Friday Finds - Ergonomic Crochet Hook Holders

Awhile ago I was talking to a co-worker about crochet. She was telling me that her mom used to crochet a lot but had stopped because the arthritis in her hands was making it too uncomfortable and painful. I remembered seeing egg shaped ergonomic holders in the stores and mentioned that it might help her mom. To my delight, my co-worker brought in an afghan that her mom had made for her using an ergonomic holder. Her mother is back crocheting with a vengeance! I am so happy that my suggestion was able to help her mom, and I hope that maybe this blog post will help someone else too.

This handle by Boye will adjust to fit hooks size B (2.25mm) to size K (6.5mm) and is available online through Annie's.

For those who also like to thread crochet, I found this Eleggant Hooks set which includes 3 hook heads for thread and 3 for yarn in the basic kit. Additional hook sizes are also available on their website. 

I have not used these types of handles myself but I would appreciate any comments from those that have. 

Happy crocheting!

A Glorious Spring Has Sprung!

Finally the weather has turned springlike and it's been a gorgeous week! I've been spending as much time as possible outside and took some pics of the pretty daffodils growing behind our house. It gave me a chance to fiddle around with my new tripod. It didn't get very good reviews, but for what little time I've used it so far it has worked very well for me. I love the flexibility that allows me to get perspectives that wouldn't have been possible with my other tripod.

I've taken a few rides on my bike, but sadly the tire was completely flat last night when I wanted to take a spin. I'll have to get it fixed as soon as I can to take advantage of this perfect bike riding weather! I've found a few terrifically cute crochet patterns to spruce up my bike in the mean time.

Bike Seat Cover Crochet Pattern

Bike Streamers Crochet Pattern

Happy crocheting - see you around the bend!

Thrift Store Rescue - Just in Time for Summer?

After a dreary and rainy week here in Michigan, and an unexpected snow shower yesterday, today we've had a bit of sunshine at least. The colder temps have have really got me wishing for warmer weather.

Last week while shopping at a thrift store this pretty bag caught my eye. The person who made it did a wonderful job and I'm thankful it was donated. I just had to rescue it! The cotton yarn colors are so bright and cheery. It will make a very nice beach bag and I've already got my towel, book, and sunglasses ready to go!

Celebrating National Crochet Month

Welcome and thank you for joining me on the first stop of today's Tour Through Crochet Country. I am honored and happy to be included in this celebration of National Crochet Month with so many fabulous designers! As a group, the participating CGOA designers have chosen a special charity to support this month -Project Night Night.

With that in mind I am offering a free blanket pattern. This easy blanket is a great carry-and-go project. It is made up of 9 individual 12 inch blocks which are then joined with crocheted seams. You can add rows or columns of blocks to make larger size blankets. This would also make a great scrap yarn project. Please consider donating a blanket or making a monetary donation to Project Night Night. If you do make a donation, please add to our group totals here.

I have been a Professional Member of the CGOA since 2009 and I started a local chapter, the Mi Stitchin' Time Crochet Guild. We crochet for local charities (as well as Project Night Night) and I really enjoy our meetings. We have a lot of fun! Click here to find a local chapter near you. It's a great way to share your love of crochet and meet new friends.

I am fortunate to have had patterns published in Crochet World and Country Woman magazines. I am also the author of Crochet-opedia which is set to be released in June of this year. (I am so excited about that!) I hope to be adding new patterns to my shops soon. You can find my patterns at redberrycrochet.com, Etsy, Ravelry and Craftsy.

Thanks for stopping in, and please visit Cari Clement for CGOA, your second stop of the day.

Tomorrow's stops include April Garwood and Mary Colucci for CGOA. 

 In case you've missed any of the previous blog posts click here for a complete list of participating designers.

I would like to thank Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of Crochetville for organizing this amazing tour - thank you so much!

Bright Striped Blocks Blanket pattern

download now

 

Crochet-opedia - my book is now available for pre-order!

I am so excited to announce that my book Crochet-opedia is now available for pre-order!

US edition - amazon.com

UK edition - amazon.co.uk

The release date for both editions is June, 2013. Click on either photo above to be taken to the appropriate Amazon site.

Crochet-opedia is a comprehensive reference guide to crochet. The book is designed to help the readers learn and master each skill before moving on. With step by step instructions, color photographs, detailed diagrams, and 30 enticing patterns, Crochet-opedia will appeal to newcomers as well as advanced crocheters. It also comes complete with a handy stitch directory, allowing the reader to browse through thumbnail photographs to easily choose a crochet stitch. 

Years ago I taught myself to crochet from a book, so I realize the importance of clear instructions and good illustrations. As I was writing the book I continually asked myself the questions I had when I was learning. As a result, I have also included tips to help avoid pitfalls with each technique. There are many techniques covered including: basic stitches, increasing/decreasing, working in rounds, colorwork, and so much more. More advanced techniques explore thread work, broomstick lace, hairpin lace, and tunisian crochet, and again, so much more. It is my hope that this book will become an invaluable reference guide for anyone who crochets. It is truly the book I wish I had when I was learning. Crochet has brought so much joy to my life and I am so happy to be able to share it with others. It's been an incredible journey!

Craft Gossip Crochet posted a review which you can read here. I have to say Wow! It doesn't get much better than that!