Archive for May, 2010
It’s Been a Productive Day!
Well, I finally finished the pdf for my Crochet Lace Rosary and Sachet Set. It is now available for download via Ravelry!
Also, I finished a pink version of the set as a First Communion gift for a young girl at my parish. I sure hope she likes it….especially, since I am a little late 
!
A Million Thank You’s
Over 1,000,000 American soldiers have died during military service in the history of the United States…..THANK YOU. And, to all of their loved ones, I say thank you too.
It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
who has given us the right to vote.
“V is for Victory” Scarf
To celebrate Memorial Day this year, I designed the “V is for Victory” Scarf in honor of all fallen U.S. military men and women. It is a fast and super easy design based on an open V-stitch. Give it a try!
Row 1: 20 fdc (For help with the no-chain foundation stitches see my instructional video.)
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), [skip 1 dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc] x 9, skip 1 dc, dc in last dc, turn
Row 3: ch 3 (counts as first dc), in first ch-2 space and in each ch-2 space across (dc, ch 2, dc), dc in last dc, turn
Row 4-84: repeat Row 3 (Stitch pattern may be worked until desired length is achieved.)
Row 85: ch 3, 2 dc in each open V-stitch across, dc in last dc (20 dc made)
Finish off. Add fringe if you like!
This version of the scarf was worked with a size I hook using a mohair blend (70% acrylic, 30% mohair) called Schachenmayr NOMOTTA Super Show. Pictures of the final product are posted HERE.
TAPS 2010
Today, I had the honor of serving with “Knitters and Crocheters Care” at the TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) 2010 Memorial Day weekend event. It was such an honor and privilege to spend a portion of my Memorial Day weekend serving these family members who have made the greatest sacrifice of all. While I was there, I did not have the opportunity to teach anyone how to crochet, but I did design my “V is for Victory“ scarf which will be donated to one of the family members attending the event.
My Designer’s Hat
Courtesy of Crochet Spot
For the past couple of nights, I have been wearing my designer’s hat, feverishly trying to finish writing up the rosary pattern and completing a pink version of my Crochet Lace Rosary and Sachet set. My nerves have gotten the best of me, though. I desperately want the pattern to be perfect, so I keep writing and rewriting until I am near crazy. Do all designers go through this? Or, just the newbies?
I have about 6 more lines to write and then I am going “live” with the pdf…..no more of this second-guessing myself. To make matters worse, I have two more patterns waiting in the wings……
The cute Amigurumi Light Bulb above, designed by Crochet Spot, is the bit of inspiration I needed today.
Sneak Preview: Crochet So Fine!
Kristin Omdahl, one of my favorite designers, has just shared a sneak preview of her lastest book due out in July!
Who taught you to crochet?
Yesterday, I had a very touching conversation with one of the dance moms at the studio while waiting for our daughters to finish ballet class. We talked about the incredible impact that grandparents have on our lives; and, how often times when we are younger, we take them for granted as well as all of the priceless pearls of wisdom we receive from them. In tears, the other mom mentioned how she would do almost anything to have a few moments with her grandparents again and how she just would like to say “thank you.”
I think of my grandparents daily. Each one played an important role in shaping the women I am today. I learned about faith through their actions. I developed a love of literature and good music because of the time I spent with them. And as a crafter, I owe everything to my grandmother who taught me to crochet.
Which leads me to the point of this post…..I would love to hear from YOU. Who taught you to crochet? And, how do you thank them for this incredible gift? For me, I always try to spread love through hand-made gifts given in honor of my grandmother.
This weekend, I will have the pleasure of teaching crochet to those who are grieving the death of a loved-one who served in the US military. I will be volunteering with “Knitters and Crocheters Care” at the 2010 TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) Memorial Day event. The purpose is to help these heroic family members understand the healing power of crochet and knitting. My deepest prayer is that they find comfort in the rhythm of the stitches and that they witness our sincere gratitude for their tremendous sacrifice.
How To: No-Chain Foundation Stitches
For several weeks now, I have had the urge to master the no-chain foundation single crochet and double crochet stitches. I finally found some time to do just that and I decided to record a brief instructional video for those wishing to tackle this alternate approach to beginning your next crochet project. Enjoy!
Crochet Envy
Shamefully, I must admit that I have not touched any of my projects in-progress or started any new projects in nearly two weeks….yes, my crochet hook is very, very lonely these days. However, I must take a moment to blog about the most amazing, ruby-red crochet sweater I spotted last night while serving punch at a reception following the Confirmation service at my parish. I literally could not take my eyes off the creation. I desperately wanted to whip out my cell phone camera and grab a shot but I knew that would be taking it a bit too far. So, alas, I have no concrete evidence to share…but I did do some digging around on Raverly and I think that I can describe it to you.
The sweater was made up of pinwheel-like motifs….similar to this pattern by Kristen TenDyke.
But, with a ruffle collar….like this pattern by Coats and Clark.
Also of interest, I noticed that crochet is everywhere in retail stores these days. Last weekend, I was on the hunt for a simple bolero to wear over a sleeveless dress to my son’s first Communion, and every store I entered had lovely crochet fashions on display. I hate to think of the sweat shops producing these masterpieces and the poor women working for pennies a day…..but, I am happy to see the resurgence of appreciation for my favorite craft. Perhaps, others will be inspired to pick up a hook and learn to crochet themselves.
Out of Office….
I know that things have been very quiet….too quiet….on my blog this week. I was sick during the middle of the week and now, I am in the midst of prepping for my son’s 1st communion. We are having a huge reception after the Mass (with 50+ guests) so I am running around like a crazy woman trying to make sure that everything will perfect and taste great. Believe or not, I thought of making each guest a crochet rosary but quickly had to scrap that plan…..there is never enough time!
Shamefully, I have not made one stitch in nearly a week…..I will have a lot of catching up to do starting on Monday!
