Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

Winter was a time of relaxation for me; and I got to enjoy my favorite therapeutic activity: crochet. I walked on the beach, then crocheted; I took a nap, then crocheted; I walked to dinner, then crocheted; I swam in the pool then crocheted. Needless to say, my winter lifestyle allowed me to get a lot of crocheted projects started and/or finished. Pondering all I've done since January 2018, got me to thinking about WIPS (Works in Progress). Crocheters, in general, seem to fall into several categories: 1) Those who start and finish projects, one at a time 2) Those who start several projects in a short period of time, but finish them all 3) Those who love to start projects, but don't love to finish them Whether their procrastination is due to a glitch in the pattern they are following; a misunderstanding of the directions; or just plain lack of interest, their many half-finished projects get balled up and thrown into a bag. Eventually, they wind up in the black hold of Yarnd...

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...

Monday, December 9, 2013 Paper Yarn by Uta Donath, Eva Hauch, Petra Hoffman, and Claudia Huboi In recent years it has become a common practice for crochet designers to “hook up” with a yarn company to design with their latest yarns. The designer’s expertise in addition to lots of swatching brings out the best in the yarn, provides upscale designs that crocheters hunger for and brings notice to the versatility of crochet. Recently, I unintentionally came upon an exciting book while passing by the “Hobbies” cart at my local library. Paper Yarn is a unique and exciting book which brings a wealth of knowledge about style and technique to the niche of using paper yarn. The five authors bring an impressive resume of experience in the fiber field to their presentation of this book: textile and fashion design, creative design at magazines and publishers to name a few! They have teamed up with Habu Textiles, BJ’s Craft Supplies and Papershed who provided the materials which a...