My New Japanese Crochet Book!

My local yarn and craft shop, Barakat, has been having a great sale the past few weeks, and  to my delight, the Japanese  books were included!  I was thrilled to find this gem (ISBN 978-4-529-02412-9).  It is a book that illustrates what stitch each symbol represents, and it includes step by step instructions on how to create the stitch.  I was hoping to find a reference like this, because many times I will discover a symbol in a stitch dictionary that I have never seen before, and that is not mentioned in the back of the book.  I haven't put it to use yet, so I don't know if every symbol I will ever need is in it, but it does include 59 different stitches.  I am sure it will be an invaluable resource!  

(One of the symbols in the book)

Wow, a Limited Edition Set of Etimo Crochet Hooks!

(Limited Edition set, photo by Knitty City)

As you may already know, I love Etimo crochet hooks!  I just came across this unusal, Limited Edition set being sold by Knitty City.  I have compared the this set with the regular set and there are a few differences.  The Limited Edition set includes some  rare sizes (2mm, 2.2 mm, and 2.5mm), which might be useful.  See the details below:  

LIMITED EDITION SET


-10 Pink hooks in sizes:  2mm, 2.2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, E4/ 3.5mm, G6/ 4mm, 7/ 4.5mm, and H8/ 5mm, I9/ 5.5mm, and J10/6mm.


-2 Gold yarn needles


-Pink and white striped carrying case with a decorative tassel.


Price:  $110

(Regular Set, photo by Caron International)

REGULAR SET

-8 Grey hooks in sizes:  D3/ 3.25mm, E4/ 3.5mm, F5/ 3.75mm, G6/ 4mm, 7/ 4.5mm, H8/ 5mm, I9/ 5.5mm, and J10/ 6mm.
-2 Yarn needles

-4 1/2 Plastic ruler

-Pair of scissors

-Grey and silver carrying case

Price:  $79.99

It would make a lovely gift for yourself or a crocheter you adore!  If you are interested in purchasing the Limited Edition set, you can do so here. If you are interested in purchasing the regular set, you can do so here.

Introducing the Crawford Crochet Necklace!

I am so excited to reveal the "Crawford Necklace" that appears in the March 2011 issue of the UK magazine, Inside Crochet!  When I saw the call for submissions for this issue, I knew I had to submit because they were requesting vintage inspired designs.  I have a collection of jewelry from the 1950's, and was especially inspired by my rhinestone necklaces.  I challenged myself to create a delicate piece in yarn, and chose to use a hint of metallic gold to give the necklace a fine jewelry feel.  It was the first time I have ever worked with Twilley's "Goldfingering" yarn.  It has such a beautiful sheen and is guaranteed not to tarnish.

I love projects like this necklace, because you can crochet one in an afternoon, and have something new to wear out in the evening!  If you need a quick gift, you can whip one up quickly with yarn from your stash and have a unique piece to give.

There are a few other reasons I am so excited about this issue; the first reason is because my design was one of the projects featured on the cover.  Every designer dreams of being on the cover of a magazine, and this is the closest I have been!  The other reason is because the magazine asked me to write about my inspiration for this design, and I was given the priveledge of submitting additional photos of the jewelry pieces from my collection that inspired me in creating this necklace.  I was also able to talk about my design process and how the necklace evolved.  They even included a photo of one of the early prototypes!

There are some wonderful garments and accessories in this issue.  If you are looking for a new project, Inside Crochet 15 is definitely worth checking out! If you would like to buy the necklace pattern separately (in US crochet terms), you can download it from Ravelry for $2.99. 

(Photo by KAL Media)

A Mixed Media Crochet Purse

This is a mixed media purse that I made for a purse exchange with members of  the International Freeform Guild.  I wanted to include fabric and embroidery in this piece.  It all began with the fabric; it was originally a Calvin Klein bedsheet that I had bought to make a shower curtain.  The sheet was longer than I needed for the curtain, so I had a little extra to play with!  

First I cut the fabric into the purse shape, and that formed the background of the purse.  Then, I crocheted various flowers and vines and experimented with the placement.  Once I got that right, I cut out some felt leaves and embellished the flowers and leaves with embroidery.  What is interesting about this purse, are the differences in texture.  The cotton fabric is very smooth, the silk yarn is quite shiny, the wool is matte, and the nylon net and embroidery thread fall somewhere in between those textures.  There are many small details on this purse, for example, the handle is a slip stitch cord with a row of silk chain stitches on top.  One of my favorite details, is the couching on the sides of the purse.  The way it encases the fabric, brings all of the multimedia elements together.  I really enjoyed making this purse and I would like to create more projects with fabric as a base.

Fanfare Cowl Pattern

The Fanfare Cowl pattern that I originally designed for the UK magazine, Inside Crochet issue #8, is now available to purchase in US crochet terms, via Ravelry.

It is a fun project to crochet, and a great chance to practice the surface crochet technique that I adore, to define the "pleats".  It is also a versatile pattern that could be used to make a belt by adjusting the length and the width of the cowl and the tie.  

I encourage you to try the Berroco Inca Gold yarn.  It is so wonderful to work with, and creates beautiful stitches with a slight sheen.  There are some lovely photos of Fanfare Cowls on Ravelry already, and it would be great to see photos of yours if you decide to make one!

Skill level:  Intermediate 

MATERIALS 

Yarn:  Berroco Inca Gold, 80% 

merino wool, 20% silk, 50g/ 113m/ 

122yds, WPI 9. 

Color A: Verde Azulado, #6418 

(one skein). 

Color B: Purpura, #6409 (one 

skein). 

Hook size:  (G) 4mm, or size to 

obtain gauge. 


Price:  $2.95

 

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The Paris Belt- a Tutorial Inspired by the Kyoto Coat

My favorite part of  the Kyoto Coat that I designed for the 2010 Crochet Guild of America design competition, was the crazy quilt style sash.  Ever since it won the grand prize, I wanted to design a woman's belt inspired by the Kyoto Coat.  It was so fun to make, I decided to write a tutorial to share with readers of my blog.

Kyoto Coat Sash

I suggest shopping for fabrics with a color in mind.  First, choose a print that you love, then choose 4 or 5 more that complement it.  For the belt shown, I chose mostly cotton fabrics, but you may choose any medium weight fabric that can tolerate a moderate iron setting.  Don't be afraid to use the back side of fabrics as well.  I used the back side of 2 of the fabrics I chose for this belt.  

Some patience will be required when outlining the fabric sections with crocheted chains, but if you are diligent, it will really pay off, as it is this detail that really makes the belt.  Enjoy, and please post photos if you make one!  You can download the full tutorial from Ravelry, please see the link below.

Materials:

Paper for making the pattern

A selection of printed fabrics

Medium weight, iron-on interfacing

Wonder under

Ironing board and iron

1 Skein Berroco “Ultra Alpaca Light”

1 Ball DMC Pearl Cotton

Crochet hooks in size C/2 (2.75mm), and D/3 (3.25mm)

Yarn needle

Sewing needle

Rust proof pins


DOWNLOAD TUTORIAL HERE

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An Inspiring Vintage Yarn Ad!

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know how I adore vintage yarn ads!  I came across this one yesterday, and it made me wish that I was a little more glamorous when I crochet.  She really puts me to shame in my "house clothes".  I also love that she is watching "I Love Lucy" while she crochets.  I think I would have thrived in the 1950's, as I have always been attracted to things from that era.  It made me wonder how your surroundings effect your crochet outcome?  Maybe the next time I am aiming for an elegant design, I will put a bouquet of flowers on the table and dress up a little for the occasion!