National Crochet Month Blog Tour 2016!

Happy St. Patrick's Day and welcome to my blog as we continue to celebrate National Crochet Month once again!  I want to thank Amy Sheldon and Donna Hulka of Crochetville.com for all their hard work and devotion to all things crochet.  Today I will be celebrating by giving away a couple of my published books to two folks and by sharing a fun song about our love/hate relationship with the proverbial "gauge"!

The first book I will be giving away at random is Contemporary Celtic Crochet. Here is a video that shows some of the designs featured in this book, along with some Irish flavored music...

The second book is a smaller leaflet called Bags and Backpacks, a Leisure Arts publication. Here are some of the designs in this conveniently sized leaflet...

 

 To enter the drawing for either of the books above, all you need to do is send me an e-mail to bonniebay@me.com and say "ENTER ME!"  I will post the winners early tomorrow morning on my Bonnie Bay Crochet Facebook page, as well as contact the winners directly.  You will also be automatically added to my newsletter which I hope to have ready by early April.  I promise to NEVER, EVER use your e-mails for anything else.  Period.  

And as promised, here's a fun fiber song...Blessings to you!

Congratulations to the winners of yesterday's drawing:

Wayne R. Zeides - Contemporary Celtic Crochet

Annette Burke, - Bags & Backpacks

All who participated were sent a 50% off coupon for the patterns in my Ravelry Store. 

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg

Stackpole Books, $21.95

 

I want to sincerely congratulate my fellow crochet designer Brenda Bourg on her excellent new book, Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet!  I love the beautiful photography of her new designs on many levels.  First of all, the photos were shot in Clear Creek History Park in Golden, Colorado. Secondly, the lovely model looks very normal (i.e. not a size “2” or malnourished!). I like “normal,” realistic models because they best represent who we are, and what the crocheted garment might look like on us! Thirdly, the close up photos give us all the details we need to know to check our work as we crochet these designs.

 Adanna Boot Cuffs, pg. 26

Reena Headband, pg. 42

The designs in this book are oh so very lovely and practical.  They include boot cuffs, headbands, cowls, mitts, sweaters and afghans!  Most of these are beginner level projects and can be worked up in a weekend or less. The sweaters are definitely a bit more advanced, but not at all intimidating with the clear instructions.  And if you have never used this technique before, don’t worry - there is a stitch guide at the beginning of the book with very clear step-by-step photos to help you.

Jelena Cowl, pg. 62

Ivana Mitts, p. 66

Since Tunisian crochet is a lot more like knitting, Brenda included detailed instructions on how to block your work. This type of fabric does tend to curl a lot, so blocking is very much a necessity. You will want to pay attention to the method for the type of fiber you are using so as not to hurt or damage your work. Here is my “Emily Headband” while it was being blocked…

 

This was my first attempt at Tunisian crochet, and I was happy with my success! I did learn a few things in the process, and I will pass this along to you now. I started with a 14” metal Tunisian crochet hook, mostly because I had inherited it from a friend and it was available. 

14" Tunisian metal crochet hook...

I did complete my first piece using this, but I can’t recommend it to you.  I found it heavy and difficult to use. My stitches could easily fall off the end, and balancing all the yarn and weight of the hook even hurt my hand and felt very different from my smaller, shorter hooks. This caused me to follow Brenda’s advice and purchase smaller hooks with cables attached to them (see photo below).

Tunisian crochet hook with attached cable (hook made of bamboo)...

These shorter hooks with a cable attached are so much lighter and easier to use! If you are considering Tunisian crochet, it is worth investing in these, and there are many options for purchasing them on-line.

Emma Afghan, pg. 90 

Annabel Bag, pg. 38 

You can purchase Brenda’s book from Amazon here.  You can also check out her website at http://brendabourg.blogspot.com.  You can also check out her Ravelry page here.  

Today, March 10, 2016, I will be giving away a copy of Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet! To enter, simply send me an e-mail to bonniebay@me.com and say "ENTER ME!" I will announce the winner on my Bonnie Bay Crochet Facebook page tomorrow. I will contact you directly if you are the winner. Also, all entries will be automatically signed up for my newsletter that will be starting next month. (If you don't want to receive this free publication, just let me know in your entry e-mail.)

National Crochet Month Blog Tour 2016!

ALL ABOARD!!

It is that wonderful time of year again when the sun starts shining, the weather begins to leave the frozen temps, and it is officially National Crochet Month! This year Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of Crochetville are heading up the Crochetville Express and the first train leaves the station today. There are many offerings: meeting designers, learning about yarn companies, and many give-aways along the way. You'll want to get a ticket to ride on this express!

You can find the list of designers and their tour dates here.  Click here for the list of yarn companies participating. You can always learn more about Crochetville here.

I will be giving away a copy of Contemporary Celtic Crochet and a copy of Bags and Backpacks on March 17, so you'll want to stop by and check out the details.

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Book Review: Crafter's Market 2016, edited by Kerry Bogert

Book Review:  Crafter’s Market 2016 - How to Sell Your Crafts and Make a Living

edited by Kerry Bogert

 

Wow! Crafter’s Market 2016 is so full of information, I hardly know where to start! It is really more of an encyclopedic source of “everything you need to know” to getting started in the fiber arts, or even just crafting in general. Up until now, a lot of the information contained in this book was available only by networking one-on-one when attending craft conferences, or by trial and error. As a crocheter who has been in the field for over 7 years, I can honestly say that that this book would have greatly shortened my learning curve had it been available before now! I’m so thankful that Kerry Bogert has compiled this gem for the crafting community. Kerry plans on updating this book each year with the most up to date information, so you’ll want to check back for a new edition each year to stay up to date.

This book contains many essays from experienced designers, editors, crafters, and other folks who have a deep knowledge of how the business end of this community operates. As you probably already know, running a small business in this field embodies many roles. This book will help you to: understand the importance of collaboration, of eliminating time wasters, how to reach your on-line audience, choosing a craft show that fits your crafts, pricing your items, creative retreats (who would have known about these??), cruises, writing a book, plus hundreds of pages of references for every state in the United States! From just one perusal of this book, I have been inspired to make a few changes already.

I just love the personal perspectives of artists such as Abby Glassenberg, Heather Zoppetti and Meighan O-Toole, as well as Kerry Bogert’s own essay on “Tips for a Successful First Craft Show”. I certainly could have benefited from her wisdom several years ago, and I think you will too. The modest price of this book can save you hundreds of dollars by not investing in the wrong craft fair, and can help you multiply your time and money by spending where you need to make your craft business grow in the specific way you want.

In the section about craft fairs, there are over 100 pages of listings, plus many more for those interested in industry shows!  Are you looking for how to reach out to book publishers or magazines? There are over 40 pages of listings on this. This book also includes many listings of on-line communities where your crafts can be sold. It also lists many crafting retreats should you be looking for a fun getaway.  It is topped off with a very comprehensive subject index so that you can find the information you need quickly. 

Abby Glassenberg’s essay on “Newsletter Know-How” has motivated me to start my own newsletter for my Bonnie Bay Crochet design business.  I don’t like being controlled by social media’s constantly changing algorithms, thereby limiting how many people see my posts.  I want to be able to reach those loyal followers who are interested in my work without having to take a chance on whether they will allow my posts into your news feeds.  I am so motivated that I am working on my first edition of the Bonnie Bay Crochet Newsletter, but I only want to send this to those who are truly interested.  As a thank you for signing up, you will be automatically entered into a drawing for a free copy of this book!  To enter, simply send me an e-mail to bonniebay@me.com and say, sign me up!  I will announce the winner on Facebook and via e-mail on Friday, February 12th.  I also want to make a promise to you about your e-mails.  I will NEVER sell these to anyone…ever, but will use them only to communicate to via a newsletter.  I’m hoping to make this a monthly letter, but maybe more frequently when special offers come up.  You will be the very first to hear of important fiber news from me.  I also plan to include special offers (pattern discounts, free patterns, new stitches, book giveaways, etc.) that will only be offered to my newsletter friends.  If for any reason you decide to unsubscribe, you will be able to do this easily and instantly.  I want you to know that I respect your e-mails and never want you to feel “spammed” by me.

This book is available from Interweave as well as Amazon.com.

Book Review: Cold Weather Crochet by Marlaina "Marly" Bird

Marly Bird’s “Cold Weather Crochet” book is a potpourri of fun, cozy accessories everyone needs for the winter months! There is just about everything in this book from cute slouchy hats, fingerless gloves, hooded scarves, crocheted socks, to beautiful geometric afghans! Marly has you covered from head to toe in lovely yet practical designs. Every time I have perused this book I find something else that catches my eye.

 

Many of these garments are very approachable for even the newest crocheter. Most patterns in this book include stitch diagrams to help you better understand the written portions.

I love textured crochet, and Marly does not disappoint here!  Her Green Mountain Spinnery Hooded Scarf (also the cover design) features a lovely raised cable that will keep you fashionably warm on those cold days…

 

A similar texture is found in her Cabled Shawl, which is also sure to have a lot of drape with the Merino wool/nylon blend yarn. I’m also a lover of the green and blue tones found in this design and several others in this book.

 

If it is lace you are looking for, check out the Lace Motif Wrap made of 100% lace weight Merino yarn.

 

One project that immediately caught my eye is the Thrummed Slippers! I hope to make a couple of pairs of these soon. I love the color and style, not to mention the practicality of wearing these in my home where all shoes are left at the door in traditional Japanese style.

 

There are a couple of hats that are even suitable for guys…and we all know how hard it is to find designs for our men!

 

The afghans are stunning with the many colors and geometric shapes, not to mention their “on the go” option of crocheting them one motif at a time!

 

This Cold Weather Crochet is available from the Interweave Store and on amazon.com.  You can learn more about Marly Bird’s designs on her ravelry page or on her website at marlybird.com. 

Crochet World Blog: Hills of Ireland Throw!

I'm so thankful for Crochet World's feature of my Hills of Ireland Throw in their blog and Talking Newsletter!  You can read the interview and see some photos from my time in Ireland in 2012 here.

I also wanted you to know that my dear friend & crochet designer Jennifer Ryan will be leading a 10 day trip to Ireland for crocheters (courtesy of Annie's)!  If you have ever considered going there, this could be your opportunity!  I can personally vouch for this amazing lady.  She is not only VERY talented in crochet and her special art of crocheting Celtic knots into her designs, she is also a mom of 3 delightful young ladies, a home school teacher, and just a fun gal to be around.  If I wasn't in the midst of college tuition payments for my children, I would jump at this! You can click here for more details on this trip.

Book Review: Broomstick Lace Crochet by Donna Wolfe

If you have never learned how to crochet broomstick lace, this could be a great starting point for you!  Donna Wolfe of naztazia.com has come up with 20 designs using a very basic broomstick stitch in her new book “Broomstick Lace Crochet”.  

 

I would recommend this book to even the newest crocheters and those hesitant to learn new stitches to just jump on in!  This stitch is a lot of fun, and this book provides many step-by-step photos to lead you along.  There are many other helpful tips as well, including how to substitute other tools should you not have a size 50 knitting needle handy!  Perusing this book reminded me of the time I taught this stitch to a group of new crocheters who were all pre-teens and quickly picked up this technique pretty easily with only a few weeks of crochet experience under their belt.

 

All of the patterns are very easy and approachable.  Two of the projects that stood out to me were the headbands and the book cuffs.  Both make use of decorative buttons that fit nicely into the broomstick stitches and are cute and functional.  They are also gifts that can be made quickly using extra yarn from my stash.

The photography in this book is not as stunning as other books I have featured, but the photos are more than adequate to give you an idea of the finished designs.  It does look like Donna had fun participating as a model with her children in the photo shoots! 

I did enjoy going on-line to Donna’s website called “Naztazia” (at naztazia.com), and found a wealth of many other crochet patterns and Youtube videos to explore.

 

Published by Stackpole Books (http://www.amazon.com/Broomstick-Lace-Crochet-Vintage-Stylish/dp/0811716155/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1448858673&sr=1-1&keywords=broomstick+lace+crochet)