Hello 2013!

It's amazing how fast 2012 has flown by! It was a very busy year for me and I have some incredible news to share - which I will be posting as soon as I can. (Pssst! Lots of new designs ;)

No matter what project designs I'm working on I always have the idea in my head that there must be a way to make the process easier. From my original sketches and working copies of a pattern, to editing photos of the design and polishing the completed design, keeping everything organized is key. But what exactly does that mean, and how does a crocheter accomplish such a feat? In forthcoming blog posts I will be sharing tips and describing some of the software that I use to make it happen.

Until next time - Happy Crocheting!

Piece of Cake - A Self Imposed Deadline

Piece of Cake Potholder
Back on a November 2 blog post I challenged myself to a deadline of December 8th (today, he, he) to create a new design. I decided then that I wanted to make a new potholder, and at not quite the 11th hour, I've finished it :)



I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and I love that it is reversible and looks great on both sides. I will be sending out the pattern to be tested and I am working on getting a pdf file together.

Self imposed deadlines are a really great idea for me, and I was really inspired!

Stay tuned for the pattern listing announcement, and also a new challenge (self imposed of course!) Now I want to eat some cake - nom, nom, nom . . .

A Hooker Book Review - The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs

The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs
500 Classic & Original Patterns
by Linda P. Schapper
ISBN 1-57990-915-9
Revised Edition, published 2007 by Lark Books


Originally published in 1985, this revised edition is much easier to read and has all new updated photos.
The book includes 33 chapters, an introduction, illustrations of basic stitches, International crochet symbols, and a pictoral index of all the stitches.
I really love the pictoral index. Set up with 6 columns and 5 rows, the mini pictures are clear enough to search for a particular stitch or design that you are looking for. For example, if you want a stitch pattern that is more detailed vertically than horizontally, it is easy to browse and visually pick out one that may work for you. Each picture in the index also includes a number and the page number where the details can be found.
When you go the page that has the stitch details you will find a larger photo, a symbol pattern chart (I love these!) and step by step instructions.
Every stitch design book is unique and different in its own way, and this book is much more than a guide to basic stitches and the simple patterns that we all know and love. If you are searching for a lacy pattern for a lovely evening shawl, or an openwork pattern for a tablerunner, or popcorn stitch patterns for a new scarf, you will certainly find them here!
This is a great reference book for any crocheter, beginner to experienced, that makes it easy to design and create your own projects.

What do you think? Visit your local library and if they do not have this book in their collection, ask them to loan it from another library for you. It’s a free service, and a great way to preview books if you are considering purchasing them.


4 out of 5 "Hooks Up" Recommendation

New Pattern Shop!

Late last week I received word that my pattern shop was available for business. It is through Ravelry, (thank you Ravelry! I love you!). If you are a Ravelry user you can also view my pattern shop here and use the shopping cart. Your new patterns will be added to your Ravelry library. It’s a great way to keep your patterns organized in one place.

But the best news is that you don’t have to be signed up on Ravelry to purchase my patterns! You don’t even have to have a PayPal account. You can find my patterns here or by clicking on the button in the right column.

And the bestest (is that even a word?) news is that once your payment is received, you’ll instantly be able to download the pattern! Yay! How’s that for instant gratification?

I’ll be adding new patterns as I design them, so please be sure to check back often. And as always I have the completed items for sale in my Etsy shop. Thanks for visiting!