It has been a lifetime since I've posted

It has been a lifetime since I've posted on this blog, and I've missed it.  

I've missed the connection to many who love to do what I do.... crochet.  I've battled Stage III Breast Cancer and won the battle.  I put many things "on hold"  to focus on winning the battle of a lifetime, and at one point couldn't crochet.  I stopped blogging.  I stopped attending group meet-ups.  I stopped going out in public.  But the need to create, as much a creative outlet as therapy, has continued on and here I am, hoping to continue my love for crochet in this public form, my blog.  My designing days are but a dream and my focus will be my continued passion to shower the people I love with crochet gifts.  And perhaps make some things for myself. 

This baby dress is for a co-worker who is expecting.

I purchased this lovely yarn from a yarn shop I found in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Twisted Loop located in the Prior Lake Library Building
16210 Eagle Creek Avenue
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(952) 240-8550

LOVE this quaint shop and the vibrant owner  Jenni Krosnowski was so welcoming. 

I promise to show a picture when the baby dress is done and perhaps some of the other WIPs I have going on.  Thanks for stopping by the Knotty Generation! 

Knit & Crochet Designers with a Hearts of Gold

I’m overwhelmed with the power of kindness, the thought that each of these fabulous knit and crochet designers put such care and meaning behind each stitch, each square, has lifted my spirits and warmed my heart.

I am amazed and inspired by each twisting cable these beautiful hands created. Each square is intricate, unique; an astonishing example of the skilled work of talented knit and crochet designers, that I am so incredibly lucky to be acquainted with.

My battle with cancer has brought folks to me in such caring ways, I’m humbled by it all.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you dear sweet designers with hearts of gold.

Amie Bentley http://www.nexstitch.com/

Annie Modesitt http://modeknit.com/

Amy O’Neil Houckwww.thehookandi.com

Annette Petavy www.annettepetavy.com

Tammy Hildebrand  www.naturallycaron.com/designer_studio/tammy_hildebrand.html

Marty Millerwww.thecrochetdoctor.blogspot.com

Vashti Braha www.designingvashti.com

Kristin Omdahl www.styledbykristin.com

Robyn Chachula  http://www.crochetbyfaye.com

Bendy Carter www.publishedauthors.net/bendy

Dee Stanziano www.crochetingwithdee.com

Karen Whooley http://krwknitwear.com/

Lisa Gentrywww.lisagentry.com

Tracie Barrett http://www.fibersbytracie.com/

Gwen Blakley Kinsler  www.crochetqueen.com

Margaret Hubert  www.margaretshooksandneedles.blogspot.com

Ellen Gormleyhttp://www.GoCrochet.com

Kim Kotary www.naturallycaron.com/projects/edinborough/edinborough_1.html

Doris Chan http://doriseverydaycrochet.blogspot.com/

Diane Moyer  www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss39_mitered_sweater.html

Mary Beth Temple www.marybethtemple.com

Angela Best http://lavonneknotjustknits.com

Jill Hanratty www.thisiscrochet.com/blog/2010/11/15/new-book-plus-size

http://www.myshelf.com/howto/10/crochetcoats.htm

Drew Emborsky http://blog.thecrochetdude.com/

Mary Jane Hall http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.com/

Hats from Ravelry Friends - Halloween Edition

Anne Marie from New Jersey
Norah from Washington
Debra from Virgina

The woman of Ravelry are out there to put a smile on my face and keep me warm. I received a box from Anne Marie, with another shipment of the greatest hats. I wore the Witch Hat on Halloween and the day after. I'm so humbled by the love and support.

Anne Marie's Witch Hat (without hair)

Anne Marie's Witch Hat (with hair, thanks Anne Marie!)

Norah's Classic Beret, so soft! Thanks Norah!

Debra's sleek sage, with a cute brim, thanks Debra!

Here is 'no hat'. For those that might have known me (by blogging or otherwise) I had long brown hair, it's all gone. Chemo has taken it away, but I'm ok with that. I'm 1/2 way done with chemo, last chemo is Dec. 22. Then I start 7 weeks of radiation. By March 2011 I should be done with treatments and on the road to recovery, and then be growing my hair back.

Thanks to the Ravlery group for the hats, you've made my day (a couple times!) -Pam

Hats from Ravelry Friends

Ann Marie from New Jersey

Diane from Connecticut

Ellen from California

Susan from Arizona

Sherry from Virginia

All woman crafters. All like me, they see the world a better place by being nice.

This is their Rav Group Details:

Know someone who could use a lift? We do! Crochet a cap for a fellow Rav friend and make their day.

Sometimes charity begins at home! Many of you know Pam Gillette who is Knotty Generation through her blog and her wonderful crochet designs. Pam discovered last month that she has stage 3 breast cancer. We thought it would be nice if her Rav friends crocheted some “fun” caps that she could wear while she’s in treatment--a way to lift her spirits and get her through recovery.

Knitters and crocheters are a giving group, often working for charity and forgetting ourselves. Here’s a chance to give back to a fellow Raveler. Once Pam is on the mend, or even while she is ON the mend, there may be another Raveler who can use a similar thoughtful gesture. Let’s see where this goes!

This is what I wrote on the Raverly site where these women formed to begin a campaign to help folks like me, a Raverly member needing a hug, in the form of a hand made warm hat to cover a chemo induced bald head.

I can not begin to write how I feel right now, but I will try.

Today, a beautifully wrapped pink package, with a cream satin bow, hardly able to unwrap because it is beauty itself. Once unwrapped and the contents shown, tears filled my eyes from friends hardly known, but today I know you … you are just like me. We are “every woman”, we are crafters, we care, we love, we are not afraid to show it, this is how the entire world should be.

I am so blessed to have your thoughts and now your beautiful work, thank you, thank you, thank you.

A very thankful and blessed,
-Pam Gillette from Knotty Generation

Crochet Baby Winter Dress

Another version of the Baby Winter Dress, this one with ties,
this version could be worn both ways, with ties in front or back.
This was a gift for my niece Rallista and her new baby girl Khole.

I crochet gifts because it makes me feel good

Recovered from Chemo Session #2 and coming up on Chemo Session #3 on Wednesday. I have been feeling well enough to crochet, and we all know that crochet is therapy. How could I have ever thought I'd need a break from crochet? I started and finished this project in 4 days, that felt very good.

This classic cream color Baby Winter Dress is for a special co-worker who is having a baby soon. This is my own design, I've done several variations, some as cardigan button up and some as pullover with front ties. (Right now, the pattern is not tested and is not for sale.)

My new tags, "An Original by Pam Gillette".

Crocheting through Chemo Session #2

Chemo Session #2 project: simple black shrug for myself. I used a white dishcloth my mother hand stitched as back drop, the black yarn is hard to see, white background helps the stitches stand out. My mom couldn't be there with me for chemo today due to flooding in Minnesota, but her dishcloth with oranges embroidered on it made me feel like she was there.

Crocheting through chemo

I felt the overwhelming urge to crochet....I can't take a break. I see a need for folks to keep warm during chemo, my gears are ticking on what I can crochet for those feeling the effects of chemo and don't have someone close to them that knits or crochets. Caps, Prayer Shawls, lap-ghans. Love wrapped in yarn's knots. I will crochet thorough my next chemo session, which is tomorrow, and I will be joined by my knitting mother. Love wraps itself around those knots, I know it.

On an extended break

I'm not sure of any other way to convey this information, I'm taking an extended break ....http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/pamgillette

This moment makes it all worth while

I hosted a Baby Shower for a co-worker today, he and his wife are having a baby girl. I crocheted an adorable baby cardigan in pinkish/mauve worsted weight washable wool, (my own design!) and this moment makes it all worth while. I crochet for others because I love to give.

Happy Easter

Several years ago, I met a woman in my Warm Up America group, she was a long time volunteer, oh so nice, and when I dragged my boys along to the meetings, she would always have "something" for them. One year near Easter, she made these adorable bunnies for us, I wished I asked for her pattern, but I didn't.

Another gift she gave us was crocheted turkeys for Thanksgiving that when you squeezed their belly, they "pooped" out M&M candy. It was a hoot, she had an opening in the back of the turkey body that you could fill with M&M's, my boys laughed until they cried.

I've lost track of her over the years, but still think of her. Her name was Carolyn. She always had a seasonal crochet gift for my me and my boys. If you are reading this blog post, thanks Carolyn for all the cute gifts. We've kept them all and put them out every season and think of your kindness.

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!