Good Morning Everyone,
I spent the Thanksgiving weekend with my family and had an interesting thing happen. I have been trying to teach my 5 year old grand daughter how to crochet, and she is picking it up very well. She brought her crocheting with her over the visit, and was busily working away, when her two older brothers, and 1 older cousin, also male, decided that they wanted to do something too, but they would rather knit.
At some point, several years ago, I had taught all of them to knit, but they had not done it since. Luckily, I had needles and yarn with me (surprise, surprise), so I started all 3 of them knitting. They picked it up so quickly, and in an hour or two, all were happily knitting away. There is a wonderful yarn shop literally in walking distance of my son's home. Believe it or not, it is just about the only business in his small MA town, so naturally on Friday morning we visited the shop and bought some more yarn.
My son took some pictures, but the boys did not want their pictures on my blog, but said it was okay if I wrote about it.
I have always thought that it was easier to crochet than knit, maybe that is because I can crochet faster than I knit. Watching the boys, and seeing just how easily they picked up the knitting, and struggled with crochet made me wonder. Is it easier to teach someone to knit rather than crochet? I would be interested to hear some of your thoughts on this.
Have a great day
Margaret
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Tunisian Crochet
Good Morning Everyone,
I was recently asked to join a Tunisian Crochet on line group, and I hesitated, I thought that I really do not have time to participate in another group. But - join I did. I do have a fascination with the method, and especially Tunisian Entrelac.
Over the past few years, I have included this method in my work, self published patterns, workshops, and my books.
The pictures above are some samples of my work in Tunisian Crochet. The floral afghans are not original designs. I made them as gifts for my daughter and daughter-in-law, when I first started working in Tunisian. I was so fascinated by the method. I loved to embroider, and I found I was enjoying the Tunisian Stitch. When I discovered so many wonderful patterns combining Tunisian and embroidery, in beautiful pieces, I just had to give it a try. It is time consuming, but the results so rewarding. I now do workshops in both Tunisian Embroidery and Tunisian Entrelac. One of the throws above was made by one of my students. She was so enthusiastic, she has gone on to make 8 of the most beautiful throws. Lauren has given me permission to use her picture, and I did an entry about her some time ago.
Thats about all the time that I have today. I am leaving to spend Thanksgiving with my family, and will be gone for a few days.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Margaret
Saturday, November 18, 2006
This and That
Happy Saturday Everyone,
Sorry that I have not posted in awhile, but life happens occasionally.
I have not been able to do my work as usual this past week because of some eye problems, but I did want to keep you posted on some things.
I found out yesterday, that The Craft Yarn Council will be holding one of their wonderful Knit/Crochet events at the Mall of America in February. This is the first time that an event like this will be held indoors, and will be for two days. I think that this is so fabulous. I don't have all the details as yet, but will let you know more soon.
I have only attended and demonstrated at the NYC event, and that draws huge crowds of people and is such fun.
One of the nicest things about attending these events is meeting people from all over this wonderful land. As an author, teacher and designer of both knitting and crochet, I often wonder if people are really making the things that I design. When someone comes up to me actually wearing a garment that they made from one of my books, I cannot tell you what a great feeling that is. It has happened to me several times, and just again this past weekend at the Happily Hooked on Crochet Guild meeting. Karen, one of the members, was wearing a jacket from HOW TO FREE FORM CROCHET, that she had made. It was stunning! Karen won the book while attending my demo at the NYC Knit/Crochet Out. The best part is actually seeing how creative people add their own touches, this is especially important when learning to free form. I do write instructions, and when I am told that they are easy to follow, thats icing on the cake. I do, however, encourage people to use the methods as a starting point, a way to get their own creative juices flowing. I love seeing it happen.
Have a great day
Margaret
Sorry that I have not posted in awhile, but life happens occasionally.
I have not been able to do my work as usual this past week because of some eye problems, but I did want to keep you posted on some things.
I found out yesterday, that The Craft Yarn Council will be holding one of their wonderful Knit/Crochet events at the Mall of America in February. This is the first time that an event like this will be held indoors, and will be for two days. I think that this is so fabulous. I don't have all the details as yet, but will let you know more soon.
I have only attended and demonstrated at the NYC event, and that draws huge crowds of people and is such fun.
One of the nicest things about attending these events is meeting people from all over this wonderful land. As an author, teacher and designer of both knitting and crochet, I often wonder if people are really making the things that I design. When someone comes up to me actually wearing a garment that they made from one of my books, I cannot tell you what a great feeling that is. It has happened to me several times, and just again this past weekend at the Happily Hooked on Crochet Guild meeting. Karen, one of the members, was wearing a jacket from HOW TO FREE FORM CROCHET, that she had made. It was stunning! Karen won the book while attending my demo at the NYC Knit/Crochet Out. The best part is actually seeing how creative people add their own touches, this is especially important when learning to free form. I do write instructions, and when I am told that they are easy to follow, thats icing on the cake. I do, however, encourage people to use the methods as a starting point, a way to get their own creative juices flowing. I love seeing it happen.
Have a great day
Margaret
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Happily Hooked on Crochet
Hi Everyone,
Today was the regular monthly meeting of the Happily Hooked on Crochet Guild in Ct. All the members arrived with bags and bags of crocheted items for charity and for their yearly fund raising sale. I am always overwhelmed with the amount items that this group produces. The hats, gloves scarves etc filled two tables. One of the members, Hilda, pulled a huge amount of things out of her bag, and informed me that what she had was only part of her stuff, because she could not carry it all. Of course I forgot my camera again, but Dee www.crochetingwithdee.com always at the ready for a good photo op, had hers. I am sure that she will post them soon, and maybe share a few with me.
Dee had the Official Statement issued by Governor, M. Jodi Rell, on behalf of the state of Connecticut, stating that our guild has served the state with great distinction and also for their significant contributions made to local and national charities. The statement also goes on to officially proclaim November 11, 2006, as THE HAPPILY HOOKED ON CROCHETING CLUB DAY in the State of Connecticut. Dee had lovely copies of the original made for all of us.
We had a great meeting, and I told all the members about my trip to Texas and all about Camp Crochet Texas. The were very enthusiastic, and will consider hosting a like event in the future, in our area. Wouldn't that be great!
Margaret
Today was the regular monthly meeting of the Happily Hooked on Crochet Guild in Ct. All the members arrived with bags and bags of crocheted items for charity and for their yearly fund raising sale. I am always overwhelmed with the amount items that this group produces. The hats, gloves scarves etc filled two tables. One of the members, Hilda, pulled a huge amount of things out of her bag, and informed me that what she had was only part of her stuff, because she could not carry it all. Of course I forgot my camera again, but Dee www.crochetingwithdee.com always at the ready for a good photo op, had hers. I am sure that she will post them soon, and maybe share a few with me.
Dee had the Official Statement issued by Governor, M. Jodi Rell, on behalf of the state of Connecticut, stating that our guild has served the state with great distinction and also for their significant contributions made to local and national charities. The statement also goes on to officially proclaim November 11, 2006, as THE HAPPILY HOOKED ON CROCHETING CLUB DAY in the State of Connecticut. Dee had lovely copies of the original made for all of us.
We had a great meeting, and I told all the members about my trip to Texas and all about Camp Crochet Texas. The were very enthusiastic, and will consider hosting a like event in the future, in our area. Wouldn't that be great!
Margaret
Saturday, November 11, 2006
More Photos Camp Crochet Texas
Hi Again Everyone,
It is Sat night, and I am still adding more pictures from Crochet Texas. I am having fun thinking of captions, but I must try to get names with faces. I was so sure that I would remember everyone, but a week later my brain is mush. Guild members, help please!
Margaret
It is Sat night, and I am still adding more pictures from Crochet Texas. I am having fun thinking of captions, but I must try to get names with faces. I was so sure that I would remember everyone, but a week later my brain is mush. Guild members, help please!
Margaret
More Pics from Camp Crochet Texas
Hi Everyone,
I am about half way done getting the photos posted. As I said, Molly sent a lot. I would love to add names to the photos, help me if you can.
Enjoy
Margaret
I am about half way done getting the photos posted. As I said, Molly sent a lot. I would love to add names to the photos, help me if you can.
Enjoy
Margaret
More Pictures from Camp Crochet Texas
Good Morning Everyone,
Molly Andries from Crochet Texas, sent me a disc with some great photos that she took at Camp Crochet Texas.
They were worth waiting for! The days are flying by so quickly, and soon Camp Crochet Texas will be a happy memory, which I will not soon forget. Like lots of special events, the planning takes forever, and then in a blink, its over. Having all the photos keeps the memory alive. The disc has lots more photos, I will put more up later.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Margaret
Monday, November 6, 2006
More Camp Crochet Texas
Good Morning Everyone,
I am feeling a little better about my computer skills this morning, as I have discovered that aol is changing some of their stuff, so it was not my lack of skill that prompted one frustrating afternoon.
I managed to get a few more pictures done, then Molly is going to send me a disc. I think that will totally solve the problem.
The first picture is more at the Meet and Greet Friday night.
The second picture is Sharon and I getting ready to have breakfast Sat morning, before the workshops start.
The third is of a group of us that went out for dinner Sat night. A great time was had by all. Our waiter and waitress must be candidates for sainthood.
The fourth is Tim Klein and his art car. Some of you may remember that I originally met Tim on line, when members of an online group were raving about his car. I wrote to Tim asking about the car, and found out that he would be visiting NY, very nearby to where I live. He invited me to see the car, so a friend and I took him up on the offer. That meeting started a chain of events and Tim and I have kind of kept track of each other since then.
When he wrote that he was going to be in Austin TX on Oct 20, to participate in the Art Car Parade, well the coincidence was just too much. When I told him that I was also going to be in Austin to teach at Camp Crochet Texas, he offered to come visit after the parade.
It was such fun to see him and his fabulous car again. I think everyone enjoyed seeing the amazing job that he did.
Have a great day everyone
Margaret
I am feeling a little better about my computer skills this morning, as I have discovered that aol is changing some of their stuff, so it was not my lack of skill that prompted one frustrating afternoon.
I managed to get a few more pictures done, then Molly is going to send me a disc. I think that will totally solve the problem.
The first picture is more at the Meet and Greet Friday night.
The second picture is Sharon and I getting ready to have breakfast Sat morning, before the workshops start.
The third is of a group of us that went out for dinner Sat night. A great time was had by all. Our waiter and waitress must be candidates for sainthood.
The fourth is Tim Klein and his art car. Some of you may remember that I originally met Tim on line, when members of an online group were raving about his car. I wrote to Tim asking about the car, and found out that he would be visiting NY, very nearby to where I live. He invited me to see the car, so a friend and I took him up on the offer. That meeting started a chain of events and Tim and I have kind of kept track of each other since then.
When he wrote that he was going to be in Austin TX on Oct 20, to participate in the Art Car Parade, well the coincidence was just too much. When I told him that I was also going to be in Austin to teach at Camp Crochet Texas, he offered to come visit after the parade.
It was such fun to see him and his fabulous car again. I think everyone enjoyed seeing the amazing job that he did.
Have a great day everyone
Margaret
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Camp Crochet Texas
Hi Everyone,
Its a good thing that I crochet and knit better than I can manage a computer. I finally got some great pictures from Camp Crochet Texas, and I am having one frustrating time getting them to appear on my blog. Molly and Cher have been sending me the pics, but even after I managed to open them, I cannot find them. aol has this new thing (well new to me anyway). I never saw it before today, its called aol shoebox. I am told that my pictures will be saved here till I decide where I want them to go. That would be great, except for the fact that I cannot find them.
Well after about 2 very frustrating hours, I called Dee wwwcrochetingwithdee.com and luckily Dee was able to help me. I managed to get 7 of the about 34 pictures that were sent to me, to appear, and then everything just stopped. Unfortunately I cannot spend any more time on this today, so more tomorrow or the next day, when I can figure out whats wrong.
The first group of pictures were taken at the Friday night "Meet and Greet". Every one was tired from traveling, and feeling a bit goofy. I even decided to have a strawberry daiquiri, and those who know me, know that that is a rare thing indeed. Sorry that I have not identified everyone as yet, but I will try to place the names with the right faces soon.
There is more to come on this great event.
Have a great evening.
Margaret
Its a good thing that I crochet and knit better than I can manage a computer. I finally got some great pictures from Camp Crochet Texas, and I am having one frustrating time getting them to appear on my blog. Molly and Cher have been sending me the pics, but even after I managed to open them, I cannot find them. aol has this new thing (well new to me anyway). I never saw it before today, its called aol shoebox. I am told that my pictures will be saved here till I decide where I want them to go. That would be great, except for the fact that I cannot find them.
Well after about 2 very frustrating hours, I called Dee wwwcrochetingwithdee.com and luckily Dee was able to help me. I managed to get 7 of the about 34 pictures that were sent to me, to appear, and then everything just stopped. Unfortunately I cannot spend any more time on this today, so more tomorrow or the next day, when I can figure out whats wrong.
The first group of pictures were taken at the Friday night "Meet and Greet". Every one was tired from traveling, and feeling a bit goofy. I even decided to have a strawberry daiquiri, and those who know me, know that that is a rare thing indeed. Sorry that I have not identified everyone as yet, but I will try to place the names with the right faces soon.
There is more to come on this great event.
Have a great evening.
Margaret
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