listed on Etsy to place in your treasury. That's it! I have been so inspired by our glorious summer that we are having (even though it's been soooooooo hot!), that I just had to create a summer treasury. Since yellow is my favorite color and reminds me of summer, the rest was a no brainer.
See my first treasury HERE: You can click on the links in the treasury to view the items!

Patriotic Crochet/Knit/Sewn/Handcrafted Linky Love

2010-06-23T09:44:00.001-04:00

I am adding a new feature to Cute Crochet Chat! Our first LINKY LOVE will be for Patriotic or Americana items! If you have any type of crochet/knit/sewn/handcrafted pattern or finished item, either for sale or for free, join this post! Just click on the 'Add Your Link' button below and follow the instructions! I have done the first two for you to give you an example! The ability to post to this Linky Love will expire on July 5th. JOIN US!

Explanation

2010-05-17T18:12:00.000-04:00

I truly must apologize for not having updated my blog for over 6 weeks. Unfortunately, sometime 'real' life gets in the way of things we normally do on a daily or weekly basis. On April 8th, one of my brothers took seriously ill and was admitted to the hospital. He and his wife live in Hawaii without any other family members close by. Within about 4 days it was evident to everyone in our family that someone needed to go and be with my sister in law, so she would not have to go through this alone. I decided on April 12 to fly to Hawaii. My sister in law and I were together every minute for the next 2 weeks, sitting vigil by my brother's side. On April 23, my brother lost his battle and died. We took him home to California where all of our family lives. All in all, I spent four weeks with my sister in law and other family and did not have much access to a computer. It is amazing how circumstances such as this can change a person overnight. I know Gloria and I will be changed forever and I am sure that my other family feels the same way. I am going to slowly try and pick up the pieces of my 'crochet' life, but please bear with me if it is slow going.
On a more positive note, I wanted to try and relate all I have been through to my crochet blog. The most wonderful thing about crocheting (or knitting) is the incredible cathartic effect it can have on you when you are going through a crisis. Crocheting can slow you down and calm you, as you continually make each rhythmic stitch. It certainly did for me at times while I was in the hospital in Hawaii. Here is a photo of the cotton bathmat I worked on for my bathroom while I was in Hawaii. It comforts me to look at it and I hope to finish it soon!

Even though I travelled to Hawaii under bad circumstances, I was still able to fall in love with Honolul, Waikiki, Hawaiian customs and all the wonderful Hawaiian people I was fortunate enough to meet. I hope to one day be able to post about my Aloha experience.

Hobby Lobby Heaven

2010-03-30T12:13:00.001-04:00

Over the years, I had heard other crafters talk about how wonderful Hobby Lobby craft stores are. During the time my husband was in the Navy, we lived all over the country (and world), but I had never lived anywhere (that I knew of) that had a Hobby Lobby craft store in the immediate area. Recently, I learned that there was a Hobby Lobby Craft Store about a 40 minute drive from my house. I was so excited! Finally, I would get to see what the hype and talk about the store and it's yarn was all about!
Hobby Lobby, you did NOT disappoint me! I went last Saturday with my oldest daughter and my daughter-in-law, who also crafts. We had a ball!

Hobby Lobby has everything that normal big box craft stores has, but multiplied by at least four times!! I was finally able to view and feel all the yarn that is exclusive to Hobby Lobby. I fell in love with the COTTON. You can see the stash I brought home! I had to stop myself from buying any more yarn that day! First of all, I need to design and crochet the projects that I bought THIS yarn for; secondly, it will give me an excuse to go back and buy more yarn!

I had so much fun browsing through their Home Dec section. Who knew? I love anything to do with Dress Forms, so I could not resist picking up some decor for my new Studio. I can't wait until the painting and prep work is done in my studio so I can decorate! Oh! and did I tell you that everything I bought in the Home Dec section was 50% off!!!!

I was also able to pick up some items that will be helpful to me when I take photographs of my new crochet designs! and also some cool accessories for my new crochet design studio.

The last thing I picked up were some presents for my grandsons. They had these really cool, giant calculators in different pretty colors, that I could not pass up. I knew the boys would have fun playing with these and they were only $2.99 each! I photographed the calculators with a skein of yarn in the photo, so you could actually see how large these calculators are! I can't tell you how long the boys stayed occupied with these calculators when I gave them to them! Now, every time they come over, they go right to the drawer I keep them in and take them out to play. Really nice and inexpensive gift for them!
Thank you, Hobby Lobby for being a great craft store! I know I will be seeing you again soon!

March Contest Winner

2010-03-21T06:41:00.002-04:00

This month, Molly of South Dakota is the random winner of our First Friday Freebie contest! Congratulations to Molly! She will be receiving 4 of my patterns in pdf form from Too Cute Crochet Here are the patterns that Molly selected.

Thanks to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for our next contest on Friday,
April 2, 2010.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-03-17T20:15:00.000-04:00

My trip to Michael's Craft Store yesterday!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-03-10T17:07:00.001-05:00

My adorable niece Caitlin in one of my new crochet patterns, the Springtime Cloche from
Too Cute Crochet

First Friday Freebie for March 2010

2010-03-08T12:59:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh! I have been so busy in the last few days formatting new patterns for Too Cute Crochet that I totally forgot about First Friday Freebie last Friday! Well, better late than never, I say!

March is National Crochet Month (perhaps it should be International Crochet Month)! In honor of it being 'our' month, I am giving away your choice of four (4) patterns from my new Etsy Shoppe! If you are the winner, four pdf patterns of your choice will be sent to your email.
In order to be eligible to win, visit Too Cute Crochet and let me know which is your favorite pattern listed for sale there. Feel free to list more than one if you would like! As usual, please don't forget to leave your email address along with your comment.
Write your favorite in the comments section on this post and you will be entered for a chance to win! If you would rather not leave your email address in a post, send it to me separately at: cutecrochetATgmailDOTcom.
Winner will be chosen at random on March 19, 2010!

I big thank you goes out to everyone that commented on my last post and also sent me emails! I really, really appreciate your support!

Crochet Success

2010-03-07T11:32:00.007-05:00

Sometimes when something doesn't work out, (see previous post) we don't realize that is because we are meant to do even better things. I completed the Easter purse to match the hat last night and I like it even better than the original one I intended to design! YAY! Here is a picture of the completed set. I hope to be able to post the pattern in my Etsy Shoppe later on today. Hooray for perseverance!!

Sometimes It Just Doesn't Quite Come Out Right

2010-03-05T08:40:00.002-05:00

This past week, I have been working on a new Easter set for babies and little girls. Recently, I have definitely enjoyed designing all the frilly, cute little girl's accessories that I have placed for sale in my Etsy Shoppe. I guess it reminds me when my own daughters were young! It was so much fun in those days designing for them!
Usually when I am designing something, I am very lucky to have the actual crochet item come out pretty close to what I envisioned in my mind. But this week, I struggled trying to get the little girl's purse design for the Set just right. When I was finished with it, it DID look exactly like what I had been seeing in my vision and sketch, but unfortunately, when I began to sew the purse together, I realized it was not going to work! Rats! For some reason, the finished project turned out to be too awkward looking.

I am very fortunate that design mishaps don't happen to me very often. Perhaps this is because most of my designs are usually quick and easy to do, I don't know.
I was terribly discouraged yesterday. It is hard to abandon a project that you have put your energy into. But today, in the light of a new day, I have decided to re-design a new purse to match the Easter Bonnet that is already completed. So, it is back to the drawing board! Hopefully, I will be able to complete my "Put On Your Easter Bonnet" set as planned!

Easter Bonnet worn by my beautiful niece, Jillian!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-03-03T17:59:00.000-05:00

Remember these? I think I made them in about 1982!

They go nicely along with this:

Wishing for Spring!

February Contest Winner

2010-02-22T11:12:00.001-05:00

This month, Kristine of Connecticut is the random winner of our First Friday Freebie contest! Congratulations to Kristine! She will be receiving a copy of the booklet Crochet For The Kitchen, a collection of 14 crochet kitchen patterns. Thanks to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for our next contest on Friday, March 5, 2010.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-02-17T08:01:00.001-05:00

Check out all the knit and crochet action at the RAVELMPICS on Ravelry. Ravelympics ends on February 28, 2010.
Preview all the Olympic action at http://www.nbc.com/

Get your own Olympics Bear for free at: Graphic Garden.

Scarves for the Special Olympics

2010-02-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

It is time to crochet or knit scarves for the Special Olympics again! The project is being sponsored by Coats and Clark again. You can read all about how to submit your scarf or scarves HERE.

These are my submission from the last event:

I loved this pattern that was designed by Darla Fanton. This time around, the scarves must be knit or crocheted from Red Heart Cherry Red or Grey Heather. I can't wait to see all the beautiful scarves!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-02-10T18:27:00.001-05:00

New crochet design, Jester Hat, worn by my new 10 day old grandson.

Hat is stitched in the new Stitch Nation yarn 'Alpaca Love' by Debbie Stoller and Red Heart.

February First Friday Freebie

2010-02-05T09:14:00.001-05:00

We have a really fun crochet book this month for our First Friday Freebie giveaway. You have a chance to win Crochet for the Kitchen published by the American School of Needlecraft in 2006 (24 pages of patterns) and designed by Svetlana Avrakh. Crochet patterns consist of 14 fun and easy projects including aprons, dishcloths, towel toppers, scrubbies, curtain trims and place mats. Designs use cotton worsted weight yarn.

We think you will love some quick, easy and fun projects to work on. In order for you to win this month's offering, just leave a comment here on this post telling us what was the last project you made using 100% cotton worsted weight yarn.
PLEASE, PLEASE do not forget to leave your email address along with your comment! If you don't wish to leave your email address in the post, please send your email address to:
cutecrochetATgmailDOTcom along with your name. We cannot notify a winner without an email address.
Winner will be chosen at random on February 19, 2010.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-02-03T12:17:00.000-05:00

JL Yarnworks on Etsy

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-01-27T12:47:00.001-05:00

Clothespin Doll by Creating Treasures

Stitch Nation Yarn Review

2010-01-25T13:46:00.006-05:00

Do you want some high quality, natural fiber yarn at an acrylic price? Then click on over to Joann's Fabric and Craft Store online and purchase some of the new yarn by 'Red Heart' called Stitch Nation!
There are three different new yarns in this line called Bamboo Ewe, Full of Sheep and Alpaca Love. The samples I received have incredibly luscious colors. Since I usually like to create a new design instead of just swatching, I designed three new accessories, one with each new yarn!

Bamboo Ewe is as soft as you would expect a Bamboo yarn to be. In addition to it's softness and brilliant color, it has really nice stitch definition. The smoothness of this yarn made my design crochet up really quickly! My mom needed a new small handbag, so I designed a pretty one for her with this yarn. A swatch is shown at the left, but I hope to have the full pattern available soon!

Full of Sheep has a firmer texture as would be expected from 100% peruvian wool. I really enjoyed crocheting with Full of Sheep and it, also, has a nice, textured stitch definition. I wanted to try it for felting, but decided instead to design an ear warmer/headband, as I knew that this 100% wool would be nice and warm! The color I was sent is Plummy and the 'purple' color is so deep and rich, perfect for today's designs. I plan on trying to felt it next! When fastening off with Full of Sheep or using it to sew your crochet item together, you do need to be careful and not pull the yarn too tightly, as it seemed to break much easier than other yarns I have used. As long as I was gentle, this did not cause me any problems!

I think Alpaca Love is going to be my favorite; the alpaca mixed with wool makes it so great to touch; a firm yet oh-so-soft texture. While crocheting, the yarn was so soft and smooth, like butter running through my fingers. It was not slick like some ribbon yarn or silks, just smooth, which made for really nice crocheting. I designed a crochet baby hat with it for my new grandson who is expected any day now! I can't wait to post a photo with him in the hat!
Alpaca Love was definitely named correctly because you are going to love it!

I can't wait to see all the new colors of these yarns in person. I believe that Stitch Nation yarn will be available at Joann's Craft Stores sometime in March. Until then, you can, of course, purchase it at Joann's Fabric and Crafts online.

Disclaimer: The yarn from Stitch Nation was provided to me to use in my design work.

January First Friday Freebie Contest Winner

2010-01-22T11:58:00.000-05:00

I am please to announce that Tracie of Florida is the random winner of our January First Friday Freebie contest! Congratulations to Tracie! She will be receiving a copy of the book Organizing from the Inside Out! We would love to hear if you are able to make any organizational changes, Tracie! Thanks to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for our next contest on Friday, February 5, 2010.

January First Friday Freebie

2010-01-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! We hope you had a wonderful holiday!
It is time for our First Friday Freebie contest again. I can hardly believe it is 2010. How did that happen? For this month, in honor of new beginnings, we are giving away a wonderfully helpful book by Julie Morgenstern, who has been dubbed the “queen of putting people's lives in order” by USA Today. We are offering the New York Times bestseller, "Organizing from the Inside Out" as our First Friday Freebie this month.
My resolution for the New Year is to become more organized, write more posts for this blog and to try and offer more new designs in 2010!
If you would like to become more organized this year, in order for you to win this month's offering, just leave a comment here on this post telling us if you made any New Year's resolutions for 2010! The random drawing will be on January 22nd. Good luck!

First Ever Crochet Swap

2009-12-30T08:47:00.005-05:00

I have been a member of RAVELRY for sometime now and, of course, LOVE it! Who doesn't? I have seen many different types of crochet swaps going on over the years, but had never participated in one.
A couple of months ago, while browsing my RAVELRY GROUPS, I came upon a WINTER TAWASHI swap that looked intriguing! Boy, am I glad that I took the first step and decided to join this swap!
Since it was a holiday swap in a Tawashi group, we had to crochet one winter or Christmas tawashi for our swap person. I was so lucky to have been paired with a WONDERFUL STITCHER from Great Britain! What a thrill!

I had so much fun creating Tawashi things for my swap person! The rules stated that you only had to crochet ONE item, but could send anything you wanted. I chose to crochet some mitten Tawashi for my winter crochet, but couldn't resist crocheting some very COLORFUL TAWASHI CIRCLES designed by Doni Speigle as well!

I actually used a MITTEN COASTER CROCHET PATTERN also designed by Doni Speigle for the mitten tawashi. I did leave off the crochet border and the embroidery for this project.

I had so much fun crocheting these tawashi and getting everything ready for mailing! I also included some American candy and a Japanese book of Hello Kitty that I knew Ani would like!

Guess what I got in my swap! Some REALLY, REALLY nice crochet items and ironically, the same type of chocolate candy from Ani, that I had sent to her! I also received some polka dot hair ornaments (I LOVE polka dots!), pretty stitch markers and a really cute chicken potholder! It was just too exciting to open the package!

Thank you to Ani for sending such an incredible Swap package! I will never again hesitate to participate in crochet swap! If any of you have ever participated in a Crochet Swap, we would LOVE to hear all about it!

UPDATE:

I have been asked several times what is Tawashi????

The actual meaning of Tawashi: a Japanese traditional scrubbing brush to wash off dirt. There can be many different types of 'tawashi' depending upon the material it is made from. Recently, knitters and crocheters have been making 'tawashi' to use as sponges or scrubbies for dishes and other cleaning/scrubbing. In Japan, antibacterial yarn is usually used for Tawashi. I don't know how long Japanese knitters and crocheters have been making tawashi.

I saw this little entry recently on Ravelry:

“Tawashi? What’s that for?”
“Tawashi!” (to-washy!)
It makes me giggle, because that’s what it’s FOR!"

First Friday Freebie Winner for December

2009-12-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

I am please to announce that Shana of Georgia is the random winner of our December First Friday Freebie contest! Congratulations to Shana! She will be receiving a copy of the book Ultimate Book of Potholders. Thanks to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for our next contest on January 8, 2010. (The actual first Friday of January is a holiday!)

DECEMBER First Friday Freebie

2009-12-04T19:36:00.001-05:00

OMG! Can this really be December already?? It is time for our First Friday Freebie contest again. I can hardly believe it! For this month, I have a really great booklet to give away. I would imagine most of my readers could find at least one thing in this 27 pattern book to make, right? We are giving away Annie's Attic Ultimate Book of Pot Holders this month. It has a large variety of every kind of potholder you can imagine!
In order for a chance to win this book, just leave a comment here on this post telling us if you have ever crocheted a pot holder before and what design it was.
The random drawing will be on Friday, December 18th. Good luck to everyone!
BTW, I have a new Etsy Shoppe at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/toocutecrochet where I have several Christmas/Holiday patterns for sale by download. Come and visit when you have the chance!

NOVEMBER First Friday Freebie WINNER

2009-12-02T10:27:00.000-05:00

The winner of our November giveaway is Linda of South Carolina! Thanks to Linda and everyone for participating!
Our next First Friday Freebie will be THIS FRIDAY!
Stay tuned!

NOVEMBER First Friday Freebie Giveaway

2009-11-06T07:54:00.001-05:00

WINNER WILL BE POSTED SOON. I AM WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO MY EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENT!

I can't believe that it is time for our First Friday Freebie again!
Here in New York it has been getting colder every day and I have even had to break out my wool jacket and gloves on a few days already. This month's giveaway will be perfect for winter's colder months.

We are offering a FULL KIT for CROCHETING our Jewel Box Hat and Glove Set from the Elegant Headwear collection.
In order to be eligible for a chance to win this crochet kit, visit our wearables page at Cute Crochet and choose which is your favorite crochet Wearables pattern from this page. Let us know which pattern you have selected by leaving a comment on this post.
Please don't forget to leave an email address in your post so we can contact you if you have won, or send your email address to: contest @ cutecrochet . com! A winner will be chosen at random November 27, 2009. Thanks for participating in our monthly drawing!

Wrapped in Crochet - A Review

2009-10-29T21:26:00.004-04:00

I love Kristin Omdahl's Wrapped in Crochet book for many reasons, but especially because after reading her Introduction, I felt a special affinity with her. Kristin taught herself to crochet while overseas and expecting a baby. I, also, taught myself to crochet while stationed overseas and pregnant with my first child. Like Kristin, I was instantly hooked!
But that is where are similarities seem to stop. Kristin is apparently a math whiz and actually designed one of her first crochet accessories using the Pythagorean theorem! How cool!
Wrapped in Crochet is broken down into types of garments: Scarves, Wraps and Shawls. Scarves: each pattern uses a different or unusual pattern or technique, "including corkscrews, weaving, hairpin lace and more". Every scarf would make a quick and wonderful gift. The Wraps included are comprised of so many different shapes in several different techniques. Some are made in all-in-one designs and others are join as you go. Most of the lovely wraps go 'far beyond the simple rectangle."
The shawl chapter is my favorite. They are seven beautiful designs in a wide variety of styles and silhouettes. Most are triangular but there is also a semi-circle and two circular ones. Throughout the book you have the opportunity to learn and crochet hairpin lace, tunisian crochet, broomstick lace crochet, back post clusters and double crochet, and foundation single and double crochet, as well as several other stitches. Instructions for all are, of course, written very well and include many diagrams and schematics. I love the fact that with almost every design, you will be able to learn a new stitch or new technique. From the back cover: "Created for beginning to intermediate crocheters, these one-of a-kind pieces invite you to take your crochet to the next level."My favorite designs include: Starlet Boa Scarf, Tressa Scarf, Gali Infinity Wrap, Geisha Wrap, and Stella Shawl.
All in all there are 18 exquisite designs. Sheer loveliness!

A Garden is a Friend You Can Visit Anytime

2009-10-22T14:35:00.033-04:00

The post today is not about crochet, but it is about being creative in other ways. I love to garden almost as much as I love to crochet and knit. Since we moved to New York (I am originally from California), because of the seasons and the climate here, I have had to become more creative in my gardening techniques. I had also been wanting to give my house more 'curb appeal', so this past Spring my husband, son and son-in-law surprised me with this project: removing the boring evergreen bushes from the front of my house and building a beautiful wooden planter box!

First, using my son-in-law's jeep, they pulled out the bushes from in front of the house. There were several of them!

Then they cleared the debris and excess soil. They also laid down black plastic under the soil to keep the weeds from poking through. You can also see the roots of one of the bushes in the left of this picture. They were huge!

When the were done clearing the area, they dug holes for the posts and began building my new flower box!

You can see the flower box starting to take shape.

Here is the flower box completed!

We spent a wonderful afternoon planting flowers with our little ones.

My husband spent a whole weekend power washing the house and then repainted the old black shutters with burgundy paint. Now I have a house with curb appeal!

Here is my new flower box covered in flowers that are in full bloom! I love the new look that removing the old bushes and replacing them with flowers created! What do you think?

Blings and Things for Dogs Winner

2009-10-19T10:25:00.000-04:00

Congratulation to GLOR of New York, who was randomly chosen as the WINNER of our First Friday Freebie contest for the month of October!
Glor wins the book, Blings and Things for Dogs.
Thank you so very much to everyone who commented and participated.
Stay tuned for our next First Friday Freebie contest on November 6, 2009!

OCTOBER First Friday Freebie

2009-10-02T14:55:00.001-04:00

It's time for our First Friday Freebie again!
Colder weather is on the way, so you just might be thinking of crocheting something toasty for your pet. This month's giveaway is the book,
Blings and Things for Dogs from Annie's Attic.
The book has twenty-two creative projects for your Canine, from barrettes to collars to sweaters to pillows to a dog carrier and everything else in between.
To be eligible to win, leave a comment on this post telling what you are interested in crocheting for your dog or some other dog.
A winner will be chosen at random on October 16, 2009.

Be Careful Not to Take Things for Granted :)

2009-09-24T12:30:00.004-04:00

When my mom had a bad accident two years ago that changed the lives of all of my family members, I thought I learned well that you can never take anything for granted. It is amazing how our well-thought-out plans can be instantly transformed!
Yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call from the Editor-in-Chief of the Publishing company who had contracted with me for my Crochet Book. They have decided to 'get out of' the knit and crochet book design field and would not be able to publish my book after all. Needless to say, I was stunned to hear this news, especially after putting in countless man-hours and months of work!
As a designer and now full-time caregiver, I have learned to roll with the punches. I was going to say that most of the time, we have no choice. But I know now that that isn't necessarily correct. Our choice is in how we decide to accept and deal with those punches. We can choose to fall apart, or we can rise up and try to make something good from our circumstances. It isn't always easy, but I believe we are better off in the long run if we try to find something positive in the set of circumstances we find ourselves at the moment.
Inspired by a few blog posts I had previously read by fellow CHA designers Sarah Hodsdon and Margot Potter I feel like I am going to FORGE AHEAD, this time with a different direction. Who knows? I may just get this book published yet!

Easy Tunisian Winner

2009-09-20T11:34:00.000-04:00

Congratulation to Deneen of New Jersey, who was randomly chosen as the WINNER of our First Friday Freebie contest for the month of September!
Deneen wins the Easy Tunisian hook set, along with an Easy Tunisian Sweater book.
Thank you so very much to everyone who commented and participated.
Stay tuned for our next First Friday Freebie contest on October 2, 2009!

SEPTEMBER First Friday Freebie

2009-09-04T08:46:00.057-04:00

We have a great giveaway this month for our First Friday Freebie offer. Tunisian Crochet is becoming so popular recently, thanks to some wonderful designers like Darla Fanton, Kim Guzman and Carolyn Christmas. This month we are offering a set of 3 Easy Tunisian crochet hooks and a Tunisian sweater book, Weekend Sweaters designed by Carolyn Christmas, as our giveaway.

For a chance to win, write a comment at the end of this post and let us know if you have ever tried Tunisian Crochet and what you have made. If you haven't tried Tunisian Crochet yet, tell us what you would like to learn to make. Don't forget to leave your email address; or send your email address to contest@cutecrochet.com
One winner will be drawn at random on September 18th.

Book Update

2009-08-28T13:49:00.000-04:00

I've been robbing Peter to pay Paul as the saying goes. At least with my time lately. When I made my schedule for each of the projects in my new book I assigned each week a different design. I actually was hoping that I could have each project and all it's trimmings completed by the end of each week. The completed process consists of designing, selecting yarns, crocheting, writing directions, taking all the process photographs and then formatting the pattern. I wanted to have each design 'in the bag' by the end of the week. For the first two weeks I was able to accomplish this. YAY! And then the third week came....

I moved my workspace to my dining room table so I could be closer to my mom, whom I take care of full time. The table now looks like a conglomeration of a needleworker and an office worker, containing pens, pencils, graph paper, rulers, scissors, yummy yarn, crochet hooks, tapestry needles, camera, computer and writing paper. Because I am a neat freak, every morning I have to organize the creative mess to become some semblance of order before I begin each day. But needless to say, we have not been eating any meals at our dining room table for a few weeks!
Since the third week, I have started working on multiple projects at once. The need for that came when sometimes I was waylaid by waiting for yarn to arrive......start another project....Other times I had to re-work a design before I could continue..Start another project...once I had to wait on measurements from a family member...start another project.....
My calendar does not look as neat as when I first started, but I am still convinced that I can stay on target with all I have to accomplish. I guess I just have to continue to rob Peter to pay Paul!

Oh, and here is a sneak peak of one of my complete projects; sorry it is just the yarn ends!

Second Contest Winner

2009-08-24T18:44:00.001-04:00

Congratulation to Cher, of Oklahoma, who was randomly chosen as the WINNER of our second First Friday Freebie contest!
Thank you so very much to all who commented and participated.
Stay tuned for our next First Friday Freebie contest on September 4, 2009!

AUGUST First Friday Freebie

2009-08-07T06:00:00.018-04:00

I can hardly believe that our second First Friday Freebie contest is already here! For this month's contest prize, we are giving away my four most popular patterns at Cute Crochet.
To be eligible to win, visit Cute Crochet at www.cutecrochet.com and pick out YOUR favorite pattern there. Leave a comment at the end of this post and let me know which pattern you chose as your favorite and why.
Please be sure to leave an email address so we can get in touch with you if you are the winner! If you do not wish to leave your email address in the comments section, post your comment and then send your email address to: contest@cutecrochet.com
A winner will be chosen at random on August 21, 2009.

Wonderful New Crochet Venture

2009-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

There is a lot going on in my crochet design studio lately. I am very pleased to announce that a recent crochet book proposal has been accepted by the publisher I submitted to! It is very exciting but unfortunately I can't tell you too much about it yet. Even though I can't let you know what the crochet book is about, I can assure you that it is one that will appeal to ALL crocheters and is even appropriate for beginners! As it gets closer to the time of submission and publication, I hope to be able to talk about some of the work I have been doing, as well as perhaps post some sneak previews! Time will tell. In the meantime, the first thing I am trying to do is map out my workload over the next 6 months, so I will be sure to get everything done in time.
Inspired by Robyn Chachula's
post about time management regarding her crochet designs, I have begun breaking the projects required into days and weeks on my calendar. I am planning a project a week in order to be completed on time. It can be rather daunting to think about all that I have to do, but breaking it all down into manageable tasks makes it seem so much more do-able!
Stay tuned for more in the future on my new venture!

Contest Winner of "Knit It Felt It" Book!

2009-07-18T12:48:00.006-04:00

Congratulation to Dulcy, of Alabama, who was randomly chosen as the WINNER of our first ever, First Friday Freebie contest! Dulcy is working on her very first felted project, so we hope the felting book will be inspirational for her!
Thank you so very much to all who commented and participated.
Stay tuned for our next First Friday Freebie contest on August 7, 2009!

First Friday Freebie

2009-07-03T16:19:00.001-04:00

We are starting a brand new feature at Cute Crochet Chat called First Friday Freebie. On the First Friday of each month, we will be posting a different prize giveaway: crochet patterns, knit and crochet books and crochet related items! The contest will be open for 2 weeks following the day it is posted. Each month, you will be given a set of instructions to follow (usually commenting) in order to be eligible to receive the prize.
In honor of our first giveaway, because I just adore the felting/fulling technique, the winner will receive the book Knit It, Felt It published by DRG. The book has 176 pages and contains over 60 projects!
So, what do you have to do to win the book, Knit It, Felt It?
Leave a comment on this post and tell us if you have ever done a crochet or knit felted project before and what it was. Please feel free to tell us all about your projects!
If you have not tried felting yet, let us know what you would like to try for your first project. Please be sure to leave an email address so we can get in touch with you if you are the winner! If you do not wish to leave your email address in the comments section, post your comment about felting and then send your email address to: contest@cutecrochet.com
For this first contest, our winner will be chosen from a random drawing on July 17, 2009.
Good luck!
CONTEST NOW CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY. Thank you so everyone who participated!

New Contest Giveaway

2009-06-27T16:41:00.005-04:00

Stay tuned to Cute Crochet Chat. On July 3rd, we will be announcing a new contest giveaway here at Cute Crochet Chat! Be sure to check back for your chance to win!

Vanna's Choice Worsted Weight Yarn

2009-06-17T18:15:00.033-04:00

Today I am working on a crochet project using Vanna's Choice worsted weight by Lion Brand, a yarn that I have not tried before now.

I had been told it was a nice, quality acrylic yarn and after crocheting with it for a couple of hours, I am inclined to agree. I am working on a home decor design for my column in Crochet World magazine in a specific stitch pattern. Vanna's choice is producing a very nice stitch definition; the stitches are crisp and clear, which is so important when working on multiple stitch patterns. Overall, the yarn is much softer than I thought it would be, making it nice to crochet with. The yarn, itself, is a bit fuzzier than most acrylic worsted weights that I have worked with before, but not enough for me to dislike 'the look'.

The crochet fabric has a nice stretch to it, and yet is full bodied at the same time. As with most acrylic yarn on the market today, it is machine washable and dryable, making it a good choice for a good quality afghan or other home decor items. Vanna's Choice comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors, making it even more appealing for your typical projects made with worsted weight acrylic yarn.

Knit in Public Day 2009

2009-06-04T13:26:00.008-04:00

Have you heard about Knit in Public Day? It is a day (weekend, actually) for everyone who knits to show their support for our craft! This year, two weekends are being designated as Worldwide Knit in Public Day, June 13-14 and June 20-21st. You can learn all about it HERE. Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones that have a LYS sponsoring an event. So pick up those sticks starting on June 13 and knit away!

Inside Crochet Magazine

2009-05-19T17:52:00.001-04:00

I was delighted to go to Barnes and Noble and find Inside Crochet magazine on the shelf! Inside Crochet is the the UK's newest and only crochet dedicated magazine. Most crochet enthusiasts have waited awhile for this new crochet magazine to hit the stands and I am happy to say, that the wait has not been in vain! The editors Julie Holetz and Amy O'Neill Houck have obviously put much time and effort into determining just what crochet lovers would want in a magazine dedicated to their favorite craft. It certainly helps that they are both avid crocheters and needlework designers themselves!
This first issue is chock full of all the things one might expect from a needlework magazine: great tools; favorite products; timely articles on eco-friendly crochet; crochet book reviews on some of our favorite authors....but Inside Crochet goes so much further than I expected!
Inside Crochet has wonderful step-by-step photographs on how to crochet for the beginner. But if you are not a beginner, you don't need to feel left out. There is a wonderful article on understanding Charts and Symbols that will have you tackling a skill that perhaps you thought you might never master. And several of the patterns are rated for the Intermediate stitcher.
I love the size of the beautiful color photographs...I love the size of the graphs, schematics and the charts....I even love the size of the advertisements...who cares that they are geared for the UK...because I love browsing all things crochet and yarn, it doesn't matter!
I don't think there is one thing that Julie and Amy has left out of this issue! Between Crochet on the Net, Inside the Crochet Studio of Claire Montgomerie, Dates for your Diary, Indy Yarn Profile and more....they have covered all the crochet bases! Of course, you will love the wide variety of crochet wearables from some of your favorite designers, also. Just remember, though, that the crochet terms used in this book are UK terms.
♥ Favorite patterns: Sweet Feet (socks) by Julie Vaconsin, Meadow (scarf) by Robyn Chachula, Strawberry Shortcake (top) by Josi Hannon Madera
♥ Favorite Feature: On most patterns, the editors give wonderful YARN ALTERNATIVES for the design. What makes the alternative special, though, is they list them according to price range; SAVE, SPEND AND SPOIL YOURSELF Love it!!
Bonus: for those who belong to Ravelry there is a Inside Crochet Ravelry Group devoted just to the magazine.

Adorable Knit Soap

2009-05-08T20:06:00.010-04:00

Being a crafter and needleworker most of my life, naturally I love all things related to sewing and crafting. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to come across these adorable knit soaps? Aren't they the cutest things? I just love them!
They are from a company called Bramble Berry, who sells all kinds of soap making supplies. I believe you can purchase all the supplies you need to make the knit soaps right on the website. They have a great selection of soap making molds and products to choose from. Check them out. You might find yourself starting a new, fun hobby!

A Review - Crochet That Fits ♥

2009-04-28T17:56:00.030-04:00

What first drew me to look through and then buy the book Crochet That Fits by Mary Jane Hall was the beautiful dress on the front cover. Who wouldn't be drawn to it? It is classy, trendy and very unlike so many traditionally boxy crochet garments. What makes it unbelievable, though, is that according to the book, this pattern is easy enough for an Advanced Beginner to make. What?? Are you kidding me? How can that be? Apparently, it's Old Stitches, New Method that makes it possible.
Crochet That Fits introduces a "new method of graduated stitching to make flattering fashions the easy way". This is accomplished by using different sized stitches within the same row to shape the garment, eliminating the need for increasing and decreasing. This method makes the projects in the book perfect for the beginning crocheter, who have been reluctant to try crocheting garments before now.
Not only that, you can learn to crochet garments that are form fitting, soft and drapeable and flattering to the figure. In crochet? How cool is that?
Mary Jane says "several different pieces can be made from the same fundamental design". It all starts with Six Designs from One Basic Pattern, which shows the incredible versatility of this pattern! You can create a cape, skirt, arm warmers, poncho, hat and purse, all from the same pattern.
The book goes on to teach you how to adjust the patterns to fit any shape, all the while creating some lovely fashions and accessories. There are 33 in all in the book. Even non-beginners will have fun crocheting and creating items using this new method of shaping; especially since it will be so much easier to get the perfect fit with all of Mary Jane's helpful tips and techniques that are included.
♥ A+ I especially love that Mary Jane gives several suggestions for yarn choices for almost every project.
♥ Favorite Projects: Little Black Dress, Cap Sleeve Top, Shoulder Wrap with Edging, Ruffled Shrug, Long Flared Skirt, Little Girl's Dress
Crochet That Fits is also the winner of the Best Crochet Book for 2008, as voted by the members of the Crochet Liberation Front in their annual Flamies Awards.
You can read more about Crochet That Fits on Mary Jane's own website: MARY JANE'S CROCHET.

Interesting New Pillow Pattern

2009-04-19T15:01:00.012-04:00

Most crocheters love new and interesting pattern stitches. I think a lot of you will love the new, complimentary pattern I just uploaded to my pattern blog at: Cute Crochet Blog Patterns. It is a lovely pillow pattern designed by Michele Wilcox that has a very cool stitch pattern, that once learned, is really fun to do. The stitches are called Embossed Roundels. Check it out HERE!

A Boring Crochet Blog?

2009-03-15T15:55:00.024-04:00

Today I had a brief conversation with Kim Werker on Twitter about crochet blogging and twittering. It was actually the longest 'conversation' I had ever had on Twitter before. After our discussion, Kim wrote a blog post regarding Crochet Blogging. I was going to directly write to her, but instead, I decided to BLOG about it. Somehow, I think Kim would be happy about that. :)
Just like several other crochet industry professionals have stated, blogging about our crochet design work can be difficult. It is hard to mix business with the pleasure of blogging mostly because there are so many things we just can't discuss!
On the other hand, as I told Kim today, when I do blog, I usually always try to keep my posts and my twittering crochet related. Kim makes a valid point when she suggests that it is hard to remain engaging when you continually just speak about one topic. So I am definitely guilty of this. Why have I chosen in the past to just post about crochet? First of all, I guess I am basically a private person and until now, never thought that anyone would be interested in anything related to my life but crochet. Do I want to have an interesting crochet blog that people can relate to and will want to return to? Definitely! Do I want to sometimes voice my opinion on industry matters? Yes, certainly! Can I think of some topics right offhand that I would have loved to have blogged about in response to some crochet or knitting controversy? Absolutely. Boy do I have an opinion! But being a professional in the industry and having an opinion doesn't always seem to mix. So I usually just decide to keep quiet. It seems better that way.
I think I learned today, though, that it doesn't have to be so cut and dried, as they say. It doesn't have to be 'all or nothing' when it comes to blogging, just like in real life. Maybe I can begin to blog about crochet, crochet design, the process and how it relates to my real life without 'putting it all out there' and giving away all the secrets.
So what is the answer?
From now on, I think I will try and take my cues from Kim's Top 10 Ways To Be More Interesting. If you read her post, at the bottom she outlines how she feels you can be a better blogger.
Oh and by the way, if you really want to see how it's done, click on over to Doris Chan's Everyday Crochet. She has a wonderful way of telling a great crochet story. I think she must be the epitome of what Kim would consider an incredibly interesting crochet blog.

Crochet Bouquet

2009-03-11T10:52:00.004-04:00

Since many of us are in need of Spring, I thought I would take a couple of moments to post links to a site I found that specializes in really pretty crochet flowers and bouquets. I think you might enjoy Crochet Bouquet. Crochet Bouquet is an Etsy shop that sells crochet flowers and bouquets, and crochet related items. You might also enjoy viewing these beautiful crochet bouquets on her Crochet Bouquet Blog. So pretty!

Special Olympics Scarf UPDATE!!

2009-02-07T10:31:00.004-05:00

I was informed last week by Coats and Clark that the Knit and Crochet Scarf Project they sponsored had been an overwhelming success!
At that time, the World Games committee had received over 40,000 (yes, 40,000!) knit and crochet scarves from all over the world! Amazing, right?
Today, you can read an article posted on the Special Olympics World Games Website that states they have received over 60,000 knit and crochet scarves to date!! It is truly incredible!
Of course, WE always knew how GENEROUS crocheters and knitters are, right?
I can't wait to actually see the atheletes wearing the scarves. The Games begin February 7 and run through February 13. Check you local television listing to see where in your area the Games are being broadcast.

Special Olympics Scarves

2008-12-27T23:34:00.013-05:00

I finally had a few spare moments to work on the Special Olympic Scarf Project that I had been wanting to participate in. The PROJECT is sponsored by Coats and Clark. You can read about it HERE, and you still have time to crochet a quick scarf and send in your entry by the January 15, 2009 deadline! Here are mine:

I fell in love with the pattern that I found over at my friend Darla's blog. She designed this scarf using the book: 365 Crochet Stitches A Year Perpetual Calendar by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. I think the pattern stitch she used is beautiful and I just couldn't resist copying it! With permission, of course! Thanks, Darla! The pattern stitch works up so quickly that I was able to make two scarves in a very short period of time.

New Complimentary Pattern for Christmas

2008-12-13T12:16:00.005-05:00

I just posted a new pattern at Crochet Cafe Patterns.

There is still time to make a few before Christmas. They would make really cute package toppers, also! Especially if made in several colors! Get the pattern HERE. Enjoy!

Amazing Crochet Lace IS Truly Amazing

2008-12-05T20:57:00.003-05:00

I learned to crochet 31 years ago while my husband was stationed in Italy and I was pregnant with my first child. I had been knitting for several years, but had always wanted to learn how to crochet because it seemed there were so many beautiful things you could make from crochet that you could not do with knitting. Being in Europe and surrounded by so much old crochet lace only enhanced my desire to learn. So when two of my friends started making beautiful pineapple crochet tablecloths, I knew I had to learn. I just loved the delicate, lacy thread designs of doilies and wanted to create some of my own. The pineapple design continues to be my favorite today and I am still inspired by beautiful thread crochet designs.
So when I saw Doris Chan's book, "Amazing Crochet Lace", New Fashions Inspired by Old-Fashioned Lace, I just knew I had to have a copy!
The book, itself, grabbed me from the beginning. Yes, I knew from flipping through the pages that it had luscious designs; but I was also pleasantly surprised when I began to read (in Doris' own words) the Forward and the Trimming Me section in the beginning of the book. Doris has a natural talent for telling a story that makes you want to know more.
Crochet-wise, Doris introduces and teaches her own approach and techniques to making "a seamless lace garment", which are used throughout the book. She calls it her MO, or modis operandi and says you need only to know basic crochet skills in order to learn them.
Fashion-wise, the book is filled with lovely, lacey wearables that have become Doris' signature style. It seems as though she put a lot of thought into choosing a variety of beautiful styles and colors that would appeal to many different tastes. One of my favorites is the beautiful pineapple Blue Curacao Shawl. Apparently, I am not alone, because I have seen this lovely shawl posted many times on Ravelry!
The book is photographed beautifully. I love the black and white backgrounds contrasted by the full color of the crochet designs.
If you love crochet lace, you will love this book! It is crochet lace-lover's eye candy!
Oh, and for the record, I know I am a couple of years behind on this review and that Doris has another book out since writing this one! I can't wait to buy Everyday Crochet to see what that is all about!
BTW, if you enjoy Doris' storytelling as much as I did, you can visit her blog Doris' Everyday Crochet to hear more!

Pineapple Shawl Update and Photography

2008-11-16T13:30:00.024-05:00

When you are a self publisher, there are so many aspects, from start to finish, that go into the completed product you offer for sale. Photographing my designs is probably the most difficult and tedious task of all the work I do. As I show you the update of my finished pineapple shawl, it might give you a bit of insight into how the same item can photograph under different circumstances. It can be very, very frustrating at times! Since this crochet project for for FUN, though, I did not follow the usual 'professional' techniques I normally apply, and boy did it make a difference!
I started this Pineapple Shawl almost 3 years ago using Bernat Berella '4' worsted weight yarn and an H (5mm) hook. The pattern comes from an old chairback. It really works up fast with the larger yarn and hook! PLEASE NOTE, though, that you need to correct the first few rows of the pattern in order for the Pineapple Shawl to come out right! On ROW 1, you need only 16 dc including the ch-3, which then gives you 32 dc for ROW 3.
These are important changes to the pattern that are NOT listed!

I like the photo above the best for lighting!

The pattern is available HERE. Don't forget the changes to the pattern!

BTW, HINT: For professional results, you need to control your lighting and photograph your items under the same circumstances as much as you can! My shawl is white as you know, not blue!

In the end, I gave my Pineapple Shawl to my mom. I completed it while she was recuperating after her accident in the hospital. It got rave reviews from the nurses! When she was transferred to a rehab facility, she was able to wear it every day when they got her out of bed to take her to therapy or took her down to her meals in a wheelchair. It was perfect because as she was recovering, she needed to be warm, but it was also so very important to me that she look pretty while she was recovering! And she did! and does! So this pineapple shawl will always be very special to me!

Rwanda Knits Project

2008-10-16T16:58:00.010-04:00

It's time again for the Rwanda Knits Project Benefit Auction! and it starts tonight! The Rwanda Knits Project is the beloved brainchild of Cari Clement of Caron Yarns. Cari blogs about this month's auction here on her latest blog post. Scroll down past the patterns to read about it. Cari's segment on Rwanda Knits is right below the Cusco Leg Warmers designed by one of my favorite designers, Margret Willson!
You can bid on and win (if you are so lucky!), a knitted or crocheted item from one of your favorite designers and help a wonderfully, worthy cause at the same time. For knitters and crocheters who love to give, it just doesn't get any better than that! The auction runs from today, October 16 through October 26 at 8:30pm and will offer one-of-a-kind knitted and crocheted wearables and home-dec items from top designers. If you click Rwanda Knits anytime between today at 11pm ET and October 26, there will be a direct link to the AUCTION on the left side of the page. I can't wait to see what will be offered! Good luck and happy bidding!

Annie's Attic Free Pattern of the Day

2008-10-08T09:12:00.011-04:00

Did you know that Annie's Attic offers a free pattern for download every day? Incredibly, it is a different pattern each day from their huge archives and sometimes it is even a pattern that would still normally be for sale. The catch is that it is only available for one day. When it is gone, it is gone! Here is the direct link to their daily free pattern:
Annie's Attic Free Crochet Pattern of the Day
If you are lucky enough to read this today, you will see that they are offering a very famous pattern for free! The pattern today is the Black and White Baby Tennis Shoes originally designed by Annie Potter! I think every crocheter is familiar with this pattern! Annie Potter, her Baby Bootie Boutique, and her company, Annie's Attic, revolutionized the crochet industry in the late 70's. Thankfully, crochet is still going strong and better than ever!
Get your bootie pattern today before it is gone!

A New Look!

2008-09-06T14:55:00.002-04:00

I finally had the time to re-do the look of my blog like I have been wanting to do! And Blogger makes it so easy with it's new Customization Layout feature. I was skeptical at first and afraid to 'jump in' and just do it, but I think it turned out pretty good so far! What do you think? I love the ease of the new custom banner or photo feature. It makes it so personal and it was very easy to do! I do have alot of work ahead to add all the 'other' outside elements I had on the old template. That is the only drawback to this. You lose all the customization that you did on your previous template unfortunately. But, I was ready for a new look and I definitely like the fact that I was able to upload my own banner. So, for me, it was worth it to lose all the other elements for now. Now I just need people to re-subscribe to my blog. You can easily do so in the sidebar! Thanks!