Hooked on Hooking

Drops of Rose Necklace

2007-10-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it';s been awhile since I posted, mostly because the projects I've made over the last few months have been gifts, and I don't want to post the pictures until the people they were made for get them.

Today, though, I am posting because I have been playing with crocheting jewelry using wire again, and I made something I am so proud of, that I actually wrote a pattern for it. So what I am looking for is 2 or 3 people to test my pattern. This offer is only open to members of the Crochet Talk group on Yahoo, as I don't want to post my email address on my blog, and I certainly don't expect anyone else to post theirs.

So, this is the necklace. Let me know your thoughts, and if you are a member of the group, contact me to let me know if you want to be a tester.

Spiderweb Cardigan

2007-05-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

I must start this post off by saying how much I love Interweave Crochet magazine. The designs are contemporary and beautiful, and I love how they write the pattern instructions. I'm not a "normal" sized person, and because of how well the patterns are written, I have a much easier time adjusting things to fit me.

On to the post at hand. When I saw the Spiderweb Cardigan pattern designed by Marty Miller in the Spring 2007 issue if Interweave Crochet, I just had to make one for myself. I love how it turned out.

The pattern had a great flow to it, and I found it worked up quite quickly. I also loved that it started off using a technique they termed "foundation double crochet" rather than a starting chain, a technique I plan to adapt into other patterns wherever I can. It makes the foundation row look exactly like any other dc row, and whereas with a foundation chain, I usually have to use a larger hook than in the rest of my work to prevent warping, With this technique, I didn't need to worry about it.

Overall, I would highly recommend this pattern. It looks great, and was fun to make.

Lazy Sunday

2007-03-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I was being lazy today, so I actually ended up crocheting a couple more jewelry pieces. It's rather addicting to make them.

First, another bracelet, done in amethyst tones.

Secondly, another pendant. I'm not as happy with the pendants so far as I am the bracelets and necklaces, but I am hoping with time and experience I can come up with some great designs.

Crochet with Wire: The adventure continues

2007-03-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've only got 4 more finished pieces to show you.

The next is a single strand necklace I made in amethyst shades, which I quite like. Also, I have started to get the hang of wrapping the ends, and I am hoping to get that really nailed down soon.

Here is what I originally intended to be a bracelet, but it ended up a wee bit bigger than what I planned, so I have declared it an anklet. I really like the colours on this one too.

I decided I wanted a necklace that was colour neutral and that could be worn with anything. This is the one I like best out of all my attempts so far.

Lastly, I thought I would try to use a stitch other than the chain or single crochet. I decided to make a pendant using dc's in the round. I think it turned out quite cute.

That's it for my crocheted wire pieces so far. I find making the jewlery very enjoyable. Also, so far, I've spent an average of a little over an hour on each piece, which when most of my other projects take me some time to finish is nice to have something that works up quickly. I may try my hand at selling these, I am not sure yet. Might be a nice way to earn a few extra dollars to support my pre-existing yarn habit, and my newly acquired bead and wire habit.

Crochet with Wire

2007-03-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

I decided I wanted to try something different, so I bought myself Nancie M. Wiseman's book, Crochet with Wire.
My older sister quite thoughtfully bought me Annie Modesitt's book, Twist and Loop, wanting to get me a unique Christmas present on the subject that I love.

So I spent a while studying both books, trying to get a feel of the general techniques and strategies, such as how to attatch the closures. When I felt I had a grasp of the concept, I headed on down to Michaels, where I got a few things to get me started.

The first item I made was a necklace.

It turned out a little long for where the neckline of most of my shirts fall, but other than that, I am pleased with it as a first effort.

Emboldened by my success, I decided to try my hand at a bracelet. I will say here I attempted to use 24 gauge wire, which to me felt extremely stiff and difficult to work with. I may try that gauge again with more experience under my belt as the finished piece is still flexible enough to be wearable, but has a solidity to it that I think would be a huge advantage with certain designs.

As I liked the look of that bracelet for the most part, I decided to use the same beads and change the design slightly. I quite liked the way the second one turned out. In fact, I was proud enough of it to include it as part of my younger sisters birthday present.

And the wire crochet adventure will continue in the next post.

Lapghan

2007-03-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not the only one out there. I hate sewing squares together. I have tried to buckle down and do it, and given up, and donated the squares to a loving home to be assembled and actually used. But, I really like the look of some afghans and other items made from motifs.

So, I grit my teeth in determination, and happily began crochet 8 inch squares made in the "Arches" pattern.

Then, I decided to give the flat-braid joining method a try. I figured it had to be more enjoyable than sewing.

And indeed it was more enjoyable. I actually finished a small lapghan put together with squares.

So now that I know I can do it, I am putting a full queen-size throw on my "works I would like to make someday" list. Which has approximately eleventy bajillion projects on it. But then, what crocheter doesn't have a wish list that long?

Lisette Sweater Shawl

2007-03-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

I actually completed this well before Christmas, but never got around to taking pictures of it. This is made from a pattern I purchased from this site. The pineapple rounds took awhile, but I really love it.

I made it with a slightly heavier yarn, as my office can get cold, and I wanted a shawl-type thing to wear that wasn't constantly falling off my shoulders. I am very pleased with the versatility of this pattern, and would not hesitate to recommend purchasing the pattern.

More Baby Fun!

2007-02-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

I finished the afghan in the previous post, and had a fair amount of leftover yarn. I thought to myself "what am I to do with this yarn?"

And then I stumbled upon the February 2007 issue of Crochet World (who does have a website. I'm looking at you, editors of Family Circle Easy Crochet)

I mean, look at it. It's a baby hat. With bunny ears. And a flower. How could I not make it?

Babies!

2007-02-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more fun than crocheting for babies? I have no idea why, but I get so excited when I hear someone I care about is having a baby, not only because I am happy for them, but because my mind starts racing about all the cute baby patterns I have seen.

This is a baby afghan I made from a pattern I found in the Fall 2006 issue of FamilyCircle EasyCrochet (who do not seem to have a website. What self-respecting magazine these days has no website?) I used a white and yellow variegated yarn for the main body of it, and plain white for the border. I think it looked great with the open, lacy design of the stitch.

Simple Afghan

2007-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is an afghan I made for my sister and brother and law. It's just dc's with a scalloped edge, but the boucle yarn makes it rather beautiful. I chose a very neutral off-white to go with their decor, and I think with the simplicity of the design and colour, it's not something that is going to fall out of style.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2007-02-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

One of my Christmas projects this past season was to crochet snowflakes as ornaments. I got some of the patterns from magazines, some from free pattern sites such as Crochet Pattern Central . There are a lot of possibilities out there. My mom liked them enough that she asked me to make pink snowflakes for a Breast Cancer fund raiser her office is doing next year. It was my first real experience working in thread, and I have to say, I didn't find it tedious, as I thought I would. I almost feel brave enough to face trying a thread table runner or tablecloth.

Cute Little Cap

2007-02-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated this blog in quite some time; as you can imagine, I have several finished projects from that time I will be adding now.

So, let's get started! First up, we have a little cap I crocheted for myself after picking up a skein of recycled cotton yarn. I was curious to see what it would be like to work with and what the result would feel and drape like. I wish I knew where I put the label, because I quite liked it, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to give it a try. Next time I am out yarn shopping, I will purchase some more for a project I think it would be perfect for, and I will update this post with the name.

I didn't really use a pattern for this. It's done in sc, I started by chaining 4 and joining. I then crocheted in the round, increasing until it was just less wide than the diameter of my head. I then worked sc in each sc around until it was almost the length I wanted, and then decreased for about two rows to give it a bit of holding on to my head power. I made a border using dcs and that's all. I did join each round, which I doubt I would do in future, as I have a small line going down the back of my cap. Not hugely noticeable unless you are staring, but I think I would have gotten a lovely effect by keeping track of the "end" of the row with a stitch marker and not joining.

Blogger Beta

2006-09-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

So, I saw that Blogger Beta had the option to have post labels, so that your archives can be sorted by category. Which caused me to switch. Overall I like it, but there are some glitches with things such as comments. Apparently, anyone with a Blogger account that isn't a Beta account can't post comments. This does not happen to people who do not have blogger accounts at all, or people who have Beta accounts. That really makes me sad, as I adore recieving comments. Who doesn't? Hopefully they will fix the bug soon, as I can't switch back to a non- Beta account. (A fact that they made me well aware of, it's my own fault for not reading the message boards in the help forums to see all the bugs people were experiencing first.)

I'd say that if you had any questions about my experiences with blogger beta, to submit a comment, but as that may not work, I have started a thread on the crochetville message boards here. Feel free to post to it.

Hairpin Lace Afghan

2006-08-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

After finally learning to make hairpin lace, I decided to make a simple afghan to practice the strips. Overall, I like how it turned out, it makes a nice, light, throw. If I use it in an afghan again, though, I think that I will likely alternate it with strips of either sc's or dc's to make a more dense fabric. This ghan is going to end up donated to that fundraiser at work in place of the ripple one in an earlier post, since my mom has laid claim to the ripple.

Doin' the victory dance!

2006-08-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

For a very very very very very long time, I have wanted to make hairpin lace. I'm not sure why, it's just something that has always caught imagination.

So, quite some time ago, I dutifully bought a hairpin lace room at my local craft store, and prepared for the joy of making strips of neat looking loops.

Only, it didn't quite work out that way. No matter which instruction site I read, I just couldn't grasp the concept. In vain would I try to make sense of the instructions, making and utter mess on my little loom, before giving up in dispair.

And then, today, I found this site.

And for some reason, it actually got through my thick skull!

Not too bad for a first attempt, eh?

Ripple Afghan

2006-07-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

I made this afghan from a pattern I found on a label of Bernat yarn. I liked it, because of the lacy look of the MC. You can get the pattern on the Bernat website here , but it does require that you be a member in order to view the pattern. This afghan was originally meant to be donated to a fund-raising silent auction at work for breast cancer, but I haven't heard whether it is still happening since I agreed to make the afghan for it. I will check when go in this week. If not, my mom saw it while it was in progress, and was kind of salivating over it, so I may have a Christmas present done early for her.

Hobo-style bag

2006-07-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

This bag is the result of my attempt to design my own "hobo-style" tote bag. I think it turned out pretty well, and overall, I am pleased with the results. I crocheted it using two strands of worsted weight yarn held together and a size 6.5 mm hook.

I did not count my exact number of stitches, but here is the basic design concept that I used:

Starting with the bottom of the bag, I made a starting chain of approx. 12. I made 2 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, then 1 sc in next 9, 2 sc in last ch. Then, working in the bottom loops of starting chain, 2sc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 9 ch, 2 sc in last chain, join to starting sc.

I then crocheted several more rounds, increasing on the ends to make an oval base.

When I had made a base the size I liked, I started the sides of the bag by:

ch1, sc in same sp as where you joined last round of bottom, ch 3, sk next sc, *sc in next sc, ch3, sk 1 sc*. Repeat * to* to end. Join last ch3 to first sc

body row: slip stitch into ch3 space, ch1, sc in same space, *ch 3, sc in next ch3 space* . Repeat *to* to end, ending by joining ch3 to 1st sc.

Continue making body rows until bag is depth you desire. I then used stitch markers to mark the mid-point on both ends of the bag. To make the straps, I did one body row from one mid-point to another. I then decreased by : ch1, turn, sc into ch3 loop just completed of previous row, then following the body row instructions back across. When I had decreased to the point I had 1 loop left, I made the strap as follows:

row 1: ch1, turn. 3 sc into loop.
row 2: ch3, turn, dc into each st across

repeat row 2 until strap is half the length desired. Go back and make strap on other side of bag in same way. Join two strap ends together, and finish off and hide ends.

I understand these instructions may be a bit confusing, This is the first time I've tried to write out a pattern that I've made. When I make another, I will count all my stitches in order to post more specific instructions. In the meantime, if anyone tries to make this (it really works up quite easily!) and has any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me :)

Throw Pillow

2006-07-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

I used a modified version of the Navajo Afghan pattern to make this small throw pillow. It's a great pattern for using up scraps, particularly for something small like a throw pillow, as it only requires a small amount of each colour at a time. As well, the pattern calls for 4 colours, but really, you could use as many as you like and think look good together. I have worked the basic pattern in 2, 3 and 4 colours myself, and there's no reason why you couldn't use more. Because I was sewing the rectangle up to make a pillow, I decided to leave the ends loose, and just make sure they were sewn into the inside of the pillow. Lazy I know, but this pattern does leave a lot of ends to weave in, and that can get tedious.

Requiem for a friend

2006-07-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

Good-bye, my friend.

I will miss you. The things we worked on together , the laughs and frustrations we shared. You were faithful and true, never balking no matter what task I put to you. Gliding through any yarn with ease. I could never have made many of the afghans, shawls, totes, or my first sweater project without you.

Rest well old friend. your legend lives on with me.

Mom's Shawl

2006-06-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my first update in awhile. Things got fairly hectic, and I haven't had as much time to crochet as I would like. I did recently finish a shawl for my mom, using the pattern for Seraphina's Shawl. I think it turned out quite well. I decided not to fringe it as it is intended for evening wear, and thought that might make it look more casual than I wanted.

I've included some pictures of both the entire shawl and a close up of the stitches. Let me know what you think!

Wedding Shawl

2006-04-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

My older sister is getting married in July, in an evening ceremony at the top of a mountain. So while it will be summer, it might get a little chilly, and she asked if I could make her some shawls for herself and the wedding party. She chose a pattern from Fiber Trends done in a lace weight mohair. I have just finished the first one, and think it turned out rather pretty. In the pictures here, I have one overall shot of the shawl and one close up, to show the stitches and edging better. Now, just 4 more to go.......

What the heck?

2006-04-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am a fan of cats. And heck, I love the "Stuff On My Cat" site (Hence my link to it.)

But after peeking at todays posting on "You Knit What?" my brain hurts.......

view post here

I mean good gracious, who would think of putting that on their cat? And what self-respecting cat would let them?

Kitty bed

2006-04-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I made my first real project without a pattern. It didn't turn out quite the way I expected, but as it's basically a pillow for our cat CeeCee to sit on and destroy and whatnot, I don't think he much cares about the esthetics of it.

It was a great learning experience for me, though, and next time I "design" something of my own, it'll go a bit smoother I hope. Anyway, here a few pics, both with and without CeeCee in them.

Square Hugs

2006-04-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have joined a group that makes hug afghans to send to people who are sick, or experiencing a rough time in their lives and need a pick me up. As such, each member donates 12" squares to be made into these afghans.

I finished my first square for the cause with a pattern I got here and I am very pleased with the result. I still have to weave in the ends, but even so, it turned out very pretty.

Finally Done!!!

2006-04-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I am doing a little happy dance as my sweater is finally finished!

It's a little shorter than what I would have originally liked, but overall, I am happy with how it turned out. I made it using the Modular crochet technique described in the Winter 2005 issue of Crochet Fantasy magazine. It's done mostly with single crochet and "front facing single crochet".

I will definitely be making another one sometime, but for now, it's time to turn to other projects, because too much single crochet all at once will eventually make you go a little loopy. I plan to use some of my scrap yarn to make a bed for our cat, and will probably use either strips or squares and join them together. I have also recently joined a group called "Hugs from the heart", which is an offshoot of an online Yahoo group I belong to, Crochet Talk. Hugs from the heart has members who donate a minimum of 10, 12" squares a year, which are assembled into an "afghan hug" to be sent to members experiencing illness or other difficulties and needing a bit of a pick me up. I'm pretty excited to be a part of something solely designed to brighten someone's day.

That's about it for now. Have a great weekend :)

So close you can taste it

2006-03-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

At this point, I have finished one of the sleeves on my sweater. So, just one more sleeve, and some assembling and finishing touches to go. I am excited and both getting tired of rows up rows of single crochet and front facing single crochet.

I do want to get it done this week, though, as soon my sister will send me the supplies for the shawls she wants me to make. And I want to use some of my scraps to make a cat bed for CeeCee. And there are probably a ton of other projects out there for me to try.

Feeling my Mortality

2006-03-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a bit off topic, but I need to get this out.

I know people have car accidents all the time. It's a fact of life. I don't expect to have a front row seat for them while walking the one block between my apartment, and where I catch the train to go to work.

This morning, as I was waiting for the light to change so I could cross the street, I heard the crash of a vehicle accident. My head automatically turned to look, and I saw the car flip over and land on it's roof. It was pretty horrifying. While I did wait to see if the police would want my statement, (they didn't, I didn't see the cause, just the aftermath) I couldn't look at the car. No sounds, no movement that caught the corner of my eye. I hope they were wearing their seatbelt...I hope they got out of the incident able to heal their injuries, but I just don't know.

All I wanted to do was turn around, go back home, and spend the day cuddled with my boyfriend. I was thanking my lucky stars that had that been me injured, I have no words I'd regret as my last to any family or friends.

Instead, after the police said I could go, I went to work. I was pretty shaky for a few hours, and then only slightly after that. And while I try not to let non-work things affect my work, I couldn't help it today. I was slow, and having trouble focusing.

Please, go hug your family and loved ones. Tell them how much you love them. And pray for the unknown person this morning, that they will have the chance to do so as well.

Simple Pleasures...

2006-03-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

Or, "Small things amuse small minds".

Like many crocheters who use the net, I belong to several online message groups. On one of them, the topic evolved into how a member didn't like scrap yarn projects because she hated all the joining of different colours, and all the subsequent weaving in of tails.

Another member posted this link and OMG, I am so completely excited by this simple concept, it is unbelievable.
No ends to worry about, no trying to carefully tie the knot in such a spot that it ends up on the "wrong" side of the work. (And yes, I know about "spit-joining", but that only works with natural fibres).

So, after reading the message this morning, I was impatient all day to get home from work to try it. I must say, it works like a charm.

Isn't the internet wonderful?

The agony of Dye lots

2006-03-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

This morning I bundled up, and trundled myself out into the cold on a quest.... the quest to purchase enough yarn to finish my sweater project.

I was prepared....I had the stone cold stare-straight-ahead-and-maybe-the-crazy-people-on-the-train-won't-talk-to-you look fixed on my face..I had the label with the dye lot of the original in hand, I had the money in my wallet just waiting to be spent.

I entered the yarn store, and saw success in sight...There was the brand, with the right colour name, and it looked the same as what I had at home. Fingers trembling, I turned the label over to inspect the dye lot...

NUTS...not the same one. But as I despaired of actually getting the same dye lot, I decided to risk it and purchase anyway, perhaps the shade would be close enough to work.

Back home, through the slightly chilly light snow that has passed for winter this year. Back on the train with it's perils and unique smells.

I grabbed a skein from my original supplies, and held the two together in the light.

And there is a noticable difference. My boyfriend says he can't really see it...but, well, he's a boy.

I'm going to forge ahead anyway. The difference is fairly small, and I am hoping if I use the new batch on the sleeves only, it will be a worst case scenario of looking like I planned it that way on purpose.

An update

2006-03-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

It's been almost a week since I posted last. It's been an odd week.

I've been pretty tired, and I think I may either be fighting an oncoming cold, or one that isn't quite completely out of my system from before. So between that, and work, I really don't feel like I have accomplished much at all. Not even normal housework.

On the plus side, I have made some great progress on my modular crochet sweater. I had thought I had gotten to the point of starting on the sleeves, but it turns out, I didn't make it wide enough. Not a huge deal with modular crochet, it's easy enough to add more width, but I am now unsure I bought enough yarn to complete the sweater. I am hopeful that they will still have some matching from the same dye lot tomorrow, and as I went with an acrylic blend (I wanted my first sweater to be easier to wash, etc) I have more hope that I will be able to get it. I would be feeling less hopeful with a more designer yarn, such as a hand dyed pure wool.

However, until I know for sure that I can get some of the same, I am going to leave the sweater projects on the side for now. I think I will start with some of my scrap yarn, making some strips and squares I can attach to make a kitty bed for CeeCee. My sister also wants me to make some shawls for her wedding, so once I get the materials for that, I will have enough projects to last me for quite some time.

You Will Feel My Wrath

2006-03-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's yet another off topic post. But after our cat, CeeCee got himself dirty enough to need a hand with his grooming, we had no choice....into the tub he went.

He behaved himself very well, really. No hissing or scratching or biting.

But that look in his eyes he had afterwards....I am feeling very scared.

Two Steps Forward...

2006-03-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

....And so far, no steps back. At least not this evening.

I'm feeling pretty good because I have finally made some decent progress on my sweater project, after numerous times of frogging, recounting, etc. etc. I really don't know what was going on with it, I normally don't have this kind of issue with dropping stitches, or mis-counting. I think now that I have hit a decent mid-point on it, I may take a little break, and make some squares from my scrap yarn or something, just to take a mental break from it. I may have burnt myself out a bit on my crochet-a-thon this weekend.

Hope you all have a great week.

The Road Less Traveled

2006-03-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

I know that this is primarily a crochet blog, but it is still my personal blog, and so I feel the need to stray a bit off topic and discuss a matter that is right now rather a huge deal for me.

I am a unionized employee at a company that in November ended a 4 month labour dispute. Bitter is not the word to describe what went on before, during and after the whole debacle. I spent those 4 months standing strong with my brothers and sisters, even though it was tough, emotionally, physically and financially. I saw the end of friendships as people found themselves on opposite sides. I saw the dark and ugly of union and corporate politics. To say that this dispute was difficult, and ended rather dismally for those who chose to stand in solidarity is an understatement; still I would not change my decision. The only change I would want is that I was not very aware of the issues, or involved in effecting changes prior, and I now wish I was.

I could probably fill 3 pages with the details of the dispute, but I won't. What is important to what is currently happening is that the Executive Council (EC) of the union made many strategic and communications mistakes throughout, and lost the confidence of much of the membership. There was particular distrust of the president, as there was a closed door meeting between him, the CEO of the company, and the leader of an entirely different union who is currently under a cloud of suspicion himself. There was no other member of our union present, contrary to bargaining practices in our constitution. The final vote on the contract that was finally accepted was an absolute joke, with many members in rural areas not receiving their ballots. Heck, I never did get one, but I at least live in one of the three major cities this company is located in, and therefore had an office to go pick up a ballot and vote in. And those examples are just the tip of the iceberg.

So, this past week has been the annual convention for our union, where elections are held, policies are made, and other business is discussed. At the beginning, a special convention was called to discuss non-confidence in the current EC, the result of which being that a majority vote of non confidence was reached, the EC positions declared empty, and elections began on Tuesday.

All very nice and democratic-sounding, right? The problem is, rather than bow out gracefully, or run again, our president took the matter to the courts, filing an injunction against the non-confidence vote and new elections on the grounds they did not follow the proper procedure in the union's constitution. The defense is that they simply used provisions under a different area of the constitution, and therefore valid. It's a tricky piece of legal pie, really. I'm not a lawyer, so I am not going to try and explain both sides. Anyone wishing to know particulars, feel free to email me, and I will be happy to send you links to information on the injunction. As it stands, the injunction is in effect until June 30, pending the outcome of a full trial or other action.

Honestly, at this point I think it matter less about which side is right on the legal matter. At this point, it angers me that our president, who should be looking out for the members, who should not be further alienating those already disillusioned with what happened during the labour dispute, is once again looking out only for himself. His supporters claim he is only trying to protect our constitution, but if that is the case why is he suing for monetary damages?

Now, we have a membership divided between those that want to keep the status quo, those wanting to effect change within, and those so completely disgusted and disheartened by the actions of a few, they want to either merge us into a new union or decertify completely in order to get rid of the current EC.

I know where I stand in this struggle. I am in the camp that wishes to change from within. We have amazing people in our group, people who could make a difference, who could make this union effective and amazing. I just hope we get the chance to do so.

Frustrations and Yearnings

2006-03-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

Well, my sweater project has been coming pretty slowly. I got the front panel finished, and then had to frog it all because it somehow ended up a great deal shorter than what I wanted. So, I am starting again. I really hope this turns out well, I have spent so much time envisioning my sweater that if it doesn't turn out, I may be inconsolable. Hopefully, I will make some good progress this weekend with it. It's supposed to be kinda chilly here, so sitting watching movies and crocheting is sounding like a marvelous plan.

I also have decided to save up and get myself some silk yarn from this site as a treat for myself. I need to decide on a project worthy of such beautiful yarn first, though. Maybe a classy handbag, or a summer-weight shrug or shawl.

Other than that, I have been very distracted by some non-crochet things, dealing with the union of which I am a member. It's a pretty long and complicated issue, and I'm not sure I want to take the space here to rant about it, at least not right now. I may yet do so at some point this weekend. Hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and happy weekend :)

Modular Crochet: The Quest Continues

2006-03-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I was a bit disappointed that the publisher of Judith Copelands book did not have her contact information to forward my letter to her, as she is the one who still owns the rights, and not the publisher.

Then, it suddenly occured to me the whole reason I am aware of her book is that the magazine Crochet Fantasy interviewed her, and published a pattern from the book. So after this rather delayed revelation, I marched along to their website, and sent a letter off to Ms. Copeland via email. I have my fingers crossed that they will pass it on.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in hopes that you will be able to pass this on to Ms. Copeland, as the company that published her book no longer has an address to forward correspondence to.

Dear Ms. Copeland,

After reading the article in the Winter 2005 edition of Crochet Fantasy, I became very interested in your book, Modular Crochet. Sadly, all my efforts to procure a second hand copy have proved fruitless. The copies that I have found available have been sadly out of my price range. I mentioned my quest to find your book to other crocheters in an online community that I belong to, and many of the members expressed an interest in finding the book for themselves. That coupled with the fact that there is fierce competition anytime a copy appears on an auction site, leads me to believe that there is a great deal of interest in your book.

I checked with your former publisher, and they advised me that since it is out of print, the rights have reverted back to you, and it would be your decision to republish the book, and with which company to have it published.

Please, there is a new generation of crocheters greatly interested in your book, and who would love to own it for themselves. However, if re-publishing proves not to be feasible at this time, I appreciate your sharing what you did with Crochet Fantasy.

Thank you for you time, and with sincere admiration,

Modular Crochet by Judith Copeland : Update

2006-03-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my post here , I wrote to the last publisher of the Modular Crochet book to ask If there was enough demand for the book, if it would be reprinted. I recieved my response today, and while it's not overwhelmingly good news, I am very impressed with how quickly they got back to me, and how helpful the response was, considering how little the publisher could actually do.

Kudos to Jen Linck of Rowman & Littlefeild publishing group for her response and time. (I feel since her full name is easily available on the company's website, I am not breaching her privacy to post it here.)

Here is her response to my letter:

Since the book is out of print, then the rights have reverted to the
author. If she wanted to publish the book again and could find a
publisher who is interested, then she'd be the one to make the decision.

We only acquired M.Evans in the Fall of 2005 and don't have contact info
for their authors as far back as 1978. We also don't have any imprints
that specialize in publishing craft titles, so it wouldn't be something
that we'd really consider at this point. However, I've copied our
editorial director on this e-mail for him to chime in if he has any
comments.

Best wishes,

Jen Linck
RLPG Sales & Marketing

So Judith, if you are out there, and see this post, please, there are many of us who would love to be able to buy your book! And I'm sure there are publishers out there who would be more than happy to do so for you!

2006-03-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

Well what kind of crochet blog would this be if I didn't post pictures of some things I've made? I tend to give most of my finished items away, so I didn't have alot to post and show you here, but I promise, any new projects, I will take pictures of.

The first picture is of a "Navaho Afghan" I made using a pattern from this site: http://www.steffosborne.com/knit/c-navajo.txt

I decided to weave all my ends in rather than leaving them as fringe (if you read the pattern you'll understand). It's a nice effect, but wow, it was pretty tedious to finish off that way, although a simple pattern in and of itself. I don;t have the edge of the afghan in the photo, but you can get a good feel for the overall effect.

The second picture and last picture are the too-short practice run of the modular crochet sweater I mentioned in my first post. There are obviously a couple of issues with it, but I think in a nicer wool, making the neck a bit smaller, and tapering the sleeves a bit, it could look really great, so I am currently working on attempt #2.

The last two pictures are of a shawl I made using a pattern I found at this site http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/donisfuff/croshawl.html

I love it, and the nature of the pattern allows you to make it any size you like. The instructions and pictures of the work in progress are great, making it easy to follow the pattern and know what each step is supposed to look like. The lady who designed this was kind enough to post the pattern for free, but as she states on her page, she supports herself by selling the finished product of her designs, so please, if you wish to make and sell a shawl with this pattern, please contact her first (her info is on her website).

That's all I have to post for now, Hopefully I'll have a picture of the completed, improved sweater soon :)

Odds and Ends

2006-03-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my first post, I am currently working on a modular crochet sweater.

Since I read the article in Crochet Fantasy where I got this pattern, I have been attempting to find the original book mentioned in the article, "Modular Crochet" by Judith Copeland. When I can find it on E-bay, amazon.com, etc, it's incredibly expensive, as it is rare and in high demand. I've tried other books, searching for content that would be similar, and so far, just gotten alot of disappointment.

After doing some research, I found the name of the publisher, so I decided to try and write to them, to see if with the apparent demand for the used book if they might consider reprinting it. This is the letter I sent:

Dear Ms Linck,

I am writing to you as I hope that either you will be able to answer my query, or at least be able to re-direct me to the proper person or department who can.

I am writing in regards to the book "Modular Crochet" , author Judith Copeland, published in 1978. I have been able to determine that the publisher was M. Evans and Company, Inc., who at this date are a part of the Rowman & Littlefield publishing group.

After reading an article about this book in a magazine, I attempted to find a used copy through several sources, such as E-bay, used bookstores, amazon.com, etc. This book, while it can be found, is in such demand that it often has a high cost, indicating that there is a great deal of interest in it still, and could possibly do well if re-published and printed.

I was wondering if it is the publisher or authors decision to reprint the book, and who the best person to contact in regards to trying to bring this about would be.

I thank you in advance for your time, and appreciate any response.

If I receive a response, particularly a positive one, I'll post it here (and to my other crochet groups, as I know this blog has a kinda limited audience at this point).

On another note, I spent a little while yesterday sorting through leftover yarns. I have alot of it, and no idea what to do with any of it. Some of the colours and textures go together, but most of them don't, and there is not enough left for a whole project with any of them. I can;t just throw it away though, as that just seems so wasteful to me. So, if anyone has any small project ideas, I am all ears.

Well, here we go

2006-03-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am completely new to the concept of blogging. Well, alright, I knew what it was, but never created one, cuz really, who really wants to read the ramblings of me, besides myself. But it occurred to me this might be a way to keep track of my projects, get feedback on things I have made, and possibly some new ideas.

As the screen name implies, I primarily crochet, though I am interested in honing my knitting skills and learning other types ones, such as tatting.

Right now, I am working on a modular crochet sweater, inspired by the winter edition of the magazine "Crochet Fantasy", in which there is an article and a pattern for a sweater made using modular crochet. According to the article, this technique is from the book "Modular Crochet" by Judith Copeland, published in 1978.

I actually did a practice run on this sweater using some leftover yarn I had from making an afghan, which ended up too short (and trust me, no one but my boyfriend has ANY desire to see me in a cropped sweater) but otherwise seemed to turn out well, so I am now trying it in some wool I'd actually wear in public.

I will hopefully add pictures and a profile soon, though I doubt I will be updating this blog on a daily basis. Feel free to say hi, and leave any comments you want :)