Category Archives: crochet

Slow progress is still progress.

With the swatches for my dad’s sweater blocked and measured, I was finally able to get to the math of the pattern! I sketched out what I wanted it to look like, and got to work on measurements. Casting on after so long was a relief. I feel like I’m actually working towards keeping that promise now! And with an impending trip to see my dad, I’ve got the motivation of a deadline to spur me on. I haven’t done much yet. Just past the sleeve cuffs and into the rhythm of cables and increases. But it’s progress – and now that I’m past the 1×1 ribbing (beautiful, but not as fast as I’d like!), the sleeves are whizzing right along. I’m working both at once, since the ...

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The Ultimate Billow Blanket

When our latest yarn Billow first arrived to the office, I was in the same boat as all of my crafty coworkers: completely head-over-heals, need to have it in my life, in love with this yarn. Unfortunately, this caused me great anxiety as I am very much a one-at-a-time project kind of gal – but Billow was just so tempting! Considering I was going to break my “one project” rule for Billow (I have an in progress cowl on the needles), I methodically rummaged through my books and patterns looking for the perfect project. my ultimate billow blanket, nestled nicely on top of my couch

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The Cowl That Took a Year to Make

It took me a year, but I finally did it. I learned how to crochet. It’s been twelve months now that I’ve weekly been immersed in yarn, needles, patterns and talk of gauge size working here at Knit Picks. As an art director and a staunch fan of the Industrial Revolution, though, I never saw the need to create my own garments and accessories. Whatever would the machines do with their time if I did?

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Crochet Folded Potholders

'Tis the season for hearty soups and fresh-from-the-oven cookies which means that my potholders have been doing double time the past few weeks. My favorite hot pads are a handmade set in a bright green and cream cotton yarn, double thick, square and the perfect size for grabbing as well as acting as trivets. Unfortunately, they've been looking a little battered and scarred with burns and melted chocolate that just won't wash out anymore. It was time for a new set! I grabbed a ball of Dishie Multi in Fig and a size G hook and started perusing Ravelry for a pattern.

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Podcast Episode 207: Interview with Edie Eckman

Love to crochet small motifs, but never sure what to do with all of your small crocheted creations? Get a dose of fresh, creative inspiration on this week's episode with Edie Eckman! A designer and author for both knit and crochet, Edie chats with Jenny about her new book Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs, which brings you a whole new collection of interesting crochet shapes and a myriad of ways to connect them. Learn how Edie got her start crafting and how she translated her passion for knitting and crochet into a range of patterns and books. You'll also hear all about Edie's design process for creating new motifs and her inspiration for the patterns in her new book, in addition to tips and tricks for beginning crocheters.          3 easy ways to listen...

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Reverie In Bloom

As the jury duty continues, I've been getting more practice in with my crochet hooks! I wanted a simple project that I could pretty easily pick up and put down between sessions, and I also wanted a chance to try working with Reverie ever since I saw Jenny's delightful Francis Revisted sweater. I found Brittney Waterhouse's In Bloom Beret and Cap pattern and thought it looked like the perfect project for Reverie.

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Amineko Kitty

I have Jury Duty... for the next 30 DAYS! Once the shock wore off, I started to plan some projects to work on during the down time. I had already been thinking about trying to tackle a crochet toy and the note that I could only bring crochet hooks, not knitting needles past the courthouse security sealed the deal. I hunted through my Ravelry queue for something challenging enough to be interesting but easy enough to learn and remember where I was each time I was called up. I settled on Nekoyama's Amineko Crocheted Cat, he was just the right size and had such a sweet little face!

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The Coziest Granny Square Blanket

I'm free! The holidays have passed and I have wrapped and mailed the very last of the knit things since I last posted. But now that's all done with (until my mid-July panic about making presents begins again) and now I can move on to projects that I've squirrelled away for quieter times. I have a box of the special buy Chroma Worsted stashed since this year's Cyber Monday sale (oh all those lovely blues!) which I've finally been able to start dipping into.

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Comforting Crochet for the Holidays

This year, I haven't been as excited about the holidays as I have in the past - I'm usually the one making all the cookies and sending all the cards but I haven't been as motivated this time around.  Part of it has been the fact I seem to be busier with other projects than I have been in previous years and part of it has been the sad stories on the news recently (I don't think I need to remind you of those). But mainly I think it's because this will be the first Christmas without my grandmother, who passed away last summer.  I was very close to my grandma and she was the first person who tried to teach me knitting and crochet when I was very young (even if it didn't catch on until much later) and over the last few years, it was wonderful to have this connection with her. We would tell each other all about the projects we were working on when I came to visit and I would always try to bring her some yarn from my stash for her to try out, since most of her yarn came from big craft shops.  Every year, she would crochet a new afghan for her children and grandchildren and they are dear treasures to all of us. This year, as my way of keeping the tradition going, I decided to crochet an afghan for my mom.

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