An Afternoon Along the Rhine River (and a Yarn Sighting!)

Springtime along the Rhine River area of Germany can be gorgeous when the clouds go away and the sun comes out. Today we were fortunate to have such a day as we traveled along the River to a charming little town called Rüdesheim. 

We strolled along the Drosselgasse...a narrow, cobblestone path flanked with shops and cafés. The Rüdesheimer Schloss was our first stop for their local specialty, Rüsesheimer coffee (it's got brandy in the bottom and cream on the top), and a bowl of in-season cream of asparagus soup.

As you can see, the coffee was so delicious that it was nearly empty by the time my soup arrived!

After a quick walk through town, a short gondola ride took us over vineyards to the Germania statue above and a breathtaking view of the Rhine River below.

Following the afternoon in the sun, exploring Rüdesheim, it was time to head back to Frankfurt -- my home base for one more night. 

Of course this wouldn't be a crochet blog without at least some mention of yarn. While walking around the Old Town area of Frankfurt, I came upon the sight in my next picture. At first I thought they were streamers but, upon closer look, realized they were streamers of yarn! A knitted sort of streamer. :)

I'd been on the lookout for something yarn-related, and there it was! Who knows what awaits in the next town!

What's Involved in Designing Crochet Patterns?

Documentation shows that crochet dates back to 16th century France and most likely developed as an offspring of the ancient Chinese needlecraft known as tambouring. Although evidence of crochet goes back to medieval times, I envision Neanderthal women gathered around the fire each evening after the little ones were all tucked snugly into their cave beds. I can hear the fire crackling and see the stress melt from their faces as they share their creations made from carved bone hooks and homespun yarn, while chat about the happenings of the day. Maybe that's just my writer's imagination getting away with me, but I've got to believe that crochet has been around longer than 500 years.

Because it's been around for a while and many stitches and patterns have already been created, I don't know how likely it is that we're creating crochet stitches and patterns that no one has ever thought of before. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't go on creating. We may only develop different variations or add our own twist to things. We might excitedly believe that we've invented something completely new...only to discover that someone else has posted the same thing on Pinterest. Yet for those of us who have creativity coursing through our veins, designing, developing and creating are as important to us as are breathing, eating and sleeping.

According to actor John Cleese, "Creativity is not a talent; it's a way of operating". I wholeheartedly agree. Each one of our lives is infused with creativity, even if those creative moments, ideas and outlets look nothing like anyone else's. There's creativity in the making of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as much as there's creativity in the making of a new crochet blanket design. Most of you probably know the process involved in making a sandwich, so I thought I'd give you a glimpse into the creative process of designing crochet patterns before offering you some suggestions of how you can begin creating your own crochet designs and patterns.

Everything in existence started with an idea. Inspired thought and need are the springboards from which many of my creations are born, like the Scrapbuster Crochet Cat Toys I made for my furry friends so they would be entertained (and so I could use up some leftover yarn). Despite how it begins or ends, my crochet design process tends to go something like this:

1. An idea is born based on a need I want to fulfill or from inspiration. Inspiration comes from fashion photos, nature, from yarn play and from other crocheters.
2. Being the writer/researcher that I am, I immediately search the internet to see what others have made. Sometimes I find dozens of similar designs and that may lead me to alter my ideas. Most of the time, I like my ideas for specific reasons and go with my gut throughout the design process.
3. My supplies are gathered, and I begin to write out the pattern as I envision it. Along the way, I'll alter the written instructions to correspond with any changes I make.
4. I crochet, crochet, crochet...sometimes unraveling two, three or four times during the process. This is not the most fun part of the process, but it's necessary to end up with a beautiful, functional finished product. Keywords: beautiful and functional. One without the other will generally lead to a yarny object that sits unused in the closet or hidden on a shelf. I think crochet items should be used and enjoyed repeatedly.
5. Throughout the process I photograph and take notes, documenting the entire design process and pattern creation.
6. Finally, the most joyous step of all...the Big Reveal. I love showing, sharing and using the crochet items I design. One of the things I love most about the crochet community is how supportive and enthusiastic everyone is about each others work.

Some of My Crochet Designs

So, You'd Like to Try Your Hand at Designing a Crochet Pattern 

First of all, congratulations! Secondly, breathe in, breathe out. It's a lot of fun and, dare I say that once you design one crochet item, you're bound to do it again and again. Here are my recommendations to you:

1. Start with a crochet item you're already very familiar with. If you've made a lot of hats or love to make scarves, it makes sense to have your very first pattern design be one of these. You're familiar with the crochet process, your stitch options, yarn choices and possible embellishments. Go with what you know.
2. Determine who you're designing for. If you want to make something for a specific person, size may come into play and will impact your design. 
3. Choose your crochet supplies. To be honest, there have been times when I've created designs based on yarn I've found. But, most often, I have an idea first and then find the yarn for it.  This is where you'll decide if you want to use a cotton yarn, like Deramores DMC Natura Just Cotton yarn which comes in 50 different scrumptious colors, or something a favorite acrylic. You'll choose the hook size you feel is best and gather any other supplies needed.
4. Sketch, doodle or write your ideas. They are likely to evolve before and during the design process, but keep documenting your ideas, thoughts and steps in the manner that suits you best. If you save this for after your crochet item is completed, you run the risk of forgetting bits and pieces or of feeling overwhelmed by the process of backtracking. It's so much easier to document along the way. 
5. Begin to crochet. Using your ideas or pictures and the prior knowledge you've accumulated while crocheting other items, begin crocheting your design. If it doesn't look as you envisioned or isn't working, unravel back to the last point you were happy with and try again with an altered version of your plan.  Trial and error is the best way to learn when designing.
6. Be patient with yourself, focusing on your accomplishments instead of your mistakes. This is a biggy because, if you allow your mistakes to get you down, you're not likely to ever design another crochet item again. When I designed a poncho recently I miscalculated the measurements and ended up having to unravel the entire project...all 5000 double-crochet and V-stitches.  I could have been devastated, but instead I chose to focus on how beautiful I knew my poncho would be once I made it correctly. (And it was worth it; I wear it all the time and get lots of compliments.)
7. Celebrate with a "ta-dah" moment or "big reveal".  Your creation is finished! It may or may not be perfect, but it's yours and you designed it. Display or wear it proudly, knowing that you have indeed accomplished something special. 

 At this point in my crochet journey, I design more than half of the things I make. I guess you could say that designing has become as addictive to me as the act of crocheting itself. I encourage you to give crochet pattern designing a go. Start small or wherever you feel comfortable and don't be afraid to ask for help or input here or within your favorite crochet community.

Have you tried designing your own crochet pattern and items? What have you created? If not, what would you like to design and what inspired your idea? I look forward to hearing from you and am happy to have you reading this blog entry which is my submission to the Deramores Blog Awards 2014. Deramores is the UK's number one online retailer of knitting and crochet supplies.  

Think Spring -- Yarn Colors & Crochet Projects

At exactly 12:57pm, the winter season will be over and it will be time to think spring! I have to tell you, since I arrived in Chicago two months ago to visit my family, I've been clinging to the knowledge that spring would eventually arrive. Finally, the big day has arrived. Even though it's still somewhat chilly in the Chicago area, signs of spring have been showing up, like the robins singing their songs as I take my walk.

In an effort to make myself feel more spring-like, I've been turning to some delicious, yarny colors and crochet projects that scream "Spring" (and summer) to me.

A basket full of yarn for an upcoming Cath Kidston-inspired afghan.

Four skeins that remind me of Scooby Doo's Magic Machine. Designated for a summer afghan.

Cotton yarn for springtime baby bonnets...

and spa cloths

While happily dreaming about springtime while choosing all the above yarny delights, I've also been working on my first official springtime project -- my Lazy Daze Poncho, which is an upcoming pattern and original Go Crochet Crazy design!

When I work on a new design, I like it to be perfect because I know other crocheters are putting their trust in me when they follow my patterns. From the first stitch to the last, I've loved the yarn I'm working with and the design I've come up with. With great anticipation and excitement, I finished my poncho this past Monday, only to discover that it was about 2 feet too long. And not in the way that could be helped by unraveling a few rows. I had to unravel the entire thing. But I believe if you're going to do something, do it right! Especially when other crocheters will use the pattern. So, after going back to the drawing board with my design measurements, I'm now more than halfway done with my poncho-in-progress.

Five skeins -- crocheted, unraveled, rolled up and reworked again.

Do you have any spring-theme projects coming up or ones that you're working on now? How about some deliciously spring-colored yarns you're anxious to use? Let me know in the comments what you're working on and be sure to come back tomorrow through Sunday for the Spring Fling Link-a-Long where I'll invite anyone with spring-themed blog posts from the categories of crochet, crafts, home & gardening, DIY, cooking and decor to join the party. I can't wait to hear about and see all the spring things you're working on! Yay for springtime!!

Yarny News -- Sale & New Additions to Bulk Up Your Stash

One of the things I love best about blogging is the wonderful people I get to interact with, who fill me in on all kinds of noteworthy, yarny news! If you're looking to add to your yarn supply soon, here are two bits of news that might be of benefit.

Michael's Craft Stores is currently having a pretty terrific sale. Through March 1st, 2014, all Sugar n Cream 2.5 oz skeins of cotton yarns are 4 for $5. Time to stock up and start dreaming about spring and summertime crochet projects!

I love Sugar n Cream's stripes collection. The gorgeous skein in the foreground is what I use to make my spa cloths, which I blogged about here.

Spa cloths made with Sugar n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn

In other news, those of you who love Bernat's thick, plush Baby Blanket yarn will be excited to know that the company is going to expand the colors available for this line!! Beginning on April 1st, 2014, Bernat is adding home decor colors to the Baby Blanket yarn collection so us crafty people can make plush, soft blankets in grown-up colors. Woo hoo!

Some of Bernat's current Baby Blanket yarn colors.

If you've got any further yarny news, be sure to share. Who doesn't like to start off the week with a bit of good news?

Scrapbuster Crochet Cat Toys -- 20 Minutes & Some Leftover Yarn

Yesterday I blogged about the scrapbuster crochet afghan I'm making for Baby S, who's now a little more than a week old! When I finally had time to crochet last night, I really wasn't in the mood to work on a long-term project. It was rainy, windy, a low dense fog had settled in, and I was on Day 4 of a horrible head cold. What I needed was a project that would give me instant gratification and help me use up some more of my yarn scraps. (Free pattern below.)

My cats were kind of lazing around, too...all of us ready for some warm spring weather with windows wide open. We all needed a little entertainment, so I spent 20 minutes (on each) and some of my yarn scraps to make these:

Scrapbuster Crochet Mice

If you're a cat lover like I am, than you know they can be a finicky bunch. But I'm not one to be easily outdone. The secret, final ingredient would make them love their new crochet mice!

These were so easy and fun to make; I finished all three in less than an hour, with interruptions. The pattern is simple. I'll follow with photos of how well the toys were received. **Feel free to use the following pattern for your own personal use or for profit, but please link back to this blog post and give credit to me.**

Scrapbuster Crochet Cat Toys

K Hook (6.50 mm)
Yarn scraps
Stitch marker

Ch 3, slipstitch together to form a small loop.
Round 1: Ch 2, HDC six times into the loop.
Round 2: Lay your stitch marker (a different color piece of yarn) over the space following your last stitch to mark the beginning of a new round. HDC 2 times into each stitch. Total 12 stitches.
Rounds 3 - 7: HDC once into each stitch.
Round 8: *HDC one time into each of the next two stitches. HDC2TOG (half-double crochet two stitches together for a decrease)*. Repeat from * to * to the end of the round.
Round 9: Alternately HDC into one stitch and then decrease all the way around.
Finish: Cinch the yarn tight to make a pointy, nose-like end. Knot and cut off the excess yarn. For the Whiskers: Cut two pieces of yarn about 3 inches (7.5 cm) each, and thread them through the nose area. Tie in a knot and trim the mouse whiskers to the desired length. For the Tail: Ch 7, SC into the second chain and in each chain to the end. Fasten off. Use the excess yarn to tie the tail to the bottom end of the mouse.

After crocheting the three mice and adding my secret ingredient, I was excited to give them to the cats. And, of course, I knew they'd all be as excited to receive the new toys as I had been to make them.

Patches was too busy napping on a soft crochet afghan to play.

Ernie was very enthusiastic about his new mice!

So was Sophie!

Alice was too busy thinking about important things, such as world peace or her next meal.

As you can see, the crochet mice were received with mixed reviews. But I won't let my enthusiasm be dampered. My cats are amongst the ficklest of fickle, and I know they'll enjoy batting and bunny-kicking their toys around during those few moments that fall between nap time and mealtime.

Top 5 Reasons to Crochet

As I write this, I realize that if we all sat down and made our own lists of top five reasons to crochet, there'd be some vast differences. But I think, amongst those differences, there'd be a lot of common themes. So, with this in mind, I'm going to write out my top reasons with the hope that you'll chime in and add your comments and additions.

This blog theme came to mind this morning when I woke up with the worst head cold ever and thought to myself, "How am I going to motor through the day feeling like this?" I determined I would work as best I can (I'm a freelance writer), and drink lots of liquids and rest, if possible (like that's going to happen). And I would crochet.

I could take a day off from crocheting, but why would I want to do that? As I sit here feeling stuffed up and with a raw nose from blowing it, the only thing that brings me comfort is the thought of crocheting. Which leads to my Top 5 Reasons to Crochet.

1. Crochet Brings Me Joy. Once we reach adulthood, there are few things that bring us pure joy the way so many things did when we were children. For me, crochet delivers that childlike joy.
2. It Brings Other People Joy. A crochet item is more than a practical article intended for use, warmth or wear. It's something that's stitched with love that can outlast the person who made it. Not every recipient of a crochet gift realizes this, but those who do value their gifts and find joy in them.
3. A Great Stress-Buster. On a stressful day, when everything seems challenging, crochet is an effective way to let go of the stress. Even if it's only for five minutes, the rhythmic motion of crocheting and the ability to get lost in thought makes all those worries and concerns dissipate.
4. Fuels My Creative Spirit. Creativity is like oxygen to me. Without creative expression, I feel like I'm withering away.
5. A Practical Part of My Plan. At the end of 2013, I decided that I must do more to balance out my life and experience more joy. I love crochet; I think about new designs and projects all the time. I've decided to make it part of my sustenance, as well as part of my joy.

 When I pick up my crochet hook and a new or current project, it's a moment of pure happiness. Now I want to hear from you! Tell me your top reasons to crochet and what it means to you.

Fancy Yarns -- Do You Like Them?

I have to admit, just the word "fancy" piques my curiosity. The little girl in me conjures up visions of tutus, castles and lace. As an adult who's crochet crazy, the idea of fancy yarns delights me. Yet, I don't often know what to do with them.

Various fancys

By definition, fancy yarns are any type of yarn with a deliberate interruption or discontinuity in color or form. I have a bag full of fancy yarns -- eyelash yarns, yarns with tiny bobbles or rickrack-like things. Initially at a loss as to what to do with them, I turned to my go-to project: the hat.

A slightly metallic variegated fancy.

Eyelash yarn, which looks like yarn with fine eyelashes.

 Although the yarn was hard to work with at first, I eventually got the hang of it. A few fellow crocheters suggested using a second strand as a guide, then pulling it out after each row. I preferred to feel my way through each stitch, instead. They can be difficult to see.

My grandmother left behind a bag full of fancys when she passed away. She almost always crocheted with pastel colors of regular, four-ply yarn, so I can't imagine what on earth she was planning to do with an entire bag of eyelash yarn! Perhaps, like me, the little girl inside her was lured in by the word "fancy" and her mind envisioned tea parties with princes, moonlit dances and fun yarns that delight, even if they're only sitting in the bag.

Yarn Colors -- Do You Gravitate Toward Vibrant or Muted?

Just lately, I've noticed quite a few crochet items stitched up in vibrant colors. A deep purple infinity scarf, a kelly green neck warmer, and even a pair of hot pink mittens. It got me thinking about the yarn colors I use and tend to gravitate to.

I do love color. I'm attracted to bright colors and color combinations that make the item I'm crocheting stand out. But there are times when I shy away from the bright colors I'm attracted to and use something muted instead. Such as for these projects which, although they're not "stand up and get noticed" colors, I don't think they're dull either.

Forest green

A paler purple paired with cream.

Pale pink paired with shades of mocha brown.

Of the bright-colored projects I've made, the following are the brightest. (Which has me thinking that I need to start buying some bright-colored yarn that says "Hey, notice me!"

Granny scarf made with scraps of bright colors.

Bright-colored block afghan.

Berry red saves the day against muted green and cream.

The kelly green and deep purple I've recently seen have really inspired me to crochet something bright, even as I finish up another infinity scarf made of cream yarn with pastel shades woven into it. Or perhaps, I'll just have to be more mindful to combine toned-down colors with those that say "pick me, pick me!"

What colors do you tend to gravitate toward? Is there a color family you find yourself using over and over again? I'm interested to hear about the colors of yarn you find yourself attracted to.

Favorite Yarn Brands: Are You Loyal or Do You Try Them All?

I'm game for trying anything and, as a crochet rule breaker, I'll try different yarns even if they're not recommended for a particular project.While I'll play around with any type or brand of yarn given to me, I tend to gravitate to a select few when I'm doing my own shopping.

Until very recently, I hadn't spent any time crocheting with cotton yarn, which I talked about in yesterday's post. Now that I have, I've got to say my first love for cotton yarn is Yarnspiration's Sugar n Cream. The color selection in solids, stripes and twists inspires me to create. Soft to the touch but durable, I have many plans for upcoming cotton yarn crochet creations.

 
But, of course, my cotton yarn experience isn't very vast. I've looked at, felt and priced other cotton yarns. And then I always gravitate back to Sugar n Cream.

Over the past years, more acrylic yarn has worked its way through my fingers and off my hook than anything else. Again, I'll try just about any acrylic yarn if it's given to me or I find a great deal...and I mean a great deal. But, given my druthers, I choose Redheart's "With Love"  and Lions Brand. The large, soft skeins make me want to crochet large afghans or chunky scarves. There are more colors than I can choose from, leaving me feel like a kid in a candy shop trying to figure out which treats to choose.

Do you have favorite yarn brands? Tell me what you like for different crochet projects. I'd love to hear from you and possibly be introduced to a new favorite!

Have Yarn, Will Travel -- Crocheting on the Road

If, like me, you're Crochet Crazy, then I know your motto is the same as mine. "Have yarn, will travel." When it comes to anything longer than a day trip, I can't go anywhere without my crochet bag.

My crochet bag

It's nothing fancy, mind you. Just a canvas giveaway bag from a local grocery store here in Germany. The quote on the side, by Goethe, is written in Italian on the side pictured above and German on the other side. It refers to using nature in a slow and pardonable way if we want to come out winners in the end. I don't understand Goethe, but I'm not sure many do. 

Anyway, I'm a happy camper when I can bring my Magic Bag of Crochet Things along with me. It weighs almost nothing and doesn't take up lots of space. Inside, I have all that I need: yarn for my current project, the current project if it fits, crochet hooks, scissors that are TSA-approved, crochet needles, a pink measuring tape and a few other crochet supplies. Here's a peak...

Contents of my crochet bag at present.

Because I live in Germany (but am originally from the Chicago area) and have family in Chicago, I travel between the two places a couple times per year. Plus I'm a tour director in the summer. So my crochet bag has logged a lot of miles, made it through a lot of security checks (they always want to see my scissors, but always let them through) and kept me busy on many long flights. I wonder if I could get frequent flyer miles for my crochet bag.

Today, as you read this, I'm somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, on the way to Chicago. Our family is awaiting the arrival of two baby girls, and I look forward to meeting them and spending time with my mom and kids. My trusty crochet bag will be traveling along with me. I think it knows the flight path to Chicago as well as the captain does. :) Who knows what I'll be working on. I've just finished a project and haven't decided what to crochet next. I'll have to let you know.

My crochet bag has accompanied me to Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Germany, Holland, France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Tell me where your crochet bag has traveled! Because doesn't the suitcase just somehow seems empty without containing something related to crochet? :)