Feeling the Felt

I've had several interesting experiences with felt this month. I'll post more throughout the week. For now, here's a few pics from an amazing exhibit called Fashioning Felt at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, in NYC.

The exhibit closes September 7th. If you love fiber, I'm telling you, GO!

Crochet Guild of America

I recently joined the Crochet Guild of America. What a great decision! I went to their conference in Buffalo and had a fantastic time. My head is spinning with loads of information. I attended the Professional Development day, took 4 classes, and met several professional crochet designers and teachers.

Here's a few highlights from the week...

JD came with me to help with the drive and to keep me company when the classes were not in session. But, while I was at the conference, I was on my own. I had made a few connections through Ravelry, and Twitter, but I was still pretty nervous. One of the main connections I had made was with a woman named Jocelyn Sass. (she is known as CuteCrochet on Twitter) She has been a super cheerleader via twitter, but I had no idea she would turn out to be such a Crochet Angel! Jocelyn took such great care of me and explained any goofy question I had with such kindness and intelligence, introduced me to several lovely people (including Wendy Cozby who is with us in this pic) and helped me connect with many designers and editors.Her help on the design front helped me to SELL several pattern designs to two different companies! I'll have more news on that once things are official.

The first and last classes I took were with Edie Eckman. First I attended her

hour long talk about Designing for Publication during Professional Development Day, and I also took her class called "Unlearn to Knit." I highly recommend both classes. Submitting for publication is definitely a different beast than submitting for an audition. And, after taking her Knitting class, I really feel like I am in control of my stitches. I can actually tell what I am creating with the yarn and the needles, rather than just doing what someone else told me to do. In this picture, Edie is holding one of her books called, The Crochet Answer Book. A book I happen to love and had with me on the road for all 9 months of the Chitty tour. Pretty cool : )

This next picture is with Myra Wood. I sat in on her seminar on Self Publication at Professional Development Day and, took her class on Free Form Crocheted Lace. The info she had to Share about Self Publication was so empowering. I have lists of websites and computer

programs to go through. I have had book ideas in the past, and knowing I can easily publish my ideas myself makes the idea of publishing more of a reality. On Friday I took her class on Free Form Crocheted Lace. Boy, oh boy, was this the class for me. For a long time, I've known that my love for crochet is found in the freedom of knowing I don't really need to follow a pattern. I can follow patterns, but I much prefer to make things up as I work through the piece. This class was like a key to the world of crochet I'd been looking for. My first few pieces were a little funky, but I can see how easy and liberating this style of crochet can be. I also learned that Myra lives in Southern California. If my crazy dream of opening my own shop in So. Cal. becomes a reality, I am so happy to have her as a connection. I can't wait to set up Myra Wood knitting and crocheting workshops in my own shop.

And, here we have... The Crochet Dude! Drew Emborksky (The Crochet Dude) was the MC for the Professional Development Day. He also set up a warm welcome meeting for new members of the guild. Drew and I actually have a funny history. I follow him on Twitter, and while I was in Houston with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, he tweeted about coming to see the show! I wrote him back and said, "No way! I'm in the show!" We talked a bit about the show and that was that. Then, at the annual CGOA meeting, I won a raffle prize. I went up to get my prize, and in true goofy Mahoney fashion, I decided to give a good ol' showgirl kick to the face. Clearly this was out of the ordinary in the world of Crochet. I had not yet introduced myself to Drew, but saw him almost die laughing. I had not planned on pulling out a high kick, but it proved to be the perfect reason to introduce myself and remind him that I was in the cast of Chitty. Drew was super supportive and gave me some great tips about the "designer meet and greet" that I attended on the Saturday morning. If our shop plans come to fruition, I'll definitely be asking Drew to come to Cali as well.

These are just a few of the talented people I met at the convention. Now that I'm home I feel like I'll never have time to actually put into action all that I learned. But, shoot, I'm gonna try. I'll end this post with a few links that I picked up this weekend. I can't wait till the next CGOA week. I feel like I fell in a rabbit hole that took me to a Wonderland of Yarny Goodness. The world is curiouser and curiouser, and boy is it grand.

Jingebrewear

First of all... Jingebre means Ginger in Spanish and I LOVE GINGER. But more importantly... Sheldon, a new up and coming designer, is so super cool and has great ideas. He also was a dancer like me! We had loads in common and I look forward to catching up with him in Chicago sometime soon.

Kim Kotary

I met Kim during professional development day. She lives in Queens! She has some great designs and had great tips on setting up a new web site.

www.crochetingwithdee.com

I also met Dee during professional development day. Then, I took a class called "Crochet Your Knit." I learned many new techniques including the Tunisian Knit Stitch. Super cool! Check out her site, lots of info!

Doris Chan

I have been following Doris Chan's blog for a while now, but I'm even more excited about it after meeting her in person! During the welcome meeting for new CGOA members I couldn't take my eye's off of her lacy skirt. It had such a youthful bounce. I loved chatting with her and I'm currently obsessed with her Avalon Top which can be found at...

www.NaturallyCaron.com

This website is updated frequently with a free pattern and an audio fashion show! I had a great meeting with Cari Clement from Caron yarns. She knows her stuff, and gets the type of young, funky designs I love. I also really appreciate their work with Rwanda Knits. I've used Caron Simply Soft for Skoodies in the past. It makes for a lovely supple cuddly light weight Skoodie. It is so great to know a face behind their designs and yarns.

www.RedHeart.com

I also met with Bobbie Matela of Coats and Clark. They make Red Heart yarn which will always have a special place in my heart. It's the yarn I first learned to crochet and knit with and I think their website puts it perfectly... "yarn and designs for real life." You can find Coats and Clarks products everywhere and you can always count on them for sturdy "real life" projects. In fact, I think the first scarf I ever sold was made with red Light and Lofty. Bobbie was the first person I met with at the designer meet and greet and she was super informative and so encouraging.

www.jellyyarns.com

It's a little kooky, but looks great for kids. I bought some to give to my 10 year old friend Aly. And... I bought the gold sparkly skein for me. I'll post pics if I come up with something cool. And... their reps were pretty great.

Happy Sheep

Ok - I really need to be posting about the CGOA Chain Link Knit and Crochet Show... but this comes first.

  My Secret Pal sent me the happiest gift!  2 candles (citrus and lavender which I love) and this!!!

   I had a hard time getting a pic of this needle felted sheep kit... but look what I made... so cute!

   His heads a little bigger than they suggested, and I did the legs differently, but I love him! If I ever have my own shop he will be such a happy addition to our checkout desk!  But, for now, he'll just be making me happy in my little NYC apartment.

     

One Happy Secret Pal

So... I've been doing a 3 month knitting/crocheting gift exchange.  I've had a great time.  My first package arrived a few days ago.  She sent me some beautiful brown yarn, which I LOVE!  I've worked with bamboo and wool before, but never with a bamboo wool blend.  She also sent some wool friendly soap which (I hate to admit) I've never used. But, I'm sure once I start, I will be hooked.   She suggested a cowl or hat with this yarn and I definitely think I'll embark on a detailed knit cowl.   I have a few projects to finish first, but I'll be sure to post pics when I put it on my needles.

Kids Krochet

As you'd imagine, there are kids that travel with us on the Chitty tour.  One of the girls, Aly Brier, has been interested in crocheting since day one.  I love kids, and I have worked with a few that I still keep in touch with. Aly will definitely be on the top of that list.  AND... as of last Saturday, she officially Crochets!

   Her birthday is coming up, so I decided I wanted to take her out on a special Birthday date, and finally teach her to crochet.  We had so much fun, and she seriously has a knack for working with yarn. She picked it up so well and really seemed to love it.  We already have a date planned to go to a shop in NYC so she can get yarn to make an AFGAN as a gift for a family member. How great is that?  

   Here are a few pics from our date at Johnny Rockets in Denver.

Watch her go!  I also love that her hair is in braids so it can go under her wig.

She had never had a ROOT BEER FLOAT!  She loved it : )

Great day!

WOW WEDDING

I am so far behind on my blog! BUT, it's for a good cause. My sister got married on Saturday!  It was perfect!  They are now spending their Honeymoon in Yosemite. Yay for true love!  

I've joined a really great knitting/crocheting gift exchange called Secret Pal.  Here are the rules.

As of now - we have to answer and post this questionnaire.

Super fun.

Questionnaire for SP14

 

Here is the questionnaire for SP14. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages you'll want to have it posted to your blog no later than July 10th, but sooner would be better as it can be helpful to us in selecting your pals.

 

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?  

I love so many yarns. This is too hard! As for what I don’t like, I am not into yarn that is crazy furry or eyelash yarns.  This week I’ve really been enjoying Frog Tree Alpaca.  I love earthy colors.

 

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

 I have two pencil cases for small hooks and needles and a large plastic needle case for my longer needles. I keep my circulars loosely in a bag with other notions

 

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? 

I’ve been crocheting for 10 years and knitting for 1. I’d consider myself an advanced crocheter, and a good beginning knitter. I could probably do more than I give myself credit for, but I loose patience with following knitting patterns pretty quickly.  I love to create as I go.

 

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? 

No – I should look into that.

 

5. What's your favorite scent? 

I love orange and lavender candles. When I wear perfume I wear earthy herbal sents.

 

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? 

Black liquorice, and ginger. I guess I like candy with bite.

 

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? 

I don’t spin, but I’d love to learn how.  I needle felt, and have started some wet felting. I’m interested in crafts of all kinds, especially crafting that can be done on the road.

 

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) 

I have a Mac and I use Itunes. I love folky music with lyrics that really mean something. I like lyrics that make you think. David Wilcox is my all time favorite songwriter.

 

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

 I’ve been in a purpley blueish mood lately. I also love brown. I guess I tend to stay away from really bright colors.

 

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? 

No pets. I’ve recently developed a cat allergy, which makes me sad. I love all animals. I am recently engaged and (when I’m not on the road doing a musical) I live in a 400 sq foot studio in NYC with my fiancé.

 

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? 

Yes.

 

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? 

Patterns that don’t include seams or sewing : ) I also love patterns that combine knitting and crocheting

 

13. What are you knitting right now? 

I started my first Raglan sweater recently… with lace weight yarn, so it’s taking forever.  I’m also crocheting a hooded scarf  (a skoodie) for a friend. 

 

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? 

Love to!

 

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? 

My favorite are Lantern moon wooden needles.  I love circulars.

 

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No : ( I’ve almost bought one several times, but I always give in to the power of my own self winding.

 

17. How old is your oldest UFO?  

Oooooo good question. I’m sure I have some in my storage unit that are super old, but us of now this darn raglan sweater has me stumped. I think I made a mistake and I can’t find the pattern. Ugh… I started it several months ago.

 

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?  

I think New Years Eve might be my favorite holiday.  I was raised Catholic, so I celebrate Christmas, but I’ve been to a few Sedars (which are clearly not celebrated during the winter) and I really would love to continue celebrating during Passover. Such a fantastic tradition.

 

19. Is there anything that you collect? 

Vintage purses/hats clothses/earings/buttons/records/dishes   I am also addicted to Anthropologie and I’m very grateful they have a sale section.

 

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? 

Being an actor who lives on the road makes it hard to commit to a subscription. I do like to pic up mags here and there.  I have to be careful with books… they are so heavy, but I love them.

 

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? 

I’m going to the Knit and Crochet Show in Buffalo this year. I am taking 4 classes. I’ve never taken a formal class, so I’m freaked and excited.

 

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? 

I wear a 8 ½  shoe. I’ve never made socks. I tend to work with thicker yarn. I do have a pair a friend made me… I love them!

 

23. When is your birthday?

 March 9th

 

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? 

Yep - MollyMade