Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

Step into Crochet by Rohn Strong When I first picked up Rohn's book, I had the attitude that very little could be added to the information out there on making socks. Boy, was I wrong!

Imagical Seasons Vol. 1: Spring Imagical Seasons Vol. 2: Summer The interesting title of these books sets the tone for what crocheters will find inside! Making use of the “portmanteau word” which blends two or more distinct forms like smoke + fog = smog, Alla has blended the words "imagine" and "magical." You'll find imaginative and magical designs for the little ones in your life. Alla Koval “creates happy fashion designs by combining colors, texture and materials that make her designs unique and enticing.” After selling hundreds of custom-created children’s fashions, she decided to start writing up the designs to instruct others to make them. She is well suited to create original fashions that will thrill mothers as much as their children! At first Alla feared that she would burn out, but she now feels that writing the patterns is what makes her the “happiest person in the world!ead!” Read the ...

Vashti Braha  I’ve known Vashti's passion for crochet since the day I first met her at the Crochet Guild (CGOA) booth at Stitches Midwest back in Summer 2004.  It is no surprise that her presence in the world of crochet has evolved from active crocheter, to designer, CGOA board member to her current role as entrepreneur and owner of Designing Vashti Lotus , a yarn company. Her innate curiosity, love of the technique of crochet and drive to improve has led her along this path. 2015 brings in plans for a “coming-out” party of sorts; the “debutante” is named “Lotus!” Help me celebrate by learning more about what makes Vashti tick and how she is managing to meet the challenges of such an endeavor. We'll look at her past and let you in on where she is headed!

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:...

September 18, 2014 The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert Hookalicious Rating:   Every crocheter's library should include guide book. I have found, also, that crocheters quickly become avid book collectors and may have more than one example of any given technique or crochet category. If this is the case with you, just know that your money will be well-invested in Margaret Hubert’s comprehensive reference book which covers all aspects of crochet. You can also try your luck at winning your own free copy of Margaret's  book by adding your email to "follow" my blog AND sending me a direct email by midnight on Monday September 22  to let me know you did so. United States residents only, please, to enter to win. This book provides a reference for all methods, including Tunisian, intermeshing, broomstick lace, hairpin lace, and freeform crochet and includes step-by-step instructions for all the basic stitches and swatches of 100s o...

Monday, June 16, 2014 Since I am still basking in the glow of my chapter's 20th anniversary party on June 14, I will include a few photos from the event. Our committee, chaired by Barb Collister and including me and Dorothy Hansen, worked for about a year planning this event to celebrate the very first CGOA and our members. The 3 of us on the committee attended the very first chapter meeting in June 1994. The Celebration Committee Our guest artist, Pate Conaway  An array of the unusual materials with which Pate crochets! Members enjoying each other's company I created a rather amateurish video the best I could during the party and it will be posted to the CGOA website sometime after the conference in Manchester, July 24-27. We hope you will enjoy hearing the voices of some of those who were there at the very beginning! Now, on to the CGOA Pattern Line we go! Back in 2000, Jackie Young designed the very first pattern for the line, Crochet...

March 2014 Do you love to crochet? Can’t get enough? Do you say, “Just one more row” even though your eyes are bleary and it’s way past your bedtime? Shout about your love of crochet from the rooftops all this month during the annual National Crochet Month celebration of crochet! I have much to celebrate and I'm proud to let you know about my new book, The Fine Art of Crochet .  "The artists have clearly been selected for innovation. The variety of techniques and materials used forces the reader to question any pre-conceived ideas about this particular craft; the results are a real eye-opener. From elegant jewellery and wearable art to bold and striking sculptures and installations; the range covered is breathtaking ." Textileartist.org You can win a copy of my book! Just sign up with your email to "follow" my blog (at the right of this blog), and let me know in the comments section that you have done so. You will then be entered into a drawing to wi...

January 31, 2014 Crochet Pink: 26 Patterns to Crochet for Comfort, Gratitude and Charity b y Janet Rehfeldt I am honored to have been asked to review Janet’s book because its concept touches a common thread that we share. In another life, I was a registered nurse and I specialized in public health and patient education. For this reason, I am particularly interested in anything that pairs health and crochet. I also believe that the three words used in the title, “comfort, gratitude and charity,” are words that most crocheters relate to. Crochet brings us comfort; we show gratitude to the special person that taught us how; and we believe in sharing our talents by crocheting for the many charitable organizations that appreciate our beautiful contributions! The twenty-six accessories in Crochet Pink are meant to be treasures for loved ones going through breast cancer and to be given as a show of support. Each project is done in a different shade of pink, the breast cancer...

Tuesday, January 14, 2013 Not that I am wanting to recall the bitter chill of last week here in Chicago (17 below, 45 below windchill) and around the nation, but it did get me looking back. Have you ever noticed that when you are feeling just a bit chilly inside, the addition of a scarf or cowl warms your entire body? It might be the colorful yarn, the fuzzy feel or the thought of the talented hands that made the scarf, but they seem to warm the soul as well as the body! Here's a look back at my ten favorite scarves/cowls this year. I've included links so you can make them too! Winter 1) Gwyneth Cable Cow l Unique cables add a fashionable touch to office wear.   2) Chunky Tweed Cowl  Encircled in warmth, you'll also make a fashion statement! 3) Ringo Neckwarmer The colors of fall "encircle" you with warmth! Spring 1) As You Like It Cowl Lightweight and playful as you come out of the cocoon of winter! 3) Elise Shawl...