Knit Out and Crochet 2008 - Day 2 Blog Post

OK, I'm beaming ear to ear, here I am, face to face, shoulder to shoulder with THE Kim Werker. I love her, she is funny, cute, smart and cleaver. She hosted a kids fashion show, which she handled eloquently even when the kids stood at the end of the stage and wouldn't budge. Kim is the editor of Interweave Crochet magazine, founder of Crochet Me, and has a book out. WOW!

Kim Werker and Her Entourage - and one of them is Dawn, who I don't know but kinda know on-line and from Ravelry. Dawn is next to Kim. Dawn blogs at Crochet Compulsive.

Cari Clement of Caron is an amazing woman and I'm thrilled I had a chance to met her today. Cari regularly travels to Rwanda, the most densely populated country in Africa, to teach women to use donated knitting machines. Income from knitted goods helps them support their families. I told her I was a beginning designer, she gave me some design advice, her business card and I floated away from her booth, in awe of Cari Clement. If you ever have a chance to see her designs, she is amazing. Several of her designs were featured in today's fashion show. Her work with Rwanda Knits proves there are angels among us.

The Lion Brand booth was very popular, they had displays of all their yarn, they've expanded their line and discontinued some of the least popular yarns. I was impressed with their wide range of yarns; in yarn weight, texture, and color palette.

Here is Debra and I, we just met in-person but knew each other on-line. Debra has a design coming out in the spring issue of Interweave Crochet magazine and I can't wait to see it!!! Look for her and her designs, she's a doll! (and her husband's a "keeper"!)

Here is Bea and Sue from my Warm Up America Group. I didn't have a chance to visit too much, the line was long and I was going the opposite way. Our Warm Up America group meets the first Wed. of the month from 10am to 12noon at the Joanne's in Apple Valley.

Here is Shelly from the Minnesota Knitters Guild. I met Shelly last year on the 3K Cruise, she is really fun!
Here is Kmkat and Christy, I met Christy a few years back at a Stitch and Bitch meeting, and I just met Kmkat.

Well, I took 80 pictures today, I have a truck load to edit from the fashion show. I'm going to post those later, so stay tuned for the last post of this awesome event!

Knit Out and Crochet 2008 - Day 1 Blog Post

This is the huge banner in the rotunda at the Mall of America, the Knit Out and Crochet 2008 was in full swing at 10:30am when I arrived.

I wore my Stash Buster Coat. I received so many compliments, it felt great. Even Candi Jensen taped me on the shoulder and said she liked it, I introduced myself as a beginning designer, then she handed me her business card and said "email me". I'm thrilled beyond words!

Steven from the Yarn Garage and Cis from 3 Kittens. LOVE THEM BOTH!!!!

Vickie Howell adds flair and style to this event, she hosted an author's forum, and has a demo on Sunday. She is adorable. I didn't talk with her, but she graciously posed for a picture.

Brett Bara is the editor of Crochet Today magazine and also hosts podcasts, plus a TV show! I didn't talk with her either, but she posed for a picture.

I love Annie Modesitt. She co-authored a book with Drew Emborsky, The Crochet Dude, and I was on TV with Drew, a while back, so I'm within the 7 Degrees of Separation from Annie, plus we both live in the Twin Cities. Anyhow, I was in the back row of one of Annie's demos and hanging in the back I met her gracious husband Gerry and adorable kids. Hannah is beautiful, likes to read, and knits a bit.

This group of ladies waiting in line where so fun, they were here to cheer on a friend who was entered in the fastest knitting contest. I don't know any of these ladies, but they were a fun group.

Here is a picture of me and Margaret Hubert. I was so glad to have a moment with Margaret, she was on her way out of the event but was so sweet to stop and chat for a bit and pose for a picture. Margaret has a series of books out with Creative Publishing International, it is the Hooked series; Hooked Bags, Hooked Hats, and Hooked Scarves. Her latest is Plus Size Crochet, Fashions that Fit & Flatter. Margaret is also noted for her fantastic freeform work.

Here is a picture of Lisa Gentry and me. Lisa won the fastest Crochet contest, she is holding the Guinness Book of World Records title, and man she's FAST! Lisa has several super cool design for Moda Dea. Lisa has also developed a new thing called Chain Knitting, she is doing a demo of it tomorrow (Sunday Feb. 17th) at 3:30pm, sound cool!

Well, I missed the Fashion Show because I volunteered to teach crochet, and I missed the Show and Share part where anyone can get up and show off their stuff, and that was one of the main reasons why I wore my Stash Buster Coat, oh well. Tomorrow I'm going to try to see Kim Werker, see the Fashion Show, and I teach crochet for 2 hours. Another full day at the MOA, stay tuned for more!

Stove Pipe Hat

Stove Pipe Hat

Here is the latest hat from Knotty Generation. Historically the Stove Pipe Hat was tall with a flat top and a broad brim. My version of the Stove Pipe Hat is extra long for a little slouchy back which also provides the versatility of making a brim, for a more structured look.

The black yarn does not photograph well but looks cool. (at least I think so!) The pattern is "in testing" and should be available soon, for free, right here. Back to the editing room, cheers!

Classic Beret and Cable Scarf Pattern

$3.00

Crochet Celtic Cables

I'm bound and determine to figure out Celtic crochet cables that look good and are true to the Celtic look. I've worked on this on and off for a few years and I'm never totally pleased with my work. Here is my latest panel, I'm not totally happy with it BUT I'm not sure what it is that bugs me. I notice some mistakes (which can be fixed) but the overall look isn't what I've envisioned. Hummmm.....

Have you crocheted Celtic cables? Anyone out there with some tips or ideas?

Colinette's Mohair in Neptune

Colinette's Mohair - Neptune

Yarn Statistics

Fiber Content: 78% mohair, 13% wool, 9% nylon
Yarn Weight: Worsted
Yarndage/MSRP: 175 meters per hank @ $24.00
Care: Hand wash/dry flat
Years in My Stash Box: 3
Personal Notes: kinda scratchy, terrible to rip, beautiful colorway.

Project Info.
I'm crocheting a scarf, approx. 14" in width and I'll go to about 60" in length. I'm using a N (9mm) crochet hook and the standard shell stitch. To see this project the best, I held it up with the light in the back ground to show off the stitch. The super big hook makes for a fast project and works up quick. There is no bulkiness to this project, it is very lightweight. I love all of Colinette's yarn, I'm turning into a yarn snob. Next project I'm looking at Noro's Silk Garden.

On a Personal Note: Thanks for the calls, notes and words of encouragement after my surgery, I'm recovery super fast, feeling great! Life takes crazy turns and it is amazing how resilient you (and your family) can be. A big shout-out to my husband Scott, who is amazing, stepped-in to do A LOT of work around the house while I stayed in my PJs for 4 days. Also to my Mom & my sister Sue who helped with the kids. Also my sweet neighbors, Vicki, Dana, Tia, Sarah, and LeAnn who sent over yummy pre-made meals! I know! How sweet is that?! I'm pretty lucky. Also the owners of the yarn shop where I teach; Cis at 3 Kittens offered her personal home delivery service if I needed any yarn! I know! I know! THAT is why I love that shop, they go above and beyond.!

Also thank YOU, for those that stop by to "check in" on my crochet world, and those who leave comments, for those that don't, and for those who've purchased my patterns, those I've met in person at events, for those I know only 'on-line', for those friends 'across the pond' and for those long lost friends I've recently found!

Cheers!

Baby Beret and Mary Jane Booties

$2.99

My Grey A-Line Jacket

A heavily modified version of my "Fuchsia and Blues Jacket" that was in the winter 08 issue of Interweave Crochet, I'll call it My Grey A-Line Jacket.

I faced a dilemma, I wanted to make this really bad, but I couldn’t spend a lot of money on the yarn, I used my pattern in the winter issue of Interweave Crochet, page 26, "Fuchsia and Blues Jacket", BUT I substituted yarn and hook (to keep the gauge) AND I wanted something to button up front, so I made an addition to the front. Here are the details.

- Pattern Size: XL (44”-46”)
- Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky in Grey Heather
- Hook: I-9 (5.5mm)
- Only regret: I got lazy and didn’t measure often, I’m off a bit on the collar.

Setting in the sleeves

I used scrap yarn as stitch markers to mark every decrease row, you can barely see it here, (it is black yarn) this helped me keep count of the decrease rows, which is vital in making the a-line shape. Gotta hug those curves!

Thanks for stopping by!

Crochet Sampler Bag

Front of Crochet Sampler Bag

Back of Crochet Sampler Bag

In an effort to support exploring new stitches, I’ve created a ‘crochet sampler bag” using some of my favorite stitches. This is in conjunction with a crochet class to be offered at 3 Kittens Needle Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota.

For the class, we will learn all these stitches, plus have a cool project bag in the end!

I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca in color #6201. This yarn is 50% wool, 50% alpaca and has 215 yards per skein. I’m going to line the bag with plastic canvas for support. I have black leather straps for the handle. I LOVE the big cable up the middle, to me, this tied the bag together. I'll post a picture when I'm done.

Have you tired any new stitches lately? Are you making any resolutions to expand your crochet skill level? I suggest trying a few textured stitches, like the Griddle Stitch or Seed Stitch.

You'll never go back to a straight HDC item after seeing the beauty and ease of a good texture stitch!

Warm Up America Project 2007

Warm Up America Project 2007
I did several afghans for WUA in 2007 but didn't take any pictures. This kaleidescope of colors joined in black, is the last afghan I made in 2007 for WUA. This one goes to the VA hospital in Minneapolis next week.

Well I'm playing "catch up" after the holidays. I love looking back at the year's end, making meaningful resolutions and looking forward to the new year ahead. Have you made any crochet related New Year's resolutions? Acquire more yarn, (or less yarn!) perhaps finish a specific UFO? Try out new crochet techniques? Let me know, I'd love to hear about it!

****addition to post on 01/16/08*****
I did take a picture of all the afghans, forgot I had it! This stack of 13 afghans goes to the VA hospital in Minneapolis.

Guild Meeting and Gifts

Our 2nd CGOA Twin Cities Chapter meeting was held on Dec. 15th at 3 Kittens Needle Arts in St. Paul. We had a lot of fun, Carla kept us laughing as we worked on WIPs. I'm also posting some recently completed projects that are gifts, and I'm pretty sure the receivers do not read my blog, so I'm safe with posting pictures.

Dec. 07 CGOA Twin Cities Chapter - from left to right: Carmelle, me, Patti, Gail, and Carla.

Triangle Shawl - Christmas gift for Sister-In-Law

Seagrass Handbag - Christmas gift for Mother-In-Law

Newborn Beret and Mary Jane Booties- gift for friend expecting baby girl in Jan. 08

Thanks for stopping by!

Ribbed Collar Cardi

I realize this looks like a lot of the designs out there, but I just had to do this one. It was on my mind and in my sketch book for over a year, was re-designed and then brought back to it's original form last month. I posted earlier a "sleeve sneak peak" and my comment was not to mess with the original idea. The only difference was I sketched it in black.

This yarn color is periwinkle and I love it because I have nothing like it! I paired this with white, black and navy and it looks great with all colors (underneath) and it goes great with jeans.

Ribbed Collar Cardi details
- Pattern Sizes: S, M, L, 1X, 2X
- Yarn: Ella Rae Amity
- Hook: H/8 (5mm)
- Features: Ribbed Collar, 1 button closure, set-in bell sleeves
- Pattern availability: Early 2008
- My enjoyment level in making design: 100% delighted

Thanks for stopping by the Knotty Generation!

Fuchsia & Blues Jacket

I'm thrilled to announce my design "Fuchsia and Blues Jacket" will be in
Interweave Crochet Magazine Winter 2007.

Seems like ages since I worked on this design! This is a very simple design, easy to crochet and works up quick. The yarn used in this sample bursts of color, a lot of color. It surely captures your attention!

There are several yarn choices with Colinette Prism, I LOVE Neptune and Fire.

Hat and Scarf Sets

Classic Cloche and Shell Scarf

Classic Beret and Cable Scarf

When it gets cold outside, why not look fabulous with a classic! Classes and patterns for each hat/scarf set will be offered through 3 Kittens this winter.

Sleeve Sneak Peak

Sometimes its best not to mess with the original idea.

I created this cardigan design over a year ago, I made one, but I ripped it, re-designed it for something new and exciting, but ended up ripping it again and came back to my original design. I love the sleeves, here is a sneak peak.

Helga Hat Crochet Pattern

A funky, cool, new and knotty crochet pattern by Pam Gillette.
$3.00

Double Sided Cable Scarf

My newest pattern is a modified version of my old cable scarf, which has one sided cables. My new double sided cable scarf looks so much better! I've paired this scarf with a classic beret pattern and hopefully will be offering it through 3 Kittens Needle Arts very soon. (with a class too!)

Guess What Pattern I'm Testing?

Guess what pattern I'm testing? Christmas is coming. I have several slipper-loving family members. I also like to donate to my Mom's church fall craft bizarre. This picture doesn't include the 3 I made for myself. I should post a picture of the hand brace that I'm wearing. I think I'm going to crochet a wrist cover for my hand brace.

Red Scarf Project

When I saw Sandi Wiseheart’s Connections: A Red Scarf knit pattern on “Knitting Daily” I knew I had to create a crochet version of it.

If copying someone is a form of flattery, please note that I (heart) Sandi Wiseheart, her writing is witty and wise, hence her sur name? I love cables and when I see knitted cables I love the challenge of creating a crochet version. When I see a painting, pottery, architecture, or fabric with a cable pattern I like, I’ll study the image and interrupted it into crochet.

I’m just playing around and working on my crochet cable technique. I’m using this fuzzy worsted weight yarn and a H/8 (5mm) hook and I’d rather be using DK weight yarn and an E/4 or F/5 hook, BUT this was the only red yarn in my stash.

I found links to The Red Scarf Project and read about this great program. One of my fav designers, Lily Chin, is involved in it, apparently Oprah is too. Sounds like they had an overwhelming response, scarves are easy to make and the cause seemed to touch people’s hearts. Totally Warm Fuzzies!

Sandi's knitted Connections: A Red Scarf

My crochet version - the 2nd try. I doubt anything will materialize in pattern form,
again I'm just honing the design skills, one cable at a time.

Make Your Own Shawl Pin