Crochet Class

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday was my regular Monday morning class at the Yarn and Craft Box in Pawling, New York.  One of my students, Sheryl, surprised me by coming in wearing her completed patchwork sweater.  I did not have the class last week, because I was still in Texas, so I was happy that Sheryl was able to finish the project on her own.

It was a cool, sunny day, and luckily I did have my camera with me, so I was able to take a picture.  The wind was blowing, and the sun was really bright, but I think we managed to get an okay picture.

 Enjoy your day

Margaret

Autumn in New York

Hi Everyone,

October is a beautiful time of year to be in New York.  I arrived home from Texas to the glorious fall foliage all around me.

About two years ago, I returned home from a trip at about this same time of year, and my yard was glowing with oranges and greens and golds.  It inspired me to make the Free Form Crochet/Knit shawl that I call Autumn in NY.  For many years, I always did my free form work in shades of natural/beiges, which I still love.  Since then, I  have branched out in color, and  I get inspiration from many sources, nature being one of the best . 

I have not forgotton about Camp Crochet Texas, still waiting for the pictures to share with you.

Have a great evening

Margaret

CAMP CROCHET TEXAS

Hi Everyone,

I'm back home again after teaching at Camp Crochet Texas, tired but happy. 

For those of you who do not know, this was a first effort at starting small regional crochet gatherings around the country.  The smaller gatherings, held in lots of different areas, would hopefully make it easier for more people to attend and  experience the fun of meeting like minded people, exchange ideas and attend workshops to expand their crochet knowledge. 

Crochet Texas, a chapter of CGOA, was the first group to try their hand at organizing such an event.  They worked long and hard, almost a year, to organize this, but it showed.  The event was well organized, well attended, and we had so much fun.  Nancy Brown, president of CGOA, also attended and taught workshops. 

My students were so enthusiastic, it made my job easy.  The after class gatherings, the meet and greet, the luncheon and show and tell fashion show, were all great. 

I stayed for an extra two days, and was treated to a guided tour of Austin, by Sharon Dyke, and her daughter Ashley.  I think that I wore both of them out. 

One of the attendees is sending me lots pictures to post, and I will put them up as soon as I receive them.  Of course, I will still have lots to say about the trip, but now I have to unpack, and get back to "normal" .

Have a great evening

Margaret

Another New Book etc

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday I received the mock up of my latest book for Creative Publishing International.  This is the fifth in the "HOOKED" series, and will be in the stores sometime after the first of the year.  amazon is already taking pre-orders.

It is incredible to me, that so much of the work that I have done over the past 2 years, is all coming out at the same time.  I love it!  I still get a charge out of seeing the designs in print, and receiving that first copy of a new book is special.

The second photo is a picture of my totally finished, modular doll sweater, crystal buttons and all.  If you remember, I made this sweater in Barbara Hillary Van Elson's (www.PlayingwithString.com) workshop a few weeks ago.  Just got around to putting finishing touches on it.  The first of 4 Christmas doll sweaters I will be making for darling grand daughter's doll family. 

Almost time to leave for Crochet Texas, cannot wait to meet the group.

Have a great day,

Margaret

Another New Book and other stuff

Happy Saturday Everyone,

I cannot believe how my days are flying by like clouds being blown by the wind.  Less than one week and I will be flying to Texas to meet everyone from the Crochet Texas Chapter of CGOA.  I am almost ready!!  Workshop handouts ready, one bag of samples packed, books already shipped, so now its just getting myself together. 

Yesterday I received another new book that has some of my things in the Gallery Section.  The book is called THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CROCHET TECHNIQUES by Jan Eaton.  I have not had a chance to really look it over yet, but it looks terrific.  I noticed very familiar names have also contributed, Carol Ventura, Jennifer Hansen, Drew Emborsky, and Jennie Dowd, that I know personally, and lots of others. 

Last Sunday, our Happily Hooked on Crochet Chapter in CT, had their 5th anniversary meeting, and it was such fun.  Barbara Hillary Van Elsen of www.PlayingwithString.com, gave a workshop on modular crochet.  We all learned the method by making a sweater for a doll or a bear.  I made a Christmas Red Sweater for my little grand daughter's American Girl Doll. 

We had pizza and other goodies, which included  a huge anniversary cake.  Needless to say a good time was had by all.

Have a great weekend
Margaret

Another Great New Book etc

Good Morning Everyone,

I just received my copy of NEW IDEAS FOR TODAY'S CROCHET by Jean Leinhauser & Rita Weiss.  The book  lives up to its title, there are lots of fabulous designs packed into it.  Everything from bikinis, vests, dresses, wire and bead necklaces,  to a bridal tunic.  The photos are great, several views are shown of each item. 

I guess I should tell you that I have several designs in the book, and the bridal tunic was designed by me, (bottom left corner) so I may be just a little prejudiced, but it really is a great book.

Sorry my photo of the book is not good at all.  I cannot get a good picture without the flash ruining it.

I managed to get in a few more of the photos that Dee sent from the NYC, Knit and Crochet event.  Dee, www.crochetingwithdee.com  took all of them while I was doing my demo.

I am busy working on my new book and getting ready to attend Camp Crochet in Austin, Texas.   I am looking forward to this teaching adventure as I have never been to Texas before.  I have met several of the members of the CGOA chapter,  that is sponsoring the event, and they are all so enthusiastic.  Sharon Dyke, one of the organizers and her daughter, are going to take me sight seeing afterwards.

When I first started teaching at conferences and events, I was a very timid traveler.  I went from the airport to the hotel, back to the airport and home.  In the past two years, I have started adding a few days to my stay, in order to see some of the surrounding area.  I have had so much fun doing this, and I am sure that I will love seeing the sights in Austin. 

Have a great day

Margaret