Knit Out and Crochet 2007 - Feb. 17, 2007

What an amazing day I just had!! I spend 5 hours at the Mall of America for the huge Knit Out and Crochet 2007, it was so cool to be around so many folks who love yarn.

I arrive at the mall around 1pm for my scheduled meet up with Bea from my Warm Up America Group, then I met YarnCat, aka Catherine Lindsay www.yarncat.com

I met Yarncat in person!

Then we meet up with Christy, from Purling Away http://knit.criosa.com/blog/ and watched the fashion show, very cool, but my pictures are so fuzzy I wont even post them.

There was a special presentation for Save the Children/Warm Up America www.warmupamerica.com with the highlight being able to honor Evie Rosen, the founder of Warm Up America. The highlight of my day involves her later on.

Christy, YarnCat and I sat in with Lily Chin www.lilychinsignaturecollection.com and her presentation on reading crochet charts. Lily was wearing the most beautiful crochet and bead top, her creation of course! She is so spunky, she talks a mile a minute and knows her stuff inside and out. Her bit on symbols was a good refresher for me.

Lily Chin "at the office"

Lily Chin and me - I was so thrilled to meet her!

Fastest Crochet Lisa Gentry www.lisagentry.com made an appearance on the stage; she won, of course, and then gave her award (a bag full of yarn) to a pre-teen girl who was also entered in the contest, very sweet gesture on Lisa’s part.

Lisa Gentry - she's fast!

We wandered around the vendor booths, there was yarn galore, I was in heaven! Sticks and hooks that light up, magazines and free patterns everywhere! I ran into Zandy, who owns Zandy’ Yarn shop in Burnsville www.zandys.com and then met Steven, who owns the Yarn Garage in Rosemount www.yarngarage.com, two of the LYS that I love!

I also got a quick smile from Candi Jensen, www.candijensen.com

Candi Jensen - I love her!

We scored free yarn at the Michael's booth. Then came the "The Highlight of the Day" I got to meet and talk with Evie Rosen, the founder of Warm Up America. She's a humble person, with a simple wish to help folks out. I wish I could be half a person she's been. About 3 years ago, I made a lifetime commitment to volunteer for Warm Up America.

My Hero - Evie Rosen

I also got to meet Vickie Howell www.vickiehowell.com WHEW! 5pm came fast and we said our goodbyes. Yummy yarn stash in hand, a new crochet hook, some huge size 17 knitting needles (errr drum sticks!) and tons of patterns, my bag was full, my feet hurt and I was ready to come home.

BUT I plan to go back Sunday, I missed Annie Modesitt and Brett Bara. I'll post about my yarn adventures tomorrow!

Vickie Howell is too cute!

My goodies from the day - Paton's Divine is yummy!

The Ruffle Shrug

The Ruffle Shrug

The Ruffle Shrug's Spring Outfit - obnoxiously patterned capris optional.

The Ruffle Shrug with jeans and simple black top, this is more my style.

Knotty Generation Totes

I used my new Knotty Generation Tote Bags for groceries today! They are huge totes, hold a ton o’ stuff, they have very sturdy handles and can be ordered on Café Press.

Check out the items I have on Café Press at http://www.cafepress.com/KnottyGeneratio

Knotty Business Cards

My New Knotty Business Cards

Of course, they needed a carrying case! I used some left over Paton’s Merino Wool in Deep Olive, a size G crochet hook, had about a ½ hour of time, a quick cable stitch, and here is my little business card wristlet. (Note my new wicker basket with cloth liner, no more yarn snags on my wicker!)

Me = Happy

Knit-Out & Crochet 2007

Craft Yarn Council Knit-Out 2007 Brochure

Mall of America Events - Knit-Out 2007

I’m so excited for this event, I can hardly stand it!! I live about 10 minutes from the Mall of America. Are there any folks out there going? Please say YES! Seriously, I can hardly stand it!

I would love to meet some of my on-line friends, especially Minnesota crocheters and I’d like to see what the interest level is for forming a CGOA Chapter for the Twin Cities. A few years ago, there was a small group of ladies that met at the Black Bear Crossing in St. Paul on the 1^st Wednesday of the month, but I think that group does not meet anymore. Does anyone know more about a CGOA Chapter in MN? I can’t find a thing.

OK, back to this event, the MOA (Mall of America) is the perfect place, not just because it is close to my house, but it has the amenities; hotels, restaurants, tons o’ space, BUT get this, no yarn shops! I don’t think they sell any yarn at the MOA, so I’m hoping this event might get someone’s gears ticking and a yarn shop opens up there.

I hope to see and meet some of you at the MOA on Feb. 17^th and 18^th. Email me or leave a comment and we can arrange a meeting spot!

The "Back in the Saddle" Show

Well... our first show will air tomorrow! Back in the Saddle - Episode DUCT-#214 on Jan. 19th 10:30am CT on HGTV and the "do it yourself" info. is now posted on DIY's website, HERE so I feel I can safely spill the beans! I’ve been busting at the seams waiting to post pictures and tell you all about what projects I did for Uncommon Threads.

My shipment of seagrass!

Here I am just opened my shipment of seagrass from Atkinson’s Country House (this is Baby Seagrass OOO-SGOOB) I embark on my stepouts for the Seagrass Cowgirl Hat. I develop a deep callous (on top of my permanent callous) shred and fray skin on several fingers, bleed occasionally and develop a greater appreciation for soft yummy yarn.

The Step-Outs

Step-outs allow you to demo your project in a progressive manner, giving the illusion that you are creating it right there on the set, as they film. I don’t think we are really fooling anyone, but it seems to work on TV!

The Seagrass Cowgirl Hat and Matching Bag

I finish the matching bag and feel I've completed it "as I had envisioned it." We originally pitched the cowrie shell band on the hat, but we all agreed that black ribbon/sash looked smashing with the black handle on the matching bag. This is such a smart set, it goes with several colors and has an elegant look (contrary to the “cowgirl” tag.) I did re-attach the handles to the handbag, they looked a little wonky. The hat also got scrunched in-flight, the sides bend a bit. The pictures on DIY website don't look the best, it almost looks green, but the true color of this segrass is coming through in the photos here.

Reflecting

Looking out the window, my son Drew takes this picture in August 2006, I’m finally done with my seagrass hat, the matching bag, I breathe a sigh of relief and now have a few days before I fly to L.A. to shoot the episodes. In this picture I look calm but I begin to get the butterflies as I realize this is really going to happen!

----addition to post-----episode pictures via my TV set----

This is the very begining of the show.

"Side shot"

Talking about seagrass.

Me and Drew watching Allison on her sewing project.

The end of the show, we have alittle show and tell.
Amie shows her SUPER COOL bike seat cover and Amelia, her very sexy summer top, the pattern is available on her website. Drew's funky handbag grabs Allison's attention.
We all have fun "showing and telling!"

Slipper Frenzy

When your tooties are cold, warm them up in some yarn,
but first knot that yarn into something cute!

As you can probably tell, I love slippers! My mom always knit slippers for us kids, we'd wear them out, she'd knit more, every winter, we loved our slippers. Over the years, I’ve made several myself, when I wear them out, I crochet more. Made a few for family and friends. I love the “Mary Jane Slippers” and now I've crocheted a few without the strap for a “Ballerina Slipper”. These are super quick and oh so cute!

The great thing about slippers is they don’t take up too much yarn and not too much time, plus scrap yarn is perfect. For the slippers pictured above, The Black Ballerina Slippers are worsted weight yarn mixed with Bernat Boucle. The Grey Mary Janes are made with 2 strands of Lion Brand Homespun.

I'll post the crochet pattern for the Mary Jane Slippers (plus the Ballerina Slipper option) becasue I've had several requests for the pattern and they are super easy.

Minnesota winters require slippers! Today it is 5 degrees! Burrrr!

Black Mini Duffel

• Caron Simply Soft yarn in black
• size G crochet hook
  
• Mini Duffel Crochet Pattern
  
• 1 hour of crochet time (while watching Knitty Gritty and Uncommon Threads)
  
• cute little vintage pin from my grandmother Beth Tohal
  
• a new favorite
  

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.

Fuzzy Wine Charms

See a need - fill a need!

Introducing The Mini Duffel!

I designed a full size duffel bag/barrel bag purse for my future crochet pattern book, but I saw a mini version over and over in my head (mainly because I needed a case to hold my oversized sunglasses.) See a need - fill a need. So my latest crochet pattern offering is the Mini Duffel. I’m thrilled with how it came out because it has enough freedom for crocheters to embellish it. This design is simple but super effective. The fact that it is sized to hold crochet hooks is also a bonus; carry your hooks, little scissors, tape measure, all the essentials! This will be a great little Christmas gift too!

Helmet Liners for our troops

*Update to Post*
This is a picture of me and my mom Audrey, holding our helmet liners.
Mom's is knit with some fancy ribbing, both are made of wool.

Helmet Liners for our Troops
http://www.geocities.com/helmetliner/

I felt this overwhelming need to add to my charity work (my main one is Warm Up America www.warmupamerica.com ) so my Mom and I decided to make a few of the helmet liners for our troops. My Mom knits, I crochet, and both patterns on that site need some refining. I emailed the organization for the helmet liners, but the lady who answered my email cannot crochet and she had no updates or changes to the crochet pattern. I ended up finishing it, adjusting the pattern a bit.

Here is a picture of my very simple helmet liner, nothing fancy, but for the military folks facing harsh winters across the world, I don’t think they want scalloped edges, cables or fancy embellishments. I need to say I DO NOT SUPPORT WAR but I DO support our troops.
Here is the pattern; I did not test it, anyone interested in testing this pattern for me?

Materials:
Size K/10 ½ (6.5mm) crochet hook and 100% wool yarn, I used Patons Classic Wool Merino in Deep Olive, approx. 1 ¼ skeins, (each skein is 223 yards, so approx. 279 yards)

NOTE from the website: The headgear our military issues are made of synthetic fibers and our troops are still cold. Use soft 100% worsted weight wool yarn, wool wicks away moisture and is non-flammable. The temperatures they endure are below zero in Iraq, Afghanistan, S. Korea and Kosovo.

Round 1: with yarn, form a ring around your finger, work 6 scs in ring then pull tail to tighten circle (note: there is no turning ch and no joining rounds)
Round 2: 2 scs in each of the next 6 sts (12 total sts)
Round 3: *sc in next st, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (18 total sts)
Round 4: *sc in next 2 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (24 total sts)
Round 5: *sc in next 3 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (30 total sts)
Round 6: *sc in next 4 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (36 total sts)
Round 7: *sc in next 5 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (42 total sts)
Round 8: *sc in next 6 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (48 total sts)
Round 9: *sc in next 7 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (54 total sts)
Round 10: *sc in next 8 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (60 total sts)
Round 11: *sc in next 9 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (66 total sts)
Round 12: *sc in next 10 sts, 2 scs in next st* repeat * to * 6 times (72 total sts)
This is the flat top of the helmet liner, measures approx. 7” across.
Rounds 13–25: sc in each st working in rounds, no turning chain and no joining. This is the side of the helmet liner, measures approx. 4” down from the top.
Round 26: for eye hole, measure at least 7 inches in front, place a marker/pin, count the stitches you will skip which is approx 25 sts, then chain 27, attach chain to marker/pin at 7” mark and sc each st, then cont. to Round 27.
Rounds 27-34: continue sc each st, remember no turning ch, no joining (which sometimes can get hard to tell what round your on, so have stitch markers handy if you'd like.)
Rounds 35-37: sc until you reach the middle of the helmet liner, decrease 2 times, by working 2 sctog twice (this is for chin) in the middle of front of hat, then cont. sc each st (sorry this is so vague, use your tape measure to find the middle.)
Rounds 38 – 56: Continue sc around until piece measures 9 inches from eye hole to bottom of helmet liner. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Please note, I did not test this pattern, anyone interested in testing this pattern for me?

Send completed helmet liners to:

Helmetliner
P.O. Box 236
Auburn, IL 62615