Blog for a Snowy Day

Hi Everyone,

I have been a little busy and procrastinating about blogging for weeks now, but being snowed in yet again, has given me a some motivation. I started out the day doing a little (very little) housework, wrapped a few gifts, finally put away the Halloween/Thanksgiving decorations, did a little work on phase three of current book, baked two batches of biscotti, knit on current project for 1 hour, now on to blog.

My fall was filled with workshops and conferences, and I had such fun. Students have been sending me photos of their work and I love seeing them.  It makes me feel wonderful - so - in no special order, I would like to share some of the photos with you.

This is precious little Scarlett, wearing the jumper from my newest book, GRANNY SQUARE FLOWERS, The yarn is Red Heart Luster Sheen, and Scarlett's Grandma presented her with the jumper.

I was invited to do a Free Form workshop at Country Yarns, in Wallingford, CT.  Lovely, charming shop, and most enthusiastic students. We had a wonderful time and we were fed a fabulous lunch.

 Lauren, owner of Country Yarns, trying to relax after a busy day, believe it or not, she is winding a ball of yarn, see the swift mounted on the side of the shelves. The sweater on the Right is my new design in Lucci Yarn.
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The bags that the attendees were working on were turning out to be works of art. It was an all day workshop and we were running late. Everyone was having such a good time, but they had to get moving. Most were all packed up and gone, before I remembered that I wanted to take some pics, so I only got a few. The lovely lady, with the beautiful bag in the back (whose head I cut off) is Linda Ruth Tosetti. She is granddaughter of the late, great, Babe Ruth.  Meeting her was one of the high lights of my day. She gave me photos of Babe, for all my grandchildren.  For my NY group he was pictured in Yankee Pinstripes and for my MA group he was in Boston Uniform. Such fun, the kids loved the photos and all were autographed by Linda. Others in this photo, Brenda, left front, and Chris.

Linda sent me a photo of her finished bag, isn't it just gorgeous?

                                          Karen and Joy, sharing their beautiful work

In this photo Rachel (far right) was my helper for the day, thats Janey (center)

                             Below are some photos from Stitches East in Hartford, Ct.

Marly Bird, me and Drew Emborsky (the Crochet Dude).

Me, book signing at The Elegant Ewe Booth. I am totally Grannied out, Granny sweater, Granny cookies, Granny Shoes, what fun!

                                                            Drew Emborsky and Me

Did a quick change, left Granny behind, I'm at Country Yarns booth, showing off my 2 patterns in Lucci Yarns, the blue one is Knitted, the Toast color one is crocheted.

That's all for today, hope you enjoyed the pics, I'll have to leave some of the others for another day.

Happy Holidays to all and a very Happy, healthy New year.

Margaret

October is over

Hi Everyone,

Well October is gone, (I cannot believe it) and I promised several blog posts on the conferences etc and just never got to it. I was determined today to finish up some stuff, and I am taking a little break to post some photos from the events of October.

Here I am with Twin1 and Twin 2, we had a lot of fun with the twins!

At the banquet and Fashion Show with 2 of my students, Jessie Anest Rayot and Lorene Haythorn Eppolite.

Doris Chan modeling and clowning Joan Davis' loungewear

Brandyce, from Lion Brand Yarns, modeling the Grand Prize winner. This dress was so stunning, photo does not do it justice, Brandyce looked gorgeous in it.

Jody and Me enjoying the festivities

Two more of my students at the banquet

Susan Lowman, Amy Shelton, from Crochetville, Marcy Smith, from Interweave and Doris Chan at Fun Night, all wearing versions of Doris' Star Wars Dress.

Rita Weiss and Me, Rita was just inducted into the Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame.

Janet and Me. Janet was the student that I did not recognize as being a student of mine several years ago.  I was describing an incident when I tried to change a student's mind as to her color choice and how wrong I was to try to do that. Suddenly, Janet raises her hand and tells everyone that she was that student.  Was my face red, good thing that I was only saying nice things about Janet's bag. I will not forget Janet again :-).

Juanita was another student in my Free Form Class and Juanita's work was beautiful. 

Juanita's shawl that was made using many different motifs from a very old book.  It was just beautiful.  Juanita was part of group that translated all the old patterns, and the shawl was her project with them all.

Hope every one made good use of their extra hour today, I just did :-)

Margaret

October Madness

October started off with a long drive to Concord, North Carolina to attend the Knit/Crochet Conference. We (Nancy and I) decided to drive because we had so much stuff to carry. Well, I had so much to carry, Nancy traveled a little lighter than me, and did most of the driving.

I was teaching four classes and doing some book signings, so I had a really busy week ahead.
The conference was a huge success, and we had lots of fun.

 One of the highlights of the Conference was Rita Weiss' induction into the Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame.  I was last years inductee, and loved that Rita was chosen. We are two of the remaining members of "The Old Broads Club". Jean being the first inductee and founder of the "club".

 I had a few funny things happen during the week, but my favorite moment happened in my Free Form class. We got on the discussion of color, and I was telling the story of a student, that I had years ago, who came into class with all black yarn. I tried to discourage her from using black. But she was determined. Her finished bag was absolutely gorgeous and won all kinds of accolades, ending up in The Lacis Museum of Textiles Fibre Exhibit.  I saw a hand go up, and one of the students said "that was me, Margaret".  You could have blown me over with a feather! Good thing that I was saying all  nice things. I had seen Janet the night before and we said hello, but I honestly did not remember that she was  the student who I had tried to discourage. You can be sure that I will not forget Janet again :-)

Me and one of my favorite people, Barbara Hillery Van Elsen. Not many people know that Barbara is the reason that I am even teaching at conferences. Barbara "met" me on line quite a few years ago. Barbara was then president of the New York City Crochet Guild, and she invited me to teach at their retreat weekend. I was fairly new to the Internet, and even though I had written a few books and designed for magazines, I had only taught locally. I did not even know about guilds, retreats and conferences. Barbara opened doors that I did not even know were there, so a great big "Thank You" to Barbara.

Me in the middle, Randy Berne Cavaliere and husband Tony, having more fun at the conference.  Tony was such a good sport, almost always being surrounded by tons of women with hooks and needles in hand.

Much more to come on conference and other October events, but out of time now.

Have a great day.

Margaret

Excitement in our Little Village

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday I left bright and early to teach my usual Monday crochet class at the Yarn Box in Pawling, NY.  As I approached the village I saw police cars diverting traffic.  I stopped and asked the officer what was going on and he told me a TV show was filming in the village and that I would have to park a little further away and walk to the shop.

When I got to the shop, quite a scene was going on. Production people setting up all kinds of equipment, people gathering to watch, such excitement. They were filming a scene for an upcoming "Elementary" one of my favorite shows as I am a Sherlock Holmes fan.  We could not get close enough to see much, but this is what we saw from the shop window.

Then a fun thing happened, a lovely young girl came into the shop and asked Marie (owner of the shop) if Marie could teach her how to knit.  It turned out that she is Lucy Liu's stand in on the show.  I asked her if I could take some pictures and she gave me permission to share them on my blog.

                                         She picked it up quickly

                                     Happy teacher, happy student, "I did it"


Monday mornings are usually quiet in our little village,  but the TV crew and all the hustle and bustle added a little excitement to our day.

Enjoy the day all

Margaret

THE CLOG BLOG - A CAUTIONARY TALE

Good Afternoon Everyone,

A while ago I ordered a pair of custom painted clogs from a company called The Swanx, I loved my clogs and was very happy with them.  Originally I was afraid to order because they said that they were not responsible if I ordered the wrong size.  I arranged to have them send me a pair to try on, at my expense, before they painted them.  I felt that once I had my correct size, I did not have to do that again.

                                                           First Pair

Last January I decided to treat myself to another pair. I had an idea in mind, I worked with their artist and was very pleased with the design.  They said it would take about 8 weeks.  Three months later I received the clogs.  I loved the design, when I went to try them on, I could not fit my right foot into the shoe.  I checked, I ordered the exact size as my first pair. Upon closer inspection, I realized one shoe opening was one half inch shorter than the other.  I immediately wrote to the company and was advised to stuff wet newspapers into the shoe, let it dry overnight.  
When I asked what happened if that did not work, I did not hear back.  I waited a whole week, then called my bank and ask them to stop payment till I could resolve the problem.  I then heard back from an upset owner, telling me that she was away and that I did not give them enough time to respond.  She said that she would not even deal with me unless I lifted the "stop payment order".  I did as she asked, was sent a return sticker to send the shoes back for inspection.  After 6 weeks and 33 emails, I got the shoes back saying that there was nothing wrong with the shoes, that they had shown them to a cobbler, and had several people try them on and that I had ordered the wrong size.  I called the bank again, and after 45 days, was advised that the company told the bank  that I ordered the wrong size, that I should have ordered wide, and that there was nothing I could do.
I think that a person should have the expectation that two shoes, marked the same size, would have the same size opening.

The last email I received from the company stated that "there is nothing wrong with your shoes, good luck".  When I asked the owner if we could have a phone conversation she refused and said nothing was going to change.

This has been going on for 9 months (babies are born in 9 months).  I finally decided to hold a Cinderella Party at the conference, I was going to invite people to try the shoes on, and if they fit someone, they could have them.  Then, last Friday something wonderful happened.  I was talking to a friend, telling her my tale of woe, and her Mom overheard us.  She said that she knew someone who made custom made shoes and perhaps he could help me.  I brought the shoes over to him, he opened the box and said "there is something wrong with the shoes, they do not match".  I wanted to hug him.  He told me to give him a week and come back.  I want to add here, that Alvaro did not give me any guarantees, he said he would try, but he did feel that he could fix the problem without ruining the paint job. I went back today and HE FIXED THE SHOE.  Sorry all you Conderellas out there, but I am wearing the shoes. I have had them on for 2 hours and they feel great.

I feel that The Swanx let me down, I sang their praises at every conference.  I went on YELP and I saw many complaints about them.   Yes, they do state that they are not responsible for size chosen,  but as I said, I did expect both shoes to be the same size.  I write this blog only to tell everyone, please read all the fine print when ordering on line and especially when ordering anything custom made.  The Swanx has lost my good will over a pair of shoes, so sad.

                                New Pair, notice the difference from heel to top of instep

                                         New Pair  Another View

                                         New Pair after Alvaro worked on them for a week

                                      Me and Alvaro, both smiling, the shoe fits!!!!!

So thank you Joan for recommending Alvaro. Big thank you Alvaro for working a small miracle.

If any one needs any special foot wear, or has any problems with shoes, be sure to visit Alvaro's Orthopedic Footwear and Shoe Service, 133-135 South Street, Danbury, CT 06810 alvarosorthopedicfootwear.com

Enjoy the weekend everyone, I sure will be smiling.

Margaret

Unique Yarn shop comes to Middletown NY

Good Morning Everyone,

A few days ago, while visiting my daughter,  we visited a new yarn shop that opened in her area just this week. 

What a treat for me. The yarn shop was so unique, set up more like an art studio than a yarn shop. Very spacious and inviting. The owner, James, was delightful and welcoming. James has a lot of big plans for the shop. He is planning to have classes in knitting, crochet and needlepoint and will be carrying the finest designer yarns and threads. He will also be featuring books, patterns and handcrafted needlework by fiber and textile artists.

We even discussed the possibility of me doing some workshops.

I hope that all of you in the area will plan on a visit to this lovely shop and welcome James into the community. The shop is called American Needleworks and is located at 10 North Street, Middletown, NY, 845-699-6405. Their Website is americanneedleworks.com

                                  One view of the shop, lots of comfortable seating.

Large tables for workshops, great lighting.

                                                    Another wonderful section to explore.


I took a few more photos with my phone, but for some reason I could not send them to myself and I could not figure out how to get them in here :-)

When I figure out, I will post again.

Enjoy the day!

Margaret

Double Sided Blanket

You did not leave a place to reach you, but the blanket that you are referring to is from THE COMPETE PHOTO GUIDE TO CROCHET.

Margaret

AND THE WINNERS ARE!

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE,

After a few glitches with leaving comments and lots of visitors to my blog (the most ever in a two day period) we have two winners for the Free-Form Crochet book - and they are

KIMBERLEE 

AND

SHEEP N SEEK

I will be sending you a separate e-mail to get your mailing address.  Thanks everyone for visiting my blog and I hope that you are enjoying the National Crochet Month blog tour.

Margaret

CELEBRATING NATIONAL CROCHET MONTH

Good Morning Everyone,

I had this blog post prepared ahead of time, and I just noticed that the date states March 19. The 23rd is my day. The book giveaway is for today, and the comments must be made before midnight on the 23rd. I cannot figure out how to change the date at top of page.

I thought that  by now we would be welcoming Spring, but its not quite here yet. It has been a long winter in New York and throughout lots of the country.  I truly love the warmer weather, so I will be very happy when it finally does arrive.

For my contribution to National Crochet Month, I would like to talk a little about Free Form Crochet.  Free Form is usually described as combining multiple stitches and yarns in a multi -directional way.  There are as many ways to approach Free Form as there are designers. I usually approach Free Form in 3 different ways, I use a template, a lining or embellish on a mesh form.  Many times I mix knitting and crochet together.

In my opinion, the easiest way for a beginner, is the lining method. I usually start students out with a small bag and they see great results, pretty quickly.

 I love to play with Free Form, in fact I would say it is my passion. I love all the textured Stitches, and combining different yarns and textures. One of my favorite stitches to use in Free Form is the Bullion Stitch. I have given you the instructions for two motifs that can be used in a Free Form project and that also use the Bullion stitch. When I first began to play with Free Form, all my projects were in naturals - until - Prudence Mapstone and I were in a lovely yarn shop in Woodstock, NY. I saw a whole wall of color and was captivated by the reds. I bought one of each shade, and made a sweater that won more accolades than anything that I had ever created. Since then my Free Form color way has exploded.

My very first Free Form piece made in 1975, I still wear it.  I did not know that what I was doing even had a name, until I met Bonnie Pierce. She told me that I was indeed doing Free Form and invited me to join the International Free Form Group. That was about 10 or more years ago, I am still a member and we have members from 14 or more countries and have expanded to quite a group.
My first adventure in Color with Free Form

                                                                 

BULLION SQUARE (a good beginner project)

I used an 8 or H Hook and Lion Brand Wool Ease for my square

Bullion st: wrap yarn around widest part of the hook 10 times, pick up a loop in next st, yo and pull thru all loops on hook, ch 1.

Instructions: 
Foundation Row: Ch 40, starting in 4th ch make 1 dc in each ch across (38 dc, counting the beg ch made by starting in 4th ch) turn. 

Row1: Ch3 (counts as a dc, now and throughout), sk first st, 1dc in next dc *ch2,  sk 2 dc, 1dc in each of next 2 dc, rep from * 7 times more, ch 2, sk 2, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in top of the turn ch, turn 

Row 2: Ch 3, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next st, * 2 dc in the ch 2 space, 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, rep from * end 1 dc in the last dc, 1 dc in the top of the turn ch (38 dc), turn.

Row 3: ( Bullion Stitch Row): Ch 3, sk first dc, 1 dc in next dc, * sk 2 dc, 3 bullion sts in next st, sk 2 dc, 1 dc next dc, rep from * 4 times more, end 3 bullions next st,  sk 2 dc, 1 dc in the turn ch, - (6 bullion clusters, 1 dc on each side, plus the turn ch at beg of row) turn.

Row 4: ch 3 *1 dc in the bar behind each bullion st (like a front post dc), 3 dc in the next dc, rep from * 5 times more, end 1 dc in the top of the turn ch (38 dc), turn.

Repeat rows 1 through 4 twice more. 
Repeat rows 1 and 2 once more, do not end yarn.
 Do not turn, ch 1 work 1 sc around entire square, working 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in each corner, join with a sl st to beginning ch 1, end off. 

You can see a video of me doing the Bullion Stitch at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciaJwMW3Wys

This video has been viewed more than 93,300 times.

                                             Here is another Bullion Motif to try:

BULLION FLOWER                                              

Special Stiches Used:  Bullion Stitch; Wrap yarn over hook 10 ten times (same as a triple crochet but keep on wrapping), pick up a loop in designated stitch,  yarn over and draw through all 10 wraps,  yarn over and pull through remaining loop on hook to lock stitch.  Do not pull tightly, but leave thread as long as the bullion stitch. 

Foundation Round: Chain 5, join with a slip stitch to form a ring.  Ch 1, make 10 single crochets in the ring, join with a slip stitch, to beg ch 1.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 2 single crochets in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch to beg ch 1. 

Round 2: Work bullion petals as follows:   *Chain 2, (1 bullion, ch 1) 3 times all in next stitch, chain 1, slip stitch in next stitch, single crochet in each of next 2 stitches, repeat from * 4 times more (5 petals), join with a sl st to bottom of beg ch 2.  End off.

 THIS IS THE DIAGRAM THAT I USUALLY GIVE TO MY STUDENTS WHEN TEACHING THEM HOW TO MAKE A SMALL FREE FORM CROCHET BAG.
(I apologize for the small print, but I could not figure out how to make this diagram bigger)

Some more samples of my Free Form Work: 

Orange sweater made using a template as a patten.

Pink Sweater made entirely in a filet mesh pattern, then embellished with Free Form motifs.

















Purple Sweater made using a template as a pattern

Bag made on a lining, with motifs sewn directly to lining.

 I hope that you are enjoying the blog tour celebrating the art of Crochet, and as a special treat to those who visited my blog today, I will be giving away 2 of my Free Form Books. To enter the drawing all you have to do is leave a comment before midnight on the 23rd of March, be sure to leave your email address.  The names will be randomly selected, and I will write to the winners the next day for your mailing address.

Don't forget to check today's second stop on the blog tour: Jane Rimmer, CGOA board member, will be talking about the Education Committee. Learn more about how this committee works to provide you with the best crochet classes at CGOA conferences.

 http://cgoanow.blogspot.com

Thanks for visiting me today.
Have a great day everyone and Happy Hooking!


MARGARET

PS: I will be teaching Free Form On April 27th at the Knit 1/Crochet 2 event in Albany, NY
       you can find out more about this great weekend event here 
       http://www.knit1crochet2.com/learning-opportunities/shows

www.margarethubertoriginals.com http://journals.aol.com/mhdesigner1/MyHooksandNeedles/

Knit 1 Crochet 2 Learning League

Hi Everyone,

Registration is now open for the Knit 1 Crochet 2 Learning League Show in Albany, New York.

I will be teaching Free Form Knitting and Crochet in Combination,Tunisian a Step Further, Bavarian Crochet and Finishing Like a Pro.

The other great teachers are Lorraine Bulson, Lily Chin and Patty Lyons.

You can find all the information at http://www.knit1crochet2.com/

I hope that some of you who live in the area will join us.

MARCH IS NATIONAL CROCHET MONTH

GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE,

Today is the beginning of National Crochet Month. You can have participating in a blog tour, starting today, and visit crochet blogs and websites around the world. Have fun, check it out.

A Tour through Crochet Country

Today at 1:00am

National Crochet Month: Blogs & Websites Around the World

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