Showing posts with label Caissa McClinton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caissa McClinton. Show all posts

Winter '16 Holiday Crochet Along Prize Entry Post

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Oh my goodness.  I can't believe that we are done with this wonderful journey and we each have two lovely wraps to keep or share.  And since you've done them once, you can go ahead and make more and more!  That was kind of the point of this Holiday Crochet Along - to provide you with pieces you can make fairly quickly and give as gifts!


Your Instructions:  
1. Enter to win the giveaway by the end of the day on Nov. 19, 2016 using the Rafflecopter widget below.  To earn extra entries, link to pictures of your finished objects in the comments.

Win What?
Each prize is fabulous and different and each one has different shipping restrictions.  Click on links below and scroll down for full descriptions.
  1. Shipping Worldwide: Three Skeins of Tatamy Tweed by Kraemer Yarns in Rose and Taupe.
  2. Shipping Worldwide: Three Skeins of Tatamy Tweed by Kraemer Yarns in Blue Jean and Taupe.
  3. Shipping to North America: Two Skeins of Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend by Fairmount Fibers in your choice of color.
  4. Shipping to the U.S. and Canada:  A Eucalan Gift Pack
  5. Shipping to the United States:  A Unicorn Clean 4 oz. Gift Set.
  6. Shipping to the United States:  A Unicorn Clean 4 oz. Gift Set. (Same as above)

Pictures of Your Finished Objects

Optional:  Please link to pictures of your finished "All the Stars Above" and/or "Lace Ripple Fans" by copying and pasting the URL to your photo in the comment section, then earn 3 entries for each finished object by pasting your link into the Rafflecopter widget.  I really want to see your work and I will visit your blog or page to Ooo and Ahh over your pieces! 



And, of course, thanks so much to each of our giveaway sponsors:

Let's keep the conversation going.   If you're not already a member of the CGOA Crochet Along Facebook group or Ravelry group, please join us so we can all stitch together!   Do you want to connect with me on social media?  Caissa (@artlikebread) can be found on facebook, and Instagram.  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

Winter '16 Holiday Crochet Along: Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette Part Two!

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Yeee!  We're almost done with our crochet along!  We are moving quickly through the stitches and this one works up smoothly.  I love the open stitch pattern.  How's it going for you? 

If you'd like, you can see the entire crochet along schedule & details about getting started here.
Lace Ripple Fans is a versatile, rectangular-shaped shawlette stitched in a lovely, open lace pattern.  Stitched in long rows using DK weight yarn and a big hook, the piece works up quickly and can be styled in many ways.  Whether loosely wrapped around the neck like a cowl, or draped over the shoulders and styled with a pin, this piece is a showstopper.  Enjoy crocheting this gorgeous piece and you'll want to make more!

We'll be crocheting this in just two parts: doing half in one week, and half + finishing in the second week.  So in just two weeks, you will have a lovely, new accessory to gift or wear.


Your instructions for this week:  
1. Crochet rows 8-13 of Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette, block and add ribbon!
2. Share progress pictures and ask questions in the Facebook group and in our Ravelry thread.  We'll help each other out!
You Could Win!
We are very fortunate that we have several excellent sponsors who have really stepped up to make this CAL lots of fun for us!  At the end of the CAL, you can enter to win a fantastic prize package!!


And, of course, thanks so much to each of our giveaway sponsors:

Let's keep the conversation going.   If you're not already a member of the CGOA Crochet Along Facebook group or Ravelry group, please join us so we can all stitch together!   Do you want to connect with me on social media?  Caissa (@artlikebread) can be found on facebookInstagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

Winter '16 Holiday Crochet Along: Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette Part One

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Oh my goodness!  Can you believe that we are already done with one gorgeous piece?  Hopefully you are having fun showing off your finished shawls and now you're ready to make a quick and pretty Shawlette!  

If you'd like, you can see the entire crochet along schedule & details about getting started here.
Lace Ripple Fans is a versatile, rectangular-shaped shawlette stitched in a lovely, open lace pattern.  Stitched in long rows using DK weight yarn and a big hook, the piece works up quickly and can be styled in many ways.  Whether loosely wrapped around the neck like a cowl, or draped over the shoulders and styled with a pin, this piece is a showstopper.  Enjoy crocheting this gorgeous piece and you'll want to make more!

We'll be crocheting this in just two parts: doing half in one week, and half + finishing in the second week.  So in just two weeks, you will have a lovely, new accessory to gift or wear.


Your instructions for this week:  
1. Crochet rows 1-7 of Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette
2. Share progress pictures and ask questions in the Facebook group and in our Ravelry thread.  We'll help each other out!
You Could Win!
We are very fortunate that we have several excellent sponsors who have really stepped up to make this CAL lots of fun for us!  At the end of the CAL, you can enter to win a fantastic prize package!!


And, of course, thanks so much to each of our giveaway sponsors:

Let's keep the conversation going.   If you're not already a member of the CGOA Crochet Along Facebook group or Ravelry group, please join us so we can all stitch together!   Do you want to connect with me on social media?  Caissa (@artlikebread) can be found on facebookInstagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

Winter '16 Holiday Crochet Along: All the Stars Above - Finishing

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Hooray!  Now that you've crocheted the entire base, you can finish your gorgeous shawl inspired by all the stars in the sky!

If you'd like, you can see the entire crochet along schedule & details about getting started here.
All the Stars Above is a beautiful, L-shaped shawl made using a large hook and DK weight yarn for elegant drape. 

We have been crocheting this beauty in three parts: doing half in one week, half in the second week, (pausing a week to catch up), and doing all the finishing in the final week.  So by the end of October, you should have a lovely shawl to wear or share.
Your instructions for this week:  
1. Complete your finishing for All the Stars Above.
2. Share progress pictures and ask questions in the Facebook group and in our Ravelry thread.  We'll help each other out!
3. If you haven't already, gather materials for our next project - Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette by Susan White Sullivan.
Join one of our groups and join in on the fun! 

You Could Win!

We are very fortunate that we have several excellent sponsors who have really stepped up to make this CAL lots of fun for us!  At the end of the CAL, you can enter to win a fantastic prize package!!

Our friends at Unicorn Clean (formerly Unicorn Fibre) are offering two wonderful 4 oz prize packs with samples of Power Scour, Fibre Wash, and Fibre Rinse.  Each pack also includes a cute, stuffed unicorn and is packaged in a gift box!

  

Unicorn Clean is offering shipment to the anywhere in the United States!  This adorable unicorn toy really takes this to the next level.  I love the idea of having all of these different formulas for your different laundry needs, but also having a cute pal to help you with your laundering. :)

And, of course, thanks so much to each of our giveaway sponsors:

The CAL is not over yet!  We're digging into a luscious new pattern next week!

Let's keep the conversation going.   If you're not already a member of the CGOA Crochet Along Facebook group or Ravelry group, please join us so we can all stitch together!   Do you want to connect with me on social media?  Caissa (@artlikebread) can be found on facebookInstagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

Winter '16 Holiday Crochet Along: All the Stars Above - Part Three

Saturday, October 15, 2016

How have you been keeping up?  It depends on how quickly you crochet, but I think we might need a little more time with this pattern.   What do you think?

If you'd like, you can see the entire crochet along schedule & details about getting started here.
All the Stars Above is a beautiful, L-shaped shawl made using a large hook and DK weight yarn for elegant drape. 

We have been crocheting this beauty in three parts: doing half in one week, half in the second week, (pausing a week to catch up), and doing all the finishing in the final week.  So by the end of October, you should have a lovely shawl to wear or share.
Your instructions for this week (until October 22):  
1. Catch up on any crocheting for All the Stars Above.
2. Share progress pictures and ask questions in the Facebook group and in our Ravelry thread.  We'll help each other out!
Join one of our groups and join in on the fun! 

You Could Win!

We are very fortunate that we have several excellent sponsors who have really stepped up to make this CAL lots of fun for us!  At the end of the CAL, you can enter to win a fantastic prize package!!

Eucalan is well known and trusted by yarn crafters to take care of their precious creations.  This is a product I use and I love it because it is no-rinse and it is great for blocking and handwashing!  Eucalan is offering a prize gift pack.

  
“This set of 5 bottles of Eucalan is neatly packaged in a clear re-usable zip bag in each of our scents. The Gift Pack is a popular item for gift-giving - include it with a cute baby item, beautiful lingerie or the lovely sweater you've knit.”
Eucalan is generously offering shipment to the United States and Canada!  I am eyeing this gift pack because think of how cool it would be to have a travel-sized bottle to bring with you on a trip.  Or also how extra special it would be to add a bottle to your handmade gifts.  I really like how this item can take handmade creations to the next level.  

And, of course, thanks so much to each of our giveaway sponsors:

Let's keep the conversation going.   If you're not already a member of the CGOA Crochet Along Facebook group or Ravelry group, please join us so we can all stitch together!   Do you want to connect with me on social media?  Caissa (@artlikebread) can be found on facebookInstagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

Winter '16 Holiday Crochet Along: All the Stars Above - Part Two

Saturday, October 8, 2016

So how is your hook?  I have been loving working the beautiful star stitch in All the Stars Above pattern.  

If you'd like, you can see the entire crochet along schedule & details about getting started here.
All the Stars Above is a beautiful, L-shaped shawl made using a large hook and DK weight yarn for elegant drape.  If you're familiar with the star stitch, you'll adore its relaxing repetition.  If you're new to the star stitch, you'll have a new skill to add to your crochet knowledge base.  

We'll be crocheting this beauty in three parts: doing half in one week, half in the second week, (pausing a week to catch up), and doing all the finishing in the final week.  So by the end of October, you should have a lovely shawl to wear or share.
Your instructions for this week:  

1. Crochet rows 34-80 of All the Stars Above
2. Share progress pictures and ask questions in the Facebook group and in our Ravelry thread.  We'll help each other out!
Stitch with us!  It is not too late to join! 
Join one of our groups and join in on the fun! 

You Could Win!
We are very fortunate that we have several excellent sponsors who have really stepped up to make this CAL lots of fun for us!  At the end of the CAL, you can enter to win a fantastic prize package!!

Fairmount Fibers is the US distributor of the luscious Manos del Uruguay yarns. They are offering a prize package consisting of two skeins of their new Silk Blend in winner’s choice of color, semi-solid, or space-dyed. This is enough to make the Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette!  Are you squealing yet?


"New for 2016: Soft and shiny, Silk Blend gives good stitch definition to cables and other texture patterns. Its jewel-like colors work beautifully in stranded colorwork designs."
Ask yourself if you'd like two skeins of Manos del Uruguay in silk.  If yes, and if you live in North America, you could win! I think it's awesome that you get to pick out whatever color you want.  So many possibilities... 
And, of course, thanks so much to each of our giveaway sponsors:

Let's keep the conversation going.   If you're not already a member of the CGOA Crochet Along Facebook group or Ravelry group, please join us so we can all stitch together!   Do you want to connect with me on social media?  Caissa (@artlikebread) can be found on facebookInstagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

Winter '16 Holiday Crochet Along: All the Stars Above - Part One

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Are you ready?  I am so excited to get this crochet along going, so let's get our hooks moving on the lovely All the Stars Above pattern.  

If you'd like, you can see the entire crochet along schedule & details about getting started here.
All the Stars Above is a beautiful, L-shaped shawl made using a large hook and DK weight yarn for elegant drape.  If you're familiar with the star stitch, you'll adore its relaxing repetition.  If you're new to the star stitch, you'll have a new skill to add to your crochet knowledge base.  

We'll be crocheting this beauty in three parts: doing half in one week, half in the second week, (pausing a week to catch up), and doing all the finishing in the final week.  So by the end of October, you should have a lovely shawl to wear or share.
Your instructions for this week:  

1. Download the CGOA Across the Board 2016 e-book.  (free to CGOA Members)


2. Crochet rows 1-33 of All the Stars Above
3. Share progress pictures and ask questions in the Facebook group and in our Ravelry thread.  We'll help each other out!
Stitch with us!  It is not too late to join! 
Join one of our groups and join in on the fun! 

You Could Win!
We are very fortunate that we have several excellent sponsors who have really stepped up to make this CAL lots of fun for us!  At the end of the CAL, you can enter to win a fantastic prize package!!

Kraemer Yarns is generously offering two prize packages, each containing three skeins of Tatamy Tweed DK weight yarn!  If you win, your prize will consist of either two skeins of Rose and one skein of Taupe or two skeins of Blue Jeans and one skein of Taupe.   


"Tatamy Tweed is a D.K. weight, easy-care, cotton/acrylic blend. It comes in 28 lovely colors ranging from bright and playful to neutral earthy tones, all with small flecks spun right into the yarn. Because Tatamy Tweed is machine washable, it is an excellent choice for everyday garments. It is fabulous for summer sweaters, tops, hats, and even skirts! When you don't want the overwhelming warmth of wool, Tatamy Tweed is a cool, easy-care solution. Made in the U.S.A."

Excitingly, there are no shipping restrictions on this prize, so it is open to our friends worldwide!  You should definitely check out the Kraemer Yarns webpage and see what they have to offer.  It's a fun place to get lost dreaming... 

And, of course, thanks so much to each of our giveaway sponsors:

Let's keep the conversation going.   If you're not already a member of the CGOA Crochet Along Facebook group or Ravelry group, please join us so we can all stitch together!   Do you want to connect with me on social media?  Caissa (@artlikebread) can be found on facebookInstagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

CGOA Winter '16 Holiday Crochet Along - Introduction

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Hey!  With two successful CALs under our belts, let's round out the year with another fun one!  Excitingly, this is a Holiday CAL and will be finished before Thanksgiving, so that you have plenty of time to finish and send your pieces before the December holidays. 


Did you know that the 2016 Across the Board Pattern Book is out?  It is out and it is lovely!  Containing six wonderful shawl and wrap patterns written by the CGOA Board of Directors, the e-book is absolutely free to CGOA members.  These patterns are so pretty, and I can see crocheting each one for someone different.  The only difficult decision is where to start!  


Well, you can start here with the Crochet Along!  Over the next six weeks (October 1 - November 12), we will be crocheting both the "All the Stars Above" shawl by Karen McKenna and the "Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette" by Susan White Sullivan.

How to Join the CAL
You can crochet on your own, but why not join us?  Check out the Ravelry thread or our Facebook group to chat, ask questions, and share your progress. We are psyched to see what you do!

Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoaholidaycal.  Link back to this post so other crocheters can join in. We're looking forward to crocheting with you.

Supply List
We are crocheting two pieces.  For the "All the Stars Above" shawl by Karen McKenna, you will need 
  • a yarn needle
  • an L/11 (8mm) hook
  • about 936 yards of DK weight yarn comparable to Skacel Simplicity Tonal
For the "Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette" by Susan White Sullivan, you will need 
  • a yarn needle
  • K/10.5 (6.5mm) hook 
  • about 262 yards of DK weight yarn comparable to LB Collection Angora
Winter 2016 Holiday CAL Schedule
Sept. 26 – Intro post: CAL schedule, materials list, & prize list!
Oct. 1 – "All the Stars Above" shawl by Karen McKenna (Rows 1-32)
Oct. 8 – Part 2 "All the Stars Above" shawl by Karen McKenna (Rows 33-80)
Oct. 22 – Finishing "All the Stars Above" shawl by Karen McKenna (Edging & Fringe)
Oct. 29 Beginning "Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette" by Susan White Sullivan (Rows 1-7)
Nov. 5 – Finishing "Lace Ripple Fans Shawlette" by Susan White Sullivan (Rows 8-13, blocking, and ribbon)
Nov. 12 – Giveaway entry deadline
Nov. 19 – Wrap up post / prize winner announcements.

You Could Win!
We are very fortunate that we have four excellent sponsors who are tempting us with five fantastic prize packages!  At the end of the CAL, you can enter to win!



Next Steps: Download your copy of the CGOA 2016 Across the Board Pattern Book at crochet.org, join the CGOA facebook group, gather your materials and get ready to go!  If you want to swatch, you can begin by swatching.

Thanks so much to the rest of the CGOA Now! blogger team for their support, especially Stitches'N'Scraps for finding giveaway sponsors.


And, of course, thanks so much to our giveaway sponsors:

I don't know about you, but I am super-excited to get this CAL going.  Questions? Leave a comment here on the blog, in the Ravelry thread, or on the CGOA facebook page!  Do you want to connect on social media?  I can be found on facebook, Instagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

CGOA QOTM: Your September Holidays

Thursday, September 1, 2016

As September arrives we're rounding the corner into the fourth quarter of 2016.  Can you believe it?  In a few short months we will be ringing in a new year.  September is both the calm before Thanksgiving and the December holidays, and the very month of the Jewish high holidays.  As always, there's a lot going on, and a lot to plan for.   

Thinking about holidays brings us to this month's question, in two parts.  1. What is your favorite (traditional or wacky) September holiday?  2. What would you design or crochet for it?  For a comprehensive list of both traditional and unexpected September holidays, check out the Brownielocks page here.  
I'll get the ball rolling.  Well, according to Brownielocks, the 23rd of September is Love Note Day.  To celebrate, I will crochet Sarah London's beautiful Fancy Hearts pattern in thread and send it in a sweet note to a loved one.  

Last month, I asked you how the school year inspires or changes your crochet habits.  One very in-depth response stood out on the blog.  Regina shared,
 "As a school bus driver, when the kids return to school, so do I. I treat it as an opportunity to learn a new stitch or two, and incorporate it into a pattern which eventually turns into something pretty good.  When we drivers go on our afternoon shifts, usually we sleep, eat, read, or listen to music. I bring a bag with a "smalls" project that is usually for my stock of finished items that I bring to craft fairs, and I work on them. Or I would be consulting my calendar for possible craft fairs I would be doing. Or working on lesson plans for private lessons.  
School is very inspirational for my work. I run a grass roots charity for The Home on the Hudson, it's a beautiful facility for the elderly volunteer firefighters and their spouses. Bringing homemade blankets, lap warmers, caps and scarves, shawls are showing my appreciation for the sacrifices they did back in the day. So far I donated over 100 lap warmers, and developed a very simple pattern I will publish in Ravelry.  
My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma back in March. So to keep me focused, and relaxed, I turned to stitchery and crochet. I plan to make to donate simple caps to Mount Sinai Hospital cancer treatment center, and to Long Island Hematology in Syosset, as a thanks for helping my husband fight this disease. He's doing great btw, we are getting ready for his final hurdle, extraction of stem cells, a treatment to wipe out his bone marrow, and the transfusion of his improved stem cells to completely wipe out the cancer, and to allow good blood, bone marrow growth, and his bones to thicken and strengthen.  
I got a lot of worries, I am thankful for this hobby in keeping me sane and calm throughout this process. Namaste!"
In the Cyber Crochet of CGOA Group on Ravelry, TK-Arts told us she wants to get back to designing!
"With summer winding down, I’m really anxious to get back to work on my designs. I had declared a halt to people showing up to visit at the last minute, but the kids are a different story……. ;o)"
I love love love love love hearing from you, so let's keep the conversation going.  Which holiday, wacky or serious fuels your September fire?  And what will you crochet for the occasion?  Please leave a comment here on the blog, or on the CGOA facebook page!  Do you want to connect on social media?  I can be found on facebook, Instagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

CGOA QOTM: Your School Year Crochet Schedule

Monday, August 1, 2016

July was hot and tumultuous, but also fun and full of love!  August is the month that transitions us from summer's change of pace into the new school year.  But what does that mean for a crocheter?  

For parents, it could mean more available crochet time.  Grandparents, aunts, and uncles may want to spoil their school-age relatives with handmade accessories, blankets, or school supplies.  Teens and college students,  may start to work quick projects to balance stress levels and/or improve focus during lectures.  For commuters like me, the increased traffic will lengthen commute time, necessitating the tightening of morning and evening routines.  
As these transitions fall into place, how are you going to work crochet into your new routine?  If there is no schedule change, how does the new school year inspire your crochet?
As for me, I am going to take a crochet kit with me on my commute so I can sneak in a few stitches here and there (while parked only!)  I have found that sometimes just adding 2-3 minutes extra in the car can really add up in terms of completing a project.  My car project will be simple and intuitive.  Nothing fancy!
I have a few crochet time-finding ideas.
  • Parents - Put down your cell phones during pick up and drop off and pick up the hook instead! 
  • Extended Family - Find out your school-aged relative's favorite character and crochet a hat with those specifications.  For college students, crochet a thick and comfy blanket in the school colors.
  • College Students - Keep crochet by your side during lectures.  If you're not taking notes, make a few stitches if that helps you to absorb information. (Be sure to check with the professor first out of respect.)
  • High School Students - For those times on the bus or waiting for class to start, have a simple project nearby.  Maybe you could make amigurumi and sell them to your classmates for some extra cash!
But how do YOU schedule crochet in the new school year?  And how does the school year inspire your crochet (if at all)?

Last month was all about showing love through crochet and we got a lot of love on the Facebook post and the blog.  



In addition to Meg's comment and picture, there were many other Facebook fans who chimed in to share how they show love through crochet.  For example, Wendy said,
I show my friends and family love by making them surprise blankets.  I show myself love by using crochet as therapy: it is calming, it creates flow, it makes me feel good about myself knowing that I am going to make someone else happy.
Facebooker Susan crochets blankets for Linus Connection, and prayer shawls.  She also designs gifts for her family members.   Pam is a fellow prayer shawl crocheter.  I am sure they provide much comfort to those in need.  Bobbie shows love by teaching her friends to crochet.  Linda is going to make scarves for the troops.  Tammy makes scarves and clothes for winter clothing drives. Sherry shows love by how much she enjoys crochet.   

On the blog, there were some in-depth comments
When I first started crocheting, I quickly filled my family's needs. Although I still make gifts for family and friends, I was thrilled to find that there are many local charitable organizations that greatly need items such as hats, scarves, and mitts for the homeless; and baby items for the newborns that would otherwise go without. And these things are used by people who truly appreciate that someone took the time and cared enough to make something. I always include a card that says "Stitched with love for you". -Jane
I crochet prayer shawls, lap robes, baby blankets and stuffed animals for our prayer shawl ministry. They have been sent around the world. I pray for the person while I am crocheting, and the entire congregation prays over the object before it is sent out. It is amazing the responses we have gotten. People say they can feel God's love through these items! -Sandy 
Thank you to all who answered last month's question.  It means everything to learn more about fellow CGOA people.  And I loved seeing a picture of Meg's work.  I want to know all about your fall crochet schedule, so let's keep the conversation going.  Please leave a comment here on the blog, or on the CGOA facebook page!  Do you want to connect on social media?  I can be found on facebook, Instagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!).  Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 
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