It’s Over …

Well, most of it, anyway. The second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week, that is.

I know it’s going to take me some time to process the event. However, some things I can rattle off right now:

    1.      Wow!

    2.      Wow.

 3.      OhMyBob wow. I cannot believe all of the bloggers  who participated. I’m surprised Blogger didn’t go kaput.

4. Yes, I absolutely realize that not everyone who blogs uses Blogger.

5.      I am so thrilled I found some new blogs to read, and new bloggers with whom to connect. Some of them I already have connected with, and that’s really super.

6.      I am interesting in seeing how I feel about following blogs written by people, and leaving comments on said blogs, when those bloggers either don’t follow me, or pretty much don’t respond to my content. I know I blog for myself, first and foremost. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t like making connections with my blog, so to see that connection be a one-way street is a phenomenon I’ll need to contemplate.

Of course, I’m not a big one for blindly following most anything. So this connecting-with-others out there raises some intriguing authenticity issues to be sure.

7.      Blogging takes a whole lot more time and effort than I expected. Doing it everyday won’t be for me.

8.      I love my blog and the writing outlet it provides. This past week hasn’t changed that one iota.

I’m sure I’ll have more to say later, as well as a recap of the blog entries that made me smile, laugh or otherwise emote the most. Once I’m done reading them all.

Crochet Languishing in the Media Attic
Mixed media on canvas
March, 2011

In the meantime, I’d love to hear your high (or low) lights from last week (or on most any other thing for that matter), so leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Finally, an article of mine on U.S. crochet history was published last week here. If you haven’t visited the Crochet Insider website, now is a great time to start! It’s chock full of intriguing articles and great interviews – and this quarter’s entries are no different. At least I think so.

Aspirations? Oh yeah! (6KCBWDAY6)

A portion of my
projects wish list

When it comes to my fiber pursuits, there are so many patterns I’d like to make, and so many skills yet to explore (especially knitting skills), that I wonder whether I'll get to them all!

I have created very little knit lace, and virtually nothing with knitted cables. I have a project with each on the needles right now, so hopefully I’m on my way.

The beginnings of my Falling
Birth Leaves, a Linda Choo
knitted lace shawl pattern

However, it’s a far more systematic, wardrobe-like approach based on several sessions last year in which I tried to identify what style elements I was drawn to. For instance, the Vogue KnitBook I created has 20 projects – cardigans, hoodies and pullovers, skirts, a bag and some mittens – that I would truly love to work through. I don’t know how long it will take, but it’s filled not only with lace and cables, but many classic lines and shapes.

Of course, that’s only the knit side. There is still hairpin lace, broomstick lace and sweaters I have yet to explore on the crochet side. I feel much more confident about my crochet skills and abilities, though, so this just doesn’t seem like such a huge mountain to climb.

The big hurdle will be issuing my first pattern – which I am working on right now. You'll find below a sneak peak at a portion of my hand-drawn idea. As I wrote on someone else’s blog yesterday, it’s a lot of work and a very involved process, to get from an idea in one’s head through to a completed FO. Nothing like this pattern process has shown me more that Plato was onto something with his theory that perfection can only be in the mind. The real world is a mere, imperfect imitation of what we can come up with in our heads.



A sneak peek of my very first design, in the
drawing and art stages



No more perfect ideas were ever thought.

I’d love to hear your take on this or any other design dilemma you’d like to share with me in the comments below.

I hope each of you are surviving and enjoying your participation in the imperfectly real, yet oh-so-fun second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week.    

The Boogie-Woogie Beading Gal of CST (2KCBWDAY5)

A Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday disclaimer: since I have several FOs that will be ready next week ... and this is the second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week ... there's very little fiber content in this week's post. I hope you enjoy it anyway.  When you're done, definitely check out Andrea's blog and see what everyone else is up to this week on Fiber Arts Friday!

I bring you a tale of a Crochet Small Talker  - many in the group will fit this tale -  to the melody of that WWII-era classic The Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy from Company B:

(FYI - The Crochet Small Talkers are a crochet group on Ravelry.)


The Boogie-Woogie Beading Gal of CST


She was a crafty gal from old Ravel-ry way
She had a boogie beading style that no one else could play
She was a top gal at her craft
And then her number came up - she was bedazzled by glass

She's crafting shawls now, and edging constantly
She's the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST

They made her craft a shawl directly from a book
It really brought her down because she couldn't hook
With any of her beads
Well then what do you know, she ditched that dreary look
And now Ravelry loves when she breaks out the beads
She's the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST

A-toot, a-toot, a-diddle-ee-ada-toot
She beads it one a picot – in crochet rhythm
She can't bead an edge unless yarn and color
Are stylin' with 'em
And now Ravelry loves when she breaks out the beads
She's the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST


She edges all with yarn and beads most every time
And whips up pretty shawls with beads shiny ‘n bright
They clap their hands and stamp their feet
Because they know how she beads
When she hooks shawls so sweet
And now Ravelry loves when she breaks out the beads
She’s the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST


And now Ravelry loves when she breaks out the beads
She’s the boogie-woogie beading gal of CST

So ... maybe a little embellishment ... but not too much. :)   Do you embellish? Definitely share ... and leave me a comment.

I hope everyone is enjoying this Friday of the second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week. Only two more days to get your crafty blog energy fix!

Not “Where are They Now?” but “What Did They Inspire?” (2KCBWDAY4)

There is no doubt that since 2009 I have been on a creative path. Fiber pursuits, painting, writing and photography have all played an integral part in my life these past few years. While I have crafted, and will continue to craft, items for charity, I’m not certain of their impact and, quite frankly, I like it that way. I believe in letting those knit and crochet items go freely, so that they can be and do whatever it is they were meant to be and do.

There has been a definite link between my fiber efforts and other disciplines. It started in 2009 when, after taking a Tunisian crochet course at Stitches West, I went back home and created a bed cover from my stash.

At the same time, I was exploring painting in a more disciplined manner, having picked up paint brushes for the first time in 2007. A direct result of the Tunisian bed cover I crafted were these two paintings (and there’s a third, a portion of which is visible in the bed cover pic, but I have no decent photo of it):

Those three paintings were a culmination of my individual study of blocks in acrylics, and would have never happened had the crochet inspiration not existed.

The second visual I created related to fiber was a banner and badge for a Ravelry group – the Knitter’s Coffee Swap. The group was looking for new visuals, and a member had a good idea but no artistic skills to execute it. I really liked the idea, sent her a message, one thing led to another, and we created the following together – her idea, my execution in acrylic on canvas, with words digitally added later:

While I haven’t been around the group’s page in a while, it was still being used the last time I checked.

Finally, I like history (and have taught 20^th Century U.S. history). I’ve written one article on the history of crochet in the U.S. at the turn of the century for Crochet Insider. I have recently finished another for Crochet Insider, due to be published by the end of the week (the editor/designer, Dora Ohrenstein, publishes quarterly so is pushing for April 1^st). Not only will the article spawn my first pattern (fingers and toes crossed!), but it also led me to create a few mixed media pieces, one of which is below:

Not only am I thrilled that Dora is committed to publishing these types of crochet articles, but doubly pleased that the artwork received a warm reception. I can’t know their future impact, but I send them out there much like the charity items, free (within the bounds of law!) to do and be whatever they will.

We are smack dab in the middle of the second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week. What do you hope your fiber creations have inspired or will in future inspire? Definitely let me know in the comments section below and remember – only three days left of this wonderful, wild and woolly Internet madness!

Skill, Design … and the Voie de Vie Questionnaire (2KCBWDAY2)

While I’ve recently written about my creative process, I’ve not really dwelled on my crafting skills. There is no doubt, however, that 2010 saw my crochet and, to a lesser extent, knitting skills go through the roof.

I’ve always considered myself a better crocheter than knitter. Don’t really know why, but I just always have. There is no doubt that crafting 10 shawls last year for Ravelry’s 10 shawls in 2010 challenge took my crochet skills to the next level. Creating crochet lace, using beads, matching the right yarn with the right pattern, getting to know designers’ patterns inside and out, presenting my FOs in an appealing way, all came as a result of my participation in the challenge. It gave me the confidence to tackle other advanced and non-traditional techniques, including Tunisian crochet.

One particular designer has been one of my most vocal supporters, and I’ve watched her over the last year create some of the most beautiful crochet shawls out there – Sharon Hernes Silverman. I’m currently working on one of her designs, the Moonmist shawl, which I know at this time last year I probably never would have attempted. It’s got it all: skinny yarn, a big crochet hook, an intricate pattern with advanced stitches. It’s also a very fun design. So, instead of reading my blather about skills, I thought you might appreciate an inside look at one of the most talented and gracious designers around (and, psst, she’s nominated for several Flamie awards for her designs as well as her latest book) – so here’s the second installment of the Artfully Voie de Vie Questionnaire:

The Artfully Voie de Vie Questionnaire

With Crochet Designer Sharon Hernes Silverman

Can you tell us a little bit about your background before you started to design crochet garments and accessories?

I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981 with a major in English and minors in chemistry and biology. My first job was in science publishing, then I moved into technical writing, then corporate communications. In 1987 my freelance article about area wineries was published in The Philadelphia Inquirer. That was the beginning of my travel writing career! Two months later I quit my job at Du Pont and became a full-time freelance writer focused on travel, publishing hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles and several guidebooks and for three years I was the country inn columnist for Maryland Magazine.

On the crafting side, I've always liked to make things. Over the years I've done a lot of yarn arts including needlepoint, counted cross-stitch, rug hooking, a little bit of knitting, and of course, crocheting. One of my early crafting memories is accidentally sewing a cross-stitch pillowcase to my pants leg.

When was the moment you knew you wanted to become a crochet designer?

After I finished writing the Brandywine Valley guidebook, the editors at Stackpole Books wanted me to do another guide, but my boys were young then (now they are 17 and 15), and we couldn't come up with a destination that would fit with my family schedule. Stackpole had just started a "Basic" how-to craft series, and the editor asked, "Can you do anything?" When I told him that I love to crochet, my transition to crochet designer began.

For that first book, Basic Crocheting, I designed some of the patterns myself and purchased a few from other designers. The sweater pattern I commissioned just didn't work—it was far too complicated to be "basic" and far too uncomfortable to wear (all very tight single crochet). Even though I had never designed a sweater, I took a deep breath and said, "Okay, Sharon, you can do this." I picked a wavy chevron stitch pattern, worked out the math for several sizes, and was very happy with the resulting sweater pattern. That gave me the confidence to think of myself as a designer and I have never looked back.



Purple Rain Tunisian crochet
scarf, my interpretation of a
Sharon Hernes Silverman pattern



Can you describe your personal crochet design philosophy?

On the clothing side, I strive to create garments that fit well, pair yarn and stitch patterns harmoniously, are fun to make, and look beautifully hand-crafted (rather than "home-made"). With the amazing fibers available today, and the way crochet has advanced, there is no excuse for shapeless, boxy garments that use rivers of double crochet—we had enough of that with vests back in the 1970s! Tunisian crochet stitches provide an excellent alternative, since the stitches are connected to each other horizontally as well as row by row—it's not all loopy. I love the many looks of Tunisian fabrics.

For home decor, I love to design pillows and blankets that give a room an instant lift. I favor clean lines and natural materials; my home has an uncluttered Japanese aesthetic, and my crochet work is consistent with that.

No matter what I'm designing, I like to experiment with yarn—I'll try anything as long as it doesn't shed. You'll notice that my designs specify some mass-produced products and some hand-dyed fibers at a variety of price points. It's nice to have the opportunity to try things out, and to introduce my readers to new products.



The beginning of my Moonmist Shawl, a recent
Sharon Hernes Silverman shawl pattern



I think my real strength is in the way I write patterns. My background as a technical writer probably helps. Too many times I have attempted to crochet something using a published pattern, only to find the instructions unclear. Just as bad, sometimes a pattern is technically correct, but not helpful. I like to provide a road map so crocheters know where they're going, and how they will get there. Otherwise it's like someone dropped you in a car and yelled, "Drive!" You may get where you're going, but you have no idea what to expect along the way. It's unsettling.

I'm also a big proponent of including technique photos so crocheters know exactly what I mean: "put the hook here, not there." I want everyone to have a great experience when they make a Sharon Silverman project.

What is your greatest crochet (or design) memory?

Being invited to appear on three episodes of HGTV's "Uncommon Threads" with my friends Julianne Eisele and Naomi Ramos.

If you could have dinner with any three designers, dead or alive, who would they be, and why?

Coco Chanel, because of the way she revolutionized 20th-century fashion with simplicity and clean lines; Jane Slicer-Smith, because her knit miters are incredible and I would love to have her explain their construction so I could apply that to crochet projects; and Rita Weiss, past president of the Crochet Guild of America, to hear about her vast experience and her insights into the future of crochet.

Pencil or knife grip?

Knife.

It’s your last object to design (or make). What is it, and what fiber do you use?

A Tunisian crochet blanket in Plymouth Royal Llama silk with an intarsia heart and the words "I love you" so my family can cuddle up and have nice memories of me.

What trait do you most admire in designers?

Their energy! Designers are always thinking about fibers, patterns, construction...dealing with editors and deadlines...working out the math for multiple sizes...frogging when things don't turn out right...helping each other with questions...preparing patterns for publication...and doing the hundred other things that come with the territory. Sometimes I wonder when my colleagues sleep! I deeply appreciate the warm welcome I have received from the design community, and I am inspired by their tireless creativity.

What trait do you most detest in designers?

The arrogant way some of them write patterns. Sometimes I think that they assume everyone is as fluent with a technique as they are, and they don't really care about taking the time to provide some helpful information. This especially pains me when the designs are brilliant and beautiful, yet the patterns are unfriendly. What a waste.

You are recommending a design gift in response to a friend’s inquiry. Other than your own designs (which, as everyone knows, are quite beautiful!), what would you recommend?

Anything designed by Kim Guzman.

My sincere thank you to Sharon for answering my questionnaire. You can learn more about Sharon and her designs from her website, and more about the Flamies here.

Finally, I hope each of you has a favorite designer who has supported your crafting efforts. If so, let me know in the comments section below ... and happy Day 2 of the second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week!

A Tale of Two Yarns ... Sort Of

Unless Madame Defarge had as varied a stash as mine (which I highly suspect she did not), I could never write a tale of merely two yarns, and I have very little desire to write about yarns that were so scratchy, they literally made my fingers sore. (Note: the finished projects made of those scratchy, hurtful yarns are relegated either to being used under my feet, or as bedding for my pet. Since George Bailey hasn’t complained, that’s all I’m going to say about that.)

In terms of yarn weights, I’m currently loving both ends of the spectrum. Fingering and lace weight yarns, in all different fiber types, appeal to me, since I am on a shawl jag. Having made ten shawls last year, I am on a path to finish eleven this year. Clearly, I love skinny yarns.

At the other end of the weight spectrum, I am just starting to explore bulky and super bulky fibers. I’ve just completed a project using one: Butternut Woolen's hand-dyed super bulky.

I must say, this was one quick, fun project. Completed in an afternoon, it yielded a big satisfaction bang for very little fiber yardage (and crafty effort) buck. I’ve worn it simply around the neck and shoulders, with my version of a shawl pin (a chop stick) inserted in the front, to nice compliments. It’s also super light weight yet very warm – the perfect accessory for in-between seasons.

However, for anyone who wants some fiber adventure, I really must urge that you check out all of the selections at Habu Textiles.

I bought the above sample recently at a weekend fiber festival and I can tell you that I spent oodles of time at the Habu booth. I definitely experienced textile overload. There is no raw material, it seems, that can’t be turned into yarn – stainless steel, paper, and an extract from the pineapple plant are a few of the more exotic raw materials Habu uses – with great results. An added bonus: the packaging is unique and is an integral part of the fiber designing and buying experience. Given the recent, horrible events in Japan, it somehow makes me feel good to currently refer to anything Japanese with such good karma. 

I must admit to one small, embarrassing thing: I did not get all of my stash into the photos. There will be more on this minor embarrassment later in the week. However, part of today’s tale has to include the fact that there are yarns shown that I haven’t yet worked with, so some of my best fiber experiences are still to be discovered. Oh happy me!

I wish you satisfying reading on this, the first day of the second annual Knitting and Crochet Blogging Week. May some of your best fiber tales be discovered. Definitely feel free to tell me of any you've already had in the comments section below.

Blogging Excitement

I must admit, I'm completely enjoying my blog at the moment. I've always loved to write, and this has provided me such a wonderful way to combine all of the things that make me happy - writing, textiles, books, painting, design, creativity, photography (oh, and the occassional side trip to cooking land). It's also providing me a vehicle to interact with other creative people. What more can a crafty gal ask for?

Well ... since I've mentioned it ... everyone will be getting a lot more of the above during next week's second annual Knitting and Crochet Blog Week. Yep - seven uninterrupted days of blogging heaven. I am so looking forward to it - my own blogging, as well as reading other crafty blogs. I also admit to having a few neat things up my sleeve for the event, so I do hope everyone will tune in.

Even though I've linked to Eskimimi's blog above, I'm also going to provide the tagging information here. For those who would like to join in the blog reading experience, these tags will provide a quick, easy way for you to search each day to find all of the participating blog entries. 

So, for instance, let's say you want to start searching bright and early next Monday morning. Just open up a Google search screen, plop in Monday's tag (the tag for day 1 of the event), and up should pop all of the blog entries for Monday's topic. Then, start reading! It's that simple.

The participation guidelines have been translated into a few different languages, so this truly will be an international event. Oh yeah. Thanks, Eskimimi! 

Definitely feel free to leave me comments or questions ... and definitely get ready for some good, blog-reading fun come next Monday. See you then (if not before, of course).

  

KniCroBlo Week is Almost Here

Huh? What the heck is that?

Well, March 28 – April 3, 2011 is the second annual Knitting and Crochet Blog Week. Spearheaded by the clever and ever-crafty Eskimimi Knits, it’s a week where bloggers around the world will be sharing their love of craft. For an entire week, these collective bloggers (of which I’m one!) will each be writing about the same crafty categories on the same day (of course, with their own unique spin), the list of which can be found at the link I provided above.

Last year over 200 bloggers participated in this crafty mass blog-along. Given that great participation, as well as the strong response so far to this year’s announcement, I expect even more bloggers will be on board this year.

For crafty blog readers, this is a great opportunity to check out what crafty people are doing around the world. Maybe you’ll find some great, new blogs to start following. Or learn of some new fiber in a far-away country that you just have to try. Or just have fun being an onlooker to this collective output of crafty good spirit.

It will be easy to follow along, as a simple tagging system will allow readers to perform an easy search each day (in your search engine of choice) to quickly identify the blogs writing about that particular day’s subject.

I’ll provide a little more information as we get closer to March 28^th. In the meantime, do read Eskimimi Knits’ well-planned event information, and stay tuned …

In the meantime, happy crafting – and I leave you with a sneak of my next crocheted shawl (love the green color!)