I really need to clean out my stash, I have waaaay too much yarn. Shocking news, I know. I was listening to DC Unraveled, the podcast of Looped Yarn Works, and Jessica was helping Colleen go through her yarn stash and match up yarns with potential projects. Oh, I so badly need that! But, first, I think I really need to figure out what I have and how much of it before I can figure out projects to do. Though, knowing me, I had better figure out a few projects I want to make so that when the Metro Yarn Crawl gets here in April, I will at least buy yarn that matches with a project instead of just randomly buy yarn as I have been doing the last few years (crazy, I know!). Oh, you ask "Phyllis, why are you buying more yarn when you already have so much?" Now, what kind of question is that?! It would be like asking a cat not to chase a mouse :-)
And, I'm still trying to learn more about yarn properties and how to properly match up projects and yarns. I came across this great article by The Knitting Harpy that I thought I would share, though her starting point is that she knows what project she wants to make and is trying to figure out what kind of yarn to use. She's got a pretty good system for narrowing down her choices.
And, speaking of podcasts, I'm still toying with the idea of starting one. Sometimes I think it would be easier to just start talking about a topic than typing it out like this. I could combine it with the blog by posting notes here to accompany the audio. What do you all think?!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
What Yarn to Choose?
Happy Friday! Just wanted to quickly share my guest blog post at http://stitchandunwind.com/choosing-your-yarn/ in which I share some tips about how to choose the right yarn for the particular project on which you are working.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Spring Forward!
I think I'm still getting used to having "sprung forward" for daylight savings time. It is very nice coming home from work while it's still light outside! But, it's still cold outside, and I'm used to milder weather coinciding with the time change. So, I thought about how to get in the mood for Spring and decided to make some crocheted flowers to sprinkle around or hold onto for the next yarn bombing perhaps...
I stumbled upon this great blog post with lots of beautiful crochet flowers that look like a lot of fun to make: http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/02/15/10-beautiful-ways-to-crochet-a-flower/
I really like these flowers because the inside petals curl into each other.
I think these poinsettias would be great for next Christmas time...
ENJOY!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Mosaic Knitting with Melissa Leapman
I was so fortunate yesterday to get to go to Melissa Leapman's class at Looped Yarn Works on Mosaic Knitting. Now, I know of Ms. Leapman as an amazing crochet designer, and her book Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs to Crochet and Wear
is full of beautiful and fun-to-make projects. So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find out about her knitting skills and designs, but I guess I thought she belongs to just us crocheters ;-).
She made the process of mosaic knitting so easy to understand and do, and I loved how the yarn didn't get all tangled and messy while working on our swatches. It's a technique that uses slipped stitches to create the illusion of working a row with two colors when you're really only using one on that row. By slipping a different colored loop from the row below, you elongate the stitch and make it appear to be mixed in with the color you are using on that row. It's a little hard to explain but easy and fun to do (though you really have to pay attention what you are doing and the graph you're working on, which, by the way, is totally opposite from a crochet graph!!)
I went ahead and got her new book Color Knitting the Easy Way because there's a jacket in there that I really want and now feel like I could actually make! I might save it for next fall though since it takes bulky yarn and size 11 needles -- I can see me making it now and wanting to wear it right away just as spring starts to appear!
is full of beautiful and fun-to-make projects. So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find out about her knitting skills and designs, but I guess I thought she belongs to just us crocheters ;-).She made the process of mosaic knitting so easy to understand and do, and I loved how the yarn didn't get all tangled and messy while working on our swatches. It's a technique that uses slipped stitches to create the illusion of working a row with two colors when you're really only using one on that row. By slipping a different colored loop from the row below, you elongate the stitch and make it appear to be mixed in with the color you are using on that row. It's a little hard to explain but easy and fun to do (though you really have to pay attention what you are doing and the graph you're working on, which, by the way, is totally opposite from a crochet graph!!)
I went ahead and got her new book Color Knitting the Easy Way because there's a jacket in there that I really want and now feel like I could actually make! I might save it for next fall though since it takes bulky yarn and size 11 needles -- I can see me making it now and wanting to wear it right away just as spring starts to appear!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Koselig
Such a great term "koselig" -- it's Norwegian for cozy and snug, but it seems to be a term used for a lifestyle or environment as well. According to the exhibit I saw at Nordic Cool at the Kennedy Center last Saturday, it means snuggling by a roaring fire with your handwork and perhaps a hot toddy or glass of wine. How sweet is that?! I'm trying to create a bit of koselig for myself today since Washington DC is effectively shut down for the day, though the snow was a bit of a bust. It's all rain and slush now, with nothing much remaining on the ground.
But back to Nordic Cool. The main reason I went to the Kennedy Center on Saturday was to see Steinunn Sigurd, an Icelandic knitwear designer who was giving a literally hands-on knitting demonstration -- she had us put away our knitting needles and try knitting with our fingers! She's the one in the middle in the picture below:
There was a large screen projecting her demonstration videos of the technique, and she promised she'd be posting them to YouTube soon. It was a lot of fun to work with yarn in such a different way. The place was packed with predominantly women (but quite a few men also) of all generations, and Ms. Sigurd commented on how happy she was to see that and how hard she's working to ensure that knitwork stays alive and well.
So, after the demonstration, I went wandering around to see the Lego exhibit and came across another exhibit of Scandinavian furniture, fashion, and koselig. I also of course had to stop by the gift shop, where I found a fabulous book on Swedish Knits. Mmm, now there's an idea, I'm going to go and koselig with my new book!
But back to Nordic Cool. The main reason I went to the Kennedy Center on Saturday was to see Steinunn Sigurd, an Icelandic knitwear designer who was giving a literally hands-on knitting demonstration -- she had us put away our knitting needles and try knitting with our fingers! She's the one in the middle in the picture below:
There was a large screen projecting her demonstration videos of the technique, and she promised she'd be posting them to YouTube soon. It was a lot of fun to work with yarn in such a different way. The place was packed with predominantly women (but quite a few men also) of all generations, and Ms. Sigurd commented on how happy she was to see that and how hard she's working to ensure that knitwork stays alive and well.
So, after the demonstration, I went wandering around to see the Lego exhibit and came across another exhibit of Scandinavian furniture, fashion, and koselig. I also of course had to stop by the gift shop, where I found a fabulous book on Swedish Knits. Mmm, now there's an idea, I'm going to go and koselig with my new book!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
It's National Crochet Month!
Well, ok, I'm off by two days, but Ellen Gormley and Shelby Allaho have done a great job of kicking things off, and today is my special blog post in celebration (keep reading, there's a discount code in this for you, and if you missed it, here is my Owl Scarf pattern from yesterday's post):
And wait til you see what Amy O'Neill Houck and Akua Lezli Hope have to offer you tomorrow!
First, many thanks to the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) and Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of Crochetville for herding us cats and getting this blog tour organized. All of the designers, including me, participating in this blog tour are professional or associate professional members of the CGOA. We are so committed to the organization's mission of advancing the art of crochet and continuing crochet skills for generations to come, so I hope you will visit the organization's site to see all of the wonderful resources available and subscribe to Crochet! magazine. Amy is our current President extraordinaire, and Crochetville is her beautiful contribution to the world of crochet, so please check out her wonderful resources as well.
And while you are crocheting away, I hope you'll take a little time to visit Project Night Night and see what you can do to help such a worthwhile endeavor. Their goal is to provide every homeless child with a Night Night Package, so that when he or she leaves the shelter, they will have an age appropriate book for reading and family bonding, a cuddly security blanket, and a soon-to-be cherished stuffed animal. I always say that crocheters (and knitters too) are some of the most open-hearted and generous people, so please send good thoughts (and money and projects) to this special charity. You especially can help Project Night Night by making and sending in a new crocheted blanket (50” x 60” or smaller) and/or making a financial donation. On the site, there is a list of all of the shelters the organization serves, so if you prefer, you could find one in your community or hometown to support. Be sure to visit the official blog tour site to add your contribution to the total!
Thank you for participating with me in CGOA's National Crochet Month's blog tour! Please catch up on my six, five, four, three, two, and one Countdown posts and sign up in the little box in the left column for my blog posts by email and to be added to my newsletter subscription list!
And enjoy 20% off all patterns in my Ravelry store for the entire month of March -- just use coupon code NatCro2013. Happy Crocheting!
And wait til you see what Amy O'Neill Houck and Akua Lezli Hope have to offer you tomorrow!
First, many thanks to the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) and Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of Crochetville for herding us cats and getting this blog tour organized. All of the designers, including me, participating in this blog tour are professional or associate professional members of the CGOA. We are so committed to the organization's mission of advancing the art of crochet and continuing crochet skills for generations to come, so I hope you will visit the organization's site to see all of the wonderful resources available and subscribe to Crochet! magazine. Amy is our current President extraordinaire, and Crochetville is her beautiful contribution to the world of crochet, so please check out her wonderful resources as well.
All designers participating in the tour are Professional or Associate Professional members of the Crochet Guild of America
(CGOA). CGOA offers two national conferences each year with an
extensive list of crochet classes, an annual Design Competition, and a
Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques program. Hundreds of
local chapters around the country provide crocheters additional
opportunities to learn about crochet and advance their skills. Other
member benefits include a subscription to Crochet! magazine, a
private email discussion group for members, discounts to online
retailers, and classes at our Chain Link conferences. Please consider
joining the organization and help us in our mission to advance the art
of crochet and continue crochet skills into the next generation.
- See more at: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
- See more at: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
All designers participating in the tour are Professional or Associate Professional members of the Crochet Guild of America
(CGOA). CGOA offers two national conferences each year with an
extensive list of crochet classes, an annual Design Competition, and a
Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques program. Hundreds of
local chapters around the country provide crocheters additional
opportunities to learn about crochet and advance their skills. Other
member benefits include a subscription to Crochet! magazine, a
private email discussion group for members, discounts to online
retailers, and classes at our Chain Link conferences. Please consider
joining the organization and help us in our mission to advance the art
of crochet and continue crochet skills into the next generation.
- See more at: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
- See more at: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
All designers participating in the tour are Professional or Associate Professional members of the Crochet Guild of America
(CGOA). CGOA offers two national conferences each year with an
extensive list of crochet classes, an annual Design Competition, and a
Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques program. Hundreds of
local chapters around the country provide crocheters additional
opportunities to learn about crochet and advance their skills. Other
member benefits include a subscription to Crochet! magazine, a
private email discussion group for members, discounts to online
retailers, and classes at our Chain Link conferences. Please consider
joining the organization and help us in our mission to advance the art
of crochet and continue crochet skills into the next generation - See
more at:
http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-a-tour-through-crochet-country-begins/#sthash.GpUNgHCV.dpuf
A complete list of stops along the blog tour is available here, and I really hope everyone will indulge themselves in lots of crochet this month!And while you are crocheting away, I hope you'll take a little time to visit Project Night Night and see what you can do to help such a worthwhile endeavor. Their goal is to provide every homeless child with a Night Night Package, so that when he or she leaves the shelter, they will have an age appropriate book for reading and family bonding, a cuddly security blanket, and a soon-to-be cherished stuffed animal. I always say that crocheters (and knitters too) are some of the most open-hearted and generous people, so please send good thoughts (and money and projects) to this special charity. You especially can help Project Night Night by making and sending in a new crocheted blanket (50” x 60” or smaller) and/or making a financial donation. On the site, there is a list of all of the shelters the organization serves, so if you prefer, you could find one in your community or hometown to support. Be sure to visit the official blog tour site to add your contribution to the total!
Thank you for participating with me in CGOA's National Crochet Month's blog tour! Please catch up on my six, five, four, three, two, and one Countdown posts and sign up in the little box in the left column for my blog posts by email and to be added to my newsletter subscription list!
And enjoy 20% off all patterns in my Ravelry store for the entire month of March -- just use coupon code NatCro2013. Happy Crocheting!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
One and Done!
One day left in the Countdown to my blog post for National Crochet Month!
Today, I want to share the Owl Scarf crochet pattern with you all before the big day, but be sure to come back tomorrow for a special offer on all of my patterns in my Ravelry store and lots more info about what CGOA has planned for March.
Owl Scarf Pattern (in American crochet terms). Finished owl is 7" tall and 5" wide; the scarf is 41" long.
With worsted weight yarn (orange) and an H hook, make a slip knot and chain 2.
round 1: 6 scs into second ch from hook
round 2: 2 puff sts in each st around, sl st on top of first st to join (12 sts)
round 3: 2 puff sts in each st around, sl st on top of first st to join (24 sts)
round 4: ch 1, 1 sc in same st, 2 scs in next st, [1 sc in next st, 2 scs in next st] around, sl st to top of first st (36 sts)
round 5: with brown yarn, ch 2, 1 dc in same st, [1 dc in next st, 2 dcs in next st] 17 times, 1 dc in last st, 1 dc in first st, sl st to top of first dc (54 sts), fasten off.
On RS, to create head, count back 8 sts to the right from the fasten off point and attach orange yarn.
row 1: ch 1, 1 sc in same and next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 dcs in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dcs in next st (should be center), 1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 2 sts, turn.
row 2: sl st to next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 2 dcs in next st, 1 dc in next 4 sts, 2 dcs in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, sl st to next st, turn.
row 3: sl st to next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 scs in next st, 1 sc in next 8 sts, 2 scs in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, sl st in next 2 sts, fasten off.
On RS, to trim the owl, with a G hook, join brown yarn at 4th st from right side, ch 1, 1 sc in same and next 7 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 2 hdcs in next st, 3 dcs in next st (right corner created), 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next 8 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 3 dcs in next st (left corner created), 2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next 8 scs, sl st to last st, fasten off.
On RS, to start the scarf, join brown yarn in center st of right corner,
row 1: ch 2, 2 dcs in same st, 1 dc in next 12 sts, 2 dcs in center st of left corner (16 sts), turn.
row 2: ch 1, 1 sc in same and each st across (16 sts), turn
Repeat rows 2 and 3 42 times or until desired length. If desired, trim scarf (not owl) with the crab stitch.
To make the eyes,
round 1: with brown, ch 2, 6 scs in second ch from hook
round 2: with white, ch 2, 2 dcs in each st, 3 dcs in last st, 1 dc in first st, sl st to top of first dc (14 sts)
round 3: ch 1, 2 scs in same st and next 9 sts (18 sts), fasten off.
Place eyes on face and make a beak by chaining 3 and making 3 dcs into 3rd ch from hook. The feet are made with orange yarn along bottom edge of scarf by making [2 scs into a st, sl st into next st, 2 hdcs into that st, ch 2 and sl st to next st, 2 scs into that st] twice, with a sl st in between and to end.
And, voila! You have your own little Owl Scarf to get you through the rest of winter :-)
Today, I want to share the Owl Scarf crochet pattern with you all before the big day, but be sure to come back tomorrow for a special offer on all of my patterns in my Ravelry store and lots more info about what CGOA has planned for March.
Owl Scarf Pattern (in American crochet terms). Finished owl is 7" tall and 5" wide; the scarf is 41" long.
With worsted weight yarn (orange) and an H hook, make a slip knot and chain 2.
round 1: 6 scs into second ch from hook
round 2: 2 puff sts in each st around, sl st on top of first st to join (12 sts)
round 3: 2 puff sts in each st around, sl st on top of first st to join (24 sts)
round 4: ch 1, 1 sc in same st, 2 scs in next st, [1 sc in next st, 2 scs in next st] around, sl st to top of first st (36 sts)
round 5: with brown yarn, ch 2, 1 dc in same st, [1 dc in next st, 2 dcs in next st] 17 times, 1 dc in last st, 1 dc in first st, sl st to top of first dc (54 sts), fasten off.
On RS, to create head, count back 8 sts to the right from the fasten off point and attach orange yarn.
row 1: ch 1, 1 sc in same and next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 dcs in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dcs in next st (should be center), 1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 2 sts, turn.
row 2: sl st to next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 2 dcs in next st, 1 dc in next 4 sts, 2 dcs in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, sl st to next st, turn.
row 3: sl st to next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 scs in next st, 1 sc in next 8 sts, 2 scs in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, sl st in next 2 sts, fasten off.
On RS, to trim the owl, with a G hook, join brown yarn at 4th st from right side, ch 1, 1 sc in same and next 7 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 2 hdcs in next st, 3 dcs in next st (right corner created), 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next 8 sts, 1 hdc in next st, 3 dcs in next st (left corner created), 2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next 8 scs, sl st to last st, fasten off.
On RS, to start the scarf, join brown yarn in center st of right corner,
row 1: ch 2, 2 dcs in same st, 1 dc in next 12 sts, 2 dcs in center st of left corner (16 sts), turn.
row 2: ch 1, 1 sc in same and each st across (16 sts), turn
Repeat rows 2 and 3 42 times or until desired length. If desired, trim scarf (not owl) with the crab stitch.
To make the eyes,
round 1: with brown, ch 2, 6 scs in second ch from hook
round 2: with white, ch 2, 2 dcs in each st, 3 dcs in last st, 1 dc in first st, sl st to top of first dc (14 sts)
round 3: ch 1, 2 scs in same st and next 9 sts (18 sts), fasten off.
Place eyes on face and make a beak by chaining 3 and making 3 dcs into 3rd ch from hook. The feet are made with orange yarn along bottom edge of scarf by making [2 scs into a st, sl st into next st, 2 hdcs into that st, ch 2 and sl st to next st, 2 scs into that st] twice, with a sl st in between and to end.
And, voila! You have your own little Owl Scarf to get you through the rest of winter :-)
Friday, March 1, 2013
Two and Towels
The Countdown to National Crochet Month continues, and today, I'm taking a step back to look at my yarn stash and figure out some new projects to use it up before the Metro Yarn Crawl so that I can buy more yarn!!
One great way to use up yarn is Towel Toppers! I know, it seems a bit much to put all that work into something that's going to get messed up pretty quickly, but tell me you can resist this cute little Chicken Topper?!
And this Pineapple Towel Topper really is quick and easy!
Ok, stay tuned for more of the Countdown!
One great way to use up yarn is Towel Toppers! I know, it seems a bit much to put all that work into something that's going to get messed up pretty quickly, but tell me you can resist this cute little Chicken Topper?!
And this Pineapple Towel Topper really is quick and easy!
Ok, stay tuned for more of the Countdown!
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