I am thrilled to see crochet worn by the people I walk past on the street, on the fashion runway, and in clothing stores. A variety of traditional crochet techniques, such as Tunisian crochet, thread crochet, and tapestry crochet, are benefitting from this increased popularity and number of crochet enthusiasts. Modern designers are applying these traditional techniques to contemporary clothing, accessory, and home décor items.

Crochet Traditions 2012 Call for Submissions

Crochet Traditions, a special publication from PieceWork magazine, interconnects enticing crochet projects and techniques with rich historical narrative. For our second edition, we are looking for well-researched feature stories accompanied by fine thread crochet projects that complement the story or projects accompanied by introductions that provide the historical information on the pattern, the technique, or both. In either case, the historical context is paramount. Stand-alone projects or techniques without at least an introduction outlining the historical context, will not be accepted

Due Date:

Proposals are due by 1/28/2012; all accepted submissions will be due 3/1/12.
Please submit all proposals electronically to kbrock@interweave.com.

Contributor Guidelines for All Submissions:

If you are not already familiar with the content, style, and tone of Crochet Traditions, we suggest you read a few current issues of PieceWork magazine as it follows much the same format. We expect that the submission you ask us to consider has not been published nor is it presently submitted elsewhere. If any part of your submission has been published previously, please let us know when and by whom (this includes photographs on your blog or on social networking sites).

Projects should display technical expertise. Include a complete list of all materials used (the materials list should include the manufacturer of the product, the distributor, if any, the put up, amount required, color name and/or number), and complete step-by-step instructions, along with all diagrams and/or illustrations necessary to complete the project, if available. Alternatively, provide swatches, sketches, images.

Send a detailed proposal that will give us a clear idea of what to expect in a finished piece. If we accept your proposal, and once we've discussed any editorial adjustments to the project concept and agreed on the details, you will begin work on the project and instructions.

Article length may vary from 1,500 to 4,000 words depending on the subject matter. Stories focusing on a particular person in crochet history are encouraged. Material should display in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and carefully documented research with all sources acknowledged.  Historical and technical accuracy are essential, but the tone should be personal. Use primary resources such as letters and diaries whenever possible to make the story arresting to the reader. Strive for clear organization as you convey information, but also include vivid detail and engaging quotations to give readers a sense of people, place, and meaning: you are telling a story. A list of sources for "Further Reading" is very helpful. 

Visuals to accompany features are critical. Please include all the information you have about supporting visual materials you think will enhance the story. If citing a piece in a museum collection as a supporting visual, please include the accession number of the object. Please be aware that museums charge rights and reproduction fees, which vary from moderate to hundreds of dollars for one image; we will do our best, based on our budget, to acquire the appropriate images. Some visuals (such as a family photograph showing a vintage piece of clothing) can only be provided by you. When you submit your manuscript, however, photocopies of such will be acceptable. If an article is accepted, arrangements for receiving publication-quality color prints or high-resolution digital images (minimum 300 dpi at 2,000 x 3,000 pixels in tif or jpg format) will be made by the PieceWork staff. Digital images imbedded in an email or Word document are acceptable for a submission; however, if your submission is accepted, tif or jpg images must be sent separately via e-mail or placed on our FTP site; we cannot use imbedded images for publication. You also may be asked to ship actual pieces and tools to the PieceWork office for photography. We will work together to choose what will best suit the story and make sure all pieces are transported safely. All photographs and other materials will be returned and appropriately insured.

For all submissions include complete contact information-mailing address, daytime phone, and email. Also include a brief (100 words or less) personal biography for publication.