A match made in Heaven

My cabaret at the Anaheim White House was this past Friday! It was a totally blast.  I'm so happy to say I found a way to combine my love of PERFORMING and my love of CROCHETING.  Check out this video to see how I Crocheted a Molly Made Dahlia while singing Twisted.  I was so lucky to have such a great band lead by the amazing Dan Barrett.

I also brought in my love of TEACHING.  I was joined by two of my students from The Music Room School of Performing Arts.  We did a little Sondheim ditty, "Everybody Says Don't."

How have you found ways to combine Crochet with other art forms?

What a great way to wake up!

This morning I woke up to find I was mentioned as a "tweep to follow" by @CrochetBlogger.

Check it out!

http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2011/02/10-crochet-tweeps-to-follow-on-twitter/

(Literally... I was still buried under the covers when I was notified of the mention through my phone)

I also realized I've been missing out on what might be the greatest crochet blog EVER!



(from StyleBistro via CrochetConcupiscence)

I've only had a few minutes to explore Kathryn Vercillo's blog, but I'm already in love.

I've learned a new word

Concupiscence - Which she defines as "An ardent usually sensuous longing"... "The Never satiated desire to draw as much of reality as possible into one's self; the unlimited striving for"... "Specifically, Concupiscence is the spontaneous movement of our sensual appetite toward what we imagine as pleasant and away from what we imagine as painful"

And

I'm so super looking forward to checking out more of her blog - look at what she covers...

"Some of the things that you will find on this crochet blog include:

• Crochet news. There is more crochet news out there in the media than you might think!
• Crochet artist profiles. Each week on this blog I’ll profile the work of an interesting, unique crochet artist.
• Crochet book reviews. And general information about what can be found in different crochet books.
• Crochet quotes. Every day on this Monday-Friday blog you’ll find a quote about crochet.
• How to crochet. Information about crochet stitches, crochet techniques and crochet tutorials.
• My crochet patterns and projects. It’s always neat to see what other crochet artists are working on, right?
• Crochet on Etsy. Each afternoon I’ll post an image of great crochet work I’m adoring on Etsy.
• Reviews of crochet events and experiences.
• Information and ideas from the wider crochet community including Etsy, Swapbot and more."

I suggest checking her out - www.crochetconcupiscence.com

I'm now off to teach these kiddos how to work with Fiber at www.suzooswoolworks.com.

I think it's gonna be a good day. 

(Fiber Fun class - we made Giraffes!)

Debut of my new display racks, and some Knotted Goodness

I can hardly believe I am actually doing THREE SHOWS this week!

The first was a private Trunk Show at a beautiful home. I had never done a show like this before. It was a total blast! Very sweet vendors, and such nice customers! I was one of the few who sold handmade goods, so I was a little nervous at first.  It was quite a success!

I always learn so much at these shows.  Last night I learned that SPINNING DISPLAY RACKS ARE GREAT!   I just purchased two styles online from this site www.storesupply.com/.  Super affordable, and easy to assemble. I got a large free standing version, and a short table version.

ONE BIT OF ADVICE - I'd definitely bring a screwdriver with you to your show if you get a display rack like this.  I thought I had secured the stands before I left my house, and somehow a few screws came loose. Go figure.  I borrowed a screwdriver from the home owner, but I should have brought my own.

DO YOU USE DISPLAY RACKS AT YOUR SHOWS? DO YOU LIKE SEEING THEM WHEN YOU SHOP?

Last night was also the debut of a new piece.  My Knotted Goodness loose circle scarves make me so happy and I was so glad to know they have the same affect on others! Wrapping up in Yummy Yarn is basically heavenly to me.  Here's a few of the pieces I sold last night.

Happy Holiday Crafting and Shopping!

FPSC - A TUTORIAL ON FRONT POST SINGLE CROCHET STITCHES

 I've been working on a pattern for my Dahlia-lightful design for quite sometime now.  It uses a type of stitch that I haven't seen explained anywhere. As I mulled it over, I redesigned the flower a bit, and came up with this sweet little headband/lariat and this vintage inspired fascinator.   I am now ready to publish patterns for both designs. Yahoo! (find the pattern here!)

    In both patterns I use a stitch I would call a Front Post Single Crochet (fpsc) stitch.  It is similar to the more commonly used Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) stitch.  As I explored this stitch, I was amazed by how infrequently it seems to be used. While fpdc was one of the first "different" stitches I learned (I was quite obsessed with giant fpdc afghans about 10 years ago), I'm currently excited about the possibilities of the fpsc.   

    It creates another level of crochetable stitches that are sturdy and lie flush up against the horizontal fabric with out the space created by a fpdc.  So... here's a little tutorial I put together on a stitch I've been using for quite sometime, that I think can open new possibilities for a new direction in crochet. 


    So get out your hook at try adding a fpsc into your day! : )  


Here's my definition of a FPSC - 


Front post single crochet (fpsc) – Keep hook in front of piece, insert hook from right to left around post of indicated stitch (figure 1), YO (figure 2) and draw up a loop(figures 3 and 4), YO (figure 5) and draw through both loops on hook (figure 6).

   

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

TA DA!!!

Here's a few other pictures that might be helpful as you complete a row of fpsc stitches.

Starting the second stitch in the row.

5 completed fpsc stitches

Starting the last stitch in the row.

This is a dc being worked into the previous fpsc.  Because fpsc's are shorter than fpdc it could be tempting to go into the st from 2 rows before (where my thumbnail is).  Make sure you go into the stitch that looks like it is in the back.  

See how the fpsc rows add a flat vertical playing field. You can now start crocheting a whole new piece of fabric right to these fpsc stitches. 

 These stitches were worked into the previous row of dc stitches.

In the middle, I alternated a row of fpsc with a row of dc. 

Again the fpsc rows add a flat vertical playing field. 

 These stitches were worked into the previous row of sc stitches. 

This swatch is made with 3 rows of sc, 6 rows of alternating sc and fpsc followed by 3 rows of sc. 

***This is my first tutorial and it is dedicated to Ash who didn't know how to do a fpsc. I think there are a lot of people out there who don't know how to make a fpsc. I hope this helps.

(Inter) NATIONAL CROCHET MONTH

Happy Crochet Month!

      In honor of my favorite yarny art form.  I've decided to take on an idea inspired by Robin at CrochetByFaye.  She suggested adopting a fellow crochet designer. You can read more about her idea here... try it!

       I am really bad at following patterns. I mean, I know how to follow patterns. But, I just don't take the time to sit down and stick to it!  So... I'm setting a goal.  I've picked two hats, that I am going to sit down and make by the end of the month.  I'll be posting pics once they are finished.

        I bought both hats on Etsy and you can too!  The first is a popular pattern written by Eileen Tepper.  I've seen loads of these hats and they are always a fantastic hit. You can find this pattern and other goodies she's created in her etsy shop.  www.TepperWear.etsy.com

The second is a hat by Jocelyn Sass from CuteCrochet.  I really love creating chunky messy flowers so I'm interested to see how she works hers up.  You can find other patterns in her etsy shop www.TooCuteCrochet.etsy.com.

Adopt your own Crochet designer this month! : )

       Happy Hooking!

I tried...

I really did. I said, "Winter!  I am going to crochet you away!  Snow! Begone!"


           But, it didn't work.

                          The snow continued to fall.


                                          Yes, I know! I know! It's pretty.  But it's also TOO DARN COLD!

Can you tell I'm over it?


     There is one thing that will cheer up the face of a cold girl...

    

A NEW SKOODIE! 

This pic was taken backstage in our greenroom and it's a little silly - but you get the idea. I really love that I am sitting next to a pile of toilet paper!  (ooops) This new piece this made with 2 different types of yarn and it is so squishy!  I don't want to give it up!  It's a custom order bday gift.  I hope she loves it as much as I do!

As soon as I took my Skoodie's off of my etsy site - custom orders started rolling in.  So I gave in. Skoodie's are again available here in my shop.  You can't fool mother nature.  It's a cold one out there and we still need help staying warm for at least another month or so.

Springy

I officially just shipped 3 giant boxes full of yarn and chunky knitwear to California.  Once this show closes we are headed to NYC, packing up our apartment and MOVING TO CALI!  We'll still be back in NYC often, so don't you worry.

In an effort to make the transition as smooth as possible... I've decided to slowly clear my chunky winter items from the Molly Made shelves. I'll be replacing the skoodies and neckwarmers with light springy pieces of wooly wonderment.

Keep an eye out for Felted Flowers, Ladybugs, and Cherries  like these from last year...

And... Look for my new crocheted Lariat Headband/Necklaces - they are already a hot item in my etsy shop!

BRING ON THE SPRING!

Happy Lovey Dovey Day!

First of all. I'm the luckiest girl in the world! I'm marrying the funniest, most caring person on the planet.  

We are getting married June 19th!  I'm so excited about the party we are planning.  In honor of Chuchie Wuchie Face day. Here's a few of our ideas.

We are working with a really great team at Stephanie Grace Design It's been tricky since we are working in Wisconsin right now and will be heading back to NYC in March. Parnell and Stephanie have been super helpful. If you are in Santa Monica, check out their new shop.

We new right away we wanted a "Rob and Laura Petrie Wedding." If you've never seen the Dick Van Dyke show.  You can catch episodes on Hulu. It is the BEST sitcom.

We were torn between a NYC wedding and California wedding. We've decided to go head and do both! (kinda) We'll have a ceremony with family and a few friends in Cali and then, a reception at a bar in NYC. For now, we're focusing on the California part. We've picked the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood as our venue. It's historic and beautiful.  The clientele might be a little too "hollywood" for us. But, we're packing the place with our loved ones, so it'll be just right.  The first Oscars were held here, and the decor is all original. Pretty. Dang. Cool.

This vintage light fixture is my favorite piece in the hotel. I WANT IT!

This is the lobby where we'll say the big I DO!

We are going to use Vintage Suitcases instead of a guestbook! Guests can fill out these Travel Stickers I found at 

www.saveoncrafts.com

I will be crocheting little flowers that will be sprinkled thru out my bouquet of red Dahlias and Roses. I have not decided on a yarn or pattern yet - but here's a few ideas. Eventually I will use real pearls. 

We had our Save The Dates designed by my favorite Etsy seller, Kate Gabrielle at www.flapperdoodle.etsy.com 

We then printed right on to the back of the cards ourselves. (JD actually did this all on his own... YAY for him) It took us a little time to get it all lined up perfectly, but it was fairly easy and turned out just like we wanted. I found little embellishments at Target (which totally surprised me) and they added such a nice touch. 

Kate also surprised me with "Will you be my Bridesmaid?" cards. They are now for sale in the stationary section of her site. Love them!

Once we were ready to ship we had our own stamps made at www.pictureitpostage.com  It was super easy and they arrived in a few days. I'm aware that having stamps made of yourself is super dorky, so we chose this great dorky pic from a photo booth.  When our Save the Dates arrived our loved ones instantly knew they were from us. : )  We still have a few more to send, and hopefully that will happen soon. 

The last litle bit to share is our officiant.  After some major hemming and hawing (and a little freaking out on my part) we came up with the PERFECT officiant!

While on tour with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang I was luck enough to be partnered up with the beautiful, talented, loving, honest, ridiculously funny Tim Hughes. JD and I ended up sharing housing with TIm in Orlando and Orange County.  Tim was always so supportive and excited about each and every wedding discussion we had. We know Tim understands and believes what we believe and stand for, and we know there is no one more perfect to help us make this commitment to each other. We asked Tim in a sneaky way while playing a game called "mail man" and we are so happy he has agreed! 

He went to http://www.firstnationministry.com/request.shtml and is now legally able to perform the ceremony! 

I can't wait to someday help Tim plan his own wedding.

Sooooo this is what we are working on. There's more to share, wedding party, an 8 year old singing superstar, flowers etc... but I think we are off to a pretty good start! 

Way to Go 2010!

So, the year has just started and already, 2 wildly different kick butt pieces of news to share.

First - I'm lucky enough to say I have some seriously talented, hard working friends. On the 28th of December at 2pm a cast of 9 singers, 8 band members, a director, stage manager, costume designer, sound designer and a 3 person crew got together to put on a show at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI. The show was conceived by our Director, Ed Flesch, who was also a member of the cast. This would usually seem like a normal task for all of us but here's the kicker... the show went up on New Years Eve. That's 2.5 days to put on a full 2 Act 2.5 hour show in a 700 seat theatre.

I don't know how - but we did it! And... it was actually pretty fantastic. Only a few little word flubs here and there, but I can say without a doubt both of our full houses had a great time, and so did we. Here's a few pics from the crazy day.

Here's few members of the cast right before the show.

I sang Goldfinger and got to wear some AMAZING shoes.

My fiance John Dominguez who also played bass in the show!

And - my second bit of news...

So - I wake up this morning, clearly EXHAUSTED. We get ready and head to spend a nice day off with JD's family. On the way to their house we stop to look for a book for his mom. She's also an avid knitter and has been wanted to knit a top down raglan sweater for his dad. I found a book that looked just right called Knit on Down. It has several patterns that are mostly seamless and mostly knit from the top down. Done and done. As we head to the register, I tell JD I want to stop by the magazine section.

SIDE NOTE - A few weeks ago, after announcing to my Molly Made Facebook group that my Doggie Shrug pattern is now available at www.redheart.com, Drew Emborsky (aka The Crochet Dude) mentioned there was a Doggie Shrug used as a full page add in the Jan/Feb issue of Crochet Today. I honestly thought he was mistaken. I was a little sad and thought someone else must have written a Doggie Shrug pattern. I often buy this crocheting magazine, but I don't subscribe because I spend so much time on the road doing shows. It's hard to have magazines forwarded all over the country. I've looked for it in several shops, but had yet to find the Jan/Feb edition.

So, we stopped by the craft/hobbie magazine section of this Barnes and Noble in Milwaukee. I gave JD one copy and I took one copy. I started slowly page by page, he quickly leafed through and... BAM! There's a giant pic of my Doggie Shrug on the inside of the back cover! I seriously freaked out!! I screamed and jumped up and down. I have got to be the biggest dork in the world!

It's an add for Red Heart Yarn which is a great tried and true brand you can get mostly anywhere. My name isn't even listed by the picture - but I could care less! I'm seriously so honored and excited to see that they are using something I created. I also have a pattern for Flower Petal Leg Warmers available on their website and I have a secret pattern coming out on another website... so I know this is just the beginning. I do wonder if, some day, seeing my piece in a mag will be old hat, but I will never forget how unbelievably excited I was to see my first piece in print. Knowing it is in book stores and yarn shops all over the country, sends me over the moon.

I had JD take some pictures of me with the magazine before I bought a few copies. I do think it is really hilarious to compare the pic of me in my Goldfinger costume to the pic of me in my tragic day after the show get up. (I love this giant knit Anthropologie sweater.) Oh the "glamorous" life of an actress with an addiction to yarn.

I can't believe it took so long to find! Maybe I was meant to find it today as a way to kick off the new year.