The perfect yarn holder

This little bamboo handled sewing basket is the perfect yarn holder!

I inherited this little antique sewing basket from my older sister Sue, who got it from my Mom, which (I think) came from my Grandmother Rose Luedke. It is just big enough to fit a skein of yarn and the handle slips over my wrist for “portability”. I have a tendency to “roam” with my projects, usually to be closer to where ever my boys are playing! I'm curious, when you crochet or knit, do you stay in one spot or roam like me?

(BTW -this project happens to be a "testing version" of Maude, in brown. YUM!)

Knotty Cable Cardi Ver. 2.0

Even though the picture makes the yarn look blue, this is purple. This is one of my original designs, The Knotty Cable Cardi (Ver. 2.0) After scrutinizing the original design, I thought I’d change the shape, instead of a “swing” with a loose fit and a bit of a flare at the waist, I refined the body shape and made it close-fitting, hugging the waist, BUT GUESS WHAT? I like the original design better!

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ll have plenty of designs that hug your curves and accentuate the positive, but this cardi looks better with a bit of movement around the middle, allowing the cables more freedom, and best done in a lighter color to emphasize the shadows of the cables.

So imagine how pleased I was when after choosing purple yarn and just completing my purple Knotty Cable Cardi to read this PURPLE HAZE...

Clothing designers are driven by trends, inspired by trade show trend reports and trend forecasts. This season’s trend report included forecasts of violets, purples, and bordeaux. Purple is a fabulously rich color, but don’t carry it too far, use it as an accents or just one piece of your outfit. So purple will show up again, but just knot this design!

Setting in sleeves

Setting in sleeves:
High tech?
Low tech?
No tech?

Aw heck, they’re binder clips! Yep, binder clips to help me set in my sleeves.

Knotty Cable Cardi

The Knotty Cable Cardi

The body length of this simple cardi design is waist length with a bit of a "swing", but has the option of hip length, the raglan sleeves are worked from shoulder down to allow the option of 3/4 sleeve or full sleeve with cuff options as well, and a very simple neckline to allow the cables to be the "star". One simple funky button closure makes this an everyday favorite! The pattern is "in-testing" now and hopefully will be available soon (along with Maude who's also "in-testing".)

With fall weather fast approaching,
I love the feel of a soft snuggly sweater!

Warm Up America project

I have been volunteering for Warm Up America www.warmupamerica.com for about 3 years now. Crocheters and knitters donate their time to crochet and knit 7" x 9" rectangles and then our group joins them together to make afghans, then we deliver the completed afghans to woman’s shelters and homeless shelters around the Twin Cities area. I meet with a wonderful group in Apple Valley, Minnesota, at the Joanne’s store on Cty. Road 42. We meet the first Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12 noon (just in case any Minnesota readers are interested in joining!)

My very first afghan took me so long to do, but was soooo worth it! Check out my very first blog post, on April 20, 2005, featuring my finished Warm Up America afghan. I was pretty proud. I’ve helped make probably 100 more afghans since.

In the top picture is a pile of donated squares, all in red, white and blue. This pile is turning into a “lap-ghan” that looks like an American flag. I’m crocheting the little white stars to sew on and will put an edge of either red, white or blue on it to finish it off. This lap-ghan is hopefully designated to go to the V.A. hospital in Minneapolis.

If you have a lot of yarn in your stash and know of a Warm Up America group in your area, I encourage you to donate either your yarn or completed 7"x9" squares, or better yet, join the group!!

Coral Cables

I don’t want to give away too much but I’m almost finished with this revamped design. Originally this was a design for my book, I pulled it out of the line-up, changed it a bit, and now I hope to offer the pattern on-line for sale. This was "Anne of Green Cables" and it was in a dark green, chunky yarn, but I decieded I LOVED the color coral!

It is a beautiful, timeless design that will appeal to the intermediate crocheter. It features a fantastic cable pattern, fairly simple shaping, and a big hook and yummy yarn that will “work up quick”. Once the design is completed and tested, I'll post more details. This design will also be part of the Funky Girl Sweater Sets and have a matching camisole/tank top.

Did I ever tell ya how much I LOVE YARN?!

Uncommon Threads - Taping in LA

Our Dressing Room!
Amie, Judy (our Producer)and me
For the last 3 months, we’ve worked on specific projects for the show; we’ve broken down our projects for easy demonstration (called step-outs) and basic scripting for conversation during the taping. All that changed the morning we starting taping, but it all worked out pretty darn cool I’d say. Some projects were totally cut from the line-up, which I was OK with (as mine was super small) BUT Amie had a project cut that was extremely time consuming, so I felt really bad for her. All in all, I think we had a great taping, a great director and producer, who allowed us to do a bit of “show and tell” to showcase our crochet designs (hoping this will direct some traffic to our websites for business.)

Working on step-outs before taping, I'm a little nervous here.

Just before we were going to start taping, one of my skeins of yarn got tangled, and Dave, one of the props guys, jumped in and untangled my yarn, gotta love that! He also would re-thread the sewing machine for Allison between “takes”. I’ve decided I’d like a props person around the house, for when I need a little extra help…oh…wait a minute, that’s only in Hollywood.

Dave in from the props dept. untangles my yarn

Yes, our days were long, averaging around 12 hours. We had some down time, got to met another group filming a sewing episode. I LOVED to talk with Jane, the wardrobe guru. She gave me some valuable advice and I plan on following through with her advice on getting a professional haircut. You see, my husband Scott has cut my hair for the last 8 years, just an inch off the bottom every 6 months or so. But it is time to get a ’new do’ I think. I’ve had this hair style for almost a decade. Yep, 10 years, just pull it back, tie it on top, rat and spray. Time to upgrade, hey, I’ve just got back from LA where everyone is beautiful!

Here I am on the set (in the coral shirt) with the crew

Here we are on TV!
Drew, Allison, Amie and me

Here we are showing our bags for one episode. Not sure if we can show our designs, so the bags are blurred, to protect the innocent.

Amie, me and Drew

We are all on set, Allison is demoing some sewing. We look enthralled!

During my travels, I took the opportunity to meet some folks. I met an array of characters; I had layovers each way so I had a total of 4 flights, that’s a lot of people to meet! I had a layover in Phoenix on my way out to LA and I met a nun from India, who looked like a younger version of Mother Teresa. She was traveling from Phoenix to New York, to London, to her home in India to see her dying mother. She told me her story and I starting crying, she gave me a big hug and we wished each other safe travels. I also met a Navy officer from San Diego, on “leave” to go home to Wisconsin, we talked about the military life, as my husband Scott’s brother Steve is in the military and was stationed in San Diego. We also agreed that growing up in the Midwest allows us to easily talk strangers; I told him I talk to everyone, strange or not. I also sat next to a couple from Watts, which is a rough suburb of Los Angeles. They were flying for the very first time, going gambling in Vegas. We talked for a long time about turbulence. They didn’t like turbulence, but liked getting drinks on the plane.

Back in Minnesota, life is just the same, but I feel different. I feel like I've just had every crochet designers fairy tale dream come true, to be on a craft show that features crochet. I will be forever grateful to Amie for bringing me along on this great adventure, I'm thrilled to have met The Crochet Dude, Drew Emborsky. I will cherish every crazy moment and every stress filled rehearsal.

Stay tuned to find out when the 3 epsoides will air on the DIY channel!

Uncommon Threads - First Day

Allison Whitlock - The host of Uncommon Threads

OMGOSH – I’m posting from downtown Burbank, California!

Just to remind you dear readers, I’m an at-home-Mom from Minnesota pursing a crochet design career, and got my 2^nd big break by being on the show Uncommon Threads, thanks to Amie of NexStitch. We just finished shooting 2 episodes of Uncommon Threads today, after a day of rehearsals yesterday, and with our FABULOUS HOST Allison Whitlock! Life is crazy here, a totally different lifestyle, the pace is crazy fast and shooting a craft show is probably one of the most incredible experiences of my crochet designer career. Yes it is true it is not all GLAMOR but dang, we have wardrobe people, make-up artist, production assistances, props guys, a super cool studio, awesome show set, we have our own dressing room, and hey, even DAVE the super cool props guy untangled my yarn for me! Our producer Judy juggles more than I can imagine, Gordon our director know his &%$# and the camera guys are awesome! Granted we had a few changes in what we were expecting, (to demo and show) but the pace is so fast and things change in a second, you’ve gotta go with the flow or you’ll get left behind! I've gotta get some sleep or I’ll miss our morning call time, we’ve got one for show to rehearse and shoot, then I’m taking the red-eye flight home, via Las Vegas, to Minnesota.

I’ll post more details once I get home and download my pics.I’m having a blast, Amie and Drew are fantastic crochets, I’m honored to be in such company.

Life is so totally good in LA!

Two Days to L.A.

OK, I’ve got 2 days until I fly out to California (Los Angeles to be specific, actually Burbank, you know, close to Hollywood!)

My purpose? To film 3 episodes for Uncommon Threads. I am learning a lot about myself while I’m packing. Here is my List:

1. I own a ton of black shoes.
2. I dress in such drab colors that I could be a funeral director’s secretary.
3. All the zippers on my suitcase are broken.
4. I don’t understand the term “pack light”. Not in my dictionary.
5. I will not fit a lot of yarn in a small space, even if I sit on it.
6. Bungee cords work wonders.
7. No sharp objects on the plane. Thank goodness I’ve got a crochet gig in LA, VS. a knitting gig. Knitting Needles are still viewed as weapons by most major airlines. Hummm, Grandma Terrorist, and as I type that I'm added to the “Monitor List” at the FBI.
8. I’d like to hire someone to scrub my kitchen floor (hey wait a minute, that has nothing to do with packing, this post or the show)
   

I also learned that I have Teflon grey hair (actually like 5 strands of Teflon grey hair) So I might be forced to use a black magic-marker on the few rebel strands, cuz hair dye doesn’t touch it. This is funny b ecause years ago I used “White-Out” to touch up a pair of scuffed white go-go boots, so why can’t I use a black magic-marker on my grey hair, it does the same (temporary) thing?

I rest my case, a girl's gotta do what a girls gotta do and I've got 2 days to L.A.

BrainsBarn Custom Wooden Crochet Hooks

My breath was taken away when I opened a very special package today. I just received 2 hooks from BrainsBarn handcrafted wooden crochet hooks of exotic hardwoods. I literally gasped as I unwrapped them. The hook on the right is size K, made of Chakte Kok, elegantly turned with tear drop bead. The hook on the left is size G, made of Boccote with a captive ring. I’ve admired from afar, now they are actually here, not 1 but 2! My smile is a mile wide. It is hard for non-crochet folks to understand, but they are some of the most beautiful peices of craved wood, I'm in awe. Only the finest yarn will touch these hooks.

My obsession with fine hooks began when I received my Grandmother’s antique bone hook, then I became the proud owner of a Jimbo Hook and now my newest additions from BriansBarn.

Life is so good!

**check out Amie's newest hooks at NexBlog

Desperately Needed Upgrade!

10 days to LA!
For any new visitors to my blog, I’m flying out to Los Angeles to tape 3 episodes of Uncommon Threads a craft show on the DIY channel. The folks at Screen Door Entertainment produce Uncommon Threads and Knitty Gritty, with host Vickie Howell as well as a few other super cool shows on DIY. I have been working on this for about 3 months, and will appear with Amie from NexStitch and Drew, AKA The Crochet Dude

I’m thinking about how I'm going to transport all of my crochet "stuff” to LA. So I dug around for some luggage, old carriers, duffel bags, and I found an old treasure from my younger (and wilder) days! Yes, dear readers, years ago, in the late 80's, I tried to play the drums, I was really bad, eventually sold my drum set to pay rent. Coincidence or not, but I was in and around LA back then (actually Santa Ana in "So Cal". I moved back to Minnesota, left my dream of being a drummer in a rock band, BUT I kept one of my beat up old drum cases.

Yep, this is one of my drum cases (corney stickers and all) and it will haul my crochet stuff out to LA in 10 days! Yarn in a drum case? Hauling around my crochet stuff in style? Maybe I can find a desperately needed upgrade when I'm in LA!

12 days to LA!!

The count down has begun; I have 12 days until I fly to LA to film 3 episodes of Uncommon Threads (NOTE to MY MOM; click on this link, this takes you to the DIY show listings, I’m not on there yet, but it is a real show on a real network, trust me, this is for real!)

Just to clarify that Note to MY MOM, she wasn’t’ sure if the show was legit and it may be folks just cruising the net to get free crochet patterns from unwittingly gullible crochet designers. She is just looking out for her baby, she says, “don’t sign your designs away to someone else” …well Mom, I did…just to get on TV….hope that is OK with you….did I tell ya I’m going to be on TV?!!

Eye Candy Above - I bought this burnt orange and brown shirt and hope to wear it on one of the episodes. I’m starting to put together outfits for taping, we have 3 shows, and they recommend we bring 5 outfits, so they can help pick and choose. What I think looks great might make me look like a 60’s hippie in a time warp, but then my other outfit makes me look like an office secretary from 1985, so where is my happy medium? I need to hire a ‘stylist’, ASAP!!!

Mimi From Crochet and Other Stuff

I am thoroughly amazed and thrilled to have created such wonderful friendships via blogging and the love of crochet. Yesterday in my mailbox was an air mail letter from the Philippines (yes the Philippines!!) My on-line friend Mimi from at Crochet and Other Stuff created this beautiful initial P for me. I’m so thrilled and honored; I’m still WOWed by this, such a sweet gesture from such a talented crocheter, and half way across the world! This beautiful work of art is now displayed on top of my craft desk, so I can look at it all the time and be reminded how great friendship is, world wide.

Thank You Mimi – you are so talented and so sweet!

Circle Pendant Necklace

This is so easy to make and if you use left over yarn from your stash, with just the cost of the pendant, it is easily under $5.00! I originally made this necklace over a year ago, every time I wear the teal one, I get compliments. When I say, “I made this myself” the usual response is “no way!” Well…”yes way!” Now go dig through your yarn stash, pick your fav color and make this circle pendant necklace! Make it choker length, or a little longer, either length, this is funky cool!

Circle Pendant Necklace

Materials:
- Craft/jewelry circle pendant found at most craft stores for under $5.00.
- Any left over yarn, I used a sport weight for the teal circle necklace, and did hdc st, and for the black circle necklace I used a cotton yarn with a sc. The yarn amount depends on the desired length of necklace, for choker length, you don’t need much.
- Crochet hook – for sport weight yarn I used a D, cotton yarn I used a G.

Step 1 – Attach yarn from center of circle with a knot
Step 2 - do 2 sc around circle's center to secure yarn to begin 1^st strap
Step 3 – ch 2, hdc 2, ch 2, turn
(*you can also do a sc, and ch 1 for turning chain)
Step 4 – repeat row of *hdc 2, ch2, turn* until it reaches 6 ½” to 7” for choker length
(*you can also make this necklace longer, just add more rows here)
Step 5 – fasten off and weave in ends
Step 6 – attach yarn as in Step 1, for the other strap
Step 7 – repeat steps 2-4. If you want to have a button closure, you need to make a button
hole, and this is super easy! At the end of last row, ch 4, then skip 2 sts, and sl st to
last st in row, if using sport weight ch 2, hdc back over the chain to widen the top of the
button hole, and then fasten off, weave in ends
Step 8 – Sew on a little button on opposite strap of strap with button hole.
(*you can also use Velcro as a closure, or leave tails and tie it in a bow)

____Addition to Post on 01-31-07________
I had a request to re-explain Step 1, thought I'd add a picture to help you visualize it.

Yep, I still look 40

Today I turned 41...I know, I don't look a day over 40.

I read my post from last year, when I turned the big 4-0 and it seems pretty much the same this year (minus the trip on the Harley.) I'm hanging out with my boys, Drew is 5, Tyler is 3 and we are playing army guys, swimming in the pool, eating PB & J's, all the good things in life. I've had a good year. I'm blessed with an awesome husband who supports my hobby/career, my kids are sweetness all wrapped up in sticky candy fingers, my extended family couldn't be more supportive, loving, and FUN! My dear friends from years back, always make me laugh and my new friends accept me for my quirky self.

So cheers to everyone in my life who've helped me make this a great year.

O Ring Cami

Here she is, the O Ring Cami!

Here is what came of my "basket of goodies." She's light, airy and hugs your curves. I LOVE the lightness this thread provides, but I'm going to test my newest design again, with a thicker thread (or another type of yarn) because this thread is just too small to work with, in my opinion. Seems like it took forever to get done and I'm the inpatient type, I want my projects to work up quick!

This summer cami is a top trend this season, white is a HOT color right now. Metallic yarn is a hot trend this summer too, so the possibilities are endless! Normally I don't post my designs because they are all for my upcoming book, but I need to fund my yarn budget, so this pattern will be available soon, for sale. Stay tuned!

An offer I couldn’t refuse!

Amie from NexStitch (check out her super cool crochet patterns and her blog ) emailed me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

There was a producer of a TV showing pursuing Amie to be on a new craft show on the DIY channel called Uncommon Threads

Then the producer asked if she knew any crochet designers who could be on the show(s) also, well bless Amie’s dear heart, she emailed me the offer I couldn’t refuse and we ran with it!! I can’t give out any details on what we’ve designed, but it’s all so totally cool, I don't think its ever been done before, we are breaking new ground and it's HOT!! I think we are really close to getting the final OK, they loved all the ideas we’ve put out. Sounds as if the filming is for 3 shows and will be in LA with a production company name Screen Door Entertainment sometime in August or September, and air time to TBD.

This sounds like a totally cool new show on the DIY channel, by the same folks that produce the awesome knitting show, Knitty Gritty with the super sweet Vickie Howell.

So my dear friends, I'm dreaming of LA sometime late this summer, hoping to demonstrate an origianl crochet design (or two) on TV. I can't believe how cool this is...life is so totally good.

Sun Center Granny Square

It has been awhile since I’ve crocheted from a pattern written by someone else, actually a few years because I’ve been busy designing my own pieces, but when I saw this granny square, I just had to do it! I had the perfect yarn in my stash and an 8 hour car ride this weekend, and I had to choose a few small “portable” projects for the trip and this was one of them.

I also worked out the kinks to my Celtic cables but I’m not going to post the final pic because it is going into a special project that will remain a secret!

Back to this sunny little granny square pattern, which was written by Sandi Marshall at http://crochet.about.com/ and it is unique and bright and I just love it!! You can find the pattern here.

Yet another cable swatch

OK, ok, I bet this is getting boring, BUT I've made some progress with interlocking and overlapping cables. This swatch is the closest yet, but I'm going to change a few of the overlaps and shorten the length.

Somewhere in the middle I added a stitch, OPPS, it's got a little bulge! The more I practice, the better I get, so I'm going to rip this one and re-do it, minus the extra stitch!

I'm still overwhelmed by the response for the Hot Pink Bracelet Purse! I get about 100 visits a day, just for that free pattern! Visits from all over the world, it is amazing! Lots of really nice notes, comments, great yarn friends out there....knot on!!

Another Celtic Cable Panel

This panel is closer to what I'm thinking but I still want better intertwining knotwork ... so I'll continue to twist and knot my yarn.

I'm really surprised there isn't much out there for crocheters and cables; it's all so basic. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places; I've search pattern books, both on-line and at the bookstores, LYS to no avail.

My quest continues...

Celtic Cable Panel

If you are a regular reader of Knotty Generation, you know I love all things Celtic and have been working on creating the coolest crochet designs and patterns inspired by Celtic art and symbolism. I'm really happy with the way the Celtic Knot Granny Square came out. I've incorporated cable panels in a few cardigan patterns for my upcoming book, and now....

I'm working on a Celtic Cable Panel. I've played with a few ideas/designs and here is one of them. I'm mainly using FPtr (front post treble) stitch but I want the cables to intertwine more and I think I'm going to tweak the stitch and do a quad version of the FPtr.

Just curious, has anyone ever done that before? I've searched the net, all my pattern books, and haven't heard of this stitch, or type of stitch. I'll keep you 'posted' (no pun intended!)

Maude

I’m going to “age myself” here, but while I was designing this airy summer cardi, I kept saying, “I don’t want it to look like Maude” For those of you who don’t know Maude, it as was a mid-70’s TV show; the character Maude (Bea Arthur) wore semi-funky dusters, bell bottoms, and a lot of polyester. Now I still kinda want to be a Charlie’s Angel, not a Golden Girl, so design concept was crucial! I ended up calling it Maude only in reference, but now it’s official, I’ve named her Maude, in honor of, well, Maude! The character Maude on TV was gutsy, outspoken and funny. My Maude is retro 70’s for sure, that’s the look I was going for, with a bit of sass! (I’m copying Pyo at http://crocheted.blogspot.com/ she’s started my new favorite word – sassy!)

I’m not sure how I’ll distribute the pattern yet, but it’s so easy, it’s gotta be a “freebie”. This is definitely easy enough for beginners; super simple stitches, the shaping is not complicated at all, and gauge is not too important. The sleeves are ¾ length with a wide bell, totally funky in my book. The body is hip length (but could be made duster length) and the closure is a single tie around the bust, which also creates a keyhole neckline.

I’m just channeling my inner Maude…life is good.

Spiral Scarf Crochet Pattern

Measurements -4” wide and 64” long
Crochet Skill Level -Easy
Materials - Size K Crochet Hook and Paton’s Divine color Regal Red
or any of the other fabulous colors. I used approx. 213 yards,
that is 1 ½ skiens (each skien of Divine = 142 yards)

Foundation Chain = Ch 150
Row 1 - dc in 3rd ch from hook and dc each st to end, ch 3 and turn
Row 2 - *dc 1, then work 2 dc in next st* repeat * to * to end, ch 3 and turn
Rows 3 and 4 - Repeat Row 2
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Seriously, it’s that easy!

Circle of Yarn

Somtimes I just need to "create"
and what ever comes of it, I usually like.

In this case, I had an old wooden quilting hoop, I wrapped scrap yarn around the outer circle, weaved more scraps in and out and this came out! I love it! I can see other things (fringe, tassels, feathers or beads) dangling from it, but I'm going to absorb this view for awhile. I also did this technique with an old wooden picture frame. The glass broke, the picture was damaged, so I removed that and used the retangle frame the same way as this circle hoop. Someday I plan to hang them in a collage of sorts in my craft room. My Wall of Yarn Art. It's soft to touch and easy on the eyes!

A view from my computer

I was inspired by Jimbo at http://jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.com
who had a recent post photo of his favorite whittling bench on the crick on his property. He says "this spot is so peaceful. A great place to sit and get re-acquainted with the really important things that seem to get put aside in city life."

Gosh I wish I had a bench like that, but I don't, I have a computer desk/craft area, and when I look above my computer and see my little stash basket, some favorite hooks, a little yarn, I might get close to that feeling, of the really important things.

Here is my favorite view above my computer.

Hot Pink Bracelet Purse

Hot Pink Bracelet Purse by Pam Gillette

(click on pic for bigger view)

In honor of the upcoming Race for the Cure http://www.racecure.org/ I made this little purse to keep my keys and cell phone in when I’m walking for the cure.

The purse has 2 different length handles, when the long one is slipped through the shorter one, it completely closes the purse to secure your small items, then slips on your wrist like a bracelet. I did not invent this concept; it’s been done before on the “Lucy Bag” on Lion Brand’s website (with a way bigger purse than this) and I’m sure there are many other variations out there. I can't take credit on this great idea, but I sure like it and it filled a need.

If you like this pattern, leave me a comment and let me know!

Bordeaux Chenille Wrap

Here I go again, I have a (partial) homemade outfit, I just can't help it.

We have a family wedding this weekend and our 5 year old son Drew is the ring bearer. I bought this dress, which has a beautiful paisley print in a deep wine color. I found this luxurious chenille yarn in the color Bordeaux, which sounds so romantic! I whipped up this quick wrap and happen to have glass beads to match. I strung a necklace and had beads left over for earrings. The rich chenille makes this outfit so regal, the deep jewel tone plus the lush texture of the yarn is absolutely fabulous! I've always favored deep jewel tones, like ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue.

The wrap isn't actually done yet. This is turning out too long and I think I'd like a shorter one, (and I started it lenght wise) so I've got 3 days to decide what to do, possibly rip and re-do. I'm not worried, I'm good at ripping, I crochet quick, and we have a 3.5 hour car ride, so I'll have plenty of time, it's got to be perfect!

My Knotty Advice today: If yarn is your passion, don't deny yourself the finest.

Fan Stitch Summer Scarf

This yarn is so soft it's an indulgence, like a fine chocolate. If you’re a chocolate lover, and have had Belgian chocolate, it’s hard to buy a Heresy’s at the gas station. I passed up this yarn several times because I didn’t want to buy into the brand name/store because I like supporting the LYS. (Local Yarn Shops). But then I needed to do a small swatch and this came in a pinch. Alas, to my surprise, this yarn is incredible. It’s Jo-Ann Sensations Dolcetto Yarns which is a wool/cotton blend from their Bellezza Collection made in Italy, 54% Wool, 24% Nylon, 22% Cotton at $4.99 a skein with 131.2 yards.

My new Jimbo hook is so smooth and combined with this soft yarn, I’ll ever use an acrylic yarn with an aluminum hook again!! Well I can never say never but gosh darn it, this is what crocheting is all about for me; incredible yarn with a wood hook carved from hand, definitely this crocheter’s nirvana.

Free Rasta Tam Crochet Pattern

Rasta Tam Crochet Pattern

One size fits most: This is a very big, loosely crocheted tam that measures 13” across. Hat is worked “in the round” from top down, in one piece.
Yarn: use any worsted weight yarn in Black, Red, Yellow, and Green.
Yarn code: Black (B) Red (R ) Yellow (Y) Green (G)
Crochet Hook size P/Q (15mm)
Inc = work 2 dc in the same stitch
Dec = (AKA dc2tog) is to work 2 dc together

Start with B yarn: chain 3, sl st to 1^st ch to form circle, then ch 2 (turning ch counted as 1 st)
Round 1: work 11 dc around circle, sl st to top of ch 2, fasten off, weave in ends. (12)
Round 2: R yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, inc by working 2 dc in each st, fasten off, weave in ends (24)
Round 3: Y yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, inc by working 2 dc in each st, fasten off, weave in ends (48)
Round 4: G yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, inc by working 2 dc in each st, fasten off, weave in ends (96)
Round 5: B yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, 1 dc each st, fasten off, weave in ends (96)
Round 6: R yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, *2 dc, then inc by working 2 dc into nx st* then repeat * to * to end, fasten off, weave in ends, (128)
Round 7: Y yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, 1 dc each st, fasten off, weave in ends (128)
Round 8: G yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, 1 dc each st, fasten off, weave in ends (128)
Round 9: B yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, dec every other st by working 2dc tog, fasten off, weave in ends. (64)
Round 10: R yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, dec every other st by working 2 dc tog, fasten off, weave in ends. (32)
Round 11: B yarn: attach yarn, ch 2, 1 dc each st, ch 1, turn (32)
Rounds 12–15: B yarn: sc each st (32) fasten off, weave in ends

NOTE: If doing tam in one solid color, obviously omit “fasten off, weave in ends” at the end of each round, also omit “attach yarn” and when you get to the end of round, sl st to top of turning ch, then do a sl st to nx st, then ch 3 as your turning ch, and start next round, this will allow your rounds to line up straight and not creep to the left/right. You can modify this pattern so many ways; go even bigger, or smaller, use 1 or 15 different colors, make the band, (rounds 12-15) wider, put in a puff st, a bullion st, or sew a funky patch on the hat. Do what makes you feel good.

Ya mon!

Jimbo's Front Porch Crochet Hooks

I told Jim (of Jimbo’s Front Porch) my crochet life would not be complete unless I had one of his hooks, his humble words down-played the fact that his work is extraordinary, with a great story behind it to boot. I found out about Jim when I was on http://www.crochetville.org/ and read a post on the forum regarding these fantastic hooks he was making from old trees on his property.

I'm a semi retired patent agent, but its not about that; I've been married to a beautiful woman since she was 18 and I was 21 in 1968. My dream in life since 1953 when my dad died was to own our property again on Deadman Creek (we say "crick") and in Oct. of 2000 we were able to buy 30 acres of the place back. Now i'm doing what i can to build a cabin to replace our house which is no longer there. One thing i'm doing to raise funds for the building project is hand carving wood crochet hooks from branch wood i collect from the ranch. Proceeds from sales go directly into the building fund such as it is. Ok.. nuf about me.. i spect more will come out as this grows.

Today I received an original, custom made, Jimbo’s Front Porch Crochet Hook and I couldn’t be happier, it is simply beautiful craftsmanship. After using aluminum and steel hooks with such compliancy, wooden hooks suddenly hold a story, a legacy, a whole new perspective.

I exchanged emails with Jim to work out the details of my custom carved hook and I can tell by his words, he is a gem. A “gem of a person” in my eyes is someone who has kind words all around, someone who (even if you’re a stranger) seems to genuinely be nice, not for show, but for real.

That’s my 2 cents on Jim and I think he’s worth a million. Check out his site http://jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.com/

Triple Exposure

The "Plain and Simple Cardi" is done!

I purchased 2 antique silver clasps for the closure option, but they got lost in that thick fluffy yarn, so I went back to the original zipper option and I love it. The neckline of the cardi is simple so you can wear a big, dramatic necklace or scarf. This is definitely my new fav!!

The black choker necklace I have on, I crocheted with black cotton yarn and added 3 silver pony beads in the front. It is secured with a small piece of Velcro in the back. It is so soft on the neck you barley notice it’s there.

Now for the hat, yep, this is the hat I crocheted a few days ago! SUPER SIMPLE! So here is my Triple Exposure – cool hat, funky choker, and fluffy cardi.

Super Cool Good News

Super Cool Good News:
I submitted one of my crochet designs to a very famous author seeking designs for an upcoming crochet book. My design was accepted and it was finalized today with a very famous yarn company that I will be using their fabulously yummy yarn for my design! I’m not going to release any more information than that for now.

Meanwhile:
I’ve been working on designs for my book, working on the "Suede Panel Cardi", weaving in ends and adding the zipper to my “Plain and Simple Cardi”, I also crocheted a quick black hat today, (yep, just for me!) and went to my local SnB Group last night. Nancy and I, (plus her non-knitting/crocheting son ‘J’) had a visit full of coffee, laughs, and yarn.

Life is good and I love yarn.

Suede Panel Cardi Design Work

This is such a cool project, I've search the net and I'm surprised I've found NOTHING like it!

My progress so far:

• design sketch = done
  

• the swatch = done
  

• schematics = done
  

• pattern = in progress

My head is spinning with tons of ideas for future fun and funky projects/patterns using suede and leather panels. I've sketched 3 more designs for woman's wearables using this technique. Purses and bags also entered the picture. I came up with a super simple purse with this technique; easy, quick, and perfect for everyday. I also envision a huge hobo bag using scraps of multi colored suede, then pieced and crocheted together similar to freeform crochet. This is on the eccentric side and not mainstream, but sometimes my designs are not for the "masses", they are for the diva eccentric who needs to create unique pieces of art.

In the mean time, I’m only posting just so much of the Suede Panel Cardi design and project, because it is for my upcoming book. I’ve gotta keep some of it a surprise! Stay tuned!

Gray Cable Scarf

This scarf had been 1/2 done for way too long.
You know the type; they sit in their project bag, waiting to get some attention. Somehow they find their way to the back of the pile of project bags. They start to collect dust and you eventually forget they exist.

I need to take a montly inventory of my "craft closet", as it gathers stash at an amazing rate and the UFOs (un-finished object) that actually have potential, deserve to to be transported to the "craft table" and actually get some well deserved love.

Seems like I've crocheted 50 scarves this winter, 10 being for myself. (see Land of 10,000 scarves post!) This is my 3rd gray scarf, you see I have 2 black/grey winter coats, thus the gray addiction. (I know, overkill.) So to complete my gray yarn rampage, (and hopefully end it) I felt the need to complete this gray cable scarf. Please don't tell the yarn snobs, it is Lion Brand Homespun. She's done and I love her.

A plain and simple cardigan

Does this yarn look familiar? Yep, it was the Hideously Huge Scarf, which was also the Cocoon Sweater, and now it’s a cardigan, just a plain and simple cardigan.

Let me reiterate the situation:

• Love the yarn = can’t waste it on something I wont wear/use (ie. HHS)
• Hideously Huge Scarf = just too huge, 'nuff said.
• Cocoon Sweater = which started out as a shrug, then turned into a cocoon sweater, but the bulge in my back made me look like Quasimodo. I did mention in a previous post that my increases were not “making me happy”, I wanted to cocoon, not look deformed.
  

Yes, I’m so vain.

After several ‘rippins, I was expecting the yarn to disintegrate, but it is holding up fantastically, it is actually softer than before! This is my last try with this yarn, the grey is beautiful, but gets dreary after awhile. (I’m sure the bright yellow yarn in my stash is going to get some love real soon.)

Anyhow, with a P hook and double strands of yarn, this cardigan worked up quick, super simple design, easy set-in sleeves, options for zipper or buttons, and the collar options are endless. I’m not sure how I’m going to finish this, perhaps a short collar and a zipper? I love the bulky weight, better finish it and wear it now before spring comes!

For the finishing touches, I’m going to consult my “Crochet Confidant”. This is someone who wishes to remain anonymous. This person does not crochet, but has always given me much needed feedback, in design, color theory, presentation, (or lack of.) I’ll post the final results.

My advice today:
Knot your yarn anyway you like, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.