Complements Collection!

Ya'll, Kristin Omdahl has released yet more beautiful patterns. (I know, not at all surprising!) I have had the pleasure to hang out with Kristin on several occasions and I am glad to call her a friend. She is as wonderful a person as you could imagine. It is such fun to be a part of the introduction of new patterns for my designer friends. I truly love my job! Okay, on with it, then

Complements Collection is a fabulous booklet of 12 patterns in both knit and crochet. Yes! BOTH!! How exciting is that for the bi-crafty (like me!!)?! Shawls, cowls, sweet little scarves, hats and mitts.
Truly, a great collection of the fun accessories we all love to make so much.
All of the pieces are practical and wearable, which I love!

My favorite pieces are the Protea Textured Crochet Hat & Keyhole Scarf

See! Totally cute, right!?

and the Lily of the Incas Knit Ribbed Shawlette
So very pretty and elegant, yet would look fabulous over a tank with jeans!

Of course, when you're working Bijou Basin Yarns, you're guaranteed gorgeous!

And yes!, of course I get to give away a digital copy :)

Simply leave a comment and a winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday the 30th.

If you simply can't wait until then (& I totally don't blame you), pop on over HERE and pick up a copy of Complements, really, you'll be glad you did!

Chainlink 2010

Ohmagosh, this is shameful. I really haven't posted in HOW long?

Here is a post that has been hanging out as a "draft"- shameful.

Where to even begin!?

Honestly, I just don't even know. What an absolutely amazing time!

It all began when I met Karen Ratto-Whooley at the airport in Baltimore, MD.

I'm certain I looked like a total stalker, 'cuz I kept looking at her across the gate area thinking, "that's Karen Whooley! I know it.." I was, of course, way too chicken to approach her, until she pulled out her yarn! That was the only invitation I needed :)

She was so wonderful. I sat next to her on the plane and we crocheted & chatted. Then she waited at the airport with me while I filled out all the paperwork that had to be done because my luggage did not come in on the plane with me. Yes, seriously. Luckily, my hubby (the seasoned traveler) told me to pack tomorrow's clothes in my carry-on.

At the hotel, Karen introduced me to many of her fiber friends.. and then, we met Robyn Chachula. Yes. Yes I did. (Didn't get a picture, I was a little awe-struck)

And Kristin Omdahl, I know, pinch me, right!?

Now, at my computer, I'm trying to remember who all was at the table I got to meet the first night. I should have kept a journal. It's all kinda run together into one gigantic, fabulous memory of friends & fits of laughter.

Professional Development Day was fabulous. I sat at a table with Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby, Tracie Barrett, Andee Graves (Mamas2Hands), Ellen Gormley, Kristin Omdahl... I know, I've just started name-dropping now.

And this is where I stopped when originally writing this. Why? Who knows. Maybe one of the kidlets needed me, or a dog, or a cat.... for those who know me, you know there are many many things that could have pulled me away.

Instead of blathering on about the whole thing, I will leave you with pictures and the knowledge that ChainLink is fabulous. If you're considering going, do it. DO IT!

www.Crochet.org

Stop, right now & go make your reservations.

Wait. Look at my fun pics, THEN go make your reservations.

Oh, word of advice, don't be all shy about getting out your camera the way I was... I should have had SO many more pictures!

the good thing about acrylic

i know there are many many knitters & crocheters out there that will have nothing to do with acrylic yarns. i'm not one of them. it definitely has it's place. yes, i prefer to work with natural fibers usually, but not necessarily exclusively.

so what brought these thoughts to mind?

this:



a perfectly wonderful 100% acrylic afghan. my nannie made it for me when i was probably somewhere near 10 years old. that's 20-something years ago, folks. it's in great condition! it hasn't shrunk or stretched or faded in any way. maybe this blanket is in such good shape because it's acrylic. or maybe this blanket is in such good shape because it's never been stored and left to gather dust or rot away in a box somewhere. i put it on my bed as a child and it stayed there until i married & left my parent's house.

then it became my 'couch' blankie. always there to be cuddled in with my new hubby on movie nights.

then came our oldest son. my blanket soon made it's way to his toddler bed. where it stayed for years, folded in half to fit the small mattress.

today, when i pulled my favorite blue blanket out of the dryer and saw where it has a small hole... i was so sad. and then, oddly, happy.

as a crocheter, i'll be able to mend the rips & tears. adding my love in stitches, the way my nannie did so long ago. i imagine the hours of double crochets passed in her rose colored recliner while watching the price is right, wheel of fortune & hee haw.

no difficult care. just throw it in the washer & dryer. i've never had to worry or stress about my children using it. frankly, i love it more because it is acrylic.

so where is the blanket now? on my youngest son's bed, warming him every night.