I don't have a whole bunch of exciting news to report except that my dear crochet friends are going to be blissfully happy pretty soon. My fingers have been terribly itchy and I haven't had much editing work to do this week, so I pulled out the crochet notebooks and roughed out a few ideas.
Specifically, I worked on a motif-based group of patterns I began about a year ago that I never fully completed. THAT design group was intended to be my first crochet book, but I didn't get it done because I pushed it aside "for a bit" to work on the Kindle All-Stars project. When it came time to pull together designs for the first book, in the interest of getting my end done quickly, I chose patterns that were complete.
I guarantee this group is worth the wait. It's adorable, if I do say so myself. It's also incredibly versatile, which is why the design process is taking me so long. Making samples can be ridiculously tedious and take quite a bit of time. There's also the problem of I keep adding to the idea file for it. Go figure. Once I start designing, my imagination goes a little bonkers.
The other group of patterns I've been working on is super secret. What I will tell you is that it's for the blog. You all know what that means. Yep. Free with a capital FREE. I've roughed out no fewer than four new patterns and I'm developing a couple more.
So here's where I need your help. In keeping with the Christmas in July tradition, I plan to publish a new free pattern on July 25th. Would you all rather see a beanie, a scarf, or mittens? OR would you be happy with a pattern of my choosing? Leave me a comment to let me know because I've got to get the sample done and photographed so I can post it for you.
By the way, if you aren't already aware, my first real, honest to goodness, crochet book Quick Crochet for Kitchen and Bath (Volume 1) is currently available in print from Amazon. The link is near the top left of this page.
The Kindle edition is still in the hands of a professional e-book formatter. (There was no way in the world I was going to tackle formatting an edition that included so many photos without professional help.) I'm hoping it will be done soon, but in this crazy world, who knows what could happen?
Happy Crocheting!
I just found your website after doing a search for crocheted dish towels and your Big Girl Dish Towel pattern popped up. I am making it right now, and I have to say that the idea of different motifs so you can have a different towel for every holiday or season is pretty fantastic. I will say that you shouldn't overwork yourself by making a towel for every motif. A few sample towels and then a collection of motifs is all that's really needed. Thank you so much for your wonderful pattern.
ReplyDeleteThere is a method to the madness. I do way more than towels but I appreciate your suggestion. :)
ReplyDeleteYay!!!!! I am excited. I vote for mittens. I have never crocheted mittens, so I'm up for a challenge! :)
ReplyDeleteMittens are almost as easy as hats. You can do it, Meg. I know you can! The trick is getting them both the same size.
DeletePS. Love the new look of the blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Once I get my butt in gear, I will get a new banner on the Etsy shop and have matching promo materials too (business cards, etc.).
DeleteFYI: I just got a twitter vote for the beanie. I'm dropping it here so I don't forget.
ReplyDeleteBeanie! Currently making chemo caps for teens at the pediatric oncology center where my son is being treated, would love a fresh new pattern! So excited about your book! I already have the "whole shebang" can I expect different patterns?
ReplyDeleteHey Jessica! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I made certain that the patterns in the book were patterns NOT in the Whole Shebang.
DeleteIncidentally, I'm donating my hat patterns to the teal hat project which is an organization that makes hats available for cancer patients and cancer walks. Email me at biggirljewelry [at] yahoo [dot] com and I will send you one of each pattern (there are two you'll find in my Etsy shop) at no charge. The only stipulation is that you must promise to make two of each pattern for the oncology center you're already sponsoring or for the Teal Hat Project. If you'd rather have only one, just specify which one in the email.