crochet by faye

Knitting Daily Starts today in Cincinnati

2008-07-22T13:34:00.005-04:00

Last thing, before I head off...

Knitting Daily TV, starts airing today in Cincinnati. I am so excited; I have TiVo set! If you are in the area here's the schedule so far: (if not, check out your local PBS for the air times)

Cincinnati - WPTO
	Tue	7/22/2008	2:00 PM ET	Lux and Luscious (101)
	Tue	7/29/2008	2:00 PM ET	The Sweater (102)
	Tue	*8/5/2008	2:00 PM ET	To Be Announced
	Tue	*8/12/2008	2:00 PM ET	To Be Announced
Cincinnati - WPTODT2†
	Tue	7/22/2008	2:00 PM ET	Lux and Luscious (101)
	Tue	7/29/2008	2:00 PM ET	The Sweater (102)
	Tue	*8/5/2008	2:00 PM ET	To Be Announced
	Tue	*8/12/2008	2:00 PM ET	To Be Announced

You can catch a preview of the show here at YouTube.

Here's a listing of Knitting Daily TV Series 100 episodes:

101 Luxury Fibers
102 The Sweater!
103 Amazing Lace
104 Chunky Yarns
105 Home Sweet Home Decor
106 Exploring Cables
107 Yummy Yarns
108 Special Occasions
109 Embellish This!
110 Textured Yarns
111 Chase the Chill
112 Fabulous Felting
113 Oh-So-Fine Yarns

I think I'm on episode 110 and 111. I can't wait to see how it all came together. It was so much fun to tape; and Kim, Shay, Liz, and Eunny were so much fun to spend time with. I am going to race to tie up a few ends here so I can catch the first show before I head out!

Cable Clutch

2008-07-22T12:18:00.003-04:00

Makes a great hook case or a small purse for going out to coffee. Quick to make and fun to play with felting and cables. Pattern includes a charted crochet cable for easy pattern following.

Cabled Clutch

Yarn:
Patons Classic Merino Wool (CYCA #4) 100% Merino Wool, 223 yds/ 100g:
Chestnut Brown (MC), 100 yds (1/2 skein)
Worn Denim (CC), 50 yds (1/4 skein)

Hook:
H/8 (5.0mm) hook or hooks needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
(2) 12”x12” squares of lining fabric, iron
One snap closure
One fun button
Large eye needle
Matching sewing thread and needle
Small book and plastic bag

Stitches Used:
CH Chain
SC Single Crochet
HDC Half Double Crochet
FPDC Front Post Double Crochet
BPDC Back Post Double Crochet
YO Yarn Over

Finished size:
4”x6”x ½”(approx), after felting

$5, PDF download only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

24 hr Sprint

2008-07-22T11:42:00.003-04:00

We pulled back into town last night at 7:30pm, my flight today departs at 7:25pm. For once, I'm not exaggerating when I say I'm in a crazy 24 hr sprint today.

Step 1: (Last night) Unload bags from car, carry suitcase to washer immediately and dump entire contents in.
Step 2: Grab mail from exploding mail box and quickly water plants (vain attempt to starve them off from dying till next week)
Step 3: Eat Dinner and Chill, while percolating packing list for tomorrow. Give up on percolating- start new sock. Throw laundry in dryer and head to bed
Step 4: Wake up way too early, with mind swimming in things to remember. Try to write down as much as possible, and fall back to sleep. Give up on sleeping and fold laundry, while trying to figure out which dress I want to pack. Give up and pack both.
Step 5: Still have too many things whirling in brain, decide to pack suitcase to cross one item off of list. Packing lightly too hard, give up and pack 2 suitcases (grumble at silly 25$ extra bag fee).
Step 6: Try to make coffee to "settle down", *check email while brewing, remember 2 other things you have to pack, jump up and grab those; rep from * till exhausted.
Step 7: Decide to try to chill out again, and try your hand at napping. Give up and take Faye for walk. Can't find sneakers, so just a short walk in your flip flops.
Step 8: Bump into neighbor outside, while you are babbling about even more things you forgot to pack- he gives you the funny look.
Step 9: Check into airline and hotel online. Print boarding passes and maps of area. Google hotel and coffee- do a victory cheer- since many coffee shops near hotel. Print out a map. Print out many maps of area- loving Google streetview. Totally get lost in google street view, then remember to print out class materials. Print out class handout- decide to review on plane. Print out demo notes- remember to pack demo materials.
Step 10: Feeling pretty proud to be so far ahead at noon, make lunch and write up blog post; while Faye cries at you b/c she wants to play.

So that's where I'm at today. I can't really keep myself focused to do much, so I'm packing it in and hanging outside with Faye till I have to leave to catch the plane.

If you will be in Manchester for CGOA's convention, I'd love to say hi and hang out. Below is where I should be each day:
Wednesday, July 23: PDD - teaching after lunch on "How you can join the In Crowd"
Thursday: Taking morning class, Going to Market Preview
Friday: 3:30-4:30 - Demo and Giveaway for Knit and Crochet Today; Fashion Show at 1pm
Saturday: 3:30- 4:30- Demo and Giveaway for Knit and Crochet Today; Fashion Show and dinner at night.

Hope to see you there, when hopefully I won't be as scattered.

Heading out of town, again

2008-07-18T11:28:00.002-04:00

My list of things to pack this weekend is cracking me up, its pretty much the same as last weekend. I have no idea why I am obsessing about the list, seeing that its the same as last weekend, but I have to have my list. I am such a list person. Yesterday, I made a list of things to ask Mr. CBF on our nightly walk, you know in case I forgot. (Not like I don't see him at home, and could totally ask him then if I forgot one. I'm a total oddball.).

So on my list this weekend-
-Faye's bag- which holds treats, pills, toys, water, food, bowls, leashes
-Computer bag- with every crochet reference book I will want, yarn for 3 projects (so I don't get bored, and if the space time continuum starts working and the weekend turns into a week), meds for allergies, preview pamphlets of books (in case, I want to whip them out at the wedding)- bag is bursting
-Luggage- fancy dress for wedding, jogging clothes, hiking clothes, hanging out clothes, lake clothes, pjs, nice dinner clothes (we will be in State College for 2 days- no idea why I think I need all this)
-Maps to friends houses and wedding
-Books on CD (multiple in case one is boring)

How is it that a vacation away, seems to stress you out about if you forget something? Silly.

So instead of worrying about how much I am packing, I'm concentrating on what I'll be crocheting on our long drive. Socks and tunic are at the top of my list. The tunic I really wanted to finish for CGOA, I am doubtful that will happen. I'm far along, but I still doubt I'll have time to finish it/ block it/ weave in ends before we come home Mon and I fly out for CGOA on Tues. Doubtful, but hopeful still.

Anyway, I'll be pretty much away for a week. I'll be periodically checking my email, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Hope you have a great week!

KCT Giveaways at CGOA

2008-07-16T12:29:00.003-04:00

The crochet cast (Me, Drew , and Brett) of Knit and Crochet Today (Season 2 & 3) will be at the CGOA National Convention in Manchester, NH July 25-26 promoting the show.

We will be doing a crochet demo at the Coats and Clark Booth in the Market Area from 3:30-4:30pm on Friday and Saturday. We will be answering questions and doing a giveaway.

I don't have all the details on the giveaway, so you will have to stop by the booth while you are there. I do know that some of the prizes will be DVDs of the show, subscriptions to Crochet Today, and Coats and Clark yarn.

I love getting to give away free stuff, and I'd really hate for us to be talking to ourselves. So if you have a minute on Friday or Saturday, do you mind stopping by?

Thanks!

Robyn
Crochet Expert on Knit and Crochet Today (hee hee, I just like saying that!)

Never Say Never

2008-07-16T09:55:00.002-04:00

This summer has all been about things I never thought I would be doing, I am doing.

Like, I thought I was going to slow down this summer to relax from all the work from the books. But as things have it, crochet projects broke unexpectedly as simultaneously my day job got incredibly busy and I am running around like a chicken. Funny. It's just amazing how you can work through a challenge if you really put your mind to it. Granted life's all a balance and a few things had to slip; like cleaning and weeding- but who likes that anyway?

Another surprise is the project I am working on now. It's crocheted socks. I know, I have said I don't like crocheted socks because you have to do 2 and I don't like crocheting any project twice. But oddly enough, I do now. Who knows why, but its calming to work these socks a bit at a time. They go slow, but its a nice balance to do something slow when my life is so nutty right now.

Or odd work projects I am doing right now. For example, yesterday morning I was climbing around a grain silo for a renovation we are doing. Odd for me, since I usually only work on old buildings not old silos, but hey they both need to stand up and I can do that.

Or planning a book tour. Who would have thought that anyone would be interested in having me come teach, let alone a bunch of shops in a bunch of cities. I chuckle to myself every time a shop agrees to have me come out. I have the inner dialogue of "Really?" "really, really Robyn". I am so excited to go visit all these shops and teach my way of crocheting, that I can barely contain my excitement when I get an email or call from each of them. (Once everything is finalized, I'll let you know where I'll be when in case you want to come visit. If you have a shop you would really like me to come visit, just let me know.)

Or even all the travel this summer. Like this month, I basically won't be home any weekends. The 4th my fam and bro came to visit, so we where tourists in our own city (which we love doing!). Last weekend was a family gathering in PA with all my siblings (its a 9 hour drive home). This weekend is a wedding in State College of a really dear friend of ours (since we were married there too - we couldn't not pass up the opportunity to go). The following weekend Mom and I will be in Manchester for the CGOA Convention (which I'll be teaching, promoting Knit and Crochet Today, promoting Blueprint Crochet, and promoting Mission Falls Goes Crochet- more on all of that soon too). I'm going to have laundry piled to the ceiling by the time I get back from NH.

So yes, for me I have definitely learned to never say never, b/c I really don't know what life will deal me next. It's been a pretty interesting summer so far. With that in mind, I really apologize if I haven't responded to your email or IM. I'm working on it, I promise!

While I go back to running around like a nut, I'll leave you with this pic of Faye. She thinks my running around is funny. Is she cute or what?

Belle's Flowers

2008-07-16T09:23:00.002-04:00

Every little girl needs a favorite sweater, why not try this one? It was designed and modeled by my favorite little girl.

Belle's Flowers

Pattern has been re-formatted and written in symbols and abbreviations. Cardi is written to have motifs joined by crocheting them together as you go. Which adds strength to the fabric, but if you wish you can crochet all the motifs then whip stitch the motifs together at the end.

Recommended Yarn:
Lion Brand Microspun (CYCA #4), 100% Microfiber Acrylic,
168 yds/ 70g: Fuchsia 4 (5, 7, 9 skeins)

Hook:
H/8 (5.0mm) hook or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
3(3,4,4) 5/8” diameter buttons or snaps
blocking pins and spray bottle
(optional) 2 yds – ½” grosgrain ribbon and matching sewing thread and needle

Stitches Used:
CH Chain
SL ST Slip Stitch
SC Single Crochet
HDC Half Double Crochet
DC Double Crochet
DTR Double Treble

Finished sizes:
Cardi fits US child 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 yrs old. Fit is relaxed. Shown in 4-5.

Gauge:
Flower Motif =2 7/8” dia

Notes:
For a cardigan style instead of a cardi style substitute ½ flower motifs at the panel fronts.

6$, PDF download only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

Take a Stroll

2008-07-09T14:59:00.003-04:00

Now you can take a stroll through the booklet, Mission Falls Goes Crochet. Go from swatch, to sample, to published photo.

Hope you enjoy!

If you wanted to see the projects up close, they will be on display at CGOA's Knit and Crochet Show. Both Adirondack (booth 304) and Needle Lady (booth 208, 309) will have the booklet for sale at the show. It will go on sale to the public through your local yarn store in August.

Rose, Bea, Mary Clutches

2008-07-08T10:47:00.003-04:00

Again- Direct from the cutting room floor of Blueprint Crochet....

Rose, Bea, Mary Clutches

On my wedding day my sister gave me the most beautiful clutch I have ever seen. She said it was my grandmother’s and she carried it on her wedding day, and asked if I wanted to on mine. I immediately took it with eyes watering. I have carried it to every wedding I have attended since, bringing along a little love and family with me. My grandmothers all were incredibly talented crafty women and each of these granny squares remind me a bit about each one of them. I know one day I will be passing on my wedding clutch to my daughter or my niece, so I have been planning my own clutch to replace it for a while. Even though it is not the original I know that their spirit will be with me in anyone of these granny square purses since it was them that inspired me to craft.

Yarn:
Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sport (CYCA #2), 100% Superwash Wool, 200yds/ 70g: 24ns Navy (MC), 75 yds, 47ns Carol Green(CC1), 50 yds, 40ns Sunshine (CC2), 50yds (yarn amount is for one project)

Hook:
US F/5 (3.75mm) or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Blocking pins and spray bottle
Sewing needle and thread to match,
Iron
Clutch: 1 Bangle Bracelet, 9½”x8 ½” fabric square for lining, 7” invisible zipper,
Coin Purse: 12”x6” fabric for lining, 1 ½” dia button

Notes:
Any granny can make either the coin purse or the clutch. Granny Square Patterns is written in symbol format only. Will not be written in abbreviations. Granny squares are about 7.5" square.

Sneak Peek Weekly

2008-07-08T10:36:00.003-04:00

This week I have one of the funniest projects I have crocheted in a long while.

I got the whole fam involved helping me design it. We discussed how we would use it, what the shapes should be, how exactly to form it and get it to stand. The neighbors pitched in with their helpful suggestions over wine. Friends discussed what other creatures (like a lobster or fire hydrant) it could be if you twisted it this way or that.

All I will say is that, it's a baby toy made from Red Heart Super Saver. It will be out in a few months in a crochet magazine. And I think its as cute as a button, and would definitely make it again for my family.

"Do you have a crochet pattern for a pirate hat small enough to fit a goose?"

2008-07-01T11:36:00.002-04:00

You have to go check out the contest over at Crochet Me. I am just rolling laughing.

I have to say, I can get an odd email or 2; but nobody has asked me that!

If you are gifted with word, PLEASE enter! I am enjoying all the entries SO much.

Did you know?

2008-07-01T10:59:00.002-04:00

That crochet is now cool.

Looks like ABC News finally figured it out too!

Knitscene Fall 2008 Preview

2008-07-01T09:55:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I got quite the surprise in the email, with the announcement of the Fall Preview over at Knitscene.

I am quite excited about this Issue. I was pretty darn floored when Lisa emailed me asking if I would like to submit to the mag. Uh, YEAH! So I quickly rushed her off some sketches and swatches, and then was equally happy when she got back to me super quick wanting 2 designs. I can tell you, it's also a bit intimidating being in a predominately knitting magazine. I am a firm evangelical that crochet makes just as lovely fabric as other crafts, and I sure do hope that these projects speak well to that. On the other hand, I totally love them; and really that's all that I hope for when I'm designing. The other cool thing about these guys, is that they are totally not advanced at all (they just play one on TV). I just adore it when projects can be easy, and adorable all at the same time.

Ok, Robyn, so what's yours?

Bordeaux Jacket (aka Burgundy Crop- that was my name for the project, but I like theirs very much)

This cropped jacket is made in one piece starting at the back, adding chains for the arms, then working to the front. Fold in half, and add some ribbing. I think I crocheted the entire piece in 3 days. Granted I was totally on a deadline, but still, I enjoyed it so much I could see myself crocheting that quickly anyway. The stitch is a mesh extended single crochet, which you can see better in my sneak peek post. I loved playing with the collar on Susie Q. Flip it up, flip it down. Plus I'm always into asymmetrical closures, so I was sort of in love with this one from the start. The yarn is a lovely Zara, Merino Wool (so yes, my love of merino definitely helped with my love of crocheting this one!). You can see some more pics of it on Ravelry here and here.

Reticella Vest (aka Cappa Vest- that was my name for the project, but I like theirs very much more!)

This one was a joy and totally Robyn. It is my go to construction of a bunch of granny squares all crocheted together to make a cool fabric. If you have taken Beyond the Afghan with me, then you know the secret this project holds. The style is quickly becoming a favorite of mine this Fall. It is so easily converted from hanging open and loose at the waist to closed up and almost cowl neck. Again, I played a ton with it on Susie Q, you can see that to the right here. It is just a really enjoyable shape to wear, since you can play with it all day and get very different looks. I also love that it will fit lots of different body shapes. Tiffany helped me crochet all those adorable granny squares, which you can see better in the sneak peek blog post. There's also more views of the vest at Ravelry here and here.

Hope you enjoy. I have to say, I quite adore a number of other projects in the mag, esp the Riding to Alavon sweater. All those buttons are just awesome!

Spider Shrug

2008-06-30T10:17:00.004-04:00

Spider Shrug

Quick little number that makes any outfit more fun!

Re-formatted and re-mastered for easier following. Completely new stitch diagrams of back and sleeves. Pattern can be followed by stitch diagrams alone or with written directions as well.

$6.00, PDF download only

Yarn:
TLC CaraMia (CYCA #4), 50% Acrylic, 19% Nylon, 18% Rayon, 13% Angora, 210yds/ 100g: #2208 Coral, 3 (3,4,5) skeins

Hook:
J/10 (6.0mm) hk or hk needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Blocking pins and spray bottle

Stitches Used:
ch Chain
sl st Slip Stitch
sc Single Crochet
sc-blo sc backloop only
dc Double Crochet
SR Stitch Pattern Repeat
RR Row Repeat

Finished size:
Fits bust size 34” (38”, 42”, 46”)

Gauge:
1 SR x 1 RR (8 rows)= 3 3/8” x 3¾” see stitch diagram for SR and RR

Notes:
Shrug body is made in one piece. You start at right shoulder and work to left arm cuff. Then join yarn at shoulder and work opposite sleeve.

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

*Also available at Stitch Cooperative for LYS.*

Getting Loopy Live this Monday

2008-06-27T10:36:00.004-04:00

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

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

Flickr Fun

2008-06-26T09:59:00.003-04:00

1. Robyn Signature Single, 2. Mulberry Superwash Merino, 3. Log cabin baby blanket, 4. Lime Green Window Shutter, Red Flowers and a Rail, 5. loppem I norah gaughan I berroco vol. 3, 6. Crochet hooks case and gadget case, 7. My Madame Alexander bride doll (c. 1975), 8. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) - Pelican Island, Texas, 9. BABY TOY, 10. yellow springiness, 11. babette blanket, 12. Baby on her baby

Here’s how you play: (totally taken from Kim, then changed around to be about yarn ;) )

Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr search.
Using only the first page, choose an image.
Copy and paste each of the URL’s into the mosaic maker over at FD’s image maker.

The questions:

What is your first name? Robyn
What is your favorite yarn? Superwash Merino
What was the first thing you made with yarn? Baby Blanket
What is your favorite color? Lime Green
Which crochet or knitting designer do you have a crush on? Norah Gaughan
Favorite handmade gift you have received? Hook Case
Dream project? An entire wardrobe
Favorite notion? Pelican Scissors
What will you crochet/ knit next? Baby Toy
What do you love most about yarn? It's springiness
One word to describe your craft. Crochet
Main inspiration to craft. Faye Dog

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Book Review: Uncommon Crochet

2008-06-26T07:33:00.007-04:00

Book Review:

Uncommon Crochet

by Julie Armstrong Holetz

The title is true to form. You certainly won't be disappointed if you are looking for some uncommon crochet. Julie is certainly brimming with creativity, and you can see that on every page of this book. Julie is also my editor on Blueprint Crochet, and I totally heart her since she "gets" me. So you know going in that you are going to get great information, and the patterns are going to be fun and easy to follow, you just know its going to be awesome. I loved it so much I renewed it 3 times (the limit) at the library to keep it longer.

The Goods:

Julie discussed literally everything about crochet. From the basics of stitches, to blocking, to working in the round, to felting, to creativity. I love her creativity sections. Its all about how to move beyond your typical crochet. You can try cool materials; like hemp, leather, or wire. You can try neat structures, like vases or baskets. Or fun finishing processes; like cutting and embroidering a felted bag or stiffening lace to make a vase. My favorite patterns are over on the right. I adore the wire pin, the felted bag, and lacy vase. (She totally had me at the vase. Mixing structure and lace- what's not to love.)

The Hums:

The only hum is where's the next book? I love Julie's creativity and spark so much, I can't wait for the next one.

The Lowdown:

Bags- 14

Vases- 3

Home Accessories- 5

Jewelry- 1

So if you are looking for some fun projects this summer, I totally recommend picking up her book. I can't wait to get started playing with new techniques myself!

Blushing

2008-06-25T10:31:00.003-04:00

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

Crazy! I have fans!

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

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

WOW!

Straight from Today's Designers

2008-06-24T09:48:00.004-04:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to contribute to this new and exciting venture with a few of my crochet friends. It's a book straight to you from us designers. No middlemen. We all work together and share in the joys of publishing a book. You'll see our patterns in each of our own unique style of writing. We all teamed up and pitched in one design. Then we paired up and edited each other's work. Those of us who are good with words, wrote the intro and press info. Those of us with a gift for editing, went through the patterns a second time looking for errors. The graphic artist in the group, laid out and make the book beautiful. The number lady, is taking care of the accounting. The web wizards are coordinating the website and Ravelry interfaces. So this book, is a true collaboration. And I am proud to be included in it.

Jot down SFTDonline.com, in the coming months you should see even more books from us.

Want to get the book now?

15$ (Pay Pal link) , PDF download only, brought to us by the nice people at Ravelry.

So what's in Crochet Belts From the Hip?

Well, there's 19 belts for every style you can image. Whether you are a flirty or sporty gal, there is something for you (which also makes this a great book for gifts too, now that I think about it!) There's a design from Amy ONeill Houck, Angela Best, Carr ie Sullivan, Christy McMahon, Diane Moyer, Dora Ohrenstein, Doris Chan, Gwen Blakley Kinsler, Kim Guzman, Lisa Gentry, Margaret Hubert, Marty Miller, Mary Beth Temple, Mary Jane Hall, Noreen Crone-Findlay, Pam Gillette, Tammy Hildebrand, Vashti Braha, and Me.

So what's mine?

The Bubble Sash

It's a quick belt to add drama to any outfit. I actually styled it on three outfits for Susie Q and let my collaborators choose which one to put in the book. And it can totally double as a cool scarf, just which any merino wool yarn for the crochet thread. Ooh, or as a necklace, by switching the cable thread with a fine size 10 thread.

I just love it when you can get a ton of projects from just one design. It just makes me smile. (I'm off to find some size 10 thread and make me a necklace...)

Fancy Baby Bib

2008-06-23T18:00:00.006-04:00

An oldie, but still on of my favorites....

Fancy Baby Bib

Looking for a quick gift for new parents? Try this baby bib. It’s a great tunisian crochet project that can be done in one night. It also can double as a washcloth, how handy is that?

Yarn:
Online Linie Clip 12 (CYCA #4) 100% Mako Egypt Cotton, 182yds/ 100g: #151 Med Blue, 90 yards (1/2 hank)

Hooks:
J/10 (6.0mm) afghan hook and G/6 (4.0mm) hook or hooks needed to obtain gauge

Notions:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
(1) 7/8” diameter button

Stitches Used:
CH Chain
SL ST Slip Stitch
SC Single Crochet
YO Yarn Over
TSS Tunisian Simple Stitch
TSS-DEC Tunisian Simple Stitch Decrease

Finished size:
6”x7” (approx), Baby bib to fit newborn to 6mths.

Gauge:
19 sts by 16 rows =4”x4”, in pat stitch using J/10 (6.0mm) hook

Center Magic

2008-06-23T12:29:00.002-04:00

Every now and again, when the mood strikes, I come upon one stitch or one motif that I just can't get enough of. Last year it was the year of the linked stitch, this year its the year of the X-st. That's the fun stitch where you double treble into a st, then ch 5 or so, then double crochet into the middle horizontal bar of the dtr. It makes a sort of backwards P shape, you can add another leg to get an X shape. The X shape I used in a scarf for CT.

Well this weekend, I was playing with some new yarns and thought this would make a really cool center motif. And boy was I right! The motif on the left, is only 2 rounds. Looks like 3 rounds, right? The first is a round of sc, then the second is a round of X-sts. Sure you could make something similar with 3 rounds, but then you don't get to do the fun X-st. I tried it out in cotton and soysilk, as well as this merino. I think they are so interesting at how slightly different they all look. By this time, I was hooked and now I wanted to see how many different motifs I could come up with from one basic center.

I got a beautiful lacy almost doily, when I did a second round of X-sts.

I got a bumpy square when I varied a group of dcs in the ch-sps.

This one reminds me of Gothic windows with the little ch-sp bumpouts.

And lastly, I switched to cotton and make this swirling circle.

And I can't wait for what I stumble on next with these stitches!

Where am I?

2008-06-20T10:29:00.002-04:00

Good Question!

I'm here, just working. I had to put some overtime in this week and next week at my engineering job, so not much crocheting has been going on.

If you were trying to get a hold of me this week, I apologize if I am a bit slow in responding. I'm not ignoring you I promise!

Even though we are super busy here, my boss took the entire office (plus spouses and kids) to the Reds' Business Day Special. Reason's I love my boss:
1. Doesn't freak out about how busy we are, and is happy to do outings like these all the time.
2. Buys me Soft Pretzels and Hot Dogs at the game (soda, cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream, etc for the kids- you know to get them all cranked up!)
3. Is totally interested in what I am crocheting now.

Ok Gloat over. I am just super happy that yesterday I got to spend the day crocheting outside in our beautiful weather, eating to my hearts delight. That crocheting was about all I have done this week. I did get to test out 2 yarns a bit while commuting, but other then that not much. I do have a number of assignments on deck, so I promise more crochet content soon!

Nothing makes me smile bigger...

2008-06-17T10:23:00.004-04:00

While surfing my google reader this morning, I stopped in my tracks at this picture. I thought, hmm, that looks like my Crossover Top from Crochet Today. Then I got a huge smile on my face, when I looked up and noticed who's blog it was.

Lisa! Lisa is one of my oldest friends (we went to college together and funny enough grew up in the same hometown- but didn't meet until college), and without me knowing, has crocheted not one but 2 of my designs and blogged about them. I didn't even tell her to do that. She just likes me. (Big Smile) Funny, when your friends surprise the bigeebees out of you.

As a designer, you work in a very isolated world and you never really know if your design is going to be the one that a crocheter is going to spend the time making. I get tickled pink every time someone tells me they are making one of my designs. I can not tell you what a great feeling that is. So for all of you out there (that I didn't pay to like me ;) ), thank you! I am just tickled pink this morning, with a huge grin!

Rochelle Ripple Jacket

2008-06-16T21:01:00.004-04:00

I would like to introduce to the first in my new series of pattern pdf downloads straight from the cutting room floor. Over the next few weeks I'll be bringing you patterns that were cut from Blueprint Crochet for length. They all will be available as PDF downloads*. Without further ado...

Rochelle Ripple Jacket

As soon as the first crisp breeze comes through town, I want to reach for my cuddly winter clothes. I unpack all of the afghans that I had stowed away for the summer, and rejoice in the knowledge that I can once again crochet wool without sweating. That love of cozy afghans and wool is what inspired this jacket. I hope when you wear it you will get that same feeling of joy and warmth like your mothers hug all wrapped around you.

NOTE: Pattern is written in mostly crochet symbols. I will not be re-writing it in abbreviation format. It was a pattern that was cut from my book, Blueprint Crochet.

Garment fit is relaxed. S (M, L, XL) fits 28 (34, 39, 44)” bust circumference

Suggested Yarn:
1. Lily Chin Signature Collection Gramercy (CYCA #3), 100% Superwash Merino Wool; 127 yd/50 g: 4000 moss (MC) 3 (3, 4, 4) balls; 5627 apple (CC1) 2 (2, 3, 3) balls
2. Lily Chin Signature Collection Chelsea (CYCA #2), 30% Merino Wool, 35% Cotton, 35% Acrylic; 191 yd/50 g: 4908 taupe (CC2) 2 (2, 2, 2) balls; 5825 loden (CC3) 2 (2, 2, 2) balls
3. Lily Chin Signature Collection Tribeca (CYCA #5), 25% Mohair, 43% Wool, 17% Viscose, 15% Nylon; 153 yd/50 g: 1272 celery (CC4) 3 (3, 4, 4) balls

Hook Size: J/10 (6.0mm)

$7.50, PDF download only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

*If you are looking for a paper copy, tell your LYS they can pick one up for you over at Stitch Cooperative.*

Thank you, Yard Sale Winner, and Swatching

2008-06-16T14:45:00.003-04:00

Thank you everyone who bid and bought my yard sale goodies from my craft closet. I can not tell you how much lighter and brighter and more focused I feel for getting rid of that 100 lbs (and that's not an exaggeration!) of yarn that I was not ever going to get to touch. So thank you guys! I feel so much happier now that it is in the capable crafty hands of yours.

With that, my last giveaway of the yard sale goes to......

ANGELA

You are the winner of the huge pile of charity yarn. (send me an email with your address and I'll ship the yarn right out) Angela makes blankets for pets when you adopt them. I'm not sure if I ever mentioned this before, but Faye was a stray that we adopted back in Maryland. She was found walking the highway (not smart in the DC metro area) at around 4 months old. We were so lucky, that Mr CBF just happened to stop into the shelter at lunch the same day she was brought in and saw her and fell in love. About 2 weeks later (after our home visit and records were processed) we got to take her home. She and we were very lucky, since one of the volunteers took her home immediately that day and took care of her until our papers cleared. Faye did come with her own handmade blanket too, and for the first year always slept with it. So pet blankets are very near to our hearts too.

I also want to thank Lauren. She sent me this lovely hook case for my clover hooks. Lauren that was so sweet of you for thinking of me! It does fit my hooks perfectly. Thank you!

Since the craft room is clear, I have been swatching my heart out again. Yay to swatching! It's so much fun testing out new stitch patterns, and tinkering with them a bit. (the pics are a few from my weekend) Hope you guys had a swatching weekend too!