Archive for July, 2011
Fresh Designs Crochet: My Silence Is Broken
I’ve been given permission to spill the beans and let everyone in on a little secret – I will be featured in the latest book series from Cooperative Press, Fresh Designs Crochet. My designs will be included in both the Fresh Designs Crochet: Shawls and Fresh Designs Crochet: Designs for Men books. It has been a crazy wonderful rollercoaster ride, from the submission process to playing with the yarn, and I am enjoying every single minute of it!
Here’s a bit of a sneak peak…..I am working with the most divine yarn ever – Poet Seat by Kangaroo Dyer – for my shawl design. It’s an incredibly yummy, hand-dyed blend of superwash merino (50%) and silk (50%). Believe me, it is PURE joy crocheting with Gail Callahan’s (aka the Kangaroo Dyer) fiber creations. The color blends are amazing – I am using her Spring Bonnet colorway. And, the yarn produces a beautiful drape while maintaining a lovely stitch definition. Thank you so much Gail!
Last weekend, I had a ball playing with my swatches…..I feel like a big girl now as I finally graduated to a real steamer! Boy, does it make a difference. I became convinced after reading Couture Crochet Workshop
Lily also introduced me to the art of draping. So, I gave that a try too this past weekend. I used some basic sweater knit fabric from the remnants bin….It was not easy at first and I had to go through a lot of trial and error. But finally, I got my dress form Bessie looking just the way I wanted her to and now I have a great template to guide my shaping. Speaking of which, this design features Tunisian crochet and really serves as a lesson in shaping while using this technique. I can’t wait to share it with the world…..but, we’ll just have to wait until Spring 2012 when the book will be released.
Happy Stitching!
A Few Stolen Moments…For Crochet
Friday, I found a few quiet moments to delve into my latest crochet lace endeavor – the Elise Shawl. It has been awhile since I have had a a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life with three kids and also from my crochet designs; but, it was so refreshing to step away for a few hours and I am enjoying this beautiful, brainless shawl pattern. I especially love the triangular shaping; and, the soft, cuddly feel of the alpaca yarn is a dream.
A close-up of the bottom of the triangle…..
A close-up of the stitch pattern……
