Build Better Garments with Body Basics by Lindsey Stephens

Friday, September 27, 2019

Title: Body Basics
Author: Lindsey Stephens
MSRP: $29.99 USD (e-book)

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Body Basics and Schematics Templates, from The Lindsey Life. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

Do you like to crochet garments? Have you ever thought of designing your own, or adapting a pattern to fit better? If so, you need Body Basics! Keep reading for a special discount code on this e-book.

Cover of the book Body Basics. Shows a woman's hands measuring a crochet swatch with a tape measure.


About Lindsey 

Lindsey Stephens, the author of Body Basics is a brilliant tech editor with a gift for math. I've had the pleasure of working with her, and she really knows all the little tweaks that can make a pattern more accurate, and easier to read. She's also a CGOA member and a wild, wacky, wonderful friend :)

A woman wearing a head covering and sweatshirt in a parking lot with trees in the background


Diving Deep


Body Basics is the ultimate guide to sizing garments. It's not a quick reference, a size chart or a formula. It's an in depth discussion of how sizing works, and how to make it work for you.

Lindsey explains which measurements matter and how they work together to fit actual bodies. The math of calculating stitch and row counts is not the main focus of the book. Rather, it teaches you how to manipulate measurements to create the shape and fit you want.

Easy to Read

There's a lot of information, but it's easy to navigate with lots of helpful diagrams and charts, plus highlighted tips and notes as well. The ebook includes a clickable table of contents so you can easily jump to the section you want.

The first section talks all about width measurements, followed by a section on length measurements. Lindsey goes through each measurement, one by one, and explains how slight variations can change the fit and overall style of a garment.


Table of Contents from Body Basics by Lindsey Stephens

Focus on Tops and Sweaters

Body Basics focuses on the upper body, for tops and sweaters. It does not include sections for pants or skirts, but many of the same principles discussed throughout the book can be applied to those measurements as well.

Get the Bundle! 

The review copy I got came with a bonus book of Schematic Templates. This invaluable resource is a series of labeled schematic drawings. The measurement lines are indicated, but no measurements have been written in. These schematics are a great starting point, and combined with Body Basics, they make the ultimate garment design workbook. 

Cover of Schematic templates by Lindsey Stephens


As of the time I am writing this, Schematic Templates comes FREE with your purchase of Body Basics! You can also buy it separately. 

Save $5! 

Lindsey has generously given me a special coupon code to share with you. Buy the Body Basics bundle and enter the code CGOA at checkout to get $5 off your purchase. This coupon code is valid through 11:59pm Eastern Time on October 17th, 2019, so hurry and get yours now! As always, Please be sure the discount shows in your cart before completing your purchase.

2019 CGOA Fashion Show

Sunday, July 21, 2019


Were you able to attend the fashion show at the CGOA Chain Link Conference last week? We had a very full show this year, with 58 items!

 

We didn't have an official video this year, but Lauren Venettozzi recorded most of it and shared the video on Facebook.


All the amazing photos you see in this post were taken by Bonnie Barker of Bonnie Bay Crochet Photography, with the help of her daughter, Becky Bluebush.



Below is a list of all the items that were displayed at this year's fashion show. If a pattern or more information about an item is available online, I have added a link to that information.

Many of these patterns are not yet available but will be soon. If you know of any other links that become available or are not included here, please leave a comment and I will add them in.



Special thanks to Red Heart for sponsoring this year's fashion show again, and for all the fabulous prizes. Tamara Kelly and Marly Bird, both with Red Heart, were our MCs.



I'd also like to thank all the amazing crocheters who submitted projects, and all the volunteers who made the show possible. The models are listed in the line up below, and our other volunteers were:


  • Photographer: Bonnie Barker and
  • Garment Manager (and emergency model): Laurinda Reddig
  • Door Monitor: Christine Bitner
  • Timekeepers: Lauren Venettozzi, Julie Marz, and Candace Pisterzi


I hope I haven't forgotten anyone, and I can't wait to see you all again next year!



2019 CGOA Fashion Show Lineup:

Group 1

Item

Crocheter / Designer

Model

Coral Ranuculus Vest Gwen Buttke McGannon Gwen Buttke McGannon
Trade Winds ShrugMarette Whitney Marette Whitney
Pineapples on ParadeTammy Hildebrand Willow Hildebrand
Palm Beach PonchoJoan A. Davis Julie Desjardins
Sand Dunes Drift Away Wrap Sarah Sullivan Sarah Sullivan
Rhythm of Shells Cowl Andee Graves Creusa Gilmore
Garden by the Sea Poncho Joan A. Davis Shari White
Seaglass Tank Top Carolyn Calderon Kristin Lynn, Lyndall Reeve, Sara Huntington
Mykonos Susan Sullivan Susan Sullivan
Hello, Yellow Crochet Top Yarnspirations Design Team Allison Herron



Group 2

Item

Crocheter / Designer

Model

Red sweater set Deborah Hamsho Shari White
Floating Diamonds Shawlette Andee GravesAmy Daraghy  
Pot PourriMargaret Hubert Susan Lowman 
Tunisian Flower Garden Sweater Carolyn Calderon Karen Pankiw
Floral Fantasy Headdress & Woodland Shawl Marette Whitney Marette Whitney
Simply Iris Blanket Wrap Sarah Sullivan Sarah Sullivan 
Red Cable CardiganChris LeachChris Leach
Maraksesh Express with Freeform Crochet Beret and Mitts Barbara Hynes  Barbara Hynes 
Rhythm of Life Alpaca Sweater Susan Walsh Susan Walsh
Off-Center Triangle Shawl Diane K. Moyer for Red Heart Allison Herron




Group 3

Item

Crocheter / Designer

Model

Dark Side Lace Jacket Creusa Gilmore Creusa Gilmore
Kaleidoscope Shawl Shari White Shari White
Tunisian Triangles Cowl Dela Wilkins Dela Wilkins
Sister Act Shawl and Shrug Marette Whitney Marette Whitney
Red Hot Little Mama Tammy Hildebrand Willow Hildebrand
Filet Cabled Cardigan Amanda Saladin Amanda Saladin
Doilies Refashioned Various / Cari Clement Gwen Buttke McGannon
Jewelweed Shawl Sue Perez Sue Perez
Lattice Poncho  Dixie Fairies Dixie Fairies
Color Block TunicYarnspirations Design Team Allison Herron




Group 4

Item

Crocheter / Designer

Model

Remembering Babi's Shawl  B.J. Licko-Keel Julie Desjardins, Amy Daraghy 
Frosty Lace Cardigan Susan Lowman Susan Lowman
Once and For All, a Vest Deborah Day Deborah Day
Striped Shawl in WOBBEL technique Dela Wilkins Dela Wilkins
Chevron Cardigan Pattie Aaron Regina Venettozzi
Penny's Cotton Cardi Sandy Walker Sandy Walker
Plus Size Coraline Top  Pamela MacManus Pamela MacManus
Dress (natural beauty) Yvette Jiggetts Yvette Jiggetts
Bernat Women's Curvy Crochet Cowl Pullover Yarnspirations Design Team Laurinda Reddig





Group 5

Item

Crocheter / Designer

Model

Daisy Chain Cardigan Susan Walsh Susan Walsh
Boho Blossom Poncho Carolyn Calderon Karen Pankiw 
Floral Garden Dress Gwen Buttke McGannon Gwen Buttke McGannon
Copperleaf Tunic Sue Perez Sue Perez
Red Orchid Shawl Sharon DeCaroRegina Venettozzi
Prism Poncho Shari White Shari White
Psychedelicized Puro Ilo-takki Barbara Hynes Barbara Hynes
Takotsubo shawl Dela Wilkins Dela Wilkins
Japanese Cardigan and Tote Susan Lowman Susan Lowman
Bernat Origami Crochet CardiganYarnspirations Design Team Allison Herron





Group 6

Item

Crocheter / Designer

Model

Golden Circles Cardigan Juliette Bezold Creusa Gilmore
The Eternal  Love Wrap Shari White Shari White
Sunset pullover-poncho Julie Desjardins Julie Desjardins
Sunset on the Water Willena Nanton Willena Nanton
Miami Magic Nights Joan A. Davis Regina Venettozzi
Downtown After Dark Shawl & Purse Andrea Kraus Andrea Kraus
Dress (jade dress) Yvette Jiggetts Yvette Jiggetts
Two-Rectangle Sweater Marty Miller for Red Heart Allison Herron
Rockabilly Swing Dress
  (Design Competition Winner)
Nancy Nehring Katie Winegarden



  





Photos courtesy of Bonnie Bay Crochet Photography
 

Only 1 week left!

Monday, June 24, 2019

The 2019 Chain Link conference is fast approaching, and there is only 1 week left to get those entries in for the fashion show.



If you are a member and attending the conference, please consider entering something! The fashion show is low key and fun, and your entry does not need to be your own design. 

We have made some changes to the entry process this year. The entry form is entirely online and is due by June 30th.


I hope to see all your lovely projects in the show!

Book Review - Crochet in a Day

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Title: Crochet in a Day
Author: Salena Baca, with Danyel Pink and Emily Truman
MSRP: $24.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Crochet in a Day from Stackpole Books. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

Do you like crochet projects that work up quickly? Get your quick crochet fix from Crochet in a Day!



Salena Baca is the author of My Crocheted Closet, which I had reviewed some time ago.  In Crochet in a Day, she joins forces with two other talented designers, Danyel Pink, and Emily Truman, to bring you a whopping 42 projects. All of the projects are designed to work up in a day or less.

The first half of the book focuses on wearables. There are hats, headbands, shawls, mitts, and more. There's even a cute pair of slipper socks.



One of my favorite designs in the book is this Dreamy Poncho. It's a simple pattern that really does work up quickly, but looks so lovely, lacy and elegant that it looks like it took forever.



The last half of the book focuses on home decor, featuring washcloths, baskets, table linens, and other decorative items. This hanging herb holder is reminiscent of classic macrame plant holders, and would brighten up any kitchen. 


I also love the chunky, Fast Track Basket. One can never have enough baskets. Of course, the only logical thing to fill a yarn basket with is...more yarn! 


There are so many more beautiful patterns in this book than I can show you here. If you're a crocheter who likes to have a finished object every time you sit down to crochet, this is the book for you.  


You can enter to win your own copy of Crochet in a Day! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Stackpole Books. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Central Time on June 30th. Hurry and enter below! 

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Book Review - Wildlife Cable Afghans

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Title: Wildlife Cable Afghans
Author: Leisure Arts
MSRP: $9.99 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Wildlife Cable Afghans from Leisure Arts. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

Bring the great outdoors inside with these Wildlife Cable Afghans! I love the modular, "choose your adventure" concept of this book.




First, pick the animal you want. There are patterns for a bear, moose, wolf, and deer. Each of the animals has a colorwork chart for the main section of the afghan. Finish off the section with a decorative, crossed stitch border.



Next, choose your sides and corners. With 4 of each, you can create a truly unique look. These trim pieces are where the cables really shine, adding loads of texture. Make all 4 sides the same, or all different, it's entirely up to you!



You can enter to win your own copy of Wildlife Cable Afghans! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Leisure Arts. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Central Time on May 31st. Hurry and enter below! 

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Book Review - Super Simple Summer Tops

Monday, April 15, 2019

Title: Super Simple Summer Tops
Author: Sharon Hernes Silverman
MSRP: $9.99 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Super Simple Summer Tops from Leisure Arts. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

Add some fun to your summer wardrobe with these Super Simple Summer Tops! This must-have booklet has 6 fast and easy patterns in lighter weight or cotton yarns. Each of the tops comes in 6 sizes, from small all the way up to 3X!




One thing that struck me right away was the use of color in the pattern text. The stitch counts for each size are written in a different color, so it's easy to follow the size you want. It's such a simple thing but makes a huge difference in the readability of the pattern. Large print and lots of white space make the patterns easy to read too.




Of course the designs themselves are absolutely lovely, and easy to wear. My favorite top in the book is Enchanting Empire. I just love the funky belt, with tails flowing down the back.




You can enter to win your own copy of Super Simple Summer Tops! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Leisure Arts. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Central Time on April 30th. Hurry and enter below! 

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Book Review - Delicate Crochet

Friday, March 15, 2019

Title: Delicate Crochet
Author: Sharon Hernes Silverman
MSRP: $29.95USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Delicate Crochet from Stackpole Books. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

It may not seem like it, but spring really is coming.  With it comes the need for lovely, lacy crochet tops and accessories.


Delicate crochet is a collection of designs from top designers, all of which are clear and easy to follow. Most of them have short instructions with repeating pattern stitches, and charts too.

I really fell in love with the Damask Rose Wrap by Katya Novikova. With it's pink color and floral theme, it just feels like spring.



The book is not all shawls and wraps, though there are plenty of those. There are also sweaters, vests, scarves, and more. There's even the beautiful Cyndi Floral Lace Skirt. Paired with leggings, it could easily go from workday wear to an evening out.



Delicate lacework often brings to mind lace doilies and other classic pieces. This book takes lace in a much more contemporary direction, with fun and fresh designs like this Ziggy Vest. I love the way it folds to drape over the shoulders.


The book includes many more gorgeous designs, as well as sections on techniques and other resources. 

You can enter to win your own copy of Delicate Crochet! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Stackpole Books. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Central Time on March 31st. Hurry and enter below! 

This giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter, and they may ask for some log-in information if you are not already logged in. See the Rafflecopter privacy policy for more information. 

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