Crochet on The X-Files

It seriously amazes me how many shows have crochet on them. Even The X-Files, a scaryish show about supernatural and science fiction events, has a spot of crochet represented.

Sigh, oh Mulder, you sexy beast. I'll comfort you... *cough* Anyway, I've been marathoning this show while I do some designing and I was happy to spot the above shawl. Once you start looking for crochet, it truly is everywhere!

Finished Knit Willow Cowl

I recently finished the Willow Cowl by Amelia Lyon. Many of the wonderful women in my Sunday stitching group have worked on it at one point or another. Others' versions were so pretty and fun that I decided to tackle it myself. Honestly, this is the first knit item that I have made that makes me feel like a knitter. If I remember correctly, it is my sixth project. I learned some new skills, got frustrated at times, but also triumphed.

My version of the cowl is altered. It seems that I just can't keep myself from making each project personal and changing it a little. I didn't do any of the decreases that the original pattern called for, making my cowl bunchy, squishy, and more open than the designer's. I also did fewer repeats. The reason I made these changes is that I have a weird thing about accessories being too close to my neck, and the original version pretty much hugs the wearer's neck. In fact, I often take my necklaces off halfway through the day, even if they are down past my collarbone! A necklace extender may be in order...

The beautiful yarn was given to me by my friend, Toni. It's Blue Moon Fibers Sox that Rock. This pattern is really good for a single skein of multicolored yarn, as a glance through the project pages will attest.

All in all I am quite pleased. However... I think it's time to go back to crochet for a while! My hands miss it.

Patterns in the Works

It's been a while since I have released a new pattern. However, things are finally underway! I feel my creativity bounding back after a few months of stress, sadness, and self-preservation. I have finished the cowl pattern that I started a long while ago, and now it is in testing. Thank you, testers!

Since it is a very chunky cowl pattern, I am thinking of waiting until fall to release it. It's really difficult to do that since I am so excited about it! What do you think, should I wait or should I be slightly silly and release a cowl pattern in June? It's cold somewhere in the world, right?

The other fun projects that I've got underway are matching crochet and knitting patterns. I hope to have these to testing in the next two weeks. See, now that I've said it out loud, it has to come true!

What's on your hooks and needles? Have you been feeling productive?

Review: Tatamy Yarn from Kraemer

Today I'll be reviewing Kraemer's Tatamy yarn in DK, DK tweed, and worsted tweed. Disclaimer: I received this complimentary yarn in exchange for a review. I am not being paid to write this review and everything shared here is my real opinion.

Cotton is a very versatile, strong, and breathable fiber. However, cotton can be a bit hard on your hands as you work with it. Kraemer has blended cotton with acrylic in their Tatamy yarn line. The result is a yarn that has many of the qualities of cotton, but is softer and more pleasant to work with.

I am happy to report that testing this yarn has helped to pull me out of my designing slump. Not only do I have an awesome crochet pattern in the works, but I am also writing my very first knitting pattern with Tatamy! Be looking for a sneak peek soon, following by pattern announcements when they are complete and back from testing. I'm grateful to Kraemer for producing yarns that have inspired me to design.

Guess What I Just Did... Yarn Chicken Badge

... I just won a game of yarn chicken! My friend Sooz recently won one as well. Have you won a round of this dangerous game? Here's a badge for you to share!

Review: Rosemary Bag by della Q

Today I'll be reviewing della Q's Rosemary bag. Disclaimer: I received this complimentary bag in exchange for a review. I am not being paid to write this review and everything shared here is my real opinion.

 della Q makes adorable cases and project bags for knitters and crocheters. You can learn much more about the business by following the link to Della's website. In fact, della Q is located right here in Seattle where I live! I have heard a bit about these bags from local friends, but I hadn't really had the chance to try one out until now. It is super cute! I love the colors, and though it was really hard to decide between them, I chose purple. How could I not?!

I love that the bag has a sheen to it. It's small and easy to carry, yet it still fits a surprising amount of stuff. The bottom of the bag is fuller and rounds out, while the top of the bag is slightly more narrow. This keeps everything inside the bag from falling out or moving around too much.

 This bag could be used as a stay at home project bag or as a portable one. The front pocket would be great for notions, but I think I'm going to use it to carry my keys, cards, and phone when I tote my projects around to coffee shops!

I would not hesitate to recommend this bag. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review it, Della!

3rd Birthday Yarn Giveaway Winner

The giveaway is detailed here.

Without further ado:

If your Ravelry name is Lifesapeach, please contact me via illuminatecrochet@gmail.com to claim your skein.

Everyone else, thanks for participating! Stay tuned for more giveaways coming soon. Happy Hooking!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Illuminate Crochet! Yarn Giveaway

I started blogging and designing in May of 2013, which makes this month Illuminate Crochet's 3rd Birthday.

To celebrate this special month, I am giving away a skein of Schachenmayr Yarns Tahiti. In fact, it is the exact same yarn I used for my free Chasing Triangles Filet Scarf pattern. Your scarf could look exactly like mine!

 
Would you like to win this sweet little skein? Simply favorite or queue the Chasing Triangles Filet scarf on Ravelry sometime between now and 11:59pm on Monday, May 9th. You can follow the link posted above. I will randomly choose and then declare the winner on Tuesday the 10th. Good luck!

Nitty Gritty Men's Beanie Crochet Pattern

I just released a new pattern, the Nitty Gritty Men's Beanie. It's a sweet little pattern that I wrote a while back. Thanks to Alex for being the model. The pattern is available for $2 on Ravelry and Craftsy.

Perfect, simple, classic. The Nitty Gritty Beanie combines the grit stitch with single crochet to make a classic men’s beanie with a touch of texture. It’s the perfect project for the no-fuss guy that you’re dying to crochet for.