Official Crochet Liberation Front Blog

Blog Feed Etc...

2009-06-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, because I am still wrangling with the blog ring, and because I know many of you are on blogger, for your convienience I've put a feed from the wordpress blog onto this blog, so that you can keep tabs easier ;)

Yes, it's redundant. But, it's how I can manage things with the limited time I have at the moment. Life's a little bit crochet crazy :)

CLF Blog moving...

2009-06-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

So, I've crocheted some moving boxes, packed up the posts, and am working on making sure all the links are set (you know how much I hate them), so that the Official Liberation Front Blog will have a nice new home.

Yup...moving to wordpress. Why?

Cause I have other blogs over there, and I prefer wordpress from a technical standpoint.

I will leave this baby up but as of tonight this is the last NEW post here...

The new blog? http://www.crochetliberationfront.wordpress.com

Yup...Now to get all the feeds and linkages finished.

Sorry to be a bother and all, but really, it's just that much easier to do it all over there, besides the webcrawlers like wordpress better, including Googles!. Isn't that Ironic?

Call To Arms

2009-06-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

As you know we in the CLF are tired of being downtrodden and mistreated. A good example of this was the latest crochet challenge thrown down out of Interweave's PieceWork magazine.

According to the author (not a crochet expert by any means btw) this vintage pattern was not worth her time to finish, or she couldn't understand it, what ever, it was flippant, rude, and why they had her do the article, instead of an expert crocheter is beyond me. And frankly, it's lace, it's not even necessary for an "expert" to do, just someone who does thread work, or has done thread work, or has crocheted more than 20 projects.

One of our CLF members Yarntricia, has suggested that we the CLF (and mad crocheters!) that we flood Piecework in a show of defiance.

Are you game? Check out their website, get the magazine or find a copy and get the challenge information including the pattern. It's a 19th century pattern. But it seems the author was confused by this: "to join in a circle"...um...in crochet we join things to make circles all the time. That's kina basic.

So if you are up for the challenge go for it. Yeah, it's thread, yeah it's tiny hooks, but hey get a good light and a magnifying glass. I'll be off searching for a copy of said magazine. Because as you know finding any fiber arts mags in these parts (other than quilting, and I refuse to get into a back ally fight with a quilter because they have ever SHARPER pointer things), so I'll be wandering and looking for the crochet challenge.

It isn't that I don't have other things to do,because yes, yes I do, but come on...it's lace. Lace is JUST COUNTING...really that's all it is. The most basic stitches are what you use to make the most delicate lace, really, truly and honesty.

Website update, video tutorials, and other stuff

2009-06-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I updated the CLF website. The front page is changed, I added a page of video tutorials that will be added to from time to time. The offerings on the page are diverse from folks within and without the industry! Rock on folks! We are the hooksters (you know like hipsters) and crochet is very cool...as is evidenced in the videos.

I get really frustrated working on the website, mostly because of stupid broken links, everything else is easy. I can do the buttons and scrolling dancing monkies (if I wanted to, but they won't load on my computer at home on dial up!), but broken links, they are my bane. So, when I whine about building the site, just know it's the dang typos that are killing me ;) LOL...I just don't have all the hours in every day to do all that needs doing ;) No rest for this wicked wicked woman.

Speaking of no rest for the wicked, I am working away on the adult book. I extended the deadline on the third book, folks will know if they got in by the 12th of June. I'm taking my time with these things.

Remember, though I have "help", I am doing the book production as me/myself/ and I. I can have folks look over and do some editing. But, ultimately I take on the whole enchelada :) WHOO HOO! Instead of giving myself and ulcer, like I did last year, I am taking it easy.

So while you wait for the second and third books, why not get the first book! You can get it from our website http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/clfbookhome.html if you are outside of the states order your book from http://www.gailsyarns.com/ and if you just want the .pdf download get it from http://www.lulu.com/camanomade it's only $9.99 there ;)

So, folks we're plugging away working, juggling, running, and hooking...Thanks for the thoughts and offers of assistance. It's all appreciated. Oh and I will leave you with this:

We're planning the CLF retreat for October 2010. Yes, that is right!

Set My Picot Free Award Winner!

2009-06-08T18:21:00.001-07:00

So, I was doing a search for belly dancing costumes...and what do I find?
http://www.crochetkitten.com/ she has tons of patterns she's made, and they are so totally awesome.
I contacted her on Ravelry.com and asked if I could use her images here because they are just too nifty. She wasn't a CLF member at the time, though she might be now, and I'm not gonna check because well..it just doesn't matter...I'm awarding her the Set My Picot Free for some awesome crochet representin'!

Josephine Scarf Front
Originally uploaded by Selena K

OMG I finally got it! Crochet Today Article!

2009-06-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

WOW! Ok, I owe Tina Barseghian a HUGE thank you for taking the incoherent ramblings of a mad woman and writing a very very smooth article!

Yes, today I managed to track down TWO copies of the magazine at a Barnes and Noble and hour south of me (it's the closest one to me), and I have another two ordered. Yeah, I'm a nerd, I get excited to see my picture in a magazine. Yup, I do.

Yes, I have forced people to read the article in front of me, while I stand their grinning like the proverbial cat with feathers AND cream dribbling out of my mouth. Yes, I looked at my husband and said, "Not bad for a joke!"

And yes, I did giggle for almost half an hour after reading it.

Who knew a joke could be this funny for so long!

Our beloved Dora Ohrenstein of Crochet Insider fame is quoted, as is Jennifer Reeve of www.craftkitten.com, thank you guys!

In honor of this moment, I have made a new reference page on our website: Video Links.

http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/Videos.html

They aren't all how tos, some are just cool crochet. Though I think my favorite how to is the How to crochet a hackey sack, the young man doing the video is so cute (though he's of an age where that would cause eye rolling.)

There will be more on the list, but so much crochet goodness out there, just need to get it in one spot!

Happy Hooking to all!

Musing and Wondering...

2009-06-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I am a feminist, or as I like to call myself a Neo-Feminist. Why the "neo"?
Because, I think the original movement was important, but instead of creating a real equality where women were viewed as valuable members of society equal due to the fact of their humanity, the matra became that we could be "like" men. That attitude just doesn't turn me on.

I was a 1980's teenager, so not only did I get the indoctrination that unless you wore a power suit with power heels you were a nobody, I also got told I could be "super-mom", "have it all", and that if I took on the masculine power system I would be the "perfect" woman. I tried it on, went to college, did a bit of ball busting, became an executive, got married, had kids, worked 16 hr days, had a nanny, was one of the pretty people, Prada Hallowed Be Thy Name, had a pretty pretty husband, ball busted some more, proved I could run departments, and divisions, bring home plenty of bacon, kept my crocheting and embroidery a secret, and found myself mentally and spiritually exhausted.

By the time I was 25, I knew that something had to give, and if I didn't figure it out what was going to give was me.

What does this have to do with crochet? What does this have to do with feminism? Lots.

Traditional Feminine handcrafts, or "gentle pursuits" if you want to put into 19th century terms,
were thrown to the way side, seen as non-important and symbols of repression. So that our old stand by magazines that used to have lovely tips and hints for women on all kinds of subjects (such as Good Housekeeping, Women's Day, Family Circle...etc) now just run articles on how to work 12 hrs and still have good sex. They also promote the tired stereotypes of women who look good all the time, because God-Forbid we age at all, because our attractiveness is above all our greatest asset! Hold on a minute? What happened to feminism?

So, I have to be tough as nails, exhausted, a sexual siren, own false tits, have zero stretch marks, bust balls, can't create pretty things with my own two hands, have perfect kids with perfect teeth, and have no crows feet? In the words of Fee from the book "Blessed are the Cheese Makers", Feck that.

We, my friends, have been sold a bill of goods, and we have bought it. With cold hard visa cards.

Guess what? We all get old, natural tits and asses do sag, and it is the most human thing in the world to create. Create with our hands, create with our bodies, that is what women (and men) do. Period, we create, and that should be something in which we revel, and it should be lauded from the roof tops.

As women in traditional roles we do have power, a different kind of power, not saying that them were the good old days, cause they weren't. But we didn't need to throw the female baby out with the bath water.

Crochet and all other hand crafts have taken a hit because they were associated with being a feminine pursuit, an entire generation chose not to do handwork because it was seen as a symbol or our repression. Just like cooking went the way of the dodo...Come on, cooking is NOT hard people. Cooking over a wood stove is a challenge, and um last I checked most of us don't have wood stoves any more, and most of us do have washing machines (which make life considerably easier than a wash tub, I know I've used one) but all of the fabulous things that make life on a daily basis happen fall into that very self same category of: Women's Work.

Say it: Women's Work.

I bet you say it some how without pride, and with some kind of negative tone.

Now say it happy: Women's Work.

Say it louder...WOMEN'S WORK!

The mega corps and investment companies are benefitting from our "modern" woman status, they have us convinced that to make things for ourselves is both old fashioned, and arduous. Wanna know why? Cause that way they don't make a dime from their factories in third world countries exploiting our brothers and sisters who are doing "women's work" for a dime a day (oooh maybe a whole dollar), so we can pay for shoddily made clothes in inferior fabrics, cheaply.

I know I may not win the battle or even the war on this one, but people, be proud of your creative abilities, be proud of being moms, grandmoms, executives, SAHMs, Working out of the House Moms, what ever you are, not moms, single, married, or other, same sex, different sex, omni sexual...and men too, be proud you craft with your hands. But for some reason when men do it it's either cute, cuddly, or sexy...Frankly, my husband finds it really sexy when I crochet, which is good, cause I do it all the time. (Oh and he likes my sagging tits and ass too, but maybe he's just perverse.)

The key is, as long as we buy the bullshit, they sell it. All it costs? Our collective human souls.

/end rant

Hunt for Crochet Today...

2009-06-05T15:19:00.001-07:00

Ok, the world conspires against me.

It appears the distributor of many magazines in this region (NW Washington) has gone under. Magazine racks in three counties are bare, of much except muscle building magazines. (ew?)

So, I'm heading down to Lynwood and the Alderwood Mall B&N to see if I can find the damn magazine. If I can't get it there, I will drive to Belleview and the Crossroads Mall. I want you people to understand I will have driven an accumulated 120 miles to find the damn magazine.

You know what, It's time to just subscribe to them all. Cause I'm sick of this.

LOL...

I have hope though, I can't wait to read the article. I've been teased and I want my satisfaction.

Fearless Leader in Crochet Today!

2009-06-04T02:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've said it was coming, I really did, but I didn't realize the July/August Issue of Crochet Today was out in June! Egads!

There is an article about yours truly, and the Crochet Liberation Front and I hear it's pretty good ;) It was a fun interview (which of course happened months ago), and now I need to hunt down me a copy! It's like trying to catch a rabbit in a brier patch in these parts, I may have to take a 40 minute drive to my nearest Fred Meyer's (store) to see if they have a copy.

It's always kinda funny when these articles happen, I know it's gonna happen, I did the dang interview over the phone, but until you see it in print, it's not really real. It feels weird when you see yourself or read your quotes, and you think, "Did I really say that?" sometimes I think I sound silly, and other times I wonder at how those words came from me!

It's kinda fun to see all of this happen, especially since it started out as a joke. We're obviously not a joke any more, but I like to pretend we are, because then I don't get all nervous like...cause really folks, I'm kinda shy ;)

Oh, and look at the bottom of the page. I put up our store on Zazzle.com, we have all kinds of CLF goodness. I'm working on coming up with more bumper sticker ideas. I kinda like the "Stash" one, it made me chuckle, and would work for those who enjoy crafting in general :) LOL

Remember every little bit adds up and helps this Fearless Leader keep working on CLF stuff!

Crochet Uncut E-Zine: Summer Issue & other stuff

2009-06-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hey CLFers!

Our friend's over at Crochet Uncut (The Official Unofficial Magazine of the CLF) have the Summer Issue up and running! Fabulous issue! Check it out! It's free to join, but if you could donate a little something, something or if you have a small crochet/yarn related business and want to sponsor their efforts, I'm sure Darlisa would not take offense to having some $$ come her way! She does this as a labor of love folks, and I think she does a fabulous job!

Speaking of labor's of love, I'm working on the CLF second book: Crochet In Chains (The CLF All Growed UP)... It's coming along even though I've had to fight with Titan on some software miscommunications...stupid software! It's fixed and I'm on a roll...

The deadline for the third book has been extended until the end of next week...so if you want to send in patterns for the 400 yds or less book, please feel free to do so...You guys are all so damn hard on yourself! Stop beating yourselves up for having lives and priorites that supercede the CLF books...DUH...it's not the end of the world.

Speaking of books! If you haven't bought the CLF First Ever Book...it's still available on the Official CLF Website for only $24.50 (includes shipping), or from Amazon.com click the ad for it here :) or as a PDF Download from Lulu.com for only $9.99 now that's one hell of a deal!

All proceeds help the CLF (and it's fearless leader) function in the world, and will help get more books out into the universe! So help a sister out :)
LOVE YA ;)

Cry Free Form!

2009-06-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

Free form crochet is becoming more and more popular, as people begin to experiment with yarns and hooks, it’s another exciting time to be a crocheter. However, there is one thing about free forming I want to make absolutely clear: Scrumbling is not the only thing that constitutes free form.
Scrumbling, or crochet doodling, is what is most commonly seen as free form. Don’t get me wrong, scrumbling is fun, and can be a gorgeous and fun way to create in crochet. But it’s not the only way to free form, it is a way of freeforming.
I don’t scrumble often, mostly because I’ll loose all the darn pieces before I ever get them sewn together. I most often free form using lace, I’ll free form sleeves, or borders to sweaters, occaisionally I’ll free form hats and scarves.
No, I don’t mean just going patternless, that’s commando crocheting ! You can free form with squares, motifs, plain crochet. It takes a couple different kinds of yarns, a few different hook sizes, switching up stitches, or yarns. I’ve done a free form piece only using HDC, but changing my yarns throughout allowing the yarn to do the work for me. I’ve used the same yarn, and changed hooks and stitches and let them do the work.
I’ve done a straight sweater and free formed the sleeves. It all depends…
Oh, and I love bullions they are fun to make, but you can free form without using those too! I know, I know blasphemer that I am! Personally I love surface crocheting, and structural crochet for free forming!
In Portland, I took Myra Wood’s Advanced Free Form class and it was absolutely lovely. I got tons of new ideas. Yes, I knew many of the techniques, but what I got out of the class was a new way to look at putting it all together! That was so much fun!
So, if you are lured into free form but don’t want to work with itty bitty pieces, don’t worry about it! You don’t have to…and there are some scramblers who will tell you that scrumbles don’t have to be little either!
Remember, there are very few rules to free form: It’s freely forming something…It’s very liberating!

My Bestest Crochet Friend...Stitch Dictionaries

2009-05-31T01:03:00.001-07:00

I crocheted for over 25 years before I could really read a crochet pattern. Before that time, I copied my grandmother’s handwork (and other family members old doilies, table runners, and garments), and if there was a really good picture I could copy the stitch patterns. Granted, until about 15 years ago I wasn’t a “serious” crocheter, I dabbled here and there with the hook, always having it in my craft things, making “doodads” mostly, and of course copious amounts of edging for pillowcases, and hankies. I used to make those things for friends as we started out in life.
Before I was a “serious” crocheter, I was an embroiderer. Embroidery was my very first fiber love, I learned to hold needle and thread when I was very young, maybe four or five, and had French Knots mastered by seven or eight years old. I had little iron on patterns, though I never was much good at following inside the lines, I always preferred “eyeballing” my designs, as they turned out better. What can I say, I can’t and don’t want to color inside the lines either.
One of my first crafty related gifts, besides the kiddy craft kits, was a “stitch dictionary.” My great-grandmother presented me with one when I was about 10 years old. In this little tome of embroidery related goodness, I found all the inspiration a needler could want.
So, it was only logical as my craft life evolved and continued, that I sought out such things when I got more serious about crochet. Whereas, written patterns mystified me, stitch dictionaries for crochet gave me boundless inspiration.
I didn’t think of myself as an expert anything, for many years into my crafting life. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because it was just something I did, without too much thinking about it, I just made things. Sometimes they turned out, and sometimes, well…we’ve all had those projects now haven’t we? One of the reasons I didn’t feel expert was my inability to read patterns. I had never thought that I was doing the design work as I made up hats, scarves and little sweaters, dolls, purses and ornaments. I even made up my doilies straight from my own devious mind. Funny how you never take yourself seriously. I can tell you when I finally did think of myself as an expert crocheter, it was 2005 (not long ago eh?) when I was in a local craft store. Someone had a crochet question, and the owner called to me from across her store, “Laurie can you fix this?” she hollered, and then said audibly to the other person, “Laurie is our town’s crochet expert!”
As I whipped my crochet hook out of my bun (yes, I used to secure my then very long hair with a hook) and went to see how I could fix whatever hooking problem was out there to fix, I nearly stopped in my tracks…Expert? Me? Really? But, I wasn’t half as good as my late grandmother! If I can fudge weaving in ends, I do. I hide my mistakes, she didn’t make them. I mean, really … internal chuckle, expert! Hah! Sure.
I walked away that day thinking about what the lady said, and I asked a crafting buddy what she thought, and of course she told me that “Duh, of course you are.” When I protested she eye balled me, with a very loving but steely eye and said, “How can anyone do something for as long as you have and NOT be an expert?”
Well, heck and darn I hadn’t thought of it that way… Then I found the CGOA, and when I said I didn’t use patterns (and said it apologetically) I was admonished by some lovely people who said, “Oh, you’re a designer then!” (Truthfully I thought they were nuts at the time…but I knew they were well meaning nuts).
Now, do I say I’m an expert? Well, not much, but I know I am. I don’t really need to say it to know it’s true. I’m confident in my skills and my limitations. What can I say…but let me tell you, beyond the hours of creating lace as a young person, my stitch dictionaries have been my bestest crochet buddies. They are what are most responsible for my crochet expertise. (Well, that and hand spinning, because knowing your fibers is very important, but that’s another post).
To be honest, I’m still not much of a pattern user, at least not a pattern user in the keeping it inside the lines kind of way. I use patterns for ideas for shapes, and dimensions, flow and drape, I think I’ve managed to follow one to the letter, I can’t help it, I just can’t color inside the lines. When I write patterns, I secretly hope people tweak them to their own satisfaction. I like to give good construction and dimension information in the patterns, hoping to inspire someone to make the pattern their own! But hey, that’s just me.
For those of you who are beginning your crochet journey I highly suggest finding yourself a stitch dictionary. They are hardly ever entitled “Stitch Dictionary”, they are entitled things like “Bertha’s guide to 500 crochet stitches” (joke title), one of my personal favorites is the original James Walters & Sylvia Cosh, Harmony Guide to Crochet Vol. 1. I own many many stitch dictionaries, some of them small leaflets, and others large tomes of hooky goodness. They are my base line, there are the books I have closest to hand in my craft room.
Just as I can’t stand to follow patterns or color inside the lines, I don’t think I’ve made too many projects (other than those for which I write patterns) with only one or two stitches. When I make things for personal use, or gifts, I use at least four or five stitches per project! I love to mix colors and textures, as well as raised and relief stitches.
Oh and while you’re at picking up stitch dictionaries, get some books with great motifs in them! (Some people call them granny squares, but we have so much more than that available to us!)

Crochet Magazines: A crictical eye...

2009-05-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

We have a lot of discussions about crochet magazines in our on-line communties, and I thought to myself why not take a gander at the three that CLF members often choose to read. These three are in alphabetical order (not preference).

Crochet!
Crochet Today!
Interweave Crochet

Taking all three and really looking through them with an eye to the following I created this special Fearless Leader Report.

Art Direction (This is how pretty the pictures are, the color theory involved in the side bars etc)
Layout/Readbility (This is how the text is presented, how the photos line up, use of white space etc)
Use of charts/diagrams and how they fit into the layout scheme
Quality of patterns (are they cute/fashionable/usable/well written/easy to understeand).

Now I get nothing out of this, and I'm not going to slam anyone, I just want to make a few observations. Let's keep this possitive.

Let's work out of order on my list here for a second. Pattern Quality.

To be honest, all three of these magazines have good patterns. All of them share designers. I think what is the difference in presentation of the finished articles in the photos has a lot more to do with the yarn companies that commission designers than the designs themselves. Yarn companies (Especially Coats and Lion Brand) STOP giving away your UGLIEST dye lots to the designers for their crochet patterns. Color and fashion are matters of personal taste, but if I was someone who did not know how to substitute in a pattern, I'd almost never make anything out of these two companies yarns. They have LOTS of fab colorways, time to use them.

So, all three magazines have good patterns, so why do people say Interweave is better most often? (At least CLF members). I would say it's about the fashion items. I think IC has more fashionable wearables, in better color ranges making them visually appealing. I do not think the patterns are better written than in the other three magazines, I think they are all on par.

Art Direction:

To be honest I think Crochet Today! Probably has the best art direction and layout. I find it a very easy to read, well planned magazine. It's proprietory though, owned by Coats and Clark, and so it will always be limited to those yarns. Not that I think Coats has bad yarn, I buy my fair share, but it shall always be limited to that.

Interweave Crochet is next on my list for Art Direction, I think they have some of the very best photography though, and the magazine is always visually appealing. I think there could be more done with the white space, but in general I think IC is a beautiful magazine which aids it's popularity.

Crochet! Ok, this is where things need to change up. The patterns in this magazine are every bit as good as what you find in the two above. And I love how they often include quick and easy projects along with fashion items. BUT and a big but, they really need to work on their art direction. The color schemes often do not work with the photographs, and it is some of the worst photography I've seen. You do not use the same color background as a garment in this kind of work...and it happens over and over and over. The worst offense yet was a really cute sweater with ruffles, but the photo showed NONE of the ruffles. This is a big n0-no. Crochet! Needs to understand that MOST crocheters are very visual and rely as much on the photos as they do the written words.

Crochet! Also needs a cleaner layout, and better color useage in sidebars etc. Again the QUALITY of what is in the magazine is great, if you get past the art mistdirection. And you know most people don't have time to sit pouring over a magazine to see what I was looking for.

I think Crochet! has had some great articles on construction and crocheters, and Interweave does as well. I have a harder time finder Crochet Today! in my area, but when I do find it I enjoy reading it.

This is just my opinion, and we know that opinions are like noses, we all got 'em and they all smell :) But, frankly, I do buy all three magazines when I can find them, I think all three of them offer enough different to warrant their purchases. But with a little more detail Crochet! could vastly improve it's market share, and it's following.

See it wasn't too painful, and next time you get your Crochet! magazine take a closer look, because I think the patterns are lovely. (I just use other colors most of the time, especially for blankies!)

Creating opportunity...

2009-05-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

I am so sick and tired of hearing about the bad economy. Wanna know why? Here's a list:

1) For many people it's sucked for a long time. (Ask the folks who lost their jobs to the outsourcing trend that started almost 20 years ago)

2) The only reason it's getting tons of air time now is because rich people and the upper middle class are finally be effected. As a former social worker I can tell you I was dealing with the fall out of the "balloon" economy ten years ago. It's no surprise to me.

3) It's giving corporations the excuse to lay off more workers (which is a dumb move because it diminishes the amount of revenue circulating in the domestic/international market).

4) It's also become the most common thing you hear people repeat in conversations. OH GIVE ME A BREAK. Didn't anyone learn about gravity (in regards to the stock market) what goes up must come down (at some point)...COME ON!

So, let's get this out of the way: How can Crocheters help the economy and make the world a better place.

1) Buy from local businesses as much as possible, for hooks, yarns etc. If you can't find them in person, look on line. You money gets five times the mileage when you spend it locally than when you spend it out of the local economy!

2) Offer to teach classes to folks on how to make their own cool crochet gifts and fashions. When pennies are tight handwork always goes up in favor. Kids love making phone covers, and game system cozies, they can make hair scrunches and book marks for friends! Young mother's love to learn to make for baby..etc etc etc...

3) Find local designers and buy their patterns. Especially the indie designers. That gives the little guy more cash.

There is no such thing as too big to fail. Having all the money in the big boys hands is a dangerous economic prospect. In fact it has very much led to economic feudalism. No one is too big to fail, everyone is expendable, anyone telling you different is trying to sell you something.

I firmly believe the more we can support the medium to micro businesses the more we shall empower and enable sustainable communities....and CROCHET can play a huge part in that! How?

The microcosm always influences the macrocosm. Ask any scientist.

Join me, let's save the world today with crochet...Raise your hooks!

A rare but warranted Review.

2009-05-22T22:02:00.001-07:00

I rarely review books on this blog, but I bought one today and it deserves attention and notice!

Hooked for Life Adventures of a Crochet Zealot by Mary Beth Temple is a fabulous, heart warming, and funny read. Yes, you know I adore Mary Beth Temple, and yes originally that's why I bought it.

I purchased the book at my local bookstore (excited to see it on the shelf), because I try to buy crochet books there as much as possible, AND because I really adore Mary Beth Temple and want to see her do well (and hell she bought my book, too!).

I had to take my son to Tae Kwon Do this afternoon, and so instead of shopping or puttering around town, or even crocheting in the mini-van, I picked up my new book and started to read.

From the moment I cracked open the page, all I kept saying was, "Right on!" and "That's why you are in the CLF!" and "Hook ON! My friend!" I chuckled, I nodded, and I misted up a few times. It was a very "Jerry McGuire moment" she had me at hello.
Temple takes a positive approach to crochet, it's history, how we've viewed by others, how we view ourselves, and on every page makes a beautiful case for the value of that which we who wield the hook LOVE!

It's a jaunty ramble of her journey, with which many crocheters can identify readily! From the humorous methods of dealing with gauge issues, to dealing with mixing beverages and yarn, to exploding stashes, and magic balls, to wondering just how that scarf got that big, to the lack of details of just how did that Beer Can hat craze get started and WHY on earth did it catch on in the first place? To the love we who crochet spread in our works of charity, gifts for family, and afghans, yes, in our love of afghans. In fact, I who am often prejudicial against afghans (cause I'm not into making them) changed my mind about them after reading her passage about them. In fact I'm half tempted to start making one right now! (And I misted up!)

It is NOT an in defense of crochet book, it is not apologetic, it is bare bones, this is what we do, here's some history, here's why I love it (and why ME love it too), and here's what it means to many people across the world. It's witty, erudite, and light.

It is the PERFECT gift for your friends who crochet, it is the perfect treat for yourself, put it on your list of MUST READS!

It does not attempt to convert anyone to anything, it just IS about crochet. It earns an award from me...

Mary Beth Temple I award your fabulous hooky tome the SET MY PICOT FREE AWARD!

As soon as I get to a high speed connection I'm put this on the carosel!

Confidence & Crafting...

2009-05-20T23:21:00.000-07:00

Now that I've been home a few days, I've had a chance to get resettled, catch up on some home and business "things" and also reflect back on the weekend that was to be forever known as "The Portland Experience."

I took my second and third crochet classes ever in Portland. I've never been one of taking classes, having figured out most of what I do through a) trial and error (mostly error), and b) copious volumes of magazines and books. I have to say, I like taking classes, if I had just done that to start with (had I known they existed!) I would have saved myself a great amount of time, frustration and yarn!

I witnessed something rather sad in one of my classes, and I find it so because I've felt like the poor person I observed. In fact, I used to feel like she felt an awful lot once upon a life time ago.

There were two of us in the class who crochet for a living, or have crocheted for a living, or at the very least use a hook EVERY SINGLE DAY of the year. This poor person was having a hard time with figuring out how to do the lace, and was feeling slow, behind, and not "as good" as the others in the class.

The truth of the matter, was that I had made just as many mistakes on my learning piece as she had. Her real problem was, a) the yarn she used was rather unforgiving and b) her self confidence.

I can't count the times, I see messages on Ravelry.com or meet handworkers of all stripes (but ESPECIALLY crocheters) who knock themselves and their skills. "Am I doing it right?" "I wish I was as good as you!" "I'll never be able to do THAT!" It makes me really, really sad to see this. We have so over achieved, and have stupid perfection expectations that we become discouraged when we make errors when we are LEARNING something new!

I made tons of mistakes in my first Broomstick Lace project. I missed a few stitches, had a few less loops in places, it's not quite the "hour glass" shape described in the pattern, but hell and darn it holds together, and since I'm not entering it into a competition and it's a learning piece, I don't care about the mistakes. I learned from them...YES do you HEAR ME!

MISTAKES ARE SOMETHING FROM WHICH YOU LEARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The world will not cease turning on it's axis if you make a mistake. And frankly that's the worst thing that could happen to us, besides the sun going Super Nova on our collective hinneys; and that ain't gonna happen either.

I still haven't finished the little bag, which is about four inches high, and four inches wide (ish)...

Why does mine look delicate. Cause I broke the rules, instead of using a worsted weight as called for in the class description. I decided to use a cotton sock yarn that's fingering weight instead. I know from years of experience that if I want my lace to be "lacey" then I need to use a finer yarn. Especially since the instructions called for a size 19 needle, and as I'm not the proud owner of a needle stash, other than a size 17, 30 and 50 (bought for the purpose of making broomstick), that if I was using a size 17 I'd need finer yarn.

Yarn: It is the beginning and the end of your project. The same pattern worked in different hook sizes and yarns can be amazingly diverse :)

So, folks...STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP if you goof, OH WELL...

Fearless Leader says to repeat after me: "What I make is beautiful, including my mistakes. I will learn from them, and be better at what I do because of it."

You are only a failure if you believe it; I do not believe in the concept of failure. I believe in the concept of learning. The only time you fail is when you never ever try.

The Portland Experience...

2009-05-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was super fun! The banquet and fashion show is a must go! As usual the free formers, and those who enjoy hanging out with the freeformers gathered for madness and mayhem!

Jaqui from Australia graced us again with her presence and of course was the fabulous Petunia persona! She's quite a hoot, and a real treasure!

Saturday of the Crochet and Knit Show

2009-05-17T02:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's officially Sunday early AM right now, it was a really long day, and I should be in bed right now, but you know me...le sigh :)

Anyway, this morning at "bleary eyed o'clock" I had Myra Wood's Advanced Free Form class. I loved every minute of it! Now, I already knew most of the stitches, but I didn't take the class to learn a new stitch, that's what my stitch dictionary collection is for! No, I took the class to be in Myra's aura, her creative spirit and energy is vast and glorious. I have never met a person, yet, who has taken her classes and left disappointed!

I got inspired to do some very useable art...yes, useable art. Art for artsake is freakin cool, but I have this real practical streak and I like to use my art...it is both amusing and fullfilling!

After class, my dear friends Gabrielle and Thomas Chavez, met up with me, and I went to the Portland Raw Food Meetup's potluck. That was a great deal of fun, and met a lovely lady who knits, and told her about the show, and showed off a little crochet goodness, she may now be tempted by the hook ;)

After that little bit for Crochet-Evangelism, I came back to the hotel with daughter and we relaxed for a while. WHOOT...

Then came the dinner and fashion show. Oh my, what a nice show it was too. Garments both crocheted and knit festooned our evening and tickled our eyeballs (and brains, lots of inspiration).

What was the coolest part of the show, to me, was how many crocheters there were! In fact when the "raffle prizes" were drawn folks were asked for their preference in the prizes! "Knit or Crochet" was the call about half of the lucky winners were heard to shout proudly and in a distinguished manner, "Crochet!" I had to root and cheer for each one! YAY for Crochet!

I am too tired to take photos off camera and get them on the blog at the moment, but I will most definately be doing that either later this morning, OR Monday :)

Tomorrow holds checking out from the hotel, seeing if I have enough cash to do one last dash through the market, and then off to the Museum of Contemporary Crafts because of this exhibit!

Then it's to the Batmob... I mean the train station and back to Camano Island where my hubby, son, cats and dog are waiting for us!

It was sure fun (if not a little too warm for me)...but it was a HOOKALICIOUS convention, I'd say it rates hand over fist from last year! Live and learn I always say, but thank you Portland you were a fabulous host as always!

Crochet on The EDGE! The Hooknuck makes the rounds...

2009-05-15T21:59:00.001-07:00

Bonnie Pierce wielding the Hooknuck made by Jimbo of http://www.jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.com/ of course free forming maven that she is, she had to do her infamous bullion stitch! Only Bonnie could get that hook to go there!

Jorel looking mighty tough. I wouldn't dis the crochet to her, would you?

Susan, who has our postcards, the t-shirt and the book, wielding the hooknuck high! WHOO HOO! She's into it!

There are pics of me floating around, and I took one of Jennifer Hansen of Stitch Diva fame, but I took it with her phone and not my camera, because I was in class. Well let me tell you about that...I have broomstick lace down, and I want you all to know, not only did I learn it! I made it my biotch! I'll do project pics later.

It is very late, my brain is tired, I'm physically wiped, and I have my 9 am class with Myra Wood tomorrow. Can't wait to see what happens in that class. This has been the most crochet friendly conference I've been to yet, knitters I've seen before but don't know well have been very open and curious about the hook, versus hostile or aloof as in years past. Who knows, may be they haven't changed, maybe I have...but I doubt it, I think we hookers are getting some respect at long last!

Speaking of hookers, WHERE WERE YOU for the CGOA meeting? There were tons of goodies and give aways, and I gave away two CLF t-shirts and a copy of the book...Snooze you lose! But the Laurell Hill guys were there, and they are very cool. Not only do I like the hooks, the fellas are down to earth, charming and a lot of fun!

Crocheters go to Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland

2009-05-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, so last year I missed out on the Voodoo Doughnut experience, this year I was determined (especially after seeing the place on a Foodnetwork TV show) to make my way to this very bizarre store!

Sara and I, went with Jorel and Melanie Gill (aka Mel), into this tiny little place on NW 3rd in

Portland. OMG, this is a riot! It took us a while to figure out what we wanted, well ok I knew I wanted the voodoo doll shaped doughtnut 'cause that's too hilarious ;)

So, here's the girls making up their mind, and Jorel and her lovely smile outside the bakery...

Sara got the Tex-Ass mongo sized doughnut!

I got the voodoo doll ;) And I liked it.

Oooh and I gave them CLF Postcards, because one of the girls there is crocheting up a dozen doughnuts! ROCK ON! The hooks shall rule the UNIVERSE!

Captn's Log: Crochet Date; Thurs May 14

2009-05-15T00:18:00.000-07:00

The morning came far too early for this night owl. Husband, transported daughter and I to the Mt. Vernon Train Station (Mt. Vernon, WA State), where daughter & I boarded the Amtrak to Portland.

It is about a 5 hour journey, so we brought our hooks and yarn to keep us company!

Please note the very cool skull cap I crocheted, most of it in Bernat Glow in the Dark yarn. It's a cool cap, which doubles as a night lite :) (Just kidding it doesn't glow that long, but it does glow brightly!)

We met some lovely ladies from Bellingham, WA along the way, most of them older than I, and most mystified by crocheting, or knitting, a few were quilters. We decided we could all live in the sisterhood/brotherhood of textile love.

We had a few stops along the way, first was Everett, then Seattle, then Tacoma and a few more. I missed a couple cause I was taking a well earned nap! Sara got a neat shot of the Seattle stop.

We arrived in Portland in good time, the rain having turned to beautiful blue skies. We met up for dinner with some very good friends. I won't say how long I've known by dear sister/friend and her hubby, but let's put it this way, it makes us feel old to say it! Then, I got back in time for the Market Show Preview! WOW some really great stuff folks! More on that later...but here's what I've gotten so far:

Several skeins of Newton's Country Yarn, one of them a lovely bamboo/brushed cotton, 950 yds! WHOOT. I also picked up a Laurel Hill Ebony hook, looks like an M to me, love it! The gentlemen from Laurel Hill are really neat folks, good to meet them and hear the story behind this really cool company!

After that we free formers started to "hook up", and I got to see dear Mel from Connetticut, Bonnie & Bill Pierce from Washington State, as well as Jacqui from Australia who I got to meet in 2007 in Oakland, she looks great! and a new addition to our little cadre of crochet madness, Sarah who works for Crown Mtn. Farms!

Tommorrow I have my first class in the afternoon with Jennifer Hansen looking forward to that, and this should just be fun! Ooooh and tomorrow night is the Free Formers official party. Hoping to hook up with more folks. I'm hear hanging around the hotel...I'll leave a note in the hospitality room so folks can find me ;)

Anyway, goodnight and sweet fiber dreams! Capt'n out! (Sorry, I'm exhausted and I was feeling all trek-ish :) )

This is my view from the hotel...wish you came now doncha!?

Off to the CGOA Regional in Portland, Oregon!

2009-05-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm excited!

Tomorrow morning my daughter and I head up to Mt. Vernon, WA. in order to take a train to Portland, Oregon. Our destination is the CGOA Regional event at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland, Oregon. It's also called the "Knit and Crochet Show" and well, I have protested the name in the past (what else who you have me do), but the name of the show has nothing to do with the Crochet Guild of America, the "show" is owned by Offinger Management. But, they've done better listing crochet in their literature, and class notes. So, I give them a crochet nod.

I am taking a class on broomstick (jiffy) lace from Jennifer Hansen of Stitchdiva Design Studio, and a class on advance free form with Myra Wood.

I am also looking forward to going to Voodoo Donoughts because even though I grew up in the Portland Area, I have never been there, and I don't know how on earth I ever missed such a place! I mean donoughts shaped like voodoo dolls? With red "blood" filling? I mean really! Me, who loves the first Shrek movie specifically because of the "Gingerbreadman" getting tortured? "No, NO! Not the MILK!"

I digress.

So, it's a good thing that as part of my last minute preparations for the trip, that I have double checked what I need for the class. Um...Yeah. Sure I had it memorized, NOT!

So, I don't think I have the correct sticks for Jennifer's class, nor do I have the kind of yarn Myra called for in her class. Sigh...I barely EVER work with worsted weight yarn, so now I have to go digging through my stash one more time.

Yes, I will blog from the event! Yes, I'm taking pics! Yes, I have cool stuff to wear! I even made special elven slippers for crocheted yarnie goodness to wear in the halls ;)

Crochet Tag...You're It!

2009-05-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ok folks! Listen hard, listen up, listen loud. :)

I'm only one person here, and lately I've been saying a lot of things you're agreeing with...so here's the deal. Why not take our protest to the wider blog world...

Instead of a meme...Let's do a round robin, or a simultaneous list of our favorite things about crochet?

So, do this for me, and pass it on in your message boards, and email lists.

If you have a blog, make a list of your 25 reasons you love crochet!

Do it anyway you want, 25 photos, or a list, I don't care how you do it, but when you DO blog this, come back here and link your blog post so I can see your wonderful work!!!

Let's show 'em folks! Let's be proactive. Cause believe you me, we buzz enough & they'll try to steal our ideas ;) LOL

25 Reasons I love Crochet...

2009-05-08T13:13:00.001-07:00

1) I can make anything I can imagine with a simple instrument (hook) and something that can wind around it (fiber, wire, plastic, roving, feathers, yarn, string, twine, fabric).

2) I love the reactions I get from others when I wear my hats, scarves, sweaters.

3) I love the reactions I get when I gift my loved ones with my "latest" and "greatest" creations.

4) In less than 10 minutes I can mystify a child by making a wiggly worm or a hair scrunchy.

5) I love how my husband watching me as I take yarn and hook, and whispers "It's like magic when you do that..."

6) I love how it eases my stress levels and gives me yoga like levels of relaxation.

7) I love that when I was a struggling single mother of two small babies, I could afford some thread and a steel hook and make their Christmas happen. (I couldn't afford ornaments for the tree).

8) I love that now I can afford exotic fibers and get to use my glass hook with my camel/silk yarn...and it feels orgasmic as the hook slides through the soft, delicate fibers.

9) I love that I am never bored.

10) I love that I can whip up an instant gift when I have a birthday/wedding/anniversary/baby gift I've forgotten to buy.

11) I love that young children ask me to teach them how to crochet...

12) I love that I can make socks that look like socks, feel like socks and act like socks.

13) I love that crochet has helped me meet some of the most generous, creative, talented, and loving people.

14) I love that I am doing something that women have done in my family for more than four generations.

15) I love that I taught my daughter and she loves crochet as much as I do.

16) I love that my daughter and I had the common ground of crochet to get through the worst of the early teen snarky stage without killing each other.

17) I love that each time I pick up a hook, I feel like I'm sitting with the woman who first put one in my hands. My great grandmother.

18) I love that I don't have to use a pattern to have something turn out fabulous.

19) I love that I can use a pattern if I'm feeling lazy.

20) I love that with over 32 years of crocheting experience that I can still learn something new.

21) I love crochet because it taught me patience, perspective, and helped me find my artform.

22) I love crochet because it allows me that "me" time, I wouldn't normally take in my daily life.

23) I love that I can make son laugh by making him puppets.

24) I love the feel of a hook in my hands.

25) I love knowing that I am doing something she did, even though I never got to meet her, her work inspired me to be every bit as good as she was...

Who is she? My grandmother, Grace Rogers, she died in 1956 when my mother was 8 years old. People say I look like her, sound like her and act like her, she was only 36 when she died. When times were hard crochet helped feed my uncles, aunt and mom. I have some of her things, they have always inspired me. She is one of my favorite reasons that I love crochet, because through the hook I have a connection to the woman I supposedly resemble in many ways, but never got to meet.

Crochet ignorance...

2009-05-08T01:49:00.000-07:00

You know what really steams me up? (Oh I hear your chuckles loud and clear!)

When people who don't do much crochet, malign our art/craft. Especially people in the needle arts industry, they should know better and their lack of knowledge often mortifies me.

Here are a few of the myths that make me go "Mmmm?"

1) Lace is difficult.

No it isn't. Lace takes time, attention, and the ability to count. Yes, you heard me COUNTING. That's the biggest skill required. In general lace is not difficult to do, it often doesn't require any stitch more difficult than a crown picot or maybe a clones knot, maybe a bullion stitch. All you have to do is is practice a bit before you do a stitch that needs finger flexibility. Lace is about negative space and making holes. Hard to do with the sticks, easy as chaining three, skipping two stitches and inserting your damned hook into the third stitch and single crocheting, with a hook. Yeah you heard me, a hook.

Does no one wish to sell thread? I mean for the love of all that's fuzzy, Doris Chan has shown us what we can do with those marvelous old lacey motifs and stitch patterns and do in bigger yarn. So it works up faster. Faster doesn't mean easier, it means faster. DUH.

2) Only fashion wear is good crochet.

Oh go jump off a tall bridge. All crochet is good crochet when someone pays attention, has even stitch work, and the project suits the needs of the hands that made it. One person's "OMG what is that THING" is another person's precious treasure.

If you start telling me that potholders aren't useful, then pick up a hot dish straight out of the oven or put it on your nice new wood table. If you tell me that slippers aren't of importance come to my house in January and walk around without socks. If you tell me that hats and scarves aren't needed, then walk on my local beach in March when a 30MPH squall is blowing. Pillows, afghans, dolls, and toys all have their places too! My teenage neices still have all the dolly blankets, and toy horse saddle blankets I made them when they were young, they are now keeping them for their kids! (I think that is very cool.)

Jewelry, purses, socks, slippers, rugs, shopping bags, bicycle panniers, Ipod covers, cell phone holders, game system holders, and the ubiquitous hair scrunchy; THEY ALL HAVE THEIR PLACE, in the hands of a hookster.

3) You're only good a needle arts if you use sticks...

Explicative, Explicative, and BLEEP. Rolling my eyes here. No, you are good at needle arts if you do any kind of needle work with attention, patience, and proficiency. And who said you had to be good at it? Doesn't everyone have to start somewhere? I don't know many people who started out making perfect projects.

4) If they can't do it, it's obvious it's not a good craft.

Get over yourselves. People who think that way belong back in elementary school. I cannot use sticks beyond swatching. Does it mean I think knitting and knitters suck? Nope, I think I suck at knitting. Am I a lesser form of crafter because I crochet? Hell NO! In fact most of the people who malign crochet couldn't do half of what I do with a hook with their sticks, and the other half may be talented but are rather short sighted and don't bother to look past their own feeble crochet attempts.

5) Crocheters love ugly colors.

From what I see in many a magazine and from the big yarn brands you'd certainly think that. Thank the FUZZ GAWD that some of us actually do have an understanding of color and color theory and can see past the "Oh my god that color combination inspires my stomach acid to react to my lunch" color choices they foist on us.

I mean really. And some people do like the color choices, color is subjective dependant on cultural tastes of the beholder. (But I still say they have it out for us.)

6) You can only really be loyal to one craft.

Bull puckey. I know so many crafters who do so much more than one craft. We may have our favorites, but really most of us have dabbled in many forms of crafting. I, for example, am into crocheting, embroidery, rug making, spinning yarn (on a wheel), and have done some weaving (though it's not my thing), I also felt and make coiled baskets. But because I don't use sticks, why none of the rest of that can possible count...dripping sarcasm aside, I'd love to ask the folks who think that way to come warp my Jack loom. It's only 48 inches wide, with four harnesses, I bet they could manage it cold.

7) Crocheters are old, fat, lazy and stupid.

They may not say it, but man they sure act like that's what we are. I'm not saying there aren't old, fat, lazy and stupid crocheters out there, but I've met some pretty skinny, hyperactive, very young (thinking of my 15 year old) crocheters. I've met kids as young as five who crochet, and women as old as 98, most of us fall in between that gap. In fact in one my own online surveys, the average age of a CLF member was 34 years of age.

8) Crocheters are cheap/low class.

What ever. You should see the emails flying from the Free Form Crochet list as The Knit and Crochet Show approaches. People are strategizing about how many bags they can bring to the show so they can get all their yarn purchases home. There are stories of people getting ready to ship their laundry or yarn home, just to fit it all in to the trip! Yeah, that's real cheap.

As for low class. Folks, the US Census Bureau has the US Median Income at $40,000 per house hold. We have over 300 million people in this country, you are in the top 20% if you make more than $50,000 per year. I don't know where you live, but where I live that doesn't go very far. The majority of people ARE worker bees, and these folks should be respected, and the companies and magazines should think about what it takes to get their business. We all love the bottomless wallet, but there is only a scant percentage of the population with that kind of income. Sorry to burst your bubble, not all of that scant uses sticks.

I'm sure I'll think of more things that cheese me off, but this should do for today. Industry people, RETHINK how you treat us, cause we're getting REAL organized.

Craft Marketeers & Suppliers Listen Up!

2009-05-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, there is a general misperception in the world of marketing and the craft supply industry. Crocheters feel this a lot because we are constantly being maligned by the industry we support in our purchases. Yet, it's not just we who wield the hook who are so maligned, it's all of us who craft.

If they would a) stop working off myths and actually do some real marketing research (aka get out from behind a desk and go talk to people) and b) pay attention to supply/demand the craft market would be a better place for all of us.

Myth 1: People who craft are older, retired, or poor, or have too many kids to count.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaat? What the hell is that about? I mean for goodness sakes we are not living in a Dickens novel. Here's the real world. Crafters come in all shapes and sizes, all ages, all kinds of interests.

Why just in crochet alone you have many different genre which appeal to different kinds of people. Amigurumi is a super trend that's getting more and more interesting all of the time! Younger people are into it, though they aren't the only folks who like to make these trendy dolls. There are blanket/afghan makers, pillow puff stitchers, and others who like to make socks, slippers, hats and scarves, others work with beads, make tapestry or curtains, others still make fashion items. Some folks are poor, some are rich, some are old, some are grannies, some are grampies, some are young, some are rich, most are female but not all.

Dudes and dudettes who do the marketing, my hand is on my hip, and I'm shaking my head in dismay at your lack of attention to detail.

Pay someone to do market research for you. Crap if you paid me to go to the conventions, and do marketing research I'd do it in a heart beat. Unbiased, honest to goodness research. Because, lordy these myths are what is busting the craft industry as a whole.

If you do not market well, your business is a bust.

Getting Down To Crochet Biznez

2009-05-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

Internet Buzz is an interesting phenomena, one little linky in a forum and masses will flock to check out the newest, latest, greatest thing on the block.

Recently such an event happened on the CLF Message Board on Ravelry.com. One of the many minions and ring leaders put up the link to a new "Crochet Site". Anime sounding "WHAAAAAAAA?"

So, like everyone else who saw the link I popped over to take a look at this "CROCHET SITE"...

Leisure Arts has launched it's own site called "Crochet Soiree" I have joined and am CLFFearless there if you feel like friending me. I'll keep my eye on the site, I see it has some interesting potentials.

It's not exactly a social networking site, though it has a little of that aspect. It's a lot more like CrochetMe, only it's propietory to Leisure Arts. I did like that I could find Aunt Lydias crochet cotton in their store though, because finding it locally has been difficult as of late. I like that company, and can't find anywhere close (within 35 minutes) to purchase it. Nice to have a place I can find it.

I'll let the public decide what they will think of this site, for now I'm pleasantly sitting at warm :) I don't think it's the hottest thing ever, but neither do I think it completely sucks and blows. Let's see how they do. I like, no, I adore, Leisure Arts publications, not just because of their dedication to crochet, but beause I have heard absolute love stories from designers about how they are treated by that company.

So we'll give it a chance.

But I want LA to understand if the site isn't everything they hoped it would be, it has a lot more to do with a proprietory approach to social networking (never works all that well) and a lot less to do with "cheap crocheters"...My worry is that if it doesn't meet expectations they will blame the crochet community. Thanks for marketing to us, I think that's cool, but remember you have to know your audience. The same audience on the street and online may be two separate animals.

Crocheting Hats as fast as I can, PLUS More results...

2009-05-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

Well, I've gone on a crochet hat binge. I decided I need a whole bunch of hats to wear in Portland. I can crochet up a basic hat in 45 mins, but these are taking up to three hours due to color changes. I've made a "Dutchboy", and now working on a Beret, I made daughter a glow in the dark Skullcap. That took all of an hour, because I actually took a break. Am I getting wiser with age? Or more easily distracted? Shshshsh don't answer that...

So, I've been keeping an eye on our Charts/Don't Care poll, new results:

99 For having charts included in patterns
26 don't care
1 really really hates charts

Hmmmm...Next question of those 99 how many buy Crochet World?

So, don't forget to look for your crazy "Fearless Leader" in Portland, I'll have my shadow and gorgeous 15 yr old daughter with me. She's in it for the yarn and an obligatory trip to Powells Bookstore ;)

I'll post pics of the hats soonish like ;)

Come on crocheters, get with it!

2009-05-02T20:52:00.001-07:00

Ok, crocheters, hookers, babies, dears: Listen up.

We need more of a web presence. Don't leave it all up to your beloved folks on the blogosphere, and on twitter...Come out, come out where ever you are: Stand up loud and proud, be counted.

I mean really it's not that big a deal. Get a Twitter account, and tweet away about your pretty projects and fun things. I would love you to outnumber the weirdos selling weird things with not real photos of "models" (or porn stars, at least that is what they look like to me)... Join and then follow me, I'll follow you I promise and we can sing great crochet music online together! I'm Camanomade on Twitter as well as on Ravelry.com.

Don't forget to join us on Ravelry either!

Oh and one more thing, I want to see mega hookin' representin' in Portland! Let's show em a good time folks!

Some results...and FROGGIN'

2009-05-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

Hey there minions and ring leaders!

Today I was checking out our "Charts/No Charts" thread on Ravelry, and so far we have 151 readers (so um...if you haven't checked in wanna do it), and so far here are the results:

77 are for
24 are in the against/don't care camp.
1 person feels strongly enough to disagree (which wasn't really an option, but we get your point. You don't like charts :) )

Now down to doughnuts...I have to FROG...

I don't mean a little frogging, but a lot of frogging. I have to take a part my "stupid" Fearless Leader Vest. The front panels aren't going with the back at all, the shaping is not working...and I'm just annoyed. I won't have it done for Portland, but I have a cute little bolero number that I finally finished to make up for it.

SIGH....The front panels will end up in a different sweater entirely. The back will be a SUPER FEARLESS LEADER CAPE! Cause dang it, it's too cool to just leave unfinished. But, I only have about two weeks until Sara and I hit the rails south to Portland. I may take it to work on, though it's pretty heavy.

I think I'll just leave it home. I mean when you have to carry your own luggage you start thinking about things like that.

Back to the bolero...ooooh it's cute :) I put brass bells on the bottom of the vest, so if you hear jingling in Portland it's me :)

If only I had more time!

2009-04-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know that the CLF is a group of almost 3450 people world wide, and run by lil' ol me, and some very trusted helpers on Ravelry..well, now ya do!

We are crochet enthusiasts all, but we are more than that! We are 3450 people with skills, talents, ideas, beliefs, and lives that have more than fiber in them!

Part of my goal with the CLF is to help us grow together as people, with respect to our humanity, and hopefully find a way for those who wish to improve their own skills, and economic models to do so!

It's a big experiment that flows and grows almost as it's own organism, with a life of it's own. Like individual cells in the body, each CLF member adds a vital and important part to the "body" as a whole...

One of the things all organisms require is food/energy. This kind of organization's food is money and time. You have given your time and talent, and many of you have purchased the CLF First Ever Book! Which is bringing in the needed money to help Fearless Leader travel to parts known and unknown to see you and to do more!

Please if you haven't bought your copy yet it's available on our CLF Official Website! or as a PDF Download on my LULU.com store. I have other patterns there, too, need to remember to write a few more to add to the collection!

In the meantime, I'm plodding away on "Crochet in Chains" our second book, 6 patterns are completed in layout and have been sent out for proofing! WHOOT A few more to go!

4 o'clock in the morning RANT

2009-04-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's past bedtime. I've spent most of the night and early hours of this A.M. working on the
Second Book. Sadly not even bleary eyed at this point, I'm energized and have unclogged a bit of a creative block.

I like how I layed out the first book, but I don't want all our books to look like clones lay out wise, and I want to retain the clarity (and improve it) of the space used. I was stuck on one particular pattern and how I wanted it to look and I licked it!

Part of what drove me so hard, was being niggled all night after listening to Getting Loopy with Mary Beth Temple. Her guest was the editor of Crochet World Magazine. Now, I don't see this magazine often in my area, but I have bought it in the past.

I'm an equal opportunity crocheter, I like all kinds of patterns. I do not belong in the camp that believes crochet has to be all about fashion. I like fashion, and wearable crochet, but I also like hats, scarves and quick gift crochet, too. In fact I like kitsch, as the family of garden gnomes in my front yard can tell you, and my poor best friend has to put up with (though she's bought me most of those gnomes!). So, it's not the content I have a problem with, when I say the conversation on the show bothered me.

That niggle stayed with me all evening, I tried to pin point what really bugged me about it. And as I finished off the pattern that was attempting to thwart my layout efforts, I realized what was really bothering me.

It was the tone and tenor of the words, the inbetween the lines that I perceived as the editor explained what her "market" is and what they want. I'm rarely the demographic for most marketing efforts, but I am very much right on when it comes to crochet. (Kind of a relief not to be a complete oddball)

We, in the chatroom, asked if they were planning to add charts and/or schematics. Charts are especially useful when working with thread or lace making. and Crochet World often has thread projects.

The response was dismissive, and the pat answer of "Our market isn't interested in this, none of our surveys indicated our readers want charts or schematics." was given. My first thought was, did you ask on the survey if that's what people wanted? It's hard to indicate you want something if you don't ask the question. I've never been polled by Crochet World, seen a poll by them or survey so I can't say what was asked.

Why the all or nothing attitude? Why is it so hard to have a chart or two, or a schematic now and then? Why not offer a little more, why be satified with what has always been? We've lost some very fine crochet magazines over the past five or six years. I don't think it's necessarily because crocheters don't buy magazines, I think it's because the folks who run the magazines forget to evolve and keep a value added nature to their publications. Things change, markets change, and if you are good at what you do, you make your market.

I'm not saying replace written instructions with charts, or schematics, heck I like a mix of both. I don't think all patterns require charts/schematics even. I do prefer my doilies and lace and fillet to have a chart versus just written instructions.

I don't think I'm alone. I don't think I'm cutting edge in this desire, I think I'm shooting straight down the middle.

So I ask you, what do you think?

If you have two magazines to choose from with equal pattern types, will you pick the one with only written instructions/photos, or the one with written instructions/photos/ and charts &/or shematics.

I'm asking the question on our ravelry message board, you can answer it there if you like ;)

Celebrating Spring, Getting Ready for Portland!

2009-04-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

I host a monthly

"Spinning Group",

but really we're

an all fiber arts group!

If you forgot what I look like,

I'm the chick standing up,

holding Jimbo's HookKnuck,

wearing the funky

free form sweater.

Mary (in Red) and Ann (yes, THE ANN I always talk about), helped me out taking an "action" group shot, to use. I'm not used to the whole need for photos, etc to send to periodicals or websites etc. In fact I'm kind of camera shy, so it is a real effort to remember to get photos of me in action, or inaction :)

The garment on the table is my free form vest I'm hoping to have completed for the Knit and Crochet Show in Porltand, Oregon. Egads, It's taken on a life of it's own, how much you wanna bet I'll be finishing it on the train ride to Portland?

Anway, I'm working on the Second Book. Just got some revised files back from participants, looking foward to recieving the rest of them, and I have to put a few more together. I have a lot more energy now that I've done some good physical work with my buddies down south! (Yes, I do weird alternative healing techniques, but hey it works for me.)

Also, I have got some great copies of Knit and Crochet Today that I have been watching! I love this show! Candi Jensen has put together a real winner of a television production and Brett Bara is a fabulous host! It's been so much fun watching beloved CLF members strut their stuff on Camera! Once again I am in awe of how talented and fabulous we needle arts people are! Don't let the name of the show put you off, Crochet gets EQUAL billing on air, and I'm really excited by what I see!

I'll post more in depth about the shows I've watched later, I just want to say that I love it, and you should check it out if you haven't already!

A Saturday of Quiet...

2009-04-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was supposed to go help Gabrielle and Thomas with their food booth in NW Portland. I would have loved to do so, but I wasn't so capable of finding my way there.

I'll tell you the reason in a minute, but this reason is also why I'm starting another blog about my own liberation process...The CLF is part of that process, but I have tried to keep my personal journey, and beliefs aside, so as not to confuse the issues, or seem like I'm trying to convert anyone to my process or ideas or belief structures.

I try to value all ways of human expression, if not value, perhaps accept. Sometimes people just have to be where they are, and feel what they feel, and be what they are, whether I like it or not...and since crochet is not about belief systems, or feelings, or strictures, I want to keep it that way as much as I can here on the CLF Blog.

But, I would be a liar if I didn't admit to having my own spiritual journey, my own belief (and be-life) systems. I've had an unusual journey and believe it or not I've been asked by four separate Christian Denominations to be ordained, I just can't do it though,because I've chosen to service humanity as a whole, and in MY belief system, if I choose a denomination or a particular religion then I'm excluding someone...

So, anyway, I was raised in a Christian household, so most of my spiritual understanding is couched in Christian language. But I am also a student of many other faiths and religions, and spiritual practices. I want to serve and understand people, as they are, why they are, and well, that's really my big trip in life.

The CLF is sort of part of that...my little joke, fostered in my own particular crafting frustrations, has ended up being a place to explore my own ideas and accept others from over 3400 people! I know in the past two years my own thought processes and ideas have morphed, I have grown, and I have watched other folks blossom and expand. Crafting in crochet being our "foil", vehicle through which we find new ways to be creative, create community, serve our fellow humans, grow as people and expand our understanding of the world. Or in the most simplistic and joyous of ways; have fun.

Oddly enough, I'm not the irreverent smart ass that I constantly portray here, I'm rather academic and studious and shy. I try to tone that down because it's not so entertaining, and really all study and no play makes Fearless Leader a dull girl, and no one wants to read about that...

If the CLF has taught me anything, it is to "Lighten Up"...Be light, be joy, enjoy the process, stop taking myself and the world so darn seriously, because in truth we're only as stuck and oppressed as we allow ourselves to be...really and truly... I knew that before I started it, I just wasn't as good at being silly and having fun...and things seem to work better for me when I'm having fun...and poking fun at myself!

So, if you are interested in my own journey, and some of my wackier spiritual adventures, with my wacky spiritual friends...Crochet and Creativity are included in this journey, because it's all connected, everything matters and everything doesn't... Anyway..".Adventures with a Fearless? Leader" is the name of the new blog and possibly the start of something I've always wanted to do; but you'll have to read about that there... http://www.adventureswithfearlessleader.wordpress.com

What does this mean for the CLF? Nada... CLF is it's own creature, it's own being, it's own entity made up of over 3400 individual, beautiful, creative, talented, curious, and fabulous souls...It's not about me, I'm just it's "Mom"...As with all children, it grows and develops with it's own personality, and I'm only here to be the guide on the side not the sage on the stage...That's for the new Blog ;) And rather than Sage, I'm thinking Fool is more appropriate.

More Roving Crochet News..

2009-04-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

So, here I am ensconced at my really good friends' house, helping prepare some tasty Living Food (also known as Raw Food) for tomorrow's Earth Day Weekend Celebration in NW Portland. Gabrielle Chavez is a fabulous Raw Food Chef and afficionado, I've known her since she and her husband, Thomas, were simple and delightful vegetarians, and have followed their whole journey through the Raw Food process over the past 8 years.

If you want to taste Gabrielle's fabulous goodies (and other folks contribute as well) she and her cohorts meet every Sunday Night at Kairos-Milwalkie UCC, at 5:30pm for a tasty meal and spiritual explorations.

If you are in the Portland area this is worth trying at least once!

Part of being a good friend is sacrificing yourself on the alter of good cuisine. I've enjoyed being a taste tester and sous-chef from time to time, and I never leave here disappointed.

Since, I'm being pampered and spoiled with healthy delcious, soul filling goodies, and quiet. Yes, quiet, no cats or dogs fighting, no kids asking me for their due, I've had some internet time to just look around at some very cool crochet happenings.

I've brought my crochet too, but I've been catching up with friends and forgot to do any so far, which is fine, though they don't mind me crocheting while we talk. As I have followed their journey; so too, theyhave followed mine.

Anyway, I finally got to watch the TED Talk about Hyperbolic Crochet... I love how crochet is one of the very very few ways you can model Hyperbolic Geometry....

The Power of the Hook is Strong!!! Check out just how powerful! Here http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/519

Oooh and if you live in Philadelphia: Check out this exhibit http://chemheritage.org/events/event-detail.asp?id=451

Extended Deadline, Earth Day, and other crochet goodness

2009-04-22T15:23:00.001-07:00

First things first!!

The new deadline for the 400 yd or Less book (also known as CLF Book #3) is May 20th. My life is slightly hectic at the moment, and I'll be in Portland, Oregon playing with my CGOA and Free Form pals, AND Fellow CLFers!

Don't forget we are going to Party with the CLF! How? Heck if I know. We'll figure out something fibery and fun ;) Maybe an impromptu conga line or something.

So...on to Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of Earth Day many folks look to using "natural" fibers, especially plant fibers. I want to encourage people to play around with many natural fibers, animal and plant. However, as you well know I get mighty miffed by the constant use of "common" wisdom and mythology.

1) Animals and Plants both use land. When agriculture is practiced properly nothing is wasted or harmed. Poor farming practices (including organic practices that are less than above board but meet the USDA standards...rolling eyes) happen, but don't tar everyone with the same brush. That's foolish. I know lots of goat and sheep farmers who act responsibly, and I know a lot of vegetable/fruit farmers who don't (and many others who do)... So, if you live in an agrarian area check out your local farms if you can and make up your own mind. If not, don't believe everything people say, without researching it for yourself!

2) Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it isn't harmful. Remember that lead, cadmium, arsenic, uranium, and ammonia are all very very natural.

How we use, dispose, re purpose and how we shop for our products are important matters. Everyone has to come to their own conclusions about things...

But for the love of all that's fuzzy, please remember that people are natural resources too, and when looking for yarns try to find out where they were made.

Have a happy Earth Day. Treat our planet and all who live in it well this day and everyday!

CLF News and other things...

2009-04-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful sunny day as I write this post. I'll try not to make too many mistakes as I rush to finish blogging and head out side to enjoy the sunshine! In the Pacific NW you have to grab the sun when you get it!

I've been crocheting up a storm getting ready for the CGOA regional in Portland, Oregon (also known as The Knit and Crochet Show). Got my train tickets and the event packet showed up in the mail this week so WHOO HOO! Ready for PDX, as soon as I get that free form vest done. It's looking pretty spiffy, but the back is taking me forever to finish!

At the same time I'm working away at the "Crochet in Chains" book, slowly but surely, this book will manifest. I've figured out some layout issues that were bugging me, nothing technical, purely aesthetic, sleeping on the problem fixed it!

I've begun recieving submissions for our 3rd book, "400yds or Less" which will have some cute, fun and quick crochet projects. Keep those rolling in!

So, now I am off to Cama Beach State Park to see if our Interpretive Specialist, Tina Dinzel Pedersen needs my help at the information desk. It's a sunny day, and that makes folks want to play at the park. I like working at the information desk, even when it's slow, because I can sit and work on the book!

Before I leave my library sanctum, I want to remind you that the CLF First Ever Book is still available at Amazon.com or the e-book is available for $9.99 on lulu.com. Thank you again to all who have purchased the book(s). It was our first effort and an amazing one, I think we'll all be pleased with the next few books as we've figured out how to move ourselves forward.
That being said, I'm so proud of our first ever book! I hope you enjoy it!

Hookalicious Stash Buster!

2009-04-20T16:59:00.001-07:00

Blog Photos 4-19-09 010
Originally uploaded by AlaskanPurl

CLF Member Alaskanpurl, made this fabulous Granny Square Afghan busting her stash of Noro Kureyon.

I love the use of colors, shapes and sizes to make this fun-ghan!

It looks warm, inviting, and joyful and CUDDLY! I love cuddling under blankies :)

Alaskapurl consider yourself the recipient of the CLF Hookalicious Award for fun, fanciful, and artful use of the great granny!

Love the afghan keep up the good work!

International Year of Natural Fibers: 2009

2009-04-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

The CLF message board on Ravelry.com is a fabulous place, our members come from a wide range of countries, socio-economic status, professions, beliefs, you name it! One of the things I love most about the message board is the dedication by members to spread the word about events, contests, and activities to provide awareness and how we crochet enthusiasts can participate!

Marly, known as The Yarn Thing, posted a great piece today about a real world and virtual effort called Keeping the Fleece.

Keeping the Fleece is an organization that is celebrating the International Year of Natural Fibers as sanctioned by the United Nations. I could give you a history as to why we would be concerned about natural fibers etc, but they have a fabulous website and put forth the infomation very eloquently. They also have a fabulous contest with some really fun categories! We'd love for crocheters to represent well in this activity! So check out the contest on Keeping the Fleece's website.

I am definately thinking of entering, and I'm going to inform my local fiber arts group and LYS with this information too. I'm a big fan of Heifer International, sustainable farming, and self-sufficiency.

If you support this kind of activity don't be quiet about it, feel free to share the information with friends, neighbors, family and fiber arts groups. Heck blog about it. The more folks who network the more things can happen!

Do you have your copy of the CLF First Ever Book?

2009-04-13T23:48:00.001-07:00

Hey gang! A quick reminder that we have the CLF First Ever Book available as a PDF Download on lulu.com, I also have a few of my own patterns and the Secrets of Yarn Guide (which covers fibers, their properties and the "best" craft usage guide. "Best" is a relative term, if you can make it work great :) If you are wondering how a fiber can be best used to it's advantage the list works as a great rule of thumb.

If you want a hard copy of the book it's available from the CLF Website or from Amazon.com (just click on the carosel to your right on this blog!), it's cheaper from my website, but you can get faster shipping from Amazon, you choose!

Another option is buying one directly from me in Portland, Oregon (or bring you book for a signing!), I'll have a limited number of hard copies on my person during the Spring Knit and Crochet Show at the Double Tree in Portland Oregon. I'll be hanging out at the Double Tree from May 14 through the morning of the 17th. I'll have my sharpie ready!

We should have a few of our contributors in Portland as well and they will have a sharpie ready! Collect as many of our signatures as you can!!!

Crochet Road Trip...

2009-04-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, it's a Roving Fearless Leader who greets you today!
In fact at this very moment I'm on a WA State Ferry heading to Poulsbo, WA for a long overdue visit with my favorite Uncle!

I've crocheted several more bits for my freeform long vest (to be worn in PDX), and once at Uncle Lawrence's house i get to see the table cloth my grandmother started for him in 1955 but did not get to finish before she died in 1956 and see if I can finish it for him. I can think of no greater thing I can do for my favorite uncle..Especially since I learned all of my "hot" crochet skills by copying Grandma's work!

I'll get some photos and we'll show you what I get to finish...and I'll just keep crocheting!

Happy Hooking All!

So it's spring, now what?

2009-04-10T17:32:00.001-07:00

For many of us Spring has sproinged. One of the very well worn myths about most needlework in general is that it is soley a winter activity.

Why put away the yarn and hooks just because the days are longer and the sun may (or may not) be peaking out a little more.

You can always make a fun cardi for spring! The above was a free form ditty I made up a few years ago to wear to a spring art show in which my friend Bec Thomas was exhibiting. It was a simple and easy project, using left over bits of handspun exotic yarns, and a skein of lovely black acrylic (to help support the more fragile yak and kid cashgora yarns), I made the sleeves lacey to provide some well needed air conditioning!

With Eastertide upon us (or passover or Spring celebrations), now is the time we have furiously (or will do so tonight and tomorrow if you're like me) crocheted our little mitts off to make some presents for loved ones.

Some last minute ideas:

Egg shaped soap bags (soap savers)

Restorative Eye-pillow covers (you can get eye pillows as health and wellness stores or pharmacies, why not crochet something with some lovely soft cotton to cover it up?)

Crochet some lace around plastic Easter Eggs

Floral themed wash cloths or dish cloths (you can never have to many of those)

Bunny Slippers!

Crochet an easter basket out of roving and felt it (doesn't take more than an hour to make :) )

For spring tide crochet ideas:

Use cotton, bamboo, linen, and blends of such lovely materials to make tops, lacey over skirts, sun hats, socks, and sandle socks (ok for those of you who dismiss said things, remember some of us live where it can be sunny AND rainy at the same time!), take some anklet cotton socks and add funky trims, make jewelry, baskets and so much more!

There is always time to make pretty things out of pretty yarn... I'll leave what's pretty up to you!

And remember, when gift giving, don't bother giving your gifts to people who do not appreciate them. What is hte point? Save it up for the folks that do...

Well, I'm off, I have to make some cute little Easter themed hair clips for my neice :) She's just at that fun age! I can spoil her with all kinds of frufru things!

Crochet In Chains...The Second Book

2009-04-09T16:12:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I have the fourth pattern formatted, I've sent out three of the four for editing, and am going to send out the fourth in just a few minutes.

One of the things that will be different about this CLF book, will once again be the articles. Since this is our "adult" book, I'm taking the opportunity to use the book as a vehicle to discuss some "touchy" subjects, that are often swept under the carpet or seen as taboos.

Again, this book is fully intended for adults, and there are subjects that adults should be able to discuss in a rational manner.

What will the articles be about?

Body Image
Sexuality/Sensuality
Trust
Reproductive Health and Safety

Of course these will all be handled with the same humor and respect that all subjects are dealt with by the CLF.

I put this information out to you now, just so you know there may be an article or two that might make some uncomfortable, but I think more people will find that the articles are mature and thought provoking.

I don't believe you can truly separate any issue into a little box. The patterns are fabulous on their own, but their intent is to be sexy and fun in the bedroom, you just can't leave sex out of the equation in this... So why not talk about it?

As with all things CLF I stand by the axiom; "We are people first, people who crochet!"

Crocheted Goodness...

2009-04-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Folks!

Spring has sprung on Camano Island, and it feels so good! It actually hit 60 degrees (F) and my it almost felt balmy! The flowers are starting to bloom, trees are leafing out, and I'm wondering in the long swing vest I'm making for the CGOA Regional Show in Porltand is going to be to warm to wear? Eeep!

I'm making my daughter a lace over skirt to wear with her jeans, inspired by Doris Chan's cute patterns.

Last night I was doing my friend's laundry (and no, I will not do yours unless you have a hip replacement) and got to use her internet connection. The benefit of that was at long last I got to hang out in the chat room with all the folks at Getting Loopy! OMG that was brilliant!!

If you have never tuned in to Getting Loopy live, if you have never had the fun of hanging out in the chat room, if you have never had fun harrassing Mary Beth Temple while she's on the air, then by golly you should! It was a blast! Now I will be sad next Monday when I don't get to do it live...Bother! So, folks I want you to go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mary-beth-temple
sign up for the reminder and listen in it's FABULOUS!

Next item of great news:

http://www.gailsyarns.com is owned and operated by Gail aka Nosenabook, CLF member extraordinaire. If you are an overseas CLF person and want a hard copy of our CLF First Ever Book, Gail is your woman! She has great shipping prices, and it's well worth going through her! She also has a lovely supply of yarn and hooks! Have at it!

So, today I'm working on the second book, Crochet In Chains. Three patterns down, working on the fourth, and have two articles written :) This is going to be a fun, fabulous book.
And you know, I'm not sure if I'm going to give my Grandma a copy of it or not, but I don't think even she (the great dowager that she is) would be offended by it. Besides she's the one who told me, 'Oh, every generation of teenagers thinks they invented sex."

Me:"WHAT? Grandma? "

Grandma: "Oh dear, don't look at me like that, I haven't always been old. How do you think your father got here?"

Me: But Grandma, you weren't a teenager when you had Dad.

Grandma: "No, but I enjoyed all the practice until I did have him."

Me: Thanks Grandma, this is need to know information. I didn't need to know that.

Grandma : Picks up magazine, and chuckles softly and evily into the pages.

Vicotoria's Secret is totally HOOKALICIOUS!

2009-04-06T02:16:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday my family goes over to my cousin's house to have dinner and play games. My cousin loves fashion, she's a clothes horse extra-ordinaire! So, she has a mega collection of magazines, and catalogs. One of those being the Victoria's Secret Catalog, which she couldn't wait to show me!

The latest catalog has the CUTEST little crocheted bikini/skirtlet out fit..but even better? They highlighted the very WORD crochet in a positive and cool manner at the top of the page! WHOOT!!!

So, curious I went to their website to see what else they had for crochet and wow! I see that we're not so far off in doing our Adult themed book...Look how sexy crochet can be...

Yummy!

Adult themed book? Have you forgotten my friends? The latest crochet bit of wonder is being created at this very moment. Patterns, and articles, fun and precoscious and yes, very sexy: Crochet In Chains: The CLF All Growed Up will be out in a few months. No publication date as of yet, because I'm taking my time and not stressing on the book! LOL...I have enough non-crochet related stress at the moment.

I can't tell you what's in the book, but I can say the CLF minions have pulled all the stops for this one! It's walking the exact line I wanted, tasteful and sexy...A tease more than a peep show, fun, and frolic along side serious sensuality! It's every bit as sexy as we are!

Cafe Curtains are totally Hookalicious!

2009-04-02T17:25:00.001-07:00

Cafe Curtains 1
Originally uploaded by JBProfusion

Hats off to CLF Member Profusion for making these fantabulous Cafe Curtains using a table runner pattern and adapting them to her whims!

I love these! Lace is the core of crochet, and I so enjoy seeing well made, and useful, beautiful and practical crocheted wonder!

Congratulations Profusion! You are duly awarded the Hookalicious award for outstanding crochet skill and ingenuity!

Lookie, Lookie I got hookie :)

2009-04-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

So....Today I open my mail and lo and behold what do I find?

A hook with a handle shaped like brass knuckles....hmmmmmmmmmmm....You think someone's sending me a message? Am I a brawler? Who sent the hook?

Who else but CLF Hook Meister Jimbo!http://www.jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.com
He won the 2009 Crochet Award for Best Handcrafted Hooks
(for sale or by auction)
and this little beauty is now our
OFFICAL HOOK MASCOT!

IT's sooooo awesome and it works too ;) So, this will travel with me...and after events you'll have to start looking for who got to hold our Brawling Hook...
Or who has been dubbed "Knight Errant of the Wholly Hooker"...

And I ask you..."You wanna piece of me? Huh? Do ya?"

This was the best April's Fools Day I've ever had!

End of March....

2009-03-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! What an (Inter)National Crochet Month it has been!

The party on Ravelry has been a blast (wish I could have been there more often!), we've had great topics on the CLF HQ message board on Ravelry, and of course our very first annual Crochet Awards, the Flamies, happened with not too many glitches!

CLF members don't forget we have a nominating group on Ravelry, so keep your eyes posted for beautiful designs, books, patterns and more throughout 2009 for next year's awards...Cause hey next time we'll know what we're doing!

Remember we're doing the make up show for our winners that got lost in techno-land, TONIGHT on Getting Loopy! Looking foward to being there, join us at 9pm EDT/6pm PDT on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mary-beth-temple (Getting Loopy!) or download it via iTunes :)

See ya tonight!

The Flamies: Part DUH

2009-03-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

That's what we're calling the Grand Finale of the Finale Process on Getting Loopy this coming Monday Night (March 30th, 9pm EDT/6pm PDT). For those not in the know, the first annual Crochet Awards (known as the Flamies) happened on March 16th 2009. The last eight winners/categories got lost in technoland.

Poor Mary-Beth found that her virtual switchboard had "poof" disappeared, along with the guests...We had odd thoughts that leprochauns had abducted our winners to get at the statuettes...but alas it was merely a technical glitch.

So tune in tomorrow night, Monday March 30th for the CONCLUSION of the Flamies on Getting Loopy with Mary Beth Temple! If you can't join us live, please download the archives...

For some reason she's willing to have me back on the air, and once again I promise to be good, and I'll talk louder...I'm terrible about that, I actually have a rather loud voice and so I tone it down not to blow out speakers and often over correct...sigh...

Anywho...More fun news about the CLF!

We are in the very first issue of the New UK magazine called Inside Crochet! I look forward to seeing what they have to say about us there! (link to come...I'm on dial up at the moment, so it's torturous...Tuesday I'll reblog with all the juicy links)...

The CLF First Ever Book is being reviewed in the May-June '09 issue of Quick and Easy Crochet magazine! That was so exciting I couldn't sleep after I found out!

And...I and several other CLF members have been interviewed by Crochet Today Magazine about the CLF and our wacky ways...That should be out in the July/August '09 issue in time for our Second Anniversary!!!!

Now just in case you think my head's getting too big...think again. I would like to remind you I am the mother of teens...My ego gets dented back into shape on a daily basis ;)

Picot Freeing Jacket!

2009-03-25T16:22:00.001-07:00

bolero jacket
Originally uploaded by amee16

CLF Member Amee16 made this beautiful bolero, from Doris Chan's pattern " Mei Mei Crochet Jacket" .http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mei-mei-crochet-jacket

Gorgeous work on this beautiful design...

Amee16 you are duly awarded the Set My Picot Free for wonderful crochet skills! Congratulations!

Yarn Companies: RENT A CLUE

2009-03-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Crochet Enthusiasts,

Get ready for another rant.

Your Humble Servant,

Fearless Leader

I cannot begin to count the number of discussions on the CLF HQ message board on Ravelry, where CLF members have brought up the disparity in pattern availability for crochet from various well known yarn companies. Let me list a few: Bernat, Berroco, Cascade, Phildar, Malabrigo, Dale of Norway, Noro, Lopi. Again just a small list of yarns, not all of them terribly spendy, nor difficult to find.

The yarn companies like to say that crocheters are "cheap" or don't buy good yarn, or patterns.
Ok, you folks know that I have not always been "Fearless Leader", I actually have worked in the business world, suits, good shoes, and a lovely briefcase to boot...So, let me explain some very SIMPLE business principles to these companies.

Yup, free business advice (and some of the "too big to fail" corps may want to pay attention, because this is old fashion business practice and has NOTHING to do with creative accounting)...

1) Sales aren't always based on patterns. The majority of crocheters buy yarn without having a project or pattern in mind. (80% according to my own survey).

2) Putting down potential clientele is a way to turn off consumers, and is a great way to not make money.

3) In the list above, only a few can be described as "premiere" brands. Folks like Bernat and Berroco need to understand that their glory days at "The Yarn To Buy" rest back in the 1950's and has declined ever since. They are not premiere brands, they are affordable, decent yarn, that many people use to substitute for more "expensive" and premiere brands. In other words, instead of insisting we (the crochet community) are cheap, recognize that you aren't the spendy yarn in the market and you're biting the hand that feeds you.

4) Fashion and function are two separate issues. Just because something is in fashion one year, doesn't mean it will be forever. Functional yarn will always be in style, even if color popularity rotates. Fads are temporary...

5) Online the majority of crocheters are an average of 35 years old. They do more than one craft, and enjoy many kinds of fibers. 60% of online crocheters use patterns. 69% live on either coast of the USA.

"Cheap yarns" sell more than any other kind of yarn, putting it down doesn't change the fact. They sell to all kinds of fiber artists, from crocheters, to luceters, to knitters, and tatters. If you think knitters buy less Red Heart Supersaver think again my friends.

High end, price tags will make a certain amount of money in any business, but they don't sell consistently and in volume.

As I once admonished a sales person I managed, "I don't care if you brought in the big account three months ago, you haven't brought in anything since then. Mr. X brought in 20 accounts in the same amount of time, they may not be as big, but it spreads out our income."

So, shut up about the cheap comments, because truly and honestly I only buy Bernat and other similar yarns when I'm making items for bazaars, or for family who won't take care of more special projects. I'm not the only person who chooses to do this, in fact most of my knitting friends feel similarly.

Oh one last thing, we buy lots of yarn, all kinds of yarn, and we don't have to do so to crochet. We can crochet with anything that bends around a hook. We are not limited to garments, we can make House Cozies if we want to... So if you want more money, it's called marketing.

Market to us, and gee you just might see an increase in sales.

CLF Helping Out with Saving Camano Island Library!

2009-03-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

What? When and how the heck did that start happening?

Ok folks, I started talking about this on Ravelry. I work out of my local library A LOT! Why? Because, I can only get dial up at my home, and I refuse to get a satellite service because of a) the expense, and b) the speeds aren't worth the price. The library on Camano Island, has high speed internet, I can use wifi, and I have zero problem donating to the library for the use.

Problem: The Camano Island Library is a pilot project and we may not get to keep it on the island. May not is the key phrase, because with enough community support and some fundraising, we can very much keep our library on the island.

I got involved with the friend's group, and offered to chair the fundraising efforts. While we await our 501c3 #, we can do a long term project or two. One of these is the Save Our Library Penny Drive. Kids (and grown up kids) can save their pennies and when the bring them into the library they get a cute wiggly worm crocheted by either my friend Ann in Stanwood (Ann is a member of the CLF) or some of the wonderful worms donated by CLFers across the US of A!

Here's a FABULOUS news article from yesturday's Everett Herald Newspaper!

Thanks CLF!

Fearless Leader Dork Alert...

2009-03-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

I must apologize to Takhi Stacy Charles Yarn, actually more to Stacy Charles. I spelled his name wrong, and gave Darlisa the information incorrectly. So it's totally my fault.

I feel kinda like a dork...but that's nothing unusual right?

I do thank Mr. Charles for attending the Flamies. That was pretty darn cool!

In fact I think it was pretty good the corporate types all showed up to recieve their accolades. Because we spend oodles on yarn and products...and knowing they appreciate our business is encouraging.

Shamrock Earrings are KITSCHALICIOUS!

2009-03-18T02:28:00.001-07:00

Shamrock Earrings
Originally uploaded by CrazyOphelia

Ok, sure yesturday was St. Paddy's Day, but heck guys I was making up for a lot of lost time! LOL

These cute little Shamrock Earrings were designed and made by CLF Member Valeryalta! These are deserving of an arbitrary CLF Award...

Valeryalta congratulations you have been granted the Kitschalicious Award for cute crochet in a holiday theme!

I love these...and oooh that yarn sounded very yummy indeed!

Check out more of Valeryalta's projects on Ravelry.com!

More March Madness! By Gosh and Begora!

2009-03-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, the jury doesn't need me this week! YAY! Thanks to Bec Thomas I was reminded to call the courthouse after hours number to see if I had to drive the two hours, Bec is my bestest buddy, and brilliant art photographer (and I'm not just saying that cause she used to provide me with raw mohair) check out her Blog to see some GORGEOUS photos of the Pacific NW. THANK YOU BEC! For saving me from the evils of waking up at 6am.

So now I get to start work on more March Crochet Madness...

Happy St. Patrick's Day! In honor of the day I've been teaching my daughter how to make Irish Crocheted leaves :)

I'm just waiting for a few more patterns to arrive in my in box and then I will start working on the book in earnest...but me thinks we got a few lovely patterns that show the fun, and foxy side of life!

I've just run across an e-zine called Croqzine, I had to look at it, cause someone involved is out of Oregon, my old stomping grounds...which is why I don't think I'm all that radical. I mean really, isn't standing up for what is right, and just, and good just what people do? Honestly, I don't think speaking your mind, refusing to live in fear is all that radical, it's just how I live my life. But then again, I'm a granola born and raised in Oregon, so at least I have an excuse (must be the water)...

Anyway, I've enjoyed the little blurbs I've read so far :)

OOOH Other big news, Marly aka The Yarn Thing starts her new podcast on Blog Talk Radio TONIGHT! 9pm Central, which is 11 Eastern and 8 Pacific, catch her TONIGHT!!!!! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing

And other news...Um Fearless Leader is a DORK again! I apologize to David Burchall and the crochet community at large for MISSING THE FREAKIN' IDES OF MARCH! BAH! What was I thinking? Well I obviously wasn't! I meant to announce his award here on Sunday, but um...Ms. Mom, Ms. Busypants, Ms. Honey-where-is-my, Ms. Fearless Leader, forgot :(

Next year I promise to be more organized!

The Flamies

2009-03-16T22:31:00.001-07:00

Um…just like March, "In like a lion, out like a lamb."

Well, minions and crochet enthusiasts all, the Flamies (first annual Crochet Awards) came off, but not without a hitch! Good old Murphy's Law was right there with us, reminding us that if we ever decided to take ourselves too seriously, to think again.

We kinda need a Mulligan (or do over) for the last third of the show since poor Mary-Beth had her switchboard completely disappear on her!!! Which means we lost the last and most prestigious award announcements! They shall have their day in the sun! We vow that!!!!! In fact the Mulligan happens on March 30th! Stayed tuned for more!

It's still worth listening to the two thirds that went somewhat more smoothly than anticipated! (Never start feeling cocky that's all this Fearless Leader has to say!)

To top it all off I'm going to try to get all you fabulous award winners the link for your awards but um….I start Jury duty and have to be up before the birds to get there in time…So I'm problem solving on the fly. Let's hope for WiFi somewhere near the County Courthouse!

All in all it wasn't too bad for another "Hey Gang, Let's put on a show event from the CLF!"

If you can hear me blush when Doris Chan complements my pirate hat, you won't be wrong. First off I love my pirate hat, secondly I think it's cool that Doris Chan likes my pirate hat, that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and like one of the cool kids J !

Ooooh and how cool was it that the industry people actually showed up for the awards! Thanks to Mary Beth for contacting them on behalf of the CLF! I'm glad they did show up, and actually appreciate the votes by our beloved crochet community!

They should, we spend buckets of money on yarn, hooks and patterns each year J

Best Crochet Magazine 2008

And the Winner Is….

Interweave Croc het

The Most Crochet Friendly Yarn Company

And the Winner Is….

Lion Brand

There are no nominees for this next award, this was at my whim!

Fearless Leader Award for a Crochet Friendly Yarn Company.

I am giving this award because of the many fabulous tales of equity, artistic freedom, and respect this company has given my colleagues. This yarn company is well known and beloved for how they treat crochet as an equal fiber art! The winner of the Fearless Leader Award for a Crochet Friendly Yarn Company.is:

Tahki/Stacy Charles

Best Crochet Hook by a corporation.

And the winner is by ONE vote!!! Boye

Best Online Crochet Magazine

And the winner is! Crochet Insider http://www.crochetinsider.com/

Best Crochet Blog 2008

And the Winner is ! The Crochet Dude
http://www.blog.thecrochetdude.com/

Best Crochet Podcast

And the winner is:

Getting Loopy
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Mary-Beth-Temple

Best Crochet Hooks (handcrafted made by individuals and available for sale or by auction)

And the winner is!

Jimbo's Hooks
http://www.jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.com/\

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

Blue Print Crochet, Robyn Chachula

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

The Winner is!

Crochet that Fits: Shaped Fashion without increases or decreases, Mary Jane Hall

Best Crochet Instructor 2008

The Winner is!

Robyn Chachula

Best Crochet Design for Adults (men's and women's fashion, plus accessories)

And the winner is! Dragon fly Shawl by Lisa Naskrent (Ravelry ID crochetgarden)

Best Design Home Décor

The winner is!

Sunburst Bowl by Carol Ventura (ravelry ID Tapestrycrochet) who is currently in Paris with her Art History Class…sigh…Felicitations! Vive le crochet!

Best Crochet Designer for Women's Fashions 2008

And the winner is!

Doris Chan (RavelryID DorisJChan)

Best Crochet Designer(Accessories: Hats, Scarves, Jewelry, Socks etc) 2008

And the winner is!

Kim Guzman (RavelryID CrochetKim)

Best Crochet Designer (men's wear)

And the winner is!

Drew Emborsky (RavelryID thecrochetdude)

Best Crochet Designer (for children, children's wear, accessories, toys)

And the winner is!

Candi Jensen (Ravelry ID Candijensen)

Best Crochet Designer (Home Decor: afghans, pillows, rugs, etc.)

The winner is!

Ellen Gormley (Ravelry ID Gocrochet

Best Free Form Designer

The Winner is!

Margaret Hubert (Ravelry ID MHDesigner1)

Best New Designer

The Winner is!

Tracie Barrett ( Ravelry ID traciecrochets

Individual Life Time Achievement Award Winner

Margaret Hubert (MHDesigner1)

First of I want to thank the CLF minions for carrying the Flaming hook of Justice in their project bags!

This year's prize for Most Deserving of the Flaming Hook of Justice goes to …

David Burchall!

Congratulations to ALL of our nominees and winners! I love you all, you represent the hook well, and I invite all CLF members to join the Crochet Award Nominations discussion group on Ravelry.com! You can find it by going to "The Mother of All Stickies Thread" on our CLF HQ Group message board!

Once again a huge thanks to all of our members who helped me organize this and figure out how to do the dang awards! Thanks to Mary Beth Temple on Getting Loopy for hosting us! And Thank you to all who called in, including those who got "disappeared" by some weird technological snafu!

TODAY IS THE DAY!

2009-03-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hi guys and dolls!

Today is THE day for the first annual Crochet Awards!!! The Flamies will be announced on Getting Loopy with Mary Beth Temple at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific!

Everyone needs to tune in! This is going to be so much fun! Thank you again to everyone who helped me get organzied, and special thanks to Darlissa Riggs for her fabulous artwork on the awards! I'll be emailing the winners starting Tuesday with the webaddress where they can pick up the fine goodies!

Another special thank you goes out to Mary Beth Temple of Getting Loopy and Hooked4Life Designs for allowing us to cause chaos and mayhem on her show!

Don't forget to tune in TONIGHT, and if you do forget don't worry you can download the show starting Tuesday :) You may want to anyway, since we may go over time and that's all recorded!

Happy Universal Crochet Month! (Yes, I'm quite sure the folks on Alpha Centuri prefer crochet)...

Hooks Raised CLF Salute!

Fabulous...that is the word for the day...

2009-03-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

How are you? FABULOUS I hope! How am I? FABULOUS!

How can we not be during Crochet Month! (International/National/heck why not UNIVERSAL!)

I'm blogging on a Saturday! That means I'm up to my old Fearless Leader tricks!
Getting everything set and polished for Monday night's Flamie Awards! You'd better show up folks, you gotta see the talent! See who won! I'm so excited I could "squee"...

I'm also getting ready to start the second book in our little CLF series! The adult themed book, working title being "Crochet in Chains~ the clf all growed up!"

So excited! There are some beautiful patterns, silly patterns, fun patterns, and yes, it is indeed adult themed! But last I checked, that really isn't a market served now is it? It's like some how (I'll spell it out so we don't say it...) S. E. X. is bad and awful...Last I checked if it weren't around neither would be my kids :)

It's been interesting to see what the various interpretations of Adult themed were in the submission process!

This book will be smaller than the CLF First Ever Book, which may I remind you is still for sale on Amazon.com or on the CLF Website and NOW as a PDF for only $9.99 on Lulu.com. The more you support the CLF in purchasing the books the sooner we can start actually paying some real money to designers! And take over the world...but that's a secondary goal :)

Enjoy your National Crochet Month, and DO NOT FORGET THE FLAMIES!!! TWO DAYS!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mary-beth-temple Monday Night 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific!

FOUR DAYS! Ah...Ah...Ah...

2009-03-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

I kind of feel like The Count from Sesame Street...Five days...ah ah ah...Four days..ah ah ah...FOUR DAYS until The Flamies! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH....

Not that I'm excited, but I'm excited! Don't forget the only place you can hear the awards is on Mary Beth Temple's Getting Loopy!

I have promised to be a good Fearless Leader...grin...Not too much trouble will I cause...In fact I'll be SOOO good I'll be outrageously good :) GRIN....Now you guys know that requires effort on my part so I want you all to tune in so you can witness me, being good :) GRIN...

I'm still gonna be silly though :)

FIVE DAYS!!!

2009-03-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

Five days until the FLAMIES!!! OOOoooh I'm so excited!

Mary Beth Temple and I have been hard at work organizing the line up for the show on Monday! If you haven't heard, the Flamie Awards (first annual crochet awards) will be announced LIVE on Monday March 16th, 2009 on Getting Loopy 9pm EDT/6pm PDT.

If you want to know who won tune in! It's going to be grand!!!

Hookalicious Yarn!

2009-03-10T01:25:00.001-07:00

Curious Creek Yarn owner, Kristine was on Getting Loopy, Monday night with Mary Beth Temple...

I so enjoyed listening (via telephone, because of my damned dial up situation!) that I had to call in and award her a HOOKALICIOUS award!

1) Because she learned crochet and loves it for awesome reasons!
2) Because she gave honest and great information about "handpainting" yarn.

As you may or may not know, I'm a handspinner and dyer, and I have often gotten annoyed when people try to claim that handspainting isn't dyeing. Yes, it is. It's just a matter of definition and techique, and when Christine said the MAGIC words of "It also makes it sound prettier"...I wanted to hug her ;)

So check out her site here! http://www.curiouscreek.com/

AND DON'T FORGET TO TUNE IN TO GETTING LOOPY! MONDAY NIGHT, MARCH 16th at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific! FOR THE FLAMIES! 2009 Crochet Awards!

Grammar Police Where Are You?

2009-03-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Grammar Police,

I would like to entreat you to accost those who list handwork out of alphabetical order. You have no problem letting me know when spell check has missed my homonyms, or typos, or my over use of commas, and semi-colons. You, the Grammar Police, love to point out incomplete phrases, and run on sentences, you have skills, and I wish you to put them to good use. You can correct me any time you want, and often do, but why oh why don't you get a hold of yarn companies, and catalogues for writing "Knit and Crochet" instead of "Crochet and Knit" ?

A list should be in alphabetical order: point blank.

Now, here are my reasons: I recently contacted a yarn company regarding their use of "Knit and Crochet" and politely asked them to revise their website to reflect the alphabetical listing. I wrote stating that it was obviously an oversight, because they have not ignored crochet as a market, but that we (the consumers) often feel like we're getting second billing.

Their response was less than desired; I felt talked down to, I felt like was I was patted on the head, and frankly I was really annoyed.

To paraphrase what they wrote me; they use knit and crochet because of how the phrase flows.

Hmmm... I had years of voice lessons, classical voice lessons; if you've ever studied classical voice then you will understand that learning to enunciate while singing is a skill that requires years of practice. In fact, "electrocution" (elocution) lessons were a great part of my classical training. Did you know it's easier to sing in a Latin root language than in English? Did you know why?

Vowels and consonants. Sound is carried on vowel sounds, and soft consonants (m, n, s,z), hard consonants end sound, (t, p,k,d)...So I want you to pronounce with me...let's say this together phonetically, and if you think I'm wrong, that's okay. I just think if they are going to say it's a word flow issue, we should test it out :)

NihT anD croshay

Croshay and nihT

Which has the smoother flow?

See I find when I pronounce the "t" in knit that the t is a hard sound which breaks up the flow of the sounds in the phrase. When I say crochet (ay) this flows with more liquidity with two consecutive open vowel sounds and you'll find you may pronounce the d of "and" softer too, with the t at the end of knit softer but still final. T is always a final sound when you pronounce words in English; It's a hard, staccato, versus and open legato... :)

So next time someone says, it's for the flow of the sounds and not about billing, I'll just have to point out how very wrong that is....

You can fool part of the people, part of the time; but you can't fool all the people, all of the time.

I think saying crochet and knit sounds more equal and less of a billing issue than vice versa...not because of the alphabet even, because of how the word sounds flow.

But pronounce it yourself and see what you think for yourself.

Another Hookalicious Award!

2009-03-08T04:27:00.001-07:00

Picture 304
Originally uploaded by Crisssti

I've been so swamped with getting the Flamies organized, I haven't been awarding our dear CLF members for their FANTABULOUS efforts!

It's time to get back to business!

CLF Member Cristi, made this GORGEOUS crocheted and felted bag from a pattern called, Inga's Haekelbeutel found here at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ingas-haekelbeutel.

This is just too cute! I love the bag, it's a lot of fun, is funky, and has a nice finished look to it!

Congratulations to Cristi! You are hereby awarded the CLF Hookalicious Award for a fun, funking, and fiberlicious crocheted bag!

Hooks Raised, CLF Salute!

Politics may interupt CLF activities! EEP!

2009-03-06T01:34:00.000-08:00

Ok minions, I try to stay completely away from touchy subjects that have nothing to do with crochet on this blog.

I have written political statements, because I believe in fair trade, and fair wages for people who produce quality goods and services. Especially those of us who work with our hands...and now I'm going to have a mini rant, and give a link to another mini-rant about how Washington State's Legislature's decisions may impact the CLF.

It's indirect mind you, there is no bill outlawing the liberation of crochet, but our dear legislature in the infinate cowardice have chosen to smackdown on the SMALLEST agencies in the state of Washington for the biggest budget cuts, which does very little to nothing to solve the $8+ billion elephant in the living room.

They are asking State Parks to take on the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, WHILE demanding an almost 25% cut from our budget. Folks, State Parks doesn't even get a whole percent of the budget under normal circumstances. PULEEZ.

They keep stating that the areas that need to be cut can't be cut because it would be unconstitutional to do so.

That is ALL or nothing thinking; which is ridiculous!

Frankly, there are places in EVERY agency that can and should get cut. One of the most frustrating things about being married to a Park Ranger, is watching the political maelstrom that he can do nothing about. One of those things is having to hire outside engineering firms to "study" as situation for up to MILLIONS of dollars, only to have it not work (as the Ranger was trying to tell them when they started).. Another great one is when the state has to hire a private contractor, because the law says they have to, instead of allowing the qualified personnel available to do the job. Then the contractors do a crappy job, do not put in parts correctly, cut so many corners there are safety issues, do not meet deadlines or budget constraints and there is NO RECOURSE....

If it happens in state parks it happens in the Dept. of Transportation (way bigger folks), it must happen in the Department of Social and Human Services, and lord only knows what happens in the Office of Superindentant for Public Instruction. The latter has zero teeth to enforce Washington State Ed. Law, and runs millions of dollars worth of studies and silly programs (I know I used to work for one) that really only look like they help (on paper) but do nothing in reality.

And so they want to cut affordable, healthy recreation in a time of economic crisis?

How does this impact the CLF? Well, I can safely say that my husband will not lose his job. But we will most likely end up getting "bumped' in the system, not be on Camano Island anymore, and end up somewhere else in the state...

In fact it works like dominoes, Someone's park will close, they will bump Jeff, Jeff will bump the next guy, he bumps someone else, down the line three more times....and more unemployement.

Make sense? Yeah... So, fingers crossed that the good legislators of Washington State will be engaging their brain in a little more long term thinking than they are most want to do..., but who knows...They still haven't really started talking about the budget, but rest easy the guys from Seattle just may get that money they want to refurbish Key Arena!? >.< GRRRR,,,,

Some days I could smack some politicians with a "Get Smart" stick...

So stay tuned, cause this will affect the retreat in 2010 if the 25% cut happens.

What are you doing for National Crochet Month?

2009-03-05T00:10:00.000-08:00

It's National Crochet Month folks! What are you up to?
Are you playing games with us on Ravelry? Are you whooping up on Crochetville? Are you out in public, crocheting in coffee houses, doing charity crochet, deciding to do something new and exciting with your skills?

I've just registered for the Spring Show in Portland, Oregon the CGOA regional. Boy it sure was tough making a decision about what classes I wanted to take. My daughter whimped out and didn't want to take classes, she just wants to hang out and go shopping. So I decided to sign up for a mere two classes. But that's cool, I'm going to Buffalo in August, so we'll see what I can do there :)

I'm taking the train with Sara down to Portland, I figured I would at least break even considering what gas costs, and parking fees. I saw no point to parking my car for 3 days in Portland, because we'll take MAX anyway.

I'm taking Jennifer Hanson's Broomstick Lace class, and Myra Wood's Advanced Free Form. I shall enjoy these I just KNOW IT!

Oooh and by taking the train, I get to crochet instead of drive through Everett and Seattle Traffic! Now that IS a winning proposition!

I'm going to sign Sara up for a CGOA membership down there, and that will be AWESOME! She's still on the shy side, and I think she would be totally down with a youth membership and activities when the CGOA get that really going!

Looking so forward to that trip I can hardly stand it!

Oh and for Natcromo? I just keep hooking folks, just keeping on with the hook :)

The FLAMIES! March 16th!

2009-03-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

Ok folks, as you know the votes are in, the winners have been decided, and they will be announced LIVE on Getting Loopy with Mary Beth Temple!

This airs March 16th at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific LIVE! Yes, we're hitting the glitz folks!

Don't forget to sign into Getting Loopy, ask for a reminder, you don't want to miss this folks, we're making hookin' history!

March: In like a Lion out Like a Lamb...

2009-03-04T03:50:00.000-08:00

Well the wind did howl as March first came...and so did the wirlwind of voting for the Flamies!
The votes are in, and tabulated, now dear Ms. Fignations (Darlisa) will be a busy bee engraving names onto the plaques for the winners!

Ooooh, this should be just nerve wracking for all of the nominees! Egads, I'm sure glad I'm not them! (*evil chuckle*)...oh, did I make it worse? MUWAHAHAHAHA...

Ok, I'll stop and be nice, I won't torture the nominees (much) in the ensuing weeks :) )

In the mean time please remember that the CLF First Ever Book is available for sale via Amazon.com, our CLF Website, and now in PDF version on lulu.com.

Last year I was so busy putting life together in March, I didn't get a chance to do the Natcromo Free Form Game hosted by Kaet, I'm making myself do it this year! She's working via inspiration, and it's been fun so far! Especially to see how everyone interprets her "prompts".

If you are ravelry, check out our projects! If not, you can see what I'm doing on my personal blog. March 3rd is kinda funny....at least it was at 11:30 pm when I was trying to photograph my stuff and a certain feline got into the act! Egads!

Last Day to Vote, and more March Madness

2009-03-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hi folks! Today is the LAST day to vote for your favorites in the first annual Flamie Awards :)
As of tonight 12am PST the vote closes and we get to work to make the real fun start!

So if you haven't voted, GO VOTE!

Remember you don't have to be "qualified" you just have to know what you like! If you haven't had a class, then obviously you won't vote for the teachers :) Etc..etc...etc...

NOW here's some real exciting news. The Crochet Liberation Front First Ever Book is now available as a PDF download for only $9.99 now that is a total steal!

I could have released it earlier, but I thought I'd wait for (inter) National Crochet Month!
Enjoy!

Name Corrections :)

2009-03-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

Bah and humbug ;) I have a few names spelled incorrectly.

Darlisa Riggs, is spelled with ONE s and not two :)

Danielle Kassner is misspelled in the survey as Krasner, though I finally spelled her RavID correctly.

Oh and the CGOA regional meetup in Portland, Oregon's like should be this: http://www.knitandcrochetshow.com. I plugged that link into the last post incorrectly.

To err is human, to royally screw up is to be Fearless Leader ;) GRIN....Nothing like these types of things to keep you humble ;)

Day 1 of National Crochet Month

2009-03-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Hey there boys and girls, gents and ladies, damen und herren!

It's National Crochet Month (International Crochet Month to the CLF), and I would like to do my part as a very proud CGOA member to say that if you aren't a member of the Crochet Guild of America then what better month to join!

The Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) takes members from around the world, so you don't have to be from the USA to join! Why join? Well, if you love crochet, and want to connect with others who love crochet then this is the group for you! If you have professional aspirations this is a grand group to join, and if you aren't wanting to go pro it's still a grand group to join!

I never knew how much I craved the company of other crocheters until I went to my first event. There I was thinking I was perfectly fine with my private and public crochet solo efforts. Then I sat with a group of people who loved their hooks, and yarn, and understood when I ripped out my project 16 rows, and we all said, "Rip it, Rip it, Rip it!" Suddenly I met brothers and sisters that I hadn't even known were lost to me!

I didn't join for the magazine, or the newsletter, I do love the internet community, and it's worth going to just one CGOA event, or finding a chapter...I stay a member because I not only love my craft and long for it's promotion, but I value you the dear friendships that I have made as a result of finding the CGOA in 2005. I am so glad I joined! I hope you do too!

If you are a member, you could gift your friends and relatives that crochet with a membership! I'm buying my daughter's membership, and we're going to the CGOA regional in Portland, Oregon this May. We're going to take a few classes, and can't wait to meet up with new friends and old alike...and we're going to party with CLFers in Portland too :) WHOOT!

Happy National Crochet Month!

2009-03-01T00:31:00.000-08:00

Whoot! March is here at last! Yay! That means one thing it's (Inter) National Crochet Month!
National Crochet Month was started by the Crochet Guild of America, and the CLF has made it our business to whoop it up!!

That's why we are sponsoring the Flamies! If you haven't cast your vote, get busy will ya? We end the voting on Tuesday, March 3 2009.

Remember we are announcing the winners on Getting Loopy with Mary Beth Temple on Monday, March 16th! Be there or be square.

Other activities: Check out the many crochet blogs our in blog land, with over 3140 members (we're just growing by leaps and bounds folks!) there are bound to be fun crochet posts all over the net! In fact, why don't you blog your crochet?

If you are on Ravelry, check out the Crochet Party Group! We have ever so much fun, we're all really busy this year, but you can pop your head in say hi, and join in with the crochet sillies! I know you can!

Keep Voting! This is really exciting!

2009-02-27T01:47:00.000-08:00

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!

Unveiling The Flamie!

2009-02-25T21:05:00.001-08:00

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!

Wow! Great Start for voting!

2009-02-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

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!

Hook the Vote! 2009 Crochet Awards!

2009-02-23T04:35:00.000-08:00

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

CLF Book #2, Crochet Awards, and NATCROMO

2009-02-20T17:18:00.001-08:00

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!

Ok..I done did it...

2009-02-19T02:46:00.000-08:00

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 ;)

2009 Crochet Awards Nominations Last Day

2009-02-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-18T03:45:00.001-08:00

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!

Awards, Books, Action...

2009-02-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

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!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

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!

2009 Nominations Now Open!

2009-02-12T00:19:00.000-08:00

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!

Ghost Reef Sets our Picot Free!

2009-02-11T17:06:00.001-08:00

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!

Back to taking over the world...

2009-02-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

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

Ever wonder?

2009-02-09T03:34:00.000-08:00

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...

CLF Retreat Survey

2009-02-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-05T03:29:00.001-08:00

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 !!

Modern Twist Flapper Hookalicious!

2009-01-31T19:05:00.001-08:00

Modern Twist Flapper
Originally uploaded by tallybates

Wow! This is one sweet hat! CLF Member Natemmab (Natalie Bates) has designed this cute little flapper hat!

Now only do I love the shape, I adore the simple, but elegant use of the button...simple and elegant always a winning combo!

Check out her pattern in her Tallib Etsy Shop and it's also available on Ravelry.com

Congrats CLF Member Natemmab! You are duly awarded the Hookalicious Award for seriously well designed crochet! (That and fearless leader is a hat fanatic, so this totally rocks my world!)

Back to work...

2009-01-31T18:43:00.000-08:00

Well gang, it's time to get back to work... I want to thank all of you great people who have sent notes and thoughts, and prayers. They have all been welcomed and I am so grateful that we have such a supportive group of people in the CLF. As much as you did this for me and my family, I know you would do for any other member of our community (CLF or not)...I applaud you.

So, now on with the crochet side of business...I do have a piece of advice...when emotions are high please don't work on a project that matters...um...VOE (voice of experience)...I'm almost tempted to show what I did to a funky doodle shawl I was working on...EEK another project doomed to the UFO bag or more like me Free Form time :)

Free forming isn't just for art you know, it's a great way to fix mistakes, embellish, embellish, embellish.

Life...

2009-01-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

I won't be online to do CLF stuff much this week dear friends and minions. My former husband, Rashid Sultan Fakhroo, passed away Friday Jan. 24th 2009.

He was my college sweetheart, the father of my children, and a man who met me match for match in intellect, and outdid me in a sense of fun and adventure. Like many poetic souls his internal life was often a struggle, and sadly he spent the past five years suffering in the hospital in Bahrain. I am relieved that he finally is at rest and isn't suffering any more.

I have to take some time out with my children for a few days, and get some paper work in order.

I have to say this experience has been somewhat surreal. I am very grateful to all of the family in Bahrain, the Seychelles, and the USA who have recognized that yes, he and I did love each other when we were married, and that sadly alcoholism consumed him and his life. Our children have inherited the best of who Rashid was, being beautiful, intellegent and soulful people. I have always dedicated myself to allowing them to have the kind of loving home they deserve.

The children are doing as well as can be expected, they had not seen their father since we left the middle east ten years ago. For them this a surreal experience, but not one without emotion.

My daughter and I have spent the past several nights sitting on my bed crocheting together and talking about her father. She has some memories of him, all of them good. And we are grateful for that. Sadly my son only remembers his father from photos.

Rashid would have loved the CLF it would have tickled his sense of humor.

Anyway, I'd best be about this long day of getting paper work caught up to, and contacting other people who need to know, now that the shock is starting to subside.

I would also like to say I am grateful to my husband Jeff, for being a brilliant father to the children, and completely understanding of our emotions during this time of release and sadness. I know for a fact that Rashid was glad that Jeff was a good man to the children.

I'll be back on line soon. Thank you for understanding.

So, who is this Fearless Leader Woman?

2009-01-21T14:32:00.000-08:00

You know when I decided to make the CLF become more than a joke, I never really thought about talking about myself. I'm, believe it or not, kinda shy. Fine, go ahead and laugh, but really it's pretty easy to be brazen in a podcast or in writing, I don't have to see you face to face, or worry really about what you think, most of the time, because well, I'm hiding behind my laptop.

So, now that we're a year and a half old...I thought I might tell you a little about me, just like I did in the CLF book, and I only did that because my friends at home bothered me to do it.

GRIN....See I told you I'm not really all that "Fearless".

First off, I'm Laurie Wheeler and I live on Camano Island in Washington State. I have two fabulous kids, a great hubby, a dog, six cats, and sadly no more fish. But, come spring I'll get some more and we hope that there are no more odd accidents that take out my fish population.

I've crocheted since I was a small child, and almost 8 years ago I became a handspinner. I love to make things for myself, my kids, my friends, oh heck, I'd crochet for anyone anywhere!

I'm the superintendant for my local fair's Fleece and Handspinning Division, the Stanwood Camano Fair is a fabulous community fair, and I love our department. The people and projects are motivating from year to year. We transformed the once a year experience into a once a month meeting in Stanwood WA where we were are supposed to be spinning, but lately for some strange reason everyone is CROCHETING!!! LOL...

In fact, Martha, our Queen Bee (she just crowned me baby queen last year) has made 8 items out of the Crochet Liberation Front First Ever book, and she is a novice crocheter. All of the lads and lasses involved in our group are so very talented, and we all do more than spin and crochet, we also weave, card weave, twine, embroider, lucet, felt, needle felt, knit in a million ways, and enjoy demonstrating to the public.

This group of people inspired me in many ways to go forward with the CLF as something MORE.

Besides my family and fiberarts persuits, I've been all over the world. I went to university in England, worked in Africa and Europe, was married, worked and lived in Bahrain (in the Middle East), and done all kinds of bizarre and crazy things.

Right now besides the CLF, I'm currently working to save our local library on Camano Island. It is only a pilot project that ends in 2010. Due to the poor economic situation our country is facing our library board is reluctant to have a levy on the ballot. For which I don't blame them, but we still need the library to be permanent. So a very committed group of Camano Islanders have gotten together as a friends group to raise the necessary money to keep our library premises flourishing.

I am committed to this, because the Camano Island Library is my office. Like over half the population on Camano Island, I can't get anything other than dial up for internet service. The phone and cable companies will not bring those services to our areas claiming there is not a large enough popluation base. Many of us now use the library to meet our internet service needs.

I for one am so grateful that I have become a Patron of the Library, donated a copy of the First Ever Book, and will be donating more money in the future, because boy do I get a bang for my buck!

So, fellow CLFers, if you didn't really know who I was before, now you get a picture of who I am. A little wacky, a little crazy, adventurous, and well a fiber geek, but hey it's all good. I'm not so sure I'm fearless though, I think I just do things even when I'm terrified.

Crochet in that Crowd...

2009-01-20T15:16:00.001-08:00

Inauguration Day 2009: Aerial view of the National Mall
Originally uploaded by USA TODAY

Yes, I know you know it's inauguration day here in the USA. We have a new president, and I am certainly not the first to post our collective sigh of relief (no matter who you voted for, we can all agree a change of scenery may be a good thing), but we also post our collective crocheted sightings.

In that crowd of thousands are crocheted hats and sweaters, there were plenty of pointy stick offerings too, but really I'm hear to write about crochet, I'm sure the pointy stickers are well covered in their blogospheres!

For a fun and insightful account check out CLF Member Vashti Braha's (Vashtirama) blog, http://www.designingvashti.blogspot.com.

I know I spotted some crochet up in the honored seating area, as well as some fabulously significant hats and scarves in the crowd.

Yay for crochet. It looked really good today. And here is for a peaceful transition of power. May we move forward in peace.

Hey did you know anyone can listen to podcasts?

2009-01-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

You absolutely do not need to own an Ipod or MP3 player to listen to podcasts. Often you can listen right at your computer without having to download it at all, or you can still download them to listen to later.

Here are some crochet related sites with podcasts for your listening pleasure!

The Crochet Side

Getting Loopy

Yarn Thing

and of course our own CLF Podcast

Now you can subscribe to these via the podcast site, or Itunes if they have it enabled, and also just streaming it online.

I've really enjoyed listening to them. Though due to my own *sigh* internet connection situation, I end up actually listening post-facto (the great part) versus live to Getting Loopy! Getting Loopy is actually more than a prerecorded podcast, you can call in live too! Or chat...One day I will make sure I'm at my BFF's house so I can use her connection just so I can chat with everyone else!

What does standing up mean?

2009-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

Guys...I've been a little on the quiet side lately. Mostly cause well, I've been all peaceful-like on the insides. Not much has ruffled my feathers, I've come to just enjoy being here, now, present in my own little fuzzy place of crochet goodness.

But, I decided to poke my head out of my happy fuzzy place of yarny goodness and take a look at the world. What is funny, is that due to the CLF name we get called "militant" which is REALLY the cake topper to the joke...

Um, yeah, I mean think about it. We're asking for our needs to be met, that we have things we want to find and buy, and we're saying so...Sometimes with a little joke thrown in...and as I look at the world let me say this...We've been pretty damn nice about it.

Folks...Here's the deal, asking for what we want and need is NOT a militant act, NOR is it aggressive. It is assertive. Aggression is when you walk up to someone poke them in the chest, and in a Jimmy Cagney like voice say, "See here see...you dirty so and so...I want more patterns and I want em now see..."

Assertiveness is like this: I would appreciate, and purchase goods and services if they were made available to me.

Point frickin' blank see the difference?

I am so tired of the world driving itself into poverty, and economic collapse because folks feel helpless. It bugs me. It really bugs me. I know there are more of "us" than there are of "them" and I know that should we make a collective effort to make a micro-economy work for us we could.

But it takes some steel folks...steel in our spines to stand up straight and tall and say, in a very cool Katherine Hepburn kind of way, "No sir, I will not accept this sir, I am going to do what I think needs to be done sir, and you sir need to get out of my way sir!"

We need to stand up...Fear is our greatest enemy. FDR said it right (and probably got it from Eleanor) "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!"

If we support our community...If we purchase what we CAN afford, WHEN we can afford it, then we make our community work. Bitching only does so much...action makes change.

What's Up at the CLF!!??

2009-01-13T16:47:00.000-08:00

Here's what's up :)

First of all we are busily planning the our First Annual Crochet Awards, possibly to be held in March, but we're still in the whole planning committee stage and working on exact details, you know little things like where it will be, and how are we going to accomplish this! We have some fairly good ideas, but just so you know we're working on it, you'll be the first to know when we have all the details set!

Secondly, a reminder to potential contributors to the CLF second book...I start accepting
submissions January 14th until Feb 20th of 2009. You can get the writers guidelines HERE.

We're looking at a possibility of several titles, I have a working title set, but don't like it much, and I think I'll do a poll or something to decide on the official title. Oddly enough I just can't think of everything, amazing isn't it...and you thought I could...oh you didn't...PHEW...

Thirdly...is there a thirdly? Um...Sure. Thirdly I'm working on putting all of the CLF survey data together, and will make it available for all and sundry....especially the sundry.

Setting our Picot Free!!!

2009-01-10T15:46:00.001-08:00

top
Originally uploaded by anna_maranta

Our first Set My Picot Free Award of 2009 goes to CLF Member Maranta, for her "Crazy Summer Top"...

You have got to go onto Ravelry.com and check out this project, it is amazing! The flowers are crocheted, the top is crocheted, it's well made, beautifully and artistically composed, and is just the BEST of what crochet can be....and it's FUN!!! I LOVE THIS TOP!!

I am actually going to break from my normal habits and actually post several views of this from her project notebook on our blog because it is too dang fun! And you MUST see the details!

Gorgeous work...

CLF Member Maranta you are duly awarded the Set My Picot Free Award for outstanding crochet skill, composition and beauty! Congratulations!

Just Postulating...Don't Shoot the Postulator...

2009-01-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

Ok before I postulate or pontificate...or get on my big soap box...let me first say this....

The revised version (third time round :) ) of the Crochet Liberation First Ever Book is now available for your humble purchase through Amazon.com or via the Crochet Liberation Front Website ($24.50 through Februrary 16th)... So if you want fast shipping use amazon, if you can wait for about a week and a half chose the CLF website ;) YAY...

Now on to the postulation...

We've had this discussion about how the industry has statistics about needle arts, and how the pointy stick users will buy more, and pay for yarn, patterns etc....I've had a different experience, both as a crocheter, and as a vendor of quality art yarn.

As we discussed the matter on Ravelry I paused for thought (I know oh shock of shocks)...What if we crocheters don't do these things because we are not that market...what if we are something totally different...What if we want different things? What if we need something else? What if they aren't serving us because no one asked the right questions?

So let us ask those questions...HERE...and see what we have to say for ourselves... It's only 7 questions long, and I'm just kind of curious to see what answers we get! Yeah it's not scientific, yeah it's not developed by some polling company, but lets see what we say here...and test our own waters...

I know what I really should have put...how many of us are sick of the "knitting ads" in the CLF Group on Ravelry? I mean, I've ranted on this one before and many companies listened, I guess I'm gonna have to rant again :)

Please take the survey even if you aren't involved with the CLF ravelry group :)

Hookalicious!

2009-01-03T13:10:00.001-08:00

2009_0101spiral0002
Originally uploaded by zoomama43

The first Hookalicious Award for 2009 goes to CLF Member ZooMama1 !

This awesome shawl made with a delightfully fun yarn, Jojoland Rhythm, our dear member was inspired by a Karabella pattern, but made significant modifications.

Congrats Zoomama1, this is fantastic, I love the yarn, and it would be too much fun to wear!!

CLF First Ever Book on hold for a little bit...

2009-01-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I've made some corrections to the CLF First Ever Book...so as I was going to do the third upload during the week before Christmas, and um...well...cough...got snowed in! Now I shall do it, so for those of you who have been waiting to purchase the book with all it's corrected glory, you can do so in the next few days! Probably by Monday, if not sooner :)

Thanks for your support in this very first endeavor. I am so looking to the next two books to use all of my new found knowledge and skills, and man it's gonna be great!

So, stay tuned, I'll let you know when the CLF First Ever Book is up and for sale once again :)

Hooks Raised, CLF Salute!

Gingerbread Mailbox Cozy is totally Kitschalicious!

2009-01-01T06:03:00.001-08:00

Gingerbread Mailbox Cozy
Originally uploaded by crochetbug13

OK I have to say I love this idea, a mailbox cozy! This had to have given the mail carrier a chuckle!

CLF Member Crochetbug13 made this little beauty, and from her notes is her own design! Have to say I love it!

Crochetbug13 you are awarded the Kitschalicious Award!