Crochet Handy App

Interweave has launched a new app called "Crochet Handy" for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. The app cost .99 and is available through the App Store on your device or at iTunes.

The purpose of this great little app is to help crocheters determine how much yarn they need for projects.

The Crochet Handy  app provides yardage requirements for basic caps, scarves, bags, afghans, ponchos, baby sweaters, skirts, and tops. Both apps show all sizes ranging from baby or toddler to large adult, using five standard yarn weights—from fingering to bulky.

 All it takes is three easy steps:

1. Select the measurement units in imperial (inches and yards) or in metric (centimeters and meters);
2. Select a project type, then choose gauge (ranging from 3 to 9 stitches per inch) and size;
3. The yarn amount is calculated.

Yarnies will want these apps any time they are working with their yarn, whether buying online at a craft or yarn shop, or researching projects for their yarn stash at home.

The above information was retrieved from Pitch Engine

I have downloaded the app and I'm ready to give it a try.   Many times I have been at a craft store, and have seen yarn on sale, but alas no particular project in mind, so my rule of thumb is to buy at least four skeins.  With Crochet Handy I will have a quick reference guide with me as I'm out there hitting the yarn sales and building my stash with purpose. My husband will be so proud of me!

Baptismal Gown

My sis sent me this picture. She found this baptismal gown and cap in her cedar chest.  WOW.. This is the gown and cap that I made for my niece Amy way back in 1977.  As you can see, I entered the set in our local county fair and both won blue ribbons. I gave the gown, cap and ribbons to my sister for her baby girl.

Sadly, I don't think my niece ever wore the gown or hat. It ended up in the cedar chest to be saved as a family heirloom.  Amy, the baby I crochet this little outfit for is now 35 years old. Oh my goodness, does that make me feel old.

I don't remember the origin of this pattern, but I know I no longer have it.  I love this pattern and if I ever come across it again you can be sure I'll be adding it to my pattern archive.

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!