Goodbye 2012

Good Morning Everyone,

It has been a while since I added a blog post, but 2012 was a very eventful year for me. It started off with a bang right at the beginning. On Jan 5th, after a routine doctors visit, I received very bad health news. Not too many people knew about it, and I wanted it that way. I was just finishing up a new book LACEWORK FOR ADVENTUROUS CROCHETERS, and was facing the unknown. Scary times for me.  I am happy to report that I am really doing well, and I am almost up to my usual energy level.

Lacework for Adventurous Crocheters: Master Traditional, Irish, Freeform, and Bruges Lace Crochet through Easy Step-by-Step Instructions and Fun Projects by Margaret Hubert (Feb 1, 2013)

With a lot of help from my editor, who is just the best support ever, tech editors, and my contract crocheters, I managed to finish the book.  I also had a lot of teaching scheduled and was not sure that I would be able to do it all.  My wonderful doctor assured me that I would be well and not to cancel any of my appointments.

Not too long after all this, I was asked to do another book.  I was on the phone with my editor, when another call came in,  It was Cari Clement, informing me that I was just voted into The Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame. I could not believe it, on one line, my editor discussing another new book and Cari on the other line about the honor. The year was barely beginning and  I was on a roller coaster of highs and lows. 

It was decided that I could ask some fellow designers to help out with the new book, RUNWAY CROCHET, which will be out soon and is one fantastic book. I have to thank
Shelby Allaho, Doris Chan, Ellen Gormley, Tatyana Mirer, Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby and Sharon Hubert Valencia for their great design contributions. 

Runway Crochet: High-style Patterns from Top Designers' Hooks to Yours by Margaret Hubert (May 1, 2013)

I was able to keep all my teaching appointments, I attended the CGOA conference in New Hampshire, where I was formally given the honor of being inducted into the Jean Leinhauser Hall of Fame. At the conference, they showed a slide show of my work, and included tributes from fellow crocheters. My friends, Prudence Mapstone and Myra Wood contributed to this and blew me away. My daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter were all present, which made the night really special for me. If that was not enough, I  also attended the Reno conference  where they repeated the slide show from NH, and had the fun all over again. 

Teaching for the year ended up with a full teaching schedule at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. This is usually my last teaching scheduled till the Spring.

In between teaching etc, I did book signings at various events, which are always fun for me.

Oh and - I also started another new book (title still under wraps), so the "energizer bunny" is still going and going.

My first book 1978 (you've come a long way baby)

Kimberly McAlindin and Me after receiving my award in NH

Bobbie Matela, me and Kathleen Kisor Sams

Vashti Braha, Diane Moyers and Me celebrating after the ball.

My fashion show entries never arrived on time, so I had to improvise with a long vest that I had made a while ago, it was a huge hit and every one wanted to know more about it.

Myra Wood, Me and Jennifer Hansen in Reno, they make beautiful bookends :-)

Me, book signing at VKL in New York City, at Knitty City Booth (literally days after I had the bad news that I was facing surgery, don't know how I managed to smile all day)

Me book signing at the Elegant Ewe Booth at Stitches East in Hartford, CT.

During the year, I even managed to finish my sweater made from antique doilies, not your weekend project, but lots of fun and I love it.

My son thought that after this crazy year, I needed a new photo, so Chris, thanks for this photo and for making me look good!

As I said, it was quite a year of highs and lows for me, and I am starting the New Year by wrapping up another book. I don't know why or how I continue to be so lucky, but all I can say is someone up there continues to watch over me, and I count my blessings every day.  Happy Healthy 2013 to all.

Margaret