Monday, October 22, 2007

Icelandic Cowl—Canadian Book Launch

Ok, Crochetmealongers, let's get this party started! Alright, I had a head start. I began my second project from the book (I'll consider Gordo & Doug my first, for the sake of my dwindling crochet productivity of late) last April, but I'm in full swing with it now.

For a few months, I've been posting progress photos of my in-progress Icelandic Cowl sweater; I started it last April, from a print-out of the tech-edited manuscript. I have a short attention span, and would put it down for weeks at a time; it's a super easy pattern.

Julie threw down the gauntlet last week, suggesting we each wear our Icelandic Cowl to the Canadian book launch tomorrow night at Urban Yarns. I was further along than she was at the time; I thought I could use the challenge to just finish. But barely had the challenge escaped Julie's lips that I tried on my sweater at the end of the cowl section. Dude. It was huge. I'd had to adjust for my gauge being off, and it would seem that I had made a mistake that compounded round after round.

Icelandic Cowl—Too Big

It's a close-fitting sweater. But not only was it just plainly too big, it was enormous in back.

Day 44

I heard Sandi Wiseheart's voice in my head, exclaiming that no woman's front is the same size as her back! In my case, this is a dramatic truth. I wear a 32-D. My front is significantly larger than my back. I rarely find a button-down shirt that isn't gigantic in the back even when it's taut in front. Anyway, I knew all this when I started the sweater. But I figured that since the sweater is so close-fitting, it would likely all even out in the end. Um, no.

I ripped back. And here's where all my deepest, darkest crocheter ills come to light. Due to the time crunch (also, I'm impatient), I ripped back only to the last round of increases, not farther back. This might actually be okay. I altered the pattern so that the front half of the sweater is slightly smaller than it was before and so the back is significantly smaller (I cut out over 4 inches of width from the back). I also cut about an inch from each sleeve cap.

The ill shows up in how conservative I was. I actually should have cut more. But there's good news. The back no longer wings out on its own. The front is a bit snugger, as are the sleeves. But really? I could have cut another couple inches off the total circumference. I doubted both my math (which was correct), and my desire to wear the sweater so close-fitting (which is how it should be worn). But I think the end result will be passable.

Will it be passable for tomorrow night? I'm doubtful, but won't rule it out. I might become one with the sofa tonight, stitching feverishly.

(It has crossed my mind that I don't much like pink. I never wear it. I've been known to announce that I hate it. Might I be tempted to make another, better-fitting version in a different colour down the line? ... Only time will tell.)

BTW, the event tomorrow night is almost full! If you want to come to Urban Yarns with me and Julie from 6-9pm, RSVP to the store as soon as you can!

[X-posted at the CrochetMe.com blog]

Monday, October 15, 2007

Book Came In Early!

Oh my gosh was I surprised when mail came, my book is here!!! I'm so excited and can't wait to decide what color, but this is what I think I'm gonna try first! Sorry for the glare, wasn't there when I took the pic.
Anyone else decide what they are going to do first?

Oh I wished I lived somewhere where there was a LYS having book signing! Wish I had a LYS..lol But I loved the pics you all shared and I'm so jealous but so glad for you all too. I'll try to remember and leave a comment the next time I visit.

Hope everyone else gets their book soon, you won't be disappointed!

Crochet Me Book Launch Party - Detroit

Hi everyone,

I thought I would share my photo gallery of the party we had here, in the Detroit area.

As you may already know, we had a Crochet Me Book Launch Party yesterday, at 5 different cities around the country. I represented the Detroit area, and had a launch party and book signing at Skeins on Main in Rochester, Michigan. I could not have imagined a better day! We had a great turnout, a champagne toast, yummy hor d'oevers and lots of crocheting!

Here is a link to an article I posted about the book launch yesterday: Article

Here is a link to my photo gallery of the event: Photo Gallery

Best regards,

Kristin

Lucky

I was also at WEBS on Sunday with my sister. We both won door prizes! I'm getting a year of Interweave Crochet, and Mary got the book, all the yarn, and hooks to make the Messenger Bag!! Amazing. I also bought yarn to make the Icelandic Turtleneck.

It's Rowan 4 ply soft, color 396 (and it matches the book, go figure).

Crochet Me Book Launch - Seattle

signing my pattern
Yesterday was the Crochet Me book launch with promotional parties happening in yarn shops across the country. I was the guest at the Seattle event hosted by Hilltop Yarn and Needlepoint on beautiful Queen Anne. It was so much fun! Cake, cookies, yarn, crochet! Who could ask for more? Read more about the event at my blog.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Crochet Revolution!!!

Hello everyone....
I just came home from Kim Werker's Crochet Me book launch event at Webs America's Yarn store in Northampton, Massachusetts. I met Kim...got my book signed and actually got to touch and see almost all of the garment in the book. Now I really don't know what to make first...they are all so beautifully photographed in the book...but when you see the garment up close...it is unbelievable. You can really "feel" the garments drape and detailed stitch work. Check out the rest of my story on my personal blog. Hmmmm..what to do, what to do???? Oh, by the way....this will be my first garment. I am already anticipating using everyone's help!

I Love Pre-ordering

I received my book on Friday!!! I can't decide what I want to start first. So many really beautiful choices. I guess I will have to check my stash to see what I can start on first. Can't wait to see what projects everyone else chooses.

Friday, October 12, 2007

It's HERE!

It's HERE! Amazon delivered the book to my red kitchen door on the Olympic Peninsula on Thursday, October 11. I am still deciding what to make. Maybe Robyn Chachula's Comfi Cardi, but then I think that Annette Petavy's graceful "Leaves" sweater is so striking and would be so fun to wear. Or I could dive in and quickly make the Mini Wrap Skirt by Amy O'Neill Houck. And then that would look fantastic with Chloe Nightingale's Icelandic Turtleneck and arm warmers -- not on me, maybe, but it might be a great gift for my best friend's daughter (queen of Olympia's indie scene, from what I hear -- she'd probably go for Cecily Keim's Thigh High stockings, too).

But for me? hmm ... the turtleneck and arm warmers without the mini ... then for next summer, the Leaves sweater ...

Mgonna hafta quit my job to make time for all of this....

I am still waiting.

I pre-ordered my book through Chapter's here in Canada. The expected ship date is October 28. I can hardly wait to get it in my hot little hands.

The babydoll dress is calling to me...

So is the cover design...

So I am anxiously awaiting the book.

Cora

another noob :)

Hi all!

I'm excited to get my book so I can FINALLY crochet a garment. It should be a fun challenge for me, as I've only done scarves and blankets, so sweaters will be new. YAY!

Cheers!
Shannon

NewbieThat Can't Wait!

Newbie here and wanted to say "Hello" to everyone! I'm very excited about this and
I just received notice that my book will be here by the 18th! I was amazed with my first issue of Interweave Crochet so can't wait to get my hands on the book! I hope to learn alot and can't wait to make something for myself...I love the shrug my eye was drawn to in the previews of the book.
Hope everyone has a great day! Happy Crocheting!

Mary B

Thursday, October 11, 2007

(CHI) NBC5 Street Team Blog: Sew Fabulous!

(CHI) NBC5 Street Team Blog: Sew Fabulous!

NBC5 Chicago Street Team writes about Crochet Me! If you're in the Chicago area, you can also catch Kim Werker on ABC 7 Saturday morning news at 6:50 am this Saturday, October 13.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

I can't wait

Hi ladies,

I just joined and wanted to say Hi. I pre-ordered my book and the expected ship date is 10/24. I was so excited to find so many stylish patterns in this book. I hope I can wait that long.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Crochet-along begins after October 14

This crochet-along is designed to bring together crocheters from across the globe who want to share their photos of finished patterns or works-in-progress, ideas for variations, or suggestions for different yarns for the designs in the new book, Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution, available in bookstores and yarn shops nationwide this October 2007.

Update 10/1/07: Officialy book launch is October 14, 2007 and there are 5 events happening around the country with Kim Werker and the book's designers. Details: www.crochetmebook.com.

The 18 designs in the book were contributed by emerging crochet artists and run the spectrum from crochet jewelry to retro bags, scarves, sweaters, shrugs, camis, home decor objects, and more. The book also offers short essays about experimenting with crochet and learning to take design risks, tutorials on sizing, design, and special techniques, and profiles of up-and-coming designers, including Robyn Chachula, Megan Granholm, Melissa Hills, Julie Armstrong Holetz, Amy O'Neill Houck, Donna Hulka, Cecily Keim, Chloe Nightingale, Kristin Omdahl, Annette Petavy, and Carol Ventura.

Join by emailing crochetalong (AT) interweave (DOT) com

Here's a complete list of all the patterns in the book:
  • babydoll dess by Amy O'Neill Houck
  • icelandic turtleneck by Chloe Nightingale
  • convertible victorian shrug by Robyn Chachula
  • mini-wrap skirt by Amy O'Neill Houck
  • messenger bag by Julie Armstrong Holetz
  • convert sweater by Melissa Hills
  • style moderne crochet jewelry by Chloe Nightingale
  • mesmerize sweater by Kristin Omdahl
  • shades of plaid scarf by Julie Armstrong Holetz
  • leaves sweater by Annette Petavy
  • thigh highs by Cecily Keim
  • comfy cardi by Robyn Chachula
  • five o'clock tank by Megan Granholm
  • cocoon bag by Cecily Keim
  • circle motif rug by Donna Hulka
  • gordo and doug dolls by Kim Werker
  • variations baskets by Carol Ventura

Check out the Slide Show!