Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

I am honored to be the featured designer today over at the Underground Crafter podcast . Marie Segares has generously organized a stellar list of designers and free patterns in our joint effort to highlight and celebrate National Crochet Month sponsored by the Crochet Guild of America. Marie discusses and reads my pattern, Himalya Tank Top , on her Podcast. She has a novel idea that introduces those interested in crochet not only to great patterns but also to the designers who make them. My design is made with the wonderful recycled silk made from saris imported from Tibet by Himalya Yarns. Anni Kristensen, the owner of Himalaya Yarn Company , is a kind, peace-loving woman and former social worker who has dedicated her work with these yarns to employing the people of Nepal.. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her yarn and designing almost 20 project patterns for her. National Crochet Month has been quite a time of celebration for me. I worked weeks on a freeform crochet cowl ...

Brenda Bourg has proven what I've believed for a long time: "There are no limits to the creative possibilities of crochet!" Not only does one learn Tunisian crochet in her new book, but  also  how to expand Tunisian crochet skills by working in two colors to create the exquisite Fair Isle look. Annabel Bag Brenda uses the Tunisian Knit Stitch throughout the book, and introduces the reader to the use of the Tunisian hook with a cable. Thus, larger projects are possible including sweater designs. The sixteen projects in the book include a wide range of pattern-making experiences from boot cuffs and head bands to sweaters and afghans. Brenda also recommends the use of a nice selection of yarns for the projects affording the crocheter the opportunity to experience the feel and function of many yarns. She gives advise on substituting yarns, as well. Elish Afghan In the extensive tutorial section, the author has thought of everything that the crocheter needs to...

I have a little fan club in the Junior Kindergarden(JK) room at  my grandchildren's school! Although they are not in teacher, Mrs. B's class this year, I was invited to come back for my 2nd annual presentation on the letter Y; and that stands for "yarn." Conveniently, the JK students reach the letter Y in their studies of the alphabet during March; so it becomes my way to celebrate and open young minds to the mysteries of crochet! This year I spoke to about 30 four-year-olds; two combined classes; mainly because I got caught in horrible traffic by the State Fairgrounds and was late! Needless to say there was much enthusiasm in the room!  Aiming to speak to their interests andattention span, my theme was to show how tools like the hook are used to loop yarn, which starts with the letter Y, to create odd and interesting projects. I compared and showed big yarn  (cable cord) and little yarn (thread);  big hooks and little hooks; big projects and little project...