I love to work with color combinations. I think it makes crochet all the more interesting, homespun and personal. At times I find myself stumped at what might compliment a beautiful shade of yarn that I’m just dying to add to my collection. I don’t want to mar its stunning hue with a color that might distract from my finished project. It’s hard to judge what a finished project might look like while holding an armful of skeins. So, I have found a solution to this color quandary in the pages of a book from 1900. Here are some suggestions that are just as useful today as they were over 100 years ago! read more »

If you’re like me, you’re passionate about shopping for all things crochet! Although I’ve never seen a bumper sticker, “I brake for yarn stores!” I think I could easily apply that one to my car. I love shopping at fiber arts shops and just absorbing the whole creative atmosphere. I especially love the privately owned storefront shops. Their owners are always quite passionate about the topics I am and are especially helpful with any questions I might have. It’s like finding a long lost friend! Walking in a creative oasis provides a sensory overload of patterns and skeins of glorious yarn!

I have a favorite store in Petaluma, CA called The Knittery that I always look forward to visiting during my winter vacation. Housed in a turn of the century building and tastefully decorated it is an inspiration and a breath of fresh air!

Do you have a favorite yarn shopping destination?

Last week we discussed how to start your own crochet guild. Now that you’ve got the basics underway let’s delve a little deeper into fun events and classes you can host!

Guild Sales:
Many guilds host yearly sales where each member has their own table to sell their handmade products. This might be during a local community event or it might be your own special day. Remember to offer literature about your group during your sale to gain new members! Also, have a mailing list where your customers can sign up for an email or print newsletter to stay up-to-date. read more »

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, collecting vintage crochet patterns, I also love to find the finished heirlooms. It simply amazes me at how cheap you can purchase a hand-crocheted doily, let alone an ornate tablecloth at flea markets and antique stores! People who do not crochet have no idea the value of these tirelessly crafted pieces of our history! However, I suppose that saves my budget as I snatch up these beauties during my flea market hops.

I’ve often wanted to make patterns from my finds! One of my favorites is a set of potholders crocheted to look like doll dresses. Remember those darling things from the 40s-50s? I have them hanging in my craft room for inspiration.

Do you collect crocheted antiques? Have you ever created your own pattern from them?

Years ago crafting as a group was a way of life. Women gathered from rural areas to share gossip, laughter and tears while creating something useful together. They made gifts for family, quilts to raffle, and in wartimes needed items for servicemen. It encouraged creativity and gave these ladies an excuse to slow down and do something with their hands other than cleaning or preparing the next meal. These quilting bees or sewing circles were the highlight of the week as old friends gathered and new friends were made. It’s a great thing to reinstate if you don’t have a fiber arts guild in your area. Here are a few pointers on how to get one started! read more »

During the holidays I love to give handmade gifts. I think it adds a sentiment that our society as a whole has devalued in the past. Something from the store new and shiny definitely has appeal. Whatever that item might be, it will grow old in time and it will need to be replaced. However, the afghan from Grandma is priceless and is still in use years later! Something handmade is like a hug from a loved one. You can put your heart and soul into this gift. Hand crocheted presents can boast something that no other store bought gift can and that is love… straight from the heart! read more »

I remember as a young child watching my grandmother crochet. I was simply in awe how she could turn a ball of yarn into a toy, scarf or other creation in no time flat! I remember receiving crocheted gifts from her and my mother. Even as a young child I knew this was one skill I had to learn; a tradition to continue in my family.

In my teens, I joined 4-H and my mother became the crochet teacher of our small group. My first project was a washcloth. At first I couldn’t figure out how Mom made it look so easy. My washcloth was a sorry representation compared to her’s! Yet, because of her patient encouragement I finally was able to create something I could be proud of. It took me several years to put it to use. I grew so attached to my first project dirty dishwater seemed to be an injustice!

What was your first crochet project?

I take several road trips a year and when I say road trips I mean cross-country, 4 days in a car with husband and toddler road trips. It can be an adventure to put it mildly, but we all have a good time.

Every since I was quite young I have always taken embroidery projects with me in the car to pass the long hours on the road. However, after getting married and taking the front seat I had to change. After all, needles for embroidery getting lost in car seats and coming at my beloved driver was not a good mix. Rather distracting to the driver, not to mention occasionally painful! So, much to my husband’s relief, I decided crochet was the solution to my road trip craft cravings. I learned something else new, skeins of yarn can double as a neck pillows!

How about you? Do you crochet while on road trips?

Do you crave yarn like you crave food? When you walk into an aisle of yarn, hooks and patterns are you tempted beyond your means? If this is the case, it might be time for your talents to start making you money, so you can support your love. There are several options available to those who want to start their own home business around crochet. I have outlined some below, but it only takes a few creative moments to come up with other ideas to make a little extra crochet “mad money” on the side. read more »

I have a secret love for vintage patterns. I can spot them aisles away in flea markets and antique stores. Their creased covers and penciled in notations from years ago give them such a sweet, homey appeal. I not only love the patterns, some of which are elegant and others rather funky, but also the fun illustrations throughout.

I can spend hours flipping through their dogeared pages laughing at the crocheted bikinis and cooing over the sweet baby layettes. It just goes to prove that crochet has kept the hands of women busy for many years turning a skein of yarn into innovative pieces of functional art, and at times funny finished projects.

Do you collect vintage patterns? If so, what is the most absurd or elegant pattern you’ve found?