The Fiber Forum

Craft in America: The "Threads" Epsiode

2012-05-13T23:42:24Z

Watch Threads Episode Preview on PBS. See more from Craft in America.

Friday night I had the chance to catch the latest episode of Craft in America on PBS and was very excited to see the episode was entitled "Threads."

For those of you not familiar with Craft in America, this has been on for a few seasons now and showcases different artists, their influences, what drew them to their medium, and so on. It is a very interesting show!

The "Threads" episode highlighted four different artists and focused on weaving and storytelling through quilts. The four artists all come from different backgrounds and points of inspiration in their lives. Each artist uses their life experiences and view of the world to create amazing fiber art. The work highlighted in this episode was just amazing!

I especially enjoyed leaning about the works of Terese Agnew and Consuelo Jimenez Underwood. Among many different inspirations, Terese has a special focus on the outdoors, which I of course just loved and Consuelo used a variety of different media, such wire, in her work, which I love to do as well!

I hope you consider checking out the episode as well as the series. It is a great offering on PBS and you will certainly not be disappointed!

The Crochet Handy App from Interweave

2012-05-01T23:48:38Z

If you have an iPad, iPhone, or other Apple product, you may want to check out the Crochet Handy app from Interweave. Crochet Handy helps you quickly determine exactly how much yarn you need for your next crochet project.

I do not have any Apple products (I am an open source kind of gal), so I can't speak to its usefulness, but it definitely looks cool to me! And the .99 cent price tag isn't bad either.

If you do decide to download Crochet Handy, I would love to hear some feedback on it!

The Ultimate Pocket Wheel

2012-04-22T14:52:02Z

Like most fiber fanatics, I love looking for new fiber tools that are useful, unique, and just plain ol' lovely. Well, yesterday, the makers of the Pocket Wheel posted a photo of their latest creation that just took my breath away!

This wheel is made of black walnut with blue a (azul) copper big wheel. The color contrast between the copper and the blue (my favorite color) is simply amazing.

Designed by Doug Dodd, the Pocket Wheel is 18 inches tall, weighs 6 pounds, and easily disassembles to fit into a tote bag. I had the opportunity to meet Doug and his wife at the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool festival awhile back and they were very nice and proud of their products.

This is definitely on my want list!

The Ultimate Pocket Wheel

2012-04-22T14:51:42Z

Network Charity Brunch and Arts/Crafts Sale in Denville 2/26

2012-02-20T01:05:25Z

On Sunday, February 26th, I hope you consider attending a Network Charity Brunch and Arts/Crafts Sale in Denville. The event includes a medical lecture, chamber music, light luncheon, and an arts and crafts sale - all free! The complete event is listed below, if you would like to attend, please RSVP to 973-994-2484 and tell them you are my guest. I hope you decide to attend!

Urban Auditorium: Saint Clares Hospital, 25 Pocono Road, Denville, NJ
Lecture: Pediatric Injuries: Concussion by Rositta Michael, M. D., F.A.A.P.
Permanent Make-Up: Scar Camouflage by MaryAnn Velardi, Dermatechnician
Plastic Surgery: Trauma and Scars, Lorelle N. Michelson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Tribute: The Center for Food Action
Musical Selections: The West Essex Chamber Players

Shopping opportunities: Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten, Fiber Artist; Anne Woodman Jewelry Design; Artisan Silk Flowers and Wreaths; Baubles Beads & Gemstones; Handmade, One-Of-A-Kind Jewelry by Ms. Barbara Bloom; Christabel Unique Concepts in Glass Jewelry; Ganise Creations…because jewelry ought to be fun!; Gem-N-I Fine Jewelry; Gina Bratter Designs One-of-a-Kind Art To Wear…Jewelry, Clothing, Accessories; Glam Sucre Fashion Jewelry; Healthy Changes Health and Wellness Center Personal Growth, Development and Hypnosis; House of Treasures Lavender & Eucalyptus Bath & Body Products / Spa Wraps / Masks; Jeanette’s Jewelry; Lia Sophia; Linda's Things Custom-made stationery, decor and gifts; Mary Kay; Sachi of Tokyo Exotic Handcrafted Purses; Scentsy: Grissel & Dee; Silpada, .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry; Sophia’s Salts and Spices; StationeryObjects.com; Stella & Dot Trendy Jewelry, Handbags and Accessories

Interweave Knitting Lab Announces Two Locations in 2012

2012-01-31T00:27:39Z

Interweave Knitting Lab, a national knitting event from the publishers of Interweave Knits magazine, has announced its return to San Mateo, Calif. next November 1-4. This premiere event was such a success—with sold-out workshops and lectures and incredible attendance at the Knitters’ Market—that Interweave has decided to add a second location on the East Coast in Manchester, N.H., October 4-7, 2012.

Interweave Knitting Lab offers knitters opportunities to learn from knitting legends and experts in small, intimate class settings—alongside new friends who share their passion for knitting. This premiere event was created especially for passionate knitters who want to take their knitting skills to new heights. It offers innovative, immersive workshops and project-based classes, lectures, enticing panel discussions and other special evening sessions, plus three days of shopping opportunities at the Knitters’ Market.

The 2012 Interweave Knitting Lab event locations and dates are:

Interweave Knitting Lab New England, October 4-7, 2012: The Radisson Hotel Manchester, in scenic New Hampshire, located just one hour north of Boston, Massachusetts in a fun downtown area. Registration for Interweave Knitting Lab in New Hampshire opens in mid-April.

Interweave Knitting Lab San Mateo, November 1-4, 2012: Interweave Knitting Lab returns to Marriott San Mateo, a beautiful hotel located on 11 acres and just minutes from downtown San Francisco. Registration for Interweave Knitting Lab in California opens in early May.

Classes at Interweave Knitting Lab range from rarely-offered classes on unique regional, ethnic, and historical techniques, to studio classes that apply new design and technique skills to original creations. There are classes in sock knitting, lace knitting, cables, sweater construction, knitwear design, color theory, mosaic knitting, intarsia, Fair Isle, and much more.

Interweave Knitting Lab New England will focus on modern inspiration for thinking knitters: A program of in-depth classes on authentic and personal knitting design, working with color and line, and manipulating fabrics and fibers. The curriculum will explore the intersection of handknitting technique and inspiration, with forays into the larger textile industry and the art world.

In its second year, Interweave Knitting Lab San Mateo will continue to focus on handknitting techniques and traditions, with classes on subjects ranging from ethnic knitting history to complex cutting-edge techniques.

Review of Sticks, Hooks & Mobius

2012-01-21T19:03:53Z

Earlier this month, the show Sticks, Hooks & Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral opened at Lafayette College. I was honored to have four pieces accepted for inclusion in the show. I went to the opening and was excited to not only meet other fiber artists, but to see the amazing creativity that was part of the exhibit!

When you first pull up tot he Lafayette College campus, you see the organized yarn bombing event. The exhibit kicks off with a “yarn bombing” at noon on Sunday, Jan. 8 led by guest curator Susan Huxley of Easton. Huxley has been collecting afghans from thrift shops for the past six months. Members of the Lafayette and Easton communities are invited to help attach the afghans to the handrail of the staircase that links North Third Street to Lafayette’s campus as a symbol of unity. The colorful afghans will also add beauty to a stark urban landscape, a primary goal of the worldwide “yarn bombing/knit graffiti” phenomenon.

The exhibit itself shows the amazing creativity of those who work with hooks and needles. I certainly enjoyed wandering the exhibit and looking at all the different works that were accepted into the show.

One of the most amazing pieces is a lap-blanket-size Albert Einstein. When you look it at straight, it looks just like a brown and off-white blanket. However, when you look at it on an angle, you see Mr. Einstein. I have no idea how that works, but it is amazing!

Of all the pieces I had accepted, I think my favorite is my motherboard. Someone once described me as a "digital personality with analog hobbies." While I never liked the person who told me that, the description definitely fits. My motherboard allowed me to artistically combine my two sides.

I am in complete awe of the pieces that are a part of this show. Guest Curator Susan Huxley has done an amazing job pulling this show all together. All the photos I took at the show can be found at my Facebook page. The show is open until February 5th. I hope you consider going to see all the amazing creative pieces that are a part of the show.

Sticks, Hooks, and the Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral

2012-01-06T00:31:09Z

On Sunday, January 8th, an interesting exhibit opens at the Williams Center Gallery on the campus of Lafayette College in Easton, PA.

Sticks, Hooks, and the Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral will begin with a "yarn bombing event" at noon and then the exhibit opens at 2:00 p.m. I am very excited about this exhibit, as this is my first juried exhibit! I have four pieces that will be on display.

My wonderful husband Glenn and I will be attending the exhibit opening on Sunday and I will be posting photos afterward. If you have time to check out the exhibition, I hope you do! The exhibition will be open until February 5th.

My New Year's Resolution

2012-01-05T01:09:20Z

OK, I am going to admit it. I did an absolutely terrible job keeping the blog up to date. So one of my New Year's resolutions is to do a MUCH better job posting useful and interesting information here for my readership.

So, stay tuned. It is going to be a great year!

Cleaning out the Stash: Giveaway Number One!

2011-08-20T20:28:11Z

OK, we are are familiar with the term SABLE (Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy) when it comes to our yarn and fiber. Chances are you are also a bibliophile as well, as we all love to collect books on our favorite fiber art subjects!

Well, I am going to (gasp) clean out some of my book stash. Yes, I know, it's tough. But I feel much better knowing that I am going to make sure my loyal readership gets in on the fun!

Different publishers send me their books for my review here on The Fiber Forum. I am now going to pass these amazing books on to you!

The first book is Ethnic Knitting Exploration: Lithuania, Iceland, and Ireland. For the post on the Fiber Forum about this book, I was lucky enough to have the author, Donna Druchunas, provide a guest post all about the book and her knitting inspiration!

OK, so here are the rules. Leave a comment here about what you would do with the book and that will get you one entry. If you "like" my Facebook page, you'll get a second entry! Follow me on Twitter and you'll get a third entry! If you take part in these other entry opportunities, make sure you note that in your comment here on the blog. On Friday, August 26th, Every entry will get a number and I'll use random.org to pick a winner!

About a week after, I'll put another book up for the winning!

Good luck!

All About...About.com

2011-08-02T00:18:09Z

Over the years I have tried to share useful websites and other interesting fiber-art-related information. Well today I have an announcement I am very excited to share. I am now an official contributor to the crochet section of About.com!

For those of you not familiar with About.com, they provide great information on a wide variety of topics - including crochet and knitting. The crochet guide for About.com is Amy Solovay and I am excited and humbled she has asked me to be a part of such a great source of information for crocheters of all levels.

My two latest articles review two different bamboo crochet hooks: the ChiaoGoo bamboo crochet hook and the Clover Takumi bamboo crochet hook.

I hope you will check out all About.com has to offer and I look forward to hearing your feedback on my articles!

Book Review: The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook

2011-06-19T15:17:39Z

Several years ago, a discussion group I belonged to decided to do a "study" of different breeds. Each member picked a breed, did research on its history, purchased raw fiber, spun some up and sent everything to another member with a small amount of money ($10-$20 if I remember). That good soul took all the information, printed it out, added a small amount of fiber to each page, created complete binders and shipped them back to each member that participated. It was a huge undertaking, but it has been an invaluable resource, as there was really nothing like is available in print...until now.

The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook: More Than 200 Fibers, from Animal to Spun Yarn from Storey Publishing is an amazing resource! This book has information about over 200 different breeds that can be used for crochet, spinning, knitting, and weaving. Its photos are amazing and I know this is going to be an invaluable resource in my fiber arts library for years to come.

The authors are certainly not new to the fiber arts industry. Deborah Robson is the former editor of Spin-Off and Carol Ekarius is the author of multiple books on livestock farming. Both Deborah and Carol live in Colorado.

I expected a hardcover reference book like this to have a list price of $50-$60; but I was pleasantly surprised to find it has a list price of $35! Storey publishing certainly kept pricing in mind, making this an easier purchase for fiber fanatics during this tough economy.

I will definitely be using this book often and will probably wind up reading it cover to cover, as I am finding all the information provided very interesting! It is definitely worth a look if you are a fellow fiber fan!

The Passing of an Icon: Jean Leinhauser

2011-06-16T23:41:12Z

It is with great sadness I must report the passing of an icon - Jean Leinhauser. Jean was recovering from several pelvic fractures that occurred recently when she suffered a major heart attack.

She leaves behind a legacy in the fiber arts world that may only be rivaled by her long time partner, Rita Weiss.

Whether you may know it or not, you learned from Jean. She founded Leisure Arts, which became the largest independent needlework book publisher. Later she founded the American School of Needlework (ASN Publishing). She was Editor and Publisher of CROCHET! magazine for two years, and created and wrote the internet newsletter, TALKING CROCHET! We are all better fiber artists because of Jean. She was one of the "partners" of Creative Partners.

I had the pleasure to meet Jean a few years ago at the CGOA convention in New Hampshire. She was incredibly gracious and was very open with suggestions on how to proceed as I started to develop pattern designs.

Following Jean's wishes, she has been cremated and her ashes will be strewn over the water.

She was a great dog lover, especially rescue dogs, so family and friends are asking people who would like, to consider making a donation to to their local dog rescue group in her memory.

You will certainly be missed Jean...

Patriotic Crochet

2011-05-29T16:46:18Z

As many of us celebrate the unofficial start to summer this weekend, it is important to remember what this weekend is really about - remembering those who serve and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so we may live in a free and great country!

There are many ways you can show your patriotism this weekend in your crochet. For example, a great simple project you can work up quickly and wear today and tomorrow is the Red and Blue Metallic Beaded Crochet Bracelet.

Lion Brand Yarn has a few great patriotic water bottle patterns that are not only functional, but will show off your love of country. Maggie Weldon has a great free pattern for a stars and stripes dish towel that can double as a trivet during your picnic or bbq.

If you are planning on heading to the beach or a friends house and need to carry a lot with you, then consider this great beach tote. I may have to make one of these. I really like this pattern! Sugar and Cream is a nice strong cotton, so I have no doubt this would make a great sturdy tote.

Most importantly this weekend, remember our troops and if you see a service member, make sure to thank them for keeping us free!

The Great Sock Project: Turning the Heel...and the Corner

2011-04-16T00:06:00Z

First, I want to apologize for my lack of activity the last few weeks. I have been experiencing ongoing Internet connection issues recently. As a result, I haven't been able to post my latest activity on my Great Sock Project. The long of the short of it? I have turned the heel...and a corner.

Now, I will say I can't remember a project so challenging for me. I have been learning new stitching (some fun, some not so much), watching my sock skills improve, and frogging more than I care to admit. As I reminder, I am doing what is considered the "basic" pattern in Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns. I will say after I completed the heel turn and the gusset, it is starting to click. I am ready to move on to the foot and toe shaping and hope to have that complete this upcoming week.

What I have noticed in this pattern is that there are some issues with the stitches and directions in the book. For example, I needed some help with the lssc, because I had a hard time making sense of the diagram in the book. I could find a "split single crochet" and I could find a "long single crochet," but I couldn't find a "long split single crochet." So, I watched some videos of the two different stitches on YouTube and then merged them together. For what it is worth, I am not a fan of doing the split single crochet, but it does have a nice look.

Next up...foot and toe. Stay tuned!

March is National Crochet Month

2011-03-01T14:16:00Z

So if you haven't been getting your RDA of crochet, now is the time to pick up that hook! March is National Crochet Month. Many wonder what they could do to mark the occasion? Here are a few suggestions.

Plan a "Stitch and Bitch"
Crochet and being social go hand-in-hand. Plan a get together at a local coffee shop, book store, library or even your home and enjoy sharing each other projects and future crochet plans.

Teach a child to Crochet
Today kids are bombarded with "high tech" products like MP3 players, video games and cell phones. Teach a child to appreciate a "low tech" and creative process like crochet.

Donate Projects to Charity
There are plenty of charities out there that ask for crocheted items. From chemo caps to baby blankets to pet blankets, reach out to a local or favorite charity to see if they are in need. If you aren't sure where to donate, call your local pet shelter, hospital or cancer center to see if they accept crocheted items for those they care for on a daily basis. I will be making chemo caps to donate to a local cancer center.

Start a New Project
Try making something you have never made before. A perfect example is my sock project . I have tried several times in the past to crochet socks with zero success. I am doing a long-distance sock crochet along with my buddy Tonya and it is going very well! We are able to help each other when we get stuck and discuss our progress. It is great fun!

These are just a few different ways you can celebrate National Crochet Month. So pick up that hook and get stitchin'!

The Great Crochet Sock Project...Continued

2011-02-24T11:55:00Z

So, I have been working on my first pair of crocheted socks and I would say so far, it has been, well, OK.

The "Easy Does It" pattern in the book Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns calls for a double crochet foundation. I have only used this method one or two times and I had great notes on how to do it, but of course, I couldn't find them. I didn't find the directions in the book very user friendly, so I headed to the 'net and my Twitter buddies and one of my Twitter followers (thanks Rebecca!) pointed me to a great set of directions on Crochet Me. After a little bit of practice, I was on my way.

Now, in order to not loose interest, I planned ahead and purchased two skeins of yarn so I could do each step simultaneously. This way I don't complete one sock and then not want to start over again. Well, so much for best laid plans. I purchased two skeins of Red Heart Heart & Sole Yarn in razzle dazzle when I actually wanted to skeins of Red Heart Heart & Sole Yarn-Green Envy. Unfortunately, one of the skeins was mis-marked, I didn't realize the color names were wrong. So I had to go ahead with one sock while I get another skein in the correct color. Normally, I would be furious, however, since this is a variegated yarn and will not be connected to each other, I'm not that upset.

So far, I think the project has gone well, other than those two small issues. Next, I will be moving on the probably the toughest parts - the heel and the gusset. Stay tuned...

Sock Measurements and Gauge Swatch

2011-02-12T22:50:00Z

I have moved forward with my sock project for the "Easy Does It" sock pattern in the book Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns. For better or for worse, here is my progress...

So I read through all the directions for measuring my calf and foot for my socks and made my gauge swatch. The first thing I noticed is that my calf measurement was completely off the chart. Thinking I did something wrong, I followed the directions and measured again. I came up with the same measurement. So, I am just going to go with it. I felt slightly better when I heard my "sock buddy" Tonya had a large calf measurement as well. Confusion loves company.

Here are my foot measurements:

Foot circumference: nine inches (wide)

Leg circumference: 12 1/2 inches

Heel-to-toe: 11 inches

Toe-to-ankle: eight inches

My final sock measurements:

Leg circumference: 12 1/2 inches

Foot circumference: 8 1/2 inches

Heel-to-toe: 11 1/4 inches

Toe-to-ankle: eight inches

Easy Does It Pattern:

Leg circumference: 9 1/4 inches

Foot circumference: 9 1/4 inches

I followed the directions for the gauge swatch and I have decided I should've paid more attention in math class. I think my gauge swatch turned out OK, but I am honestly not sure. I am going to press forward and try on my sock as I progress. I will also continue to take notes on any corrections or adjustments I need to make as I proceed.

Stay tuned...

Making Crocheted Socks

2011-01-30T22:01:15Z

As I mentioned previously, one of my fiber goals for 2011 was to actually complete a pair of crocheted socks. So my friend and crochet buddy, Tonya, and I will be doing a long-distance crochet along making a pair of socks. She used to live in New Jersey, but she is now in Tennessee, so we are making sure to plan this out carefully.

We have decided on we are going to the "Easy Does It" pattern from the book Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns. I am using Red Heart Heart & Sole Yarn in Razzle Dazzle.

Our first assignment is to do our gauge swatch, which will be done this week. I plan to do a blog post on each step and report on our progress.

Wish us luck!

Somerset Fly Fishing Show: The Ultimate in Creativity!

2011-01-21T02:14:00Z

This weekend is the annual Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ . Now, why would I bring this up on a fiber-arts blog? Well, a few different reasons.

First, as many of you know, I am an avid fly angler. My husband and I are the owners of Reel Simple Fly Fishing . We attend the show each year to demonstrate fly tying techniques, lecture about fly fishing for still water species and sell our book, Ten Flies, Simple Ties.

OK, so if you aren't into fly fishing, you may be asking why would you want to go? Well, many of the materials used in fly tying can be directly applied to fiber arts! For example, Glenn and I use wool, alpaca, various yarns and more in fly tying. So, a fly fishing show is a great place to stretch your creativity!

If you decide to check out the Fly Fishing Show this weekend, please stop by and say hi. I promise you will not be disappointed!