SAW at Squam Lake etc

Good Afternoon Everyone.

I just returned home from a busy weekend. I taught at the Squam Lake Art Workshops in NH, then drove to MA to a grandson's Graduation. While there
I also got see and play with my little Great-Grandson, what a joy.

Squam was wonderful. Such a gorgeous setting, the weather was beautiful. but
really cool (for me anyway). The student's were so enthusiastic, a teacher's dream.
Everyone was having a grand time. Jess and Casey from Ravelry were there, and
they were taking classes like everyone else. I was not able to stay for the Saturday night festivities, but I am sure that they were great.
I'll tell all and post photos soon,

Still have to catch up on e-mails, unpack etc.

Have a great evening

Margaret

New Free Form Challenge Show

Happy Memorial Day,

May your weekend be sunny and fun.

I belong to an International Free Form group and for
the past few years we have come together in a
challenge to show our work.

If you have never seen one of our shows before, you are in for a
treat. Go to http://www.freeformcrochet.com/2009/Pages/main4seasons.html

over 50 participants from all over the world have come together for a
breath taking show. Our member, Myra Wood, coordinates everything,
collecting the photos, mounting the internet show, then getting it all into book
form. All proceeds from sale of the book go to Women for Women Global
Fund, a truly worthy charity http://www.womenforwomen.org/. Kudos and thanks to Myra for all her hard work and to all the participants for the gorgeous celebration of fiber art.


Have a great weekend everyone,

Margaret

Best Laid Plans

Good Morning Everyone,

I know that I promised to blog more often, but life has a way
of throwing monkey wrenches into the best laid plans.

I finished my Photo Guide to Crochet about a month ago and
immediately started another new book. I am now in the middle
of working with the tech editor on the crochet book. Juggling
my brain back and forth between tech editing the "finished" new book and working on the
"just started" new book, is making me slightly light headed.

Throw in some happy family celebrations, grand daughter's first
communion, 2 grandson's graduations and a 3rd coming up.
Nicole is my only grand daughter (8 grandsons), and she is truly a
princess among all the princes. My daughter, Sharon, made her dress,
which she designed herself,
and she has given me permission to share a photo with you.
The dress bodice and sleeves are knitted, the skirt is crocheted.

On another note, I received a lovely e-mail from a reader who
has taken one of my top patterns from PLUS SIZE CROCHET and
made it longer, turning it into a dress. Thanks for sharing the
photo Doris, I love hearing from readers and enjoy it when they
give a pattern their own touch.

Have a great day and a great holiday weekend everyone.

Margaret

Good Evening Everyone,

Spring is finally here and everything is "greening up". The
flowering trees are just beautiful, blooming all over the place. Also
"blooming' is the tree that our chapter of CGOA, The Happily Hooked on Crochet group, had a
part in helping to decorate. http://internationalfibercollaborative.com/

I have been very busy starting up my new book, finishing up some
loose ends on the one just finished, and trying to get ready for
my upcoming workshops.

I had a "day brightener" yesterday. I received an e-mail from
my editor, telling me that a reader was having trouble starting
the entrelac afghan from HOOKED THROWS. Linda asked me
if I would give Helen a call. It was a first for me - trying to give
a mini lesson over the phone-but it was a success. Last night
Helen mailed me a photo of her practice piece, and said that
she felt confident that she could start her afghan. Not only
could she start her own, but she is also going to teach a friend
too. Way to go Helen, have fun!

Be sure to let us see your finished project.

Have a great weekend

Margaret

This and That

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope that the holidays were happy ones
for all, lots of family, friends and good food.
My weekend was filled with all of the above.

I am doing two workshops this weekend at
THE YARN AND CRAFT BOX in Pawling, Ny
and I am trying to get ready for them.

I am also preparing for my upcoming workshops at Squam
Lake, NH http://www.squamartworkshops.com/index.php
I am excited by the Squam Lake workshops as this will be
a first time for me, and the setting looks absolutely beautiful.
Check out their web page for the list of classes and the
great line up of teachers. Hope to see some of you there.

On another note, I did it, I signed onto Twitter. I had
reservations about adding another thing to my already
very busy life, but my son convinced me that "I just had
to part of it all". Of course he was right, it is a lot
of fun, very informative, and a very easy way to keep
track of what is going on all around us. I just have to
either get up an hour earlier, or go to bed an hour later
to fit it all in.

Have a great day

Margaret

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ETC

Good Morning Everyone,




















Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all.

I finally finished my latest book after adding new things for 3 weeks
in a row, and I started the new one. I put everything
away for a few days and plan to spend the weekend
enjoying time with my family.

As you know, I love to see things that you make from
my patterns. Diane, a member of the Happily Hooked
on Crochet chapter of CGOA, gave me permission to share
the bag that she just completed. It is the cover bag from
KNIT OR CROCHET - HAVE IT YOUR WAY and Diane
has definitely put her own stamp on it. I love what
you did Diane, it is gorgeous.

Enjoy the weekend

Margaret

(sorry, I could not figure out how to make the photos
larger)

COMPLETE PHOTO GUIDE TO CROCHET

Hi Everyone,

I barely finished my latest book, not due to be
released until end of year, and I found out
yesterday that it is already on amazon.com,
available for pre-order. I had been keeping it
under wraps, not wanting to talk about it until closer to the release
date, but I got the ok to talk about it all I want :-). In case you
did not notice, I am really excited about this book, it was a
huge undertaking.

It is not just a book of stitches, although that is included. I have tried to include some really unusual stitches in addition to the basics. Bullions, double sided crochet, Limpet Stitches, all manner of interesting things. There are tips on
finishing, inset pockets, zippers, set in sleeves, button bands and much more.

Also included are several chapters on special techniques such as Bruges Lace, Hairpin Lace, Broomstick lace, free form crochet, Intermeshing, Tunisian Intarsia, Polish Star, Entrelac Tunisian and Overlay Crochet. I have asked designers who specialize in these techniques to contribute items, designers who will be instantly recognizable to you. There will be a history of crochet, a gallery of stunning items, included for their beauty, and photos of some wonderful antique items.

Just a note, the cover shown on amazon will not be the
actual cover. They needed to do a dummy cover for promotion, so the cover will be changed before actual printing.

I don't want to wish away the rest of the year, but I cannot wait to see this one in print.

Enjoy the rest of the day, its beautiful and sunny here in New York.

Margaret