Tag Archives: Crochet World

Brighten Up the Canning Jar

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ScannedImageAs the season warms and welcomes late evenings and barbeques, my crochet tends to become a little lighter (in fabric) and sometimes a little smaller (in projects). My latest design fits that bill.

In the June 2015 issue of Crochet World Magazine, you can find my Candle Shadows. Now , when I bought my home over a decade ago, it came with a root cellar filled with old canned goods (the “freshest” being over thirsty years, and the some with dates in the 1930’s). So instead of just tossing all these old mason jars filled with over aged fruit, we have slowly cleaned them all up. Finding uses for them all is the more interesting undertaking.

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Candle Shadows- Crochet World, June 2015 Photo courtesy of Annie’s

You may remember from an earlier post that I turned some of the mason jars into pendant lights in my kitchen (if you missed it here, it is), some of the jars will be used as cups and center pieces at my sister’s wedding later this year, and some I have enjoyed using as a little outdoor lighting with my latest design.

The principle behind the design is pretty straight forward, a stitch pattern that offers a nice negative space (for the light to shine through) and that repeats in just the right amount to come evenly fit around the jar. Then adding in some great color and there is a lot of fun added to my outdoor dinner (or maybe even my indoor bubble bath). Using battery operated flame-less votive candles makes them even easier to use, and safe for kids!

New Approaches to Broomstick Lace- The Bombay Vest with Elongated Loops

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ScannedImageIn case you haven’t noticed I enjoy playing with stitch techniques and my latest design is no different.

With the Bombay Vest, in The April 2015 of Crochet World, I was playing with broomstick lace. This classic crochet technique is one that I find has a great untapped potential. It creates such a iconic “peacock eye” appearance, but what if you use those loops a little differently?Crochet World_April2015_Cover

For someone new to the concept of broomstick lace, it is a process in which you pull loops through a crochet base and over a large knitting needle (or as in times past a broomstick, hence the name; although it can also go by Jiffy Lace due to a long ago popular pattern). Once all these loops are placed on a needle, they are then grouped, usually in sets of 4-5 loops and single crochets are worked into the set of loops. The single crochet is most traditional, but any stitch can be used to solidify these loops into a group.

One of the ways I decided to play with this stitch was to simply twist the loops before filling it with stitches. This gives a very different positive/negative space appearance, almost more silhouetted, making you recognize the space between the set of stitches then the loops of “eye” created in the center.

Bombay Vest

Bombay Vest- April 2015 issue Crochet World Photo courtesy of Annie’s

Then I took this one step further, by attempting to create 2 different heights of lace using the same knitting needle. One of the limitations with broomstick lace, in my opinion, is that the height of the row is limited by the size of the knitting needle (or broomstick) you are using. Yes, this tool gives you even and consistent loops, but often they are smaller then I might like, I want something really open, really tall. So I found that I could accomplish this by using every other loop of a set, and pulling the unused loops back into the ones that I have selected. As a result I have a loop set that is twice as tall as the needle created. (To get a better visual of this effect, please watch my video here). My only note of caution is to make sure that if you are going to pull up loops that you make sure that you do not drop the last loop from the needle, make sure that this is a loop that you elongate the length on, as it is part of the last stitch of the row below, and you do not want this to unravel.

When playing with these techniques I ended up creating a swatch, almost by accident, and thought it offered a great, almost retro feel, and immediately thought of a vest to wear. Then to find the proper yarn, I was looking for something that was not to springy and offered great drape, so Paton’s Bamboo Silk worked as an easy fit. This is a fun work project to work up, but I have to say I really enjoy the approach to the technique. So I hope that you consider giving it a try and see what broomstick lace can have the potential of being.

My Every Day Valentine

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ScannedImageI have been doing more self-reflection then usual lately. Reflecting on my business and personal life, possibly due to the recent interview I gave Crochet World Magazine about how my current career began, and how I approach my designs (you can read it here). Or it could be the 5 day art challenge that was posed to me on Facebook, where I shared 15 different designs over 5 days (you can see them on my Facebook page here). Either way I found myself pondering where I have been and where I would like to go. But mostly, or simply due to the upcoming holiday, it made me put a Valentine spin of things.

This might seem odd, that pondering the past can make for a Valentine, but let me explain. Over several years I have finally began to dissolve the rituals or expectations of many holidays down to what I feel is really important. So for Valentine’s Day this means that for me it does not need to be flowers, chocolates, dinner, or the typical “romantic” gifts. My husband never really believes this, but it is true.th

For me I take the day to remember those that I love, and what I can do to show them this every day as well as actually focus on what they give me every day to show me they care. It is a day of focusing, not overlooking that small things that I routinely take for granted. The hugs and kisses the kids share before saying goodbye before going to school. The nights my son offers to cook dinner, and his sister wants to help, sure it is usually pancakes, eggs and bacon, (occasionally chocolate chip cookie dough)but it is delicious. The moments that they are excited to show me something they have learned. My husband taking the kids to their after school activities (yes, he loves going, but it gives me time to get some work done), when he completely turns is schedule upside down to accommodate my travel plans. How my husband supports my career venture, even though it means the household budget is considerably tighter, and makes coffee on the weekend before I am even out of bed. How each member of my family gives me honest and critical feedback of my work, I know it is their way of supporting me, and showing their love.IMG_5990 - Copy

I guess that instead of looking for the big grand gesture I am using the day to remember that the little things are much more important. I might easily take for granted the little things that happen on a typical Wednesday, but by actually spending some time to focus on them, I realize that I do truly have Valentine’s Day every day.

Designs In Movement…Some of My Latest Thoughts

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ScannedImageSo the long days of summer are now shortening, children or headed back to school, and that can really only mean one thing…Autumn is almost here. M01220_CWOct14_CVR

I have a couple of new designs out, that I think ring true for fall. In the October 2014 Issue of Crochet World Magazine (available digitally now, and on newsstands September 2, 2014) I have a hat, Birds Eye Border, and a Scarf, Hourglass Cables.

Hourglass Cables Scarf 1

Hourglass Cables Scarf Photo courtesy of Annie’s

I enjoy both of these designs so let me tell you a little about them. The Hourglass Cable Scarf is one that is not you simple rectangle, I was playing with movement and enjoyed how this technique created an in and out effect to the edge of the fabric. I added the cables and was astonished at how fun it was, yet simple to keep track of. So the increase/decrease effect gives visual interest while the cables give great texture (while actually highlighting the curves). But using a variegated or striping yarn the details are even more highlighted, as the color shift gives an additional element of focus.

I even enjoyed this technique enough to offer a video of it through Annie’s (you can find it here).

Bird's Eye Border Hat

Bird’s Eye Border Hat Photo courtesy of Annie’s

The next design is the Birds Eye Border Hat. In this design I was once again inspired by movement, I was attempting to create an open circle in the middle of a fabric, and found that I enjoyed how it edged, and though a highlight of this around the face might be nice, thus the hat was created. It has a slight air of whimsy, and can be personalized by weaving a scarf through the openings or adding bead work. It has a lot of possibilities, and yet is simple to put together.

I hope you enjoy the designs and that they encourage you to play with movement in your own work.

Thoughts on Some Fall Designs

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ScannedImageHard to believe that Autumn weather is almost here, but luckily Crochet World Magazine’s October 2013 issue is out, and it has some fun ideas that help with this seasonal change.

I have two designs featured in this issue so I might be a little biased.

Birds of a Feather

Photo courtesy of Annie’s

The Birds of a Feather Table Runner reminds me of the country farm; okay, so I am still on a country farm, but my rooster is noisier than the ones on the runner.  I enjoyed doing this filet work; to me it has a little old world charm but an updated feel with the harvest colored thread. I can honestly say that this design makes me think of fall, probably because the thought of the “farm” brings about memories of bringing in the crops, and a rooster definitely makes me think of farm.

 

 

Tactical Squares Throw

Photo courtesy of Annie’s

The Tactical Squares Afghan is one I really think my son will enjoy. Usually you see a lot of open work designs, and it makes it difficult to find something that can have a masculine feel, but I think this one can accomplish that. Masculine to me has a more full texture then lacy work feel, it could be cables or such, something with a raised stitch to it, it is also simple and bold. My son always gets a little jealous, since it is so much easier for me to work something up for his sister, something lacy, a little skirt, and he feels a little left out. I think that this afghan though might make up for it a bit.

So there are some of my thoughts of how a couple of more of my designs made their way from my mind to my fingers.