All the pretty crochet hooks

With crochet, we create beautiful pieces for our family, friends, ourselves and even for donation.  But the beauty isn't just in the work we create, it's also in the tools we use.  While aluminum or plastic hooks are most often used today, there are others made from carved wood or that have clay handles and are little works of art all by themselves.

Links from previous COTL programs & happenings

How is it September already?  It doesn't seem possible that most of 2013 is behind us and it's almost the holiday season.  Here are a few links from programs we've had this year.

 

Amigurumi with Teri Crews

We had a wonderful presentation from amigurumi designer Teri Crews.  She walked us through how she puts together her stuffed figures and also promoted her new book, Animal Amigurumi to Crochet which is also available through Annie's Crafts. Teri also graciously thanked us on her blog.  See more of Teri's designs on her website, Teri Crews Designs and keep up with what she's doing on her blog, tericrews.blogspot.com.

 

Freeform Crochet with Gwen Blakely Kinsler

Gwen Blakely Kinsler, founder of the Crochet Guild of America, was a terrific guide through our journey to learn freeform crochet.  She helped us make motifs we could turn into brooches as well as showing us examples of her beautiful work.  Gwen's new book, The Fine Art of Crochet: Innovative Works from 20 Contemporary Artists, is now available for purchase.  Check out more from Gwen on her blog, Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings.

 

 

Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair

Many of us manned our chapter booth at the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair this past June.  It was fun meeting fellow crocheters as well as visiting the vendor booths.  We also had many people sign up to learn more about joining our chapter.  Check out their website for the next fair.

Kids' Korner

We had a great presentation from Kids' Korner coordinator, Roseanne Sherwood, as she explained how this waiting room at the Lake County Courthouse services children ages 2 to 12 when their parents are attending to legal matters.  They receive blankets from both Project Linus and us to give to the children on their first visit to the room.  They also take donations of new or gently used books to give to the children as well upon each of their visits to the room.  Visit their website for more information.

A Review of Joan Davis' 336 Crochet Tips! The Solutions Book for Crocheters

Joan A. Davis is a Certified Crochet Instructor and a member of the Crochet Guild of America.  She has been teaching in the Palm Beach County School District Adult Education Program where she has taught more than 500 students.

Crocheters be nimble, crocheters be quick; get up and move so you don’t get stiff!

It’s easy to get consumed by a crochet project and not move for hours while you complete it.  By doing this, though, you may become stiff and fatigued.  Not a great after affect from practicing your favorite activity. 

Here are 8 stretches, exercises and habits to help keep your joints and muscles loose while you crochet.

Overcoming Restless Crochet Syndrome

Have you suffered from Restless Crochet Syndrome?  You know, when you really want to play with some great yarn but you have absolutely no idea what to make and even when you begin something, you’re just not happy with it and rip it out?  I’ve been afflicted with RCS more times than I’d like over the years.  Here are 3 techniques I try to help me out of the rut and get back to stitching.

Find great crochet patterns - FOR FREE!

Getting ideas for your next crochet project shouldn’t break the bank.  Here are just a few ways to find inspiration for your next crochet creation.

Planning your 2013 crochet resolution

It’s a new year and so many are busy planning their resolutions for healthier living, making better choices, and accomplishing goals.  In my opinion, so much of this can be accomplished with a crochet hook and some yarn.  Okay…maybe a lot of yarn.

So the question becomes, what to make?  Here are a few ideas to help inspire your crochetsolutions.