ABOUT THE CLF

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Everywhere, No where
I started the CLF as a joke on Ravelry, back in July of 2007. The joke was on me, we're a real group, that seeks to liberate ourselves from stereo types about our craft and ourselves. Other than being called "Fearless Leader", I'm a designer, mother, editor, wife, hand spinner, yarn addict, incessant reader, and over all geek in the coolest of geeky ways.

Beware Defamers of the Hook!

Beware Defamers of the Hook!
Like Joan of Arc, and the Scarlet Pimpernel we are here to seek Justice!

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Official Blog of the Crochet Liberation Front

Friday, February 27, 2009

Keep Voting! This is really exciting!

Wow! This is a banner month for the CLF and to be honest it can't even come close to how March will be!! I mean, March IS (Inter)National Crochet Month so it must be fabulous, right?

In Febrary, the CLF Minion Count reached over 3000 members (in fact we're at about 3,120), and of course our first shot at the Flamies! Nominations came in, and now 500 crocheters across the web have voted!

Keep on voting folks! The more voices, the stronger we are and the more these awards mean!

I'm really enjoying watching the process, it's really like a race in some cases, some of you are so, so, so close! In two cases a single vote separates the leader of the category!! EEP...it's nail biting and addicting! Tell your friends, get all your crochet buddies involved...

Hooks Raised, CLF Salute!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Unveiling The Flamie!


2009FlamiesSm
Originally uploaded by riggsdp

CLF Member Darlissa Riggs (aka Fignations) has generously and artistically lent her talents and skills as a graphic artist to design the "Flamie" Award.

Winners of the 2009 Crochet Awards will recieve a copy of the graphic to put on their website/blog with their name and title "engraved" on the plaque!

Winners will also be able to purchase (at cost and shipping) a hard copy of this award to memorialize their place in crochet history! We will make that information available to the winners after the announcements on March 16th!

Thank you Darlissa! And I for one, who am completely biased, think this statue like totally rocks the casbah!

Back to the Vote! Thank you to all who are voting, I have to say there are some VERY tight races! It's like watching a horse race, and I'm rooting for everyone! LOL... So keep on voting folks, voting closes next Tuesday March 3, 2009!

Hooks Raised, CLF Salutes!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Wow! Great Start for voting!

I just want to thank everyone for getting off to a great start on the voting! So far the turn out has been brilliant, keep up the great job crocheters!

If you are wondering what this post is about, check out the blog post below this one! The 2009 Crochet Awards, our first annual awards, are serious, these aren't a joke. Members of the CLF nominated the designers and designs, books, magazines, blogs and other crochet related items that you can vote for!

This is a great way to give voice to what you think makes up the best of last years crochet offerings. We plan on doing this every year, so watch out for crochet goodness all through 2009, so you can give your input for the 2010 awards! We even started a group for that very purpose on Ravelry.com. A nominations discussion group, so that we can take a whole year, instead of a month and a half to get ready!

Why only a month and a half, well someone came up with a brilliant idea, and March was looming ahead, why not do the first annual crochet awards during National Crochet Month?

Hooks Raised, CLF Salute!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Hook the Vote! 2009 Crochet Awards!

2009 Crochet Awards!
(The Flamies)
Sponsored by The Crochet Liberation Front


Welcome crochet enthusiasts to the first annual crochet awards, also known as the Flamies. Why Flamies? The Crochet Liberation Front has had an “award” on our message board on Ravelry that we call the “Flaming Crochet Hook of Justice” and so if we’re sponsoring an award; Flamie seemed most appropriate moniker.

We ask that you search your heart and mind (and the internet) to choose how you vote for each person/organization/item in each category. The nominations were held for one week via the Crochet Liberation Front HQ on Ravelry.com, but that’s only 3091 voices! We invite all of our brother and sister crochet enthusiasts to vote for the BEST of what was crochet in 2008.
To cast your vote go to this link if you don’t know who or what you want to vote for skip that category! It only takes a few minutes, and allows us as a community to show the BEST of what crochet can give to the world.
Winners will receive a fantastic “trophy” for their website, and will be announced on Getting Loopy with Mary Beth Temple on March 16th so stay tuned!

To my lovely CLF Minions, thank you for all of your nominations of me personally in various categories but I respectfully decline due to my sponsoring the awards. I did allow the CLF Book to be counted in nominations though, because that reflects a collaborative work beyond my individual effort.

Doris Chan is very honored with her nomination for Life Time Achievement Award but has respectfully declined in order to have another veteran of our community come forward in that process. (Don't worry she's in the other categories)

Please go to the LINK provided to vote, feel free to do some web surfing to check out the nominees, I’ve provided links where possible to assist in your decision making process! Blog this up folks, we want as many folks voting as possible!


All nominees are listed in Alphabetical Order.




Categories and nominees are:

Best Crochet Magazine:
Crochet
Crochet Today
Crochet World
Interweave Crochet


Best Instructional/Technical Crochet Book 2008 Only books published in 2008 qualified for nominations.

Beyond the Square, Edie Eckman
Blue Print Crochet, Robin Chachula
Creative Crochet Lace, Myra Wood
Harmony’s Guide: 101 Basic Stitches to Crochet, Erika Knight

Best Crochet Pattern Book 2008 Only books published in 2008 qualified for nominations.

Crochet Liberation Front First Ever Book, edited Laurie Wheeler
Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs, Amy Swenson
Blueprint Crochet: Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter, Robin Chachula
Crochet that Fits: Shaped Fashion without increases or decreases, Mary Jane Hall

Best Crochet Instructor 2008

Darla Fantan
Dee Stanziano
Myra Wood
Robin Chachula

Best Crochet Blog 2008 (Five nominees due to a tie in the process)

Crochet by Faye http://www.crochetwithfaye.blogspot.com/
Crocheting With Dee http://www.crochetingwithdee.com/
Everyday Crochet http://www.doriseverydaycrochet.blogspot.com/
Go Crochet http://www.gocrochet.blogspot.com/
The Crochet Dude http://www.blog.thecrochetdude.com/

Best Crochet Designer for Women’s Fashions 2008 (With six nominees due to ties) Ravelry ID’s are included where known to allow you to search their designs to make an informed decision.

Doris Chan (RavelryID DorisJChan)
Julia Vacosin (Ravelry ID Jujustrickt)
Kristin Omdahl (RavleryID kristinomdahl)
Lily Chin (No Ravelry ID Available, but see her designs under patterns in the Ravelry Search)
Margaret Hubert ( RavelryID MHDesigner1)
Robin Chachula (RavelryID CrochetbyFaye)

Best Crochet Designer (Accessories: Hats, Scarves, Jewelry, Socks etc) 2008 (Ravelry ID’s are included where known to allow you to search their designs to make an informed decision)

Danielle Krasner (Ravelry ID Laracroft)
Ellen Gormley (RavelryID GoCrochet)
Kim Guzman (RavelryID CrochetKim)
Lisa Naskrent (RavelryID Crochetgarden)

Best Crochet Designer (men's wear) 2008 (Ravelry ID’s are included where known to allow you to search their designs to make an informed decision)

Drew Emborsky (RavelryID thecrochetdude)
Kim Guzman (RavelryID Crochet Kim)
Peter Franzi (RavelryID Hookerbear)
Robin Chachula (RavelryID CrochetbyFaye)

Best Crochet Designer (for children, children's wear, accessories, toys) (Ravelry ID’s are included where known to allow you to search their designs to make an informed decision)

Annastasia Cruz (Ravelry ID annastasia76)
Candi Jensen (Ravelry ID Candijensen)
Lisa Naskrent RavelryID Crochetgarden)
Mia Zamora Johnson (Ravelry ID Mia)

Best Designer for Thread Projects(Ravelry ID’s are included where known to allow you to search their designs to make an informed decision)

Ferosa Harold (Ravelry ID Ferosah)
Kathryn White (Ravelry ID Katchcan)
Patricia Kristofferse n (No Ravelry ID available but her designs can be found in the pattern search on Ravelry)
Tatyana Miller (No Ravelry ID available but her designs can be found in the pattern search on Ravelry)

Best Free Form Designer

Jenny Dowde (Ravelry ID JenOz)
Margaret Hubert (Ravelry ID MHDesigner1)
Prudence Mapstone ( Ravelry ID prudencem)
Myrawood (Ravelry ID myrawood)

Best New Designer (in any crochet related media)

Julia Vaconsin (Ravelry ID Jujustrickt)
Marlaina Bird (Ravelry ID Yarnthing)
Tracie Barrett ( Ravelry ID traciecrochets)
Yavanna Coulter (RavelryID Datenshi)




Individual Life Time Achievement Award

Candi Jensen (RavelryID Candijensen)
Carol Ventura (Ravelry ID Tapestrycrochet)
Gwen Blakely Kinser (RavelryID Crochetkween)
Margaret Hubert (Ravelry ID MHDesigner1)

Best Crochet Designer (Home Decor: afghans, pillows, rugs, etc.) ) (Ravelry ID’s are included where known to allow you to search their designs to make an informed decision)

Bendy Carter (Ravelry ID bendy)
Ellen Gormley (Ravelry ID Gocrochet)
Karen Ratto Whooley (RavelryID krwknitwear)
Regina Rioux Gonzalez (RavelryID ladylinoleum)

Best Crochet Design for Adults (men's and women's fashion, plus accessories) (Ravelry ID’s are included where known to allow you to search their designs to make an informed decision)

Crocus Bud Crochet Shawl, by Sharlene Boyce
Dragon fly Shawl by Lisa Naskrent (Ravelry ID crochetgarden)
Northern Dreams Pull Over by Julia Vaconsin (Ravelry ID jujustrickt)
Veritas, Equitas by Danielle Krasner (Ravelry ID Laracroft)

Best Design Home Décor
Jelly Fish by Gina Rioux Gonzalez (Ravelry ID Ladylinoleum)
Pieces of My Heart Pillow by Mellisa Mall (RavelryID Melissa)
Shades of Denim Afghan by Ken Jones (RavelryID crochetguy)
Sunburst Bowl by Carol Ventura (ravelry ID Tapestrycrochet)

Best Online Crochet Magazine 2008

Crochet Insider http://www.crochetinsider.com/
Crochet Uncut http://www.crochetuncut.com/


Best Crochet Podcast
Getting Loopy http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Mary-Beth-Temple/
Yarn Thing http://www.yarnthing.mypodcast.com/
The Crochet Side by Brianna Mewborn ( http://podcast.thecrochetside.com/)

Best Crochet Hooks (handcrafted made by individuals and available for sale or by auction)
Brains Barn http://www.brainsbarn.com/
Gray Dog (available only on Ebay)
Ernst Glassworks http://www.glasspens.com/crochethooks.html
Jimbo’s Hooks http://www.jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.com/

Most Crochet Friendly Yarn Company
Caron International
Lion Brand
Tahki Stacey Charles
Mission Falls

Again the link to VOTE is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=UaAa5_2f9lUBv9gtVf5N8Ctw_3d_3d

Friday, February 20, 2009

CLF Book #2, Crochet Awards, and NATCROMO

Hey all!

Just a quick note to let you know the submissions for the CLF Book #2 stay open for another week, not pushing as hard on this book...this one we'll take nice and slow and see what crochet goodness (or badness) we can come up with!

Remember this is a PG17/R book with fun toys, negligees and accessories ;) I did a little research for the book, and other than having to claw my eyes out because of one rather "interesting" catalog website, I have a ton of ideas..and I definately know what this book will NOT be! LOL..

Crochet Awards are closed! We'll get the voting set up for next week and leave it open for TWO WEEKS, blog people blog...As soon as I have the information as to the web link, I need YOU in your Crochet Goodness to make sure all your friends know in the WHOLE crochet community!

This is gonna be totally cool :)

National Crochet Month! (International Crochet Month to those of us in the CLF) will be celebrated on Ravelry again! Join in on the fun HERE!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Ok..I done did it...

Hello Minons!

Ok, I finally decided to go with google Adsense... I've avoided it because even though you can specify your subject matter, many companies that don't really serve crochet tag their ads with the word crochet...and we end up with you know, pointy stick ads.

So, the way we avoid this is thus, if you see an ad in your search with the K word in it, and want to bring it to my attention, leave me a comment or PM me on ravelry with the URL and I'll block said ad :)

Again, I remind you I am not against pointy sticks, but we're cheerleading for the underserved crochet market, and the other market is way bigger than us, so you know it's not like they are going to hurt NOT being here ;)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

2009 Crochet Awards Nominations Last Day

Ok guys! Thursday has come and at 6pm PST (pacific standard time) the nominations will close.

So if you are on the CLF message board today make sure you go to the thread about the nominations, and click on the link! I look so forward to your nominations...You have voiced yourself well minions, thank you!

Remember you do NOT have to nominate in every category....But I'm sure you have a favorite magazine, designer, or pattern from 2008 :)

Thank you!

Romance Table Cloth...oooooh la la!


photo 10
Originally uploaded by ladyr2433

This piece is absolutely inspiring. You know I'm personally not big into making home decor items...but this...this makes me want to break out the thread and steel hooks and cover my living room in lace!

CLF member MissRita, designed this gorgeous tablecloth (and has a bedspread using the same motif)...This well, it makes me shiver in happy crochet thoughts...

Miss Rita, you are an inspiration...I peeked at all of your designs on Ravelry, and I have to say, I wish I could jet off to Italy to find you and absorb all of the grand talent in those fabulous fingers you posess!

To see more of MissRita's fabulous crochet talent, check her out on Ravelry.com!

MissRita you have more than earned the Crochet Liberation Front's Set My Picot Free Award for outstanding crochet skill and beauty!
Congratulations!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Awards, Books, Action...

Hello Minions!

Ok a few reminders here, I've had some fabulous submissions for our second book, which will smaller than the first book, which will keep costs down for folks :) I still need a few more designs...so PLEASE get up the courage and submit a design. Right now, I'm designing a cute little "nightie"...I could use something for the guys though :)

I haven't really been able to think of something crocheted and sexy for a dude...Maybe you can ;) LOL...Pitch me an idea...I'm willing to extend the deadline for another week or so if you need time. Remember, currently submissions are due on Feb 20th...I'm not in a rush, so if we need to push it Feb 27th, fine ;) Go to the CLF Website and check out the writers guidelines! Thank you!

Next, our awards, folks if you are a member of our group on Ravelry.com, go and make your freaking nominations already.

To be honest I'm a little cranky... People, ok I started this group as a joke, but then I made it a real deal, I've risked my time, money and energy on this group, and we're for action.

I'm not the only person who needs to act though... It doesn't take much time or energy to down load a letter of action, or to draft one yourself to shoot off to businesses, and organziations!

If we are going to put our "money" where our mouths are, we need to do more than complain, we need to act! Otherwise we're what they say we are...a bunch of whiners...And folks, I do not whine...I abhor whining...

So, pony up, get active...do something...stand up straight and tall (and if you are annoyed at this because you are active, then DUH this message has nothing to do with you)...

To those who do act, YAY...We need more folks too!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!

May the hearts and minds over flow with love on this fine weekend...

I have to say I'm really not much of a Hallmark holiday kind of person...but I do have a sort of attachment to that "crazy little thing called love"...

Through my life, which you may have kind of figured out has been somewhat "interesting"...some would say difficult... I have had to learn to love the unlovable, accept the unacceptable, and learn to forgive the unforgivable...and move on, and act in the world.

When I say love the unlovable, it doesn't mean I hang out with those people, but I find something in my own heart and mind to say, "They are human, they have a history, they have a story...it does not make up for what was done to me by them...but it means that I can love them as human beings from a far..."

Early in my life I didn't have that down real well! LOL...But as each year goes by and I stretch my ability to love others as human beings, and learn to stay in my own healthy space, I liberate myself from the burden of the need for retaliation, for retribution. I've also found that what goes around comes around, and I do not have to be the agent for that retribution anyway :)

Why do I say this? Well, if you haven't noticed, I may blog rants, but my solutions to problems tend to be on the creative side, and I work to find new ways to liberating crochet...because folks I am interested in liberating my own mind...as Bob Marley said to do in "Redemption Song"...

I think this is the best way to free ourselves...from many things...and LOVE real love, not the stupid petty, "emo" (as my daughter would say) kind of love, is one of the best ways to do that...and heck I know we crocheters show that kind of love in our projects all the time... So here's one for you! The Crocheted Flannel ornament can be found on my personal blog "The Secrets of yarn." Click the I Heart Crochet photo to get the free pattern!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

2009 Nominations Now Open!

Ok CLF Minions...It's time to nominate for the "Flamies" or the 2009 Crochet Awards! The nomination process is up on the discussion board on Ravelry.

We will only allow CLF minions there to make the nominations (or in truth anyone who finds it on Ravelry, because we can't regulate that!) but anyone (CLF or not) can be nominated for awards!

The TOP FOUR people, designs, and organizations will be up for the BIG vote, and the BIG vote will be open to all :)

Looking forward to seeing who is nominated! Join in! The nominating process is open for seven days as of today!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Ghost Reef Sets our Picot Free!


Ghost Reef
Originally uploaded by cornflowerbluestudio

CLF member cornflowerblue made this gorgeous free form piece inspired by bleached coral... I love it :)

Free form is one of the ways we crocheters can unabashedly practice our craft and express ourselves artistically!

Congratulations Cornflowerblue you are duly awarded the Set My Picot Free Award for beautiful and artful crochet!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Back to taking over the world...

Ok, I am so not giving into this bizarre moment in time...I have a life and it includes taking over the world with crochet...DO YOU HEAR ME! We're TAKING OVER THE WORLD WITH CROCHET!

I feel significantly better now : )

So, how are we dominating the globe with our hooks?

1) Still accepting submissions up until Februrary 20th for the Adult Crochet Book :) See the writers guidelines for more details. If you are going to submit, PLEASE read those and follow them...especially the PHOTO guidelines which are at the BOTTOM of that web page.

2) An in print magazine requested the Crochet Liberation Front First Ever book for review! I sent it off yesterday!

3) We're working on the first annual Crochet Awards "Flamie", and are partnering with Mary B. Temple of Getting Loopy!

4) We are in the early planning stages for our Retreat in 2010

and I am busy making plans for Porltand in May for the CGOA regional meeting at the Knit and Crochet Show, and saving my pennies to shuffle off to Buffalo in August...I've already decided to take the train, because well it's more sedate than flying! I make a five hour stop in Chicago on the way, so anyone who wants to do an event with fearless leader can contact me :) GRIN

Monday, February 9, 2009

Ever wonder?

Have you ever wondered if someone up there is trying to gun you down, or at least having fun at your expense?

I'm not supersticious mind you nor do my beliefs involve angry and petty diety types, but lately it's like some weirdo off CNN has thrown the "Chinese Curse" at me: "May you live in interesting times..."

Folks, I could really handle boring about now...

I am more than behind on several tasks...If you are due an email, it's coming, please give me some time to catch up... Ok we have had storms, floods, death, and drum roll please...

Last Wednesday my house had the freakin' mother of all power surges, and no breakers went off, of course my husband was gone (cause these things NEVER happen when he's around), and so after a tulmultous moment of screaming for my kids to "GET OUT OF THE HOUSE >>>NOW" (and they did thank you very much without any arguments!)...I ended up heading toward the garage and found it full of acrid nasty smoke and electrical popping sounds...After a few hours with the crew from the park helping me out...we found that indeed it was a corroded ground wire that was the problem (nothing close to the house)...but it fried the T.V (yay), the microwave, my phone (booo), my hubby's pc, drill press, and assorted rechargable battery packs.

Ok...so this should be it, right? Nope...

Friday, hubby goes to the Dr. for the lab results, and oh yeah (and um, not surprised here, but annoyed, and worried...) Hubby has to go on insulin shots because his pancreas has shut down. Grrr. (No it is NOT how I cook at home, I have lots of good healthy food options available at home...GRRRR....shake that man darn it! I like having him around)...

So, I've been walking around kind of dazed, and not asking that silly question...no I will not even type it...and yes, when I leave my house, I kind of duck as I exit the door way...who knows, the sky might be falling...

Oh, yeah, I'm crocheting...you bet your sweet booty I'm crocheting, with every neurotic bone in my body I...am...crocheting...

Thursday, February 5, 2009

CLF Retreat Survey

OK Minions...it's time to plan our 2010 Retreat on Camano Island, WA...

Here's the deal we've blocked out the third week of October 2010 (the weather could be gorgeous or blustery...but we'll just do what we need to do, it's the NW we are always prepared for the weather...cause it's never the same day to day!) Trying to decide which four days to pick for the retreat :)

What I need from you dear minions is some information. I have created a handy dandy survey that I want YOU to take if you are interested in the retreat. It will help me get an idea for who wants what, and what to plan for! In the survey is a general range of accommodation prices (which are very reasonable!)... So please take the survey here...http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=OzaO9kvH8EYQuq3j922uRQ_3d_3d

Crochet Awards 2009

We were going to call these the 2008 Crochet Awards, but it's 2009, so I'm thinking we'll do like the Oscars!

Currently, dedicated CLF minions are working with me to create criteria, and a format for nominations and voting to get the first ever CLF awards up and running...We hope to have everything nominated, voted on and ready to roll by March 15! Beware the Eides of March I tell you!

Why that date? It amused me, AND March is the (Inter) National Crochet Month!

While we're on that subject, it's less than a month away, what are you doing for National Crochet Month?

Blog about, play with us on Ravelry, we certainly plan to have another rockin' Natcromo Party like last year, make your crochet public, start a group, donate to a worthy charity, better yet teach a friend or two to crochet!

Get schemeing minions! We've got our reps to uphold !!

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