Itty Bitty Crochet Hearts

I volunteered to help out both my son's Valentine’s Day parties on Friday Feb. 12th. I can't wait! For my oldest son’s party the kids are making Valentine's cards to bring to the local Nursing Home residents. Yesterday I'm waiting in the dentist office while my boys had their check-ups, scrap yarn handy, crochet hook ready... I made up a few Itty Bitty Hearts for Valentines Day. I’m thinking we can glue some of these little crochet hearts on the cards, or make little magnets. I’m sure there are a ton of other ideas to use these little cuties.

Itty Bitty Crochet Hearts
H-8 (5mm) crochet hook and worsted weight yarn used in this sample
but you could use any weight yarn and appropriate hook.

Ch 2

Row 1: In first chain, work 6 sc, sl st to form circle, ch 2 for turning ch. Pull yarn tail to tighten circle.

Row 2: work 2 dc into first st, sc next 2 sts, work [1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc] to next st, (forms bottom of heart) sc next 2 sts, work 2 dc into last st.

Fasten off and weave in end.

My gears are ticking thinking of ways to use these for Valentine's Day! Share your tips or ideas if you'd like!

I must make Teddy Bears!

I was overcome with an overwhelming need to crochet Teddy Bears, I get like this once in awhile. I keep thinking of the children in Haiti. I've crochet for the Mother Bear project before, but was thinking I could make up my own teddy bear pattern, and after a few tries, (as cute as they are) they are not nearly as good as the Mother Bear pattern, plus I was not sure where I could send my bears, and how could they get to the children in Haiti. So I've shifted focus to making as many Teddy Bears for the Mother Bear Project as I can. I know she'll get them to the children that need them, this organization is very well established and I'm so excited to get back involved.

Above: My attempts at a quick and easy Teddy Bear pattern......
.....but I'm going to stick with the Mother Bear Project pattern.

The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.

The simple gift of a hand-knit bear with a tag signed by the knitter has touched children with the message that they are unconditionally loved.

I made an afghan for myself, cream colored mohair blend,
in this picture above it is folded in half,
it's long and covers me from toes to chin!

I'm revisiting my Baby Cable Sock pattern,
this has been on my "to finish" list for over a year.

I also crocheted a purple scarf to wear to a Viking's game, made matching gauntlets too, all to match my Helga Hat. Trying to keep warm here in Minnesota, thanks for stopping by Knotty Generation. -Pam

Christmas Garland

Last Minute Christmas Garland and I've just begun!
(errrr.....today is 12/23/09)

I started with 2 rows of white zig-zag, then added green holly leaves with red berries, making up the pattern as I go. Attaching the leaves and berries makes the back side 'not so pretty', so I'm thinking of other options. In any case, this is an extremely satisfying project right now.

This will either go on the tree or drape on the fireplace mantle. I've also crocheted a few more Christmas angels with my left over white yarn and I'm thinking why didn't I start this sooner?!

Scarves for Christmas presents

Finished just in time!

Christmas Angel

10 minutes + left over white yarn = Christmas Angel

Crochet Cable Scarf

One of my many WIPs:
I’m using my cable scarf crochet pattern for this double sided cable scarf. The pattern calls for a yarn weight 4 , worsted weight, and a G-6 (4mm) hook, but I'm using a bulky yarn in the yarn weight 5 category with a N-15 (10mm) hook, it works up super quick with that combo.

Every year, since my boys were in pre-school I’ve made scarves for their teachers for Christmas gifts. Just my little way of saying thank you. Scarves are such a great gift, no size issues and everyone can always use an extra scarf or two.

This particular project has been my yarn therapy for the last week, trying to knot away the worries of the world. Thanks for stopping by, to my knit and crochet friends, may your yarn never tangle and your tension remain even. -Pam

Little Bag with Wooly Stripes

Wooly Stripes yarn purchased at Zandy's in Burnsville.

Wooly Stripes yarn info. from Yarndex.com

Simple little bag with a fun shape.

The colors are really beautiful.

.....and then I felted it, the shape turned out kinda wonky,
I think I need to block it.

All in all, I'm happy with the way it turned out,
it was a quick and satisfying project and you need those once in awhile!

Crochet Summer Tops

Hi crochet friends,

It has been such a long time since I've blogged I almost forgot how. I have been working full time, with very little time for crochet, but I manged to get a few summer tops finished. The first top, cream colored button up, was a WIP forever! Not like the old days when I was an "at home Mom" and I could do a garment in 5 days. I miss being home, but I like my job and the money (I know that sounds bad, but it helps so much to have that income.)

Sorry I don't many details on the summer tops below, the only one with a pattern is "Cher" and the other two I didn't have time to fully test, most likely will not publish, my designing days are far and few between now.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out Knotty Generation.
Happy crocheting! -Pam

Top Down Summer Cardi - debating if I should add sleeves, the cap sleeve reminds me of Judy Jetson, I'm convinced that sleeves will make this even better. I used a DK weight yarn and both J/10-6mm and H/8- 5mm crochet hooks.

Square Neck Tank - I used Vanna's Choice, Color#135 Rust. Crochet hook I/9-5.50 mm. Love rust with brown, this is totally finished, nothing to add or change, I love it just the way it is.


"Cher" - my design for Vickie Howell's book Pop Goes Crochet. I used Berroco Suede yarn in Color #3729 Zoro. Crochet hook J/10 - 6mm. The essential black vest.

Pop Goes Crochet - My design "Cher"

I'm so excited...yes I'm pointing to my design in the photo above.

I could not wait for my 'comp' copy of the book, the anticipation was killing me! I just went to my local Barnes & Nobles and they had 1 copy left...I snatched it up and paged through that book until finally hitting page 119 and was THRILLED beyond words...Vickie ended up calling my vest design "Cher", it is in the * Rockers * section. How cool is that? The description was perfect; biker tough and sexy.

I'm a long time fan of Cher, both her style and music, did you know she rides a Harley? (or use to) I use to watch the Sonny & Cher show, loved those Bob Mackie gowns, loved the fact that Cher had a sense of humor, and uber long hair; yes she's been a complete and undeniable inspiration to me for years. Though I don't dress as flamboyant as Cher, I do love her tough-but-beautiful style.

YOU MUST GET THIS BOOK! It is has a bit on pop culture, some vintage photos of celebs wearing crochet, my two favs are Bob Marley and Janis Joplin. A few of my designer friends have design too, like Robyn Chachula, Mary Jane Hall, and Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude) There are a bunch of other crochet designers like Cecily Keim, M.K. Carroll, Kelly Deal, and the Stitch Diva, all present fabulously creative work, and then there is the crafty grrrl, Vickie Howell who made it all happen.

WELL WORTH THE WAIT!

Pop Goes Crochet by Vickie Howell

Order the book at Amazon. Check Out Vickie's Blog - she has previews, e-cards, and her usual sassy wit and charm.

I'm so excited about this book, not only do I love the funky designs from Vickie Howell... but I have a crochet design in this book! I'm also really excited that some of my crochet designer friends are also in this book.

I designed a low cut, fitted waist, snug vest, it fits tight like a corset. I used black yarn, and if you wear this vest alone, it takes on the "biker chick" vibe and then it can take on a Renaissance feel if you pair it with a billowy white blouse. It seems pretty versatile, which I totally love because some days I feel like a biker chick and some days I feel like a librarian. Go figure.

I had to keep the secret for so long, the wait is almost over, once I get my copy of the book I'll post more! A big thanks to Vickie Howell for taking a chance at an unknown crochet designer from Minnesota!

Knit Out and Crochet 2009 - Day 1 Random Shots

Brett Bara from Crochet Today magazine and the Knit and Crochet Today TV show.

Samples on display at the Knit Out 2009.

My Mom Audrey and Steven, owner of the Yarn Garage.

Knitting with beads = beautiful!

Cis from 3 Kittens Needle Arts, at their booth at the Knit Out.

My mom Audrey and I at the Knit Out and Crochet 2009 event.

Mom is wearing a knit sweater she made for herself with wool from a Canadian yarn shop. Mom and I (along with Aunt Ruth) drove up to Canada back in 1979 to get the wool and the pattern, and the sweater is still in style in my opinion! I'm wearing my Knotty Cable Cardi crocheted in Lion Brand Homespun. We had a great day together, the event was great!

Knit Out and Crochet 2009 - Day 1 Fashion Show

I just got back from the Knit Out and Crochet Event 2009 where my Mom and I spent the day at the mall, went to every booth, saw a bunch of friends, made a bunch of new friends, and had an all around excellent time. Below are......

Fashion Show highlights from the Knit Out 2009 at
the Mall of America in Minnesota.

Shell Stitch Scarf Pattern

Shell Stitch Scarf Pattern (revisited!)

I had created a Fan Stitch Scarf pattern a few years ago that needed some re-fining, this pattern is super easy, in the pictures below the pattern you'll see I created 3 scarves using this pattern but not the same yarn weight and hook, check it out.

I love the shell stitch, I love soft yarn too, combine the two and I'm ready for winter. Below I have the details.

The cream colored scarf is worked with Mirasol Sulka yarn and an K-10 1/2 (6.5 mm) crochet hook.

The scarf in the middle I created using Twinkle Handknits Kid Mohair in Carnation (16) with a E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook.

The red scarf is created using Lion Brand Suede in Scarlet using a K-10 1/2 (6.5 mm) crochet hook.

I combined the cream colored shell scarf and a beret I made a while back, there was light snow today in Minnesota, I think I'll get some use out of this real soon!

Thank for stopping by Knotty Generation!

Strapped for Bags, Vol. 1

I am so proud to announce that another e-booklet with fabulous crochet patterns from some of the best crochet minds, is available now. Straight From Today's Designers has completed another pattern booklet, this one is all about hand bags (this is volume 1, look for volume 2 and 3 in the future!)

BUY THE E-BOOK NOW!

• Carrie A. Sullivan - Casual Mosaic Shoulder Bag
• Christy McMahon - Felted Fringe Purse
• Gwen Blakley-Kinsler - DIY Art Crochet Purse
• Margaret Hubert – Bow Tie Bag
• Myra Wood – Eco/Shopping StashBag
• Noreen Crone-Findlay - Filet Crochet Dancing Lady Market Bag
• Pam Gillette – Suede Bag

Strapped for cash? Need a new handbag? We have the solution for you. 7 fun and stylish crocheted handbag patterns straight from today’s designers into your inbox for $10.00!

• 16 pages with color pictures, schematics, charts, and tutorials
• 3.5MB file size
• Opens in Adobe Acrobat 7.0 or later

I worked with crafting suede, a leather hole punch, and created an interesting combination where you can use your crafting skills along with your crochet skills. Below is a picture of my hand bag for this e-booklet, The Suede Bag. I've played with crafting suede and crocheting around it for a few years now, then I'd put it aside, work on another one of the many WIPs. Then suddenly find it again, and think ..."wow, I've got to do something with this!" So finally, a place where this technique can be utilized! Check out the bags, the crochet designers, and check back for the next 2 volumes of the Strapped for Bags series from Straight From Today's Designers.

Falling off the face of the earth

Oh gosh, no I didn't actually but in some way, kinda.

This summer I've focused on the family, especially my kids. My crochet design career has taken a backseat, with no regrets. I've spent every single day with my kids, we've had breakfast, lunch and most dinners outside, we swam in our pool everyday until we were water logged. We played with every friend in the neighborhood, twice. We went camping, we flew in an airplane and went to the ocean. We took long bike rides, we played in the fort, we painted cool pictures with watercolors, we practiced addition, subtraction, worked on division and learned more about our solar system.

I will update you a bit about what I've been up to with yarn (and wood!) I crocheted several purses and little cosmetic bags, I crocheted a shrug, a tank top, I did towel toppers, (yep the old fashion kind!) I crocheted a little teddy bear, a few washcloths, a few scarves, several baby booties, and a couple baby cardigans. Not one item was for a magazine, book, or for sale, I totally crocheted the last 2 months for gifts and for myself. EXCEPT 1 purse, that is for an upcoming e-booklet from Straight From Today's Designers. (I'll post more info on that when the time comes.)

OK, back in June, I was "tagged" by Vashti , sorry it has taken me so long, please forgive me! Here is my quicky version:
- 10 years ago: I was working in the software industry as a software quality analyst, I was getting married, crocheting as a hobby.
- On my non-work to do list: Read more, try yoga, contact old friends.
- Snacks I enjoy: Chocolate, cheese & crackers, olives, and wine.
- If I were a billionaire: This could be too long to list, but basically I'd go shopping.
- Places I've lived: Southern Minnesota, Southern California, Central Minnesota.
- Jobs I've had: Museum tour guide in my home town, skating rink supervisor, film projectionist at a movie theater, maid at a motel, bartender, music store clerk, waitress at a fancy nightclub, register's office in college, software quality analyst, crochet designer and crochet teacher.

Wow, trip down memory lane, that was fun, thanks Vashti! Now on to some highlights of what I've done this summer.

I have a friend who just had twin girls, I crocheted these matching little cardigans. I'm working on this pattern, it is all written, I'm testing it, tweaking the shell stitch increase and so hoping to get this out this summer, but somehow summer vacations, kids playdates, and life in general has gotten in the way! Someday....

I recently added to my stash! I LOVE these colors, I'm thinking of working on the long overdue pattern for my circular stash bustin coat. Long list of to dos and wanna do....

I made myself a crochet hook! This is by no means a new hobby, I just had to do it once.

***this photo added Aug. 14*** This is my new crocheted towel topper, a few of us in my crochet class wanted to make these and they all turned out great!

Life is flying by, my kids are growing up so fast, my oldest is going into 2nd grade, my youngest is going to start kindergarten, I'm looking to go back to work in the software industry and will only do crochet design when I can, so big changes for me.

I'll try not to be such a stranger here. As always, thanks for stopping by Knotty Generation. -Pam

Straight from Today's Designers

I'm thrilled to be involved in this, below the press release says it all.

NEW DESIGNER PUBLISHING GROUP ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE FIRST RELEASE:
CROCHET BELTS FROM THE HIP: Raw, Uncensored Designs Straight From Today’s Designer

STRAIGHT FROM TODAY’S DESIGNERS (SFTD), a designer-based self-publishing group, announces a new venture that heralds the future of crochet patterns: designers going direct to their public. With its first release entitled “Crochet Belts from the Hip: Raw, Uncensored Designs Straight From Today’s Designers,SFTD offers eighteen original belts from top designers–a veritable treasure trove of wearable art and innovative stitching. The thirty-four-page booklet is available for instant download from www.SFTDonline.com.

The list of participants includes some of the best-loved names in contemporary crochet, as well as talented up-and-coming designers. In alphabetical order, along with their projects, they are:

Amie O'Neil Houck-Chain Ripple Belt
Angela Best - Beaded Lacy Sash
Gwen Blakely Kinsler - Yummy Licorice Belt
Vashti Braha - Barbed Wire Belt
Robyn Chachula - Bubble Sash
Doris Chan - Hip Hemp Belt
Noreen Crone-Findlay - Autumn Leaves Belt
Pam Gillette - Waist Cincher Belt
Lisa Gentry - Beaded Hip Cable Belt
Kim Guzman - a-Maizing Ribbed Belt
Mary Jane Hall - Feminine Lace Belt
Tammy Hildebrand - Easy Beaded Belt
Margaret Hubert - Freeform Belt
Christy McMahon - Lilac Waves Belt
Marty Miller - Spiderweb Sash
Dianne Moyer - Circle on Circle Belt
Dora Ohrenstein - Popcorn Medallion Belt
Carrie A. Sullivan - Pretty Tunisian Knit Stitch Belt
Mary Beth Temple - The Felt Belt

Belts were the project of choice for this launch, as they are a must-have accessory, quick projects with no complex shaping, and ideal for experimenting with new yarns and techniques. The beautiful designs in Crochet Belts from the Hip use a variety of techniques, including freeform crochet, felting, lace, beading, cables, Tunisian crochet, surface embellishment, motifs, and much more. Yarn choices range from perennial favorites to the adventurous, such as hemp, jelly yarn, ribbon and wire.

Each designer writes “straight from the hip,” creating instructions in her own voice, free of editorial agendas, imposed formats or word count restrictions. The personality of each designer shines through in these pages, providing a unique opportunity for crocheters to get to know their favorite designers better.

SFTD is a new model representing the wave of the future in crochet publishing: designers making their own assessment of what crocheters will enjoy making and wearing, eliminating middlemen, and cutting costs by distributing patterns via the web. This new business model also allows designers to realize sales income directly, a promising alternative to the depressed design fees paid within the industry. The savvy designers behind SFTD have combined their considerable expertise in technology, graphic design, marketing, and packaging to bring the project to fruition. Layout and graphic design of the booklet is by crochet designer Amie Hirtes.

Purchasers can buy Crochet Belts from Hip by credit card at www.SFTDonline.com for the price of $15.

Embellished Bracelet Purses

I wanted to show you how easy it is to take a basic pattern and make it uniquely yours.

Pattern: My Hot Pink Bracelet Purse pattern (free here on Knotty Generation)
Yarn: scraps!
Hook: H-8 (5mm)
Embellishments: Pink Purse has black suede I-cording, the Cream Purse has cowrie shells sewn on, the Black Purse has a purple silk ribbon woven in.
This bottom one was a favorite to create, I added this flower with surface crochet, it pops out off the crochet fabric, has a 3-d look, with great texture.

Thanks for stopping by!

Baby Cardigans

My Mom has saved buttons for years, so when I need buttons I don't go to the fabric store, I call Mom! I had unlimited access to my mother's button collection, mind you this was only her white button collection, I have had access to the black button collection and the colored button collection, they are all very impressive!

I ended up picking some solid white buttons for the pink cardigan and creamy buttons for the cream color cardigan, but I'm hesitant to put buttons on baby items, I'm thinking of doing a little tie front or make bobble buttons instead.



This pattern was so fun to design, I'm still testing the pattern, working out which neck line I like better and sizing it. Crocheting baby items are so satisfying because you can completed them quickly. I liked this cute cardigan style so much I'm making an adult size of this, I'll fill you in on that later!

Thanks for stopping by Knotty Generation.