Filming Again....Next Season of Knit and Crochet Now!

Brett and Maggie on Set

Last week we all gathered again to film the next 13 episodes of Knit and Crochet Now for PBS Create Channel.  I believe the season we filmed in October of last year is now airing.  I say "i believe" because here in Pennsylvania we don't have any creative programming on our PBS station, so I haven't seen it at all.  I do know that the DVD is ready though, if you are interested.  Of course, check Knit and Crochet Now website or sign up for the newsletter to get all the up-to-date information, since these days my memory is like swiss cheese.

Brett and CJ 2.0 and me

Anyway, this season the "news" was my giant belly.  And I mean GIANT.  CJ 2.0 (Chachula Junior #2) makes quite the appearance   We had to do a lot of configuring to shoot all my segments.  I am so short, that I stand on a box to make Brett and I look a bit more level.  But with being 6mths pregnant, my balance is all off.  So all the camera picked up was me swaying.  Only figures right!  This season will be pretty funny to watch with my baby belly.  Luckily, the projects I demonstrate were all easy so that even my baby brain were able to explain and demonstrate them clearly.

Green room watching.
Love the project they are demo'ing!

All the experts are back again for this season.  Ellen Gormley and I head up the crochet segments. Kristin Nicholas and Maggie Pace explain the knitting segments.  Brett Bara hosts and demonstrates a new segment on scarves.  This season the crochet and knitting segments are all longer (almost 3 min longer) so we get much more in depth on every project.  The camera and studio crew are the same, which makes it feeling like coming home after filming 6 seasons with the fabulous crew.  I will say, I totally show up early to spend time with our makeup artist/ stylist, Amanie.  She always has great tips and makes you transform from tired mommy to human being.  Speaking of tired mommy, I my baby brain totally forgot to pack any (and I mean any) jewelry.  OOPS!  So the night before I left, I broke out all my beads and jewelry supplies and quickly whipped up some jewelry for the show.  Thank goodness!  Crafting to the rescue again.
 

On set with other last min jewelry.

You can see all my photos over on flickr, or mosy over to the other experts sites/ facebook/ twitter for their takes.  Hope you all enjoy this season too!

Quince and Co Crochet Booklet and Giveaway

Queen Anne's Shawl

Today I have the pleasure of talking about my friend's new crochet booklet.  Rebecca Velasquez and I have worked together in crochet for quite a while, and I can tell you it is so nice to see a collection of her beautiful work in such beautiful yarns.

She worked with Quince and Co to produce a new booklet of crochet projects that show how stunning crochet can be.  All the patterns can be downloaded as one PDF or as individual PDFs.  The yarns featured are Sparrow, Chickadee, and Finch.  Sparrow is a lightweight, 100% organically grown linen  that is crisp to crochet then gets softer with washing. Chickadee is a 100% American wool that is a joy to crochet with in some truly lovely colors.  I have gotten to use it in a few projects for Interweave, and am always pleased when I do get the chance.  Finch has a smaller gauge then Chickadee but comes in the same lovely colors.

Take a look at the 5 lovely patterns below or over at Ravelry.  Each pattern is well written and includes a stitch diagram.

Leave a comment here today, and you will be entered to win any pattern of your choosing from the booklet. Make sure to leave a way to get in touch (email, ravelry id, twitter id, etc).  Especially since Rebecca will be entering all entries into a drawing to will the entire collection plus 2 hanks of Sparrow.  Winner will be announced on her blog on May 1, so watch for details!

Pauline Hat

Marigold Sweater

Aluim Ascot

Water Lily Mitts

Blueprint Crochet Sweaters: Sizes

I have gotten a few questions about the sizes of each of the patterns in Blueprint Crochet Sweaters .   Mainly the sizes go from Small to 2X.  There are some that only go to extra large and some that have extra small sizes. Below is a list of all the sizes for the book, and of course you can see each one over at Ravelry as well.  Keep in mind, if you are looking to modify any of the patterns for anything from in-between sizes, longer/ shorter torsos, better fitting cap shaping, and more; check out Crochet Sweater Studio that goes through all that and more.

Burnt Plaid Dress: 31.5 (36.75, 42, 47.25, 52.5)" sized for s (m, l, xl, 2x)
Calyso Kimono: 33” (36”, 39”, 42”, 44”, 48”) sized for X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and 2X)
Clover Car Coat: 35” (41”, 46½”, 50½”, 58”) sized for X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, XLarge)
Cranberry Cardigan: 32.5 (36, 39.25, 44.5, 47.75, 51.25)" sized for xs (s, m, l, xl, 2x)
Foliage Shrug: 32.25 (35.25, 38.25, 41.25, 47.25)" sized for xs (s, m, l, xl, 2x)
Harvest Cowl Shift: 32 (36, 40, 45, 50)" sized for s (m, l, xl, 2x)
Magnolia Tank: 32 (34.625, 37.375, 42.625, 45.375, 50.625)" sized for xs (s, m, l, xl, 2x)
Rose Quartz Pullover: 33 (36, 40.5, 44, 47.5)" sized for xs (s, m, l, xl)
Ruby Cropped Cardigan: 32”–34” (36”–38”, 42”– 44”, 48”–50”). Sized for Small, (Medium, Large, X-Large)
Shitake Tunic: 32 (36, 40, 45, 48, 54)" sized for xs (s, m, l, xl, 2x)
Smoky Cropped Top: 36 (40, 44, 48)" sized for s (m, l, xl)
Stormy Lace Tunic: 28” (32”, 36”, 40”, 44”) sized for X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large)
Structured Cardigan: 33 (35.75, 41.25, 44, 49.5)" sized for s (m, l, xl, 2x)
Summer Sky Vest: 33 (37.40, 46, 49)" sized for s (m, l, xl, 2x)
Veronica Pullover: 34” (38”, 42”, 46”) Sized for Small (Medium, Large, XLarge)
Walnut Berry Cardigan: 35¾” (38½”, 43”, 46”, 50”) Sized for Small (Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X)

Vogue Knitting's Crochet 2013 Issue Sneak Peek

Look what showed up in my inbox yesterday....

Vogue Knitting Crochet 2013,
photo by Rose Callahan

These two are my projects in the news Vogue Knitting's Crochet Issue.  The latest issue hits newsstands May 7th.  As always, I am flattered that they included me in the issue.  I find these issues from Vogue as candy for the eyes.   They take crochet and twist it into new styles that I have not seen before.  And why do I know this?  Well, yes again they asked me to do a little graphic design and editing so I got to glimpse a few of the projects already.  As before, they do not disappoint in their creativity from all the designers.  Below is a bit more info on my specific projects in the issue.  I can tell you both include stitch diagrams for their patterns that really break down that jumble of instructions.  You can see a few more previews at their facebook page too.

Bruges Beach Bag
Takes traditional bruges (or Belgium  lace and twists them into spiral motifs that are connected together with simple chains and slip stitches.  I know the motifs look super challenging, but in all honesty they are just double crochet and chains. The bag is made from Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock (2 hanks of #1312 cummerbund).  I lined my bag with burlap to make it extra sturdy and that you can really use it this summer.  

Arcade Lace Cardi

Arcade Lace Cardi, by Robyn Chachula
pic before sending  in to Vogue Knitting

Vogue Knitting Crochet 2013,
photo by Rose Callahan

This cardigan is made with fingering weight yarn and a tiny hook so that the fabric is so light it feels like you are wearing nothing.  The stitch pattern for the main body are simple stitches with one drop stitch which creates a subtle gentle texture.  The center lace panels are classic shells.   You can see the fit on their model over her dress or on my mannequin before we sent it in.  I won't lie, this was not Rebecca's favorite project to team up with me on.  We both agree that the finished cardigan is beautiful, but it definitely takes time to do.  This one is not for someone like me who likes instant gratification.  This is for the crocheter that will take the time to make it and then have it for years to come to wear.  The yarn is Zealana Kiwi Laceweight  7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) skeins in #05 rococo; 1 skein in #04 track.  It is sized for a close fit bust measurement 31 (33.75, 36.5, 39, 44.5, 49.75)” in XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X.

Can't wait to see all the rest in the issue come May!

Hydrangea Cropped Cardigan

Hydrangea Cropped Cardigan



The simple textures of the spike stitches make this cropped cardigan not only cozy but easy to style over all your dresses and tunics.  The heavier weight of yarn makes it fly off your hook to wear sooner than you can imagine. 

Materials

Yarn
Mission Falls 1824 Wool (CYCA #4), 100% Merino Wool, 85 yds/ 50g:  #21 Cornflower  9 (10, 13, 14) balls

Hooks
US K/10.5 (6.5mm) and J/10 (6.0mm) hook or hook needed to obtain gauge

Notions 
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Water spray bottle and blocking pins
Stitch Markers
(3) 7/8” diameter buttons
(1) hook and eye closure

Stitches Used
ch Chain
sl st Slip Stitch
sc Single Crochet
hdc Half Double Crochet
dc Double Crochet
st Stitch
sk Skip
t-ch turning chain

Finished sizes
S (M, L, XL) fits 34 (38, 42, 46)” bust circumference. Shown in S size.

Gauge 
14dc x 11 rows =4”x4” with K/10.5 hook in Block Stitch Pattern

Notes 
1. Good substitutes for Mission Falls 1824 Wool yarn would be any 100% Merino Wool worsted weight.
2. Pattern was originally published in the now out of print Mission Falls Goes Crochet Booklet.




$6, PDF Download Only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

Bernard Cowl, Scarf, or Shawl

Bernard Cowl, Scarf, or Shawl


Chase away the flurries with this snowflake motif project.  Motifs are joined together as you crochet.  There are 3 layouts provided so you can make a cowl, scarf, shawl, or all three.  This pattern debuted is past weekend at the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival.  Make a cowl in the angora for a luxurious warmth for the end of winter or make the shawl in a cotton wool blend for an early summer shawl. 

Materials

Yarn 
Bijou Basin Spun, Seraphim (CYCA #1), 95% Angora, 5% Viscose, 435yds/ 50g: Eggplant, 1 (2, 3) balls

Hook  
E/4 (3.5mm) hk or hk needed to obtain gauge

Notions 
Blocking pins and spray bottle

Stitches Used
ch   Chain
ch-sp  Chain Space
sl st   Slip Stitch
sc   Single Crochet
hdc   Half Double Crochet
dc   Double Crochet
tr Treble Crochet
sk skip
t-ch   turning chain

Finished size
24” by 9” cowl
63” by 9” scarf
66” by 15” shawl

Gauge 
Bernard Snowflake= 3 1/2” dia.


$4, PDF Download Only

Fine Print: To use the PDF, you will need appropriate software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. By purchasing this pattern, you are granted a limited license to download the pdf file to a single personal computer and to print out a hard copy of the pattern, solely for personal non-commercial use.

Daisy Snow Shawl Pattern and DVD giveaway

Over on the Bernat blog, there is a little interview about me, a free pattern and DVD giveaway (that ends tomorrow).

The pattern is the Daisy Snow Shawl originally published in the now out-of-print Mission Falls Goes Crochet booklet.  They remade the shawl in Bernat Satin and updated colors and I think it looks fantastic.  You can mosey over there and get the pattern for free anytime.

While there don't forget to enter the giveaway for my DVD, Unexpected Crochet Stitches Workshop!

Big Reveal

The radio silence that I have been under the last 3 months, actually had nothing to do with work.

It had everything to do with the tiny person we are growing!

Yup, CJ 2.0 (as Mr CBF likes to call the peanut-- Chachula Junior 2.0) will be joining our family Aug 25 or so.  We are very excited.  The fairy princess is probably the most excited out of all of us.  She daily hugs my belly and talks to "her baby".   Yes, it is her baby, not ours.  She tells everyone that "I have a baby in mommy's tummy."  Not "mommy has a baby in her tummy."  It is hers.  She lists everything that she will be helping with like singing to the baby, feeding the baby, rocking the baby, and more.  Then likes to tell us all about what babies know about...ballerinas and hamsters (apparently).

Unfortunately, my radio silence was not due to my horrible ability to keep secrets; but because I have been extremely ill.  This pregnancy has been extremely harder then the first.  I have a few chronic illnesses that have been really aggravated by the hormones; and, of course, have to go untreated since you can take nothing while pregnant.  It has been all about survival the last 13 weeks.  We are praying that my hormones will let up and I can get back to somewhat of a normal life, but more likely we are looking at another 6 months of just surviving.

Needless to say my work is really taking it the hardest.  Lets just say that while I am in one of the bad spells, it is so bad that I can't even just crochet.  And when I can crochet, for whatever reason all my speed is gone.  So something that used to take me a week to crochet (like a cardigan), now takes a month.  This does not make for a happy peaceful business, when you have deadlines that you lined up before all this happened.  Survival is the key these days, just getting anything done I can and being thankful for that.

I am telling you all this, to help in some way alleviate some of your frustration with me.  I know a few of you have been trying to get in touch with me and I am terrible at getting back.  Now you know why, besides taking care of CJ and running my business, I am trying to just survive this pregnancy in one piece.  If you have sent a question about a pattern, I have that covered at least.  My crochet right hand woman, Rebecca, has been taking care of you.  She has a full-time job, as well as being a great mom; so she will get back just need to be a bit patient (and a lot sooner then me who spends most of my time offline sick).  Even better then that, Rebecca is amazing, and has been cooking up other things that she can do while I am "out of the office".  Like she is taking old out of date patterns of mine, re-editing  and formatting them, so we will have some new Crochet By Faye patterns coming out soon.  How awesome is she?  She has a few other tricks, like some kits, but I will leave that alone for now and let that cat more out of the bag for later.

Right now, I just wanted to thank you all for being so supportive of my work and hope you can bear with me this year as I survive another CJ.  At least now my tweets will make a ton more sense at what has really been going on behind the scenes!  

Sneak Preview of Blueprint Crochet Sweaters

Since I got my copy of Blueprint Crochet Sweaters in the mail today, I thought it was time to give you guys a bit of a peek inside the book.

Without further ado, here are the 16 projects inside:

Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival

If you are going to be near Pittsburgh, PA the weekend of March 15-17, 2013 and love yarn; I hope you take a minute and come by the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival.



Rebecca and I will be there cheering crochet on from our booth (#56), Crochet by Faye.  Just like last year, we will have all my books and dvds for sale (at prices you can't get anywhere else).  We will have the whole line of Crochet By Faye patterns in print or PDF (ask for coupon code for discount on PDFs while you are there- in show secret sale only).  We will have a few new Crochet By Faye Patterns for sale that will debut at the show (then on the website a few weeks later).  We will be bringing all the projects from both Blueprint Crochet Sweaters and Unexpected Afghans to tempt you.  New this year, are kits of some of my favorite patterns and yarns that you will not be able to get anywhere but our booth while at the show.  We also will have some SOAK and HANDMAID for sale as well.  I don't usually sell others products, but I believe in this stuff and I know its not easy to get in Pittsburgh.

Besides the booth, you will be able to catch me at 3 classes throughout the weekend.  If you stop by and I am teaching, say hi to Rebecca.  If you have a question on anything, she is the person to ask.  She is my right hand cousin and besides being a crochet expert is super super friendly and loves taking about yarn.

I am teaching:

Friday Afternoon 2-5pm

Beyond the Basics: Crochet with Robyn Chachula

Looking to add a few new skills to your crochet tool box? In this class, we will master crochet colorwork just from making dressed up stripes that make amazing stitch patterns. We will conquer the post stitch cable and fake cables for stunning textured projects.  We will also imagine gorgeous lace fabric from small motifs we can carry with us anywhere. All you need to bring is your yarn, hook, and a passion for crochet fun. This class is suited for all levels, students must have basic crochet knowledge. 

Supplies Needed: 2 balls of yarn and appropriate size hook.

Saturday Afternoon 130-430pm

Crochet Sweater Repair Kit with Robyn Chachula 

Ever wonder how designers get those amazing projects when yours ends up being so-so?  In class we will learn all the designer secrets (we are really good at hiding oops). We will go through all the problems that can arise from crocheting sweaters; from not getting the fit you want, to customizing granny square and top down sweater to your measurements, to fixing fabric that has mysteriously grown overnight, and even show you how you can cut and re-crochet your work to fix a buttonhole that ended up in the wrong spot.  By the end of class, you will have a number of tools to add to your crochet tool box that will keep you from adding to your WIP pile and instead make sweaters that will wow every audience. Students must have basic crochet knowledge.

Supplies Needed: 2 balls of yarn and an appropriate size hook.

Homework: One Swatch of 16 hdc across by 10 rows tall.  After 6 rows, crochet 6hdc, ch 4, sk 4 hdc, 6 hdc in last sts.  Next row, crochet in each hdc across and 4 hdc in ch-4 sp.

Sunday Morning 9am-12pm

Unexpected Stitches – Crochet with Robyn Chachula

Tired of the same old crochet patterns? Ready for what’s next? Come with me as we explore the wide world of crochet through fun unusual stitches. We will play with foundation stitches, extended stitches, linked stitches, Solomon’s knots, broomstick, Belgium lace, X stitches, P stitches, and more….. Just bring your hook, yarn, and some basic knowledge of crochet (no matter how rusty); and we will have a ball exploring all the unexpected stitches. Intermediate level. 

Supplies needed: 1 ball of yarn and appropriate size hook.

Classes are really reasonably priced at 30$.  Definitely will not find them that reasonable anywhere else!

Hope to see you there!

Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival

I am behind on a good many things these days, and one was announcing my classes at the upcoming Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival.  You can check out the website for now, I will be posting more about them soon.

One thing you can't wait for is a chance to win a free class!  If you get the Pittsburgh KCF newsletter then you have seen the sweepstakes, in case you don't check out below:


Free pattern AND Sweepstakes prize, courtesy of Robyn Chachula
The wonderful Robyn Chachula, Crochet by Faye, is sharing her Trefoil Scarf pattern with Festival Update readers! But before you break out the crochet hooks, check this out:

We are offering a FREE ADMISSION for one person to one of Robyn's classes: Beyond the Basics on Friday PM OR Crochet Sweater Repair Kit, Saturday PM. The drawing for the winner of the class will be selected in one week: Jan 30, with the winner notified and posted on Facebook. Simply send an email (one entry per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Jan. 29, 2013, with the subject line of "Crochet by Faye." Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached.

Robyn will also be available at the Crochet by Faye booth (No. 56) to sign any autographs and books when she is not teaching.
OK, now about that scarf pattern: Visit CrochetByFaye.com/TrefoilScarf.pdf to download the PDF!

Hope you all get a chance to win!

Stress free last minute gifts for Crocheters

My sister in law asked me recently for some ideas for her favorite crocheter that was not hooks, books, and yarn.  It was such a great question I thought maybe you guys might be looking for some ideas too.  So here are some of my top picks, mainly stuff that I would adore, so I know other crocheters would like too.

Online Classes:

Crochet Sweater Studio
Interweave.com for info

You can get gift certificates for any online crochet class.  I know I adore classes but it is so hard to get to one.  Online classes are perfect, you can take them anytime and go back again and again to them.  Even for me, which my knowledge of crochet you could say is pretty advanced, always learns something new in every class I take.  There are 3 great places to get classes online.  Craftsy.com, Annie's.com, and Interweave.com.  You guys know I have my workshops all at Interweave; but check out the others too.  I know all the crochet instructors at the other sites too and they are really talented teachers.  DEFINITELY worth it!

Yarn Bags

Rio by Jordana Paige

You never ever can have enough yarn bags.  I have yarn bags that are nicer then my actual purses.  They are super handy to have lots with a project in each one so your hands can always be busy.  Some of my favorites for the glam crocheter are Jordana Paige and Namaste, both are ones I use when I am put together.  The other way to go is crafty.  I love using my Yarn Pop bag when I am on the go.  It is cute and make me happy just looking at it.

Yarn Pop yarn bag

Hermosa by Namaste

Handmaid hand cream by Soak

Hand Therapy
Crocheters hands need love too.  Intensive therapy especially in the winter.  Gifts of lovely and healing hand cream and cuticle oil are really thoughtful.  That way your favorite crocheter and keep happily crocheting without pain from broken dry finger.  Soak is always a favorite of mine, since they really get what stitchers hands go through. Plus their gift boxes of yarn, creme, and patterns are so cute!

Wrapture by Eucalan

Wool Wash
This is one of those things that I use all the time and rarely remember to get for myself.  All projects need blocked after you are finished, and it is always worth it to get something that smells nice as well is gentle.  Soak and Eucalan make great products.  I really like Eucalan's new scent Wrapture inspired by my friend Kristin Omdahl and her love of jasmine.

Hope these ideas help!  And hope everyone has wonderful holidays!