My Catena Crochet Scarf in Interweave Crochet Magazine!

Winter is an amazing time to crochet, and I am super excited to have a fun scarf pattern in the new Winter 2020 issue of Interweave Crochet! This scarf is such fun to crochet and it includes my favorite technique, surface crochet. You begin by crocheting a mesh base, then you surface crochet into it with a heavier weight yarn, to create a lovely warm textured scarf. You can really be creative with your yarn choices with this pattern!

There are many beautiful patterns in this issue! Head over to the Ravelry Page for the issue to favorite the patterns you like the most!

More on Using Crochet to Finish Weaving Projects!

I am always finding a way to use crochet in my projects, no matter what technique I am using. I find that it is a great way to finish the edges of a purse. I crochet along the sides so I can make neat seams, and I find crochet is the best way to make fastenings and handles. For this purse, I crocheted two strips, then crocheted them together on the edges to make a strong handle that won't stretch out. I also crocheted a bobble that I stitched to the body of the purse, and I crocheted a fastening loop to the flap of the purse. Because you can insert your hook anywhere, crochet gives you the flexiblity to change the look and shape of the woven piece after it is finished! 

Using Crochet Remnants

From most any design project, I have leftover pieces. I save these pieces hoping for just the right project to come along. I decided to challenge my self to make a pendant out of some of the pieces leftover from the free Mademoiselle Necklace Pattern I designed for Berroco.

By layering them and adding some surface embroidery, I was able to create a 3D background for one of our stitchable "Pod" pendants.

I like working with remnants and leftovers, because working with what you have exercises your creative problem solving and the results are always unexpected!

I plan to continue this challenge and will be sharing more remnant creations in coming posts. I challenge you all to make something out of your scraps and remnants! If you are on Instagram, use the hashtag #remnantschallenge.

Adventures in Combining Crochet and Weaving!

Even though I love working with many techniques, I always have crochet on my mind! I especially love to combine different technique to achieve interesting effects. For a while now I have been experimenting with and teaching modern weaving with our eWoodStory weaving kit. I love doing freeform work, and weaving can be so creative. You can really show the beauty of the yarns and fibers you are using.

I recently started experimenting with including crochet in my weaving. The first experiment I did was to crochet the weft for a weaving in an ivory color. I freely wove it into the piece along with some other yarns, and then painted the crochet to go with the yarns. I also crocheted the fringe. I felt it was really successful, and the wheels of creativity began spinning!  If you want to see the evolution of this weaving, here is a link to an earlier post I wrote when I was just beginning to weave this piece.

The next piece I worked on had some crocheted chains and bobbles added to the warp. I then wove around them to incorporate them into the piece without covering them up too much. I also did a little embroidery embellishment to finish it off.

The third piece had a completely crocheted warp. I crocheted a filet mesh that was tailored to fit the loom, and then I crocheted some chains to weave into the mesh. I alternated weaving the chains in, with some of the same yarn that hadn't been crocheted. I love the rich tapestry it created! I made this into a purse. By crocheting the warp, I was able to make the piece long enough to make a purse from the one panel.

After completing this piece, I decided that I wanted to try making the warp the focus of the piece, and I crocheted interesting wavy strips that I wove a little color into after crocheting. I alternated these with double chain bands in a contrasting color. Then the challenge was to find a warp that would hold it all together but not compete with it.

I have many more ideas for combining crochet and weaving. I am excited to keep on experimenting with this! I have decided to call these combo pieces "weavrochet". My daughter and I had a great time brainstorming words combining crochet and weaving, and this was our favorite!

If you would like to follow along  and see progress photos of my weavrochet adventures as they unfold, follow me on instagram, and you can also search by the Instagram hashtag #weavrochet.

Cool Cat Crochet Cuffs for Interweave Crochet Fall 2017!

Fall is my favorite time of year and I am always so happy to have designs featured in the new fall issue of Interweave Crochet! 

In this Issue I have 2 designs, the first of which I will talk about today. My favorite thing to design is jewelry, and I can never resist a call for jewelry designs! 

I also love mixing techniques, and I wanted to incorporate some weaving this time. I designed a bracelet that looked like woven links using surface crochet details.

When I heard back from the magazine, they asked if I could make the bracelet into a cuff, so we decided to double the width. They also sent me a finer yarn to use, so the result is quite different from my original submission! You can easily make the cuffs into a bracelet by crocheting half of the stitches. Cuff or bracelet. Customize as you like! Below is the magazine version that was put into their 70's themed section of the magazine. It is great that the editor was able to work my submission into her retro vision!

 If you would like to see all of the lovely designs featured in this issue, they are all up on Ravelry now. Visit the page and show the designers some love and favorite your favorites! The Cool Cat Cuff is also available for sale as an individual pattern from the Interweave online store.

Springtime Petals Crochet Collar!

There is about a week left of National Crochet Month, and I hope you all have been crocheting to your hearts content! 

I had over 900 downloads of the Petals Collar Pattern this month, and I am hoping to see lots of project photos on Ravelry! 

The first project photos were posted last week, and it the collar is so pretty, I asked the maker, Mimouna, if I could share her photos with you. Thankfully she graciously agreed! She says she is a newbie crocheter, and you would never know it from her beautiful work!

I just love how the collar looks in purple, and her photo really celebrates spring!

I would really love to see more versions of the collar, so anyone who makes one, please post your photos!

One Skein Crochet Scarves!

There is something so satisfying about a one skein project! Most of us have single skeins of yarns that we love in our stash, that are waiting patiently for a great project! 

It was a wonderful surprise when I found out that Interweave had put this pattern collection together including my Doodle Scarf! 

A few years back, I designed the Doodle Scarf for the Interweave Crochet Accessories Issue, it is an eye-catching scarf that is really fun to crochet! It works up quickly in a bulky yarn and you can think of it as oversized jewelry that keeps you warm!

There are two uses for the Doodle scarf pattern. I also did a blog post about how to use this pattern to make a necklace.

Scarf season is coming up and this is a really lovely collection, thinking of one skein projects makes me want to make a scarf for each of my friends!

The Doodle Scarf Sample, before I sent it to Interweave

The Flora Necklace, that can be made from the Doodle Scarf Pattern

The Flor Necklace for Interweave Crochet Summer 2016!

The Summer Issue of Interweave Crochet recently came out, so I can finally talk about my designs! These two necklace versions are based on the same motif crocheted forwards and backwards to create a unique modern crochet look. The top version has two sets of two motifs joined together, and the bottom version has 2 motifs joined together with an asymmetrical graduated chain.

Many of my designs are not planned out before I pick up my hook! The Flor Necklace design is one of those designs! I first crocheted a few of the motifs, not knowing exactly what I would do with them. I got out my necklace form and started pinning them in different ways. Then I decided to join them by pulling one through another, which creates a small knot effect. I couldn't decide which version I liked better- the version with 2 or the version with 4 motifs joined together, so I submitted them both, thinking that the editors at Interweave Crochet would choose one of them. Imagine how thrilled I was when they told me they would like to publish both versions! Once you have made one version, the other is just a very slight variation. Both necklaces fasten at the back with a crocheted bobble that goes through a loop, so there are no supplies to buy. It takes very little yarn to make one, so you may have just the perfect yarn already in your stash!

I hope to see lots of projects on Ravelry! I can imagine many ways to crochet this necklace. It could be really amazing in just the right type of variegated yarn, or you could make the motifs different colors, which would give you a really different look! In addition to the patterns being available in the magazine, you can also purchase patterns from this issue individually from the Interweave online store! 

A Fun Free Crochet Hearts Pattern!

This is a fun idea to dress up a cardigan or blouse! Crocheting around elastic cord makes the center of the heart adjustable, so that you can simply slip it over a button. It is a great way to give a new look to something you already have in your wardrobe. They are easy to take on and off, so you can make one set to wear on different garments.

You can use different yarn weights to create different size hearts using the same instructions. You can also use two or three colors if you change colors in the rounds. If you can find elastic cord in the same color as the thread or yarn you are using, that would be ideal!

Be festive for Valentines day, or for any day of the year! If you decide to make some, don't forget to post photos to the project page on Ravelry. I would love to see how you use them!

The Sweetheart Button Frames pattern is now available as a free download on Ravelry.

Two Color Version in Sportweight Yarn

Try Out A Pattern From Crocheting Clothes Kids Love!

I just noticed that my Hopscotch Legwarmers pattern from Crocheting Clothes Kids Love, is available on the Craft Foxes Website. Our publisher, Creative Publishing International, graciously gave them permission to post this pattern. So, if you would like to try out a pattern from the book, this is a fun one! They are shaped just right to fold over nicely and and the ribbed effect of the stitching helps them to fit a range of sizes. They are easy to make larger or smaller because they are crocheted lengthwise from top to bottom. The pom poms are my favorite finishing touch. If you have never made multi-colored pom poms, you must try it, they are thrilling to make! The yarn I used for these leg warmers, Cascade Yarn's "Pacific", is so perfect for this project. It is soft and has a little sheen to it that makes gorgeous pom poms. If you make these leg warmers, we would absolutely love to see photos of your projects on Ravelry. What colors would you choose to make them in???

My Wish List of Yarn Craft Notions and Gadgets for 2016!

Instagram is my favorite form of social media, as I discover so many new and wonderful things there. Just when you think you have enough tools and gadgets! 

Recently I came across a post about glass yarn darning needles by Moving Mud. I was so intrigued I found their website, which includes even more wonderful things such as cable needles for knitting, knitting needles, and these fun stitch markers:

I am also a big fan of Clover products! Always so clever, and such good quality! I have two items on my wish list from them this year. The first is this handy yarn needle threader. I think it would be a  real time saver when working on a project with a lot of ends to weave in. I also love the way it looks, and it will fit nicely into the zippered pocket of my Athena's Elements crochet hook case!

The second item I am really excited about is their tassel maker. I usually just use a piece of cardboard, but this looks so much more efficient, and you can make tassels in 3 different sizes from 1 3/16"-2". There is also a large tassel maker that makes 5 larger sizes from 2 3/8"-4"!

My Crochet Design Aesthetic

In a previous post, I began indirectly talking about my design aesthetic. Knowing your design aesthetic is a very important part of being a designer. I believe that sometimes people who follow your design work often can tell you what makes one of your designs uniquely yours, even before you can yourself! Often, a significant amount of designs need to be in your portfolio before your aesthetic becomes apparent.

I have had several people tell me that they knew a design was mine in magazines, even before they knew I had designed it! This makes me very happy. It reassures me that I do have a recognizable style, even though I feel I can't always put my finger on what that style is. I do know that there are certain design elements/ details that I like to include in my work.

In my last post, I mentioned that chain links have been a popular theme in my work. That got me thinking about what other themes/ techniques I often use in my work.

I love to mix techniques, and embroidery embellishment often finishes off my designs. My all time favorite embroidery stitch is the Lazy Daisy. It is the stitch I most often use to embellish my designs.

I put together a collage of some of my designs that feature this stitch.

Beginning from the top row, from left to right:

En Fleur Cowl - Ruffles Wristlet - Antoinette Ring

Middle row, from left to right:

Little Genevieve's Belt - Mademoiselle Necklace - Monarch Necklace - Chinois Scarf

Bottom row, from left to right:

Sunny Day Skirt - Festival Hairband Stand - Caravan Kerchief

Crochet Tool Organization!

While attending the Knit and Crochet Show this past summer in San Diego, I discovered Athena's Elements. It is a great company that sells ergonomic crochet hooks, and crochet hook cases, as well as complete crochet hook kits.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Grace Smith, the genuine and delightful owner of the company. She told me about how the cases were specially designed with a crocheter's specific needs in mind, and that design decisions for new additions to her line were heavily based on feedback she receives from customers. She is committed to customer satisfaction, which is apparent in the thoughtful note that is enclosed with her products:

Her gorgeous fabric crochet hook cases caught my eye right away.  The crochet hook case I have been using is looking a little tired. I was ready for an upgrade! I have been saving the new case because I have just been saving and admiring it. Today I decided was the day I should finally move into it! I don't know why I waited so long! I am so thrilled with it! Since buying my set of crochet hooks, I have acquired a 2mm, and a 10.5mm hook, and I didn't have space in the original case. I am ecstatic that there are enough spaces in the Athena's Elements case, to hold them all! There is also a large space between the hook slots that is perfect for scissors and a ruler. Thank you to Laurinda Reddig for the great wooden ruler, that now goes everywhere with me! I keep stitch markers and yarn/tapestry needles in the small zippered pouch. The case closes very easily with the generous fabric loop.

So, if you are in the market for high quailty, reasonably priced crochet hooks, and/or a case, Check Athena's Elements out on Amazon and Facebook. At the moment, they are doing a giveaway of a Deluxe Crochet Kit and yarns. Enter to win here.

The lovely owner, Grace Smith, in her booth

I can't wait to take my new case out and about with me and show it off!

The Swanky Purse for Interweave Crochet Accessories

I have been really enjoying designing purses. A purse is an accessory that you almost never leave the house without. Since purses are so essential, they are really worth investing your time in making them. The great thing is, it can also be fun to make, as there are endless special details you can add to a purse to give it personality!

I wanted to make a bag that would show off a beautiful skein of variegated yarn, be the perfect size, an interesting shape, and have a unique closure. This project is the perfect project for a skein of variegated yarn with colors that you really want to showcase, as it is framed in the front by a complementary solid color, and the back is made entirely of the variegated. Of course you can always switch the variegated and solid yarn sections around, if you would prefer the solid color to be more prominent. I made a few paper patterns of the purse to get the size and shape just right. It is tall enough to hold a variety of things, but not so tall that you can't find what is inside the purse! The bow knot never needs to be untied. You simply slip it through the buttonhole in the flap.

I have to mention the handles! The handles are stitched in a way that they won't stretch too much when you have things in the purse- this is an area that I feel that crocheted purses can be weak, so I was careful to make the handles strong. 

Every purse needs a secret...this purse has a secret pocket that is just the right size for business cards or a grocery list! It is formed when you stitch the flap to the back of the purse

I hope to see many Swanky Purses made in different color combinations! Please don't forget to add your project to Ravelry if you make one!

Six Ways to Wear the Eyelet Twist Scarf

Wrapped around the neck with the ends in front

The new issue of Interweave Crochet Accessories is now out, and I am thrilled to have 3 designs featured in it! I am planning to dedicate a blog post to each one. 

Today I am talking about the Eyelet Twist Scarf, and 6 ways to wear it. Besides being a fun project to crochet, it is also fun to wear!

I really enjoyed designing this scarf, because it combines 2 things I love: varying stitch height to add shaping, and long chain stitch sections. The combination of the 2 elements helps give the illusion of cables. Simple stitches combined can be so effective!

Pictured in this post are photos of the original scarf sample I made to submit to Interweave. When I am preparing a submission, I take several photos of of ways that the piece can be worn. Scarves can look so different depending on how they are wrapped, and you never know what might appeal most to an editor. It also shows how versatile the design can be.

Which way would you wear this scarf?

Simply draped around the neck

Thrown over the shoulder

The sides crossed and folded over each other

Wrapped around the neck and tied

Both ends thrown over the shoulders

eWoodStory in Australia!

We are thrilled to announce that the wonderful freeform fibre artist, Prudence Mapstone, will be selling our Mini Masterpiece frames at her events in Australia. You can find her in Perth, next week (May 20-24), at the Craft and Quilt Fair, stand #F09, at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

To see all of the events she is participating in this year, have a look at her calendar. 

The frames are also available in our Etsy shop, and can be shipped worldwide.

The Blooming Bracelet Crochet Kit is Now Available!

We launched our eWoodStory line last summer with the Nouveau Necklace Kit and Mini Masterpiece Pendants. We thought the next kit should be a unique and fun to crochet bracelet. It can be crocheted in about an hour. A quick and satisfying project that is sure to be a conversation piece when you wear it. It is great for spring and summer crocheting, and would make a lovely gift!

The kits are for sale in our Etsy shop, and at The Sadu House and Needles and Yarn shop in Kuwait. They are available in 6 different yarn colors with coordinating engraved exotic wood flowers to slide on the flower centers. 

There are written instructions for three different sizes, and enough yarn included to make any of the sizes. The kit also comes with a full stitch diagram. Kits sold in the Middle East also include instructions in Arabic.