Toni Rexroat's Blog

Crocheted Doily Art

2012-02-04T12:00:00Z


Project 40/40 at Fort Bema in Poland

According to a translation of their blog, project 40/40 is a joint venture between the Bemowo District Office and the Outdoor Art Foundation in Poland.

Fort Bema was built was build near Warsaw in the 19^th century by the Russians. For over a hundred years, the barrack at the abandoned Fort Bema have been first Polish street gallery open twenty-four hours a day.

Recently, artists Maniac and NeSpoon installed their own exhibition, combining stencil art and lace doilies.You can check out more great photos on NeSpoon's page. I love the juxtaposition of crocheted lace and abandoned architecture.

If you are in the Warsaw area, you can visit this gallery through May 2012. Just don't forget your boots and bring a flashlight if you venture in at night.

Best wishes,

Seamless Crochet Blog Tour and Giveaways!

2012-01-25T16:35:00Z

If you know anything about author and designer Kristin Omdahl, you know that she's constantly working. It seems as though she never puts down those crochet hooks and knitting needles! When one book is off to the printer, she's already working on the next-sketching, designing, writing and dreaming.

Her latest crochet book, Seamless Crochet: Techniques and Designs for Join-As-You-Go-Techniques is now out in bookstores and local yarn shops nationwide, and we're thrilled to announce the nationwide blog tour with some of your favorite yarn-loving bloggers. You'll learn more about what inspires Kristin's designs, get a closer look at the book's crochet accessories, and garments, and have an opportunity to win free copies of the book at many of the stops. Ready for those tour dates?

Seamless Crochet Blog Tour Dates:

1/25
AllFreeCrochet.com (and giveaway)

1/26
Crochetville.org

1/27
CraftGossip.com Crochet Guide (and giveaway)

1/30
Crochet by Faye

1/31
About.com Guide to Crochet

2/1
She Knits When She Should be Writing (and giveaway)

2/2
Sara Likes to Make Stuff

2/3
Jimmy Beans Wool Blog

2/6
Rebecca Velasquez Designs

2/7
Yarn Thing Blog and Podcast (and giveaway)

live interview with Kristin, 12 pm Eastern

2/8
Hook and I

2/9
Faina's Knitting Mode

2/10
The Crochet Doctor

2/11
Stylish Knits

Seamless Crochet is available now as a book & DVD combo, and also as an eBook and DVD download that you can purchase online and receive instantly. Click here to learn more about the Seamless Crochet eBook & DVD download.

Covering the Helsinki Cathedral Steps with Afghans

2012-01-13T14:00:00Z

Afghans, as far as the eye can see, blanketed the concrete steps of a beautiful white church. I was intrigued and amazed by this photo when I saw it on Pinterest. Following the link brought me to a newspaper article with several more amazing pictures and a short story in Finnsih. I, unfortunately, can't read Finnish. If you can, definitely check out the full article.

But I have never seen that many granny squares in one place! I had to know the story. The online translation software struggled with some of the words in the article, but I think I got the basic story.

The photographs were taken October 1, 2011 on the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral in the center of Helsinki Finland. It seems that the Martha Association and the Textile Teachers Association attempted to set a record and gather one thousand blankets which would be donated to the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters.

They met their goal and then immediately surpassed it by gathering 7,800 blankets. Three thousand eight hundred of these afghans were then spread across the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral and photographed.

I love hearing stories about crocheters around the world! And I am always inspired by what we can accomplish together. Well done to everyone who was involved with this impressive endeavor.

Best wishes,

5 Tips for Winter Crocheting

2012-01-11T20:45:00Z

Winter is my favorite time of year to crochet. The change in the weather brings with it an excitement and the desire to work with different yarn fibers and crochet stitches, and I seem to have more free time to craft. But this time of year also means that I have to change my crochet habits.

In the winter, my crochet studio is located, more often than not, in the middle of my living room. In progress projects, which is what I like to call my UFOs even if I haven't worked on them in months, are stack in bags and bins on either side of the couch, within easy reach should I decide to actually finish one of them. I do have a craft room, but the small space is currently filled to overflowing with yarn, fabric, my sewing machine, and other crafting supplies.

I recently read a blog post by Cate Prato, the editor on our sister community Cloth Paper Scissors, about winterizing your studio. Cate has lots of helpful tips that apply to all crafters.

5 Ways to Winterize Your Art Studio for Creativity and Comfort

Here are some of my "winterizing" tips you can use to make your studio more welcoming if your part of the world is cold and dark during the winter.

1. Let in the light. Take down any heavy window treatments to take advantage of every bit of daylight and warmth the sun provides. If you need privacy, hang sheer curtains or openwork lace curtains instead. If your room lacks light because of its location or the shorter days, invest in overhead and task lighting, particularly the kind that mimics daylight.

....More

What tips do you have for crafting in the winter?

Best wishes,

Add Some Beading to Your Crochet Embellishment

2012-01-01T01:00:00Z

I have embellished my jeans with crocheted embellishments and handstitching. It is a great way to add a your personal style to mass produced jeans. Today I read a blog post by Jennifer, the Beading Daily editor. I think I may have to add a bit of beading to my jeans along with the crochet.

Beads make fabulous jewelry, as we all know, but there are so many other crafts that you can do with beads! Crafts with beads can be things for home décor or special objects (like my French beaded flower wedding bouquet) or using beads to embellish clothing.

Since I wear jeans pretty much every single day (one of the perks of working from home), I love to dress them up with special embellishments. Using beads to embellish your favorite jeans is a fun weekend beading project! Before you get started, here are a couple of tips to help you along:

Choose a pair of dark wash jeans for a dressier look.

. . . more

Best wishes,

Teach Someone to Crochet in 2012

2012-01-01T00:15:00Z

December is a wonderful month filled with celebrations and gift giving. This year I gave my mother a project bag, several luscious skeins of worsted weight alpaca, and the promise of teaching her how to read a pattern. She has knitted and crocheted from sight and her own imagination for years, but this year is the year for her to learn to read written patterns.

Teaching someone to crochet is a fabulous gift that contains to give joy and creativity long after the wrapping paper has been thrown away, the decorations have been taken down, and normal life has resumed. I heard a wonderful story of a family friend who gave her mother enough yarn for an afghan, a simple afghan pattern, and crochet lessons for Christmas. Her mother was looking at several months of boring bed rest with lots of time to fill. The gift of crochet will continue to fill this mother's life with peace and creativity in the coming years.

My niece turns seven the beginning of the New Year. She is beginning to show a real interest in crochet, so I am planning on teaching her to crochet. For her birthday, I am giving her a couple of skeins of yarn, in bright pink and purple of course, several large hooks, a few fun notions, and several crochet lessons. I can't wait to share my love of crochet with the next generation.

I am already putting together a list of simple projects for her to make. Perhaps the In a Jiffy Juggling Balls, or she can make her own hat and scarf with the Peppermint Hat and Scarf pattern also in the Beautiful Handmade Gifts free eBook. In this coming year, give the gift of crochet to your loved ones; it will be a gift to yourself as well as you share your love of crochet.

Best wishes,

The Most Important Resolutions of 2012

2011-12-31T02:00:00Z

As I get ready to face 2012, I am looking back at my 2011 New Year's resolutions. Last year I wanted to explore join-as-you-go motifs with the Moth Wings Shrug. I crocheted this beautiful lace shrug for a friend to wear at her wedding, and I love the pattern. I am also completely in love with joining motifs as you go.

My growing crocheted hat and scarf collection is a testament to the fulfillment of my resolution to crochet more accessories. Now I am thinking ahead to resolutions for 2012.

1. Try something new. This is a goal I set for myself each year. This might be a new stitch or a new technique; it might be a project design or a crocheting with a new yarn. I have a heavenly skein of angora that I have been petting for several months. This year I will transform it into a little amigurumi bunny.

I got a jump on this resolution a couple of days ago when I also started a pair of the Raspberry Mitts from the Interweave Crochet Accessories 2011 issue. I love these half mitten half mitts. I own several pairs, but I have never made my own. I modified the color pattern and am working this pair in fun, brightly colored stripes.

2. Finish my UFOs. I make this resolution every year, and every year I finish a few UFOs and create a few more than I finished. This year I intend to finish all of my UFOs. I have a couple of sweaters I started many years ago that, even if I finished them, would no longer fit. Rather than allow them to continue to take up room in my UFO bag, I am going to ravel the yarn for another project.

3. Join a crochet group. In 2010 I was part of a fabulous crochet/knitting group. We would get together a couple of times a month to crochet, chat, and help each other with our patterns. In 2011, I let myself get to busy. But I really missed those relaxing opportunities to crochet with friends.

You can often find a crochet/knit group at your local yarn shop. If you don't have a yarn shop near you, grab a group of friends and plan and block out a couple of hours at a coffee shop or the local library.

The fresh start of a new year holds such amazing promise. I can't wait to get started on my resolutions, which I know for a fact will be much easier to keep than my resolution to lose 20 lbs or to eat healthier. What are you resolutions for 2012?

Best wishes,

A Name for an Amigurumi Giraffe

2011-12-29T16:05:00Z

The Crochet Me 2012 Amigurumi Calendar has been a wonderful project to work on. Each little crocheted creation has won me over with its personality and story. Amigurumi make wonderful gifts for baby showers, children's birthdays, or for the any adult who is a kid at heart. And I have been bitten by the amigurumi bug.

Before 2012 is over, I am planning on making each of the 13 adorable amigurumi who modeled for the Crochet Me 2012 calendar. Amigurumi are also wonderful projects with which to use up leftover yarn.

The first creation finished will be Ellie the Giraffe. My little giraffe is worked in a partial skein of DK weight gold acrylic and worsted weight brown cotton. That is another great benefit to crocheting amigurumi. Because they do not have to fit, you can work them up in whatever size yarn you have available. I used a lighter weight yarn for the main portion of the giraffe than the pattern called for so my finished giraffe is about an inch shorter than the original Ellie.

All my little giraffe needs now are a few spots and a name. This little guy will be a baby present for my new niece or nephew. So I am asking for your help. What would you name this little guy?

Best wishes,

A New Amigurumi Pattern Each Month of 2012

2011-12-28T17:17:00Z

The New Year is almost here, and it is time to hang up the new calendar. I already have my Crochet Me 2012 Amigurumi calendar up. Pucker the Goldfish provides such a bright start to the new year. And we have created several other ways to share our love of amigurumi with you.

Check out the Crochet Me 2012 Amigurumi Calendar page. You will find free computer wallpaper downloads for each of the 12 months. Download a new one for each month or keep your favorite one up year-round.

You will also find links to information on each amgurumi and a new free pattern download each month of 2012. From 11:00 a.m. central time on the first day of each month through 11:00 a.m. on the 8^th day of the month, that month's amigurumi pattern will be available for free download. So the pattern for Pucker the Goldfish will be available the 1^st through the 8^th of January and Lovey the Lovely will be up on February 1^st.

If you miss a pattern or want to download all of them right now, you can find the Crochet Me 2012 Amigurumi Calendar Projects eBook in the Crochet Me Shop.

Then join us in the crochet-along forum and share your amigurumi stories or ask questions about yarn or pattern construction. We are looking forward to crocheting with you in the New Year.

Best wishes,

Too Bright or Just Right?

2011-12-17T12:00:00Z

While compiling the Simple Crochet Patterns from Crochet Me: 5 Free Easy Crochet Patterns eBook, I fell in love with the Organic Cotton Washcloth for Babies. It looked so simple and quick but at the same time luxurious and pampered; the perfect last minute gift. Somehow I missed the potholder and washcloth stage when I was learning how to crochet, so this would be a new adventure for me.

Now I think I might have been missing something jumping straight into lace crochet. I love the slightly nubby feel of the stitches and the softness of the organic cotton in this washcloth. I keep stopping mid-row to rub the fabric against my cheek. And the pattern is fun and easily memorized.

I am down to the last two rows. The original washcloth used a subtle tan, but I found a fun bright yellow in my stash. A row and a half in and I'm starting to doubt my choice. The yellow is very bright. It could be too much, or with the addition of a little rubber ducky, it could be a fabulously fun baby shower gift.

What do you think?

Some Thoughts on the Winter 2011 Issue

2011-12-14T08:48:00Z

The Interweave Crochet Winter 2011 issue preview post went up last Friday, and we have loved hearing your responses-which projects are your favorite, photography ideas, and more. I am fascinated by the myriad of ways the internet now provides for us to talk about and share a single issue.

Recently I have come across several blogs by designers and yarn companies. It is always fun to see their perspective on a garment.

		I laughed with Lorna's Laces as they shared a wonderful story about the joy of crocheting after Christmas. My mother says that December 26th has always been her favorite day of the year. I can understand that. She's a worrier by nature and making sure six kids were happy with their Christmas experience is no small feat so she was glad when it was behind her for another year. I thought of her when I found out that the new issue of Interweave Crochet will be hitting newsstands on December 29th... more

		I enjoyed Malabrigo's look at sizing up Irish crochet with the Marina Sweater. Interweave Crochet, Winter 2011 is out featuring Marina designed by Anastasia Popova with Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted on the cover! Irish Crochet Lace is characterized by making separated crocheted motifs and joining them together with a loose temporary stitch onto a cloth forming the pattern... more

		I loved reading Shelby Allaho's blog. She designed the Tendril Wrap and tells the delightful tale of this wraps journey from idea, to submission, to publication. I was inspired by their call for chunky lace designs, and began swatching some patterns that were originally meant for thread crochet. Once I got a feel for what I liked, I combined the elements of a few swatches and enlarged them to work with chunky yarn. This wrap is seamless and made in one piece. My original design submission was not! . . . more

I would love to read more of your blogs. Have you seen other blogs about the projects in the Winter 2011 issue? Best wishes,

Happy Holidays from Us to You

2011-12-13T15:40:00Z

As the year draws to a close, I find myself busily rushing to holiday parties and filling my evenings with last minute crochet projects. There are so many friends in my life that I want to see and thank this time of year. Many of those friends are here on Crochet Me.

You are always there when I need a bit of crochet motivation or a question answered. In the past year, I have been inspired by the help and encouragement you have given each other, by the fabulous project photos you have posted, and by the questions you have asked. Thank you!

So as you enjoy this wonderful season of thanks and giving, when we all reflect on those who are important to us, all of us at Interweave would like to wish you Happy Holidays and share with you this little bit creative fun. Just click on the picture!

Best wishes,

Share Your Project Pictures

2011-12-06T12:00:00Z

You feel a special sense of excitement when you finish a project. The minute the last end is woven in and the project has dried from blocking, you want to show off the finished item.

As a member of the Crochet Me, you can show your work to crochet friends around the world by uploading it to the Member Photo gallery. Share photographs, information on your modifications, tips and tricks you learned, and yarn you used.

We would love to see your Interweave projects! Post photographs of projects you have crocheted from Interweave patterns, including magazines, books, eBooks, and ePatterns. Be sure to stop by the galleries to see the projects created by your friends, too! You can view and comment on your friends creations and perhaps draw inspiration of your own.

As a bonus, for each project you post in the gallery, you will be entered for a copy of the eBook, Crochet Me Presents the 2012 Amigurumi Calendar Projects, patterns for the projects that appear in our 2012 Amigurumi Calendar. The project and crocheter will be randomly chosen February 16^th.

If you haven't loaded a photo to the gallery before, here are easy to follow instructions.

Click on Galleries in the top menu and then select Member Photo Gallery from the drop-down menu or follow the link given here.
Click on the green Upload button in the upper right-hand corner of the gallery. This takes you to a page with a tab that ways Compose and has five parts in it. File/URL, Thumbnail, Name, Description, and Tags.
Start by uploading your photo: click on Specify File/URL. Click on Upload File and then click on Browse. You will be linked to your own computer. Select your image file from your desktop, pictures folder, or wherever you have placed the image. Your picture is now uploaded, and you just have to add some words.
In the Name field, type the project's name; use the name of the original pattern or create a name that reflects your project's personality. In the Description box, add the name of the of the original pattern, the yarn you used, modifications you made, and any extra photographs, such as close-ups or back views. To add these photographs, click on the little icon that looks like a filmstrip; it will say Insert Media when you let your mouse over it. Then upload your photos as before.
The final field is Tags. This helps other readers find your project. You can type in the name of the original pattern; the designer; any special techniques you used, such as Tunisian crochet or broomstick lace; the type of crochet, such as lace or motif; the brand of yarn you used; or a pertinent holiday.

We can't wait to see the amazing projects you have created with Interweave patterns!

Best wishes,

The Cost of Art

2011-12-03T11:00:00Z

As crocheters, we can appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating a finished project. Then when that time and effort is combined with the cost of materials, it is easy to see that we crochet because we love to crochet, not because it is a cheap hobby.

Many crocheters sell their finished crochet projects through Etsy; their own websites; at craft fairs; and to friends, family, and other crafters who appreciate the time and effort. As crocheters we all know that the price of most handmade products if incredibly low when compared with the cost of supplies and the time expended to create the product.

So when you contemplate time, effort, and yarn cost, how do you determine the price for your handwork? Somer Sherwood recently wrote a fabulous blog post entitled "The True Cost of Handmade" about the cost of handmade art and her crocheted hats.

I would love to know what you think.

Best wishes,

Simply Crochet Countdown to Fun Blog Tour Schedule

2011-12-01T12:44:00Z

Robyn Chachula's new book Simply Crochet: 22 Stylish Designs for Everyday will be released in print on December 7th and is available as an eBook right now. Robyn Chachula and the other contributing designers decided to celebrate this new release with a month-long party, and you are all invited. Every day you can visit a different designers blog for information on a different project published in Simply Crochet.

Robyn writes on her blog, "The book is packed with gifts since all projects use less than 5 balls of yarn, perfect for your holiday gift crocheting. The book is also packed with great designers, hence the party. Every day in December we will be talking about one of the projects in the book... We will be going through the book in order, like we are turning the page and finding out from the designer herself on each project. I can't wait to hear all their behind the scenes on working on the projects myself."

The tour starts today, so bookmark this page and you can follow along all December! I can't wait to see you there! Here is the official schedule:

1 Ball or Less

Dec 1 Iced Ascot by Rebecca Velasquez, http://rebeccavelasquezdesigns.blogspot.com

Dec 2 Flapper Hat by Margaret Hubert, http://margaretshooksandneedles.blogspot.com

Dec 3 Billows of Baubles Scarf by Sheryl Means, http://sherylmeanscrochet.com

Dec 4 Twist Cowl Wrap by Linda Permann, http://www.lindamade.com/wordpress

Dec 5 Mystic Cuff by Robyn Chachula, crochetbyfaye.blogspot.com

Dec 6 Emma Lace Scarf by Simona Merchant-Dest, http://stylishknits.blogspot.com

Dec 7 Diamonds and Lace Hat by Linda Permann, http://www.lindamade.com/wordpress

Dec 8 Neck Lattice by Vashti Braha, http://designingvashti.blogspot.com

3 Balls or Fewer

Dec 9 Botan Placemats by Marlaina Bird, http://knitthing.blogspot.com

Dec 10 Tapestry Basket by Carol Ventura, http://www.tapestrycrochet.com/blog

Dec 11 Blooming Beauty Purse by Tracie Barrett, http://traciebarrett.com/blog

Dec 12 Nedburt Puppet by Robyn Chachula, crochetbyfaye.blogspot.com

Dec 13 Natalie Shrug by Megan Granholm, http://loopdedoo.blogspot.com

Dec 14 Giselle Vest by Simona Merchant-Dest, http://stylishknits.blogspot.com

Dec 15 Sidney Cardigan by Robyn Chachula, crochetbyfaye.blogspot.com

Dec 16 Annabel Shawl by Kristin Omdahl, http://www.styledbykristin.com

5 Balls or Fewer

Dec 17 Tallula Baby Top by Marlaina Bird, http://knitthing.blogspot.com

Dec 18 Amelia Cardigan by Julia Vaconsin, http://www.juliavaconsin.com

Dec 19 Float Vest, Float Cardigan by Robyn Chachula, crochetbyfaye.blogspot.com

Dec 20 Linked Jacket by Robyn Chachula, crochetbyfaye.blogspot.com

Dec 21 Dots and Dashes Blanket by Ellen Gormley, http://www.gocrochet.com

Dec 22 Spa Shawl Top by Doris Chan, Spa Shawl Tunic by Doris Chan, http://dorischancrochet.com