Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

 Nancy Grace Hutson, is a self-taught artist who pursues her artistic vision by combining her love of crochet with her drawings on archival paper. Not only will her artwork be on display at Sow's Ear in Verona, Wisconsin now through February 27, but she will also teach a workshop on her method of "free-style" crochet. Sundrops courtesy of Sow's Ear Sundrops : close-up Nancy's "themes for her crochet wall hangings are nature-based: a flowing river, clouds in the sky, the sun through trees. Even her abstract pieces – her vision of sun drops falling onto a lake, and the wild sky colors behind a three-dimensional tree branch – come out of playing with natural images. Mixed Media; crochet over wire for 3-D effect, courtesy Hutson Hutson is also displaying a few of her drawings, which she says are “colorful, rhythmic, and playful.” Also displayed is the coming together of her drawing and crochet media, with a drawing framed in creative crochet shapes." The Fl...

I have decided to take a break today from the influx of every changing information about the virus called "Corona" that is sweeping our nation and creating fear and even panic in otherwise mostly well-informed people. Today marks Day 12 since I decided to self-quarantine in my home. I have only been out to take daily walks walk in my neighborhood daily; and yesterday I took a car ride in  to no where in particular! I am determined to think of only positive things. Tomorrow, I will be refreshed and ready to go back into battle to do the best for me and my family during this crisis of unknown quantity for our nation and the world! I have been playing Kenny Rogers music all day to honor him. His death may not seems positive to you, but after all, he has gotten us through good times and bad for years with his talents and songs. Bless his heart! During this time I have been cooking and baking up a storm! So far it is more fun when all I have is time. Also, it can be an int...

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 Pate Conaway: Mixed Media Artist Pate Conaway Not only is Pate one of the talented artists featured in my book, The Fine Art of Crochet ~ Innovative Works by 20 Contemporary Artists , but he is a friend. Pate's gentle and endearing personality ensures that he makes friends wherever he goes. Chapter 4: Pate Conaway His method, installation and performance, draws Pate's viewers in as they try to comprehend what he is doing and how he is doing it. Using commonly found materials, he plays upon those looks of recognition as he cleverly transforms his mateials into their final state of artistic wonder! Not much time is left, but I invite you to attend his interactive exhibit September  27, 1PM-5PM or September 28 (closing reception) from 12 PM-4PM at the Roman Susan Art Space , 1224 W. Loyola, Chicago, Illinois. You'll be glad you went! Untitled Recently my chapter of the Crochet Guild of America invited Pate as a guest artis...

Saturday, March 29, 2014 In August 1994 , I hosted 90 avid crocheters for a weekend conference at De Paul University in Chicago that included classes taught by Bill Elmore, Joan Davis, Arlene Mintzer and more;  a Keynote Address by Sylvia Landman ( Crafting for Dollars ); a lecture by Annie Potter; marketplace, meals together, door prizes a plenty. An optional tour of Lake Michigan on the Spirit of Chicago was offered along with an optional post conference workshop with Pauline Turner. The most ambitious of all during the weekend was the Juried Exhibit of Crochet Art. At the time, I firmly believed that crochet art was an amazing way to educate people about the vast possibilities of crochet. It is amazing to see what can be achieved with just a hook and flexible lines from many, many materials. Today I still hold the same belief: crochet is as varied as the crocheter who does it. Crochet art, however, moves and amazes even the most seasoned professionals when they see ...

Monday, December 16, 2010 It's not too late to gift my book, The Fine Art of Crochet , to a crochet friend. The Kindle edition  only costs $3.03! Merry Christmas to ALL my crochet friends near and far!

Monday, November 4, 2013 I spent this past weekend at Vogue Knitting Live, Chicago in the luxurious Palmer House Hilton in the "loop." The promoters of VKL generously gave artists the opportunity to exhibit in the "artists' gallery" and I took advantage in order to promote my new book, The Fine Art of Crochet , and to exhibit some of my art. In this often knit-centric conference, crochet was more visible this year. They have been gradually introducing more and more crochet over the last couple of years. This year there were crochet classses, many products and books for crocheters and the ever-present Crochet Guild of America, ably represented by the 3 Chicago land chapters. I was very pleased to be able to show the beauty and versatility of crochet with my display to so many knitters who were in awe of the "delicate stitches and interesting art." I was very pleased with all the contacts I made, the books I sold and the many crocheters I was able t...

Monday, July 29, 2013 As I said in my book, The Fine Art of Crochet, at the conclusion of the introduction: "Fortunately today there are many, many artists who choose to express themselves through the medium of crochet. Although space constraints prohibit me from featuring them all, my hope and my dream is that this book will be a springboard to the understanding, not only for crocheters but for the public at large, that crochet is a valid and vibrant medium in the field of art!" My plan is to continue to educate about crochet as art here on my blog and today I am featuring fiber artist, Patrick Ahern from Los Angels. He is a kind soul and it was a pleasure getting to know him by phone. Patrick Ahern, of Los Angeles, was a musician before he was a crocheter. He likens both skills to each other because he says, “The chords in music are patterns and crochet patterns have rhythm to them as well.” Patrick further explains that he gets a sense in his head, but he doesn’t ha...

Monday, April 15, 2013 We have a fairly new magazine, Fiber Art Now , which follows in the footsteps of Fiberarts magazine. It started in 2009 as a blog called Valley Fiber Life by Marcia Young. Life goes on and I am glad that once again we have a beautiful magazine that strives to inspire and connect the fiber art and textile community like Fiberarts magazine once did!. I have been receiving my Fiber Art Now news on line for a while and have just received my first hard copy with my subscription. I am happy to be in the fiber art loop again and am really enjoying it. Since my upcoming book, The Fine Art of Crochet (June 2013), fits into the genres of fine art and fiber art, I want to be on top of the most current information as to where to share the news. Whether a single issue features crochet or not is not important to me. There is much to inspire crocheters: just the pure color that abounds is sure to inspire along with news of exhibits, shows and manufacturers who may feature c...