Unyunga

Giving Season

2011-12-20T16:24:00.002-07:00

If you're like me, you are probably frantically stitching up the last of your gifts so that you can get them under the tree by Saturday.

And, like me, you probably forget to sit back for a moment and consider those in need. My brother-in-law doesn't need the scarf I'm trying to finish for him. But there are those all over the world who could use a little lift for the holidays.

So, to help you out I've got a link for you. Giving should be easy to do and have your heart in it.

Go to Gifts of Compassion and find something that fits your giving spirit and your wallet. Even the little things on the list will make a huge impact in someone's life.

You'll find gift options ranging from as little as $5 all the way up to $325. You'll see goats, chickens, medical check ups, and small business launch options for women...and a bunch of other great options as well.

So go for it and add someone new to your Christmas gift list.

International Crochet

2011-12-09T13:29:00.001-07:00

An online crochet friend (MissLizard on Ravelry) provided me with an interesting link awhile ago and I thought I would share it. It really underlines for me how international crochet is.

So if your curious, please check out Crochet Terms in Six Languages.

So, in the language of my great-grandparents, I'm off to pick up my Häkelnadel in order to häkeln up the last of my Christmas gifts.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

2011-12-03T15:48:00.001-07:00

Okay, so maybe it isn't that bad. But can I just say, it's been insane?

It's been over a month since I've posted and I'm very sorry. But I've just kind of kept my head down and worked. I had 2 holiday sales that I sold stuff in during November. It's amazing to me how much work those are compared to how much I make. But, oh well. I use those sales to bust my stash by making things just for selling from things that just need to get used.

So, since I had a lot of beads and some fine beading wire, I made crocheted wire jewelry. Quick, fun, and beautiful.

The labor intensive part is the labels and preparing for the set up. I made stands for the necklaces out of some left over mat board and some cardboard easel backs I purchased.

I've also started offering my services to create crochet symbol charts for designers. I enjoy the challenge of representing both the pattern and the way the stitches actually work.

Thanksgiving prep kind of put all creative projects on hold since we were working hard to help my Mom get ready for 20 guests at her house. I don't think we've ever done that much cooking in my kitchen, ever.

And now it's time to make Christmas gifts. Whew! January is going to seem awfully quiet.

Monte Vista Collar

2011-10-21T14:34:00.000-06:00

My Monte Vista Collar,

originally published in KnitCircus last winter,

is now available as a Ravelry download.

$4.00

The layered pattern of this collar adds a three-dimensional quality
while the buttons add elegance and versatility. It can be worn buttoned up
for warmth or opened at the top like a shirt collar.

Crochet Symbol Charts Included

Yarn: Any worsted-weight yarn, approximately 218 yards.

Model shown in Classic Elite Inca Marl, 100% Alpaca, (50g/109yds); color: Du Berry Rose.
Supplies: Size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook, yarn needle, 4 Buttons, size 7/8” (22mm),

needle to thread buttons, and 4 Safety pins for assisting with button placement.
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 6” (15cm) wide by 20” (51cm) long.

Tapestry Crochet: Choosing the Right Yarn

2011-10-21T13:44:00.000-06:00

The first key to successful tapestry crochet is yarn.

When choosing a yarn, keep your project in mind. Not just for a great color combination, but also to get the kind of fabric you want.

When making bags, you are probably going to want a very sturdy fabric and so you need to begin with a sturdy yarn. Popular choices are cotton, acrylic, and wool. Take a look at the photos and you'll see all three fibers represented in that order.

Regardless of what fiber you choose make sure that the yarn doesn't have much loft. Loft could be described as soft, fluffy, and light...all the things that are great for a scarf or a sweater, but not what you usually need in a bag.

Once you've picked out your yarn, you need to make sure you work with a snug tension. This gives you a dense fabric that is durable and won't let things poke through. A snug tension also minimizes the appearance of the inactive yarn being carried inside the stitch. The looser your tension the more you can see the inactive yarn. While you can never make it disappear, a good snug tension will minimize its appearance.

Finally, choosing your yarn color combination can really affect the final look and feel of the pattern you work. Going with natural colors can make it feel earthy and grounded. Going with vivid colors will keep it fresh and vibrant.

(Hint: The first photo is a sneak peak at my next bag in process.)

Tapestry Crochet: An Introduction

2011-10-07T16:46:00.002-06:00

Tapestry crochet is a method of crochet colorwork where the inactive yarns are carried inside the stitches that are being worked.

I was first introduced to this technique through the book Tapestry Crochet by Carol Norton (Ventura). I was drawn to both the dense fabric and by the fact that it allowed me to create color patterns.

One of my first projects where I developed my skills in this technique was this bag.

I used some orange rug yarn and hand spun Churro guard hair. The effect is really nice with the color variations in the Churro.

Essentially all you're doing is a very snug single crochet and the inactive color is carried inside the stitch. To change colors is done in the final yarn over and pull through.

Carol Ventura, the author of the book I learned from has set up a wonderful web site for tapestry crochet resources. There are videos and tutorials that can help you learn this great crochet technique.

I've published two bag patterns of my own that use this technique. My Waza Bag and my Past Times Bag. More are in the works.

Past Times Bag

2011-10-04T19:51:00.000-06:00

I'm offering a new pattern for sale on Ravelry called Waza Purse.

$4.00

Take your crochet projects with you in this flat bottomed bag inspired by Old World embroidery patterns. The strap is adjustable to suit your preference and the stone bead closure adds an extra flair of interest.

Tapestry graph included.

Yarn: Worked in 2 colors in any worsted-weight yarn.
Model shown in Loops & Threads Impeccable Worsted.

350 yds (320 m) of Amythyst, 250 yds (229 m) of Grass.

Supplies: Size G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook, yarn needle,
locking or split ring stitch marker, and 1"/2.5 cm pendant or bead.

Finished Dimensions: Bag is approximately 10" (25.5 cm) in diameter and 13" (33 cm) tall. When stretched the strap is approximately 54" (137 cm) before tying to bag. Length may be adjusted when tying strap.

Hometown

2011-09-05T23:19:00.000-06:00

I believe that what a person becomes and how they see the world is, in large part, due to where and how they grew up.

If you've read the explanation for the word "unyunga" (see the side bar) you know that I grew up in Cameroon. So even though I was born in the United States, the most formative years of my life were in a village in Africa called Mbingo. And it has had a defining effect on who I am, what I do, and why I do it. So let me share a little bit about my hometown with you.

Mbingo is in the Northwest Province of Cameroon. The land was provided by the local king (Fon) specifically for building a hospital and the accompanying village.

My Dad was the Station Manager and my Mom was a nurse at the hospital. We lived in this house

I took this photo in 2009 when I was able to return after not being home for 30 years. It's where my heart lives. It's my Shangri La.

Here's the view from our front yard stitched together from photos I took while visiting.

It's probably why I love the color green and find it so important to my well-being. It's why I love the mountains. It's also where I learned to crochet.

Unyunga Ravelry Group

2011-08-29T18:51:00.000-06:00

If you're on Ravelry and you like groups, please check out my Unyunga group.

It's brand new, so there's not much there yet. That's where you come in. Join the group and the discussion. I'll be posting threads for each of my patterns, so feel free to discuss them and post pictures when your Unyunga projects are finished. If you have questions about anything, don't hesitate to ask since my goal is for your crochet experience to be a successful one.

I'm considering doing a Crochet A-Long (CAL) for my newest pattern, the Waza Purse. So if you're interested in doing that let me know in the comments here or on the Waza Purse thread in the Unyunga group.

Beads in Your Needlework

2011-08-26T17:07:00.000-06:00

I love beads, but I don't like beading. So I'm always looking for ways of using beads that I find enjoyable.

One of my very favorite ways of using beads is for closures on my crocheted bags. I like to add a slit on one side of the top edge and a dangling bead or pendant on the other edge that can be fed through the slit.

You can see that I used a couple of pendant style beads on my Waza Purse. The key is finding a bead that matches the color, look, and feel of your bag and is also the right size to have a little weight to it.

Waza Purse

2011-08-05T22:38:00.000-06:00

I'm offering a new pattern for sale on Ravelry called Waza Purse.

$4.00

Using the natural colors of handspun Churro wool, this tapestry crochet purse evokes memories of my childhood visit to Waza National Park in Cameroon. The strap is adjustable to suit your preference and the metal pendants aren't just decorative. They also serve as a closure.

Tapestry graph included.

Yarn: Worked in 3 colors in any sport-weight yarn.
280yds (256m) of brown, 350yds (320m) of black, and 220yds (202m) of gray.

Supplies: Size F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook, yarn needle,
locking or split ring stitch marker, and 1.5"/4cm pendant or bead.

Finished Dimensions: Approximately 11"/28cm wide and 12.75"/32.5cm long.
The strap shown is 59"/150cm after stretching.

The Yarn Studio in Mintern, Colorado

2011-08-01T13:53:00.000-06:00

Whenever we go to Leadville, I sweet talk Honey into taking the long way back through Mintern just so I can stop at The Yarn Studio.

This shop is jam packed from floor to ceiling with yarny goodness. The owner is always very welcoming and helpful and there's almost always at least one person in there on the couch working on a project.

What's Needling U in Frisco, Colorado

2011-07-21T20:38:00.000-06:00

As you know, I love visiting yarn shops when I travel. In June I was vacationing in the mountains of Colorado and got to visit a few of my favorites up there.

One is What's Needling U in Frisco, Colorado. It's a fun little shop where I found the yarn for my Cobweb Ribbons Wrap.

They're located on Main Street. I imagine they get a lot of people like myself who are visiting and need a project to do while sitting on the deck enjoying the mountain view.

Crochet Group

2011-07-21T19:46:00.000-06:00

As I've mentioned before, I've become a part of a local fiber group called Front Range Fiber Artisans. It continues to grow and we finally have a fairly permanent place to meet every month. We've also started to see the study groups spin off and get going.

The crochet study group is meeting at my house every month and we had our third meeting about a week ago. We had decided to have various members take on the task of teaching something that others in the group want to learn and this month it was broomstick lace.

Here's the results of our evening.

We certainly had fun. While pulling through our loops and stitching in the single crochet we chatted and laughed and generally had a great time.

Next time we'll be learning how to read and use crochet symbols. We'll do the basics and a couple are going to bring patterns with symbols that are proving problematic.

Lazy River Shoulder Shawl

2011-07-13T21:39:00.000-06:00

I'm offering a new pattern for sale on Ravelry called Lazy River Shoulder Shawl.

$6.00

This short shawl makes it easy to dress up a simple top any time of the year. The open pattern creates a lacy effect while the yarn has drape to shape it to your shoulders.

Crochet Symbols Chart Included

Yarn: Any light worsted-weight yarn,

approximately 330 [410] yards.

Model shown in Patons Silk Bamboo,

70% Bamboo, 30% Silk, (2.2oz/102yds), color: Sea.

Supplies: Size F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook, and a yarn needle.

Finished Sizes: S[M]. Model shown in M.
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 22.5[28"]/57[71cm] wide

and 23"/58.5cm long. Neck opening is approximately 10[15"]/25.5{38cm] wide.

Another Taos Weekend?

2011-05-01T21:20:00.002-06:00

Yes, I like to go to Taos. It's a great place to go when you need to slooooow down, get inspired, eat good food, and get a little romantic. And it's certainly a great place for yarn and fiber.

One of the awesome things about New Mexico is the state government's commitment to the creative economy. They publish gallery guides, collector's guides, and a even a fiber arts guide. You can pick them up in most of the fiber shops. Here's a quote from it that communicates their attitude toward the fiber arts:

"Why fiber arts? Universal, they also are local, democratic and accessible. They encompass age-old traditions and cutting edge advances. No matter the artistic form, they require structure but demand innovation and freedom, often of both artist and admirer. Why trails? Creativity flourishes on the back roads, for both artists and travelers. The trails celebrate New Mexico’s diverse communities, lifestyles, and landscapes. The trails traverse an integrated cycle - from raw materials through a medley of techniques and creative processes to hand-crafted works of art – and heart."

My husband and I needed the getaway more than we realized when we made our reservations. We decided to splurge and stayed at the Old Taos Guesthouse. Talk about a great place to just kick back and relax!

We had decided to go to celebrate honey's birthday, but we both got sick a couple weeks before and were still recovering. So staying here was great for rest and recovery. Nothing to distract us.

The weather was wonderfully sweet with the flowering trees blooming in full glory.

And we had A LOT of great food. We decided to try a few new places rather than just rely on our old favorites. So we ended up at Graham's Grill for lunch on Saturday. Oh, WOW! Definitely an addition to the "old favorites" list.

Naturally, one of the things I did was visit the yarn and fiber shops. In other posts I've talked about La Lana...

...and Red Willow...

...I got so excited that I forgot to take pictures inside.

This time I also paid a visit to The Yarn Shop and Weaving Southwest. Both of them are part of the John Dunn shops just off the plaza.

The Yarn Shop is a small little place that I haven't visited much in the past due to most of the yarn being or containing sheep's wool. This time I found a little more variety. Nothing I had to have this time, but definitely worth a visit in future.

Weaving Southwest is geared toward weavers, but also carries spinning supplies, and a marvelous array of hand dyed yarns available in large batches in coordinating colors and fibers. You can buy bouclé and worsted dyed in the same batch making it easy to mix and match textures while keeping your colors the same.

The photos here are from the back of the store. The front of the store is full of wonderful handwoven rugs for sale.

When you consider that the Taos area only has a population of about 35,000, it's pretty phenomenal that they have 4 shops catering to the fiber arts.

It's been too long!

2011-05-01T20:32:00.001-06:00

It's been awhile since my last post. Gosh!

Well, let's see. Between a trip to Los Angeles for the Arts Council of the Africa Studies Association Triennial Conference (pleasure) and a trip to Las Vegas for the Exhibitor 2011 conference (work), working to get ahead before and working to catch up after...I did manage to get some crocheting and other things done.

• I finished my Rain Wrap and am very pleased with it.

• My jeans are 2" longer and it even looks like they came from the store that way. Mostly.

• The lacy scarf turned into a couple of lacy vests which I'm going to publish as soon as I get the technical stuff figured out. Sizing, testing, photographic, writing, editing...Making them was the easy part.
• I've got a pattern with my marvelous tech editor. So, soon to be published.
• I'm finishing a tapestry crochet purse pattern. So that should be published sometime in the next month.

• I'm spinning all the silk fiber I have in the house. I tend to spin in fiber batches since it allows me to focus on the style needed for that fiber instead of changing all the time.

• I went to Taos for a long weekend over Easter, but I'll save that for another post.
• Finally, I'm cleaning house and getting ready to host the new Crochet Study Group of the Front Range Fiber Artisans at my house tomorrow night. Most of them are beginning level, so it should be fun. They've got the gist of it, but would love to learn to do more. I'm excited about it.

Crochet Art

2011-04-15T17:27:00.000-06:00

I love how NeSpoon created works of art using driftwood on the beach and crocheted doilies.

Click out her blog where you can see more of what she does. with doilies and other lacy things.

Solution for Cold Ankles

2011-03-08T21:20:00.003-07:00

For many of us the weather is still rather cold and, I don't know about you, but I get cold ankles.

The obvious solution is to get legwarmers and I did that. But I really don't look good in legwarmers and they're definitely not standard business attire.

But my ankles are cold!

Maybe I'm the last person to finally figure this out, but I finally came up with a solution. Ankle warmers that hide under my slacks...

Occasionally they peek out from under my pants, but I don't think that looks too bad. The full view of what I've got tucked away under there is this...

I thought about writing up a pattern, but realized it's simpler to just tell you how to do it here. This is a great stash buster and an awesome way to use hand spun yarn.

First, measure:
• Around your ankle.
• Around the widest part where your heel is.
• Around your leg about 7 to 8 inches above your ankle bones.
Make sure you write all these measurements down and keep a ruler or tape measure handy while you work the first one to check that you make them big enough.

Second, pick your yarn and hook:
• Pick something warm and soft. I chose some hand spun alpaca plied with silk.
• I suggest you take the time to do a little swatching to get your hook size right.

Third, make your ankle warmers:
• Chain about 7 to 8 inches, turn, work a row of single crochet, chain 1, turn. (I suggest making a note of the number of stitches you have so it's easy to make your second one the same.)
• Working only in the back loops, single crochet across, chain 1, turn.
• Continue working single crochet rows in the back loops until the relaxed length is the same as your ankle measurement. Stretch your work on a ruler to see if it's long enough to go over your heel and accommodate your lower calf. If it is, chain 1, turn. If it isn't, add rows until it does. Do not tie off.
• When you have got it long enough, put the ends together and line up the stitches. Start slip stitching or single crocheting your seam. I added a little interest on my pair by putting a 3-chain picot every 3 stitches.
• Make two, put them on, and experience the wonderful world of warm ankles.

Enjoy!

What I'm Up To

2011-03-01T18:15:00.001-07:00

Right now I'm in one of those quiet phases where I've got my head down working. I've been picking up a few UFOs (un-finished objects) to get finished offed, testing pattern samples, and fine tuning a few pattern ideas.

UFOs
The one crochet project that I'm finishing right now is my Rain Wrap. It's an idea that I came up with about a year and a half ago. After finding the perfect hand-painted yarn at the Pagosa Fiber Festival last May, I started swatching and quickly realized that I was going to need some pretty detailed diagrams to make it. So I had to spend time drafting those and pause every now and then to fine tune them as I went. Eventually, I just wore out and stuck the project in my UFO stash. I pulled it out again last week and, fully refreshed, have been flying along. I should have it done by next week. Whoohoo!!

I've been catching up on my sewing UFOs as well. A dress, some slacks, lengthening a pair of jeans, and some bags I promised to make for my Mom too long ago. Since I'm on the tall side I have trouble finding pants that are long enough or that don't shrink 2" when I wash them. Uggh! I hate it when they shrink. I had to get creative since lengthening jeans means adding fabric.

Testing Pattern Samples
I like to use my creations for a bit before committing to the publishing process. It helps me be sure I've picked the right yarn, made it exactly how I want it to be, or even that it's worth publishing.

My Ocean Waves Scarf started out life in a different yarn. It was beautiful, but after I wore it a few times I realized that it was not quite what I had in mind. So I remade it using the Classic Elite Provence and was pleased with that result.

I recently made a hat that will be published in the coming months. After wearing it once I realized that I needed to adjust the pattern to get it to drape the way I wanted. So I frogged and re-crocheted it with the adjustment. Now I love how it looks and fits and wear it all the time. I love it so much that this sample is going to live in my closet for the rest of its life.

Currently, I'm testing a bag and fiddling around trying to get the strap just right. Good thing I don't have a deadline!! I'd have missed it a couple weeks ago.

Pattern Ideas
Well, they just keep flooding into my sketchbook and it's a matter of sifting out the best ones and making them a reality. In development are a couple more hats, a couple more bags, and a lacy scarf. More on those later.

Patterns Now Available on Patternfish

2011-02-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

I've begun publishing my patterns on Patternfish, so don't hesitate to jump on over there to look me up.

Click on the Shop link in the menu bar and, in the search criteria, click on Designer and check the box next to my name OR click on Publisher and check the box next to Unyunga.

Vail Scarf and Fingerless Gloves

2011-02-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm offering a new pattern for sale on Ravelry called Vail Scarf and Fingerless Gloves.

$6.00

This versatile scarf wraps round your neck twice and buttons in front. Pull it up like a hood for Vail’s Winter Art Walk then wrap it around your shoulders as an elegant shawl for dinner. The fingerless gloves complement the scarf and keep your hands warm and with your fingers free.

Crochet Symbols Chart Included

Yarn: Any worsted-weight yarn,

approximately 654 yards in MC and 437 yards in CC.

Model shown in Aslan Trends/Artesanal, 40% Cotton, 30% Alpaca, 30% Polymide 3.5oz/218yds per skein), Gray- 19 (MC) and White-01 (CC).

Supplies: Size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook, one 1” button, yarn needle, and a locking stitch marker
Finished Dimensions: Scarf is approximately 14” (35.5cm) wide and 59” (150cm) long.

Yarn Snobbery

2011-02-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

A writer friend was chatting with me today and said, "You're a yarn snob, aren't you?" I hadn't thought of it that way but had to admit that I guess I am.

So what makes me a yarn snob? I don't just love yarn. I love really good quality yarn.

While I don't exclude synthestics with my snobbery, it has to be really good quality or fill a niche need for me to go there again and again. Synthetics are often used with natural fibers to strengthen the yarn or add a bit of pizzazz and that can be a good thing.

Most of the yarns I use are part or mostly made of natural fibers. And, being truly allergic to sheep wool, I tend to explore a lot of fibers such as cotton, bamboo, silk, alpaca, llama, cashmere, and mohair.

Being a crocheter adds an even deeper dimension to my yarn snobbery. A lot of beautiful, high quality yarns just don't work for crochet very well. Especially those very fluffy ones with barely a twist in the ply.

How did I turn into a yarn snob? I learned how to make my own.

I started learning to spin in 1989 and starting using my yarns to make projects about 1993. It's how I learned that I'm allergic to sheep wool and so discovered all the beautiful exotic fibers that are available. Many were readily available to spinners long before they were commonplace in commercially available yarns.

In learning to make my own yarn I learned about the different fibers, how they work, what their individual properties are, and what makes a good yarn versus a bad one. And so was born a yarn snob.

Are you a yarn snob? How did you become one?

Foundation Stitches

2011-02-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

I was first introduced to the world of foundations stitches about four or five years ago when I ran across a pattern posted by Bonnie Pierce for a moebius shawl/scarf. First I was drawn in by the lacy effect as well as the moebius aspect. But what got me hooked enough to make this pattern again and again was the foundation double crochet (fdc) that you start it with.

Then I realized that you could also have a foundation single crochet (fsc), foundation half double crochet (fhdc), foundation treble crochet (ftc), and on and on.

The obvious benefits are:
• You can start right into your pattern without a foundation chain.
• Foundations stitches have the same stretch and flexibility as their more traditional applications. Foundation chains don't stretch and can create an edge that is at odds with the rest of your fabric.

There are also unique design possibilities:
• If you create an fdc row, then turn it completely around to work your next row on the base of the fdc you can get a nice hem stitch effect.

• If you work a extremely lacy fabric than wish to work some rows of single crochet or double crochet, you don't have to use a chain row to begin. If you start right in with a fsc or fdc, you retain the lacy flex and stretch of the fabric that would be compromised by the use of a chain row.

Since I prefer to add crochet symbol charts to my patterns whenever possible, I have put off completing a couple of them since I didn't know of a stitch symbol for foundation stitches. Then I got the chance to work with KnitCircus and create a stitch symbol chart for the Doris Chan pattern that is in the Spring 2011 issue. She is well known for using foundation stitches and this pattern is no exception. So I worked closely with the tech editor and came up with something that, hopefully, is not only unique but communicates the stitch as well as possible.

Doris' pattern starts with a row of fsc. So I came up with this symbol:

When placed in a row it looks like this:

KnitCircus chose to go with the X symbol for single crochet, but for some unknown reason I've always preferred the + symbol. So here is what it looks like with that:

An fdc looks like this:

These new stitch symbols have me excited. Foundation stitches are a wonderful tool and I hope that having a way to express them in symbol form helps many more crocheters discover their use.

If you've never used a foundation stitch and are wondering how to do it, take a look at the great photos and explanation that Bonnie Pierce has created for the fdc. There are videos on YouTube as well as some good explanations and illustrations on CrochetMe.com.

Distaff Day 2011

2011-01-20T21:03:00.002-07:00

Last Saturday was Distaff Day for the Front Range Fiber Artisans and it was a lot of fun.

We all gathered together with our spinning wheels and hand work (see the quilter in the middle below). We had members do demonstrations of all sorts of things pertaining to spinning and weaving. We also had vendors there to entice us with fiber and tools.

Distaff Day is also known as Roc Day and is technically on January 7th. However, there is also a Distaff Day in another nearby town and many of our members were going to be attending that one. So instead of conflicting we chose to celebrate a week later.

Historically Distaff Day was the day that women resumed their household work after the Twelve days of Christmas.

However, since womens' work has changed, we now call this fun. It was definitely a break from work for me.

We all enjoyed each others' company immensely and I got to learn how to use pickers and drum carders.

And I got a lot of spinning done. It's milk fiber and I'll be plying it with a dark indigo blue mohair. I had the bobbin completely full by the end of the day.

St. Distaff's Day; Or, the Morrow after Twelfth-day

Partly work and partly play
You must on St. Distaffs Day:
From the plough soon free your team;
Then cane home and fother them:
If the maids a-spinning go,
Burn the flax and fire the tow.
Bring in pails of water then,
Let the maids bewash the men.
Give St. Distaff' all the right:
Then bid Christmas sport good night,
And next morrow every one
To his own vocation.'

~Robert Herrick

Durango Collar

2011-01-01T18:35:00.002-07:00

I'm offering a new pattern for sale on Ravelry called the

Durango Collar.

$4.00

This soft and cozy collar has a western flair with the fringe around the edge. You'll fit right in while strolling down Main Street in Durango or taking a jaunt on the steam train up to Cascade Canyon in the beautiful San Juan Mountains.

Crochet Symbols Chart Included

Yarn: Any worsted-weight yarn, approximately 220 yards. Model shown in Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Brush, 80% Baby Alpaca, 20 % Acrylic, (50g/110yds per skein), color: 100.

Supplies: Size H-8 (5mm) crochet hook and a yarn needle
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 5.5” (14cm) wide and 31” (79cm) long excluding the fringe.

Giving in 2011

2010-12-23T21:42:00.001-07:00

As the new year approaches my mind can't help but think of resolutions. I'm not into new year resolutions, but it's a good excuse to announce a small change in how I'm going to do things in the coming year.

Starting with January 1st, 10% of all my sales will go to Compassion International's Child Survival Program. That's 10% of the total cost of the pattern. I'm not taking it out after expenses, but before. So 40¢ of a $4 pattern and 60¢ of a $6 pattern will go to the Child Survival Program.

I've always felt that the name, Child Survival Program, is a little deceptive. While it was started in order to help babies (starting in the womb) get what they need to not only survive but thrive, what it really does is help their moms and that helps the kids. I could give you a description and explanation, but their web site does it so much better.

I believe in giving and have a special place in my heart for those in extreme poverty (living on less than $2 a day) with no resources to escape that poverty. So I'm extending my giving into this part of my life. Help me give more to those who offer help and resources for women and their children in extreme poverty. I've seen the program at work in Uganda (one of many around the world) and it works. It really does work.

Christmas Rush

2010-12-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

When I think of the Christmas rush it's about avoiding the rush at the mall and rushing to finish my handmade projects. Christmas is only 3 days away and I'm still working on them! Aak!

This year my husband and I are striving to (as much as possible) do a handmade Christmas. It has made it easier on our money budget since we're stash busting and only purchasing small things we might need here and there for missing project parts. But the time budget is a little strained.

My husband is a silversmith, so he's spent a lot of time at his jeweler's bench. He's made great progress on his gifts since he got a early start and keeps plugging away at it. A few ladies are going to be very happy when they open their gifts this year.

I have been trying to focus my crochet energy on several projects and finding it hard. I've chosen simple patterns to accomplish my Christmas list goals and that can get boring. I've been doing so much designing that it's getting hard to follow a pattern anymore.

However, I hope my nieces are pleased with their matching leg warmers. One pair is finished and one pair is in process. I used acrylic since it makes them very durable and very easy for their moms to clean. I also made sure to ask their moms for custom measurements since both of the girls are VERY tall for their ages. 2 pairs of extra, extra long legwarmers coming right up.

I've made a hat for Grandma. She's over 90 years old and so it's hard to know what to get for her. She doesn't need or want much. So, we'll see what she thinks. Worse case scenario...a littlest niece gets a new hat. I've used acrylic for this one, too, and I have a couple of reasons.
1. If Grandma likes it, she's not going to want to deal with special care instructions. She reserves the right to have no patience for that at her age.
2. If Grandma doesn't like it, my littlest niece will probably end up with it and acrylic will be easier for her mom to care for.

For Mom I've been working on something that I can't show a picture of since she might see this. However, I will show you the yarn I'm using for it and that I dyed with Kool-aid. It's alpaca hand-spun by my aunt and given to Mom for her birthday. Mom's arthritis prevents her from doing as much needle work as she used to, so I thought I'd help her out.

For my husband, I've made a hat from Alpaca yarn I purchase. I'm afraid I was getting quite bored with the single-crochet-only pattern, so I spiced it up a bit with some post stitches in a pattern to add interest and texture. It's amazing how fast those last 2 inches seemed to go in comparison with the previous 2 inches.

For those who have made it this far...Merry Christmas! And I hope your all your hand made holiday gifts are wonderfully successful.

Slow Cloth and Handmade

2010-12-03T14:29:00.004-07:00

In honor of the approaching holidays where many of us are planning on giving gifts that we have handmade for our loved ones I wanted to share some great links.

The first is about Slow Cloth. It's a long article, but please take the time to read it. It talks about what slow cloth is and the benefits of it. This is how my parents raised me, to value the handmade to do it with excellence and love. I like to think it has enriched my entire life as a result.

Hand Eye Magazine: Slow Cloth

Even if you tend to hand make things yourself, you can also commit to buying handmade here on this site. By buying handmade you support the slow cloth movement with your pocket book. You also further enrich yourself and others with gifts that are higher quality than machine made as well as being 100% unique.

Buy Handmade - I pledge to buy handmade for myself and my loved ones, and request that others do the same for me.

A great place on-line for inspiration in all categories of handmade is Etsy. And if you haven't been there, what are you waiting for? It's also a great place to buy handmade if you don't live in an area with artist, artisan, and craft sales and galleries. It's a great place to buy handmade even if you do.

Etsy - Your place to buy and sell all things handmade, vintage, and supply

There are a lot of wonderful designers who post their patterns and yarn on their own web sites and places like Ravelry and Patternfish.

Finally, don't forget to look at what I have to offer (see the pattern links in the right side bar) and continue to come back for regular updates.

My Local Yarn Shops: Green Valley Weavers and Knitters

2010-11-29T20:12:00.003-07:00

The yarn shop that I probably visit the most is Green Valley Weavers and Knitters. It the most convenient to where I live and hosts the spinning group I'm part o. It's also got an excellent selection of all sorts of fiberliscious stuff.

Coming in the front door you are immediately met with a bounty of yarniness.

There is a large selection of all styles of yarn and fiber combinations and it doesn't stop at the yarns for knitting or crocheting. As their name implies they have a room with shelves full of cones for weaving.

There are also spinning wheels, dyes, and fibers for spinning along with the usual knit and crochet tools, books, and magazines.

So stop on in and pay them a visit the next time you're in Colorado Springs.

My Local Yarn Shops: Starting with Table Rock Llamas

2010-11-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Since I've talked about yarn shops I've visited on recent trips, I thought it might be good to tell you about the great yarn shops in my neighborhood. There are several, although I primarily frequent two.

I'll start with Table Rock Llamas in Black Forest, Colorado.

This shop has a variety to offer just about anyone. The main building houses most of their yarns and when visiting you have to take your time and poke into every nook and cranny. It's full of a wide array of yarny awesomeness.

Then you have to go out the back door, across the deck to the back building.

This is where they have all their classes and house the fibers for spinning, dyes, books, looms, swifts....

One of the things I appreciate about all the local yarn shops is that they are very definitely crochet friendly.

LoDo Scarf

2010-11-14T16:08:00.005-07:00

I'm offering a new pattern for FREE on Ravelry called LoDo Scarf.

download now

The ruffled edges and soft fluffy yarn of this scarf give it a sophisticated and feminine look ideal for gallery hopping and a dinner date in Denver’s historic LoDo district.

Crochet Symbols Chart Included

Yarn: Any sport-weight yarn, approximately 560 yards.

Model shown in Kraemer Yarns Fountain Hill Brushed Mohair,

80% Acrylic, 20% Mohair (3.5 oz/560 yds per skein), color: Quiet.
Supplies: Size G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook and yarn needle
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 6” (15.25 cm) wide
and 62” (157.5 cm) long.

Monte Vista Collar In Knit Circus Magazine

2010-11-08T19:26:00.003-07:00

I'm so excited to announce that my Monte Vista Collar is going to be published in the Winter issue of Knit Circus Magazine due out this Wednesday.

It's a button up cowl made from Classic Elite's Inca Alpaca yarn. The pattern comes with crochet symbol diagrams.

I'm honored to be part of the first issue of Knit Circus to include crochet patterns.

It Was a Good Day to Dye

2010-10-30T21:52:00.005-06:00

I couldn't resist the Halloween humor, but it really was a good day to dye. The sun was out, the weather was warmer than it had been and I was able to spend some time with new friends.

I recently joined the Front Range Fiber Artisans, a group of people who work with fiber in one way or another. Knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery, sewing, quilting, paper arts, etc.

A couple of months ago we got together on a couple of evenings to use knitting machines to knit "blanks." I knitted up about 400 yards of some of my handspun alpaca in a natural white.

Then we got together today to dye them.

The woman who hosted had dyes mixed up in bottles ready to go as well as a couple of tables. Another member of our group showed up with the steamers (giant ones she got at the local Asian market), a couple more tables, and commercial sized rolls of plastic wrap.

We laid out our blanks (soaked in water and acidic wash) and, using syringes and brushes, applied the dyes. When we had finished coloring, we wrapped each piece like a tortilla in plastic wrap and placed them in the steamer for an hour.

After pulling them out of the steamer we let them cool down, unwrapped them, rinsed out the excess dye, and squeezed out all the excess water.

This is what mine looked like after it was unwrapped. I had painted on random stripes of blue, purple, and green. In the steamer the edges blended together causing the colors to transition softly.

I took it home and unraveled the knitting when it was dry enough. A little kinky, but the colors are beautiful.

Now, what to make with it.

When I got home, my creative engine was still rev-ed up, so I decided to break out the kool-aid. I had a blast.

Coming Soon Sneek Peek

2010-10-18T23:49:00.000-06:00

I'm working hard to get some new patterns out. I really am. I promise.

Here's a sneak peek of one.

Isn't that luscious? I can't wait to get it done.

Santa Fe and Taos: Yarn Shops and the Taos Wool Festival

2010-10-04T19:38:00.000-06:00

My husband and I love to visit New Mexico and so we spent last weekend in Santa Fe at a book fair and in Taos at the Taos Wool Festival.

Wherever I go, I like to check out the local yarn shops and I now have a favorite in Santa Fe. It's called Tutto and it's a gem.

I first visited this shop last July. It's a cozy shop full of beautiful colors, a variety of fibers and textures, and with enough stock to purchase enough of one yarn for an entire project. Last time it was full of people there for a class. But this time it was quiet so I was able to look around in a more leisurely fashion.

One of the distinguishing features of this LYS is the button selection. WOW! If you need a special button, this is the place to go. I was also delighted to find some great yarn brands that I've not seen at the other LYS that I have visited.

An new favorite in Taos is another find from last July called Red Willow Arts and Fiber in Rancho de Taos. It's a new shop off the plaza that surrounds the San Francisco de Assis church made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe painting of the back of it.

The owner has a great selection of fibers for spinning and yarns created by the local Taos Valley Wool Mill. The fibers available include Blue Face Leicester, Churro, Alpaca, Mohair, Silk, and Milk. This visit I gave in to her suggestion to try the milk fiber in a beautiful Hawaiian blue as well as some black alpaca/silk.

Sunday morning found us at the Taos Wool Festival in Kit Carson Park and it was a beautiful day for it. There were even more vendor tents than last year and so more variety to choose from.

Taos is always a great festival for finding great yarn, fibers, dyed goods, woven products, knitted and crocheted products, and great community. I've never had a chance to take classes but have heard good reviews.

An added bonus (in my opinion) is that all the vendors are all from New Mexico, Colorado, or Texas and their fiber/animals must be raised in the same. It's all designed to promote and support the area fiber industry.

My particular goal was to find something really unique and so I was pleased to find some Paco-Vicuña fiber to spin. Pricey, but I've been wanting to try it since reading about it in SpinOff Magazine. The vendor I purchased it from was Indian Hills Handwovens from Salida, Colorado.

My last fiber stop for the weekend was La Lana Wools. I've been visiting them for several years and when I walked in this time I noticed that they have made a lot of changes. When there, I tend to look for unique things I won't find anywhere else. This time I found some beautiful reeled silk in dark green and silver. They carry an interesting selection of wool yarn and also offer fiber for spinning, although the selection wasn't as big as it has been in the past. They also carry natural dye material in bulk for those without dye gardens.

All said, it was a fast but satisfying weekend.

Redirection

2010-09-16T17:22:00.003-06:00

I was planning on releasing a new pattern to you this month. However, I've been redirected in my efforts.

At the suggestion of a friend, I submitted both of my most recent designs for consideration by KnitCircus. One will be coming out in their November issue as the first crochet pattern they have offered. The other is being held over to possibly be included in their February issue.

Please go check out my Monte Vista Collar made from scrumptious Classic Elite Inca Alpaca at the KnitCircus web site or my listings on Ravelry. I'll post photos and direct links on November 1st.

So I'm frantically crocheting away and trying to figure out how to get another pattern done and available to you here at Unyunga as soon as I can.

Visiting Loopy Knit Crochet in Missoula, Montana

2010-09-01T22:49:00.001-06:00

On the way to a week of vacation in Glacier National Park I stopped in Missoula, Montana at an LYS called Loopy Knit/Crochet which is located down town at 115 W. Front Street.

My first impression from the outside was a nice, traditional, historic commercial building. Stepping inside, however, I found myself in a contemporary, nicely arranged, fiber wonderland.

I LOVE bright colors and so was delighted to see that they have a broad range of colors in all the types of yarn they carry. I was also happy to see that they carry a wide range of fibers other than sheep wool. Being allergic to wool, it's always nice to have a wide selection available in an LYS.

The back of the store is spacious and has a large table in the middle of it for stitchers to gather and work together for classes or just camaradarie. As you can see, there were a few ladies there that morning working on projects.

The staff were very friendly with just enough attention to let me browse but ready to answer questions or assist if I needed it.

I highly recommend a visit to Loopy Knit/Crochet if you happen to be in Missoula.

Creative Incubation

2010-08-12T13:29:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I have to spend time in creative incubation. It's that time when I'm tired of making and I've run out of ideas.

It doesn't mean I don't have any more good ideas or that I can't still make. What it does mean is that I need to stop and rest awhile, seek out beautiful things, and just be.

Creative incubation is a very necessary part of being able to continue creating beautiful things. Think of creativity and creating like a long journey.

When traveling you have to stop sometimes. For meals, for bathroom breaks, and for gas. Creative incubation is like the stops along a journey.

FOOD
Sometimes you're picking up creative inspiration by looking at beautiful things, making beautiful things designed by other people, or reading those scrumptious novels that make you laugh or cry.

GAS

Then there is the collection of images, stitch patterns, textures, colors, or yarn that has no purpose right now but may turn into something when you are done incubating.

BATHROOM

Finally there is the purging of stuff that is holding you back or getting in the way of good design. The ideas with too much of what I call "neat factor." The things that make you say "That's neat" when you see them but really have no lasting value. The yarn that's pretty or awesome design sketches that really don't fit your ultimate design vision.

What do you do when you're incubating? What fuels your vision? What needs to be dumped and kept from holding you back?

Spring Chinook Scarf

2010-07-26T19:58:00.003-06:00

I'm offering a new pattern for sale on Ravelry called the
Spring Chinook Scarf.
$4.00

This silk scarf is the perfect pick-me-up for an ordinary outfit. The stitch pattern visualizes the warm Chinook winds which set the stage for the electric colors of June mountain wild flowers.

Crochet Symbols Chart Included

Yarn: Two colors of any light worsted weight yarn, approximately 140 yards of each. Model shown in Debbie Bliss/Pure Silk, 100% Silk (50g/125m per skein); purple (A) and green (B).

Supplies: Size E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook and a yarn needle
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 2.75” (7 cm) wide and 60” (152.5cm) long.

Cobweb Ribbons Wrap

2010-07-19T22:48:00.004-06:00

A new pattern available to you on Ravelry is my Cobweb Ribbons Wrap.

$6.00

Gossamer yarn is worked loosely to create the look of ribbons as light as cobwebs. This wrap is formal enough to wear with a wedding dress in summer and fine enough to bunch up and wear as a scarf on a chilly day in autumn.

Crochet Symbols Chart Included
Yarn: Any gossamer-weight yarn, approximately 650 yards. Model shown using Knit One Crochet Too Douceur et Soie, 70% Baby Mohair/30% Silk (25g/ 225yds); color: Fog.
Supplies: Size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook and a yarn needle
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 28” (71cm) wide and 68” (173cm) long.

Freeform Inspiration

2010-07-01T18:10:00.000-06:00

Every year, the freeform crochet group on Yahoo does a theme and publishes it. You can see the 2010 theme here.

Go get inspired!

The Aloha Knitters and Estes Park Wool Market

2010-06-26T11:09:00.002-06:00

June is always chaotic at my day job during the month of June, with this year being no exception. I flew off on a 5 day business trip to Hawaii the first full week of June. Before going, I looked up local yarn shops and stitch groups on Ravelry and discovered that the Aloha Knitters (they like crocheters too) had regular meetings near my hotel on Monday and Thursday evenings.

So, fighting jet lag and a 4 hour time difference I joined the Aloha Knitters at the Ward Centers for a evening of chat and finding out what they like to make in Hawaii. They were intrigued by my crochet (it involved the Solomon's Knot stitch) and I was intrigued by the fact that they were making shawls, scarves, fingerless gloves, and coffee cozies. I had to remind myself that when you're acclimated to a tropical weather pattern, the upper 60s and low 70s can feel cold. All I have to say to that nice group is Aloha and Mahalo for letting me come and hang out for an evening. If you're ever in the Honolulu area, consider joining them.

I had hoped to visit the yarn shops I came across, but unfortunately my schedule, the pervasive one way streets, street only parking, and my bladder prevented me from getting to even one of them.

I got home on Thursday night at midnight and after a day at home my husband and I took off for the Estes Park Wool Market. We had thought of camping but went with our intuition and reserved a hotel room. I'm glad we did because it was unseasonably cold and wet. Miserable weather for camping.

However, the weather didn't affect my ability to enjoy all the wonderful vendors and spend all the cash I had brought. I was glad that I had looked for Churro at the Pagosa Fiber Festival since I didn't see any vendors there, except LaPlata Farms, that obviously carried it.

I was glad to see Magpie Woodworks there because I needed a spindle. His tools are incredibly well crafted and he guarantees the balance on his spindles. Spindle balance can make or break your ability to effectively use one and I've found that most spindles one finds for sale these days are woefully lacking in balance. I purchased a walnut spindle from him that is perfect for spinning heavier weight yarns.

The other vendor I purchased from is actually a woman from my spinning group. Woodlake Woolies has a wide variety of exotic fibers and she introduced Pygora to me. I had never heard of it until that weekend and I purchased some type A from her that has spun up nicely. I also purchased some of my favorite mix: Silk and Alpaca.

Pagosa Fiber Festival

2010-06-02T20:51:00.001-06:00

The Pagosa Fiber Festival is held every Memorial Day weekend in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. And that's where I was at last Saturday.

It's a cozy affair, being a young festival, and it only takes an hour to get through the vendors. But it gets a little bigger and better every year. What I think Pagosa is best for is the Alpaca and Churro fibers. There are a lot of small growers in Western and Southern Colorado who won't be able to go to the larger festivals, but fit quite comfortably into the smaller venue of Pagosa Springs.

This year I was most particularly interested in the Churro. I shopped at three booths and came away with some beautiful roving. La Plata Farms was there again. There was one booth where several Churro growers had gone in together with a wonderful variety of fleeces and roving in all colors. They were Arriola Sunshine Farm, Hovenweep Sheep, and Fat Sheep Farm. The Los Vigiles Living Trade booth was the next one over and, while she only had small samplings of Churro, what she did have was vibrantly hand dyed. She assured me that she had more of her beautiful yarn and fiber at home in Chimayo, New Mexico.

When I was loaded up on Churro, I visited the Spider Goddess Creations booth where she was selling some incredible hand painted hanks of silk and rayon. I've been looking for the perfect yarn for a future design project and hers fit the bill. So I bought four hanks that had a nice color transition from warm to cool.

In the Community Center down the road from Town Park where the vendor tent was located, we found the Navajo rugs. While we didn't attend the auction that evening, we did have a lot of fun poking through the piles and admiring the different rugs. We saw many traditional patterns such as the Chief, Eye Dazzler, Klagatoh, and Two Gray Hills.

We wrapped up the evening in Pagosa Springs with dinner at Tequila's.

My haul for the day was (clockwise) light gray Churro roving, dark brown Churro roving, Tonga basket from Zambia, white Churro roving, blue Churro roving samples, half an ounce of buffalo down, four hanks of hand painted silk/rayon, and a lovely kuba cloth from the Congo (purchased, along with the basket, at a fair in Saguache we stopped at on the way).

Those Pesky Unweaving Ends

2010-05-15T20:57:00.000-06:00

One of the things I find really frustrating is when my woven-in ends start coming undone.

One day while sewing, I pulled out my Dritz Fray Check to use on a cut edge that I didn't want to fray. That's when it struck me that it would work when weaving in ends on my crocheting.

You can find Fray Check at fabric stores or in the sewing department of big craft stores. You'll want to test it on a piece of scrap yarn from your project first. It could darken the yarn or make it overly stiff when it's dry.

If it works on the scrap, apply it carefully to a woven-in end. I usually apply it to the cut end and about 1/4 inch back to really secure it.

I can't guarantee that your ends won't start unweaving, but it seems to help prevent or delay it.

WPI: Wraps Per Inch

2010-05-05T10:47:00.001-06:00

There are many ways used to determine the size or weight of a yarn. There is the oldest system which uses worsted, sport, fingering, and lace as some of their definitions. Then there are newer icons that look like skein of yarn with a number at the center.

While these designations have value, a problem that needleworkers have is that one yarn can be very different in size and weight from another in the same category.

As a spinner I learned about Wraps Per Inch or WPI. This is a much more precise designation and as a spinner, I've been frustrated by trying to figure out how to spin my yarn for a particular pattern since, for example, a worsted weight yarn can range from 12 wpi to 17 wpi. And then, if I want to purchase a different yarn than the one specified in the pattern I might have problems getting my gauge to work because of the discrepancy in sizes. And so I've chosen to add the WPI to the yarn information on all my patterns.

Even if you aren't a spinner, you can find this useful. Here's what you do:
1. Get a wpi gauge. They are available in any yarn store that also sells fiber to spinners. Or purchase one online. They're small and will fit into your purse very nicely.
2. Practice using it before you go shopping.
3. Shop with confidence!

Links:
My favorite WPI gauge is from Magpie Woodworks. Click HERE and scroll down to the bottom of the page. It will be right there on the left.

Schacht offers one called a Dizzy Yarn Gauge.
Majacraft offers one as well.

Here's a good article on Wraps Per Inch that includes a chart which compares WPI to yarn type.

Kool-aid Dying

2010-04-25T17:59:00.005-06:00

Kool-aid dying is great for those who wish to experiment with dying yarn or fiber but don't want the complexity usually associated with natural or commercial dyes. Granted, you are limited to reds, orange, purples, and green, but those colors are vibrant.

Your materials:
• Unsweetened Kool-aid. I used Cherry for this example.
• Yarn made from animal fibers. Sheep's wool, alpaca, silk, llama, camel... My example is silk. Plant fibers don't take dye well and generally won't take the color from Kool-aid at all.
• Big cooking pot.
• Measuring cup.
• Spoon. I prefer to use a wooden one.
• A stove.
• Tap water.

Doing it:
1. If you haven't already, wind your yarn into a hank and tie it loosely in 2 or 3 places. I used a niddy-noddy, but you can use your arm or the back of a chair as well.
2. In the big cooking pot, mix up the Kool-aid according to the directions but omitting the sugar.
3. Soak your yarn (or fiber) in water and get it thoroughly wet. This is important since it helps the yarn to more thoroughly and evenly absorb the color from the Kool-aid.
4. Place your yarn in the pot with the Kool-aid, moving it around until it is saturated.
5. Put the pot with the Kool-aid and yarn in it on the stove and set the temperature at medium-high to high.
6. Let it heat up, stirring occasionally to help the yarn take the color evenly.
7. When the water begins to boil, turn off the heat, remove the pot from the stove, remove the yarn, and dump the Kool-aid. It will either run clear or almost clear of color. This means all or most of the color was absorbed by the yarn.
8. Rinse the yarn in hot water and gradually cooler water. This will remove the excess Kool-aid and gently cool down the yarn without shocking the fiber.
9. Gently squeeze out excess water and hang the yarn up to dry.

No fixative is needed since Kool-aid contains enough acid to set the color during the dying process.

Experiment!
• Mix colors. When you mix red and green you will get brown. Mix cherry and grape and you'll get a different color than if you mix strawberry and grape.
• Try it on different colors of fiber. Even browns and grays. The natural colors will add earthiness to the vibrant Kool-aid colors.
• For darker colors use more Kool-aid and less yarn or fiber. For lighter colors use less Kool-aid and more yarn. In other words, adjust your ratios. One batch of Kool-aid with one ounce of yarn will give you more saturated color than one batch of Kool-aid and four ounces of yarn.
• Try a yarn with a mixture of plant and animal fibers such as a cotton/silk blend. The cotton won't take the color and the silk will. This could give you an interesting visual texture.

Most of all, have fun!!!

Crochet Symbols

2010-04-13T19:15:00.000-06:00

I was a fairly experienced crocheter by the time I saw crochet symbols for the first time. But even though I could read a pattern and interpret it successfully (usually), I was struck with admiration and appreciation at how much easier it was having them.

The book Laceworks by Yoko Suzuki is full of beautiful crocheted lace doilies. The instructions for each doily is written in standard crochet pattern style but also illustrated with crochet symbols.

What really struck me as remarkable was this:
1. Finding my place in the instructions and seeing what to do next was so much easier with the illustration than with the written instructions.
2. The illustration clarified areas that were complex to explain in the written instructions.

I've included crochet symbol illustrations in my Rustling Fringe Scarf pattern for reason number 2. Realizing that my written instructions could get frustrating for someone no matter how I tried to make them straight forward and clear, I decided (with unprompted confirmation from my technical editor) to add the symbol illustrations.

Have you had experience using a pattern with crochet symbols? Did you find it helpful? Should every pattern include them or only the more complex ones?

Share your thoughts.

Rustling Fringe Scarf

2010-04-12T22:31:00.008-06:00

My latest new pattern available on Ravelry is the Rustling Fringe Scarf.

$4.00

The playfulness of the leafy fringe, dangling off the edges of this scarf, adds a whimsical quality that is enhanced by the color transitions of the yarn.

Crochet Symbols Chart Included
Yarn: Any worsted-weight yarn, approximately 400 yards. Model shown in Plymouth Yarn Kudo, 55% Cotton, 40% Rayon, 5% Silk (100 g/198 yds per skein), color number 42.

Supplies: Size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook and a yarn needle

Finished Dimensions: Approximately 5" (13cm) wide at the core and 10" (158cm) wide with the fringe and 48" (158cm) long.

Fiber Festivals

2010-04-09T21:52:00.002-06:00

I love fiber festivals and the fact that there are three close enough to my home here in Colorado is a bonus.

The first one coming up is the Pagosa Fiber Festival in Pagosa Springs, Colorado and it's always on Memorial Day weekend. It's small and cozy, but a great opportunity to meet smaller suppliers from southern Colorado. It's a great stop on the way to or from Durango from the Front Range.

The second one is the Estes Park Wool Market in Estes Park, Colorado. Bigger and busier, it attracts people and suppliers from all over the West. It's like a fair with the vendors in a big building and a lot of animals of all varieties in the barns and being shown in competition. This year it's occurring June 10th through 13th. This is a lot of fun to do since I can go get my fiber fix in the morning, then go enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park in the afternoon.

The final one is the Taos Wool Festival in Taos, New Mexico. It's smaller than Estes Park but bigger than Pagosa Springs and this year's dates are October 2nd and 3rd. The drive there is beautiful and the timing is good for enjoying fall color. When I'm done at the festival, I love to go enjoy the city of Taos.

Needless to say, I've marked my calendar. Do you have fiber festivals in your area? Where are they and what do you like about them?

Creative Use of Knitting in a Commercial

2010-04-02T10:40:00.005-06:00

This is too fun and inspirational not to share.

Sorry, it's a bit big for the space.

Mohair

2010-03-30T23:04:00.002-06:00

Mohair, to those familiar with it, conjures up a vision of a yarn or garment that is VERY fuzzy. But most people I talk to don't know where it comes from.

Mohair is goat hair, specifically from the Angora goat. Angora goats originated in Turkey, but can now be found all over the world, raised for their luxurious locks. Their hair is curly and silky and the softness and fineness of the hair decreases with age. Thus, kid mohair is the most desirable for use in garment yarns being the fineness and softest. The coarser hair of older animals is more suitable for use in bags and outerwear. As is the case with other animal fibers used for garments, it has insulating and moisture wicking properties.

Angora goats are sheared, without harm to the animal, twice a year. The fleece is cleaned of the natural body oils, dirt, and debris, then carded and combed to align the hairs for spinning into yarn.

Despite its softness, some people with sensitive skin find it irritating. So if you are gifting a mohair scarf or sweater, try to keep that in mind. Using a blend, as I did in my Switchback Scarf, can help to reduce the ticklishness while still keeping the luster and sheen.

Switchback Scarf

2010-03-28T21:50:00.002-06:00

I have a new pattern available for sale on Ravelry. It's called Switchback Scarf.

$4.00

Inspired by the switchback roads of the Rocky Mountains the raised zig zag pattern of this scarf makes it an elegant accessory to any outfit. The yarn has warmth for chilly days as well as shimmer and color variation that adds visual depth.

Yarn: Any sport-weight yarn, approximately 400 yards. Model shown using Collezione S. Charles Filati d’Italia Ritratto 28% Mohair, 53% Viscose, 10% Nylon, 9% Polyester (1.75/198 yds), color Lime.
For Spinners: 20 WPI (wraps per inch)
Supplies: Size F/3.75 mm crochet hook and a yarn needle.
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 5 1/2” (14 cm) wide x 65” (165 cm ) long.

Egyptian Cotton

2010-03-13T11:58:00.001-07:00

"Egyptian Cotton" is a term that holds mystic value for people when discussing towels, bed linens, and even clothing. But what is it? What makes it so special?

Egyptian cotton is a long staple fiber from Egypt and perhaps a good way to introduce it is to first tell you what it isn't.

Most cotton that we encounter on a daily basis is a short staple cotton. What that means is that the actual fiber itself is fairly short and doesn't have a lot of strength or durability. Most short cotton doesn't have an immediate absorption rate either. If you spill liquid on it, there is a moment when it sits beaded up on the surface before finally sinking in.

Egyptian cotton, having a long staple fiber, has more strength and durability than the everyday cotton we're used to. In yarn and fabric form, it will last much longer than conventional cotton and while initially it feels harder/less soft it actually gets softer and cozier every time it's laundered. In addition, it has a superior absorption rate.

Mercerized is another term that gets thrown around in connection with cotton. Mercerization is a process that is intended to improve the luster of the yarn and, on Egyptian cotton, reduce the fuzz we generally associate with cotton. A bonus side affect is that it also improves the absorption rate. While that's great for toweling off after your shower, it also means you get more intense colors. Mercerized cotton absorbs dye better than unmercerized so you get less fading and deeper, richer hues.

So when you use mercerized Egyptian cotton, as I have in my Ocean Waves scarf, you get a durable accessory that will get softer with use while maintaining a dressier upscale look.

Ocean Waves Scarf

2010-03-03T21:40:00.005-07:00

I have my first pattern available for sale on Ravelry! It's called Ocean Waves Scarf.

$4.00

The triangular motifs on this scarf are worked back and forth on top of each other, creating an angled pattern with overlapping pierced scallops along the edges.

Yarn: Any worsted-weight yarn, approximately 410 yards. Model shown in Classic Elite Provence, 100% Mercerized Egyptian Cotton (100 g/205 yds per skein), color Slate Blue.

For Spinners: 14 WPI (wraps per inch)

Supplies: G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook and a yarn needle.

Finished Dimensions: Approximately 6" (15 cm) wide by 48" (122 cm) long. Length may be adjusted by adding or omitting Main Motifs.

Turkish Crochet

2010-02-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

I ran across the Turkish Crochet blog awhile ago and fell in love with what is there; especially the edgings.

Being someone who can usually look at crocheted items and figure out how they were made, I was even more intrigued by the intricacy of what I was seeing. So I decided to do a little on-line research to see if I could find out more.

Considering the volume of material available for consumption on the internet I was a little miffed when I couldn't find out more information about Turkish crochet. What I did find was a lot of people who had seen what I had and wanted patterns.

So I started reading the comments in the blog and discovered that the author's photos are the patterns. Apparently the picture is the pattern. Traditionally if you wanted the pattern you looked at a swatch or piece of edging and, knowing how to crochet and the different techniques, could copy it. A required skill if you can't read or write.

I also found, in the comments, that these edgings were used on scarfs and allowed you to tell people how you were feeling through the symbolism of the edging elements.

What an inspiration. I may have to try one of them one day!

Progress

2010-02-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

So, in my earlier New Endeavors and a New Year post I said that I wanted to have three designs published by the end of January. It's now the middle of February and I still don't have anything published.

In my Design Break post I stated that I needed to find a tech editor. Well, I've made progress there. I did find a tech editor and so far it's looking like it will be a good relationship. The first impression has been a good one. She's got the first of my patterns to review and if all goes well I'll be able to send her another three right away.

So I might actually have one pattern published by the end of February. Cross your fingers!

While I have a gazillion more ideas that I'm working on for scarves, I've decided to set them aside temporarily and work on some bags. Bags are more practical for the warm weather months. They take longer to do, so I hope to have a couple done by summer. Let's see how that resolution goes.

Navajo-Churro Fiber and Yarn

2010-02-17T23:35:00.003-07:00

Churro fiber seems to have a bit of a bad reputation among knitters and crocheters, accused of only being good for weaving rugs. If I had heard this when I first began spinning yarn about 20 years ago, I probably would never have tried it, but I was lucky.

One of the benefits of attending a spinner's group when you're a new spinner is all the free stuff you get. A portion of a Churro fleece was some of the free stuff I got and it was a beautiful medium gray with the typical 20% hair and 80% wool. Taking my time, I chose to separate the hair from the wool by holding on to the 6-8 inch hair and using a dog brush to pull out the soft 3-4 inch wool. First I spun the wool into an incredibly soft yarn that I used to make a baby bonnet for charity. How I wish I had kept some of it. I spun the hair into wonderfully durable yarn that I incorporated into one of my first tapestry crochet bags.

I was hooked, but had no idea how or where to get more. When we visited the Two Gray Hills Trading Post I discovered they had Churro roving for sale. Against my better judgment I purchased some and played with it in the car for the next half hour. I say "against my better judgment" because I had found out about 2 years after my first Churro encounter (through testing at the doctor's office) that I'm allergic to sheep's wool. REALLY allergic.

But...I didn't react to the Churro. For whatever reason, I'm allergic in varying degrees to all the sheep on the planet except Churro. So I've begun spinning it again and find that it's a very versatile fiber.

Yes, it will usually be coarse, but it can also be quite soft on occasion. It all depends on the animal. It's an extremely durable fiber and takes dye well, so the colors come out nice and bright compared to other wools. Because it has very little lanolin, it can be spun without being washed.

There are a lot of really great sites for finding out more information on the history of the Churro sheep. But long-story-short, it is a breed that originated in Spain and was brought here by the Conquistadores. The Navajo collected and nurtured the animal and it is a breed particularly suited to the extreme conditions of the American Southwest. They come in a bunch of beautiful natural colors from black to gray, and from dark brown to gold.

There are very few places that offer Churro yarn ready to go, so you'll probably have to spin it yourself. What I like to do with my handspun is make tapestry crochet bags since the fiber strength gives me a fabric that is durable. And over-dying the natural colors gives a deep natural richness to the tones. In the photo on the left, the reddish-brown ball is a gray-brown over-dyed with Strawberry Kool-Aid.

Inspiration

2010-01-25T17:04:00.005-07:00

A source of inspiration for me is other people's work. I've found a lot of beautiful and gently or never used pieces of needle work in antique stores. If you pick carefully among the worn out stuff, you can find the treasures and they're usually woefully under valued.

They inspire me to create and can even inspire me to design.

Beautiful doilies from Germany.

An intricate tatted doily.

This linen handkerchief on the left has a thread hairpin lace edging.

This handkerchief on the right has what I think is a thread Solomon's Knot edging.

The edging on this linen doily is (I believe) a bobbin lace.

Inspired yet?

Heirloom Afghan

2010-01-23T11:37:00.001-07:00

My aunt made me a hexagonal granny square afghan when I was in high school. She made one each for my brother and sister, too. However, I think mine turned out the best.

Not just because I still like the colors, but because of how she made it and what she made it out of.

First, she used a really durable yarn. It's not real soft, but the durability made it perfect as a bedspread (that's I used it for). It hasn't come apart or stretched out and it still has its original shape after over 20 years.

Second, she used the right hook size. By keeping the hook small enough for snug but not too tight stitches it has added to the durability.

As a result she created an afghan that served as my bedspread until I got married and now serves to keep me warm on the couch. It will probably still be in great shape another 20 years from now.

Polish Star

2010-01-23T10:49:00.001-07:00

Looking back through some old crochet patterns, it's not hard to see why crocheting got the reputation of being ugly and of no interest to the contemporary crafter.

Fortunately, there are enough of us out there that know that isn't true and are doing something about it. I amazed when I go and look at crochet patterns on Ravelry and Patternfish as well as in the crochet magazines on the rack at local bookstores. I've even begun hunting down independent designers online to see what is out there.

However, it's not such a bad idea to go look at those old (often scary) patterns that give you every variation possible for potholders and toilet paper roll covers. Even, heaven forbid, the traditional toilet seat cover. I do it looking for lost treasure.

I don't remember where I saw reference to it, but I went hunting for the "Polish Star." It's one of those stitch patterns that seems to be reborn for brief periods every few years and then slips away again.

Here's some of what I found.
Annie's Attic
YouTube
Ebay
Ghost's Yarn Tales

I found the pattern shown on the Ebay link and quickly worked it up in an evening. I can see how it would lose favor after the initial WOW! It's kind of boring to do. You don't get the fun until you start to weave it together.

But the possibilites! There is so much more that could be done with this technique. Change the weaving pattern, adjust the loop length to match, and I can see that this could be used do some cool stuff.

So for a brief period, I'm reviving the Polish Star. More to come later.

Design Break

2010-01-22T20:13:00.003-07:00

So, I've been designing and crocheting at a frantic pace since the beginning of November. I wanted to have something up on Ravelry by the middle of Januray...but I have to secede to reality. If I'm going to do them with the level of quality that I need to feel true to my product, It's going to have to wait a little while longer. So they might be out of season when I post, at least I'll have figured out the whole process and can get on track.

All I will say is that my first few will be some marvelous scarves, with some bags in the wings just waiting for me to get them properly done.

So what's the hold up?

• Well, being a spoiled brat, I have to have Adobe Creative Suite. I gotta have my InDesign, Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator and the cheapest way to go is Creative Suite.
• And I can't just release them one at a time yet. I want to make my template work as universally as possible and I need a few ready to test it on.
• Then there's the small issue of a tech editor. I need one of those and haven't started looking yet. To tell you the truth, I find that part a little intimidating.

I'll get there, I promise. And then I'll post the pretty pictures of what I've been working so hard on. But right now I need a break so I'm working on one of my art pieces and a couple of other fun things. Then it's back to work.

New Endeavors and a New Year

2010-01-05T16:50:00.001-07:00

Unyunga got its start with a comment made by my husband last year.

As I was crocheting away at a sweater I was designing for myself, he said, "You should write down the patterns for the things you make. Someone else would probably like to make them, too." I poopooed him and said it was too much work, but it stuck there in the back of my mind.

Since I was just starting that sweater, I had to write the pattern down. I was working it from the center of the back toward the cuffs and I needed a pattern to remember how to do the other side. Turns out, it's not so hard to write a pattern and really doesn't take much time since it gets done as I go.

Then I heard Mary Beth Temple advertise her classes on her Getting Loopy podcast. I was a week late joining, but I caught up quickly and it was worth every penny. She gave me the information I needed to self publish patterns.

So, Unyunga was born in October of 2009 and I've been branding and designing up a storm. My goal is to have 3 to 6 scarf patterns published by the end of January. A good beginning to the new year.

Traveling with Your Needlework

2009-12-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Those of us who like to travel with our needlework can find it challenging. But with a little thought and some basic concepts, it's very possible even for the lightest packer.

1. Check TSA standards before your trip. You may even want to print pages that specifically discuss your tools in case you encounter a difficult TSA employee.
2. Don't take expensive or difficult to replace tools so that if they become lost or damaged, you won't be devastated.
3. Take a small project or small parts of one.
4. Take a photocopy of your pattern instead of the original sheets or book.
5. Put everything in a compression bag. This not only keeps your project clean, it saves space when you're not working on it.
6. Choose something that is both fun and doesn't require intense concentration. You may have to put it aside at a moment's notice.

Margaret Wertheim and the Coral Reef: Crochet and Hyperbolic Geometry

2009-12-18T16:49:00.003-07:00

Margaret Wertheim leads a project to re-create the creatures of the coral reefs using a crochet technique invented by a mathematician -- celebrating the amazements of the reef, and deep-diving into the hyperbolic geometry underlying coral creation.

Holding It Together

2009-11-18T21:47:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had a center-pull ball of yarn slowly slide apart while you're using it to make the ultimate project?

Save those net bags that you get fruits and vegetables in from the grocery store. They are useful for containing that ball of yarn with a mind of its own.

Take any labels off the bag and weave a piece of leftover yarn through the netting about an inch from the top. Carefully insert your rebellious ball of yarn with the end coming out the opening and pull the opening closed. Tie a bow and you're ready to go.