Good morning, Hookers (and I mean that in the most respectful way)! With only 2 weeks left until Pop Goes Crochet officially hits shelves, I thought I’d give you a little look-see at a handful more of the 36 projects from the book with the scoop behind their inspirations. Today’s feature: Accessories!
The “Heidi” Scarf
This might be my favorite picture in the whole book and the scarf is certainly one of my favorite projects! Designed by Mary Jane Hall, the baubles on this luxurious (it’s made with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino) neck garland, reminded me of a strand of purls. I was on site the day of this shoot and the Lark Books folks were kind enough to let me style this shot. I told them I wanted a 1920’s brothel feel and with that, we went shopping. The model is so beautiful in this vintage look! I’m apparently the first Lark author to get lingerie in a craft book. In honor of that, I went with naming the project after Victoria Secret Angel, Heidi Klum.
The “Drew” Necklace
Yup, this necklace really is crochet and oh, how I love it! Jennifer Hansen (aka Stitch Diva) used the hairpin lace technique combined with wire and fine gems to create a lovely, blossom charm. The project got it’s name from the face of Flower Films the free-spirited, Drew Barrymore.
The “Sean” Driver’s Cap
Drew Emborsky (aka The Crochet Dude), designed this classic cap for the modern man. It’s both rugged looking and soft (made with Berroco Ultra Alpaca) at the same time. The original inspiration was Sean Connery (who always looks so debonaire in hats) but when we couldn’t find a model to fit the part, we changed it to Sean Penn. Either way, every dude should have one of these!
The “Bettie” Bag
Curvy like my favorite vintage vixen Bettie Page, this felted purse is as cute as it is cleverly constructed. Designed in two sizes by Kelley Deal (aka The Breeders co-frontwoman), this just another example of Kel’s Bags that Rock!
The “Mary-Kate” Beret & Fingerless Gloves
I designed this urban-glam set (made with my SWTC/VHC Vegas yarn) before deciding on a name for it. Looking for inspiration one day though, I was flipping through a magazine and found a great picture of Mary-Kate Olsen wearing a similar beret. Her bohemian chic style embodies the look I was going for.
Win a FREE, signed copy of Pop Goes Crochet today! Simply post here, letting us know when/how you learned how to crochet (or if you haven’t yet but want to, you can post that too!) By posting you’ll be entered into a drawing.
I am devastated by the loss of @hillcountryweavers founder, Susanne Middlebrooks.
I wrote a longer tribute to her on my blog and Facebook (links in bio). In short, though, she had been sick for a long time but had been a master at not letting the illness get in the way of her living. So, it was often unimaginable that she wouldn't be with us for longer. Last June during an industry convention in Chicago when Susanne came over to the bar booth I was sitting at and plopped herself next to me to chat, I had no idea that it would be the last time I'd get to see her. I'm so thankful though, that when we parted ways to go back to our respective meetings, it was with a hug. Rest in purls, my friend....
When I came across this Knitting Needle Patent greeting card by @patentpress , I couldn’t resist selecting it as one of the items for the YarnYAY! September box! (Link in @vickiehowell bio or got to YarnYAY.com)
What looks like part circular knitting needle, part Tunisian crochet hook is illustrated as the patent drawing for flexible knitting needles. This greeting card memorializes the creation of tools that we stitchers can now, not do without!...
The sample yarn for both palettes of this year’s 12 Days of YAY! Advent Box have arrived. I cannot wait for stitchers to open up a new color everyday!
I don’t want to spoil the shade surprises, but I can share just how much yarn we’re sending you this year — FIFTEEN mini hanks of beautifully hand dyed yarn, by two rad boss-lady dyers.
Historically, we have sold out of these so I’d you’re prone to FOMO, be sure to pre-order tour 12 Days of YAY!
Nineteen years into this knitting career, it’s crazy-pants that I’ve never had Learn to Knit or Learn to Crochet kits before. So, I finally made it happen. If you know someone, or ARE someone that wants to learn — while also making something wearable— check out our new hats and scarves kits in the YarnYAY! Shop!