Sunday, January 29, 2012

Year of Projects: Week 31

Project Percentage Complete: 80%
Overall Percentage Complete: 82%

Number of Project Items: 20
Number of Added Items: 149
Total Items: 169


Happy Birthday to the man that tolerates my passion for yarn :)

Friday, January 27, 2012

Knitting Milestone

Well, dear readers, while I know this blog is primarily crochet, everyone is aware that I post other stuff here sporadically - and today is one of those days. I'm not casually posting this - I'm so proud of my accomplishment I wanted to share it with you.

Today - I cast off my first sock. My first EVER knitted sock!

I rushed to put it on. And once it was on, I realized all in one moment why people knit their own socks.

It wasn't just a sock - it was an experience!

Friday, January 27, 2012

iYarny Annoucement

Good morning, blog readers!

I have a couple exciting announcements of all those interested in joining the iYarny virtual yarn group (linked above).

First - we have a new moderator! Peggy, or Little Lambs Crochet, has taken on the responsibility of being a moderator in the iYarny chat group and Ravelry group. She is looking at her schedule now and will be posting a meet-up time soon to expand the times we already have for iYarny....

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Year of Projects: Week 30

Project Percentage Complete: 76%
Overall Percentage Complete: 93%

Number of Project Items: 21
Number of Added Items: 148
Total Items: 169

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Charitable Crochet: 12 for 12 Post #2

Today is my scheduled post in the 12 for 12 Project set up by Kathryn over at Crochet Concupiscence. Click on the link if you are interested in reading more about the project.

The premise of the project is to make 12 separate donations, one to each of 12 different charitable organizations of your choice.

And this .....*queue Law and Order music* ..... is my update.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

iYarny: New Moderator and Host

I would like to take a quick moment to welcome Kathryn of Crochet Concupiscence as moderator to the iYarny group (Ravelry group included). Kathryn is very excited to be able to host an iYarny meet-up on Tuesdays. Be sure to stop into iYarny during unscheduled times as you never know who you will find!

Thank you, Kathryn, for taking on the responsibilities associated to iYarny. I appreciate all you do for the crochet community.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Crochet Jobs: A Request by Crochet Concupiscence

Hello, Crochet Lovers!

I hope you are all having a fantastic Friday morning. While it is windy and cold here, I am thankful I did not have to drive to work in the snow and that myself and my family have our health.

But this post isn't about anything personal, oh no - it is about crochet. More specifically - Crochet jobs!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

[FOTH] January 17, 2012

My Fresh off The Hook video. If you aren't familiar with what FOTH is, just ask!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Crochet Mathematics: The Mobius Strip

(c) Paul Bourke Website
I am starting a new series, linked as a page tab at the top of this page, called "Crocheting Concepts" - as stated on the page, this is not about concepts related to crochet. The series is a discussion, and exploration if you will, of how crochet is used to visual various mathematical and scientific concepts.

The first in the series started with hyperbolic crochet, which almost seems like a gimme considering it was brought to the forefront of crochet news with the Community Coral Reef Project. But I will leave you to read that here, if you are interested.

While hyperbolic crochet may seemed like a natural start, I think the mathematical model of the Mobius Strip is a fantastic second topic.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Recycled Into Yarn: CAL/KAL to begin

The newly developed recycled yarn blog has announced they are to be hosting a knit/crochet-a-long using recycled materials. The first post on this topic has been made here.

If this is something that you are interested in participating, hop over to the post (using the link provided above) to put your vote in. Right now all interested participants are getting to choose if it is a CAL or a KAL and what material will be used.

I put my vote in - will you?

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Year of Projects: Week 29

Project Percentage Complete: 76%
Overall Percentage Complete: 83%

Number of Project Items: 21
Number of Added Items: 160
Total Items:181

Friday, January 13, 2012

iYarny Voting

I've put together 2 polls to gather information on what is best for folks in regards to making the iYarny meetups. I know that having only one hour a week isn't good for the majority. Some folks can't make it and other folks just forget.

So I'm looking for your input!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Crochet Mathematics: Hyperbolic Crochet

Think "Crochet Coral Reef" whenever you see the words "hyperbolic crochet.".

Making hyperbolic crochet pieces is not terribly difficult; however, to get spheres is a little more challenging. The base idea is to increase each row in a set pattern. An example would be crocheting in 3 stitches then putting 2 stitches in the next. As along as you increase in a row in a set pattern and every row after that using that same pattern, your ruffly, hyperbolic creation will emerge from your hook.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Crochet Mathematics... without the anxiety


(c) Smithsonian Institute Website
I am planning a trip with my family to a museum in Iowa to look at a satellite piece of the Smithsonian's Community Reef, or the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project (pictured). I have a serious appreciate for this project on so many levels: 1) a person interested in preserving our environment, 2) a mother wishing to teach her children about nature and the destruction of our environment, 3) a crocheter that knows the effort involved in a project of this magnitute, and 4) a mathematician.

The last level of interest is what I wish to discuss in this post, and not necessarily only about the Commurnity Reef Project, but that crocheters are working in a mathematical craft.

No need for math anxiety though - there will not be a test at the end of this post. *smiles*

Monday, January 09, 2012

[FOTH] January 9, 2012

This is my Fresh Off Tha Hook Monday video. I post these every Monday (or just about every Monday) on my YouTube channel.

If you want to subscribe to my YouTube channel, go to http://www.youtube.com/askmisscris.

Monday, January 09, 2012

Recycled Into Yarn

My Plarn Pot Scrubber
Us yarnies often sit down with a skein or ball of yarn to create - but what else can we create with? Are you interested in helping to save our environment through upcycling of products into yarn followed by the creation of a useful item?

A new website has launched and I am proud to have some patterns listed among the many creative patterns. The website, called Recycled Into Yarn, www.recycledn2yarn.com, is a growing directory of patterns and instructionals from various individuals looking outside the box and as a consequence, helping the environment.

I look forward to seeing how this website directory grows and what others are coming up with that I can try too!

Be sure to check out the website, browse the directory, and subscribe to the blog.

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Charitable Crochet: 12 for 12 Post #1

Today is my first post in the 12 for 12 Project set up by Kathryn over at Crochet Concupiscence. Click on the link if you are interested in reading more about the project.

The premise of the project is to make 12 separate donations, one to each of 12 different charitable organizations of your choice.

And this..... is my update.

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Year of Projects: Week 28

Project Percentage Complete: 76%
Overall Percentage Complete: 81%

Number of Project Items: 21
Number of Added Items: 152
Total Items: 173

Saturday, January 07, 2012

iYarny Ravelry Group

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is having a fantastic Saturday.

I'm taking a quick moment to announce a new Ravelry group designed to be a support forum to iYarny. Obviously, you have to be a member of Ravelry to join the forum, but that shouldn't too bad because membership is free and of course, you get the bonus of using the website for other forum interactions, patterns, organizing stash, and a host of other yarn related fun.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Faux Boob (Breast Prothesis) [Pattern]

THIS PATTERN HAS MOVED

Please click on the link below to be taken directly to the pattern on the new site.
My apologies for any inconvenience.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

An Interview on Crochet Concupiscence

I am pleased to announce that I was interviewed by Kathryn over at Crochet Concupiscence (Have I mentioned how much I love that website?). Kathryn was interested in the new iYarny group I announced last week and shot me a few questions. Interested in reading the interview: click here!


Monday, January 02, 2012

Charitable Crochet: Sleeping Mats for the Homeless

What?
While I'm sure everyone would like there to be no homelessness, the truth is that it exists and only so much can be done to fight this war on a daily basis. What we can do in between is to make life tolerable for those without. This is where the plan mats come into play.

The idea is simple - crochet plarn sleeping mats for the homeless.

Monday, January 02, 2012

12 for 12 Charity Project

12 for 12 Charitable Giving Project
As many of you could figure, I am a huge fan of the blog and website Crochet Concupiscence. Kathryn is very knowledgable in crochet and crochet happenings and is always willing to share what she knows with the rest of the crochet community. If you haven't already, I highly suggest you follow her blog.

Another fun fact many of you are aware of is that I am a major supporter of charitable giving. Crochet is one of those ways that one can create and donate to local organizations in need or even those halfway across the world thanks to the power of the postal service.

Monday, January 02, 2012

[Video] Decorative Bow

This is a quick tutorial on how I make bows for hair ties, hat clips, and hats. I will be writing up a written version of the pattern and putting it here on the blog under Original Patterns and on Ravelry. (will link to both when available).

If you have any feedback on the pattern, your own comments about making the bow, or the quality of the video, please leave a comment below.

Sunday, January 01, 2012

Year of Projects: Week 27

Project Percentage Complete: 76%
Overall Percentage Complete: 93%

Number of Project Items: 21
Number of Added Items: 126
Total Items: 147

HAPPY NEW YEAR!