Stanwood Camano Fair Exhibitor Book Now Online :)

Hey folks, The Stanwood Camano Community Fair Exhibitor Book (and other information) is now available online. I have no idea if there is a hard copy this year or not. Remember this fair is COMPLETELY volunteer run and sometimes that means little hiccups here and there

http://www.stanwoodcamanofair.org

If yo u wish to participate in the Handspinning and Fleece Division PLEASE contact me with your questions. I am the superintendant, and have changed a few things, including having added some new yarn categories. Yes, Martha White is still there in all her glory, and is still Queen Bee, but I’m not the one who gets in trouble when things go wrong!

Knit and Crochet Today TV Show!

I wanted to announce that I am working with Candi Jensen, Executive Producer of the Knit and Crochet Today TV show, to help garner financial support from the fiber working community!

In order to produce the third season of this great show, shown on PBS,  we need to gain private donations (and there is work being done to gain corporate underwriting as well). You see Coats and Clark is no longer the sole underwriter of the show, which is both good and bad.

It’s good because now the show is wide open in the yarns, and patterns that can be used, and it will be an even better television show because of it! It’s bad, because now Ms. Jensen has to run around trying to find enough funding to make the next 13-26 episodes.

I really like this show, so I offered to help drum up support from our hand working community! If you crochet or knit, and you haven’t watched the show CHECK IT OUT! Fabulous stuff! http://www.knitandcrochettoday.com 

Very soon I will have links to where you can donate a mere $5, $10, or $20. Why should you donate? To keep this tv show as independant as possible! The more independant we can keep it, the better the content will be!! What a novelty in our little world of fiber arts!

So stay tuned!

Beary Backpack

Beary Backpack

Originally uploaded by CLF Fearless? Leader.

Ok, Christmas is long past, but I made this as a Christmas present. The two stuffed animals were “rescues” from a thrift store. I’ve blogged my doll and bear rescue passion before. Like I said in the past, I don’t know why I have the need to rescue plushies and dollies from the thrift store and re-gift them.

Part of it is my desire to see things used as long as possible, and sometimes it’s my soft nature. Those cute little guys look at me, and those little baby doll eyes stare at me, and they seem so lonely up on the shelves, discarded, and out grown.

Anway, I made a simple longish rectangle using a simple tunisian (afghan) stitch, and crocheted straps, and voila.

As per the description, my nephew loved it. And that’s what mattered!

So what happened to the book on yarn?

You know I’ve been wondering that myself. I think firstly, my knowledge base of crocheters changed a bit. My knowledge of what would be really important versus academic interest changed, and frankly, I’ve gotten kind of steam rolled into other things at the moment.

Currently, I’m working on two more Crochet Liberation Front Books, and still weaving in a few loose ends on the last one. Summer is a crazy time in my household. With fiber events, teenagers, yes, my youngest is now officially a teenager. Is that a light at the end of the tunnel, or is it merely another train?

Anyway, I’m currently, dreaming up a different way to present the Secrets of Yarn to crocheters, and one that may indeed be quite valuable as a reference. I am most likely going to do it in black and white, because I think color often distracts us from stitches and textures, and that is what the book will be about. Color theory is a whole ‘nuther story my friends.

So, with that in mind, I am back to work puttering on my crochet goodness. I did get that skirt I was working on finished, and I’ve started on what will either be a long tunic or a dress, depending on how far the yarn goes. And, yes indeed it will involve broomstick lace. Cause I can do it in the round baby, oh yes, I can do it in the round!  (Thanks to Stitch Diva, Jennifer Hansen!)

Broomstick Lace Capelet

Broomstick Lace Capelet

Originally uploaded by CMHS yarn & designs (laurie wheeler).

I know, I know. I have been SOOOOOOOOOO bad about posting on this blog! But never fear, I have moved my CLF blog over to wordpress, and now I will NOT forget to blog my crochet and yarn exploits here at the Secrets of Yarn!

Here, I get to just be Laurie Wheeler and you know that’s awfully cozy.

Anyway, this cute little number is something I whipped up right after the CGOA regional in Portland, Oregon. After taking Stitch Diva, Jennifer Hansen’s Broomstick Lace class, I have to admit I have become somewhat addicted.

My little neice, Gwen, lit up like a Christmas tree and wanted to try this baby on before I even managed to walk into her house!

I used two yarns, a ribbon yarn and a sock yarn to make this. I have to say that was a wee bit ambitious, and got a wee bit annoying at a few places. The lace isn’t 100% even, but you know what? Princess loves it, so I’m happy about it. I learned something new, and now I’m gonna make me a brookstick lace skirt.

I had started out with that intention last week, but ended up doing something else (using the same kind of ruffly idea) for my daughter. Now I have to finish that project (yes, I will display here when finished), and THEN I will make the broomstick lace skirt!

Oh and an end note: If you want to see some cool crochet videos check out these links!