crochet me crochetalong

Felted bag, part deux

2008-10-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Since I am still getting lovely and complimentary comments about my felted bag, I thought I'd post the second one I made, which turned out much, MUCH better. So much better that I was sorely tempted to keep it for myself, but I caved to my friend's demands and gave it to her.

Click here to see.

Absolutely Fabulously Finished

2008-08-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure that I proclaim...that I have finally finished the Victoria Shrug that I made for My Muse. It all began with the Crochet Me CAL. I wanted to find something classic, refined..yet timeless to make for her. She is a very generous soul and inspires all who let her. After thumbing through the book for something that epitomizes her spirit..I kept finding myself gravitating to the Victorian Shrug on the cover. The model on the cover reminded me of her (except that she is African-American); simple elegance. I polled many co-workers and they all agreed that it was perfect for her. I wanted to give it to her for Christmas, but could not get it perfect enough to give to her. Whenever I make something for someone, I want my work to be the best it can be. So I kept at it until I was finished. I was worried that it would be too big, too small or the material was wrong. Anyhoo...I finished...but wait....I did not have the perfect button. I looked high and low. I put the sweater away ...unfinished...determined that she would not see it until I found the perfect button.. Fast forward...my Aunt Mildred (Mildred Baldwin) gave me a box of beads, buckles, pendants and what-nots. I looked in the cigar box filled with these things at least once or twice a week. Lo and behold I look once more and discovered a lovely golden "dragonfly" pendant. I decided to confess to My Muse my dilemma and inquired as to how she felt about dragonfly's. She exclaims, "That's the name of my favorite watering hole...The Dragonfly" I explained that I finally found the perfect button for her sweater; brought in the pendant for her approval...and she approved. I researched her favorite watering hole online and found that the dragonfly that they use as a logo is almost exactly like the pendant. I added it to shrug and it was PERFECT! I am glad that I waited for the perfect button. I wanted to have it dry-cleaned, but felt nervous about how it would be returned to me..also one dry cleaner wanted $8 just to steam the sweater. I fumed and decided that I would find another way to block it. I told my aunt about my dilemma and she told me to take my steam iron, with a towel over it and do it myself. She also is giving me my own professional steamer. It belonged to my grandmother; her mother..who was a professional seamstress for many years. So, I gave the sweater to her today...in the Christmas gift bag that I purchased...with a note. She found me soon as she saw it...gave me a big hug...exclaimed..."It's perfect and beautiful!....Thank you soooo much!" I could not have been happier. I put a lot of time and love into making it for her...she is a very special person who helped me to appreciate myself and all that I have to offer the world! I know that I have made a friend for life and am better for it.

Finally finished!

2008-05-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

I've been afraid of cutting holes in the felted messenger bag for ages, but finally just gritted my teeth and did it over the weekend. And it didn't fall apart!

2008-04-22T13:10:00.001-07:00

Victorian Shrug ~~ At an Impasse!

2008-04-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have technically finished my Victorian Shrug, but can't seem to find the perfect button. I will block it to get the shape that I want. I am embarrassed that it took me this look to get this far. I started out with cheesy yarn and it was huge; I frogged it on the second version, but noticed that the red yarns I purchased were two different colors. I changed focused, finished some other projects that were long overdue, then resumed. I poured my bag of fancy buttons out and found that they were too cheesy and plastic to use. I have a clear button for the inside, but unable to find that one button for the outside. The shape looks a little wide at the bottom, but I'm sure blocking will fix that. I actually did another pattern from the book for a friend..Shades of Plaid scarf by Julie Holetz...she complimented me on my work..thanks Julie! I am onto my next Crochet Me project....maybe the Mesmerize Sweater or the Babydoll dress! My Crafty Chick group member is holding the sweater up during one of our group meet-ups.

Thanks for creating a great book and allowing me to participate in this Crochet Revolution!

Valeria aka NannDee..(~.~)

One for Me!

2008-04-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

My Cardi
Originally uploaded by rchach

Comfy Cardi from Crochet Me

Designed by me , Tweaked by me for me (may be one of the only times I get to say that)

Started in January, finished lace in a few days, put it down for a long while. Then finally finished the ribbing the last few days. I'm really happy with how it came out. I made the large size in the chest and small size in the arms. Plus I shortened it to elbow length. All the details of that are on my blog here. Pretty amazed that I finally have something for me! Can't wait to wear it, too bad it was 70 here yesterday, not the best weather for alpaca; but I am sure it will be cool again soon.

Details:
Yarn: elann.com, Pure Alpaca Fina, 5 skeins! (I know- totally a steal! A cute cardi and it didn't cost much at all!)

Hook: F Clover Hook

Notions: Large Mission Falls Button

Icelandic Turtleneck Back on Track

2008-03-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

I finally started working on the turtleneck again this weekend after a hiatus since before Christmas. I'm just up to the bust increases now, and I had my sister (the intended owner) try it on this morning. So far so good, and the color looked really great against her skin tone. I didn't have my camera with me at the time, but I'll try to get a good progress shot soon!

Plaid Scarf

2008-03-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've been working on the Plaid Scarf for a while and just finished the main body of it.

Now I have to weave in all the ends. Should I have done that differently? (or could I have?)

It will go to a friend of mine who lives in Boston, and will get lots of use out of it. (as opposed to me who lives in the desert)

I'm looking forward to making the chains and weaving them in. (just after I weave these durn ends in)

Messenger bag -- all over but the felting

2008-02-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

I finished the strap and put the whole thing together over the weekend. Of course, as with everything I do, I didn't bother to do a gauge sample, so my piece was 5 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than the pattern, which then necessitated a whole lot of math on my part. Math and I don't get along at all, but it appears that I was successful in figuring it out.

Hopefully this coming weekend I'll travel to my mother-in-law's house to do the scary felting.

Messenger bag -- progress!

2008-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

I made some really good progress on the messenger bag this weekend.

Here it is with a couple more color blocks finished:

And a couple more. At this point I had seven balls of yarn hanging off the thing. It was pretty crazy:

And finally, with all the ends woven in.

On to the strap!

Messenger bag started

2008-01-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

I started the messenger bag on Monday night and am making decent progress. I bought some super yummy colors of wool over the weekend and was really looking forward to starting on it, but when I read the instructions closely they weren't making sense. So I emailed the creator of the pattern, Julie Holetz, who got right back to me with clarifications. So nice of her!!

I'm sort of winging it on the color blocks. I currently have three balls of yarn hanging off the thing. Seems to be working but I have no idea if that's what's supposed to happen. Julie did say that carrying the yarn behind the stitches would result in felt that's too thick.

And I could use some advice from any felting experts out there. I live in a condo and the washing machines in the basement are front loading and lock when you start them up, so there will be no stopping the cycle and checking the progress for me. Can this be done by hand?

Icelandic Turtleneck: Finished!

2008-01-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

I started this back in April, made a bunch of modifications, and absolutely love it! I wrote all about it on the CrochetMe.com blog. Wahoo!

Comfi Cardi Start

2008-01-15T11:29:00.001-08:00

Comfi Cardi Start
Originally uploaded by rchach

Hi All,

I decided to take my recent trip traveling time and devote it to me (instead of work like I usually do). With the 10 hour trip out to CA, and the 6 hour trip back, I got pretty far along with my own personal Comfi Cardi. I adored this project from the moment I swatched it. I really really didn't want to give up the sample that was photographed in CM, but I did. Now, a year later I am finally making one for me!

I am making a couple of changes, I am shortening the sleeves to be elbow length. I am also making the sleeves smaller, b/c I definitely don't fit in standard body sizes. So my cardi will have a large chest size and small arm size. So far so good. I am finished with the back, one arm, and one front panel. I am using Peruvian Pure Alpaca Fina, which has been a great substitute for me in a blueish gray. Can't wait to show you more as I go!
-Robyn

Thanks everyone for asking how I am changing the cardi!- I posted a bit on this on my blog.

Victorian Shrug + Wrap Errata

2008-01-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

Victorian Shrug + Wrap Errata from the CrochetMe Book:

LACY TOP EDGING, WRAP ONLY
Row 1: Ch1, sc in first hdc, sk next 2 hdc, fan st in next hdc, sk 2 hdc, *sc in next hdc, sk next 2 hdc, fan st in next hdc, sk next 2 hdc, [remove extra: sk next 2 hdc] rep from * around front panel and back, end with sc, turn. - 40, 44, 48, 52 fan sts total

(Thank you Margaret for finding this error for us!)

Victorian Wrap/Shrug

2008-01-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

Howdy! I stumbled upon this blog while trying to find other folks working on the Victorian Wrap/Shrug. I ended up emailing Robyn and she's been helping me along...by the way, she's AWESOME! I was so thrilled that she not only wrote back (quickly), but she's also been providing really great instructions. I'm not the smalled gal and I've been having a bit of trouble resizing the garment to fit me...I'm just now starting the sleeves. I've had a bit of trouble with the gauge, but I think I'm finally on the right track. When I sent the first email to Robyn, I was using a different yarn so that I had the same gauge as the pattern...so when I changed to a thicker yarn, my gauge ended up TOTALLY different and I had to figure out how the calculations I had made translated to my new gauge. Yeah, I'm so not a gauge person! haha

I think the part that's most difficult for me is seeing how the garment comes together...because I can't see how the sleeves are built, I'm not able to relate the various measurements to the pattern itself. It's my inexperience with this type of resizing...I usually just size as I go and add stitches as I need to. This is definitely the most involved project I've ever done...but I'm so glad that I've taken on this challenge.

Anyhow, a big HELLO to y'all and I'm glad to have some support during this crazy journey!

~Teresa :o)

I need some help on my I'm A Convert sweater

2008-01-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

I have a question about this project.

I'm working on the upper right arm. It says to skip the last five stitches in the row (shaping the underarm), which has resulted in a nub on mine. i don't know what it's for or if it's supposed to be there. here is a photo. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Much appreciated!

I am about half done the dress.

2008-01-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

I hope to have pictures very soon. I am loving it! i was hoping to have it done my New Year's however I have not had time to work on it. I am in the process of designing a felted bag that has to be done by the 15th. I hope to have the dress done in time for hubby's next concert on Feb. 17th.

Weeeell the downside was that didn't get done in time for the Feb. 17th concert. However I have pulled it to finish. Bruce and I have a wedding to attend in Niagara Falls and I would like to have a couple of nice dresses to wear.

Here is what I have so far...

Back of the Babydoll Dress
Front of the Babydoll Dress

Cora
(edited to add some pictures)

Finished: Icelandic Turtleneck

2008-01-01T11:53:00.001-08:00

Whoo Hoo! Finally got my project finished, and pictures uploaded! I have more in the CM Flickr account.

I took the sleeves in a bit. Note that I'm not showing the seaming on this alteration ;)

It certainly shows of the curves! Can't shape with crochet my @rse! I'm quite happy, even though any crocheter with any talent will see the flaws and hiccups (sorry Chloe!).

This project has empowered me! I already have more garments in my queue.

The rug is done

2007-12-26T06:03:00.000-08:00

It's smaller than it should be, because I am the World's Tightest Crocheter. And I realized along the way, although it wasn't too great an epiphany, that I hate finishing, which is odd because nearly everything I make consists of motifs that have to be attached to each other in some way. It took me the better part of three days to do all the finishing on this because I Hate Doing It.

But what keeps me going is that I tend to really love the end product, as I do in this case. Hope you like it too. I might be moving on to the felted messenger bag now.

First Garment: Icelandic Cowl

2007-12-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys!
Warning: Newbie alert!
I've gotten pretty far on my icelandic cowl...which really isn't a cowl :) I modified the collar, and even has shaping, not bad for my first garment. Going from scarfs to this was a little scary! I've been tempted to make this longer, but I kinda like it as is.

You can see that my sleeves are a little big. Because I used a different yarn, my gauge was off, but I think I'll be able to work with it. I've uploaded more on the flickr page

It's not much, but it's a start

2007-12-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

I started making a circle motif for the rug, and I kept thinking to myself, "You know, this is an awfully big hook for Red Heart (the pattern calls for a J). This would be so much better if the yarn were doubled." Only then did I think to look at the pattern notes, where, lo and behold, it says that the acrylic version is made with doubled yarn.

Anyway, these are the random circles. I'm hoping to get to Michael's this weekend to pick up a brown of some flavor for the main color. I think it'll work ...

New Flickr Group

2007-12-12T11:02:00.001-08:00

I'm so psyched to see what you're all working on!

A crafty Flickr user just set up a new group just for WIPs from the book, which should hopefully grow into a great resource for seeing what yarns/colours people are using to make projects from Crochet Me. (Plus, Flickr is pretty much the best site, ever.) Rock.

Just got my book!

2007-12-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

I got my book 2 days ago, and I can't decide which thing I want to make first. All of them are so great! I'm definitely going to make the wrap skirt...just need to choose colors. I'm venturing into the realm of clothing in earnest for the first time with this book...(I've made a couple of simple baby items)...I'm all kinds of excited!

I'll take pictures as I progress...I'm totally jazzed up about this! Every female I know who would possibly wear something from this book will be getting a gift in the next year, I can already tell!

Oh.. This is nice.. Thank you,

2007-12-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

Kim and LuckyinKY.. great set-up here. I love being able to so easily find so many relevant links.. all in one place. Absolutely perfect !

Tomorrow is my birthday..and my present to me is this book, and a couple others. Amazon tells me they are "in transit" as we speak. Why did I think they would arrive tomorrow?? Silly me... I should have known better ,what with the busy time of year and all...

My goal is to break my barrier regarding creating an actual garment type thing this year. Got those afghans and pot holders down now. ;)

Wish me luck...
Happy Birfday to me ! tra-la-la-la...:D

-Pam L-

Greetings!

2007-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd post to say hello ... I just joined this CAL about two minutes ago. I've been perusing my Crochet Me book for weeks and can't decide what to make first. I really, really want to make the cover sweater, but I haven't been able to find a suitable substitute yarn for the Debbie Bliss.

I'm pretty sure I've finally decided on the rug. Looks easy and fun ... and I certainly am never in short supply of Red Heart Super Saver yarn, despite all the stash-busters I've been involved in this year.

So ... I just need to find my big hooks and I'm on my way. Hopefully photos will be forthcoming soon!

Michelle

It's here..My Book is HERE!

2007-11-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

I had been waiting for my Crochet Me to arrive wondering what I would choose to crochet for the CAL. Well after careful scrutiny of each pattern, I decided to make the Victorian Shrug & Wrap (from the cover) for my Muse. I haven't purchased the yarn as of yet, but I know it will be red. We both love red. I hope to have it finished by Christmas. It will be perfect for her. She reminds of a gazelle; so graceful. The shrug and wrap will look fabulous on her. Keep you posted!

Getting Started

2007-11-24T05:47:00.000-08:00

I posted about this at length at my blog, but I'm excited to get started with the Crochet Along! I received my book last Monday and after finishing my most recent WIP, am finally ready to start. I'll be making the Mini Wrap Skirt. I used my phone to take a picture of my supplies, but I'll be using my digital camera to document the process.

Here's the stuff:

The yarn is Bernat SuperValue in True Grey (MC) and Black (CC).

I got my book, I got my book!!!!!!

2007-11-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

My dear step-daughter informed me that Coles called about a book on crochet or something or other. I was out lastnight to the LYS knitting group, where I, gleefully, pull out my crochet in addition to my knitting. I have friend there who reads my blog faithfully, not sure why, however I digress.

I want to crochet the mini dress. I have some sumptuous yarn that I bought. It wants to be made into a dress, although I have tried 2 other patterns with it.
The yarn just won't work with it, however I can see it here. Yeah! The yarn I am using is Phildar's Canasta in colorway Pistache -#0009. I think it will look awesome.

Cora

Icelandic Cowl—Canadian Book Launch

2007-10-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, Crochetmealongers, let's get this party started! Alright, I had a head start. I began my second project from the book (I'll consider Gordo & Doug my first, for the sake of my dwindling crochet productivity of late) last April, but I'm in full swing with it now.

For a few months, I've been posting progress photos of my in-progress Icelandic Cowl sweater; I started it last April, from a print-out of the tech-edited manuscript. I have a short attention span, and would put it down for weeks at a time; it's a super easy pattern.

Julie threw down the gauntlet last week, suggesting we each wear our Icelandic Cowl to the Canadian book launch tomorrow night at Urban Yarns. I was further along than she was at the time; I thought I could use the challenge to just finish. But barely had the challenge escaped Julie's lips that I tried on my sweater at the end of the cowl section. Dude. It was huge. I'd had to adjust for my gauge being off, and it would seem that I had made a mistake that compounded round after round.

It's a close-fitting sweater. But not only was it just plainly too big, it was enormous in back.

I heard Sandi Wiseheart's voice in my head, exclaiming that no woman's front is the same size as her back! In my case, this is a dramatic truth. I wear a 32-D. My front is significantly larger than my back. I rarely find a button-down shirt that isn't gigantic in the back even when it's taut in front. Anyway, I knew all this when I started the sweater. But I figured that since the sweater is so close-fitting, it would likely all even out in the end. Um, no.

I ripped back. And here's where all my deepest, darkest crocheter ills come to light. Due to the time crunch (also, I'm impatient), I ripped back only to the last round of increases, not farther back. This might actually be okay. I altered the pattern so that the front half of the sweater is slightly smaller than it was before and so the back is significantly smaller (I cut out over 4 inches of width from the back). I also cut about an inch from each sleeve cap.

The ill shows up in how conservative I was. I actually should have cut more. But there's good news. The back no longer wings out on its own. The front is a bit snugger, as are the sleeves. But really? I could have cut another couple inches off the total circumference. I doubted both my math (which was correct), and my desire to wear the sweater so close-fitting (which is how it should be worn). But I think the end result will be passable.

Will it be passable for tomorrow night? I'm doubtful, but won't rule it out. I might become one with the sofa tonight, stitching feverishly.

(It has crossed my mind that I don't much like pink. I never wear it. I've been known to announce that I hate it. Might I be tempted to make another, better-fitting version in a different colour down the line? ... Only time will tell.)

BTW, the event tomorrow night is almost full! If you want to come to Urban Yarns with me and Julie from 6-9pm, RSVP to the store as soon as you can!

[X-posted at the CrochetMe.com blog]

Book Launch Parties 5 Cities: 1 Day; Thanks to all the book contributors and shops!

2007-10-19T12:23:00.001-07:00

Book Came In Early!

2007-10-15T18:37:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh was I surprised when mail came, my book is here!!! I'm so excited and can't wait to decide what color, but this is what I think I'm gonna try first! Sorry for the glare, wasn't there when I took the pic.
Anyone else decide what they are going to do first?

Oh I wished I lived somewhere where there was a LYS having book signing! Wish I had a LYS..lol But I loved the pics you all shared and I'm so jealous but so glad for you all too. I'll try to remember and leave a comment the next time I visit.

Hope everyone else gets their book soon, you won't be disappointed!

Crochet Me Book Launch Party - Detroit

2007-10-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I thought I would share my photo gallery of the party we had here, in the Detroit area.

As you may already know, we had a Crochet Me Book Launch Party yesterday, at 5 different cities around the country. I represented the Detroit area, and had a launch party and book signing at Skeins on Main in Rochester, Michigan. I could not have imagined a better day! We had a great turnout, a champagne toast, yummy hor d'oevers and lots of crocheting!

Here is a link to an article I posted about the book launch yesterday: Article

Here is a link to my photo gallery of the event: Photo Gallery

Best regards,

Kristin

Lucky

2007-10-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

I was also at WEBS on Sunday with my sister. We both won door prizes! I'm getting a year of Interweave Crochet, and Mary got the book, all the yarn, and hooks to make the Messenger Bag!! Amazing. I also bought yarn to make the Icelandic Turtleneck.

It's Rowan 4 ply soft, color 396 (and it matches the book, go figure).

Crochet Me Book Launch - Seattle

2007-10-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Crochet Me book launch with promotional parties happening in yarn shops across the country. I was the guest at the Seattle event hosted by Hilltop Yarn and Needlepoint on beautiful Queen Anne. It was so much fun! Cake, cookies, yarn, crochet! Who could ask for more? Read more about the event at my blog.

Crochet Revolution!!!

2007-10-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone....
I just came home from Kim Werker's Crochet Me book launch event at Webs America's Yarn store in Northampton, Massachusetts. I met Kim...got my book signed and actually got to touch and see almost all of the garment in the book. Now I really don't know what to make first...they are all so beautifully photographed in the book...but when you see the garment up close...it is unbelievable. You can really "feel" the garments drape and detailed stitch work. Check out the rest of my story on my personal blog. Hmmmm..what to do, what to do???? Oh, by the way....this will be my first garment. I am already anticipating using everyone's help!

I Love Pre-ordering

2007-10-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

I received my book on Friday!!! I can't decide what I want to start first. So many really beautiful choices. I guess I will have to check my stash to see what I can start on first. Can't wait to see what projects everyone else chooses.

It's HERE!

2007-10-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

It's HERE! Amazon delivered the book to my red kitchen door on the Olympic Peninsula on Thursday, October 11. I am still deciding what to make. Maybe Robyn Chachula's Comfi Cardi, but then I think that Annette Petavy's graceful "Leaves" sweater is so striking and would be so fun to wear. Or I could dive in and quickly make the Mini Wrap Skirt by Amy O'Neill Houck. And then that would look fantastic with Chloe Nightingale's Icelandic Turtleneck and arm warmers -- not on me, maybe, but it might be a great gift for my best friend's daughter (queen of Olympia's indie scene, from what I hear -- she'd probably go for Cecily Keim's Thigh High stockings, too).

But for me? hmm ... the turtleneck and arm warmers without the mini ... then for next summer, the Leaves sweater ...

Mgonna hafta quit my job to make time for all of this....

I am still waiting.

2007-10-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

I pre-ordered my book through Chapter's here in Canada. The expected ship date is October 28. I can hardly wait to get it in my hot little hands.

The babydoll dress is calling to me...

So is the cover design...

So I am anxiously awaiting the book.

Cora

another noob :)

2007-10-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

I'm excited to get my book so I can FINALLY crochet a garment. It should be a fun challenge for me, as I've only done scarves and blankets, so sweaters will be new. YAY!

Cheers!
Shannon

NewbieThat Can't Wait!

2007-10-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Newbie here and wanted to say "Hello" to everyone! I'm very excited about this and
I just received notice that my book will be here by the 18th! I was amazed with my first issue of Interweave Crochet so can't wait to get my hands on the book! I hope to learn alot and can't wait to make something for myself...I love the shrug my eye was drawn to in the previews of the book.
Hope everyone has a great day! Happy Crocheting!

Mary B

(CHI) NBC5 Street Team Blog: Sew Fabulous!

2007-10-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

(CHI) NBC5 Street Team Blog: Sew Fabulous!

NBC5 Chicago Street Team writes about Crochet Me! If you're in the Chicago area, you can also catch Kim Werker on ABC 7 Saturday morning news at 6:50 am this Saturday, October 13.

I can't wait

2007-10-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies,

I just joined and wanted to say Hi. I pre-ordered my book and the expected ship date is 10/24. I was so excited to find so many stylish patterns in this book. I hope I can wait that long.

Crochet-along begins after October 14

2007-10-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

This crochet-along is designed to bring together crocheters from across the globe who want to share their photos of finished patterns or works-in-progress, ideas for variations, or suggestions for different yarns for the designs in the new book, Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution, available in bookstores and yarn shops nationwide this October 2007.

Update 10/1/07: Officialy book launch is October 14, 2007 and there are 5 events happening around the country with Kim Werker and the book's designers. Details: www.crochetmebook.com.

The 18 designs in the book were contributed by emerging crochet artists and run the spectrum from crochet jewelry to retro bags, scarves, sweaters, shrugs, camis, home decor objects, and more. The book also offers short essays about experimenting with crochet and learning to take design risks, tutorials on sizing, design, and special techniques, and profiles of up-and-coming designers, including Robyn Chachula, Megan Granholm, Melissa Hills, Julie Armstrong Holetz, Amy O'Neill Houck, Donna Hulka, Cecily Keim, Chloe Nightingale, Kristin Omdahl, Annette Petavy, and Carol Ventura.

Join by emailing crochetalong (AT) interweave (DOT) com

Here's a complete list of all the patterns in the book:

babydoll dess by Amy O'Neill Houck
icelandic turtleneck by Chloe Nightingale
convertible victorian shrug by Robyn Chachula
mini-wrap skirt by Amy O'Neill Houck
messenger bag by Julie Armstrong Holetz
convert sweater by Melissa Hills
style moderne crochet jewelry by Chloe Nightingale
mesmerize sweater by Kristin Omdahl
shades of plaid scarf by Julie Armstrong Holetz
leaves sweater by Annette Petavy
thigh highs by Cecily Keim
comfy cardi by Robyn Chachula
five o'clock tank by Megan Granholm
cocoon bag by Cecily Keim
circle motif rug by Donna Hulka
gordo and doug dolls by Kim Werker
variations baskets by Carol Ventura

Check out the Slide Show!

2007-10-01T07:08:00.001-07:00

I ordered my book.

2007-09-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have pre-ordered my book and am now very impatiently waiting for the book.

Cora

Transformation!

2007-09-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

Oh golly, gosh, geewillikers, & ancient stuff like that. This afternoon I was a stepgrandma stitching away at the heirloom blanket for the new crown prince in the family. Then I open my email from crochetme and now I are one of the cogniscenti, creating and experiencing bedazzlement from the wonder-filled new book about to give a major boost to the crochet scene. I reckon the next step is to tiptoe into tagging. (I should never post after 1 am.)

You people are the best!

whisperlouise

It's never too late to have a happy childhood.

I am really excited about this venture.

2007-09-18T16:03:00.001-07:00

Fianlly a book of sweaters, garments in general that I want to crochet. This is so wonderful. Looking forward to it.

Cora

...and yet again with the "excited"

2007-09-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is all going to be great fun if only October can manage to get here sooooooon. Of course then I would also have to decide what to make first. Me thinks it must come down to a blind draw. I'll never be able to choose just one to start with...

So excited...

2007-09-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

I was completely floored by the fantastic preview shots of the book. Hmm, I suppose now I need to learn to crochet? I'm a knitter primarily, but have a few crochet tricks up my sleeve that may come in handy. Just need to brush up on it a bit...

Pretty excited

2007-09-06T10:43:00.001-07:00

...to make my first crocheted garment. And the pictures I've seen give me hope that it'll be cute and wearable.

Porn for crocheters

2007-09-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

As a mate of mine would say, 'this book is porn for crocheters' - well it looks that way in the preview shots. Can't wait to see it. So rarely does a really edgy, different book about crochet arrive on the shelves! Congratulations. Bron

Anxiously Awaiting

2007-09-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for the book to arrive. I see several projects that I would like to Crochet. Thanks for starting this KAL.