The Fiber Forum

Stitchin' at Starbucks this Thursday in Rockaway, NJ

2010-03-10T15:45:00Z

Well, it looks like we won't have snow in New Jersey on Thursday for the first time in ages, so the next get together will be this Thursday, March 11th, 7:00 p.m. at the Starbucks coffee shop next to Pier One in the Target strip mall at the Rockaway Mall, Rockaway, NJ. We are having a great time getting together every few weeks and would love tohave more join in on the fun! I can't wait to see everyone again!

If you are on Facebook, search under groups for Stitching at Starbucks and join our happy little group! Hope to see you there!

Introducing BernatCares!

2010-02-26T16:08:00Z

I received the following announcement from Bernat today and wanted to pass it along. It is a great idea!

Introducing BernatCares.com

We're very excited to introduce the newest amazing resource from Bernat - BernatCares is a brand new website that unites knitters and crocheters who have a desire to contribute with local and national charities.

If you are a crafter who has never knit or crocheted for charity before, now is a great time to start. With BernatCares, it is so easy to find an organization with needs you can help meet.

If you are a crafter who already knits or crochets for charity, you will find some great new resources, free patterns and ideas on the site.

If you are a charity looking for donations of handmade items made with love, sign up and add your charity to the charity search.

No matter who you are, visit BernatCares and make a difference today.

Getting Started in Free Form

2010-02-14T13:55:00Z

Since the recent (and wonderful) classes with Prudence Mapstone on the east coast of the U.S., there have been many discussions on several of the online groups I belong to about how to get started with free form. While I am far from an expert, I thought I would try to help those who are looking to take their first free form steps.

First off, give yourself permission to break all the rules you have been taught! We all spend our lives in school learning to "stay inside the lines" that when you are told to go free, it is hard to color outside the lines. That was (and sometimes still is) the hardest step for me. Combine yarns, colors, textures and stitches to create something wonderful and all your own!

Next, I suggest you check out the International Freeform Crochet Guild website. There are great resources, links and examples of free form to help get you started. There is also a link to the official discussion group of the Guild. The members of this group are wonderfully supportive and love to help each other get started and as they progress through their free form projects.

There are some great resources available for helping to get started. A great book by James Walters and Sylvia Cosh called The Crochet Workbook. Sylvia and James are considered one of the first noticed in the free form movement. While this book can be hard to find, if you are able to get it, I highly recommend it! Another great book by (none other than) Prudence Mapstone is Freeform: Serendipitous Design Techniques for Knitting & Crochet. This book shows stitches you can use to create the motifs known as "scrumbles" and how to connect them to build your masterpiece! She also has another book to help with the dreaded bullion stitch. Bullions & Beyond: Tips and Techniques for the Crochet Bullion Stitch is a great primer for mastering this stitch, which is often a mainstay (but obviously not required) in free form. The wonderfully creative Margaret Hubert has a wide variety of books available on both more "traditional" crochet, as well as free form. One book of hers I own is Fun with Free-Form Crochet. This book not only shows how to do different stitch and how to combine them, but she also has several complete projects, which is a great way to learn how to take those scrumbles and apply them directly to a project!

Last, but certainly not least, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful (and my mentor) Myra Wood. Her first book, Creative Crochet Lace: A Freeform Look at Classic Crochet, takes traditional lace and gives is free form flair! Her latest book, Crazy Lace:an artistic approach to Creative Lace Knitting, focuses on free form knitting. Both are wonderful books and should be a part of every free form library! I did an interview with Myra about her first book, which I was very excited to do!

There are also great web resources such as Margo's Crochet Corner, Jenny Dowde and of course, James Walters, Prudence Mapstone, Myra Wood and Margaret Hubert.

I hope this is a good primer for getting started in free form. Please be sure to share as you begin your journey!

Big Stitch Knitting

2010-02-06T00:37:00Z

Earlier today I received an email from DreamWeaverYarns.com and they were advertising big needles. But these weren't just any larger than normal size needles...as George Costanza would say about the "BIG salad," these are "BIG needles!"

These big knitting needles come in sizes US 35 (19mm) and US 50 (25 mm). They also have big crochet hooks and a book to go with them.

Now, I don't know how those knitting needles feel to work with, but they definitely are intriguing! I don't think I'll be trying them any time soon. I think I'll start with something a little smaller. I may definitely have to check out the crochet hooks though.

Learning Free Form Crochet From the Master - Prudence Mapstone

2010-01-31T23:35:00Z

Even Ghandi was cold today!

Today I had the pleasure of finally having the opportunity to take a free form class with one of the masters of the art -- Prudence Mapstone! I have had the opportunity to get to know Prudence over the last few years and couldn't wait to hear about her process directly from her. It was quite cold when I left the house (10 degrees Fahrenheit) this morning at 5:45 a.m. to meet up with a fellow free form buddy to catch the bus to New York City.

Within the hour we were a few blocks from the Lion Brand Yarn Studio enjoying a wonderful breakfast! Afterward we headed out into the wind and cold to walk the last few blocks to the Studio. We arrived at 9:25 a.m. for our class. To our disappointment, the woman working refused to let us in saying we were there too early. We tried to explain that we were told by arrive by 9:30 a.m., but she was adamant and wouldn't let us in and said to come back at class time. Annoyed and cold, we walked another block to a coffee shop and sat another little bit to sit and warm up. We let 15 minutes pass and decided to walk back and tell her that if class is supposed to start at 10:00 a.m., they would have to let us in ahead of time to be ready. Well, to our surprise, the shop was already bustling! I was quite miffed! When I asked why it was now OK, she said (and I quote), "well, you got here at 9:25 and I wasn't opening the doors until 9:30." Um, really? She knew I was less than pleased and ignored her and headed over to see the person I wanted to see and visit with most of all...Prudence!

We all immediately started chatting at once like school girls! It was wonderful! After a quick catch-up, we settled down, ready to begin.

Prudence's amazing wall hanging!

She already had some of her wonderful scrumbles out, her wraps, beautiful coats and an amazing new wall hanging!

I cannot describe how helpful her guidance for free form projects was today! She shared how she develops her scrumbles, assembles her garments and connect scrumbles to each other. At one point I became somewhat stuck with the piece I was working on when I asked her for assistance. She simply said "it has finished telling you what to do with that piece right now--put it aside and start another one." She also advised to never pull apart a scrumble because you don't like it at the moment. Set it aside and start a new piece. It has finished "speaking to you" at the moment. Give it some time...a few days to even when you are ready to do something with all your pieces. You never know how they will all work together!

One of Prudence's amazing scrumbles!

The hours passed by quicker than you could imagine. After a few quick purchases, the ladies of the International Free Form Crochet Guild posed for a few photos. We said our goodbyes so Prudence could prepare for her afternoon class and headed into the cold again (now a balmy 30 degrees) to catch the bus back to New Jersey.

I cannot thank Prudence enough for her time, her encouragement and her creative thought process. I plan to send her photos as my scrumbles progress and turn into whatever they tell me they should be!

If you would like to see more photos of today's class, please join my Facebook page.

Stitching at Starbucks in Rockaway

2010-01-27T12:17:00Z

The next get together will be this Thursday,January 28th, 7:00 p.m. at the Starbucks coffee shop next to Pier Onein the Target strip mall at the Rockaway Mall, Rockaway, NJ. We arehaving a great time getting together every few weeks and would love tohave more join in on the fun! I can't wait to see everyone again!

Many of us are also attending the Prudence Mapstone class at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in New York City this weekend and we will be discussing the upcoming day!

If you are on Facebook, search under groups for Stitching at Starbucks and join our happy little group! Hope to see you there!

Somerset Fly Fishing Show this Weekend

2010-01-20T12:11:00Z

This weekend if the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ. Why should you care? Well, two reasons...

First, if you have never been to a fly shop, a lot of the fly tying materials provide wonderful inspiration for crochet, knitting and weaving. The materials are simply amazing! You won't believe your eyes!

Second, Glenn and I will be at the show this weekend providing tying demonstrations, giving lectures and selling our book, Ten Flies, Simple Ties, which contains my crochet rock worm. Yes, that's crochet!

If you have time, I highly recommend stopping in. If you do, make sure to stop past our table and say hi!

Stitching at Starbucks Back on Schedule!

2010-01-13T02:00:00Z

Alert! Stitching at Starbucks is back in full swing! Our first get together after the holiday season will be this Thursday, January 14th, 7:00 p.m. at the Starbucks coffee shop next to Pier One in the Target strip mall at the Rockaway Mall, Rockaway, NJ. We are having a great time getting together every few weeks and would love to have more join in on the fun! I can't wait to see everyone again!

If you are on Facebook, search under groups for Stitching at Starbucks and join our happy little group! Hope to see you there!

A New Year, New Fiber Goals

2010-01-09T21:29:00Z

As 2010 begins, it is a natural time to make resolutions and goals for the new year. Many resolve to exercise, loose weight, spend more time with family and be a better person.

Those are all great goals, but for those of us who knit, crochet, felt and spin, we often have different goals. So what are my goals? I plan to give knitting another try. I purchased some lovely needles from Knit Picks and am researching videos on YouTube to help with casting on. I plan to spin more. I didn't get to spin nearly as much as I would like. I also want to continue to improve my skills on both the wheel and spindle.

I really want to write more. I have pitched several article ideas to fiber-focused magazines and I hope to hear something soon! My fingers are crossed!

From a design aspect, I plan to continue to design and am working on a pattern booklet idea I hope to pitch to different publishers in the hopes someone will like my ideas. I will also continue to design independently and list my patterns on Patternfish.

So those are my fiber-focused goals. A big list, I know, but I am determined!

What are your fiber goals???

Peter's Valley Looses State Funding

2009-12-19T23:31:00Z

The following is an email that was sent out from Peter's Valley Craft Center in Layton, NJ. Bottom line is that they lost $78,000 in funding from the state. It would be a terrible thing is New Jersey and the art community as a whole looses this wonderful resource! If you can help, I urge you to make a donation...every little bit counts!

Dear Friends of Peters Valley,

We have a crisis! On Friday, December 4th, we received the news that our $78,000 grant from New Jersey has been frozen. No information is available about if or when it will be re-established.

The loss of the New Jersey funding on top of the short fall of workshop income and reduced expectations for future funding has created a serious financial crisis. We have taken immediate steps to restructure to improve our financial stability and to function during these difficult economic times with reduced income, but need additional help now.

With your help and our belt tightening program, we can survive the next few months, until workshop revenues begin to arrive.

Our board has been generously supportive. Please join them with your donation.

Donations of $500 or more will receive a special thank you gift of a signed pottery piece by Bruce Dehnert. Bruce is head of our ceramics department and a well known ceramic artist.

Additionally we will give a special thanks to all supporters with a listing on our website.

We truly need your help now and your support is deeply appreciated.

Kristin Muller
Executive Director
Peters Valley Craft Center
19 Kuhn Road
Layton, NJ 07851
973-948-5200 ext. 201
director@petersvalley.org

Fiber Artist Prudence Mapstone Comes to New York City

2009-12-13T18:35:00Z

The amazing fiber artist, Prudence Mapstone, from down under will be teaching a class on free form knitting and crochet at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in New York City on January 31, 2010. I already signed up and just can't wait!

I have always wanted to take a class with Prudence, but never had the opportunity. I truly admire her work and know this class will exceed all my expectations!

You can learn more at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio's web site. If you are able to attend, trust me when I tell you...you will NOT be sorry!

New Patterns Designs Now Available!

2009-12-10T00:56:00Z

Lisa's Prayer Shawl

I am very excited to announce that my new pattern line is now available on Patternfish! These patterns include a prayer shawl, ear warmers, a child's hat, fashion belt, scarf and dish cloths! These patterns can be worked up quickly for yourself or as a quick gift.

A special note about one pattern - Lisa's Prayer Shawl. This shawl was created in honor of my friend Lisa. She is a five-year breast cancer survivor. She is an amazing person and a wonderful friend. For every purchase of Lisa's Prayer Shawl pattern, I will donate $2 to Casting for Recovery. I met Lisa at a Casting for Recovery retreat where I was a volunteer. This wonderful organization provides free fly fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors. My husband Glenn and I have been volunteering with this organization since 2003.

I have put much though and care into developing these patterns. I certainly hope you enjoy making these items as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Craft Fair this Saturday

2009-12-03T01:43:00Z

Get inspired this weekend at the Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Christian Church's Christmas Bazaar! There will be plenty of hand-made items (including yours truly), as well as professional vendors to get your holiday shopping done. Bring the kids so they can craft with Mrs. Claus and tell Santa what they want for Christmas! There will also be plenty of homemade Slovak goodies to snack on while you are shopping.

The event will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5th. The Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church is located at 64 Beach Street, Rockaway Boro, NJ.

Be sure to stop by and say hi!

Buy Handmade This Season!

2009-11-28T02:12:00Z

As the official shopping season begins today with "Black Friday," I urge everyone to take the same pledge I do each year and buy handmade.

What is the handmade pledge? It is a promise to purchase hand-made items by local artisans, which are more meaningful than store-bought gifts. This is even more important to me this year in light of Ebay's commercial that tell us that handmade items "smell like Church."

Can't make something? No worries. Shop at Etsy. Go to your local craft fair and buy gifts. If you live in the northern New Jersey area, shop at Peter's Valley. Go to BuyHandMade.org and sign the pledge.

There are lots of ways you can reject the commercial aspect of this season and give a gift that will last longer than the batteries needed to make it work.

Crochet and Fly Tying...Perfect Together

2009-11-20T01:48:00Z

So what does crochet and fly tying have in common? Tying a crochet rock worm of course!

I will be demonstrating the crochet rock worm, along with a number of different flies along with Glenn at the International Fly Tying Symposium this weekend at the Double Tree Hotel in Somerset, NJ.

The show is a great place to pick up lots of neat stuff you can use to spin, crochet and knit. Glenn and I regularly use my wool for spinning as dubbing for flies!

The more fly tying and crocheting I do, the more similar I realize they are. They are both incredibly creative and a great way to both socialize and enjoy time with your craft.

If you have time this weekend, I highly recommend attending the show for awhile. If you do, please stop by and say hello!

Rockaway Mall's Stitching at Starbucks this Thursday

2009-11-18T01:10:00Z

Just a quick reminder that the next Stitchin' at Starbucks is this Thursday, November 19th, 7:00 p.m. at the Starbucks coffee shop next to Pier One in the Target strip mall at the Rockaway Mall, Rockaway, NJ. We are having a great time getting together every few weeks and would love to have more join in on the fun!

If you are on Facebook, search under groups for Stitching at Starbucks and join our happy little group! Hope to see you there!

Ebay Commercial Part Two

2009-11-16T00:28:00Z

In my last blog post, I shared my complete disdain for the latest Ebay commercial that pokes fun at those who make handmade items as gifts.

Well, I have been searching the internet for those who haven't seen it and finally someone posted it on YouTube.

You watch it and be the judge.

Negative Feedback for New Ebay Commercial

2009-11-11T00:53:00Z

OK, I have a gripe...

"Let's talk about homemade gifts ... No one wants them. I know it's the thought that counts, but think harder. How about a snow mobile? It doesn't have to be expensive. Go to eBay."

This is how a new television commercial for Ebay starts out. The individual providing this opinion is holding a pair of knitted gloves with grandma sitting in the background trying to hear what he is saying. I have a major issue with this...and I will be the first to admit I do not have the best sense of humor. However, I am one of many who make hand-made items for those I care about enough to put the time and effort into making something as a gift. I also know for a fact that those who have received those handmade gifts appreciate them.

A perfect example is when I saw one of my three nieces for Christmas a year or two ago. As she sat on the floor looking at the wrapped boxes in front of her, she starred in wonder. Before she started to rip them open, she turned and asked, "Which one did you make for me Aunt Andrea?" You have no idea how much that meant to me.

Now don't get me wrong, I like Ebay very much and use their site more than I care to admit. However, I think this was a very insensitive advertisement, both to those who make and give handmade gifts and to those who sell handmade items on their site. If you do sell handmade items, I urge you to check out Etsy instead. This site is a celebration of all things handmade. It is definitely worth a look.

Helmet Liners for our Troops in Afghanistan

2009-11-06T15:15:00Z

Nonna's Yarn Cafe is doing a wonderful project and are asking all knitters to make helmet liners for our troops serving in Afghanistan.

A friend of the shop owner's is involved with K-help and has asked us to make helmet liners for our troops in Afghanistan. These liners are to be knitted in 100% wool, like Galway or Cascade 220 in dark colors such as black, greys, green. The shop has the pattern and a finished liner in the shop for added help.

And to make it more enticing, with every liner returned to the shop for our troops that is knitted with wool purchased at Nonna's will receive a coupon worth 10% off your next purchase of regularly priced yarn.

Every Tuesday evening in November the shop will be giving free lessons on how to knit the liners. Therefore take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to knit in the round using circular and double point and at the same time you will be making some soldier feel warm this winter.

The shop will be shipping the liners by December 13, 2009. I hope all the knitters out there will help out!

Rockaway Mall's Stitching at Starbucks

2009-11-04T00:56:00Z

Just a quick reminder that the next Stitchin' at Starbucks is this Thursday, November 5th, 7:00 p.m. at the Starbucks coffee shop next to Pier One in the Target strip mall at the Rockaway Mall, Rockaway, NJ. We are having a great time getting together every few weeks and would love to have more join in on the fun!

I will also be officially showing off my new pattern line and will have all the finished projects with me!

If you are on Facebook, search under groups for Stitching at Starbucks and join our happy little group! Hope to see you there!