Last Minute Gifts to Crochet

Need some ideas for last minute gifts to crochet for Sparkle Season? Don't fret - I've got the solution for you. I was looking for ideas, too, when I discovered some of the quick and easy patterns that I designed were available on the web as downloads. More information, and the web addresses, are at my other blog:
http://notyourgrannyscrochet-marty.blogspot.com
Check out which patterns I recommend, and happy crocheting!

Winner of the Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia

I wish everyone could have won a copy of this book, but the winner of Robyn Chachula's book Crochet Stitches VIsual Encyclopedia is Shorty!
Thanks to all of you for participating. I hope you had fun reading all the blogs and the comments. And look for the book at your local book store or yarn shop, or on-line at Amazon. It's really a great resource.
Marty

Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia by Robyn Chachula

A person's books very often reveal her (or his) past, present and future, and if you were to look at my collection of books you would see just that. 


My past:

I majored in Math Education when I was in college and when I graduated I taught math in high school and college – so I buy math books. Not the type you would find in schools, but books about the magic and wonders and mystery of numbers. My minor was in English Education. I buy language books –books about the history of words, how to pick the right word to use, where popular sayings come from, etc. I also have an AA degree in Graphic Design – Advertising and Commercial Art, and taught graphic art and typography and calligraphy at the community college.  So - I buy books on layout, design, and fonts and typography. My next degree – a Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies, lets me collect books on almost anything that catches my interest – right now it's how we are influenced in our buying habits. My Ph.D. is in Education, Cultural Foundations –my books for this are on philosophy and psychology of education, and how culture contributes to education and everything else in our lives. My post-doctorate is in Women's Studies – I have books on women and education and opportunities for women throughout the 20th century. And, of course, from the time I was a little girl, I've been interested in crochet and the other needle arts. My book collection for that, though, didn't really begin until I was pregnant with my son. Too many years ago to count!!! These crochet books, I think, are taking over! I have way more of them than the others. But I can't give up any of them, and I keep collecting more. My crochet collection consists of old books, new books, foreign books, magazines, pamphlets, and on and on.  That's my past and my present. And some of my future. Here's the rest of it.

My future:

Many of my books I look to for inspiration for future projects. The one type of book that I like – no, I mean LOVE – for inspiration is a stitch dictionary. This can be in any form – it can be 50 pattern squares to crochet for an afghan. That's 50 patterns that I can use somewhere, for something. It can be a great garment book, with interesting stitches patterns in the garments. That gives me lots of stitch patterns to work with and incorporate in my own designs. It can be a vintage crochet book with older crochet stitch patterns. Or perhaps a book published in a foreign language, but using crochet stitch symbols. All of these books give me ideas. I love learning new stitch patterns, and my most favorite books are the ones that have stitch patterns, stitch diagrams, and clear pictures of the stitches. I haunt used bookstores for vintage stitch dictionaries. I haunt web sites that sell Japanese stitch dictionaries. I haunt new bookstores for new stitch dictionaries. I haunt craft stores for pamphlets with different stitch patterns. I haunt online bookstores for new stitch dictionaries that are getting published soon. I do a lot of haunting!!!

A while ago, when I saw the title of Robyn Chachula's book on Amazon.com – Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia - with a publication date in the future, I started counting down the months, then the weeks, then the days! 300 stitch patterns! With diagrams! (And I know how good Robyn is with her diagrams!) Heaven on earth in the form of a stitch dictionary! I couldn't wait!

And then Robyn asked me to be on her blog tour! My dream come true! How could I say no to her – to this – the stitch dictionary to beat all stitch dictionaries?

I didn't say no. I said OF COURSE! I picked a date to post, and waited, impatiently, for my book! It was finally delivered on a rainy, cold day, but when I got it and opened up the package, my day turned warmer and brighter! I started looking through it, even though I should have been making dinner. Dinner just would have to wait a while. I finally put the book down, with a promise that after dinner I would spend some quality time looking through it. I had heard so much about it (I listened to the Getting Loopy podcast with Robyn that very morning, when I was pedaling on a recumbent bike at my gym, and crocheting.) I couldn't wait to see what her stitch patterns were like. She said that her purpose in writing this book was to create a "go-to" stitch dictionary for her own use. I wanted to see if it could be a "go-to" stitch dictionary for me, too. After dinner, and after the dishes were done, I sat down with a note pad, determined to write down the page numbers and the names of the patterns that I wanted to try first. Perhaps to make a few swatches for this blog post, to let you all see what they looked like up close and personal. And give you some ideas about what to expect when you made them. Pretty soon, the first page on the pad was full of swatch names and page numbers, then the second page was full. And then I realized that I was writing down just about every stitch pattern. Every stitch pattern was one I wanted to make! This looks like it's my "go-to" stitch dictionary, too!  

I guess I know what I'll be doing for the next 300 days!!! And longer!

Here are some of my favorite patterns, some straight from my hook, and some from the book. (When I crochet new stitch patterns, I like to use plain cotton yarn, in a solid, light color, so I can see the stitches and what they do. Robyn used various yarns and many different colors in her book.)

From my hook - interesting texture

From my hook - fun and easy circle motif

From my hook - love these popping flowers

From the book - Simple Wave pattern - great looking ripple!

From my hook - Stone Trellis - love the wavy look!

From the book - Wallpaper Cluster - love the cluster stitches

From my hook - tip about Linked Treble Crochet - love the effect!

What I found when I was crocheting the swatches, they inspired me to create other stitch patterns – similar but different from the ones I was making. I kept saying to myself – "I wonder what would happen if I did this, or that." And that's what a good stitch dictionary should do – give you ideas on how to create your own stitch patterns. And Robyn's book does just that! In fact, I had to force myself to stop crocheting these swatches and write this post!

If you want a sneak preview of the dictionary, along with a sample of what to expect in the way of stitch diagrams, look at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/1118030052/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

If you don't yet know how to read stitch diagrams, this is a great way to learn. You can follow the written pattern and look at the diagram and the photo of the swatch, all at the same time.
And, if you write a comment on my blog, you may win a copy of Robyn's book. I have one copy to give away – and I will use a random number generator to determine who gets it. Just write a comment saying how you would use a stitch dictionary like this one. Make sure you post it by midnight, (eastern time zone), Sunday, October 30, 2011. On October 31, I will pick a lucky winner, and post the winner's name here on my blog – so be sure to check on Monday, October 31, to see if you have won. I'll need your email address then, so the publisher can get in touch with you.

Good luck, and happy stitching!
Oh - one more thing. If you want to read the other blogs on Robyn's blog tour, to learn more about her book, here are the sites:

Tour Schedule:

Oct 10- Getting Loopy, http://gettingloopy.com/

Oct 11- Yarn Thing, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing

Oct 12- Go Crochet, http://www.gocrochet.com/

Oct 13- Hook and I, http://www.thehookandi.com/

Oct 17- Vickie Howell, http://vickiehowell.blogspot.com/

Oct 18- Modeknit, http://modeknit.com/

Oct 19- Knitgrrl, http://www.knitgrrl.com/

Oct 20- NexStitch, http://www.nexstitch.com/blog/

Oct 24- Styled by Kristin, http://www.styledbykristin.com/

Oct 25- Yarn Craft, http://yarncraft.lionbrand.com/

Oct 26- Crochet Doctor, http://thecrochetdoctor.blogspot.com/

Oct 27- Lindamade, http://www.lindamade.com/wordpress/

Oct 31- Manhattan Craft Room, http://www.brettbara.com/

Crochet Flamie Awards - results

I finally have time to post the results of the Crochet Flamies. Because of all of you who voted for me, I won the Best Tech Editor award! I am so excited about this! I have been tech editing for 6 or so years, and, as I said on the podcast, I started because I found some errors in a book that was edited by a friend - Jean Leinhauser. When I let her know what they were, and how to correct them, she thanked me and suggested that I try tech editing. I took her advice, and here I am! Best Tech Editor for 2010! Wow!
For those of you who are going to be at one or both of the Crochet Guild of America conferences this year, I will be giving an afternoon "breakout" session at Professional Development Day on how to become a tech editor - what skills you need, what to expect, etc., etc., etc.
And here's my virtual statuette for winning:

If you want to check out all the winners, here's the web site:

CLF flamies - winners

Crochet Flamie Awards

A short note to my readers:

Well, they're doing it again! The Crochet Liberation Front is holding their 3rd annual Flamie Awards - to honor and recognize crocheters for their art. There are many awards that will be given in April on the Getting Loopy podcast. The voting is open now, through March 30. And, anyone can vote. You don't have to belong to the group. So check out the website:

http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/2011-flamie-award-nominees/vote/

Once you're there, you can see who's nominated, and look at their blogs or websites and designs. You can read about the candidates, and then you can vote. And when you do go to the site, you'll see that I'm nominated for 2 awards: best technical (tech) editor, and Lifetime Achievement Award! I would love it if you voted for me!!!! 

Thanks,

Marty Miller

Baby Blueprint Crochet

I love crochet books. I collect crochet books. Old ones, new ones, stitch dictionaries, books with patterns, almost any kind of crochet book I can get my hands on. Sometimes, I'll even buy two copies of a book, either because I forgot I had one copy, or I see an older book at a used book sale and have to provide it with a good home!  :-) I am always looking for new books, books that will soon be published, and haunt the bookstores, both on-line and "real" ones, to see if a new book is out yet. So I knew that Robyn Chachula was going to have a new book out soon - Baby Blueprint Crochet. I liked the previews that I saw, and judging by her previous book, and her knowledge of stitch diagrams, I knew that this book would be a winner. And I would probably have to have it. I really couldn't wait until it came out.

And then Robyn asked me to be a part of the blog tour for the book, and I didn't have to think twice about it. Of course I would do it, because 1. I knew it was going to be a winner, 2. I know and like Robyn, and 3. I'd get to see the book before it became available in the stores.
Well, I did get to see the book before it got to the stores. And I still like Robyn. So, is #1 still true? You bet!
Why? Well, the photography is great. The kid models are so cute! And this book is more than just patterns for babies and toddlers. So much more. So even though I don't have many babies in my family to crochet for (in fact, only one new great-nephew) and only one toddler (my great-niece), I still want this book in my collection. Robyn has included stitch symbol diagrams with all the designs. And these diagrams map out the stitch patterns, including increases and decreases, so that if I want to use the stitch pattern in one of my designs, I could see how it would look, and I wouldn't have to figure out increasing/decreasing details. It's there! But not only does she include the stitch symbol diagrams, she actually gives instructions on how to use them effectively. So if you have never used stitch symbols or stitch symbol diagrams (and they are such a great tool to have in your crochet skills set) Robyn's instructions will teach you just what you need to know to use them. Also, each project in the book includes all the info you'll need to know about that project: what yarn you'll need, special stitches you'll need to know, how it's constructed, and how to finish it. Robyn also gives you ideas on how to make a baby project - what kinds of yarns to use, what colors you should use, what you should leave off of a baby project, and how to baby-proof your work. These are things that you may not realize if you are making these projects as a gift for a new mother. But these are all things that Robyn has learned, first hand, because she is a new mother herself. And she wants to share them with you, so your new-baby gifts will be well-used, and loved!
Robyn also uses different stitches and stitch patterns in her designs - ones that you may not know or may not have used. So you can learn some new stitch patterns, and some new stitches. She uses post stitches (both front post and back post dc), front loop only and back loop only stitches, extended stitches, different versions of double crochet and single crochet stitches (including reverse single crochet),  and Tunisian stitches. So even if you don't have a baby or toddler to crochet for, Baby Blueprint Crochet is a wonderful resource to have. It's a pattern book, stitch dictionary, and how-to book all in one! Can't get any better than that!
For an example of what there is in the book, other than baby clothes, here's a picture of a baby washcloth that Robyn includes. It would make a great dishcloth if you don't know a baby to crochet for. Or make it a little bigger, and use it yourself. It comes with written directions, and a great stitch pattern diagram that is clear to read, and would be easy to enlarge.

If you want a sneak preview of the rest of the projects in Robyn's book, check out her flicker album here.

The Crochet Dude(r) and me

I met the Crochet Dude(r) at a CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) Chain Link conference in 2006. It was the first one he attended, and he didn't know many people. I knew who he was, though. I was the Professional Development Chairperson, he was an Associate Professional member, and I had been reading his blog on-line. We started talking, and we've been talking ever since. In just a few years, he has developed into "The Dude" of crochet – everyone is talking -about his designs, his professionalism, his product line, his pattern books, his cats, his cooking, etc.,etc., etc. You can't miss his publications – they're in bookstores, craft stores, yarn stores, and, of course, on Amazon. You can check out his new book, Crochet It, Love It, Wear It! here.
Even though we talk a lot whenever we see each other at Chain Links and TNNA events, we don't always talk crochet. (Don't ask what we do talk about!) And I've always wanted to find out more about Drew and crochet, what got him started designing, who or what influenced his career, and all those other deep questions that good friends don't usually talk about – and when he asked me to participate in this Blog Tour, I thought it would be a good opportunity to do so. So here are my questions, and his answers:


QUESTIONS FOR DREW

1. You were a Fine Arts major in college. Did that experience in any way influence or affect your decision to pursue a career as a Crochet designer?

It didn’t really affect my decision to become a designer, but it has affected how I approach my designs. Composition, color theory, muscle & bone structure, all the things that I studied in college come into play when I am designing.

2. You lived in Mexico for a while. Did that experience in any way influence your decision to pursue a career as a Crochet designer?

Living in Guadalajara all those years affected me deeply, and completely changed how I view the world, my family, and my friends. I take care of myself better, I have more compassion for others, and I enjoy every moment of my life. Somehow that must have influenced my becoming a designer.

3. When did you realize that being a Crochet designer was the career path you wanted to pursue? How did you go about it?

It sort of crept up on me. I had been crocheting for charity and someone in the group encouraged me to submit to a calendar for publication some afghan square designs that I had come up with just for fun. To my amazement the designs were published and I launched my blog to journal about breaking into the industry.

4. Where do you get your ideas? What inspires you? How do you keep your designs "fresh"?

I suppose it depends on what I am designing. For garments I look to the fashion trends and what I like to see people wearing. For home décor I look to architecture and nature for inspiration. I think my ideas stay fresh because once a design is set free from my studio I let it go. I know that there are infinite designs inside me just waiting to come out and I always look forward.

5. What was the inspiration for your book "Crochet It. Love It. Wear It!"?

My previous book, Designs for Guys, was as the title suggests, all stuff for dudes. I knew that this time I wanted to do one for the ladies. My inspiration came from lots of sources, my sisters, my late mother, and my friends.

6. Designers often have a "niche" – something (technique, design, yarn, etc.) that they are known for. What is your "niche"? What would you like to be your "niche"?

I don’t know if I’m known for it yet, but a common denominator in my designs is the texture of the fabric that I am creating. I rely heavily on post stitches to achieve maximum texture. I think in retrospect someday I’ll be known for textures.

7. What is the most intriguing thing about your Crochet design career?

The most intriguing thing for me is that I can run a complex design business out of a studio in my home. The latest technology has made it relatively simple to do and I find that fascinating.

8. What, if anything, do you crochet for yourself? What is your favorite type of: Pattern? Stitch? Technique?

I really don’t ever crochet for myself, I just don’t have the time. All my crochet time is dedicated to new designs. I don’t mind though, the design process is so fulfilling for me that I get the best of both worlds every day: the pleasure of crocheting and the stimulation of designing.

9. You've done so much with Crochet – designing, teaching, teaching on a cruise, TV show, branded crochet tools and accessories, just to name a few. What are your future plans (that you can share with us)?

The sky is the limit at this point. I’m continuing to expand upon what I have built so far and I like that it is growing organically. There is plenty of time to do so much more and I’m happily paying my dues and having the time of my life.

10. What words of wisdom do you have for other Crochet designers?
What words of wisdom do you have for other Crocheters?

For designers I would say let go and be free. Don’t worry or fuss about what you’ve already designed. Only move forward and trust that you will always be able to come up with new ideas whenever you need them.

For crocheters I would say challenge yourself and try patterns that you might not think you could do. You might surprise yourself and discover that you are an even better crocheter than you had once thought.

There was one more question that I had to ask him:
11. When are you going to name a design after me? I want my turn!
The Dude said: I've already answered that question in another interview!

Hmph! So now I guess I have to read all the other blogs on the blog tour to find the answer! In between drooling over the designs in his new book, and trying to figure out what yarn I'm going to use for my favorite one! (It's the one called Laurie.)







Check out his book, and all of Drew's other books and tools and gadgets and stuff. You'll be glad you did. You can find all this info on his blog:
the Crochet Dude(r)







And, you can buy it here.

The Dude posted this picture of us on his blog today - I had to repost it here!

I made the crocheted glasses at one of his "make and takes" (to make a necklace - I repurposed the materials)!