Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

These beautiful hands with hooks ‘aflying  tell a story. They tell of cancer survivors who have risen above the trauma of their experiences to give love and support through their talented hands to others. Preemie babies receive hats crocheted at the hospital where we meet twice a month as the Cancer & Crochet Support Group.

Kathryn Vercillo Even though I have previously blogged book  reviews of two of Kathryn Vercillo's books, Crochet Saved My Life   Crochet Saved My Life and When Grandma Isn’t Crocheting, She’s Hunting Big Game ; By Kathryn Vercillo promoted her Hook to Heal project and invited her to be a Guest Blogger  here. It seems that I just can’t get enough of her!  She has a presence on the internet and her website, Crochet Concupiscence  radiates energy and joy from the community of crocheters that she covers. Recently, Kathryn has embarked upon a new assignment to bring crochet content to crocheters, so I thought it would be fun to touch base with this interesting and generous person again to bring you up to date on her exciting crochet-life. There are a few key areas of crochet that interest Kathryn: health benefits; organizations that offer people in third world countries the opportunity to use it to support themselves; all aspects of crochet art...

Sponsored by Crochet Concupiscence I am super-thrilled an honored to have received the news yesterday that I received the 2014 Awesome Crochet Blogger Award for " Best Crochet Interviews " ! This award bestowed upon 31 bloggers, one each day during December, is spearheaded by the prolific blogger and crochet supporter, Kathryn Vercillo. (Be watching for my interview of Kathryn this week!) Previously my blog has won Awesome Blogger Awards in 2013 for "Best Guest Posts" and "Best Newsletter"  and in 2011 for "Best Freeform Crochet."  Receiving a prestigious award like this only adds to the joy of blogging and makes me want to do even better next year at seeking out stories and people who sing the praises of crochet! Ats s the announcements of the 2014 winners continue until the end of the month, I will be highlighting winners who I have included here on my blog: March 4, 2014 : Stacey Trock, author of Modern Baby Crochet ;...

Like all great things, the granny square has come and gone in waves. In the 70s it was the go-to technique; creative hobbyists and artists alike found ingenious ways to use it with great flair. Silver Evening Bolero from The Golden Hands Complete Book of Knitting & Crochet, 1973 In the 90s, it got a bad rap as “tired, trite and needing a lift”. During that period, crochet in general was on an upsurge and unenlightened journalists often used the phrase, “Not your granny’s crochet” to demean the past and focus on the “new present.” These frequent slights fueled a revolution for passionate crocheters, led by the Crochet Guild of America , who stood up for their beloved craft and brought it to the fore not only as a hobby, but also as an art form and fashion-inspiration. That popularity of crochet as art and fashion surged upward and is currently at its apex of acceptance as a valid fiber art. Vintage motifs on canvas by Kathleen Holmes, The Fine Art of Crochet, 2013 W...

Artists & Makers Editor Jeannnine Stein explains in her editor's letter that the goal of this exciting new magazine is to “be that friend, that peer, who will guide you through the rough spots, help you celebrate the victories, and inspire you to achieve your wildest dreams” in today's atmosphere where supporting art and handmade goods is the right thing to do. As I began my first-pass perusal of Artists & Makers I was struck by the incredible information in just the ads! I viewed full-color ads about arts and crafts; things I will probably never do, but are nonetheless inspiring.  These are some examples:  “next steps in painting with fire, video on binding custom books, a mixed media art retreat; and a coffee table book about art studios; and that is just from the first 8 pages! "Gustavo Victor Golar: Carving His Own Path" As I continued to delve into the content of the articles, there was exciting insight to share. I chose one article to share...

Cozy Toes for Baby I haven’t been aware of a more heartwarming reason to create a book sommme time! “As I pondered a new direction for my life work and a direction for my design talents,” Chantal wrote, “serendipity intervened and led me to the Imani Project  and  I decided to sponsor a Kenyan child orphaned by HIV/AIDS.” This book is dedicated to the Masheleni children and the Imani Project and pictured is Linet who was one of the first children sponsored by Chantal. With crochet patterns that are as adorable as they are practical, you can provide fashion for wee ones while keeping tiny toes warm. Instructions for making the soles and even re-purposing the materials from leather elbow patches are included along with how-tos on felting for shape and sturdiness.  "Sparky Dog" One basic pattern is used for the 7 sets of shoe designs, each in 5 sizes. Incredibly  appealing embellishments and styling sets each design apart from the other.  ...

Linda Lehman hails from Silver Spring, Maryland and retired from a career in finance many years ago. Since that time, she has focused on her love of crafts. She has had a successful shop on Etsy  for 4 years where she sells not only the finished bracelets and necklaces but also patterns for crocheters to make their own jewelry. She is also the author of Bead Crochet Jewelry (Schiffer Publishing). Linda Lehaman, author of Bead Crochet I am a member of her Ravelry group  and was the lucky recipient of her annual drawing where I have won challenging patterns as well as jewelry and beads from her co-moderator, KnotChaCha . Linda also has a store on Ravelry. I am so inspired by her skills when it comes to designing that I wanted to get to know her better. "Dots & Spirals": I won this pattern and it is a delight to wear! Crochetkween: What got you interested in crochet? Did you learn crochet or bead-crochet first? Do you do other beading techniques? Linda:...

The Big Book of Little Amigurumi by Ana Paula Rimoli Yet another book on the popular crochet-style, Amigurumi , has been added to the stable of offerings. At first glance, one might think the book contains just repeats of oft-seen patterns: the ubiquitous owl, plentiful penguins and common cookies. About then the clever style of Ana Rimoli kicks in to surprise the reader! The carefree look of the Mommy and Baby Hedgehogs along with their disco-era hair makes you want to kiss them! The Hot-Air Balloon is colorful and clever and as Ana Paula says, “It hangs in the room and watches my children play.” Hot-Air Balloon Little Bunny and Her Carrot Home will provide endless hours of play for the little ones. Once it is done, Ana suggests you fill the carrot with jelly beans and set the bunny on top for an Easter surprise! Little Bunny & Her Carrot Home By providing a water lily throne, Ana turns a prickly frog into a loveable creature! Just when you thought you’d never ...