Fiber Art webpages updated

I've been working on the Fiber Art website and the new pages are up: www.fiberart-inc.com I've added a Tour of the store, with a page for each room and the yarns that are carried in that room. If you are not familiar with the store, each room has a theme: BabyLand, The World of Noro, Florida Garments, Natural Fibers, Novelty, Luxury and Needles Notions & Buttons. I've included pictures for each room. These are preliminary pictures and we'll be putting up more pictures to show different views of each room.

While it was a break from crocheting, it was still designing and creative; I simply worked in a different medium.

A Different Color

I made the Mosaic Diamonds rug that was published in the February 2009 issue of Crochet World in blue to match my home.

T-Shirt Rug

I received my copy of Crochet World in the mail and here is a better picture of the rug. This photo is in Crochet World, April 2009 issue.

I have given blood over the years and received a t-shirt each time for my donation. All of the t-shirts were an XL size (way to big for me)! I've slept in them, and painted in them, but it was time to make room for other clothes. Cutting them into strips and crocheting them into a rug was a great way to recycle them.

I love the way the logos or pictures on the shirts are filtered through the rug. After I finished crocheting the interior of the rug, I got out my scrap bag to see which colors would look best for the surface stripes and the first row of the edging.

Another Design Preview

Look what I found today! This rug is published in the April 2009 issue of Crochet World. It's made from t-shirts. I called it the Memory Rug. When MM & K saw it they started pointing out the different t-shirts that I'd used and talking about memories of each shirt.

And here's the picture I took.

Designing a Garment

I bought Crochet Couture by Lily Chin many months ago. I have found it an invaluable reference book. I am working on a top and I'm following the guidelines that she has outlined in the first section of the book.

I've taken a top that fits me well and created a template on a large gridded pad that I bought at an office supply store. To start, I laid the top on the pad and drew the outline. Then I studied the measurements at key points--hem, waist, bust, armhole depth, and shoulder and neck widths. The paper is marked off in 1-inch grids, so I didn't need a tape measure; I just counted the squares.

I must admit that I've had that done for many moons. But, I've found a yarn I think will be great for a project. I spent some time swatching and decided on a stitch pattern. Next, I did the math to determine the number of stitches to begin with, how many to decrease for the waist and the number of rows to work those decreases over. I wish I could say that it all worked out perfectly the first time.

I've lost count of the times I've ripped out and started over. But, this time (yes, THIS time) I believe I'm finally on the right track.

Ribbed Hiker Socks

I am delighted with the Ribbed Hiker socks! I used Trekking XXL yarn and it was quite a dream. The leg is created using FPdc and BPdc. It's snug, yet stretchy. The foot uses a split single crochet and results in full coverage. I've made socks with an extended single crochet and a hdc. Sometimes, I can feel those stitches on the bottom of my feet.

One ball of Trekking XXL is 420 yards. I had to go into a second ball for this pair of socks; I think the FPdc/BPdc used more yarn than other types of stitches.

Book Review: Crocheted Socks

What do I look for when buying a book? Obviously, lots of great designs! But, I also look for a book that packs a lot of information. Crocheted Socks! by Jane Rehfeldt and Mary Jane Wood does just that.

The first section of the book discusses yarn choices, tools that you will need (or . . . what I love . . . tools that are not necessary but can make your work easier or more convenient), the all-too-important sock construction (or sock anatomy, as I like to call it), a discussion on making custom-fitted socks, and a thorough explanation (complete with diagrams) of stitches.

There are 16 patterns in the book, and they range from a basic sock to dressy and/or elegant socks to just plain fun socks. There are toe-up sock patterns and top-down patterns.

But what really excites me about this book is the variety of stitches and stitch patterns that are employed. I chose the Ribbed Hiker. The leg is a stretchy ribbing created by FPdc and BPdc. But the foot is where I took total delight; the pattern calls for a split single crochet (ssc). It took some practice before I got the correct tension, but the result is fabulous. It has the look and feel of stockinette stitch.

I think this book has a place on any crocheter's shelf, whether you are a novice or experienced.

Tools of the Trade

I've really taken a shine to hooks made by G3Studios. I won my first hook as a door prize during Profesional Development Day at Chain Link in 2008. It was love at first sight (and feel.) I love the comfort grip.

I requested a size D hook for my birthday, and was surprised and pleased to find TWO hooks--a D and a J. Last week, I couldn't resist adding an F to my collection. I'm sure that it won't be the last!