Catching Up

Usually I have a little free time on the weekend to catch up with my online email accounts, entertaining thoughts for future blog/journal entries for the week, and the like.  But since I'm knee deep in laundry, unpacking luggage, and pre-turkey day shopping lists, this just hasn't happened.  I am very far behind!  (Yikes!)

So while I attempt to catch up with the (seemingly) thousands of emails that have arrived since Friday, and sneak in crochet stitches on another scarf for the 60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge, I wanted to say that I'll be away from my journal for a few days ... but I'm not leaving you, my readers, empty handed!!  I will provide you with "food, er crochet, for thought" while I'm away!

First, go back to the entry from Friday and read Melanie's response to the email I sent her after reading an article she wrote; I think you'll be pleased.  Then check out the following news stories that contain crochet:
     * PRETTY CRAFTY!  Knitting, crochet, embroidery can produce great gift ideas
     * Ditch the cookie cutter, go for the unique
     * The Art of ... (this is really a press release for buying learn to knit & crochet dvds -- but look at the statistics they're touting! Awesome!)

Crochet on Parade?

We celebrated my son's birthday by attending the parade in Stamford, Connecticut.  I don't know who was more excited: me, or my children!  ((I've always wanted to attend a parade that had those huge inflated balloons I see every Thanksgiving on television!  For me, it was like a wish come true!))

First, my family and I drove down to the city yesterday and popped in at the Knit Together yarn shop where I teach.  While there my husband met the owners and some of the staff -- and later said he can see why I enjoy teaching there.  I picked up two different fibers ("Fizz" by Crystal Palace Yarns  which is 100% polyester,  and "Color Me" -- a handpainted yarn called "Misty" that's 55% Mohair and 45% Merino Wool) and used the stores' swift and ball winder to blend them into one.  My goal was to crochet up a new hat for my daughter -- in time for her to wear while watching the parade!  The question is, could I do it in time??  (I know I seem like I'd be a fast crocheter, but really I'm not; my 55-65 stitches in 3 minutes is nothing compared to Lisa and Lily!)

You see, my daughter can't stand piling all her hair under her hat, and as she continues to grow it out to later donate to Locks of Love, the problem will only grow!  It "makes the hat wobbly" and it "messes up" her hair.  (quotes from my daughter)  So, I challenged myself to crochet her a new hat that took these concerns of hers into consideration and resolve them.  After all, what good is a hat if a child refuses to wear it, right?

We checked into our hotel and then headed out to watch the balloons inflate (see Elmo image above).  There were many people there just like us enjoying the sights.  But was I really watching the balloons inflate, or was I on crochet patrol?  Did I have crochet sightings?  You betcha!  ((giggles))

Afterwards we headed to the Stamford Mall so my son could spend his birthday money, (Hmmm, lots of crochet sightings there!)  and then back to the hotel to let him rest up a bit (he's been fighting a cold).  So as we settled in for the night, I grabbed the yarn & hook and set to work.  Within a few hours the new hat was done and she was tickled!  We're calling it "The Pony Cap."  I even have enough fiber left over to play around with creating a scarf to match!  (Yes, her face in the image is intentionally blurry)

We woke early this morning, checked out of the hotel and dashed down to grab prime "real estate" along the parade route -- and what a great time we had!! (complete with more crochet sightings with those watching with us, and those participating in the parade itself! -- oh! I am so bad!!  LOL) 

"Dismay over Crochet" turns into Invitation to Join the Crochet Revolution

Dear Ms. Spencer,
I read your article "Know thy closet, know thyself" with interest, especially once I hit upon the topic of crochet where you expressed your fear of it after seeing it displayed in two interior design publications. 

Crochet items as decor in the home does not need to be frightfully tacky as you described it.  Have you checked out the beautiful crocheted leather pillows in Erika Knight's book, Simple Crochet?  What about the Tunisian pillow featured in Pauline Turner's book, How to Crochet?  Long time authors Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss teamed up and just released a new book with a wonderful array of afghans (for everyone's tastes) in Heirloom Afghans to Knit & Crochet.  Also, have you ever seen  "Freeform Crochet?"  (If not, then you're in for a treat!) 

Crochet is not just about tissue covers; it's about tradition, heritage and freedom of expression.  It's about following rules then learning how to effectively change them to lead to new discoveries, not just in technique but in pleasure too!   It's about embracing an art form that touches our past while with today's new fibers becomes refreshingly modern!  

Crochet is about sharing, and caring a stitch at a time with loved ones too -- you see, decor is not just about decor, it's about living!    Ask someone why they have crochet on display in their home and you're bound to learn something about that individual!  (One can't help but wonder about the story behind your sweet little white hand towels with the crocheted edging.)  After all, decor says something about thyself, and what better way than expressing it than through crochet?

There is nothing scary about it, unless you lose your stitch count, but even that can be overcome with practice.  The key in resolving your fear of displaying crochet is in understanding it's history, knowing about the many different types & techniques, and about understanding why some 35-plus million people enjoy creating this art form stitch by stitch much as a painter enjoys creating images brush stroke by brush stroke. 

If we pull together, I'm sure we can help break the stereotype unjustly placed upon this fiber art form, and continue on with this growing Yarn Evolution!  I invite you to embrace the "Revolution;" crochet is here to stay!  
 
If you have any questions about it, please feel free to contact me.  I'd be happy to answer any questions about it.

Sincerely,
~Dee

The above is the email I sent to the author, Melanie Spencer, today after reading her article titled "Know thy closet, know thyself."

11/21/05 UPDATE:  A Response from Melanie:

Hello Dee.
Thanks for your response to my column. I knew I'd hear from someone on the crochet issue. You are quite the spokeswoman for the artform. I absolutely agree that it can be done tastefully and this is why I do have a few crochet items in my home. As I said in the piece, I just hate cozy covers for items and loath to see them come back in fashion. So, know that I am on your side when it comes to crochet in every form except the cozy!

Thanks again for writing!

Melanie

Melanie Spencer
Home Design/Style Reporter
Austin American-Statesman

I think it's wonderful Melanie took the time to write me back -- and proclaim she's a crochet fan, minus crochet cozies!  Thanks Melanie!  :)

I Need a Squad

About two weeks ago, Sheila, a long-time CWD blog/journal reader, called me a "Crochet Cheerleader" and even sent me the cheerleader graphic you see here today.  Designer Carolyn Christmas called me a "Crochet Cheerleader" when she emailed Martha Stewart about having me on her show to teach crochet.  (BTW Martha, my answering machine is not the most reliable.  If you called, I didn't get your message.  Please email me instead.)  Even Gwen Blakley Kinsler, founder of the Crochet Guild of America, has referenced to me as a Crochet Cheerleader.  So, is it possible?  Am I a Cheerleader?

I think, even though I have no experience in being an actual cheerleader with uniform & pom poms, that I am beginning to warm up to the idea.  But this does mean that I cannot cheer alone!  I need a Squad of Crochet Cheerleaders!   Are you a Cheerleader of Crochet too?  If so read on! 

I decided today to start my own, no, no, that does not sound right.  Lets cross out the word "my" and insert "our."  Yes, that sounds better.  Lets start this again, shall we?

I decided today to start our own ring group that consists of members who are also Cheerleaders for the Art of Crochet.  I'm looking for those who would like to Crochet With ME by positively promoting crochet regardless of crochet skill level.  Interested?  Good!  :)

Join | List

All you need to do to join the join the webring to add your blog or website to the Squad.  Picking up several skeins of yarn and waving them in the air shouting "Rah! Rah! Rah! Crochet is Great!" is entirely up to you. 

"Rah! Rah! Rah!  Crochet is Great!"

Did You Know: "Capital One" has Nothing on Crochet

Did Ewe Know?
During the time of King Louis XIV (1638-1715) of France the appreciation for lace was so intense that it was often treasured more than any currency and was preferred as the method of payment.

The passion -- the desire to own as much lace as possible was a display of one's wealth.  The more on display, the richer the individual/family.  Wealthy lords and ladies of the time were crazed to have it and would go through extremes to get it ... including padding it on the backs of skinny dogs then covering the lace with the hides of larger dogs to smuggle it into France. 

The first lace making machine was invented by Mr. Hammond, an Englishman in 1768, perfected in 1798.  When Nepoleon's power began to fade, the first lace making machine was smuggled into France.  Furthermore, during World War I the value of the lace industry was still high and the invading enemy would trade amnesty for the workers. 

Today, a knitting machine can be purchased for about $1000, yet a machine that can do only the basics of crochet starts at $11,000.  This means that crochet, be it lace, or other crochet technique, is still primarily done by hand. 

Source: "Handmade Lace & Patterns" by Annette Feldman

Tags: did ewe know, lace, wealth, crochet history, crochet machine, knitting machine

Sleeping Beauty Awakens

I spent most of yesterday sleeping. 
I didn't plan it that way, it just happened.  I closed my eyes to "rest" for a moment  and the next thing I know it's nearly 6 PM! -- And sadly, this meant that I missed the monthly crochet meeting.  Happily, the preemie sets were delivered to our local hospital and they were delighted with our donation!  That's always a great feeling knowing that your work is going for a good cause! 

I do feel refreshed today; like my batteries have been recharged.  This is good thing, especially with the major holidays right around the corner. (Do you really need to ask what I dream about? heh heh heh) Let's not get into what I have on the hook for the holidays yet -- I haven't quite figured that one out myself!  :)

I did spend some time earlier today sewing on some decorative beads and a button to my freeform work that I wrote about on Saturday before mailing it off.  The rest of day I spent sewing in the ends on the scarves I crocheted for the "60 Scarves in 60 Days" Challenge.   I plan on starting another scarf for the challenge later tonight.

Now, let me ask ... what happens when Sixty-One Fiber Artists from around the world, and 61 skeins of yarn all come together?  Why, A Fiber Odyssey, but of course! Take the time to visit and learn about each artist that participated ... the work is absolutely AMAZING!!!

Pain Leads to Crochet Influence Finds

Did you miss me?  I sure missed visiting yesterday -- I was forced to, no, really I was.  I stretched/twisted the wrong way and got a sharp muscle cramp from my back/lung area up to my shoulder.  (I've learned that it can be brutal digging through one's vast yarn stash!)  It still smarts quite a bit but the pain is not as bad; I'm functioning more than I was yesterday! 

I did manage to do a little online pre-holiday shopping, and while doing so I came across some interesting items that are "Freeform crochet" influenced.  Check these out:
1. Mary Francis Hand Bags (check out the one called "Wild Child" ... that's my favorite).  She has another one here.  (11/12 Update: since posting this entry the "Wild Child" bag has sold out & was removed from the Mary Francis Hand Bags page -- still though, the bags that remain are just beautiful to look at!)

2. Wool Floral Bootie (it reminds me of the freeform booties/slippers I saw at the 2003 and 2004 CGOA National Conventions).

The freeform piece here on the right is hot off my hook -- it's a gift for Mel who requested I crochet her a scrumble to add to her collection.    She has been collecting scrumbles from friends across the USA and around the world for an "International Freeform Crochet Friendship Wallhanging" and says she has some 75-100 scrumbles collected so far. 

I decided to set aside the scarf challenge for a few hours and do Mel's scrumble as she's looking to start assembling the wallhanging soon.   For this project I bought some "fringe ends" the other day, and looked through my stash to come up with colors she requested I use: eggplant with blacks, silvers, mauves, lilacs, and opals.  In the middle of the flower is a tiny mirror (about the size of a dime); I added it to the work so "we'll always be able to reflect upon how beautiful crochet really is."  I hope she likes the scrumble.  :)

Freeform sites to visit (suggested by the lovely Prudence Mapstone of www.knotjustknitting.com):

    * http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/midelburg/web/sculpturalworks2.html
    * http://myblog.de/nadelundfaden/art/2239345 (German Blog featuring a beautiful ff sweater)
    * http://www.creadoo.com/Content33457 (Another German Blog w/a little "how to" imagery)
    * http://www.abc.net.au/tasmania/stories/s1212449.htm (not freeform, but if you love food it's well worth checking out -- sure gives new meaning to the term "fiber diet!")