Archive for January, 2012
Playing With Sticks
Normally, I would classify myself as a crocheter; but, last night I took a bit of a detour with some knitting. It all started rather innocently – no worries, I will not stop fighting for crochet equality within the fiber arts industry. I have been teaching crochet classes through the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) program at my local Michaels Arts & Crafts store. A few months ago, the manager asked me if I could teach the knitting classes too. Before I knew what wave of insanity had taken over my body, I heard my mouth say “sure.” I realized at that moment I would need to seriously bone-up on my skills with the sticks. I have not knitted in at least 10 years – and, I was never really “into” it. I have always preferred the versatility of my precious hook. Well, anyway, I gotta say – it was like riding a bike. I picked up the sticks again for the first time in a decade and I quickly found my knitting rhythm after only a few moments of wobbliness. I rather enjoyed myself too. 
I originally learned to knit via the English method, but I realized last night that the Continental method feels so much more natural to me. Here’s my go at a simple scarf in stockinette stitch. I guess the bottom line is – I love playing with yarn. The tools don’t really matter to me at all.
Happy Stitching Ya’ll – Be it with the hook or the needles!
Crocheting OUT the Closet
At several moments throughout this week I stopped to ponder about the fact that I have been “in the closet” for most of life with regards to my passion for all things crochet. Most of the folks who knew me, up until recently, had absolutely no idea that I ran home every night to play with yarn. I had always dreamed of designing and teaching and immersing myself in the crochet world; however, it was not until I got involved with CGOA and Ravelry that I decided to step out the closet and truly embrace my hook. Thank you fellow yarn divas – it feels so great to be “out-ed.” I am crocheting like a mad woman and enjoying every single minute of it. I finally have the courage to put my designs out there and to share my crochet obsession with the world. I am no longer ashamed of keeping a hook and yarn in my purse. There’s nothing like a few stolen moments of crochet time. Best of all, I can officially call myself a crochet teacher and designer. Goodness, this has been a blast!
I just finished my latest project for the Fresh Designs Crochet series by Cooperative Press. It is such a cathartic feeling; it’s like giving birth – there’s a gestation period, there’s the labor and then finally the joy of holding the completed bundle in your hands. Now, I have turned back to an exciting little project that I started a while back – my Glamour Bolero. It’s an adaptation of a Japanese pattern, the Net Stitch Bolero by Pierrot Yarns, and made in Vanna’s Glamour yarn by Lion Brand, which provides the perfect amount of bling.
Crocheting from the chart has been a nice change of pace. There is a bit of math involved as I customize the fit for myself, but even that has been fun too. In fact, I hated to put my hook down and stop to block the first phase of the project; but, hopefully by tomorrow I’ll be able to start on the gorgeous lace border. I hope this one is ready for my 15th-year wedding anniversary next month. I’d love to wear it out to dinner with my beau! 
