Monday, June 22, 2015

Blocking Magic: A Granny Square Can Become a Granny Rectangle!

I could never say enough about how magical the blocking process is! You can change the shape of a piece, simply by getting it wet and pinning it into the shape you want it to be- as long as the shape is similar to what you have crocheted. When the thread or yarn gets wet, it allows you to stretch it into shape, and establish a new memory to the fibers. 

I was making a new Mini Masterpiece sample for eWoodStory, and thought I should document my steps to show you how I make granny squares fit into the rectangular frames.

1. I marked the holes of the frame with a pencil, onto a plain sheet of paper.

2. I crocheted a miniature granny square, using pearl cotton size 8, and a size 1.75mm hook. I crocheted enough rounds, so that the square was slightly wider than the width of the frame. That way it can stretch all the way from the top to the bottom and be the correct width.



3.  Spray the granny square with water, and using an ironing board or blocking board as a base, pin out into shape on the paper pattern that has been topped with plastic to keep it dry.




4.  Allow to dry completely before removing the pins. 


5. Now the granny square turned rectangle can be easily stitched into the frame!



Monday, June 15, 2015

Dreaming of A New Crochet Necklace Kit...


I have been in the studio working up a sample for a possible new necklace kit. The Nouveau Necklace has been very popular, so I would love to add another necklace kit to the eWoodStory line.

In its design phase, I am calling this the Ribbon Necklace, because the ends of the necklace that are framed in exotic wood resemble the way I like to cut the ends of ribbon when I tie bows. The elements of this necklace are simple to crochet, and it is very comfortable to wear.

As a little market research, I would love to have some feedback from all of you before I proceed with making it available as a kit. What do you all think, would you like to see this as our next kit? Any constructive comments would be much appreciated! If I go ahead with making it into a kit, it will be available in a variety of different wood and yarn color combinations!

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Getting Ready for The Knit and Crochet Show!

I am busy these days preparing for my trip to the US and the Knit and Crochet Show! I am so happy that I am able to attend the conference again this year, and I am thrilled that I will get to sign books with my co-author of "Crocheting Clothes Kids Love", Ellen Gormley! We will be signing books in the Crochetville booth on July 24th at 12:30 pm.

I am also excited about the fact that our eWoodStory line will be for sale in the Crochetville booth on July 24th and 25th!

If you are going to be in the San Diego area during the conference dates, do try to attend!