Science Fiction Crochet

My Radiant Necklace and Topography Hat are included in the new collection 
Stitch Seekers Edition Two: Futurenauts versus Retrobots by Stitch Seekers from New Zealand
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/stitch-seekers-edition-two .

I've been a science fiction fan since before I was born. I read Animal Farm in the 4th grade, 1984 in the 5th grade and Brave New World in the 6th grade, when I wrote my first science fiction poem. About the same time I learned to crochet, I was given a subscription to Analog, edited by the sf great John Campbell. So I've been reading scifi just a couple years longer than I've had a hook in my hand, about half a century.

Happy National Crochet Month 2014!

My month started off with fanfare as I won Elann.com's monthly drawing! As a designer with limited funds, the gift of yarn is a great gift.  Thanks Elann, your Peruvian Highland Wool was among the first yarns I designed in and with – the extensive palette and great price made it my go-to yarn.   This line is being retired, but I hope it will return.

Party on Ravelry

For the past several ears, I’ve participated in the Party for National Crochet Month on Ravelry, mainly by joining the FreeForm Crochet-Along, as both participant and designer for a day.  I’ve learned so much over the years from this.  The sharing and camaraderie are amazing.  It’s a joy to have an international brain trust of knowing hands whose efforts, exchanges, and endeavors inspire.

http://www.ravelry.com/groups/party-for-ravelrys-international-crochet-month

Charity of the Month

Crocheting for charity helped me when I was in rehab. Being able to create for others, was affirming and  stimulating, Crochetville has selected Halos of Hope as the feature charity for this month.

Halos of Hope is  a 501c3 not-for-profit organization committed to providing volunteer-crafted hats to cancer centers across the country. They prefer soft, seamless washable, headwear. http://halosofhope.org/guidelines

Mailing Address:  Halos of Hope, 20987 N. John Wayne Pkwy, #B104-432, Maricopa, AZ 85139  or you could find a local center through this link:

http://halosofhope.org/how_to_donate/ .

Blog Tour

My post today, is part of Crochetville's 2014 Blog Tour for National Crochet Month. Crochetville’s blog tour will feature about two designers each day of the month. All designers participating in the blog tour are professional or associate members of the Crochet Guild of America. For more information: http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-2014-designer-blog-tour/

New Leaf Collection

My new leaf collection is 30% off for National Crochet Month. I love flowers and leaves as motifs, applique’s embellishments, but particularly for use in creating freeform fabric.  This is my second collection of leaf patterns and includes: Big Little Leaf, Circle Leaf, Embossed Leaf, Flame Leaf, Floral Leaf , Fruit Leaf, Heart Leaves, Houseplant Leaf, and Medium Leaf.  To get the discount, use the code NatCroMo or this link: ravelry.com/redeem/akuadesigns-2?code=NatCroMo

Free Patterns

I created  a number of patterns for National Crochet Month.  Each of these will be free for seven days beginning with Five Year Flower, so stop by next week for  the link and code for the other patterns.

Five Year Flower is inspired by Irish Crochet. It’s named for my personal numerological year and  petals – both of which are five, the number of change. To get it free, use the code FREE or this link http://www.ravelry.com/redeem/akuadesigns-2?code=FREE

Crochet Book

One of my several projects for this month is a crocheted book of poems on crochet.
Most of these have been published singly, but not collected.  Next month is
National Poetry Month and it seems a good way to connect the dots, to connect my passion for creating with words and with fiber.

The Stitching Challenge

The Stitching Challenge-A different kind of CAL/KAL “Create Your Own Motif” guidelines said in part:
1) Measure out 30 yards/27.5 meters of the yarn of your choice.
2) Use your knowledge of increases, decreases, stitch variations, short rows, long rows, and all the stitches and motifs you care to include, and make your own motif.
3) You may work in any direction you choose -- in the round, linearly, standing on your head...

My first effort didn't quite finish within the parameters:
Improv A Long Motif

5.0 mm (H) used about 30 yds of Red Heart SS in Ocean.Ocean

My next and favorite is the Pockets and Pillows Motif used dk Knit picks Merino Style and a F hook/3.75mm

 My third, Swirled Square used 3.75mm/F and Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Cloud




My fourth one, Caribbean Window, used a G/4mm and Knit Picks Swish Worsted






 

 This was great design calisthenics!