Young Crochet Talent

I teach violin, and occasionally, a student shows up with some craft. Of course, I would rather talk about their crafting than finish the lesson ! Sometimes, I will ask a student if he or she knows how to knit or crochet. If they want to learn, sometimes after the lesson is over, I'll bring out some yarn and needles and have a mini lesson. I have taught at a summer camp and really enjoyed it. I wish there was money to be made teaching crafts !

A Scrumble a Day

...is the title of the blog by Prudence Mapstone, the queen of freeform. I first encountered her techniques in my monthly knitting study group. A fellow knitter brought a book showing the bullion technique and I became "hooked" on those for awhile, but sadly, put it away with all the other "UFO's" (unfinished objects). I also tried some freeform knitting and again, it ended up in the UFO pile. If you want to see what scrumble she has going each week, check out her blog.

Gorgeous Fiber Jewelry

Just discovered this Russian fiber artist on Etsy whose work blew me away and I had to share. Her shop is TianaCHE and her name is Tiana Agapcheva. I just love what she does with knitting, crochet and beading. Enjoy !

ravelry Love Affair

OK, I finally got the invite to join ravelry although it went into my junk mail a week ago. I set up my "notebook" with photos of all my projects, joined lots of cool groups like "Knittin' Musicians" and have been frittering away the hours reading posts and looking at great projects. It is THE home for knitting and crocheting fanatics. There is a waiting list, but it's worth the wait if you want to connect with people all over the world who love anything made with yarn.

Freeform Crochet

Last year I started to learn freeform crochet in my knitting study group (we got sidetracked with crochet). I still haven't finished my first project, but I might just pick it up again after finding this inspiring website called Not Just Knitting. There is a good tutorial to get you started.

The Ultimate Fiber-Related Website

I found this site a couple years back and refer to it for all sorts of info. The problem is, it's one of those sites where you can get easily side-tracked ! Check it out:
http://www.allfiberarts.com/

Vintage Collectibles

Earlier this year I collected some interesting handmade pieces which are currently listed at http://retrothreads.etsy.com

I love the delicately crocheted blue and white collars and the embroidered purse has a fabulously colorful design. My favorite is the groovy hand-crocheted top covered with green plastic beads. So fun.

Bullion Stitch

After my last knitting study group, where I was introduced to bullion stitch, I couldn't get it off my mind and had to start working on something. Here's what I made. I might turn it into a purse or vest (which I wouldn't wear personally !). It is so much fun to do and there are links to tutorials all over which I will post soon.