Sunday, December 31, 2006

2006 - A Year in Review

A cold Minnesota January started the year, we had a nice covering of snow, the boys and I would slide down the nearby snow packed hill, and a small 'snow bump' supplied us with the perfect place to show off our daredevil stunts. Hot coco and marshmallows are a staple in my pantry. This is when crocheting for warmth is so logical: hats, scarves, socks, slippers, mittens, sweaters, wraps, and Hot Java Mits (for my Starbucks) were completed this year, among other projects and a few WIPs (Note to Mom, those are works in progress!)

I have always been intrigued with Celtic knot work, this year started off with a few of my favorite creations, some granny squares with a twist.

Celtic Knot Granny Square

Celtic Cross Granny Square

In February of 2006, I was featured as the Minnesota Blog of the Day on City Pages website, my first piece of “press”, that was pretty cool. In March 2006 I found out one of my crochet designs was accepted by Vickie Howell to be in her upcoming crochet book, Catwalk Crochet. So cool, Vickie is cutting edge, inovative and I'm proud to be (a very tiny) part of her upcoming book.

In 2006, I’ve started to expand my collection of custom carved wood crochet hooks.
My first Jimbo hook

My Brainsbarn hooks

In March of 2006, I offered my Rasta Tam Crochet Pattern and it has been by far the biggest hit generator from Crochet Pattern Central, thanks to Rachel, the site owner.

The Rasta Tam

The Hot Pink Bracelet Purse

The Hot Pink Bracelet Purse is also a big hit, I made more of these than any single crochet item, ever. I have to admit, not all were done in hot pink, I made several little black ones and accented with beads and ribbons.

By far, the highlight of 2006 was flying to Burbank, California in August 2006, meeting up with Amie of NexStitch and The Crochet Dude and shooting 3 episodes of the DIY show Uncommon Threads. This was a dream come true for a begining designer. Allison Whitlock was so kind and made us feel like old friends. The shows will air in 2007.


Amie, me, and Drew
at the Stage Door at Screen Door Entertainment Studios in
Burbank, California


I get the most satisfaction when I crochet for charity. I was really pleased with this year's project for Warm Up America. I went to the VA Hospital in Minneapolis and donated 10 afghans in December, all made with tender loving hands by my WUA group (we meet at the Apple Valley, Minnesota JoAnn's store) Judy, Louise, Bea, Sue G., Sally, Alice, Carolyn, Sue T., and Cuong have all shown devoted and skilled work. I'm very proud to be a part of this group.

My Warm Up America Project for 2006

In 2006 I have been fortunate enough to meet a great group of crochet folks, who share the love of crochet and yarn, and being friends on-line. I have met friends from New York City to California, to Argentina, Japan, Norway, Philippines, and Russia! The fellowship and instant bond of crocheters is passionate, sometimes fanatical and obsessive, but always a healthy form of creativity. We can relate to each other in a way that others cannot. To all who've shared a moment with me, on-line, off-line, in groups, in passing, and any other means, I wish you all peace and happiness in the New Year.

I'd like to leave this final post of 2006 with pictures of my ROAKs. This was a new word for me this year, and Random Acts of Kindness became a worldwide gesture.

From Mimi from the Philippines

From Vik from Bouines Aries, Argentina

From Michelle from Greenville, NC


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said! Lovely work! You've had a very good year. Glad I was able to read all about it.

Anonymous said...

Pam, It was a very good year for you! Glad to have met you this year, you are an inspiration for me, thanks for all your crochet help. Mary

LadyLinoleum said...

I have enjoyed getting to know you and work this year Pam. You are always an inspiration. Wishing you much love, creativity and prosperity in the coming year!

LG said...

Happy New Year to you too, Pam! Best wishes!

Pyo said...

Happy new year Pam!

KnitPastis said...

You had such a great year and I look forward to seeing your new projects and ventures this year!
Happy New Year!!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Pam! I've enjoyed reading your blog and sharing in your crochet world.

Linda Lewis

Ellen Bloom said...

Happy New Year Pam! Aren't the innernets great? I, too have met crocheters from all over the world and find it fascinating. Can't wait to see your new book!

Ellen Bloom
Los Angeles

Ellen Bloom said...

One more question, Pam. How on earth did you make that basket-weave granny square?...the lilac and purple one? LOVE IT!!!!

Ellen B.
ellblo at AOL dot com

Pam said...

I just emailed Ellen B. that this granny square is an original design and I'm hoping to have it in my book...that has yet to find a publisher...Yep, still working on it. Thanks for the new year wishes everyone, looking forward to more yarn adventures in the new year! -Pam

Tami said...

Glad someone had a good 2006 - and here's to continued succes in 2007! I love that Celtic knot square. (I too have a thing for the celtic knots...) Good luck finding a publisher! (And it sounds like you've been doing some serious networking, so you should find a publisher soon, right?)

MicheleStitches said...

May 2007 be even BETTER than 2006, which may be hard to top for you!

Thanks for all the inspiration your blog provides.

Mimi said...

Happy New Year Pam! Good luck for 2007 and on your new book!
(Hope this gets through...We have very slow internet connection here, and I was able to post on my blog by doing it early mornings!)