52 Week Crochet Challenge - Are You Ready?

March is National Crochet Month, so now is the perfect time to launch my 52 Week Crochet Challenge!

I devised this Challenge as a way for me to explore crochet in ways I haven’t done before. I’m going to share my weekly discoveries and progress here on my blog and I hope to connect with other crocheters.

Click the link below to download a pdf file that includes all the Challenge information. Each page is loosely sectioned to a season, and I’ve included week numbers as well as dates, but this guide is meant to be inspirational, so feel free to add your own creative twists.

Please link to this blog and the 52 Week Crochet Challenge pdf, and email me if you
are taking up the Challenge. I would love to see your responses and to post a blog roll of participants.

Let’s celebrate and have some crochet fun!

Julie Oparka
Red Berry Crochet
redberrycrochet@gmail.com 

Join the Ravelry Group, 52 Week Crochet Challenge. Not on Ravelry? It's free to join, what are you waiting for?

Download 52 Week Crochet Challenge

1. Click the above link.
2. When the page opens, click on File in the top left tool bar.
3. Then click download in the drop down menu.
4. Open or save the file to your computer.

Broomstick Lace Clutch Purse free crochet pattern courtesy of Lion Brand and St. Martin's Press

Lion Brand is once again offering a free pattern from my book Crochet-opedia on their website. This pattern is available for download courtesy of the publisher St. Martin's Press. Click here for the pattern. You'll need to register if you haven't already, but it's free to join, so why not?

I really wanted to showcase the beautiful broomstick stitch pattern in a very modern project. I think this clutch handbag does that wonderfully. It is made in two panels which are then single crocheted together. The clasp is different, something that I hadn't thought of before this design. It is worked in one piece directly onto the clutch and consists of chain and slip stitches to form the clasp.

The yarn I used is Vanna's Choice in Cranberry. It is a wonderful yarn to work with and the deep red color makes this clutch perfect for an evening on the town!

Broomstick lace is a fun technique to learn. If you've never tried it, grab a copy of Crochet-opedia. In it you will find how-to instructions. The book also includes patterns and how-to's for hairpin lace, Tunisian crochet and many more crochet techniques!

Broomstick Lace Clutch crochet pattern
and last week's pattern
Hairpin Lace Mobius Wrap crochet pattern

Enjoy :)

Hairpin Lace Mobius Wrap free crochet pattern courtesy of Lion Brand and St. Martin's Press

I am so happy to see that one of the patterns from my new book Crochet-opedia is available for free download through the Lion Brand website, courtesy of the publisher, St. Martin's Press.

Click this link for the pattern. You'll need to register if you haven't already, but why not? It's free to sign up and you'll have access to many other patterns, crochet and knit. I also receive the Lion Brand newsletter's and I enjoy them very much. Along with patterns there are yarn and kit sale notifications, amusing stories, videos and more.

Out of all the 30 patterns in the book, this hairpin pattern is my favorite. (Okay, so they are all my favorites!) I really enjoyed designing this wrap, it came together easily and works up surprisingly quick once you get the hang of making the hairpin strips. I love the yarn, Vanna's Glamour in Topaz. It was easy to work with, drapes beautifully, and the gold thread running through the yarn really makes it shine.

If you've never worked hairpin lace before, grab a copy of Crochet-opedia, which includes how-to instructions. In my book you will also find patterns and how-to's for broomstick lace, Tunisian crochet and many more crochet techniques!

Enjoy :)

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!

My Pattern Has Been Published!

I am so excited! Today my issue of Crochet World arrived and I’m in it - woot!



I had sent this pattern in last fall for their pattern of the month contest. It wasn’t chosen for the contest, but the editor contacted me and told me they would like to publish it. Since their editorial schedule had been filled last winter, she told me it would be published this fall. Seems like it took FOREVER, but here it is and I couldn’t be happier.



And it’s so much fun to see my name in print.



And I also have the pleasure of being included as a designer on the Crochet World website:
http://www.crochet-world.com/gallery.html?designercode=joparka

I really loved making this scarf, and designing patterns is my passion. I’m so glad that I get to share this pattern with so many wonderful crocheters!