Crochet Daily

All of our Craft Videos for One Subscription

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:12:00 GMT

Yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles, piles of fabric, drawers of beads, bags of roving-you can find a little bit of everything in my craft room. This love of multiple crafts also means my bookshelves are overflowing with books on crocheting, knitting, beading, and more. And as a visual learner, I love video workshops. I am quickly running out of room.

Interweave has over a hundred video workshops on a variety of crafts and techniques (that's over 115 hours), and I want them all, but storage space and budget requires I be a bit more selective. This means that I choose carefully, picking only videos about techniques I am sure I want to explore, and I know will have relevant information for me.

But what if you could watch all of Interweaves videos and television episodes for one monthly price? Introducing Craft Daily! Here is a little more information about this new venture from Craft Daily:

Introducing Craft Daily

These videos are streamed to Craft Daily members so that they can be viewed 24/7 from any computer or hand-held device with a high-speed internet connection, making it easy to take these online craft workshops from anywhere & on your own schedule. There are no assignments & no homework -- just you & your craft! And there are so many subject areas available: from beading, to crochet, knitting, jewelry, mixed media, quilting, sewing, spinning & weaving. With new videos added on a weekly basis, you're bound to find new ideas & inspiration, or something new to try every day!

So, whether you are interested in bracelet making, or wire jewelry, crochet hats, or scarf knitting, or you want to learn how to quilt, patchwork quilting, or you are curious about book making techniques, Craft Daily has a video workshop that meets your skill level-from instructors you can trust. In fact, you'll recognize many of these instructors from the pages of your favorite craft magazines & books, such as Quilting Arts, Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, Wire Jewelry, Cloth Paper Scissors, Spin-Off, Interweave Knits & Interweave Crochet and many more!

Do you want to preview Interweave's crochet, knitting, beading, jewelry, mixed media, sewing, quilting, spinning, and weaving videos, or like the ease of a subscription? Join Craft Daily today and explore over a hundred videos and techniques.

Best wishes,

Finding the Best Crochet Sweater Patterns

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Interweave Crochet is the perfect resource for innovative and fashionable crochet sweater designs. Within the category of crochet sweaters, there are a wide variety of construction options.


Lauren Sweater by Mimi Alelis

The crochet pullover is a very common sweater type. Pullovers can be worked in the round or in rows from the top down or the bottom up. They can also be worked in panels. But all crochet pullovers live up to their descriptive name; they are pulled over the wearers head.

Crochet cardigans are worked in rows, whether they are worked from the top down or bottom up in one piece or in panels. Open in the front, cardigans can be buttoned, pinned, or worn open.

Many people have a preference for pullovers or cardigans. In the Interweave Crochet Winter 2013 issue, Linda Permann discusses how to convert a crochet cardigan pattern to a pullover and a crochet pullover pattern to a cardigan.

While the most common method of crocheting sweaters is from the bottom up, I have always been fascinated with top-down sweaters.


	Kristy Cardigan by Dora Ohrenstein (worked from the top down)

Working crochet sweaters from the top down is a great option if you want to try the sweater on as you go and the perfect choice for your first foray into modifying a sweater pattern. Top-down construction can be applied to both pullovers and cardigans and can be worked in rows or rounds in both solid and lace stitches. This unique construction technique begins by crocheting the yoke. Increases, usually in front of and behind each shoulder, shape the yoke to the armhole. To begin working the bodice, stitches are skipped for the upper arm and chains are added for the underarm. Because the yoke and armholes are created first, you can try to sweater on as you go, modifying the bust, waist, or hip measurements as you go.


Moth Wings Shrug by Mimi Alelis (crocheted with join-as-you-go motifs)

Another sweater technique popular to crochet is created using join-as-you-go motifs. Square or hexagonal motifs are generally joined into columns and then rectangles to create the panels of the sweater. Random motifs, such as flowers or leaves, can be pinned to a sweater template and then joined using Irish crochet. Due to the structural nature of these types of sweaters, they are very difficult to modify, but the lacy nature of the motifs can be flattering on all body types.


	Fall Fields Cardigan by Beth Nielsen

Discover great in-depth articles on crochet sweaters as well as a wide variety of sweater, pullover, and shrug patterns in a variety of construction and stitch techniques by subscribing to Interweave Crochet today.

Best wishes,

P.S. Do you have a favorite sweater construction technique?

Learn Advanced Crochet Stitches with a Free eBook

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Are you ready to take the next step in your crochet journey and create with advanced crochet stitches like linked crochet, hairpin lace, or crocodile stitch? The newest Crochet Me free eBook uses images, illustrations, and text to share ten advanced crochet techniques with you. Here is just a sample of the advanced stitch techniques included in Advanced Crochet Stitches: A Free Guide to Crocheting Stitches Including Crocodile Stitch, Hairpin Lace and More. The bullion stitch, can be a tricky stitch to master. But with the right tools and a few little tips, this stitch, also called the roll stitch, can let you add texture and visual interest to crochet projects.

		1. Multiple yarn overs The bullion is a series of yarn overs that are drawn together in the final stitch. The best hook to complete the bullion stitch effectively is a long, slender, in-line hook. The best yarn to use is a tightly plied one. To begin the stitch, loosely yarn over the number of times called for in the pattern. Working the yarn overs loosely is key to easily drawing the hook through all the loops. If you can't get your loops loose enough, hold the handle of another smaller crochet hook alongside your hook and wrap the yarn over both. Slide the second crochet hook out after wrapping before completing the stitch.

		2. Yarn over and pull up a loop Yarn over and draw through all the loops on the hook. As you draw the hook through, firmly hold the loops in place with the hand that is not holding the hook. If the loops do not slide easily, pick up each loop and pull it off the hook as you draw through.

		3. Finished bullion To close the bullion, yarn over and draw through the last loop on the hook before working the next stitch. If you get this right away, that's terrific! Most people new to the stitch have to do a bit of ripping out before getting it right. The key to the bullion stitch is to practice it until your hands become familiar with the tension required when making the yarn overs and drawing the hook through. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Sharon Zientara

Download Advanced Crochet Stitches: A Free Guide to Crocheting Stitches Including Crocodile Stitch, Hairpin Lace and More today and add ten new crochet stitches to your library. Best wishes, P.S. Do you have crochet friends who would love to add a few more stitches to their repertoire? Share this email with them!

What Makes an Ideal Spring Crochet Accessory?

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Spring weather has finally started to peak through the clouds here and the buds are beginning to emerge on the trees. Spring's warmth has had a late start this year but I am ready to pull out a few new crochet accessory patterns. For the variable temperatures of spring, I love quick and stunning accessories to wear around your neck-necklaces, cowls, and shawls. Here are a few of my favorite new accessory patterns.

		The Zylphia Necklace and Earrings showcases the beauty of the crocheted motif. This necklace is perfect for sharing the beauty of crochet any time of the year. This crochet jewelry set is a great mixed media project, combining beads, wire, and ribbon. And the matching crochet motif earrings will quickly become your favorite statement pieces. This pattern will also introduce you to stitch diagrams and stiffening crochet motifs.

		Crochet cowls are great transition pieces, keeping you comfortable during chilly spring evenings. Lacy, openwork patterns like the Vegas Cowl, worked in luscious Lion Brand Cashmere, add just the right amount of warmth and sophistication. Pair it with a light-weight jacket or a fabulous top. This simple cowl makes a fabulous gift as well.

		From frosty to sweltering, it seems like spring temperatures can change with the cloud cover. And on days when the weather ricochets from cold to warm and back again, the best accessory is a stunning shawl. The Pleiades Shawl is comprised of individual start motifs that are joined as you go. The superwash wool yarn provides a touch of warmth. Choose your three favorite colors and add a fun pop of color to your spring wardrobe.

Whether it is the perfect crochet jewelry set, a sophisticated cowl, or the ideal shawl spring is the perfect opportunity to show off your crochet accessories. Check out the newest crochet patterns in the Crochet Me Shop and download your favorite patterns today. Best wishes, P.S. What is your favorite spring accessory?

Owl Buntings and Afghans: The Perfect Crochet Home Decor

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

From an eye-catching afghan of hexagonal motifs to an owl bunting and apple-slice coasters, Brett Bara's newest book has the perfect home decor pieces to add a touch of crochet to your home. Many of the quick and easy patterns also make ideal house warming gifts. I see several I want to make for friends who love the handmade look of crochet but have yet to pick up a hook. Here is Brett to tell you more about Crochet At Home.


Happy Hexagon Throw by Maryse Roudier

Crochet At Home

Nothing makes a house more like a home than filling it with your own personal touches-and what better way to do that than with crochet? Even if you don't have a ton of time to dedicate to yarn and hook, a few well—chosen handmade accessories will go a long way toward personalizing your abode.

What's more, handstitched home accents are the perfect way to freshen p your existing décor if it's gotten a little tired; they also add tons of life to basic, inexpensive pieces. Go ahead and buy that boring sofa you find on sale, because all you need are a few crocheted throw pillows or one stellar afghan to make it look like a million bucks.


	Owl Buntings by Linda Permann

When it comes to livening up your home, there's nothing more important than color. Whether you want to add a bold pop to an all-white room or are simply seeking to create and environment that's a quiet, soothing retreat, color is the secret to making it all happen. To that end, this book is all about combining clever color choices with your crocheted accents, for end results that pack a ton of punch with little effort.

If you've ever felt stumped by choosing colors for a project (and who among us hasn't?), this book is full of tips and tricks to help you navigate the world of color with ease. In no time, you'll learn to develop your own eye for color. Once you combine that with your crochet skills, you'll be an unstoppable creative force!


Watermelon Coasters by Amy Polcyn

It was my sincere pleasure to work with some of the very best crochet designers in the industry on this book, and I think you'll love seeing many of your favorite names throughout these pages. Our team of designers created a truly inspiring collection of gorgeous projects that run the gamut from sophisticated to silly, and everything in-between. Whether you want to deck out your kitchen, bedroom, or living room, and whether you're into wild color or subdued hues—we've got it all in these pages.

So grab your hook and get ready to be inspired to transform your home with color and crochet!

Happy stitching,

Brett Bara

I have the perfect stash of partial skeins for the Happy Hexagon Throw, and I must start the Owl Buntings immediately for a friend's nursery. Which project would you start first? Preorder Crochet At Home: 25 Clever Projects for Colorful Living today and fill your home with pops of fun crochet.

Best wishes,

P.S. What is your favorite crochet home decor piece?

Vintage Crochet Kimonos

Sarah Read — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Editors' Note: Even sitting by myself on my couch with a cup of hot chocolate and my crochet, I know I am not alone. I am joining crocheters across time and across the world, finding comfort and joy in the same stitches and sometimes the same patterns. Here is Interweave Crochet's project editor Sarah Read to tell us about some of those patterns. — Toni

Vintage Crochet Kimonos

When mind and body both need a bit of comfort, I find there’s nothing better than to crochet a simple garment. Long swaths of basic crochet stitches—nothing too taxing on the mind, just letting the yarn do its thing, pulling the troubles out of your head and tying them up in knots. All the better if, at the end, you can wrap yourself up in those stitches and settle in to the warm thing you’ve made and have a cuppa.

The seven designs in this eBook serve that purpose perfectly, in addition to being cute enough that I can wear most of them out-and-about when my cuppa’s done and I’m feeling ready to conquer the world again.

There’s also something enriching about working from vintage patterns, knowing that you’re following the path of crocheters a century ago. These women sat and stitched their garments from the same words on these pages for the same reasons we do today. There’s something that binds us all together in this continuity of craft and gives us a sense that we’re preserving a heritage. For me, that makes a garment crocheted from a vintage pattern more than just a garment—it’s an heirloom made new again. These flowing kimonos no doubt comforted the women of 1918 as they stitched their way through the climax and close of World War I, maybe pulling their troubles out of their minds and tying them up in these long, soft rows of stitches.

So put the kettle on and settle in for some comfort-crochet and download PieceWork Presents 7 Captivating Kimonos from 1918 to Crochet. I’ll be a space away on the map, doing the same, finding comfort in knowing we’re all a part of this heritage.

Best,

@InterweaveNews Twitter Giveaway

Toni Rexroat — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:00:00 GMT

If you do not already follow Interweave on Twitter, @InterweaveNews, what are you waiting for? This is the perfect place to find out about all of the latest company news, from new products and patterns to giveaways and free downloads across all of our communities!


	Interweave Crochet Accessories 2011

And speaking of giveaways, we are nearing 15k followers at @InterweaveNews! To celebrate, we are holding a great giveaway for our followers. Entering is simple.

Find one of your special issues from our special issue list
Tweet a link to that special issue + #15KWIN (You can tweet as many times as you like)
We'll pick three winners every hour to win the digital version of the special issue they tweeted, beginning the business day after we hit 15,000 followers on @InterweaveNews
The party starts at 10 am (MT) on the big day - we'll wrap it up once we have 15 winners (or Monday if we hit 15,000 over the weekend)

There are plenty of fabulous Interweave Crochet special issues. Plus check out special issues from Beading, Knitting, Specialty Fiber, and more. So visit @InterweaveNews today, we are nearing 15k quickly.

Best wishes,

P.S. A free Interweave Store account is needed to download the digital special issue. If you don't already have one, you can set one up to day or contact us when you win, and we can help walk you through.

Interweave Special Issues

Crochet Hats: The Perfect Graduation Gift

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

I still remember my graduation day. I remember the excitement of finally finishing and my excitement for the future. I also remember the fear. Now I had to find a full-time job and become a "real" adult. But I felt the support of friends and family. They celebrated with me, wrote me encouraging notes and letters, and gave me gifts that would remind me of their love even years after I found my dream job. So, if you are looking for the perfect graduation gift, I would suggest a crocheted hat. From berets and beanies to stocking caps, you can find the perfect hat style and technique for any graduate in your life.

		A crocheted hat with a bit of slouch is very popular right now. Combining lace with this fashionable profile creates and elegant accessory for a fun afternoon with friends or a trip to that important job interview. Lace is also a great option for a recipient who will be living in a warm climate. Have fun with embellishments and add a dainty butterfly or a fabulous flower. You can use a pin for these embellishments, allowing them to be removed or worn on a jacket.
Flutter By Hat by Brenda K. B. Anderson
		I love a hat with a simple shape and a unique twist. Take a simple beanie pattern and add post-stitch cables, intricate colorwork patterns, or inventive bows. Choose a yarn fiber that will best show off the unique features of the hat, such as not using a fuzzy yarn like alpaca for a detailed stitch pattern.
Francie's Hat by Sara Kay Harmann
		And don't forget the male graduates in your life. Men love a simple beanie that is not only fashionable but comfortable as well. Try crocheting with a superwash wool for those guys who won't handwash and picking a neutral color that match his entire wardrobe. Or pick a bright red or orange for an eye-catching accessory.
The Best Guy Hat by Brenda K. B. Anderson
With hundreds of varieties of silhouettes and techniques, you will find the perfect crochet hat pattern for your graduate. But don't stop there download a the perfect hat pattern for any gift or occasion. Best wishes, P.S. What is your favorite crochet hat style?

What Makes a Crochet Heirloom?

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

What makes an heirloom? Is it the quality of the workmanship, the type of project, the age of the piece, or the crocheter? My definition of a family heirloom changed dramatically after reading an excerpt of Of Heroes, Hooks, and Heirlooms in the May/June issue of PieceWork.


Faye Silton's family, including her grandmother Rosa, seated at left, on whom the character Mutti in her novel Of Heroes, Hooks, and Heirlooms (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1997) is based. Photograph courtesy of the author.

Faye Silton was given a school assignment to share a family heirloom at her schools heirloom fair. Faye didn't have any family heirlooms, most being lost during World War II. Faye did have a photograph of her grandmother, taken just days before she was shot outside of her son's bar mitzvah. In the photograph her grandmother wore a swatch of lace around her neck.

Faye decided to attempt to recreate this particular heirloom. But she wondered, "Could I design a simple triangle to tie like a scarf at the neck? Could I keep the space even, the picots all the same size and leaning in the right direction?"

The finished crochet lace scarf was a family heirloom. It wasn't old; it wasn't a particularly incredible piece in design or workmanship. It was just a simple lace triangle. But it held a family story in each stitch, and that made it a cherished heirloom, because it is the emotional connection that makes a true heirloom.


	Inspired by the characters and events in her novel, Faye Silton's crocheted-lace triangle collar will be the perfect addition to your own heirloom collection. Photograph by Joe Coca.

The May/June issue also includes fascinating stories about Laura Ingalls Wilder and the knitted lace she created during cold winter months as well as her daughter's memories of learning to knit and crochet. I loved the article about Susan B. Anthony's pickiness about the condition and color of her lace. And there is so much more.

Subscribe to PieceWork magazine today and discover more stories about historical crocheters, tatters, and knitters as well as patterns and fiber techniques.

Best wishes,

P.S. What is your definition of an heirloom?

The Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

In just over a month, we will celebrate one of the most important people in our lives-our mothers. My mother was the person who introduced me to crochet; she also showed me how to really pay attention to nature and taught me the names of birds and flowers. This year I want to share with her a gift that combines both my love of crochet and the beauty of the blossoms that begin to appear each spring. There are a wide variety of crochet patterns that celebrate flowers, allowing you to find the perfect Mother's Day gift for the special lady in your life.

		With almost a month until Mother's Day, there is plenty of time to crochet the gorgeous Diana's Blossom Scarf. An elegant shell stitch creates the fabric of this scarf. And a beautiful sprinkling of whimsical crochet flowers make this the perfect spring crochet accessory. Try Diving into your yarn stash for the perfect scrap yarn to create flowers in a variety of colors.

		Add a touch of crochet beauty to any room with the retro Flower Power Pillow. Inspired by the classic granny square, this pillow can me created in any color combination to perfectly compliment a recipients home. The buttoned, two-piece crocheted back lets you slip off the cover for sprucing up.

		I love the Flowers and Vines Bag. This crochet tote combines crochet cables, embellished "vines," and simple flowers to create a fabric reminiscent of flowering vines growing up a chain link fence. This eye-catching bag is an easy project for any crocheter.

		If you need to whip up several quick and easy crochet gifts, check out the Fire Flower Hair Clip. This fashionable hair clip is perfect for all ages and a fun accessory to crochet. Seven beads can add a touch of bling. This is also the perfect gift for those living in warm climates and year-round use.

Crochet the mother's in your life the perfect gift this Mother's Day. Find perfect patterns for new mothers, your mother or mother-in-law, or yourself in the Crochet Me Shop and check out our great suggestions. Best wishes, P.S. Are you crocheting a Mother's Day gift?

Little Twisted or a Big Square: The Crochet Bag

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

When it comes to crochet bags, one size does not fit all. But do not despair. This simply means that you need a closet full of bags, purses, totes, and satchels for every occasion. And while you are choosing the perfect size, from an evening clutch to an overnight tote, you can choose from an amazing variety of construction techniques.


Granny Bag by Mags Kandis

The Granny Bag by Mags Kandis combines two classic crochet techniques: felting and crocheted granny squares. This particular tote is thirteen inches wide and fourteen and a half inches long after the felting process is finished, making it the perfect size for and afternoon at the park, a great project bag, or a quick shopping trip.

This simple bag also uses just two simple handles and uses no closure, such as a zipper or magnetic snap. As is common for many crochet bags, this tote is lined with fabric. The lining is especially important with loose crochet stitches that might allow small items to slip out of the bag.


	Twist Bag by Brenda K. B. Anderson

On the opposite end of the bag spectrum is the Twist Bag by Brenda K. B. Anderson. This is the perfect evening bag with a literal design twist. The nine inch diameter makes this the perfect size for a fancy dinner out. Stitches worked in the back loop only create the stretchy textured ribs, but it's the manipulation of the finished fabric that creates the three-dimensional bag. The lining in this purse is crocheted as well. A purse frame is sewn to the opening to allow you to completely seal the bag so you won't lose anything.

These are only two examples of crochet bag styles. You can apply any crochet technique to this amazing accessory. Get both of these back patterns plus innovative hats, socks, mittens, amigurumi, afghans, and more by ordering the Craft Tree Ultimate Crochet Kit.

Best wishes,

P.S. What is your favorite bag size?

How Many Crochet Top Constructions Have You Tried?

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

An understanding of how a crochet top is constructed can not only open your eyes to the amazing possibilities but also help you create better fitting garments. And understanding of top-down construction versus side to side will help you decide which construction works for your body type as well as how to modify the pattern for a custom fit. In her newest book, Blueprint Crochet Sweaters, Robyn Chachula focuses on four basic garment types and their variations.

		Classic Construction Classic construction garments are built from blocked panels that have been seamed together. The number of seams can vary, from a simple seam at the shoulders to seams at the shoulder, side, and sleeve, or anything in between. The main advantage of classically constructed garments is the ability of the shaping within the panels to create a well-fitted piece that follows the body, allowing for bust, waist, and hip shaping as well as sleeves without extra fabric. Because of the shaping in many classic construction tops, it is very important to pay attention to the sizing information in the schematics.

		Top-Down and In-the-Round Construction Top-down sweaters are worked exactly as the name implies. Rather than working from the hem up in panels, you work from the neckline down with shaping worked in the yoke. This is the perfect construction technique if you want to try the top on as you go, making it easier to make bust, waist, or hip adjustments as you go. The patterns for top-down tend to be on the long side, but the finished piece is well worth the extra directions.

		Granny Motif Construction Granny motif tops are the perfect combination of lace and building blocks. Whether you are an engineer like Robyn or just loved to play with blocks as a child, you will get a thrill out of watching a crochet top's construction piece by piece. Sweaters are not generally perfect squares or rectangles. So how do you modify a square motif into a triangle or rectangle? It's not as difficult as you may think, and Robyn will show you the tips and tricks to create any shape you need.

These are only some of the construction techniques Robyn highlights. Crochet sweaters can be crochet side-to-side, diagonally, sculpturally, and any other imaginative direction you can dream up. Order Blueprint Crochet Sweaters: Techniques for Custom Construction today and explore construction and crochet stitch techniques with sixteen stunning patterns. Best wishes,

They'll Make Yarn From Anything!

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

It seems like they are making yarn out of just about anything these days. When I learned to crochet in a small town, I only had access to a few yarn fiber types. There was the thrifty and accessible acrylic, cool crisp cotton, and lovely warm wool.

Now, I am fascinated by the wide variety of yarns and fibers that are being developed. Did you know that they are genetically engineering goats that produce spider silk proteins in their milk? We are a long way from turning that silk into a readily available skein of yarn, although I have seen yarn derived from milk, but there are still some pretty amazing yarns out there!

Soy

Soy yarn is created by spinning fibers derived from soybeans. Soy can be blended with cotton, wool, or acrylic, and creates a yarn that is incredibly soft has a beautiful sheen, much like silk. Soy yarn has a very higher breaking point than wool or cotton, and it has antibacterial qualities.

Corn

Corn yarn looks very similar to cotton. It also has many of the same qualities, including wicking ability, breathability, and fire resistance. Corn yarn is created by fermenting the simple sugar in the plant. The finished fabric has fabulous drape and easy care instructions.

Banana

Can you believe you can make yarn out of banana? So this textured and silky yarn is not spun from the sweet white fruit we enjoy with our morning cereal but from the renewable banana stalk. I have yet to crochet with this unique yarn, but I hear it is a great crochet accessory yarn.

Bacon

Yes, that's right, everything is better with bacon! The protein byproducts from this breakfast favorite make a strong and smooth yarn, and imagine the fun of watching your friend's faces when you tell them your hat is made out of bacon.

Caterpillar

It's a delicate job shearing tiny garden caterpillars, but when the yarn is this luscious, it is worth the extra effort. This fuzzy yarn is so much fun to crochet with and creates a delicious fluffy project. I love using caterpillar for hats and cowls.

Happy April Fool's Day! Some of the above yarns are real and some are purely imagination. Soy, corn, and banana are real yarns, but bacon and caterpillar are figments of my imagination. I started to write about an imaginary spun sugar yarn only to discover they really make a one hundred percent sugar yarn.

A special thank you to Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport for standing in for bacon yarn and Blue Sky alpacas Brushed Suri for playing caterpillar yarn. The other yarns in order are Bernat Soy, Kollage Yarns Corntastic, and Frabjous Fibers Banana Silk Yarn.

Now it's your turn. If you could make yarn out of anything, what would you choose?

Best wishes,

Mohair Yarn: Getting the Halo

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:19:00 GMT

The appeal of a crochet project is made up of three parts. First is the silhouette or construction of the project. Next is the crochet stitch or fabric used. And finally there is the yarn choice. The yarn choice can drastically change the look and drape of the final piece. Let's look at the Vapor Scarf by Dora Ohrenstein.


Vapor Scarf by Dora Ohrenstein

This gorgeous and easy crochet scarf is worked in a simple V-st and shell stitch pattern. The number of stitches increases with each row creates a fun and flirty ruffled silhouette. But what really gives this delicate accessory its unique appearance and name is yarn.

A blend of seventy-five percent mohair and twenty-five percent silk, this yarn transforms the stitch pattern and silhouette, softening it and adding a feminine halo of fiber. Mohair comes from angora goats and is much like wool in its absorption of moisture and warmth. It is much lighter than wool, making a great spring yarn. The younger the goat the finer and softer the fiber will be. Mohair has a subtle shine that is beautifully complimented with the gleam of the silk.

Of course mohair's greatest quality is the halo that many of the mohair yarns boast. Individual mohair fiber ends escape the twist of the yarn and frizz into that feminine halo. The softness of the stitches can make it difficult to distinguish the stitches, requiring you to pay more attention when working into the stitches. But after a little practice, you will learn to identify where the next stitch should go, and it's all worth it for the gorgeous finished fabric.

Play with mohair yarn today and download the Vapor Scarf today for a special price of just one dollar. Or try this lacy pattern in a crisper yarn that will highlight the gorgeous lace pattern.

Best wishes,

P.S. Do you have any tips for working with mohair yarn?

A Hat in a Weekend

Toni Rexroat — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Last week I asked you which crochet hat I should make first. Thank you for all of your feedback! The clear favorite was the Lady Sybil Cloche, followed by the Bear Lake Hat. I love this hat too, and I think I have the perfect yarn for it.

But I just moved a couple of weeks ago, and the last room to be unpacked is the craft room. The yarn is in there-somewhere. I did find a gorgeous skein of Spud and Chloe fingering weight yarn in royal blue. And I had to crochet "right now." I'm sure you have all been there. So I decided to whip up the Cabled Spiral Hat.

This easy hat worked up quickly. In fact I finished it in just two days. After the fourteenth row, the pattern is a very simple row repeat-making it perfect for those evenings or weekends when you need a little fun mindless crochet.

Now I am headed into the craft room to search through my yarn stash for the perfect yarn for the Lady Sybil Cloche. I can't wait to show it to you next week.

Best wishes,

P.S. What projects have you finished in a weekend?