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

Even the Snowmen

Even the paper Snowman gets a scarf.

Warm Up America Project 2006

I just got back from the Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis and donated 10 Warm Up America afghans! The volunteer team at the V.A. are a FANTASTIC group of folks, everyone was so nice and very appreciative...I feel good - I warmed somebody up today!

Mary Jane Slippers

Here is my first pair of Mary Jane Slippers. I love the way they turned out. I found a pattern on-line at Craftster but had to modify it a bit. I have hideously huge feet, but Mary Janes make my feet look a little bit smaller. The cute crochet pattern is more feminine than my previous slipper pattern, (which was very plain and very boring!) I plan to make a few more for myself and for Christmas gifts. I can see using some left over fun fur for a trim, maybe a crisp white cotton pair with picot edges, maybe a silk ribbon weaved around the top with a cute little bow tie on the side of the strap, the possibilities are endless!

Mail from Argentina!

Imagine my surprise when I received mail from Buenos Aires, Argentina!! This special package warmed my heart. Vik from http://www.like-grandma.blogspot.com/
is a fantastic knitter and crocheter, plays host to traveling folks who “google her” and then visit Argentina. Vik is a shinning example of sweetness, check out her blog and her projects! Her comments are always so encouraging and supportive, to everyone.

This every elegant Crochet Christmas Tree Ornament by Vik will hold a special spot this Christmas. Vik penned the sweetest poem, which I plan to honor. I have a feeling Vik may have sent a few others, so "at half past 3 on Christmas day, I will make a cup of tea" and there may be a group of crocheters, from around the world, thinking of each other, relishing in the fact that no matter how far away we are, we are friends, connected by the love of crochet.

Thank you Vik, you are a true sweet heart.