Caron's Twelves Days of Christmas

How would you like to get a Christmas present everyday for 12 days? If you are signed up to receive Caron's free e-mail newsletter, you just received day two of the 12 days of Christmas free pattern event.

Day one was a great his and hers scarf designed by Darla Fanton,  and day two is a super looking knit infinity scarf designed by Lisa Gentry.  With talent like this contributing to the event, you know the patterns are going to be something special.

If you aren't signed up for the newsletter, you can check out the connections archives at
www.caron.com/connections.html

Hooded Baby Blanket

This is one of the new crochet projects that I will be teaching at Michael's Craft Store. It is not a beginner project, but would make a good second or third project. The combination of one single crochet and two double crochets gives the appearance of a cluster stitch.

The hood which is added later is a good way to practice double crochet increases.

The afghan is made using one skein of Lion Brand's Pound of Love acrylic yarn and would make a great gift.

The doll baby is my antique composition doll. As near as I can discover she is a doll from the 1940's made by the Ideal Doll Company.

If you want to learn to crochet or know someone that would like to learn to crochet contact your local Michael's Craft Store for a schedule of classes.

More on StitchWorks

Can you tell I'm excited about this software! I still haven't purchased it. I'm trying to decide if I should wait until "payday" or add it to my Christmas wish list.

I want to thank Darlissa Riggs for directing me to a review of this software that she authored.  I thought you might like to check it out too.

http://crochetuncut.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=207

Crochet Symbol Software

Did you ever wonder how to create those symbols and charts that you see along side of written crochet instructions? While reading in the Crochet Partners Group, I came across a post about Crochet Symbol Software. We are seeing more and more patterns with written instructions and charts and symbols, and I think this software may very well be worth the the $50 price.

I haven't purchased the software yet, so I cannot tell you how easy or hard it is to use, but if you visit the website you can download a trial version and try it out for yourself, that's what I intend to do.

http://stitchworkssoftware.com/

Good News to Share

It has been a while since my last post.  Life and ordinary daily chores seem to consume the day.  I do have two pieces of pretty exciting news to talk to you about though.

I received  the contract form from Quick and Easy Magazine and my scarf and hat set will be published in the Winter 2011 issue.  They have changed the name to "Color Me Warm" I hope you will pick up the magazine and check it out!

This is my sis wearing the model scarf and hat.  It will be interesting to see how they present the model in the magazine.

The other piece of good news is that I passed Level II in the CYC (Craft Yarn Council) crochet teacher certification program.  To reach this level, I had to complete 10 lessons and 30 hours of volunteer crochet instruction.  I have shared highlights and pictures from the crochet instruction in previous postings.

These successes have inspired me to continue my crochet adventures.

Now where did I put that hook!

Disappointing News

I received notice that I did not pass the Masters of Crochet Techniques and Stitches Program.  I reviewed the feedback and noticed that my choice of yarn played a big role in not passing.  I used some soft yarn (Caron Simply Soft) which in retrospect was not a good choice.  The stitch definition is just not there.

I purchased some Paton's Wool yarn, and I'm  reworking the swatches which look much better.  This was a lesson learned the hard way.  The devil is in the details when it comes to this type of program. 

Just a word to the wise for others considering this program. It takes months to get a reviewer, and now I have to start the whole process again.

Crochet Class Projects & Michaels Store

My crochet students have agreed to continue crochet classes with me through the first week of September which will complete the 30 hours of teaching required for Level II certification for the Craft Yarn Council's Certified Crochet Teachers Program. My course work for Level II certification is now in the hands of my assigned reviewer.

Over the course of the past several months that we have been meeting our relationship has evolved from teacher/students to friends and it will be difficult to end our weekly meetups. 

Here are a couple of pictures of current projects, one is a toiletry bag and the other is a rose mofit which can be fixed to a headband.

 Following class I headed for Michael's Craft Store for my first day as the store's crochet instructor. Right now I'm trying to drum up interest in crochet classes by conducting in store crochet demos and talking to customers.  Knit and Crochet classes are returning to Michael's Stores; it will take awhile to get the word out I'm sure.