Title: Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet

Author: Kim Guzman

Book Review by Marie Segares (www.undergroundcrafter.com)

Tunisian crochet has been increasing in popularity for the past few years, and if you’ve been waiting to learn, now’s your chance!  In the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet, Kim Guzman walks you through the basics while offering nine projects of increasing difficulty. The book focuses on Tunisian crochet creations that mimic the look of hand knitting.

The book includes an introduction to the types of hooks that are available for Tunisian crochet, as well as ways to modify standard or double-ended crochet hooks for Tunisian crochet.  

An eight-page section with step-by-step photos demonstrates the basic stitches including Tunisian simple, knit, purl, reverse, and extended stitches.  This section is helpful even to a more experienced Tunisian crocheter because Tunisian crochet stitch names are not always standardized, and the pictures allow you to identify stitches you may already know, which may have been called a different name in prior publications.

After introducing you to the stitches, Kim shares techniques for increasing, decreasing, changing colors, seaming and other finishing.  The remainder of the book is devoted to the patterns, with a brief section at the end that includes information on reading patterns and the yarns used in the book.

Kim writes in a conversational tone and reading this book is like having a great teacher looking over your shoulder.  Some of my favorite features are that the book lays flat so you can read along while crocheting; projects list yarn by type rather than by brand for easy substitution (a list of yarns used for each project is provided at the end); and many pictures and illustrations demonstrate various techniques throughout the book.  Kim assumes that you have at least some knowledge of standard crochet (i.e., how to make a chain) and familiarity with pattern-reading conventions. 

Ravelry members can view pictures of all the patterns in the book here.  Kim will be hosting a TCAL (Tunisian Crochet-A-Long) for the Cabled Mitts starting November 15 in her Yahoo group.  You can learn more about it here.  Since Tunisian crochet cables can be challenging to even more experienced Tunisian crocheters, you may want to join in!

This book would appeal to crocheters who want to learn Tunisian crochet, crocheters who want to explore different techniques, and Tunisian crocheters who are looking to expand their skills beyond the basic stitches.

Project types: 2 vests, 2 scarves/cowls, 1 ruana, 1 hat, 1 blanket, 1 bag, and 1 pair of mitts.

Skill levels: 1 Beginner project, 4 Easy projects, and 4 Intermediate projects. 

Retail price: $12.95 ($9.99 ebook)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet was provided by Leisure Arts Inc. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review: 101 Crochet Tips (Kindle Edition)

Title: 101 Crochet Tips (Kindle Edition)
Author: Phyllis Serbes

Book Review by Jennifer J. Cirka (www.jaybirddesigns.com)

Now who doesn't love crochet tip books? I know I do! And is it possible to have too many? Definitely not in my house! One of the newest tip books I've come across lately is 101 Crochet Tips by Phyllis Serbes. Some of you may know her from her company, Many Creative Gifts or even as the Crochet Guru over at Life Tips. I recently had the pleasure to review this all-inclusive book and can't wait to tell you more about it.

The first thing you will notice is that this is no ordinary book, it's an e-book, and it is made especially for all Kindle users. But don't fret if you do not own a Kindle. Amazon offers a free reading application that you can download for use on your computer, making it possible to read Kindle books directly on your computer. That's what I did, and boy, was it worth it! I will admit, that it made me wish I had an e-reader. I can envision how nice it would be to throw this little item into my crochet tote along with my current project. It would be right there, at the perfect time, exactly when I need it. Plus all the tips are short and sweet. Such an easy read, especially when waiting in a doctor's office or waiting in line somewhere. 

This book features 48 pages of crochet goodies. It is broken down into eleven chapters that are sure to please. You'll find tips about the health benefits of crochet (did you know you can burn up to 400 calories crocheting for an afternoon?) to creative finishing techniques. (I never thought of putting my amigurumi stuffing into nylon hosiery before putting it into the crocheted item to keep the stuffing from popping out!) Other chapters include Crochet Resources, The Language of Crochet, and even a section on Good Projects for Beginners.

Although the book seems to focused towards a beginner crocheter, I think it would be a great addition to any crocheters library and I am in love with the fact that it is so conveniently found on your e-reader. I can only imagine how nice it would be to have it at hand any time you need it. Plus, I believe you can also read a lot of crochet patterns, books, and magazines on your e-reader, so you can easily keep this publication right next to your current pattern and WIP. Now, if only I could get my hands on a Kindle! Oh, Santa...I've been a very good little crocheter this year!

(Phyllis Serbes/Many Creative Gifts, 2011, 48 pages, $9.95, ASIN B005NTZDBE)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of 101 Crochet Tips was provided by Phyllis Serbes. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review: Crochet in a Day for Baby

Title: Crochet in a Day for Baby
Author: Candi Jensen

Book Review by Reneé Rodgers (www.crochetrenee.com)

If you are anything like me, the announcement that a friend or family member is having a baby makes my crochet hand twitch! But more recently, life has been so busy, that I have had difficulty finding the time to make my usual gorgeous baby blanket. Enter Crochet in a Day for Baby, by Candi Jensen. I have long been a fan of Candi’s designs, and her baby designs are no exception.

Jensen has created 20 adorable, yet simple projects that any new mom would be happy to receive for her baby. There are pullovers, cardigans, vests, booties, washcloths, bibs, hats, mitts, and yes, blankets. There is even a pattern for a cute set of soft blocks and covered baby hangers, which would make a great pairing with one of the pullovers or cardigans.

One of the things that I really appreciate about Jensen’s book is the fact that she gives good solid, basic patterns, and then customizes them with different colors and different stripe combinations. She encourages the reader to experiment and use their own design sensibility to make them their own. She has also included a good balance of designs that could be gifted for boys or girls. As a long-time crocheter of baby gifts, finding something for a baby boy can sometimes be a challenge.

Jensen doesn’t suggest it, but I think that any of the combos of pullover/cardigan, hat, booties and bib, done in the same yarns and colors would make a nice custom layette. If there’s time, add one of the blankets or some matching covered hangers for a really special set.

Or, if you’re more like me, and time is at a premium, and you only have one day, make any one of the projects and you’ll have a well-appreciated handcrafted gift for baby. Crochet in a Day for Baby is a great title for any crocheter’s collection, whether they are a beginner or more experienced. The concept of a book that focuses on projects that can be made in a day is a great one. In fact, I think I need to make the Pink and Ivory booties for a little girl who’s on her way. There’s a baby shower coming up soon! 

(Leisure Arts, Inc., 2012, 96 pages, $19.95, ISBN 987-1-4647-0265-5)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet in a Day for Baby was provided by Leisure Arts, Inc. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

The CGOA Website Gets a Facelift!

Check out the new look of the Crochet Guild of America's website here!

Knit and Crochet Show Dates for 2013

The following dates have been announced for the Knit and Crochet Shows scheduled for 2013. Please visit the Knit and Crochet Show website here for more details as they are added.

Summer
JULY 17-21
Sheraton Keystone Crossing
Indianapolis, IN
Classes from Wednesday, July 17 through Sunday, July 21
Shopping from Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21

Fall
OCTOBER 2-6
Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord
Charlotte, NC
Classes from Wednesday, October 2 through Sunday, October 6
Shopping from Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6

Book Review: 100 Snowflakes to Crochet

Title: 100 Snowflakes to Crochet

Author: Caitlin Sainio

Book Review by Marie Segares (www.undergroundcrafter.com)

As we move towards the winter, crocheted snowflakes seem to be cropping up everywhere. In 100 Snowflakes to Crochet, Caitlin shares snowflake basics, 100 fun patterns, and seven project ideas to get you started on a great snowflake project.  

The Basics chapter reviews materials, techniques for blocking and finishing, and pattern abbreviations and symbols, and provides an illustrated review of basic crochet stitches. For more advanced crocheters, Caitlin provides tips for designing your own snowflake patterns.

A 20-page snowflake showcase features pictures of each snowflake along with the name of the pattern and the page where it can be found. The Snowflake Patterns section includes 100 patterns, each with a brief introduction, a listed finished size, and the yardage used. (Caitlin uses size 10 crochet thread and a US 5/1.9 mm hook for all of the patterns in this book.)  

The patterns are shown with both US pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols, and are also arranged in order of difficulty. To keep the book visually interesting, the snowflake samples are made in several colors.

The final chapter, Projects, includes pictures of seven projects made with the snowflake patterns in the book, along with a paragraph explaining how to assemble the project. 

This book would be a great fit for threadies, crocheters who enjoy motif patterns, and those looking for unique and beautiful winter holiday projects. If you are a thread crochet newbie, Caitlin provides some tips for getting comfortable with thread and starching in this interview.  I’ve been motivated to dust off the steel hooks and start on a set of snowflake cards for the holiday season.

Project types: 100 snowflake motif patterns, 5 home décor and 2 accessories projects.

Skill levels: Not listed, but arranged in order of difficulty. 

Retail price: $21.99

Full disclosure: A free review copy of 100 Snowflakes to Crochet was provided by St. Martin's Press. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review: Granny Square Crochet

Title: Granny Square Crochet: 35 Contemporary Projects Using Traditional Techniques

Author: Catherine Hirst

Book Review by Marie Segares (www.undergroundcrafter.com)

Granny squares have been making a fashion resurgence in the last few years. Old and new fans of this classic motif pattern will find a lot to like about Granny Square Crochet. The book was released by CICO Books and is written with UK pattern abbreviations and yarns that are commonly available in Britain. (If you’re not familiar with the differences between US and UK pattern abbreviations, you can find the translations on About.com.)

Catherine's patterns include the classic granny square, granny stripes, granny triangles, and several other motif variations. She uses bright, modern colors and a variety of yarn weights to achieve different looks. The book is organized by project type with a short Useful Information chapter at the end which includes written and illustrated instructions for all of the stitches and techniques included in the book.

Although Granny Square Crochet includes some tips for making grannies, it is primarily a pattern collection, not a technique book, so you’re most likely to enjoy it if you love the projects inside. This book would be a good fit for granny chic lovers, crocheters who are moving beyond the basics, and those who like to work with stash yarn and colorwork.  

Project types: 15 home décor, 11 accessories, and 9 for babies and children.

Skill levels: 11 Easy, 15 Intermediate, and 9 Advanced 

Retail price: $21.95

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Granny Square Crochet: 35 Contemporary Projects Using Traditional Techniques was provided by CICO Books. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review: Simple Crocheting

Title: Simple Crocheting, A Complete How-To-Crochet Workshop with 20 Projects
Author: Erika Knight

Book Review by Reneé Rodgers (www.crochetrenee.com)

The title of Knight’s latest book delivers what it promises. In Simple Crocheting, Knight strives to create a set of instructions which makes the art of crochet accessible to everyone. The author gives an excellent breakdown of yarns, hooks, gauge, project selection, pattern reading, abbreviations, and stitch formation. Each basic technique, from making a slip knot and holding the hook (with a brief nod to the lefties out there), to working all of the basic stitches, how many turning chains are needed when working back and forth as well as working in the round, are all described in good detail with step-by-step line drawings accompanying the written directions. Knight also provides this kind of detail when describing finishing and seaming.

I especially like the basic stitch library included in the book. Knight has included all of the basic stitches for reinforcement, as well as a small selection of lace and textured stitches. With no more than two stitch patterns per page, each is provided with written as well as charted instructions, and a generously-sized photograph of a completed swatch with a little extra note on each with ideas for usage. In total, there are 16 different stitch patterns in the library, including 4 basic motifs.

Nine of the projects are home décor, including three throws. The balance of the projects are fashion or fashion accessories, including a couple of jewelry projects. The only actual garment is Knight’s Asymmetrical Cardigan, which makes effective use of a super bulky weight yarn and an N-size hook to create a lacy cardi that reminds me a bit of a wearable flower garden. No doubt this garment would work up very quickly and be a cozy layering piece one could create with a definite instant gratification factor. 

Knight has also included projects that utilize yarns of all different weights, from laceweight to the super bulky and everything in between. She even includes a section on creating your own yarn from fabric strips. Two of the projects utilizing such yarn include a round rug and a pet bed. All of the projects in the book, if followed in order, would indeed lead a beginning crocheter step-by-step through the necessary skills needed to create successful crochet projects. By the end of the book, you would no longer be a beginner!

Simple Crocheting is an excellent book for those who wish to begin crocheting, and some of the projects would even appeal to a more advanced crocheter as well. The photography in this book is very well done, as are the line drawings. I believe Simple Crocheting, along with a couple of skeins of yarn and a hook, would also make an excellent gift for anyone you might know who desires to learn to crochet. 

(St. Martin’s Press, 2012, 144 pages, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-250-01621-8)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Simple Crocheting was provided by St. Martin's Press. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Knitting Heritage Museum

"Join us to explore the concept of creating a place to honor 

our knit and crochet heritage." 

A message from the TNNA Yarn Group:

Hi All!

Remember when the Yarn Group decided to support Karen Kendrick-Hands and her work exploring the idea of a Knitting Heritage Museum? Well, the symposium is right around the corner! The event will be held in Madison, WI on November 8-10. Registration for the entire symposium has been capped at $175 for all three days' events with a terrific lineup of speakers, topics and activities. It is an exciting time to envision a totally unique museum, getting off to the right start. Come help us to develop a twenty-first century institution to honor an ancient fiber art.

Here's a link where you can register to part of this wonderful project.

Direct PDF to brochure here.

If you have further questions, contact Karen at kdkhands@me.com. She has been working relentlessly on this and is full of great information!

Best,
Beth Casey,Yarn Group Chair

I Love Yarn Day

If there's one thing crocheters love, it's Yarn! Help celebrate the yarn we love and share your passion with the yarn arts on the official "I Love Yarn Day" brought to you by the Craft Yarn Council. I Love Yarn Day is scheduled for October 12. You can find more information on the website here where you'll also find free patterns for fun projects so you can join in the celebration and show your appreciation for the Yarn we all know and love!

Chain Link Reno: Thursday Night Kickoff Meeting

Get your conference experience off to an exciting start by attending the kickoff meeting. The evening is jam-packed with activities:

1. Watch a short slide show of the 2012 Design Competition winners. If you missed the Manchester conference, you will definitely want to see up close pictures of the fabulous winning designs!

2. Chapter Challenge: Learn about the winners of this year's chapter challenge and be inspired to encourage your chapter to participate in next year's challenge.

3. Member Show and Tell: If the idea of walking down the catwalk during the fashion show on banquet night seems just a little scary, take advantage of this informal opportunity to share your favorite crochet project from this past year with other conference attendees. Bring your favorite finished project and be prepared to share your name, chapter affiliation (if any), name of the pattern and where others can find it, and the name of the yarn you used.

 

4. Gift Exchange (optional): Bring a crocheted item (maximum material cost $25) for a gift exchange. Go home with a special conference memory.

5. Q&A with President Amy Shelton: First, Amy wants to ask conference veterans to share their favorite part of attending a conference. Next, she wants to ask conference newbies what they're most looking forward to at their first conference. Finally, she'll open the floor for members to ask her any questions they have.

If that doesn't get you all excited about the conference, we have one last activity to get that energy level pumped up: We'll leave the Kickoff Meeting and head right over to the Market Preview, where you can get a sneak peek at everything on the show floor. Be sure to bring your cash, checks, or debit/credit cards with you, as you will be able to make purchases that night. If we have enough time before the end of the Kickoff Meeting, Amy will even share some tips on how to make the best use of the Market Preview.

Chain Link Reno: Vendor Preview

Are you going to have a booth on the market floor at Chain Link in Reno? If so, please post a comment and let us know what crocheters will be able to find in your booth.

If you know a vendor who will be exhibiting, please invite them to come post a comment.

We hope you’ll come to Chain Link to take classes and participate in CGOA activities, but we also hope you’ll support our vendors on the show floor.

Amy Shelton
CGOA President

Chain Link Reno: Class Suggestions

Are you still deciding which classes to take at Reno? Pre-registration is open through August 27, so you have a little time left to make your final decisions and take advantage of the pre-registration discount on class prices.

Here are some selected classes you might want to consider:  

Susan Lowman
T111C, Beginning Filet Crochet
T211C, Intermediate Filet Crochet
F105C, Playful Polish Star
S209C, Intermeshing 101
N106C, Reading and Understanding Crochet Patterns

Marty Miller
S205C, Linked Stitches and Extended Stitches
T110C, Foundation Stitches
S106C, Post Stitches

Suzann Thompson
F304C, Polymer Clay Button Boutique 2
S106C, Pretty Picot-Rama

Margaret Fisher
F104C, Crochet a Moebius

Joan Davis
F208C, Omega Lace Crochet: The Basics

Karen Whooley
F210C, Learn to Delta Lace Crochet
N111C, The Lover's Knot

Darla Fanton
N102C, Double Helix Bead Crochet Necklace and Bracelet

If you're interested in working with thread, I highly recommend taking one of the above classes that feature thread. While thread crochet uses all the same stitches as when working with yarn, there are some hints and tips that make it much easier to work on a smaller scale. It's really great to have a teacher right there to help as you learn new tensioning skills.

Have you ever wanted custom buttons to perfectly match the garment you're making? I can't recommend Suzann Thompson's Polymer Clay class highly enough. I was lucky enough to take it in Greensboro last year, and I learned so much. Once you learn Suzann's tricks, it's very easy to quickly make your own custom buttons. Big Tip: Don't pack huge amounts of polymer clay in your carry-on baggage like I did (with 15 packs of clay). The plasticizers in it make it read as an EXPLOSIVE: not a good thing to take security, especially in the metal box I had mine in. Luckily, the TSA agents didn't confiscate it and let me take it on through. At least most of it was in its original packaging, thank goodness!) I did have some explaining to do, though!

The Polish Star stitch is beautiful, but a little tricky when you're first learning how to make it. I took this class from Pauline Turner, and I know Susan will do just as wonderful a job walking you through the intricacies of this stitch.

Marty's classes are excellent technique classes that will let you add new dimensions to your work, especially if you like experimenting and coming up with your own designs.

Any of the classes listed above would be an excellent addition to your class list.

Chain Link Reno: Dance Party Rescheduled!

Are you all finalizing your plans to come to Chain Link in Reno next month? I know I'm getting very excited. It is going to be one fabulous conference! I hope you're able to come join us. Just wanted to give you a heads-up that the Dance Party has been rescheduled to Friday evening from 9 PM to midnight. Having the Dance Party on Thursday after classes, a CGOA Kickoff meeting, and the Market Preview, means that many people wouldn't get a chance to eat dinner that night. And while the party snacks are nice, they're not a substitute for a full meal. So to help make sure that our DJ (the incomparable Doris Chan!)and dance party sponsors don't faint dead away from lack of food and have to be tucked into a corner so people don't trample on them, we decided to move the Dance Party to Friday night. You'll have time for a quick dinner between 5:00 and 6:15, which is the start of the CGOA Mini Member Meeting. That meeting should be over by 6:45 or 7:00, so you'll again have time to squeeze in a quick meal if you're going to the Chapter event at 8:00. The Chapter event is scheduled from 8-9 PM, but might run over if there's a lot of good sharing taking place. Don't worry---you'll still have plenty of time to get to the Dance Party. I can guarantee the party will still be going strong when it's time to shut it down at midnight! So mark your calendars and plan on attending the Dance Party Friday night!

Announcing: 2012 Design Competition Winners

Doris Chan, Andee Graves, and Shari White (the Design Competition Committee) are pleased to announce: CGOA 2012 Design Competition Results   Category: Accessories, sponsored by WEBS, Americas Yarn Store   Third Prize $100 30 “Romantic Pineapple Shawl”, designed by Kathryn White Second Prize $200 44 “Vineyard at Dawn Shawl”, designed by Linda Dean First Prize $300 29 “Knots of Love Shawl”, designed by Kathryn White   Category: Afghans, sponsored by Red Heart   Third Prize $100 69 “Diagonal Modern Art”, Nancy Smith Second Prize $200 67 “Ahana”, designed by Brenda Bourg First Prize $300 34 “Princess and the Pea”, designed by Michele Wilcox   Category: Fashion, sponsored by Interweave Crochet   Third Prize $100 51 “Cool Breeze Tee”, designed by Jill Hanratty Second Prize $200 49 “Glendalough Shrug”, designed by Jennifer Ryan First Prize $300 65 “Mystique”, designed by Tammy Hildebrand   Category: Small Wonders Jewelry, sponsored by Boye and the Crochet Dude brand   Third Prize $100 ​14 “Hairpin Lace Bracelet”; designed by Jean DeMouy Second Prize $200 10 “Marseille Necklace”, designed by Shelby Allaho First Prize $300 ​47 “NC Necklace”, designed by Karen C. K. Ballard   Category: Thread Crochet, sponsored by AllFreeCrochet. Com and FaveCrafts.com   Third Prize $100 ​27 “Southern Rose Doily”, designed by Kathryn White Second Prize $200 ​18 “Pineapple Rose Delight”, designed by Carol Booth First Prize $300 ​24 “Charm Blouse”, Natalia Kononova Category: Fanciful Fashion, sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles Yarns   Third Prize $100 ​62 “The Whirlwind”, designed by Diana Toni Second Prize $200 ​17 “Freya Dress”, designed by Linda Skuja First Prize $300 ​25 “Summer Dreams Bolero”, designed by Dot Drake   Category: Artistic Expression, sponsored by Tulip Company   Third Prize $100 ​33 “Sensory Herbary”, designed by Martha Furman Kojro Second Prize $200 ​38 “Cat Tree”, designed by Sachiko Adams First Prize $300 ​28 “Ageless Elegance Gatetop Purse”, designed by Kathryn White   $200 Special Award for Technical Merit, sponsored by Designing Vashti​ 25 “Summer Dreams Bolero”, designed by Dot Drake   $100 Founders Award, sponsored by Gwen Blakley Kinsler 34 “Princess and the Pea”, designed by Michele Wilcox   $1000 Grand Prize, sponsored by Vogue Knitting Crochet ​52 “Reversible Rowan Tree Vest”, designed by Laurinda Reddig​