Inside Interweave Crochet

Back Page Spring 2013: Beanie Bonanza, Part 3

Marcy Smith — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:32:00 GMT

In previous blogs, I told you the story behind the beanie on the Back Page of the Spring 2013 issue of Interweave Crochet. The first installment of beanies can be found here. In this third and final installment, nine crochet beanies show their stuff. Note that, as with the crocheted beanies in Part 2, I was working from stash yarn, which can be anonymous or unavailable. Where possible, I've provided links. Also, not all the beanies follow a pattern precisely. Where possible, I've described the variations. Where the pattern is not available, I've made a note. Many of the available patterns are free downloads; just click on the name. I hope the variations inspire you to crochet your own great beanies!
	Pattern: Beaufort Beret/ freelance flower Yarn: Lamb's Pride Worsted Hook: P for hat; 8mm for flower Notes: Three strands (one each of three colors) are held together for hat; two strands (one each of two colors) are held together for big ol' flower.
	Pattern: Five-Spice Hat by Dora Ohrenstein Yarn: Bravo Big Hook: P Notes: Love this hat! Love the color, the yarn, the pattern. It took only 45 minutes to makes and it's machine washable.
	Pattern: Acorn Cap by Dora Ohrenstein (variation) Yarn: Lion Hometown USA Hook: N Notes: Hat is worked sl st blo only, instead of incorporating sl st flow as pattern directs.
	Pattern: Beaufort Beret Yarn: Anonymous Hook: P Note: I love this yarn. I wish I knew what it is—or rather, was, for it is certainly discontinued now. This crocheted beanie took only 20 minutes.
	Pattern: Lace Cap by Kim Werker Yarn: Cotton Classic Lite (colors 4725 & 4702) Hook: E Note: I actually made this cap a while back, whilst traveling. You can read about that here. I mentioned in a previous blog that I altered my mode of transport so that I no longer have long layovers (to wit: I now fly direct on Southwest whenever possible), which adds up to happier travel, but less crochet time. And also: It really is nice have a little stash of hats! This one teaches a thing or two about lace and interesting increases.
	Pattern: Tahoe Hat Yarn: Lamb's Pride Worsted Hook: J Note: This hook is a bit large for this yarn, as you can see by gappiness between stitches. But there's no such thing as a bad hat—it will be just right for someone.
	Pattern: Freelance Yarn: Lion Chenille Thick & Quick Hook: /lost track of this info. It's big/ Note: Cray-wha? But, as it happens, I was making this in a coffeeshop near a gaggle of teen-agers. And they liked it.
	Pattern: Acorn Cap by Dora Ohrenstein Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky Hook: L Note: You'll notice that Hedi (the mannequin) is not in this picture. This hat sits on her head like the hat on Mr. Potato-Head. But, reference above: no such thing as a bad hat. This will be great for a kid. But if you want to make it for a grown-up, use a bigger hook with this yarn.
	Pattern: Acorn Cap by Dora Ohrenstein Yarn: Lamb's Pride Worsted Hook: N Note: The ombre effect of this beanie (the one featured in the print issue) is achieved by using two strands held together, subbing out the lightest color for the next darkest every four rounds. For this hat, and several others, I used a very cool wood hook designed by Katherine Kowalski. If you're in the mood for a treat, check out her very awesome crochet hooks.
I can't wait to see the beanies you crochet! Share them in the Member Photo Gallery. And let us know about your favorite go-to beanie patterns in the comments below. Happy crocheting! Marcy

Back Page Spring 2013: Beanie Bonanza, Part 2

Marcy Smith — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:22:00 GMT

Last week, I told you the story behind the beanie on the Back Page of the Spring 2013 issue of Interweave Crochet. Here's a closer look at some of those beanies. Please note that I was working from stash yarn. Because of this, some yarn is no longer available. Some of it is not even identifiable. Where possible, I've provided links. Also, in the course of my beanie-making frenzy, I sometimes deviated from the pattern or just invented something on the spot. Where possible, I've described the variations. Where the pattern is not available, I've made a note. Many of the available patterns are free downloads; just click on the name. I apologize in advance for any frustration this causes in your own beanie-making ventures. My hope is that you'll find enough inspiration here to crochet beanies of your own design as well.
	Pattern: Tahoe Hat Yarn: Manos Maxima Hook: L Note: This hat was super big when I finished it. So I gave it a whirl in the washer with hot water and a little soap. Now it's felted and fine to wear.
	Pattern: Tahoe Hat Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky and Manos Maxima Hook: P Note: This beanie also took a hot bath.
	Pattern: Beaufort Beret Yarn: Bravo Big Hook: P Note: I re-created this beret from the hat I got in Beaufort. It's speedy—only twenty minutes. I can't share the pattern I came up with, because it belongs to the original designer. But if you experiment with working between stitches, I bet you can come up with something similar that works. The exuberant flower is also a freeform design.
	Pattern: Acorn Cap by Dora Ohrenstein (Variation) Yarn: Lion Wool-Ease Thick n Quick Stripes (popsicle) Hook: N Note: I worked sl st blo all the way up, instead of incorporating sections of sl st flo as the pattern directs.
	Pattern: Acorn Cap by Dora Ohrenstein (variation) Yarn: Manos Maxima and Lion Wool-Ease Thick n Quick Stripes Hook: P Note: For the body of the hat, I worked the alternating sl st blo / sl st flo pattern through the crown, rather than incorporating a strip of sl st blo as the pattern directs. The edging is a round of sc, then a round of rev sc.
	Pattern: Freelance Yarn: Lion Landscapes (discontinued) Hook: K Note: Freeform all the way, working with a sc / ch 1 set-up. It's more of a slouch than a beret, with three rounds of sc solid to hug the head.
	Pattern: Hot Cross Slouch Beret by Jennifer Appleby Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Serena Hook: G Note: I blogged about this in the Well-Traveled Hat Series here and here.
	Pattern: freelance Yarn: A medley of stash: variegated plied with eyelash, Lion Homespun, Manos Maxima. Hook: Q Note: This is a sturdy cap with a bit of attitude. It ate up a lot of yarn pretty fast and makes a statement, for sure.
	Pattern: Five-Spice Hat by Dora Ohrenstein Yarn: Reynolds Smile (discontinued) Hook: P Note: It's too bad this yarn is discontinued. I love how this looks like a snow-covered mountaintop—just right for Colorado, its new home.
	Pattern: Tahoe Hat Yarn: Patons Classic Roving and Manos Maxima Hook: K Note: Well, here's a funny thing. This is not this hat. But it looks exactly like it.
Whew! There is the first installment of hats, to get you started. Come back next week for the third and final part of the Beanie Bonanza! Happy Crocheting! Marcy

Vickie Howell: Rock on! in the Kitchen

Marcy Smith — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:11:00 GMT

In her Parenthook column in the Spring 2013 issue of Interweave Crochet, Vickie Howell designed a fabulous apron to make cooking even more fun. As a bonus, she's sending along her secret family recipe for Vegetarian "Beef" Chili. If you haven't made it yet, you can whip it up while the chili simmers in the slow cooker! Here's Vickie to show you how to Rock On! in the kitchen.
	Now that you've made our Apron Strings project, it's time to wear it! Vegetarian "Beef" Chili is a staple in our house. It's hearty, low in calories, easy to make and super delicious. It's also one of the recipes that consistently opens non-vegetarians' minds to incorporating some meat-substitute options into their regular, meal line-up. Our chili recipe has evolved over time and is by no means an exact science. Experiment with spice amounts and enjoy! Oh, and have I mentioned how much I heart slow-cooker cooking? Well, I do. Why, you ask? Because less time in the kitchen cooking, means more time crocheting!
	Super Yummy, Vegetarian "Beef" Crockpot Chili 1/2 of large onion 1 Tbs minced garlic 1 bag Morningstar Meal Starter Grillers Recipe Crumbles (75% less fat than ground beef!) 2 Tbs chili powder, or to taste 2 tsp cumin, or to taste 1/2 Tbs dried basil, or to taste 1 Tbs dried oregano, or to taste 2 (10 oz.) cans Rotel (pick the heat and flavor you like!) 1 (15.5 oz.) can black beans 1 (15.5 oz.) can kidney beans 1 can corn 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste 1/4 cup ketchup 1/4 cup red wine (optional) Pinch of salt 2 dashes cinnamon (optional) In a slow cooker, combine garlic, onion, Crumbles, chili powder, cumin, basil, and oregano. Stir. Add Rotel, beans, and corn, including all of the juices in the cans. Add tomato paste, ketchup, and wine. Stir. Add a pinch of salt and a couple more shakes of cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Let cook on Low for 5-7 hours or high for 3-4. Stir occasionally (you need to take a break from crocheting to stretch your hands!), adding more spices, wine or ketchup to taste, if desired. Serve topped with skim milk shredded cheddar.
Craft.Rock.Eat, Vickie Interested in more, yummy vegetarian meal ideas? Check out Vickie's collection of recipes from across the web-o-sphere on her Pinboard. Need Bernat Handicrafter yarn to make Apron Strings? Order it here! Get more kitchen related pattern ideas from Bernat.com btw: Vickie Howell is a designer, author, on-air personality, founder of Purple Stitch Project and International Spokesperson for Bernat Yarns. She lives in Austin, TX with her husband, 3 children, 2 cats and dog. For more information on any of her projects, go to www.vickiehowell.com and www.bernat.com/vickiehowell

Back Page Spring 2013: Beanie Bonanza

Marcy Smith — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT

What's behind that beanie on the Back Page of the Spring 2013 issue of Interweave Crochet? Step into the time machine—I'm taking you back a couple of months, to the dawn of 2013.

On the cusp of this new year, I had two familiar goals: 1. Clear the tables, start fresh. 2. Do more good. I am often challenged to find the time to follow up completely on either goal. I was determined, though, to make the time this year.

I took a look around and thought about how I could improve both my world and somebody else's world. My eyes fell upon the yarnyarnyarn everywhere (you know, not draped from the chandeliers, but filling enough tidy little bins to make itself known in a room). I could open up my space a bit if I crocheted up some of that yarn. And I could crochet it into something that could help others.

After a moment or two, I lit upon an idea: make beanies. Fast beanies. In fact, how many beanies could I make in a day, whilst still getting my work done? (three, as it turns out). For the quickest gratification for both missions, I stuffed two bins' worth of my chubbiest yarn into a bag, along with a handful of patterns and my biggest hooks. I was ready for a mission.

In two weeks, I made 15 beanies. I added to this my stash of airplane beanies from the Well-Traveled Hat Series for a total of 19 beanies. (What ever happened to the Well-Traveled Hat series, you ask? I started flying Southwest exclusively. Most often, I have a direct flight to my destination, so no layover time. And SWA is very low drama, so there are very few delays. This adds up to happier travel, but less crochet time).

Now, what to do with that pile of beanies? (Because sometimes I make a thing to give away and it never actually makes it out the door.)

I happened upon the link to Urban Peak, which provides shelter and other assistance to homeless youth in Denver and Colorado Springs. The shelter in Denver was seeking donations of beanies, among other things. After a few calls and emails, I sent the beanies off to Urban Peak

Shortly after I received an email from Steven Hughes, manager of volunteers at Urban Peak:
Hey Marcy,
The beanies arrived today! And immediately a homeless young lady at our drop-in center began to "oohh & ahh" at them and found one that she loved! Thanks again so much for this great donation in helping and supporting the homeless youth here!!
Be well, Steve

Now that is instant gratification.

One other note: In the Strands column of the spring 2013 issue, I mention a hat that saved my cold head when I was in Beaufort, NC one weekend. Here's a bit about that hat.

First, here it is:

The Beaufort Beret is keeping my head and ears warm while I watch kiteboarders cavort in the wind and waves near the ferry terminal in Cedar Island, NC.
Here is the crocheter who made the beret:

This is Lexan Blanchard. aka CrimsonMosquito on Etsy com (see that puffy coat, along with her own crocheted hat and scarf? It really was cold.) Lexan has rarely been without a crochet hook in hand since she learned how to crochet five years ago. We had a little exchange of money and goods and we were both happier at the end. (She may have been even happier a bit later, because no fewer than three people stopped me on the sidewalk to ask where I got that hat.)

Yeah, I know. We're all hoping to not need hats pretty soon. But what if you whipped up some beanies now? Say, one a week? Come winter, you'll be able to make some heads warmer. Lexan makes her hats from multiple strands of yarn from her stash—it's a great way to use up bits of yarn left over from larger projects.

Come on back next week for a gallery of beanies, with patterns and yarns.

And, if you've been able to check off some of your own crochet / charity goals for 2013, let me know in the comments!

Happy crocheting,

Marcy

Back Page Winter 2013

Marcy Smith — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT

In the Winter 2013 issue of Interweave Crochet, we wanted to frame our designers' beautiful garments amid the dark burn of the summer's wildfires. So we set up at Tip-Top Guest Ranch in Rist Canyon, site of the High Park Fire, one of the worst wildfires in Colorado history. The setting was perfect, if you define perfect as an area where the trees were completely destroyed. Framing the area, as it turns out, was the easy part. Actually navigating this devastating landscape was another story. As we walked through the area, our feet sank without warning into the dirt where the roots had burned into the soil, leaving hidden cavities. We set up the first shot so that the entire background was black soil and black trees, ideal for showing off Kathy Merrick's Mica Pullover. Winds gusted relentlessy, defining the path of the fire and churning up black soot that fought our eyelashes and hampered the camera equipment. Before we even got the first shot properly set up, our model was felled by a cinder in her eye. While she went back to the staging area for treatment, we were left without a model. Caleb of Harper Point, our intrepid photography team, began snapping pictures of the area. The resulting images are hauntingly beautiful. I decided to try to capture them in crochet, to bring together the images and our purpose for being there. At first, I crocheted a single scene--one that shows the new growth amid the burn. (This is the scene that appears in the issue.) But I wanted more. Those acrylic Polaroid photo cubes came to mind. Remember those? It's An acrylic cube sized to hold Polaroid photos. (Plastics were all the rage in the late 60s and 70s). So, I selected five more images and set about crocheting them. I "cropped" the photos into a square so that I could add the iconic white Polaroid frame. (Note: the beautiful images below are by Harper Point Photography. The not-so-beautiful snapshots of the crochet are by yours truly.)

Caleb laid flat on the ground to take this image of tiny new growth in the burned soil. It was the start of a long day of becoming intimate with the soil. Just beyond the black trees, you'll see brownish trees. This is "yellow burn," and it frames the black burn. Some of these trees have black trunks, brown needles, and at the top, a burst of green needles.

Shot from below, this tree stands stark against the impossible Colorado sky. Sunlight kisses the bark as the limbs cast shadows on themselves. The interplay of light and shadow was tricky to capture in mere yarn.

The full vertical of this image (which also appears on pages 58-59 of the magazine) reveals a rainbowish reflection at the top. Yarn is not up to the task of capturing the variance of light as it threads through the branches of the trees. The sun seems to be bestowing hope upon the forest.

The heat burned the bark off this branch, exposing the vulnerable center. Next to it, new growth is bursting forth. The earth appears black/brown here, but if you squint, you can see a glint. The ground was sparkling with mica; it was as if we were treading in a fairyland. To reflect this, I used a very special yarn: It is llama fiber spun with stellina by Elaine Sipes of Your Daily Fiber in Fort Collins. Elaine's farm near Livermore, CO, was the location for the Winter 2011 issue of Interweave Crochet. It is near the site of the High Park Fire. On June 14, Elaine wrote to me: We are still 12 miles from this fire, although we evacuated a week ago for a fire 1 mile to the east. All was well, all animals and the place is fine, and we now have some experience on how to do this. I hope we don't need it!  We are just praying for rain and less wind, and the llamas are getting used to wearing their halters all the time just in case.

New growth springs up tenaciously next to a rock, casting a shadow. Throughout the shoot, a phrase danced in my mind: "A terrible beauty is born," a line by William Butler Yeats that summarizes this experience so well.

We were at the burned area for a large part of the day, so we were able to see how the sunlight played with the landscape. Here a tiny tree, just coming up at the time of the fire, stands black, casting a shadow larger than itself. In the image, it's difficult to discern where the tree ends and the shadow begins, bringing to mind another line from Yeats: "How can we tell the dancer from the dance?" And still, that new growth springs up all around, giving green hope against the long shadow of destruction. And there, my friends, is my memory cube of the Interweave Crochet Winter 2013 photoshoot.
	A few notes on the crochet elements here: The cube is largely freeform crochet. The background is the same number of stitches and rows, worked in hdc flo to provide a solid, flat background. For some scenes, I crocheted a plain background, then worked surface crochet stitches and embroidery on it. Some have backgrounds crocheted in more than one color, incorporating intarsia at points. I drew on stash yarns for this, most in DK or light worsted. The extensive palette I used for an earlier Back Page project was a great source. I used Elaine's yarn for the sparkling ground, as noted above. Manos del Uraguay gives a nice tonal look to the greenery and bark. I stuffed the cube with orts. I keep a Mason jar in my work area to capture these little yarn ends and, well, it was full (curiously, even after stuffing this cube, it's still full—those things fluff up!)
I hope this installment of Back Page inspires you to your own crochet awesomeness. What event would you like to keep ready at hand? You might combine the earlier Back Page on crochet portraits and crochet a cube of portraits. Or mix portraits and landscape in, say, a beach memory cube. You could even make a cube with team logos on it for throwing at the TV during games. You could leave off the photo frame and work the images right to the edges. it's your cube after all. We'd love to see what creative paths you are inspired to follow! Please share in the Member Photo Gallery. Happy crocheting, Marcy

Great Projects for Tiny Yarn Balls

Marcy Smith — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Yarn Spotlight in the the Winter 2013 issue of Interweave Crochet features Yarn Muffins—tiny balls of yarn, bundled as a sampler packs. The yarns featured include Knitwhits Freia Handpaints Miniskeins; The Natural Dye Studio miniskeins, Cephalapod Yarns mini-skein palettes; Apothecary Yarns Bumble Kit; and Lion Brand Yarn Bonbons. (For an indulgent mini-skein experience, check out Lorna's Laces Mini-Skein Kits and Koigu mini-skeinette bags. These would make a lovely motif-based garment!)

Anyhoo, I figured I'd have them all used up in no time.

Not so!

In fact, I've tasted only a fraction of them so far, and I've crocheted up a bounty! And I haven't spent any of the balls! (though the Lisa Loo wings below came close to using up the sparkly pink).

I'll be keeping these little gems close by for quick little projects throughout the year.
Meanwhile, here are some ideas for using your own little bits of yarn.

(oh, and if the preview tempts you with its abundance of rich wintry designs, you can find the Winter 2013 issue at your local yarn store or in the Crochet Me Shop as a print version or an instant electronic download. There's also the only mitten pattern you'll ever need--and you can use wee balls of All the Colors to adorn those mittens.)

Wee Gnome

I do have a gnome thing going on this year. This little gnome can be brightening your day in a jiffy. He's a tad smurfy, maybe, but I can make him in 40 other colors, too! You'll find the pattern at Elsa's Design; scroll past the other cuteness until you get to the gnome.

It's in Swedish. Unlike the big gnomes, this pattern is a tad difficult to follow without some sort of translation, so run it through Google Translator and just intuit what this means: Attach a small wire in luvspetsen so you can hang the plot.

Bullion Bloom

Perhaps you saw the great Beach Bullion Blanket by Donna Kay Lacey in the Summer 2012 issue? And you thought, "Hoo boy, that's a lot of bullions!" Donna just loves bullion stitch, so she created a smaller project, the Art Nouveau Bullion Necklace, for the Winter 2013 issue and you can work it up lickety-split.

To help select from among the gazillion colors I had, I dipped into Design Seeds and found a flower I like (Design Seeds is a great color tool when you just can't make up your mind or if you need a boost selecting colors that are happy together.)

(btw, check out In the Loop in the Winter 2013 issue to meet two readers who finished the Beach Bullion Blanket!)

Eureka!

The Holiday Lights Garland by Linda Permann is super-fun to make when you have 16 glittery Bonbons on hand! The shimmery yarns make the bulbs look like they're already lit up. Stitches of varying sizes create the iconic shape, and it's very difficult to stop with just a few.

You'll find the pattern in the 2012 Interweave Crochet Accessories issue (available in the Crochet Me Shop in print or a digital download)

Fairy Wings

I used the sparkly pink bonbon to make wings for Lisa Loo by Brenda K. B. Anderson. These fairy wings will be a great ornament while the rest of Lisa Loo is under construction.

If you haven't met Lisa Loo yet, you simply must. She likes to snitch socks from the laundry! (yup, she's the one who's been doing that).

The pattern for Lisa Loo is in the 2012 issue of Interweave Crochet Accessories.

Amazing motifs

ohmygosh! These little blooms—I just can't stop. They're more addictive than those Heffalumps the knitters are all crazy for—and so much speedier! You'll find the pattern in Clever Crocheted Accessories: 25 quick weekend projects by Brett Bara. Look for the Amazing Motif Bag by Regina Rioux.

I did reduce the petals by one stitch, because they were just crazypuffy at full size in this tinier yarn. I think these blooms worked full-size in a heavy yarn would make a terrific throw.

Oh, and what will these be? As the Wizard of Oz said, "I'll have to give the matter a little thought. Go away and come back tomorrow."

Meantime, happy crocheting! Share your own wee projects in the member photo gallery!

Marcy

New Free Crochet Patterns: The Final Clones Lace Motifs

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:09:00 GMT

Have you tried any of the clones lace motifs from the Interweave Crochet Fall 2011 through Fall 2012? I know people who have created stacks of these delicate motifs, and I can't wait to see what they create.

But if a shawl or garment created entirely of little thread motifs seems a bit intimidating, why not try crocheting them in yarn or embellishing with these traditional motifs. Interweave Crochet Assistant Editor Sarah Read created a beautiful placematt embellished with the Clematis motif.

Here is Sarah to tell you about the newest Clones lace motifs-available in a free download:

New Clones Crochet Motifs

At last! Sound the fanfare: the final Clones motifs are now available for download! We're sorry for the delay on these ones, crocheters. There were some unforeseen complications in the works, but we're thrilled with the enthusiasm you all have for preserving this art and translating what has so far been an oral tradition into modern media for everyone to enjoy. We're so eager to see all of your finished projects! Be sure to post them in the galleries here on Crochet Me, or email them to us directly at crochet@interweave.com.

I've been hooked by this new Clematis motif, myself. I think every project is improved with a flower!

Happy crocheting,

Sarah

A Pigment of Your Imagination: Color Your Crochet

Sharon Zientara — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:59:00 GMT

In the upcoming Fall issue of Interweave Crochet, we give you a zillion reasons to love color in your crochet projects. There is a feature article about swatching on a large scale to practice colorwork in Superswatch (to the rescue!). Back to Basics has you covered with all the surface crochet techniques used in the issue. New & Notable gives you the tools to make your crochet colorwork experiences go smoothly. But how about choosing colors? How do you know which colors will be happiest together? How do you pick the best, most wham-bam color combinations every time?

Start by taking an image or object that has colors that speak to you. We'll use a beautiful shot of the Chevron Scarf that appears in the new Fall issue. It's from one of my favorite color-lovers, Kathy Merrick:

Chevron Scarf, Interweave Crochet Fall 2012

Next, find a color palette generator. A simple web search will return tons of free sites to try. One of my favorites is kuler.adobe.com. Kuler will ask you to upload the image from your computer and VOILA! All the colors of the image are automically pulled out by the program and into a palette you can use for yarn inspiration!

You can use your cursor to manually adjust the colors you want to isolate in the image, or kuler can automatically choose the mood and tone of the colors as well. Here is the same image, but with a more muted palette:

kuler.com also allows you to start with a base color that you like, and then the program chooses its complementary colors for you. You can also browse thousands of color palettes created by other users. Once you're done, you can save your color palette to your computer or in your kuler "library", or print it off and bring it with you to the yarn shop!

Another website to try is called ColorHexa. Here's the abridged version of how ColorHexa works: all colors on your computer monitor have a code, or a numerical representative. ColorHexa is basically the dictionary for every single one of these codes. You can generate your own color codes, then get their color friends and all the tones of that color. You can browse through their library of color codes to find your favorites, and find their complements, too.

Enjoy playing with color on these sites. But be warned: once you start, you may not be able to stop!

Happy Stitching and don't forget to pick up the new Fall issue of Interweave Crochet, chock full of color inspiration!

-Sharon

P.S. How do you draw color inspiration? Leave a comment below and tell us!

Sew Your Love for Crochet

Marcy Smith — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:00:00 GMT

In the Summer 2012 issue of Interweave Crochet, in the New & Notable section, we featured some lovely fabric printed all over with crochet stitch diagrams. Those are actual crochet stitch diagrams from actual Interweave crochet patterns. And the print looks great in a large scale and a small scale, as well as in different colors. Why do we know this? Because we designed it! And what's more, you can own this fabric to make your own crochet-tastic projects!

In our special section on oya, Beyond the Edge, we thought we'd show the crochet edging on fabric. Once we started playing with fabric, one thing led to another and we got to thinking how swell it would be if we designed our own fabric. So we hooked up with Spoonflower, based in Durham, North Carolina

At Spoonflower, they take your designs and print them on fabric. (Or you can mosey over there and order up fabric designed by someone else--Tardis fabric, anyone?). The designs are printed on any one of ten fabrics, one perfectly suited to your needs, whatever they are. Spoonflower--the brainchild of husband-and-wife Stephen Fraser, a tech dude formerly of lulu.com, and Kim Fraser, a crafter--was born in 2008. (A spoonflower, btw, is a bog flower native to North Carolina.)

Since I live in nearby Cary, I was able to stop by when they were actually printing the fabric. Darci Moyers, who has been with the company since it started in an old sock mill in Mebane, NC, showed me around and told me Spoonflower's story. The digital production of the fabric, using an eco-friendly pigment suspended in water, means that there is no limit to the colors that can be used.

Here you can see the Interweave Crochet fabric being printed. All the machines have names. The original four machines were named Larry, Moe, Curly and Shemp. The machine that printed our fabric is named Brain. We like that.

So scurry on over and check it out. Currently, we have four colorways and two scales. One of them might be just right for your apron or pillow or notions case or tote bag or ....

Also: Spoonflower features a revenue share with the designers. Profits made on the Interweave Crochet fabric will be donated to a relief fund for victims of the devastating fires in Colorado this summer. So you can help yourself and help others, too. Win.

We would love to see what you create with this fabric! Please share photos in the Readers Gallery and drop us a note at crochet@interweave.com. We'd love to hear from you!

Happy creating!
Marcy

Adventures in Yarn Dyeing

Sharon Zientara — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:13:00 GMT

We're Dyeing to Show You Our Personalized Yarns! Toni, Sarah, and Sharon are mixing up our potions. More to come!

Who Lives in a Pineapple?

Marcy Smith — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:00:00 GMT

That would be me (not SpongeBob SquarePants, as some of you might have guessed) What is it about the pineapple motif that makes crocheters weak in the knees? It's not just me. When I mention it to other crocheters they all go "Oh! I love the pineapple!" Whether it's worked in a tiny border or doily or exploded into a garment, it is a satisfying bit of crochet lace.
	I was first smitten by Tammy Hildebrand's Capri Cover from the Summer 2012 issue of Interweave Crochet when I was reading the pattern. And you know how it goes when I get smitten—I have to make the pattern again and again. I made my first Capri Cover as we were going to press. I started my second one just as soon as I wove in the ends on the first. The next three came pretty soon after. By the time the TNNA show and CGOA's Chain Link Conference rolled around in late June, I had a full wardrobe of pineapple lace. And then I felt like I was in the tropics, basking as I was in the glow of compliments—really, this lace has that power. Note: Even after a bunch of other people read over this pattern, we found a glitch after it went to print: On Yoke Rnd 12 and Body Rnds 10 and 22, you should work 5 chains (instead of 3 as the pattern indicates) over the tip of the pineapple. I actually made mine (all of them) using the ch-3 method, and it gives the lace a little swerve in before blocking. But the two little chains do give you a bit more wiggle room. I recommend it.
	Yarn: Berroco Weekend (75% acrylic, 25% Peruvian cotton; 205 y; 5934 pitch black) 3.5 hanks Hook: H/8 (5 mm) Mods: None This is the first cover-up I made, worked in the first yarn I could get my hands on that was close enough to the yarn listed in the pattern. The yarn is a bit thicker than called for, so I moved up a hook size. It's really winter lace—it would be great over a long-sleeve Tee when the temperature drops down enough to bear thinking of wearing layers that aren't whisper thin.
	Yarn: Cascade Ultra Pima (100% pima cotton; 220 yards; 3769 ginger) 3. 5 hanks Hook: G/6 (4mm) Mods: None Love the color, love the fit, love the gauge. It's perfect gauge in fact. Cascade Ultra Pima is the sister yarn to the yarn used in the pattern (Cascade Cotton Rich DK, 64% cotton / 36% nylon). Just make one in every color.
	Yarn: Knit One, Crochet Too TyDy (100% cotton; 196 y; 574 magenta moss) not quite two balls Hook: G/6 (4mm) Mods: ended at Body Rnd 10 for a cropped top I found a couple balls of this yarn lounging in my stash, where they had been awaiting some love. This cropped lace is just right for a teen. I worked it once, then ripped it back and re-crocheted it in a larger size. Those children do insist on growing.
	Yarn: Wolle's Yarn Creations (100% cotton; 865 y; charcoal 7) Hook: G/6 (4mm) Mods: After pattern is complete, Work Rnd 13 two times, then Rnds 14-22 one time I LOVE this top. The brilliantly blended Wolle yarn morphs gracefully from light gray to dark gray, thanks to the skills of Elisabeth Drum of Charlottesville Virginia. I discovered this yarn at the Carolina Fiberfest, upon the recommendation of Kate S of the Off the Hook Crochet Guild of Durham NC (which, btw, started working on a crochet cover for a bull before Olek covered the Wall Street bull). Wolle yarn is available in muffins of 240, 480 or 865 yards. I used less than a full mega muffin (865 yards). If you're making one of the smaller sizes, consider a 480-yard muffin, so you can get the full effect of the color change. Or get the mega size and make a dress (oh, swoon!). The yarn is listed as fingering. I worked it with a size G hook and I moved up a pattern size to accommodate the finer gauge. The yarn is made up of four strands laid together, not plied. So the foundation row calls for some focused crocheting. After that round though, you are working into spaces, not stitches, so it's quite easy. Between the cotton and the laciness, the garment will grow a bit as you wear it.
	Yarn: Classic Elite Firefly (75% viscose, 25% linen; 155 yards; color 7754) 8 balls Hook: G/6 (4mm) Mods: After pattern is complete, (work Rnd 13 three times, Rnds 14-22) three times This, my friends, is the piece de resistance. The piece that stops knitters, crocheters, non-fiber people altogether in their tracks to say "Wow!" And just think if it were done in RED! How awesome would that be? (oh, pardon me while I go Google / ogle some red yarn--maybe Berroco Seduce?). The yarn is finer than called for in the pattern, so I moved up a pattern size. I actually made it a whole rep longer, but after I blocked it, it pooled on the floor. So I pulled out a full rep (not a pretty thing to do, especially since I'd already woven in the ends.) The viscose/ linen blend will grow a bit while you're wearing it, so make it a tad shorter than you want for the finished length. You can adjust the length by inch increments by working more or fewer reps of Rnd 13
I can't wait to see your Capri Covers! Please share them in the gallery. Happy crocheting! Marcy

Sew Pretty!

Marcy Smith — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 09:00:00 GMT

In the Summer 2012 issue of Interweave Crochet, the Beyond the Edge section features crocheted edging applied to fabric projects. We had such fun matching up garments and edgings! It made a lot of sense to us to team up with our sister magazine Stitch to some up with ideal projects worthy of your crocheted edgings. All of the projects were sewn by our friends at Mama Said Sew in Fort Collins, CO.

Here's where you can find the patterns and fabrics to make those projects yourself!

Crochet Pattern: Traditional Oya by Dora Ohrenstein

Sewing Pattern: Faux Drawstring Skirt

Fabric: Urban Sunrise “Little Florine” from the Echo Collection by Lotta Jansdotter. Windham Fabrics

Crochet Pattern: Loopy Edging by Victoria Hewerdine Thornton

Sewing Pattern: Ribbon Wrap Dress

Fabric: Mauverina C Tana Lawn Liberty Art Fabrics

Shot Cotton, Kaffe Fassett for Rowan, Moss, sc56 Westminster Fibers

Crochet Pattern: Tiara Trim by Shelby Allaho

Sewing Pattern: freelance

Fabric: Shot Cotton, Kaffe Fassett for Rowan, Lime sc43, Westminster Fibers

Crochet Pattern: Tiara Trim by Shelby Allaho

Sewing Pattern: freelance

Fabric: City Weekend by Oliver + S, item 11162-25, Moda Fabrics

Crochet Pattern: Bruges Border by Shelby Allaho

Sewing Pattern: Demi Hostess Apron

Fabric: Floral: Meadow Wedgewood 0407550b, Covent Garden Collection, Benartex Fabrics

Solid: Shot Cotton, Kaffe Fassett for Rowan, Smokey sc20, Westminster Fibers

Crochet Pattern: Swirl Edge by P. K. Olson

Sewing Pattern: freelance

Fabric: Kaffe Fassett Broad Stripe Blue, Westminster Fibers

lining: Essex Linen in chocolate by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Crochet Pattern: Swirl Edge by P. K. Olson

Sewing Pattern: freelance

Fabric: Blue Dots by Nani Iro, jg 13000 Color D. Seven Islands Fabrics

Warm up that sewing machine! We'd love to see your finished projects.We know you have a lot of great ideas for how to use these edgings! Please share them in the gallery!

Happy crocheting (and sewing)!
Marcy

Hey, What's Up With That?

Marcy Smith — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 20:29:00 GMT

So my thought for the Back Page of the Summer 2012 issue of Interweave Crochet was to create a new-technology accessory out of old-technology components. Specifically, I planned to crochet an iPad cozy using cassette tapes. My first clue that I was treading on dangerous ground was this: When I asked my husband if he had some cassette tapes around, his eyes lit up as he remembered the box stashed somewhere, stuffed with his beloved Steely Dan and whatnot. "Oh yeah, I can get those out," he said. "Great," I said. "I want to crochet them." His brow furrowed, then his eyes opened wide. "You mean ..." Yes, I was going to dismantle the cassette tapes. Suddenly, he couldn't recall where he'd put them.
	Then, I was at my office local coffeeshop and noticed a hipster at a neighboring table—inserting a cassette tape into a cassette recorder! Turns out he'd had a fail with his computer and was unable to use new technology to record his music. Plus he had a stash of his late uncle's music, available only on cassette tapes and unable to be converted to digital format for his use. So he hied down to the local big-box and scored an RCA tape player for about fifteen bucks. And there he was, headphones on, listening to his cassette tapes. It's bad, he says. But in a good way. He likes the scritchiness, the skips, the demands—fast forward to what you want to play, rewind to hear that riff again. It's a machine that needs him to interact with it. Further sleuthing reveals that cassette tapes are making a comeback in the indie circuit, particularly in the UK. It's harder to pirate, these musicians believe. My new friend, Sam, is aware of this movement. He appreciates it. He doesn't particularly like the music they produce, but hey, he has his own tape recorder and his own music. In 2011, the Oxford English Dictionary, in its occasional feng shui-ing, cut the word "cassette tape" to make room for such 21st-century words as "sexting." They may be putting it back before long. Another coffeeshop buddy allowed as how sure, you can create iPod play lists. But they're not as romantic as mix tapes. There's not the time involvement, the careful stop/start, the awkward requirements of making a cassette tape from various sources. The order is everything, and you have to plan that ahead of time. A mix tape is a true labor of love. (Though not without its danger—you may recall Friends Season 6, Episode 17 "The One with Unagi," when Chandler plays a mix tape for Monica and it turns out to be the mix tape that Janice made for Chandler. Tense hilarity ensues.) So I had to look for truly obsolete technology. Eight-track anyone? We're there. Make a messenger bag that fits a cassette-tape player. Out of 8-track. Play it again, Sam.
	Want your own cassette-player messenger bag? First, score some 8-tracks. I found mine for a ridiculously low price at The Scrap Exchange in Durham NC. This store has all manner of everything you have ever forgotten about or never knew existed. Maybe you have something like this in your neck of the woods? If not, try thrift stores or your buddy's attic (but do not raid your SO's shoebox of tapes, even if there is no 8-track player in the house) Now, dismantle the 8-track. This is tricky business. Do not try to wind the 8-track to its end. Unlike, cassette tapes, 8-tracks do not have an end. It is a mobius, winding continuously around a single spool. Approach the 8-track something like a coconut: Insert a screwdriver in the seam along the edge. Whack the end of the screwdriver with a hammer to open the edge.
	Then slide the screwdriver around the edge to break it open. Be careful about whacking too hard--you do not want that tape to unspool (ask me how I know).
	Look at that contraption! Some of the 8-tracks have a large central spool, like this does (in the half dozen or so tapes I cracked open, no two were the same). They have an itty-bitty pinch roller; the older 8-tracks have rubber pinch rollers. This tape has a plastic pinch roller (upper left of the tape guts there). The plastic pinch roller marked the beginning of the end of 8-tracks, as the cheaper parts made the already fragile system even less reliable.
	Snip the tape. Do NOT remove the tape (omg, i get sweaty just thinking about >that< again). Leave the tape in the case and wind it onto a large object. I used a cone of warping yarn to wrap the tape around (since the warping fairies have not yet arrived to warp my floor loom—a story for another time). Take breaks while doing this. It might seem like you can wind forever, but when you stop, you'll find that your wrist is useless for a time. Take a look at your hands. That's The Moody Blues on your hands, my friend. It washes off pretty easily, but don't handle anything until you wash up. And don't wear your favorite white skinny jeans when you're doing this work (I'm sorry—should I have told you that already?)
	You can just crochet a rectangle. Or you can scavenge the tape for parts, like I did. Rnd 1:Using the 8-track spool as the starting point, (sc, ch 1) in the spaces of the spool, working the same number of sc in each opening (Full disclosure: I initially worked just sc around the spool. On Round 2, I discovered that it is impossible to find the top of the stitch to work into. So I raveled it—don't ask what that looked like—and reworked it with ch-1s so I'd have something to work into.) Rnd 2: work (sc, ch 1, sc, ch) into each ch 1. Rnd 3: (dc, ch 1) in the next ch-1 sp around. Rnd 4, Start turning your circle into a square: Figure out how many ch-1 spaces you have, subtract four, then divide by four to find x (not an even amount? Round up as best you can. Nobody will see the fudging). (Dc, ch 1) in x ch-1 spaces, then work (dc, ch 4, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, rep from three times. Rnd 5-6: (dc, ch 1) ch-1 spaces, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-4 space. By now, you should have a rough square that reaches to the top of the cassette player and just over the side edges. Now, work back and forth in (dc, ch 1) rows along the bottom edge. Keep crocheting until you have enough "fabric" to reach around the bottom, up the back and over the front again. It will look like a big rectangle with a whorly thing on one side.
	To put it all together: Make sure the cover fits: Line up the front edge with the edge of the tape player. Wrap the "fabric" around the back and over the top. The back should lap over the front by about three inches. The sides won't quite meet. Put a stitch marker right about where the flap ends. Now, join the sides: Join tape with a slip stitch at the top edge. Work a dc in the front edge, then work a dc in the corresponding stitch on the back side, rep from until you reach the bottom. Cut the tape. Repeat on the other side. Cut a piece of tape or fabric, slide through the middle stitch on the flap, tie the ends. And you're done! Unless you want to add a lining .... To add a lining, place the cassette cover on a piece of paper or brown paper bag, flap folded over. Trace around it. Remove the cover, then add another line 1/2-inch away; this is your cutting line. Fold a piece of fabric, so you have a double layer. Trace the outline on the fabric. Cut the fabric. Turn under the short edges 1/4-inch, then ¼ inch again, to hide the raw edge. Press, then sew along the fold. Fold the fabric right sides together, matching short edges, and sew along the seam. Turn right side out. Press if it's lumpy. (The right side will face out, so it will show through the 8-track stitches.) Insert lining into cassette cover and whipstitch along top edge, using sewing thread. Sew the inside back along the fold of the flap. And you are done! Rock on!

Yarn Spotlight Addition: Summer 2012

Marcy Smith — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Fibers on the Edge In Yarn Spotlight in the Summer 2012 issue of Interweave Crochet, we go to the edge with fine fibers perfect for an edging. Edging is the final touch, the statement that makes a garment or accessory shine. Since edging takes significantly less yarn than a garment, you can splurge to get just the right tonality, a sweet silk blend, a bit of ribbon. Here are a couple more fine fibers for edgings. The swatches are worked in the Loopy Edging by Victoria Hewerdine Thornton. Once you work the foundation row to your desired length, the loop rows work up super-fast. Note: Check the care instructions for both edging yarn and garment yarn or fabric. When washing the edged garment or project, follow the directions for the fiber requiring the gentlest care.
	Shibui Knits Staccato Content: 65% superwash merino, 30% silk , 5% nylon Put-up: 191 y, 175 m / 1.76 oz, 50 g Construction: 2-ply Care: handwash in lukewarm water. dry flat. Color: ST103, green apple Hook: Size US D/3 (3.25 mm) This springy yarn works up into a beautiful, sturdy edging, with well-defined loops. It crochets up quickly, with no stranding to slow you down. Its superwash-ability makes it great for edging children's garments, and the design will maintain its integrity through all sorts of play. Perfect for edging a child's garment, an apron, a shade for a lamp in your crochet nook.
	Treenway Silks 20 / 2 Spun Silk Content: 100% bombyx spun silk Put-up: 10 y Construction: 2-ply Care: hand wash cool, dry flat Color: 9514, Amber Hook: Size US C (2.75 mm) Montano Series Reeled Silk Ribbon, 3.5 mm Content: 100% bombyx Put-up: 5 y Construction: woven Care: hand wash cool, dry flat Color: Aztec Gold If you have a truly special project that needs a fine finish, look to these silk embroidery threads and ribbons. The sample is worked on a C hook, but you can achieve even finer results with a smaller steel hook. Work the edging with the silk thread, then weave the hand-dyed silk ribbon through the loops, securing at the ends with sewing thread. Before working with the threads, treat yourself to a nice manicure and work in good light. Perfect for wedding garter, christening bonnet.
We can't wait to see how you use your crochet edgings! Stay tuned for a blog by Sharon on how she's putting crochet edgings on just about everything! Happy crocheting, Marcy

iSee Behind the Scenes

Marcy Smith — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Well, now that we're actually in spring, with flowers all abloom, I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at some behind-the-scenes at the Interweave Crochet Spring 2012 shoot. These photos were all shot with an iPhone, good for catching people when they're busy doing something else and don't know that you're taking a picture. We did the photoshoot for Spring the week before Thanksgiving. This is a funny time to shoot for Spring. It's tough to shoot outdoors because it's cold and all the plants are dying. And often, folks are trying to jazz things up by putting up Christmas lights. So, to capture a spring-like feeling, we went indoors and brought springtime with us.
	Come on in! This is the Harper Point Photography studio in Fort Collins, Colorado, about a half hour north of the home office in Loveland. Note the reflection of the winter trees in the window.
	The true source of our super-power: Lots of caffeine.
	The balloons have arrived and are looking for a home.
	Nate spruces up the set. Nate is an extraordinary photographer. His vacuuming skills are just bonus.
	In the craft corner, Caleb and Susan cut out puffy white clouds. We ended up not using them. Who needs clouds when you can have a clear, blue sky?
	Nate gets in touch with his inner florist as Susan and Caleb assist. If it's not spring, make spring.
	Nate checks the lighting.
	Some of you may have been concerned that we had a bike on the set, but no helmet. (I know my husband said a thing about it!) No actual riding was done in the studio, but we were prepared with a helmet, just in case. Caleb is on stand-by.
	And Sharon practices safe Tweeting.
	The balloons take a nap. At the end of the second day, this is about how we all felt.
	Except for this guy, who's hiding, hoping to live in the studio forever more.
So, there you go! That's the action behind the scenes. It's always a challenge to reproduce the season we're shooting. In a few weeks, we'll be shooting for the Fall issue. We'll Tweet you some peeks. I hope you're enjoying the Spring 2012 issue! As soon as I finish the Marina Sweater from the Winter 2011 issue, I'll be diving into one of those skirts. Oh, and stay tuned for details on Marina (love those motifs! All done except for the leaves, because I haven't found the right shade of green yet). Is anyone else making Marina? Talk to you soon! Marcy