Question FOR Dee's Readers ...

Dear Readers,
Many of you have expressed the wish that I lived closer to you so we could share in our crochet adventures. While packing up the entire state of Connecticut and actually moving is impossible, I'm wondering how would you feel if I visited you in the comfort of your own home? We're talking about the possibility of me guesting on a live Internet show that you could watch on your PC for free.

                 ... are you game?

If so, drop me a line and let me know what aspect of crochet you'd like for me to teach/discuss.
Thanks,
~Dee

There's Still Time to Celebrate National Crochet Month

Our CGOA Chapter is getting ready to create it's 2007 Crochet Display that will be available for viewing tomorrow afternoon through the entire month of April.  If you'll be in the area, be sure to stop at the Bethel Library!

If you'd like to try creating your own Laura Ingalls Wilder doily, then visit here.   I think Grace, our Chapter President, did a *fabulousious* job; don't you?  :)

With today & tomorrow left of "National Crochet Month," do something special to celebrate it.  Check out a crochet/fiber display, or teach a friend or family member how to crochet.
Tags: national crochet month, crochet display, connecticut, bethel, laura ingalls wilder

10 Tips on How To Pick the Best Classes at the Summer Conference

The past few days have been quite busy for me ... first in registering classes for myself, and second in helping the many that have been emailing me for my opinion in which class(es) I think are best for them.  So, in my good humor kind of way, I decided to post some, ahem, helpful tips:

1. IM all your fiber friends and all your Chapter members to ask what they're taking

2. Also, post to all your Online Groups requesting they reveal what they all signed up for.

3. Stalk all your favorite crochet and knit blogs in hopes they will post what classes they are registered for.  Be sure to pose in as many of the bloggers pictures as possible to increase the odds you'll be mentioned in a future entry.  Then, after the conference, when family, friends, and co-workers ask about your summer vacation, you'll have fun links to share with them!

4. Check your "Book Stash" to see what books still need to be autographed. Weigh them and determine which ones will keep you under the weight restrictions when flying. Don't forget to factor in new books/yarn & such that will be coming home from the Conference. Sign up for those classes to avoid having to hunt the teachers down in the Vendor's Market for autographs.

5. Look at all the projects you've finished in the last year. Select the projects you created the most from one particular designer; then sign up for all classes that designer is teaching. Wear all the items to each class. Warning: This option required sashaying practice because you know you'll need to "strut your stuff."

6. Predetermine if you'll be in an emotional state by being in the presence of your favorite crochet 'Idol' -- ask yourself, "Do I really want to be televised crying?" -- heck, the experience might be "... the best thing ever." So go ahead and cry, we'll get that moment captured & uploaded to YouTube in no time!

7. Decide to travel light so more goodies can come home with you. To save room in the luggage, consider clothing you can wear twice -- such as wearing your travel clothes to Nancy's "Make YourOwn Hook" class to save on laundry. The saved weight should be equivalent to about six beautiful skeins of yarn from the Vendors Market.

8. To allow for more time in the Vendors Market, call the Guild's management company and the hotel repeatedly to figure out where the various classes will be assigned. Sign up for those classes that will be located closest to the market to make the most of those 10-15 minute class breaks.

9. Figure out which classes will require the most use of materials. This will justify everything purchased at the Vendors Market!

10. Determine which classes are more like lectures. These classes will allow you to continue to work on those last minute projects that MUST be featured in the Chic St Dinner Fashion Show! 

Tags: crochet classes, knit, cgoa conference

Now What Do I do? (New Toy Arrives)

How do I decide?? I'm really torn!!  Do I continue to play with the "Amazing Needle"  or do I set it aside for the *new to me* 1970s K-Tel Knitter that just arrived??!!??

Check out this ad for it (I love the excitement in the guy's voice! LOL):

If you're interested in getting one too, I got mine from eBay.

For those that have already tried this blast from the past would you mind sharing your experience with it? I'm intrigued that you can cut the finished fabric (per the advertisement) without fear of it unraveling!  Hmmmmm, and I wonder how it would felt up ...  
Tags: crochet, k-tel knitter, ktel knitter, amazing needle

Question From Reader: Greatest Crocheting Time

My ? to you is, what is the longest amount of time that you ever went non stop crochetting?
Shelley

My dear Shelley,
I know I'm a in need of another cup of coffee because when I first read your question I thought it said "what is the longest amount of time you ever stopped crocheting" -- for those interested, the answer would be about five years. It was during the time I was in college and working two jobs.  Did I miss crocheting during that time? Yes I did!!

In answering to your real question, "what is the longest amount of time that you ever went non stop crochetting?," I'd have to say (with limited stretching/coffee/potty breaks) that the longest time I've crocheted non-stop is 18 hours straight.  It's those deadlines that keep you motivated to keep stitching -- from finishing items for judging completions, for last minute gift giving, and so on!  Now, if I do find myself crocheting for great lengths of time like that, when the project has been completed, I'll often take a few days off from crocheting to recharge my batteries. And my stash! {{VBG}}

What about you, readers?  What was the longest break you ever took from crochet?  And, what was the longest non-stop amount of time you crocheted in a single day?  Go ahead & vote, and/or leave your story here in the comments! :)
Tags: crochet, crochetting, time, poll

Questions From Readers: Crochet Classes

Hi Dee,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed [Tuesday's] crochet class at A Stitch in Time. As I drove home from the class, I was getting so excited just thinking about all the crochet projects that await me! Last night, I ripped out what I worked on in class and started over again, keeping in mind what you talked about. What a difference! I now know that this project will turn out great.

It was so nice meeting you. I'm going to be on the lookout for more of your classes. [Tuesday's] class went by way too quickly!

Thanks for all your great helpful hints, and again, I loved the class!

Sincerely,
Azra
P.S. I also loved your Web site, and spent quite a bit of time on it last night!

Thank you, Azra, for such the rave; it was a pleasure to have you in class!  I can't wait to see your finished project!!  :)

Quite often I am asked as to what the benefit is to taking a crochet class.  I think there are many:
    * You get to touch samples
    * You get to see, live & in person, examples worked up
    * You have the opportunity for impromptu lessons that perhaps are not covered in books/magazines/online websites (of if they are, you'd need to know exactly where to go each time you had a question)
    * You get other perspectives with class participants
    * You get to feed upon the energy of both the teacher as well as the other participants and that makes the experience much more fun  (after all, when was the last time a book "high fived" you for learning something?)
    * You get motivated/inspired to keep going!  This is because classes have their own "personalities" and long after the class is over you'll have the memory of it to spur you on! 
     * In a class environment, you get to engage more of your five-senses, and this allows you to absorb the lesson quicker and more thoroughly.
    * And let me reemphasize, is just plainly more fun!!

With this in mind, registration for the National CGOA Conference will open soon.  Of course I already have a list of classes I want to take -- exactly for all the reasons I've listed above! 

So, be the classes local, or national, treat yourself by signing up for a crochet class today!  :)
Tags: crochet class, crochet classes, Connecticut, Westport, bethel, CGOA, Conference, National

"Hey, that's cheating!"

For the past three days I have been enjoying teasing showing off my "amazing needle" work to both crocheters & knitters alike.  It's been quite a lot of fun to do so!  I have found crocheters to be truly amazed that one can actually crochet knitted fabric while knitters have exclaimed "Hey, that's cheating!"  LOL

That's right readers, I'm cheating at the game of knit and I can't be any happier!  I am delighted that I am finally able to *knit*  in such a way that it holds my interest and spurs me on to new creative ideas!   With the "how to" instructions arriving yesterday with my order from www.amazingyarn.com -- I'll soon be enjoying all of the aspects of knitting, purling -- even tatting -- with a Crochet Hook!!

Sure, I will eventually finish that scarf I currently have on my knitting needles, but after that perhaps the needles will become hair sticks; I won't have a need for them any more.  I admit it:  I'm a "one hook" kind of gal and now I have a reason to celebrate it even more!   I don't think of it as cheating.  I think of it as, "Oh, the possibilities!!"  Yes, I'm quite excited with the discovery of this *new to me* technique!  Whoo hoo!!   (Of course, this will become even more interesting when I create pieces for judging!  Will the judges believe the works are crocheted?  Stay tuned!)

To add to my excitement, Guido of www.itsapurlman.com and I had fun hooking up yesterday afternoon at A Stitch in Time located in Bethel, CT, and later dined at The Sycamore. We did a little show n' tell; discussed the differences between knitting & crochet (including checking out my crocheted knitted fabric); dying fibers and more!  Where did the time go???  Guido, I'm looking forward to next time!  :) Tags: crochet knitted fabric, crochet knitted stitches, amazing needle, crochet hook, knitting needles

Recharing Batteries -- With Raw Silk?

When the outside world has been unpleasant, I like to recharge my batteries with soothing moments of playing with fibers -- usually heading to my stash and not poking my head back out until I find an incredibly soft fiber to play with.  It doesn't mean I'll actually start a new project, but rather just play with some soft fibers until I feel that "inner calm" again.  Today has been one of those stressful days.  Now I want to go de-stress by playing with unspun silk!

The beauty of crochet is you can crochet with virtually anything everything that one can knit with, including fibers that have not been fully processed yet.  And since crochet has a natural tendency to twist the fiber you're working with, crocheting with unspun fibers is actually quite a lot of fun!   Unfortunatly my silk is still in it's cocoon form; I have not learned how to harvest it directly from the cocoon into a "hankie" -- so, because I'm after instant gratification right now, I'll leave my want to play with silk for another day, and instead I'll play with some soft wool fibers I got from www.GraftonFibers.com at one of the Sheep & Wool Festivals I visited last year.  (As long as the fibers are soft, I'll re-become a happy camper!)

In the meantime, I thought this video on YouTube was quite interesting because it explains how to separate the silk hankies and then stretch them out into usable fiber.  Should you decide to go to a S&W Festival, pick yourself up a few silk hankies (raw silk from the silk worm's cocoon) and have fun playing.  Remember, it is not necessary to first spin it -- you can use the fiber in it's raw form for a really unique look!

You can read about Linda's adventure of working with unspun fibers here: www.graftonfibers.com.

Tags: crocheting with unspun fibers, silk, wool, crochet

Dee, Enchanted

My CGOA Chapter, The Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club, as part of it's celebration of National Crochet Month, will be doing a month long crochet display.  Part of that display will pay homage to Rose Wilder Lane.  In preparation of the display I decided to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum online and ended up ordering one of Rose's books, Young Pioneers, first published in 1933, as well as some postcards (sight unseen) that will be part of the display. 

On Saturday my order arrived.  I was tickled with the postcards -- especially the one of Rose.  I didn't know it would be of her pictured as a child.  But I'm glad it was.  She's pictured wearing a gorgeous crocheted collar and set of cuffs.  My guess is that her mother, Laura, had crocheted them for her. 

On Sunday I decided to read the entire book.  It's a story of a young married couple who head out west in their quest to capture a piece of the American dream; it's written in the same flavor as the Little House on the Prairie series.  Rose beautifully wove in references to knitting and crochet; what a pleasant surprise that was!  Because of this, I think it will make a great addition to the planned display at the Bethel Library next month! 

Another wonderful surprise was with the 2004 movie, Ella Enchanted, starring Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy.  In the past three days my children and I have watched this movie twice.  I'm thinking of watching it again today, by myself!  Not with popcorn in hand, but rather with a sketch pad, pencil, and the remote! (to pause!) in hand.  Why?  Because I'm "enchanted" with all the wonderful costumes the actors and actresses wear that showcase crochet & knit!!  Rent the movie, borrow it from your local library, or purchase a copy for yourself!  Watch for the sister, Haddy: she wears a beautiful orange gown with beautiful crocheted overlay stitches   Watch Ella for the knitted sleeves on her gown; the elves for their crocheted hats ... see, you're enchanted with wanting to watch the movie now too!  LOL

Lastly, I'd like to give a huge shout-out to Guido!  It's his first Pod-iversary and I am honored to have a virtual conversation with him on such an important anniversary!!   Go ahead and give a listen to his latest podcast:  www.itsapurlman.com.  This Friday, after his NYC adventures, we have plans to meet up!  I plan on taking him to the beautiful A Stitch In Time yarn shop in Bethel, and then to The Sycamore for lunch.  Hopefully, even though the weather will be in the 60s, he'll "enchant" me by wearing his red crocheted scarf!  :)

Tags: rose wilder lane, laura ingalls wilder, crochet, knit, ella enchanted, young pioneers, itsapurlman

"Amazing Needle" Vs. Tunisian Crochet

Who knew there would be such a terrific interest in the "Amazing Needle" I wrote about yesterday!  I'm delighted my post inspired so many of you in wanting to learn if its the same as the Tunisian Crochet technique.  Because of interest I thought I'd offer more details about it today...

First, let me state that yes, the techniques are similar.  And no, the end results are definitely not.

Take a look at the image I have here on the right. On the bottom of my sample is the "knitted" results from using the "Amazing Needle" technique.  Look at the stitches; can you see that the stitches have every characteristic of knit?  See how the knitted fabric has interlocking loops, which makes a flatter fabric than traditional crochet stitches?  This is because crochet has one additional part to its stitches making the fabric slightly thicker than knitted fabric.  The next time you make a crochet chain, look at the one loop hanging on your hook.  Then note what happens after you yarn over to remove it to create your stitch: that stitch now has an additional piece to it.  This phenomenon happens all throughout crochet (which allows us to create fabric stitch by stitch rather than by series of loops as in knitting).  The beauty of the "Amazing Needle" is that it allows us crocheters to use the fundamentals of crochet but eliminates that "third wheel piece of yarn" that ultimately creates knitted fabric!

Take another look at my sample; note the vibrant 'cable' I have running across the one section of stitches. That cable does two things: first, it's showing where my tinkerings with the "Amazing Needle" technique ended and the Tunisian Knit & Purl stitches begin.  Second, the cable is one of two cables that are used for crocheting the knitted stitches.  The cables are used to hold stitches so the hook can go back to pick them up on the next row!  What an amazing concept!!

I do want to make mention that the entire sample pictured today was created with the same crochet hook pictured (the one hand created by Christy).  This means that my stitches are very loose for the fiber I used (had I used a thicker fiber, I would have created a thicker, more condensed fabric.).  I think my Tunisian Knit stitches look OK using this hook with that fiber, but, IMHO, I cannot say the same for the Tunisian Purl stitches -- they look too stretched out for my liking.  Still, though, a clear difference can be seen in the results between the "Amazing Needle" and the Tunisian methods.

Is it easy?  I think if you have knowledge of the Tunisian technique AND of the Crochet on the Double technique, then you'll have no problem mastering the "Amazing Needle" technique.  If you'd like to learn more about it, then I highly recommend picking up the book Top Technique & Special Stitch Afghans in Crochet (check with your local library to see if they have it), or visit www.amazingyarn.com and order yourself the hook & some patterns to try. 

I would classify the "Amazing Needle" technique as a hybrid technique: one of which knitted fabric is created with a crochet hook.  I will be listing this technique as #107 on my "Types & Techniques" webpage.
Tags: amazing needle, crochet, knit, crocheting, knitted, knitting, tunisian, crochet on the double

"TODAY I Knit, Tomorrow I Crochet"

We received over 12" of snow yesterday; the children did a great job keeping up with the shoveling! To the left you can see Dee Jr. hard at work. He's wearing his Patriots themed hat I crocheted for him about a month ago or so. (He's a HUGE fan of the Patriots!)

So today while the children resumed their efforts of the snow clean up under Mr. Dee's supervision, I had an opportunity to play with some yarn and a brand new crochet hook, known as an "Amazing Needle," that was hand created by Christy.

Some background: Christy and I had corresponded via emails several times and finally met last summer when we both attended Nancy Nehring's "How to Make Your Own Wooden Crochet Hook" class at the National CGOA Conference. I had been running late that morning and was coffee deprived. Christy had some wonderful super-nova bright crochet works to show us -- I can still close my eyes and see the bright yellow, the orange -- Christy, what brand of fiber were they??  Man, they were bright! LOL  Ah, yes, we had a most fantastic time in that class! And we've kept in touch since then.

Flash forward to earlier this week when she emailed me stating she had created a hook to surprise Mini-Dee with in honor of her video. Christy wrote, "Tell Mini Dee I loved the bracelet video..dang she is fast..watch out Lily and Lisa, Casey may win the worlds fastest crocheter yet!" 

Christy and I got to discussing a variety of things including the "Amazing Needle" I mentioned on March 9th when I found myself transfixed on the Top Technique & Special Stitch Afghans in Crochet book I had on loan.  Christy said she could create an "Amazing Needle" for me and I took her up on her offer. 

TODAY I Knitted!!  Well, not really!  Using that "Amazing Needle" I was able to crochet up knitted fabric in no time at all!!  Why, oh why wasn't I shown this technique YEARS ago???!!  I am totally impressed with this hook, and the technique!!!  What took me 10 minutes to "crochet" up would have taken me at least 4 hours to knit.  Absolutely AMAZING!!

About the title of today's entry:  On Thursday, March 22, there will be a gathering of knitters (crocheters too!!) at the NBC Today show's plaza.  (See INVITE here)  I can't make the event, but would love if you, my readers, could join Guido (www.itsapurlman.com) at 7:00 AM.  If I could clone myself, you know I'd be there -- with my "Amazing Needle" and crocheted pom poms.   In the meantime, today's title was my favorite submission for his 6' by 4' poster.  I can't wait to see which one he selects!  :)     

Tags: crochet, knit, amazing needle, nbc today show

Ponderings Upon the Last Stitch

On the weather channels we're in the shaded area forecasted to receive in excess of 12 inches of snow today.  Looking out the window all that I can see is a mass of whiteness falling from the sky.  Of course this means it's a snowday for the children, and yes, they are quite excited to be home from school.  I see today as prime time to stay inside, sipping on hot chocolate, catching up on emails while watching my children playing happily together. 

Dee Jr. is wearing his new sweater; it's completely done.  Or is it?  I question this because I love fine detail, subtle details.  (perhaps this is why I love those old Victorian homes?)  I often times will find myself picking up projects I've completed and looking them over wondering where I can sneak in a fine detail here or there that will will fit that artistic quest that I have.  As I watch him play, I wonder over and over: Have I finished his sweater?

I took a quick snapshot of him and thought I'd share it so that perhaps you can see what I see:  The sweater striped up seemingly like magic using Caron's Simply Soft "Shadows," but the solid green row of color is Plymouth's "Encore."  It's one of my favorite details I  added to his sweater as it's a solid row of color that runs from one sleeve, across the chest, and down the other sleeve using very tall linked stitches.  I even added some surface crocheting to help it look "set in."  Then, to add even more to the detailing, I changed the direction of the stitches for the top section of the sleeves (can you see the direction change on his left arm?)  That aspect of the project was made much easier thanks to Lily Chin's new book "Couture Crochet Workshop: Mastering Fit, Fashion, and Finesse.

He tells me his new sweater is very soft and warm.  I smile.  He is happy with it.  Mini-Dee tried it on too; and gave it a good petting.  She said nothing, but I saw the question appear in her eyes.  The snow IS falling quite heavy.  There is NO way, especially after Monday's little "trip," that I will head out doors.  I have plenty of hot chocolate on hand, and more "Shadows" in my stash -- I think there's a good chance she'll end up with one of these sweaters too.  (A good excuse to test my pattern, right?)

Still, I hear that little voice in the back of my mind: Can more detailing be added to Dee Jr's sweater?  I'll make another cup of hot chocolate and ponder this some more.

What about you, readers?  Do you ever fight the urge to "do more" on your completed projects, or when you tuck in that last tail do you consider the project complete and then move on to another? 

Spare Ribs, er Yarn, Anyone?

Today was warm; very Spring like.  Monday wasn't.  On Monday I slipped on the ice and did the most ungraceful dismount from my shoes.  What resulted were some very badly bruised ribs, and a very sore back.  Since I'm still recovering from the recent upper repository infection, this made the slightest household task a major event because breathing & moving about is quite painful.

So I've done pretty much nothing since the great fall on Monday.  Except, that is, for sitting extremely still while crocheting.  

I grabbed some of Caron's Simply Soft "Shadows" (in hues of blues & greens) and set to work on designing a sweater for my son.  He has been way overdue for a "just because" project from me, and this was a perfect time to start it.  Tonight all that is left is seaming up one sleeve, adding the cuffs & such, and then the final "detailing" I have envisioned in my mind.

Be it that Dee Jr. is feeling sorry for the physical pain I'm in, or that he's interested in the payout, he agreed last night to model the sweater at the CGOA National Conference come this summer.  This of course is HUGE news at the Dee household.  Those that know Dee Jr. know he doesn't like being the center of attention.  So for him to agree to be a model for me, well that's just priceless!

And lets not forget Mini-Dee.  She wants to be a model at the Conference again.  "What about me, Momma?" she asked.  "What about you," I answered. 

"What will you design for me to model at the Conference?"

I smiled at her.  "You're 10 now, and an accomplished crocheter.  Why not design something yourself to model?"

She gave me a big grin and ran for her crochet books.  She picked an item and showed it to me.  I agreed it was a good choice.  "But where will I get the yarn from, Momma?" she slyly inquired as she looked towards my stash ...

Of course I'm in no shape to defend my stash.  And she knows that.  Thank goodness Herrshners just sent me an email stating reinforcements are on their way!

Hello from Herrschners!
This email is being sent to let you know we shipped the following item(s) from your order:
 - (15) SIMPLY SOFT SHADOWS/3 OZ MARDI GREY (011110-0007)
 - (12) *BERROCO CHINCHILLA BULKY VANILLA (010135-7501)
 - (12) *BERROCO CHINCHILLA BULKY SHOCK (010135-7518)
 - (6) *SKACEL BABILONIA PRPL/BL/LM (010127-0005) 
 

Questions From Readers: Waffles & Hooks

Hi,

I want this crochet hook. Where can I find it?

Thanks so much,
Daphne

Hi Dee,
What can you tell me about the Waffle Weave? Is it easy to do?
Thanx, Lynn

Dear Daphne and Lynn,
Thank you both for writing in. I decided to combine your questions since Daphne's question centered around a particular crochet hook I featured with a Waffle Weave project, and since Lynn's question was about the Waffle Weave (see image above).

Daphne, that hook was one of the very first Graydog crochet hooks I ever collected!  (I own many now!)  It has held up through miles & miles worth of various fibers beautifully!  The Graydog hook is a hand-turned crochet hook created by a husband and wife team, Bill and Jill, from California.  They no longer take custom orders, but you can bid on their hooks (and hopefully win) over at ebay.  Which reminds me ... I have an auction to bid on.  I'll be right back.  :)

...  drat, I was outbid.  Maybe next time.  That's the beauty (or pain?) of ebay; you have to keep trying until you win one of those Graydogs!  Of course there are websites you can visit to directly purchase hand-turned crochet hooks, like Brainsbarn.com and Sonshapes.com -- two other hook creators that I adore very much!  Try them all and you'll see you'll love hand-turned crochet hooks as much as I do!! 


Lynn, pictured to the left is another image of a project I worked up using the Waffle Weave technique that is offered in a booklet by Nancy Nehring.   AnniesAttic still has one of her booklets available for sale at $6.95 (plus S&H)

Back on August 24, 2006, I discussed the differences between the Waffle Weave stitch and the Waffle Weave technique.  All photos featured today are of the technique.  Pretty, huh?

Your question, "Is it easy to do?" is not an easy one to answer!  For me, based upon my crochet knowledge & skill, I say yes.  Both the stitch and the technique are easy to create.  Not knowing your crochet knowledge & skill level, I'd have to say, mmmmaybe.  The only way we increase our skill level is by pushing ourselves to learn something new, so I recommend that you learn both.  Visit that entry I wrote back in August for more information.  If you get stuck, feel free to contact me, or if you're in the area, join me for a crochet class.  I'm in two locations in Connecticut:  A Stitch in Time in Bethel, and at Knitting Central in Westport.  I'd be happy to show you how to create both!  :D Tags: crochet teacher, crochet instructor, crochet es, connecticut, bethel, westport, a stitch in time, knitting central, waffle weave stitch, waffle weave technique, graydog, brainsbarn, sonshapes, crochet, crochet hook

Cheering for the Art of Crochet ... and Knit Too

Don't let anyone undervalue your time you spend crocheting or knitting.  We are a combination of artists and magicians -- working our magic to turn a simple piece of string into a thing of beauty (to the eye of the beholder)!

Case in point, check out USA Today's Lifestyle section:  Knitted decor is a crafty look.

Don't over look your carpeting -- that too can be a work of crochet (or knitted) art -- check out what Patricia Urquila and Eliana Gerotto are artistically crocheting with rope!  They even utilize embroidery techniques!
Tags: national crochet month, crochet art, knit art, embroidery

Did Ewe Know: When Sheep Ruled the World

Did Ewe Know?

In the late 16th Century wool was the leading export for England. This meant landlords would rather toss their tenants out on the street in order to raise sheep as it was far more profitable than collecting rent.  In fact, Parliament wanted to protect their leading wool export so badly that it passed the "Wool Act" -- a law that forbid wool exports from the new American colonies and limited production in Ireland!

Homelessness, when combined with Henry VIII stripping the Catholic church of it's holdings, aided to the rise of severe poverty in England.  Since the Church was unable to assist the many destitute as it had in the past, and because housing was in short supply due to sheep being valued more than human life, this forced the government to codify the first "Poor Law of 1601" -- the beginning of governments coming to the aid of their people in despair.

* Facts from Life Millennium; 100 of the Most Important Events & People of the Past 1000 Years. Published in 1998

If you are viewing this entry through a feed, please note that the background is black and the text is white.  Visit Dee's Blog to properly view the entry. 

Tags: did ewe know, wool act, poor law, crochet, crochet history

Books Should Come With Warnings

When you have a book on loan, it should come with a warning that
   A. You'll want to purchase a copy for yourself
   B. You'll want to purchase fibers featured in the book
   C. You'll want to purchase tools featured in the book as well.

I have the book, Top Technique & Special Stitch Afghans in Crochet, published in 2004, on loan from my friend Grace.  "Dee," she IM'd me days prior, "this book is fantastic!  You'll want to order one from AnniesAttic immediately!"  OK, so I was warned that I'd want to order a copy for myself, but I was sick at the time and didn't take heed.  How often is it, I thought, that I'd want to rush out and purchase everything featured in a book?  On Sunday, Grace put her copy of the book in my hands and advised me to check it out. 

I love the book!  It has a section on "The Amazing Needle," a technique of crocheting similar to Tunisian but you leave a cable behind.  In the next row you use another cable while picking up loops that the old cable is holding.  The results?  A knit-like fabric!  Since I have a thing for "Hybrid" techniques I'll be visiting www.amazingyarns.com later today to order the special crochet hook. 

I was responding to an email this morning that inquired how to make Broomstick Lace easier to create.  This book mentions a gadget tool that claims to do just that!  So after sending off the email I went to AnniesAttic  and ordered the special Broomstick Lace base that the books states, "it's a tool "consisting of a flat base which rests in your lap to hold the pin as you work."

Naturally, I went to www.amazon.com and ordered the book.  Yes, books on loan should come with a warning; a HUGE warning!  And I haven't even gotten past page 10 yet!  {{grins}}
Tags: top technique & special stitch afghans, anniesattic, amazon, crochet, knit, hybrid, amazing needle

A Crochet Lesson by Mini-Dee

Hi, it's Mini-Dee again. My Mom really liked a bracelet I crocheted for her on Sunday and she asked if I wouldn't mind sharing the instructions on her blog.  I used whatever yarn I found in my stash along with a size 5.50mm crochet hook.  I hope you like the video: 

Tags: kids, crochet, bracelet, shell, free pattern, caseyscrochet.com

NYC KOC2 Nixed for 2007

The KOC2 (Knit Out & Crochet Too) event held recently at the Mall of America was very successful. (See Margaret Hubert's blog for details)  In fact, it was too successful!  I know, I know, how can an event be too successful??

It's when an event is so wonderful that plans are made to repeat it -- but when the powers-that-be over at the Craft Yarn Council looked at their resources they realized that in order to create another KOC2 at the Mall of America, the KOC2 scheduled for NYC would need to be canceled.  So that's what they did.  Yep, that's right. The announcement was made yesterday: there will be no KOC2 in NYC this year.  The plan is to return the event in NYC come 2008.

So does this mean no KOC2 for Dee this year?? Hardly!  I have two to choose from --but I need help in deciding which way should I point my covered wagon and head!  Should I go East to the Boston KOC2 or West to the Pennsylvania KOC2?  I'm guessing that Guido (of http://itsapurlman.com), new to the world of happy hooking, would say "Dee, head East!!" -- and then I have fans, like Vivian, who come from PA every year to see me at the KOC2, would be saying, "Dee, head West!" -- decisions, decisions.  I guess I could be bribed with pretty yarn.  LOL

Really though, I haven't decided yet; I'm still trying to digest the news that there will be no KOC2 in NYC this year.   And, also, this issue hasn't been brought forth to my CGOA Chapter to see what they want to do.  (I think they could be bribed with yarn too, I'm just saying... lol) 

It's just sad that the KOC2 in NYC has been nixed for this year. Tags: KOC2, NYC, knit out & Crochet too, Mall of America, 2007, 2008, boston, pennsylvania

Crochet Demonstration A Success!!

Our Crochet Demonstration yesterday, held at the Bethel Library, was a success!  We had many types of crochet on display and had fun teaching crochet to newbies, and helping those who came to get assistance with projects. 

I enjoyed teaching a mother-daughter duo how to crochet left handed, and helped a knitter realize that it's OK to "throw" her yarn over her hook, much as she would if she were knitting. She was "full speed ahead" after that, later declaring a new found love for crochet! (I love those moments!!)

I also was "gifted" with various bracelets and necklaces my children worked up during the event while Mr. Dee took pictures.  The bracelet & necklace set my daughter worked up was quite pretty.  I asked her if I could video her recreating it and post it to my blog sometime in the future -- she said she'd be game!!  Awesome!  {{VBG}}  

The Bethel library has a great selection of various crochet books -- Donna Kooler's enclopedia of crochet, Pauline Turner's How to Crochet, Maggie Reghetti's Crocheting in Plain English, and more!  -- check out your local library branch and see what they have!  You just may be pleasantly surprised! 

 Yes indeed, yesterday's event was quite a lot of fun!!    :) 
Tags: national crochet month, bethel

March Is National Crochet Month

I had hoped to create some sort of exciting entry on March 1st announcing the arrival of National Crochet month, but I've been quite ill, since last weekend, not with the flu (as originally thought) but rather with a very nasty upper repository infection.  I only picked up my crochet hook on Thursday; the rest of the time I've been asleep (or waiting hours in the rain to be towed). 

I am starting to feel better and so I'm going to venture out today and participate in my CGOA Chapter's Crochet Demonstration we have planned at the Bethel Library.  Of course the "Dee Clan" will be there to ensure I don't over do it and cause myself another week of bedrest.  I'm thinking that since I had such a miserable week (including not even having the energy to play with my birthday loot from WEBs!) I'll take advantage of some of the "Celebration Sales" I see sitting in my inbox for some, ah hem, party favors:

      * Herrshners says they're having super sale on super yarn until 3/7
      * Seaport Yarn says I can take 10% off my $25 order if I use code EM0307 at checkout if I order before 3/15
      * Kaledoscope Yarn has some pretty Cherry Tree Hill merino boucle on sale (25% off)
     * Joanns.com is offering free shipping if I use code MARFSE735 withany order placed by 3/7 and is over $35

I do have some photos to share ... I'll try to add them after this entry is posted as AOL has been having some issues.  Stay tuned ... but while you're waiting think of some ways you can share your love of crochet with someone this month!  For ideas, visit the Craft Yarn Council of America's "Each One Teach Two" site ... www.eachoneteachtwo.com
Tags: each one teach two, crochet, national crochet month