Giveaway: My First Book, Nature's Gifts for Baby

I am still glowing over the recent publication of my first book, Nature's Gifts for Baby. From the conception of the idea to holding the finished book in my hand, the whole process took about two years. It is fabulously rewarding to see it in print.

Today, I'd like to celebrate with you by offering up a signed copy of the book for giveaway. Hook up these seven adorable projects yourself with your very own book! I'll even write whatever you want in it :p

See below for details on entering the giveaway.

To enter the giveaway, simply complete these two steps:

1 - Share this blog post (or a picture of my book cover) on any of the following social media platforms: Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

2 - Send an email to illuminatecrochet@gmail.com with the subject line "Book Giveaway" proving that you shared it. A link to your post or a screenshot of it would both work.

And guess what? This time, multiple shares count! You can send a separate entry email for each social media platform for more chances to win. This giveaway is open in all countries.

The deadline for entries is Monday, August 22nd 2016 at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on Tuesday the 23rd. Now, get out there and share to win!

Sushi Baby Set Crochet Pattern

Those who follow me know that I like to imagine bold designs for babies. Babies are only small for a short time. Why not celebrate them (and deck them out in freakishly adorable crochet projects)? Today, I released my new and unusual pattern, the Sushi Baby Set. It is available on Ravelry and Craftsy. Yummy!

Build-A-Bed Blanket Request

Don't you just love the feeling of climbing into your own bed each night? So cozy, so warm, so comforting. Perhaps you even have a special crochet blanket on your bed that was made with love by you or someone who cares about you. Now consider this: In eastern Kentucky there are children who spend their nights without such comforts. Either they have no bed at all or they have to share a bed with other family members. Build-A-Bed, run by Morehead State University, seeks to provide needy children with beds of their very own (along with special bedtime items) so that they can get a great night's sleep. Red Heart has picked up the cause and is calling for help. To make each bed even more special and inviting they are seeking to gift a handmade blanket along with each bed. That's where we come in! Crocheters are needed to donate blankets for the beds. You can read more information about Build-A-Bed on Red Heart's blog.

Are you ready to help? Blankets must reach Red Heart by April 1st to be included.

Welcome Baby Hunter!

My good friend Angela recently gave birth to a sweet baby boy named Hunter. Congratulations to Angela and her husband on their new addition!

Although I had to miss out on her baby shower due to illness (what a bummer!), I did make Hunter a nice baby blanket. It's sweet and simple and based on my Colors! Baby Set. I just love the texture of bobbles for baby blankets.

What are some of your favorite stitches for baby blankets?

Reach Out Friday: Project Linus

The third Friday of every month is Reach Out Friday! Learn about ways that you can use crochet to help others through special charities and groups.

Overview
Today's featured charity is Project Linus. Project Linus provides security blankets to comfort children in need, often children who are struggling with illness or trauma. They have provided millions -yes millions- of blankets to deserving children. I think it's wonderful that they focus on handmade blankets. They think it's important to give these young ones blankets that have been imbued with the love and care only a handmade object can carry. The charity also accepts monetary donations. As an aside, don't you just love the use of Charles Schulz's Linus character in the logo?

Mission Statement
"First- Provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer 'blanketeers'.

Second- Provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children."

Special Considerations
Blankets donated to Project Linus can be any size from infant to teen, though they do state that 40 inches by 60 inches is the size they most frequently receive. Take care that all blankets donated are handmade and washable. Also, blankets should be free of smells, hard embellishments, and other contaminants.

Reach Out!
Ready to help by making a blanket or donation? Find the Project Linus Chapter in your area to get started.

*Please note that the Project Linus logo is the property of Project Linus.*

Pink Lemonade Baby Blanket

Us crocheters sometimes have to start projects in the off-season to get them done on time, especially large projects. Yesterday I released an exciting new pattern with that in mind. Relive memories of warm days, fun with friends and family, and cool treats as you make the Pink Lemonade Baby Blanket, my newest pattern that's available on Ravelry and Craftsy. It's perfect for any spring or summer babies you might have coming along.

That picture is pretty darn sweet, isn't it? It was actually taken by Doris Chan! Since I submitted my blanket to the CGOA Design Contest it got to have its picture taken. How special! Doris is very graciously allowing me to use the photo in whatever way I'd like.

So cute and girly! Want to make it for a boy? Simply change out the yellows for two greens and the pinks for white and light yellow and tada -- limeade! Though I love the whole blanket in all of its cuddly goodness, I have to admit that the lemon slices are my favorite part. What do you think? I can't wait to see other folks' finished objects.

Friday Focus: Susan Carlson aka Felted Button

One of the best things about yarn is that it comes in so many pretty colors. It's so delightful to softly run those colors through your fingers as you make your masterpiece. Today's featured designer, Susan Carlson, is a master of color. Her patterns capture the best face of the yarn with lovely textures. Don't take my word for it! Feast your eyes on the splendor that follows.

Who taught you to crochet? How long have you been doing it?
I was taught to crochet by my left-handed granny. Since I'm a righty, I'm still not certain how she pulled it off with a distracted and squirmy 9 year old, but I'll admit I found the process intriguing. From there I made only one thing that I can really recall...a hideously long, squeaky black scarf for my dad. See, my granny never taught me how to fasten off, so I just kept going until the entire skein was gone. That whole "not knowing when to stop" was a problem I faced in school, too, as my teachers confirmed. Indeed, I immediately got distracted--for over 30 years--with things like running hurdles, teaching high school sciences, and learning a lot about other crafty things. But then, being inspired by a number of crochet blogs, I found the hook my granny had given me and bought A LOT of yarn. Again, not knowing quite when to stop, I made the most ginormous blanket! But I was "hooked" and have been crocheting ever since! 

Why do you crochet?
I have what I call a very "noisy" brain. I crochet because it quiets the noise. And I remember as a child feeling the NEED to create something... anything. With crocheting, not only do I get a quiet mind, but also a wonderful, colorful, original handmade item to enjoy or share. Plus, do you realize how many colors of yarn there are?

Crochet Favorites
COLOR!! Anything colorful makes my wee heart sing! I love colorful yarn and my rainbow set of Clover Amour hooks! I love soft and colorful cotton, colorful feltable wool, and colorful buttons—hence Felted Button! Why designing and writing patterns? To have someone with their own hands translate and make a tangible creation from what started out as only an idea in my head, well, it’s magical!! Plus, I never have to make the same thing twice—it’s that distraction/focus issue again. 

For me, I tend to be more focused on the art of the design than the current style or trend. That’s probably why I am drawn to blankets and rugs as they are essentially a huge canvas on which to "paint" or "draw" with colorful yarn!

A few finished objects...
Like the Painted Pixels Blanket which is made with 7 colorways of a self-striping yarn. This one was taken on as a challenge to myself to see if I could make these 7 disparate balls of yarn actually look good together.

Or the Rainbow Sprinkles Blanket which came to me as I imagined little sprinkles of color falling against a neutral background gaining more color as they fell into a colorful pile of happiness!

Or the Pointillism Posie Blanket which dawned on me while reminiscing upon my sixth grade art class where we learned about pointillism. Each of the 29 colors of motifs—busted from my stash--makes a little spot of color that adds to the image of the huge flower!

Texture and color are vital elements in my designs, but never at the expense of crocheting that is not pleasurable, as I believe the fun is in the action of hook and yarn in hand, not merely the finished product. So I strive to make my patterns friendly for various skill levels with any unusual stitches and techniques shown in detail. It has to be fun to make, right?!

What are you working on right now?

I am adoring this hooky adventure I am on and hope to continue designing, crocheting, and sharing some happy colorful creations with the world. I love meeting other like-minded crocheting fools geniuses like me and am looking forward to challenging myself with new designs and colorful creations! Now if I could only get focused on just one design at a …squirrel!

Find Felted Button colorful crochet patterns on Ravelry, Craftsy and Etsy. Stay in the “Button” loop with me on Facebook, Pinterest or at Felted Button.

Just stunning, Susan! Thank you so much for joining us today.  

Nautical Baby Blanket

When I was in college I was in a sorority, Delta Gamma to be specific. Delta Gamma's symbol is the anchor, so many of my sisters got into anchors and other nautically-themed items. One of my lovely testers, Burgundy, asked me for some ideas regarding a nautical blanket pattern. As you can imagine I was totally ready to jump on board (ba dum ch). I present to you the Nautical Baby Blanket, complete with anchor!

I am really proud of this pattern for several reasons. I love the way the color waves and the texture waves interact with each other. I love that the anchor applique is a bit larger than what's currently available and is worked in one piece. Finally, I love the special technique that's used to give the border a corded look.

The Nautical Baby Blanket pattern is available on Ravelry and Craftsy. Work one up for your little sailor!

Remix Friday: Ghadah Blanket

Crocheters, really fiber lovers in general, are some thoughtful and generous folks. I have seen so many crafters go out of their way to bring something special and personal to a handmade gift. When Mana made a blanket for a special baby she didn't stop at the pattern... she took it to a new level of awesome with this creative Remix.

The Crocheter
My name is Mana (Manahil, actually), and I’m 23 year-old, from Saudi Arabia. After graduating high school back in 2007, my aunt gifted me some crochet hooks and yarn, and I didn’t know the slightest thing there is to know about crochet back then. I asked her to teach me and she showed me the basics. Then, I pretty much did the rest on my own!

The Original Pattern
Personalized Baby Afghan by Kim Guzman 

The Story

I loved the pattern from the first time I had seen it on Ravelry, and I always thought it was too special to make it for just about any baby!

In August 2011, one of my closest friends, Ghadah, passed away in a terrible car accident. It was truly a tragedy! Then two years later, her sister who’s also a friend of mine, gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl I know, and they decided to call her Ghadah after her aunt. It was the best news I heard, and right away, I knew that blanket was going to be made for her!

The Remix
I wasn’t too crazy about the heart border, so I decided to change it, but I wasn’t too sure of what else to make! I thought of afghan squares, and I had few designs in mind, but nothing really clicked, until I stumbled upon a picture of the Fantasy Blanket on Instagram, and I thought “yes, I want something like that!” also, the Mixed Stitch Stripey Blanket was another pattern I took inspiration from.

Crochet is... I can’t think of three words, I can only think of one... ART! Crochet is art, to me. ❤

What a kind and heartfelt gesture. The blanket is beautiful! Well done, Mana. You can connect with Mana as “manakhq” on Ravelry, Instagram and Pinterest. Happy Friday!

Remix Friday: Baseball Blanket

Even though there are so many clever crochet patterns available it can sometimes be hard to find a single pattern that is exactly what you're looking for. If a few of them come close enough, why not combine them to form a totally unique object? That's just what Sherie did when she made her Baseball Blanket, today's Remix Friday project. Here's her story.

The Crocheter
My name is Sherie. I learned to crochet as a girl but never really started crocheting until I retired in 2012.

The Original Pattern
Corner-to-Corner Throw by Catherine J. Watson and Bouncy Ball Baby Blanket by Debbie Smith

The Story
I have two grandchildren and made the baseball blanket for my grandson.  

The Remix
I used the Bouncy Ball pattern on Ravelry to make the squares. I initially was going to make just the squares to fit a twin bed,  but my husband thought I should make a diamond shape. So I joined the completed squares into a diamond and for the corners, used the corner to corner pattern on Ravelry to simulate grass. I joined with the ladder stitch. Since my son-in-law is a Braves fan, I decided to make the baseball squares in blue. The result was a blanket that will fit on a queen size bed!

Crochet is... so very addicting!

What a cool gift! Thank you so much for sharing your project with us today, Sherie.

Remix Friday: Noro Hexagon Blanket

The right yarn can take a project from wow to WOW! Think about it: You're spending hours on your project, you're handling the yarn the whole time, and you want your finished project to be as great as it can be. Sometimes a yarn splurge is necessary ;) Today's remix is certainly WOW. The yarn selection and sheer size of the finished object takes it beyond the pattern. It's something else entirely. Let's hear what Candice has to say about her stunning creation.

The Crocheter
My name is Candice Miller, 32 years old from Virginia, and I’m a graphic/web designer by day. I taught myself to crochet in 2011 because I wanted to make a 1-Up Mushroom from Super Mario Bros., but I really started getting into it I think to mentally compensate for my impending thyroidectomy. I got my thyroid removed because I had Graves' disease. (Long story short, I no longer have a thyroid, but I still crochet a lot)
 
My project list and stash on Ravelry are massive. This might border on OCD, but they help me finish projects! I love Ravelry.

I have 2 pugs named Lilu and Sprocket, and my husband and I live in the “country" where the little girls have plenty of room to roam.

I recently taught myself to knit (gasp) because I wanted to make the Katniss Cowl from Catching Fire. Crochet is still my favorite, though. My other hobbies include jewelry-making, sewing, leather working, and I love comic books and movies. (If I think I can make something I see, I usually go for it until I get it right)

The Original Pattern
Hexagon How-To from Attic24

The Story
I made a king-sized hexagon blanket out of Noro Kureyon and Silk Garden. And although it fits the top of our bed, it’s going to live on the back of the couch in the living room so we actually see it. (As long as the pugs don’t mess with it, we’ll see) 
I’d been inspired by this project and this project for the color changes.
And thought…what if I do something in between? And I have about 10 balls of Noro just hanging out in a box….and thus it started.

The Remix
The pattern itself is just for a hexagon, so you can do anything with it. I actually used the join-as-you-go method which supposedly makes for a stronger blanket and was also faster from what I’ve read. This method had its pro’s and con’s, for instance I was able to cluster like-colors together, but once I ran out of a color I’d have to wait until my order arrived before I could continue in that spot.

Join as you go method tutorial here.

I tried to control the color changes as best I could, it became more difficult toward the end, and I was splicing together different skeins of Noro to get the effect I wanted. (Noro just ties the yarn together sometimes! So I figured I could do the same) 

Crochet is... challenging, rewarding, beautiful.

Beautiful! What a statement it must make when viewed in Candice's home. You can find more of her creative endeavors on Ravelry, Pinterest, Instagram, and her website. Have a colorful day!

The Secret Garden Baby Blanket

Pattern releases are an exercise in delayed gratification. After I come up with an idea it can take between one and three months for the pattern to be written, error checked, and tested. Only then can I release it with confidence. I've been waiting for this pattern to be ready, and today it is! I am pleased to show you The Secret Garden Baby Blanket, based on the beloved children's book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

The pattern is now available on Ravelry and Craftsy, and the sample blanket is listed on Etsy. As for me, I'm finishing another pattern today to start the process all over again!

Remix Friday: Klimt Babette Blanket

Happy Friday, friends! It's time for Remix Friday, a celebration of innovative pattern alterations made by everyday crocheters. I've been holding on to this project for a while, so I'm really excited to share it with you! Today's featured object is a beautiful intersection of crochet and art. Liz had such a glorious idea and made such excellent color choices. Here's the story of her stunning Klimt Babette Blanket.

The Crocheter
My real name is Liz - on Ravelry I'm Harrysmum and I'm Sew What? on Flickr.  I'm a bit of a textile craft tart - I sew, knit and crochet but my latest passion is quilting.  I work full time in a high school and have two children who do all the usual after-school activities so crochet is an ideal way to use my waiting time usefully!

The Original Pattern
Babette Blanket by Kathy Merrick

The Story
I fell in love with Kathy Merrick's Babette Blanket, I loved it's random appearance, which was a clever combination of different sized squares.  I'd only just learned to crochet so had to teach myself how to make Grannie Squares before I went on to learn how to make the Babette squares.

The Remix
When I first saw the Babette blanket I was reminded of Klimt's "The Kiss" painting.  I took the children to see an exhibition of his work at the Tate in Liverpool and was inspired by his use of colour and texture, especially the rich golden tones. It was easy to see how The Kiss could be captured in the Babette pattern, so I set to with a handful of gold wool and the all important black! I didn't have the technical skill to create the floral roundels in the painting but realised that splashes of colour would capture the essence just as well!

I designed each section with coloured pencils and graph paper, so not quite organic but I couldn't have planned it all from the start!

 
Crochet is... Versatile, colourful, fun

No blog, but feel free to follow my crafty makes on Flickr and Instagram.  

How absolutely inspiring! This blanket is the true essence of Remix Friday. Liz selected a good pattern, saw the potential for a custom creation, and then blended the pattern with her own dream to create a truly unique masterpiece. Wow! I just love it. Thank you so much for sharing this splendid finished object with us today, Liz!

Remix Friday: Seaside Theme Blanket to Annabel's Design

Hey, all! It's Remix Friday, the time when we celebrate creative crocheters who go above and beyond the patterns. I've already had such a great time sharing these special projects with you. Some of the stories are just so sweet that they need no introduction, like today's story of Mary, Annabel, and a wonderful crochet blanket. Here's how the Seaside Theme Blanket came to be.

The Crocheter
My name is Mary Walker and I have always liked to craft.  I used to knit when my children were young and then went onto cross stitch.  About 4 years ago I went back to crocheting and joined Ravelry and have been crocheting ever since.   My mum taught me to crochet when I was a young girl.

The Original Pattern
Noah's Ark Blanket by Michele Wilcox 

The Story

I have a long suffering husband of 35 years, 4 children [3 girls, 1 boy], and 5 grandchildren [2 girls 3 boys].   The blanket was made for Annabel who is my oldest grandchild, she is 9 and she designed the blanket after seeing all of the Noah's Ark blankets that I have made for all new family babies. She is a big fan of all things made by her Mummy or Nana.  Her Mum, my eldest daughter Libby also crochets and is on Ravelry.   I have put a photo of Annabel's design/drawing on my Ravelry page, also a photo of Annabel with her blanket.

The Remix

The changes I made are really what Annabel wanted.   To include herself, her brother William and her cousins Eva, Sonny, Oscar and Owen.  I enlarged the fish and turtle patterns, as the blanket was on a larger scale.  Annabel wanted a seahorse, starfish, beach umbrella, sun and clouds, so that is what she got.   She really loves her blanket and she made me a beautiful butterfly wind-chime in art class for me as a thank you. 

Crochet is... I LIVE CROCHET!

[Here is] my Ravelry Project Page where people can see my work.

Do check out her page! She has tons of awesome detail pictures of the blanket. It just tickles me to no end to feature this blanket today. What a beautiful family project. Wishing happiness to you and yours, Mary! Great job.

Sleepy Panda Baby Set

Pandas are rare and special. It's hard not to love those sweet, cuddly, beautiful animals. You know what else is special? Infancy. It's such a short time and yet so meaningful. Babies are like little sponges, absorbing information about the world around them and learning new things about their own bodies every day. Did you know that babies flail their arms and legs because their brain is working hard to cement only the strongest motor connections? All of the flailing movements slowly become more deliberate as the weak connections are dropped and the strong connections are reinforced. Amazing!

Here's a baby set sure to delight panda lovers everywhere, the Sleepy Panda Baby Set. I was originally going to put a panda applique on the blanket, but my amazing genius of a husband stopped me and said "No, the baby should be the panda." Indeed!

The Sleepy Panda Baby Set pattern can be found on Ravelry and Craftsy.

Grandma's Chevron Blanket

When my brother and I were very young our grandmother made each of us a traditional crochet chevron blanket. I didn't know what crochet was at the time. All I knew was how much I loved my pink and purple blanket. Dan's blanket is blue and cream. In addition to sleeping under them we often incorporated them into our games. They were our mushroom tops when we danced around like the mushrooms in Fantasia, they were our caves when we played "diggers", and they were our robes when we were royalty.

My grandmother passed away when I was six. The chevron blanket has always been very special to me, but when I became serious about crochet I saw the blanket in a new light. I can now see all of the individual stitches and know just how she made it. It makes me wish that I could show her my own crochet. It's amazing to make items that others can cherish and to write patterns that will be followed and lovingly made by grandparents, parents, siblings, etc. Crochet is warm and fuzzy on both the outside and the inside.

If someone in your family makes things by hand, take a moment to appreciate them today. If you're the one who does the making, I'm taking this moment to appreciate you! Thank you for sharing your skills with others and giving them items they can cherish for years to come.

Streamwave Throw plus Giveaway Winners Announced

Just as the best writers read often, I believe it is important for crochet pattern designers to follow others' patterns on a regular basis. Not only does taking short breaks from pattern writing allow you to collect and organize your thoughts for your next pattern, it also shows you styles and ideas that are different from your own. While following someones crochet fox hat pattern you might be struck with an awesome idea for a coyote throw pillow. If you follow a poorly written pattern you can make mental notes about what not to do, and if you follow an awesome pattern you can reflect on what makes it so awesome and incorporate that awesomeness into your own designs. Since crochet designers are often trying to make a beloved hobby into a career, it's important not to burn out or lose the joy by focusing on designing to the exclusion of everything else. Plus, let's be honest, following others' patterns every now and then is fun! Finally, working up patterns that others have written helps you stay connected to the crochet community and its trends.

I recently followed Kim Guzman's Streamwave Throw pattern and I'm really proud to show you my finished product.

The blanket was a pleasure to make. It has a great rhythm to it and is a nice size. It must be noted that I rarely follow the recommended number of rows on patterns like this. I like to stop or continue on as I see fit. This throw didn't take me too long to make. I worked on it over a three month span of time, during which I worked on and completed several other objects. If I had dedicated myself to it I think I could have finished it in about two weeks.

I think this throw pattern looks like stained glass. The original calls for variegated yarn, which would probably look very nice if you found the right color. Since I'm not a huge fan of variegated yarn I opted for two solid colors to make it interesting. I used Caron Simply Soft for its glossy finish and reasonable price.

It will be a pleasure to add this project page to my Ravelry account. It's great looking back on all of the hard work I've done, especially when so many of my finished objects are sold or given as gifts. I'm sure you can relate :) As ever, my hook keeps moving. If there's a pattern you really love and you want me to check it out, you're always welcome to drop me a line via illuminatecrochet@gmail.com.

Now, for the giveaway announcement! Using a random number generator, I have selected our winners! Congratulations to Crocheter Carrie R. and Admirer Melissa S.! After I get their details I will arrange their packages and show you what they're receiving. A huge thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway. If you didn't win, stay tuned for more fun giveaways and contests.