Crochet Savvy Magazine | Feb 2016 | The Final Issue by Knit Fabulous & Crochet Savvy

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 8

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter

Turning the Last Page

Your favorite people!

Throughout the Years

10 Staff Bios 12 CSMAG 4

14 Cover Story

Keturah Ariel Malinconico

22 Wear Crochet

Our Winter Lookbook

Table of Contents

28 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vertical Bar Crochetâ&#x20AC;?

Guest Contributor: Renaissance Marie Austin

34 Featured Designers

Donna Wolfe Julie-Sarah Desjardins Ann Ann Mancini-Williams

52 Product Reviews

Designer Crochet Book Furls Crochet Hooks

56 Winter Patterns

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter

Turning the last page I have been at a loss for words to put together this final Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter. I decided I wanted to express how thankful I am for all the readers, advertisers, manufacturers and featured designers who helped us to make Crochet Savvy magazine truly unique. We are grateful for your support and contributions. I especially want to thank all of the Crochet Savvy staff, past and present, who have donated their services as labors of love to help us meet impossible deadlines and push to constantly improve our publication, with each issue surpassing the previous. Your work has not gone unappreciated. You all are what has made Crochet Savvy magazine worth reading, and it would have never been as successful without you. Lastly, I want to publicly thank Keturah Ariel for having the vision to create Crochet Savvy magazine. You saw it first in your mind before it ever came to be. For me, Crochet Savvy has been a way to connect with more designers in the industry and to share some of the fabulous designers that I have personally met with the world. I look forward to watching how everyone continues to flourish and grow as crochet artists. Although my term as Editor of Crochet Savvy is ending, I have to say I am excited to be able to devote more time to designing patterns again. I also have a project that I started in 2012 that I was not able to launch, and I cannot wait to share it with you all. To learn more about it, visit http://www.CrochetDishclothWorld.com and register to receive notification about the launch. Though there will not be more new issues of Crochet Savvy magazine, the past issues will remain online. I invite you all to take a moment during NatCroMo in March to check out some of the past issues, visit the websites of our featured designers and advertisers, and share some crochet love. Instead of saying goodbye, I will end and say I will see you around the crochet world. Take care,

Turquoiz Blue Editor in Chief 8

Crochet Savvy Magazine Rhonda â&#x20AC;&#x153;TurquoizBlueâ&#x20AC;? Davis Editor-in-Chief Julie-Sarah Desjardins French Editor/ Translator Isabelle Barrett Feature Writer/Translator L. Keturah Malinconico Founder/ Creative Director

info@crochetsavvy.com www.crochetsavvy.com www.facebook.com/ crochetsavvymagazine www.twitter.com/ crochetsavvy

Our Staff

Our Staff & Contr

Keturah Malinconico Founder/ Creative Director

Turquoiz Blue Editor in Chief

Keturah is a debut author and has been in the hiphop industry for more than 13 years. An advocate for charity and having joy through trials, she teaches through motivation and inspiration a message of hope and balance for people, especially stay-at-homemoms, who feel that they are completely lost tending to children, husbands and house duties.

Rhonda Davis aka TurquoizBlue lives in Atlanta, GA, where she is a multimedia designer specializing in creating experiences with fiber and digital media. She has been designing professionally since 2007, and her background includes degrees in Web Design and Visual Communications, along with a MFA in Digital Media Design.

She currently has a BA in Liberal Arts and an MBA in Business Administration and is a graphics designer and networker. She loves to use her creativity through arts, music and crafting (crocheting, knitting & sewing) to encourage others. Keturah currently resides in Toronto, ON with her family. For more info about her and her designs check out: www.knitfabulous.org.

TurquoizBlueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to help users have meaningful encounters with design. She is an accomplished designer whose work has been featured in top fiber design magazines. TurquoizBlue currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Fibert Arts Alliance (SEFAA), a non-profit community of individuals, organizations, and businesses working together to advance their common interest in the fiber art. She can be found on her blog at http://www. thisiscrochet.com, as well as most social media sites as @TurquoizBlue.

ributors

Julie-Sarah Desjardins French Editor & Translator I’m Julie... aka ACCROchet! I am also mom (& stepmom) to 2 teenagers, almost-wife to a fantastic man, and a communications professional. I live with my family & too many pets in the suburbs of Montreal. I’ve been an avid crocheter for over 10 years, and hope to make you an addict too! ACCROchet. In French, ACCRO means addict. I am a crochet addict. And am I attempting to hide it? Gawd no; quite the opposite! I publish my personal brand of crazy everywhere and for all to see! And I trust/hope you’ll join me. 10 years ago today (no matter when you read this, it’ll always be 10 years ago today) I picked up 2 knitting needles and some yarn my mom had laying around, and I decided to teach myself to knit. 22 minutes later, stressed and discouraged beyond belief I threw the needles across the room and wallowed in self-pity. But then… then I talked to an American friend who was crazy about crochet and she showed me that all I needed was one less tool! Crochet has evolved, has made itself over and is the current up-and-coming fiber star. It is modern and trendy. And so tragically misunderstood.

Isabelle BarRette Asst. French Translator Hi! My name is Isabelle and I am the proud mother of two wonderful little ladies of 3 and 4 years old and the wife of an equally wonderful husband. My family supports me by patiently letting me fill our apartment from top to bottom with various types of gorgeous yarn. I learned knitting and crochet with books and YouTube about 8 years ago to satisfy an increasing desire for creation. I always have a hook and yarn in my bag juuuust in case I have a crochet emergency (you never know!). I crochet hats, scarves, slippers and mostly softies which I share on my blog L’araignée Gambadeuse at http://thewanderingspiderr.blogspot.ca/

CSMAG Thru the years

Cover Story

Keturah Ariel Founder of Crochet Savvy Magazine

Crochet is dominating the Internet, books and newsstands; however, it hasn’t been until recently that fashion, style and crochet are truly getting the shine and recognition they deserve. This spotlight came in the form of Crochet Savvy Magazine, solely dedicated to the vast community of crocheters and the dedicated, loyal fans of the art. Crochet Savvy is the brainchild of LaTonya Keturah Ariel Malinconico, and it is a free online magazine and blog dedicated to the work of fashion and crochet as well as the independent online retailers of the crochet world. Focusing on crochet only, Crochet Savvy answered the needs of crochet and fashion bloggers as well as independent yarn suppliers who are starting their own businesses online. Crochet Savvy Magazine featured crochet designers, bloggers, and yarn spinners as well as going behind the scenes of crochet with tutorials, book recommendations and how-tos. The magazine ran from April 2012 until now- February 2016 and it was a great run indeed! It featured novice and pro designers alike as well as interviewed some of the crochet world’s favorites such as Kathryn Vercillo from Crochet Concupiscence, the author of Crochet Saved my Life and Amy Shelton, former President of the Crochet Guild of America and co-founder of Crochetville. The magazine also featured articles highlighting designer Kim Guzman and Marly Bird as well as interviewed the fabulous folks at the Crochet Guild of America, Renaissance Austin, Clare Sullivan of BOBWILSON123, Stitchworks’ Brian Milco, and many others. Crochet Savv yeven had a special magazine issue featuring the fabulous men in crochet including The Crochet Crowd, The CrochetDad and Johnny Vasquez of NewStitchADay. com! It has also had sections that focus strictly on Charity Crochet and the organizations that support others. In the Fall 2012 Issue, the magazine showed the story of a woman who fought cervical cancer and survived, only to still battle obesity. She later lost over 100 pounds and shared her touching story with us

all. We received so much love and support for her story alone, that it made us proud to do what we do. In the Summer 2013 Issue, the cover story featured a more averaged shaped model on the front â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which also poured in many emails and love about our magazine showing diversity within our crochet community. After the release of our Winter 2014 Issue, Crochet Savvy Magazine gained many more followers because we choose to feature a male cover story to show another side of crochet. People have also emailed us with much encouragement and support and have let us know that we should be proud to know that we are the only magazine, whether free or paid, that features the designer and informative crochet stories instead of just patterns. We are very proud indeed to hold that title! Matter of factly, we rarely feature patterns at all- which is funny. I have had people email me asking for them but I always tell that that I support the crochet magazine industry and that there are other magazines out there to support that do feature paid patterns. One of these magazines that is my absolute favorite is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simply Crochetâ&#x20AC;? magazine. I get that magazine monthly! Q) Why was Crochet Savvy started? A) It was started after my mother-in-law died from certival cancer before she reached the age of 50. I was new stay-at-home mom- I always had a job or was in school and now I was at home with a little one and nothing to do other than be a mom. I wanted to help touch the lives of

Cover Story

others who were left behind from cancer tragedies so I began a project called “Addicted to Granny Squares” where people would make granny squares and we would crochet them into blankets for certival cancer survivors and patients. Out of this project and the love and support from the craft community- I decided to create my own digitial magazine where I could share my love for charity along with my love for fashion and style. Q) Can you tell us a little about yourself? A) I am the wife of a very cool Rabbi and I am also a blogger, inspirational teacher and crochet/knitwear designer. Recently I started doing photography as a semi-professional hobby. By day- for the past ten years- I have worked as a graphics designer for my own company and I am one super awesome super-mom. I really am a super-mom because people ask me when do I have time to do all of this creative stuff and raise three small kids and support a husband who watches over a congregation. I have a Bachelors Degree in a Pre-Law concentration of Political Science and Speech Communication- hence my interest in journalism and I hold a Master’s Degree in Business Marketing. I am married to my soul mate and we have three small kids and a cat. I am from Houston, Texas but currently live in Toronto, Canada. I LOVE Doctor Who and superhero stories and movies. LOVE LOVE LOVE superheros. My favorite is Captian America. I love what he stands for! Go TEAM MARVEL!! I also love the Lord of the Rings and Narnia.

Cover Story Before moving to Canada, I was very active in the Hip Hop community. When I was 14 years old, I began a career in Hip Hop. Later on, I meet my husband doing music and we both traveled trying to reach the youth with our music. It was a ministry within itself. Later on my husband became a Rabbi and we are now helping people in a different way. Being a light never was an option to me or something extra that you throw in- it has always been my main goal- whether it was working on a crochet charity project or feeding the homeless- or making music to empower people’s lives- it is all the same to me and everyone can see this- I believe in my magazine. Even though Crochet Savvy focuses on fashion, style and the designers- it is the act of empowering other designers that I love. I love to give and this magazine has given designers- especially the not so known ones- a platform to get discovered- giving them an audience that they were not able to have before and maybe be a blessing to them. For me, meeting some of the designers has blessed me. I have made a few lifetime friends along the way. Q) What are your favorite tools of the trade? A) Ooh my gaawwwddd! I love everything. But my favorite tools would have to be Knit Picks yarn, Furls Crochet Hooks and Tulip Etimo crochet hooks. Handsdown- my favorite tools! I think I buy Knit Pick yarn like every month lol. Q) What was your favorite feature or story in the magazine? A) I don’t have one. I loved them all. And in all fairness- each story, each interview has been so different- I can’t even imagine naming a favorite. I love them all! I think the funest has been my experience meeting Mikey from The Crochet Crowd. It is so funny that he only lives an hour away from me. He and Dan are so cool. Q) Ending the magazine, what can you reflect on that you would do differently if you were to ever have another publication or republish this magazine again? A) I would probably get more help. Our staff started off with only me doing EVERYTHING. Running a magazine is hard work. Then my staff grew to two people, then three and then it remained a constant 5-7 volunteers. Our staff family is very close knit and I loved it that way. However, it is hard work to divide. So if I were to publish again, I would really hire and pay my staff and then make sure to have enough people to lighten the burden. MY staff was amazing. We all did this free. We never got paid for anything. We all did this for the love of crochet and to grow and cultivate the crochet community. So many people know about knitting. Even my husband says, what are you knitting....I tell him -”babe its crochet- its not knitting”, you know. People don’t ask about crochet. I wanted to change this. I think I have made an impact and shown people that crochet is not just something granmas do. It can be fashionable and savvy. Q) Do you have any last words for your readers? A) Yes. Be you, be amazing and keep going forward. Although this magazine is no longer published. I do plan on blogging and featuring crochet in the social media so the voice of Crochet Savvy Magazine will still be there. For those of you starting out in crafting, keep doing it. Even if you start with crappy cheap yarn and a plastic hook, keep at it. It is a great hobby and it is very helpful in stress management. Go visit others in your area who also crochet or knit. Suport each other and the local yarn shops. This is our community and our industry. You have to support each other. Buy the patterns - help the designers out. You know, be active and stay savvy folks! For more information on Keturah, stop by her blog at www.knitfabulous.org and of course continue to visit the Official Crochet Savvy Magazine website and blog at: www.crochetsavvy.com.

“Has it really been four years? Where is the time going? Congrats on an amazing run doll! Can’t wait to see what your next venture will be. What’s next? I know you have something up your sleeve!! -LaTosha Fraley

“You make crocheting look so cool” -Melissa David

“Keturah... You did an amazing job with your magazine. The work and effort you put into your editions is outstanding. Life is always changing and we evolve as times change. I have a strong feeling, we will see more of something new from you in the future... in fact, I look forward to it.” - Michael Sellick

From 2012-2016, The Official Crochet Savvy Online Magazine has been a great joy to work on. Serving my crochet community by featuring designers, their work and their lives- I feel that it was brought awareness to those behind the patterns. Not only this, but my love for charity was displayed with featured charity projects in each issue. One charity project that was close to my heart which was featured- dealt with suicide awareness and depression. With 15 magazines under my belt- I feel that I am a better person, better business woman and individual because I have met and interviewed all of these fabulous people. Thanks for the experience, love, joy and even deadline frustration. Now I can crochet and knit in peace haha. - Love, Keturah

Wear Crochet Our Winter Lookbook

wear crochet Winter

Guest Feature Writer

VErtical Bar croch An Emerging Face of Crochet Texture

by Renaissance Marie Austin For a good part of 2015, with hook and yarn in hand I gave into the urge that arises ever so often, when there’s a little down time from designing, and took to experimenting in hopes of discovering some amazing technique unknown to yarnistas everywhere. It’s like that moment when you are hiding away in your creative cave and to yourself you say, “Hmm, what if I turn the crochet hook THIS way?” Well, something interesting happens, a fresh pattern begins to form, and then you wonder, has anyone done this already? This thought leads to exploring trusty Google and guess what? After researching and finding nothing quite like what you’ve just created, you figure you may be on to something. That something is an innovative stylized pattern I passionately fell in love with and used to design my brand new hat collection. I put a name to this style and I’ve created new abbreviations for the technique as well.

I call it Vertical Bar Crochet. Its closest relation, in my opinion, would be to that of Shepard’s Knitting or Bosnian Crochet, however its texture is achieved by inserting the crochet hook differently then both methods. Now, the technique itself is not anything new, it’s just not widely used, if hardly used at all, so it’s well under the radar, hopefully slowly emerging to popularity. And as a crochet designer, I’ve worked very hard towards my mission to being a part of changing the face of crochet fashion garments, so I am sure my fellow crocheters would be highly interested in adding this technique to any crochet projects they have. Even if crocheters do not have the vertical bar abbreviations written into the patterns they are currently working on, they can always substitute whatever stitch the pattern requires for the vertical bar crochet stitches.

het How Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Done Vertical Bar Crochet is when you insert your crochet hook through and under the front and back loops of the top of your stitch like normal.

Then you veer left and insert crochet hook forward from the back of the next stitch to the left, also under the front and back loops.

From here you yarn over and complete whatever stitch you are creating like normal.

As you continue with this method you will notice a pretty herringbone pattern take shape on the front side or right side, while on the wrong side or back side it will look completely knitted. This will make your project in many ways reversible with a very true front and true back.

DC=Double Crochet SC= Single Crochet HDC=Half Double Crochet bVBDC=Vertical Bar Double Crochet bVBSC=Vertical Bar Single Crochet bVBHDC=Vertical Bar Half Double Crochet A lowercase “b” is added in front of the abbreviation to let the crocheter know to enter through the back way of the vertical bar. Without the “b” it is understood that it is a front entry, or front post stitch around the vertical bar. This is strictly for when you are turning your work.

Abbreviations My new slouch hat patterns are written with these fun new abbreviations. Take a look and compare: DC=Double Crochet SC= Single Crochet HDC=Half Double Crochet VBDC=Vertical Bar Double Crochet VBSC=Vertical Bar Single Crochet VBHDC=Vertical Bar Half Double Crochet To achieve this look it is best worked on the front side of work only or in the round! Even while working flat you can use the front facing crochet method, which is a vintage technique not widely used as well. This just means that when you get to the end of your row, instead of turning you typewriter back to the first stitch of the same row and start again. There is no turning involved. However, if you really want to turn your work you will come out will a look that is similar to 1x1 ribbed knit. So to differentiate between the idea of a “back post” stitch, you will see the abbreviations as follows:

The Stylish Finish For me, it was pure pleasure using this even style on my new hats. It made them very unisex, as when it comes to men we often get stuck using the basic beginner stitches, especially single crochet, and also post stitches, or basket weave patterns, whatever appears most masculine. Now the vertical bar crochet method will take away the traditional horizontal crochet lines and bring an even pattern to the wonderful evolving look of crochet.

About the Author: Renaissance Marie Austin is a creative artist who creates a world of dreams, visions, and expressions through the medium of fiber, specifically crochet. She is also a singer/songwriter and loves, reading, writing, hanging out on social media, photography, eating, cooking, and just about anything that involves the visual and performing arts. New hats from the Swartz & Ice collection are available at Raghouse International www.raghouseinternationalknitwear.bigcartel.com. Patterns are available on Ravelry at www.ravelry.com/people/msraghousefiber. Instagram: @raghouse_international Pinterest: RaghouseIntl Tumblr: www.loverenaissancerentaitre.tumblr.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/RaghouseInternational -Renaissance Marie Austin, Crochet Expert Raghouse International Designs Luxury Knitwear & Accessories www.raghouseinternational.com Instagram: @raghouse_international Facebook: /raghouseinternational Youtube: FiberStyleTv raghouseinternational@yahoo.com

Featured Designers

Donna Wolfe

Featured Designers

Hello! My name is Donna Wolfe from Naztazia®. I oftentimes get asked if the name “Naztazia” is a Russian name, or if I am Russian. Neither! The name Naztazia is a word I made up many moons ago as an online screen name using random letters that luckily, fit together. And I was born and raised in the United States. My crochet story starts when I was 5 years old. My grandmother insisted that I learn how to crochet, knit, sew, embroider, cook, clean, garden, preserve food, along with several other useful skills. Initially I crocheted blankets for my plush toys; later I made clothes for my Barbie dolls. By time I was 10 years old, my mom had me crocheting doilies for her tables and blankets and pillows for her chairs and couches. Of course I made scarves and hats too. I’m from an area in Pennsylvania (USA) that has a ton of knitting and crochet experts, so seeing works from the fiber arts is very common around here. Throughout my 20s and 30s I knitted, sewed, and crocheted on and off, either as gifts for people, clothing items, or useful items for the home. It wasn’t until after I had my first child in 2006 did I display my crochet work online. I was shocked at how people reacted so positively to my work and photos. I never felt my work was anything unique, for many people in my area crochet just like I do. However I soon realized not everyone lives in an area where crochet is commonplace. So that got me thinking… maybe I can help others learn what I already know about crochet. And that is when the ball of yarn started rolling. I changed my online screen name from the rather weird NaZTaZia to just Naztazia, formed an official business using it, and then even legally registered Naztazia® as an official trademark. I set up my domain name, website, YouTube channel, Ravelry account, other online accounts, and it’s been a wonderful ride since then. Today I am fortunate to have a large subscriber base on my YouTube channel, where I teach mainly crochet, but occasionally toss some knitting, sewing, wreath-making, and some other fiber-arts related videos on there. As of this writing, my com-

Featured Designers bined videos have almost a total of 30 million views. This includes my basic crochet video, which is just hitting the 7 million view mark. My Naztazia website gets tens of thousands of hits each day from all around the world. I guess it’s a good thing I paid attention to my grandmother at such a young age! Sometimes it has been a real struggle finding time to make videos and write patterns with having a 9-year old girl, a 4-year old boy, and a 1-year old active beagle running around. But I managed to find the time to write a book this past year. It has just recently been released and is called, “Broomstick Lace Crochet,” published by Stackpole Books. As you may know, broomstick lace is a vintage technique that uses a large knitting needle and a crochet hook to create a nice lacy effect. Even though a knitting needle is used, the stitches are still classified as crochet. I have several videos on my channel showing how to do this technique. If you haven’t yet tried broomstick lace, please put it on your to do list – I promise you won’t be disappointed! I hope this has given you a little insight into my crochet world. I am a big fan of interacting with other crocheters, so please check out my social media contacts and link up with me if you have a chance. And like the tagline says in my videos: please visit naztazia. com for more tips and tricks on Creative Self-Sufficient Living! Books: Donna Wolfe (author): Broomstick Lace Crochet: A New Look at a Vintage Stitch, with 20 Stylish Designs Published by Stackpole Books. November 15, 2015. 128 pages. Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1RIRCOw Social Media Links:

Photos: From the book, Broomstick Lace Crochet, by Donna Wolfe. Published by Stackpole Books.

Website: http://naztazia.com YouTube: http://youtube.com/naztazia Facebook: http://facebook.com/naztazia Instagram: http://instagram.com/naztazia Twitter: http://twitter.com/naztazia Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/naztazia

Featured Designers

Julie-Sarah Desjardins

Featured Designers

Behind ACCROchet you’ll find a 39 year old woman named Julie. My family holds many people together : my daughter Eliane, a typical teenage girl – my most favorite FO ever; Marc-Olivier, aka The Man, a young stud who inspires and pushes me forward; Olivier aka Ti-Cul (untranslatable; literally means Short-Ass, but is used as a term of endearment in zee French), The Man’s son; Mystère, a lazy & fat male cat; Charlie Calypso, an enthusiastic husky-mix; and Sookie (a terrier-mix, basically Rain Man in dog form). I keep all of these lovely people and pets far, far away from my yarn and hooks. Well, aside from The Miss who sometimes joins me in the madness of a few stitches, or sometimes even an entire FO. We all live in a pretty blue house on the North Shore of Montreal, in a town known as Two Mountains. During the day, I am a Marketing and Communications professional. At night, I make magic. Introverted, but so annoying you’ll never believe it, I read my weight in books each week, write when I find the time to, and I crochet – A LOT. I’ve also recently discovered cooking, but no extra time so the hooks asked me to politely decline. 15 years ago today, I picked up 2 knitting needles and some yarn my mom had laying around, and I decided to teach myself to knit. 22 minutes later, stressed and discouraged beyond belief, I threw the needles across the room and wallowed in self-pity. But then… then I talked to an American friend (Hi Heather!) who was crazy about crochet and she showed me that all I needed was one less tool! Crochet has evolved, has made itself over and is the current up-and-coming fiber star. It is modern and trendy. And so tragically misunderstood. That is why ACCROchet was born. To break taboos and silence ugly rumours. To show the entire world what we can do with just a little piece of wood or plastic or metal no bigger than a pencil. I love to see things connecting in my students’ eyes. I love to create jaw-dropping items. ACCROchet. In French, ACCRO means addict. I am a crochet addict. And am I attempting to hide it?

Gawd no; quite the opposite! I publish my personal brand of crazy everywhere and for all to see! And I trust/hope you’ll join me. Grab your hooks, people; we’re going to reshape the world one half-double at a time. I love crochet. Events: Twist Fiber Festival, August 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. Invited vendor. Tricot Champêtre, August 2015, 2016. Invited vendor.

Festival de la P’tite Laine, September 2015, 2016. Invited vendor. Publications & Achievements Crochet Savvy, French Editor Happily Hooked Magazine, Monthly Contributor Happily Hooked, Best of 2014, Included designer Designs published in Design Lovers (formerly The Pattern Pack), Happily Hooked & Crochet Savvy Magazines Yarn Box designer, June 2014

Yarn Crush designer, December 2015

You can find me on:

Design Wars Alumni

Ravelry: http://ravelry.com/designers/accrochet Website: http://ACCROchet.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/accrochet Instagram: julie_accrochet Twitter: @accrochet Pinterest: accrochet

Mad Mad Makers member Furls Crochet affiliate Featured designer on The Crochet CafĂŠ & The Knot Theorist. Crochet instructor at Tricotine & Cie. Crochet workshops at other LYS. Freelance crochet translator.

Featured Designers

Ann Mancini-Williams I learned to crochet when I was 5 years old. I remember crocheting chains & decorating everything: my walls, as bracelets, as belts, pretty much hanging them on anything that would stand still. By the time I was in 3rd grade, I remember crocheting my cabbage patch doll her first blanket. I would crochet every chance I got & always had a yarn stash. But crochet was still just a “hobby”. When I had my daughter in 2010 & became a SAHM, that is when I was able to turn my “hobby” into a real business! I started off creating finished items to sell at craft shows & online. By 2011, I decided to concentrate more on designing crochet patterns & created my website! I design all sorts of patterns: clothing like hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, jackets, tank tops, slippers, & accessories like washcloths, backpacks, purses, & more! I really love the challenge of using different yarns & transforming an inspiration piece into a crochet pattern! I am a current alumni of the Design Wars Challenge & won my very first challenge with my Braided Glam Peacoat as well as a current alumni of The Battle of the Stitches. I won the very first round with my Down the Rocky Road to Pick Spring Flowers Shawl. I also have a design coming out in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of Simply Crochet Magazine. You can find me on: http://www.glamour-4-you.com https://www.facebook.com/Glamour4You.ByAnn/ https://www.pinterest.com/glamour4you https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4dJ7r6S_p1C-q11SlOBQ/videos https://twitter.com/Glamour4You

Reviews Designer Crochet 32 Patterns to Elevate Your Style Sizes Small to 5x by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby Reviewed by Keturah Malinconico

This book is amazing from the layout to the actual patterns itself. Each page makes you want to leave a bookmark so that you can crochet each pattern. That is how I feel about Shannon’s Designer Crochet book. My favorite - which I am currently working on is the sleeveless hoodie. The instructions are clear and he has a size for EVERYONE! No more calculating your own add ins, everything is right there in plain sight. I picked the Sleeveless Hoodie to work on because Spring is near and in Canada, Spring is more like a late winter so I thought that this would be the perfect project for me. What I like about Shannon’s patterns is that they are for figure flattering, meaning that if you have curves and want to flaunt it- his patterns will shw them off. It is not some stick figure crochet that has no shaping. His designs are all about looking great at any size. The book features a lot of outerwear but I like that. The outerwear is very fashionable and stylish- it is not just about sweaters and cardis. Shannon also features his signature crochet cables in some of the designs. I took his Craftsy class and he is a great teacher on crochet cables and advanced stitches so I just knew that his patterns would also be helpful and explain these stitches in an easy way. I highly recommend this book for advanced crocheters who are tired of scarfs and cowls and are looking for

a challenge. I also recommend this book for those of us who love fashion and would like our crochet and knitwear to integrate more into our fashionable lives. I could see all of Shannon’s designs on the runway. And for that alone- I would give this book a 10 out of 10. And lastly, for those of you who are looking for awesome plus size crochet patterns- this book is for you. The sizes go from small to 5x. I hate to see plus size crochet patterns that make people look like boxes of double crochet with no shaping. When designers do that, it is not flattering to people. Shannon takes his savviness and applies it to all sizes so that everyone walks away looking and feeling great. Go out and buy this book today! You will not regret it. It is now in my favorite book stash and I constantly pick it up. ISBN 978-1-4547-0872-8 Designer Crochet: 32 Patterns to Elevate your Style Sizes Small to 5x By Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby

Product Reviews

Reviews Furls Odyssey Crochet Hooks Reviewed by Keturah Malinconico

The new Furls Odyssey Crochet Hook is on my top list of favorite hooks. I love it because it feels very cmfortable in the hands and it is very sleek so that any kind of yarn will glide easily and not get stuck. These crochet hooks are black and chrome silver. The color combination is amazing and unisex - giving it that luxurious feel that everyone who owns a Furls Crochet Hook knows. Except this hook has a more affordable price. The price is $29.99- per hook size. It is not offered in a set- although I hope that one day they will offer gift sets. Purchasing each hook separately may or may not be a problem for those on a budget depending on your goal. If you want a smooth hook, get one or two or for those who are trying to build up a collection, I would highly recommend purchasing all of the sizes for a complete set. Yes it is a costly investment but- the word here is investment. You are investing in a great set and you are also investing in your hands. Furls Crochet Hooks are guarenteed to help combat against wrist issues when crocheting. It is designed so that the pressure is lifted for an easier experience. Not only that, but your hook comes with a no question asked 100% life-time guarantee replacement. This is very good for your investment in case it drops and breaks or your dog buries it and breaks it...lol. This is not my first Furls Crochet by the way. I have their signature wooden hook and the Candy Shop hooks. I love them so much that I offer direct links to them on the Crochet Savvy Website. I really enjoy this hook; it receives a 10 out of 10 from me.

Patterns Savvy Handbag by Donna Wolfe

Introduction: This pattern uses super bulky weight yarn and is constructed in one piece using only single crochet stitches. The handles are crocheted in at the same time as the body of the bag is constructed. The thick yarn combined with the single crochet stitch creates a nice, dense fabric that requires no inside lining; however feel free to sew one in if desired. Round purse handles are sometimes hard to come by in local stores. Online sources like Amazon have a larger selection; however there is a very simple option that you can substitute for traditional purse handles if you wish – two embroidery hoops. Purchase two embroidery hoops, and take out the inner circle of both hoops (the part without the tightening screw). You will find that these two round inner hoops work fantastic as purse handles. Embroidery hoops even come in colors these days, so you can purchase a set that match your yarn! Yarn: 250 yd/228.6 m super bulky weight yarn [#6] (shown in Nicole Stitch Studio Belle, #SS3001-09 Cream, 100% acrylic; 263 yd/240 m, 10.5 oz/300 g per skein) Other Materials: • U.S. size N-13 or N-15 (9 mm or 10 mm, depending on the brand) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge • Yarn needle • Scissors • Two 9-inch/22.9 cm round purse handles. See note above about substituting the inner rings of two embroidery hoops as an alternative • Decorative accessories such as bows or flowers Gauge: 9 stitches x 10 rows in pattern (single crochet, back loops) = 4”/10 cm square

Finished Measurements: 17”/43.2 cm wide, 20”/50.8 cm high (including purse handles) Terms: • • • • •

This pattern is written using American Crochet Terminology. SC = single crochet CH = chain BLO = back loops only Purse handles are designated as A & B

Instructions: Create a slipknot on your crochet hook. Make 1 SC around purse handle A. CH 50. Keeping your CH straight, make 1 SC around purse handle B. Note: Purse handle A will have the initial tail end of yarn hanging from it. Row 1: Pivot work, and SC in each of the 50 CH across towards purse handle A. Make 1 SC around purse handle A. Row 2: Pivot work, and SC, BLO, in each of the 50 stitches across towards purse handle B. Make 1 SC around purse handle B. Rows 3: Pivot work, and SC, BLO, in each of the 50 stitches across towards purse handle A. Make 1 SC around purse handle A. Rows 4-43: Repeat Rows 2 & 3. Feel free to make more or less rows, depending upon your personal preference. Periodically check your work to ensure the purse will fold correctly and not twist in the middle. Finishing: Fold the purse in half, right sides facing outwards, with the two purse handles meeting. With an 18”/45.7 cm strand of yarn for each side, sew along the purse’s two side edges to close them. You can sew all the way to the handles or leave a few inches/cm of space near the top for ease of opening the purse. Cut and weave in all ends. Add a decorative bow, flower, or button to finish.

Patterns

Patterns Anywhere Anytime Slouch by Julie-Sarah Desjardins Materials: 2 skeins Caron Simply Soft – 100% Acrylic (140g / 315 yds / 288m) 5.5 mm hook Stitch marker Yarn needle Gauge : 14 dc x 7 rounds = 4×4” (10×10 cm), based on dc rounds. Finished size : 22’’ (55 cm) head circumference, adjustable. Abbreviations used : ch (chain) sc (single crochet) dc (double crochet) sl st (slip stitch) beg (begining) rep (repeat) ea (each) tog (together) inc (increase) dec (decrease) st (stitch) Notes : Hat is crocheted from top to bottom in closed rounds. Close rounds with a slst in 1st st. Beg ch do not count as 1st st. Yarn is held double throughout.

Instructions : Holding yarn double, ch 4. Round 1 : 10 dc in 1st ch. Close round with sl st. (10 dc) Round 2 (inc) : Ch 3, 2 dc in ea dc around. Close round with sl st. (20 dc) Round 3 (inc) : Ch 3, dc in 1st dc, 2 dc in next dc, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc. Rep from * around. Close round with sl st. (30 dc) Round 4 (inc) : Ch 3, dc in 1st dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, *dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Rep from * around. Close round with sl st. (40 dc) Round 5 (inc) : Ch 3, dc in 1st dc, dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, *dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Rep from *around. Close round with sl st. (50 dc) Round 6 (inc) : Ch 3, dc in 1st dc, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, *dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Rep from * around. Close with sl st. (60 dc Round 7 (inc) : Ch 3, dc in 1st dc, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, *dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Rep from * around. Close round with sl st. (70 dc) Rounds 8 to 17 : Ch 3, dc in ea dc around. Close round with sl st. (70 dc) Round 18 (dec) : Ch 3, 1dc in 1st dc, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc tog in next 2 dc, *dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc tog in next 2 dc. Rep from * around. Close round with sl st. (60 dc) Round 19 (dec) : Ch 3, dc in 1st dc, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc tog in next 2 dc, *dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc tog in next 2 dc. Rep from * around. Close round with sl st. (50 dc) Round 20 (dec) ‐ op1onal (for heads of a circumference that is less than 22’’ (55 cm)) : Ch 3, dc in 1st dc, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc tog in next 2 dc, *dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc tog in next 2 dc. Rep from * around. Close round with sl st. (45 dc) Work border as follows : Round 1 : Ch 1, sc in ea dc around. Close round with sl st. (45 sc) Round 2 : Ch 1, sc in ea sc around. Close round with sl st (45 sc) Rounds 3 to x : Rep Round 2 until desired tightness is achieved. Be careful not to overdo this! Sc rounds tighten things up quite a bit! At the end of last round, finish off & weave in ends.

If you enjoy this pattern, feel free to share & promote it all over the web! Want to take this basic hat to the next level? There is a version 2.0 with stripes & a more detailed brim! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anywhere-anytime-slouch-v20 (c) This pattern is copyright ACCROchet 2015. You may sell projects you make for this pattern, but you may not distribute, reproduce, or share this pattern as your own. Please be kind and identify ACCROchet.com as your source for this pattern when linking to it.

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