A new Tunisian crochet design sneak peek

Well, I am very excited about posting this preview. As you already know I've been working on a series of shawls and wraps, all crochet using the Tunisian crochet technique, and the e-book is now getting in shape. What were once ideas drawn in a sketch diary are patiently becoming a pleasant reality. 

The project is made out of 1 skein of this gorgeous kid mohair, silk and wool blend yarn, and the neutral color is just very suitable to style. I hope you enjoy crocheting this as I did.

Bye for now!

New year ahead...

Hi all! It has been quite a while since my last post, but here I am. End of the year is usually the busiest time for  me and the last one was no exception. I had 3 (Hurray!) contracted designs there were due almost simultaneously through December 1st the last one. Then add up to the count orders of beaded stitch markers from my Etsy shop and I had days jam pack of work.

January is getting to the end and I already sent 1 more contracted design out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bragging about it. It is the sense of accomplishment when I'm able to tell you about my work. The design career is very rewarding but the span in time between producing to publishing the design is rather long...

Starting Monday I plan to come back and keep working on the projects planned to be included in my book. Did I already tell you about the book? Well... Yes, me, yo, Andrea Graciarena is writing a book, a technical book filled with designs. I can't actually post, again, much about it at this point, but I'll be dropping sneak peeks from time to time. It's going to be fun!

Bye for now!

New knitting design - Raspberry Beret from Caron International Yarn

What a nice surprise. Raspberry Beret just got published and it looks even prettier than I remembered it :-) The yarn used to knit this up is called Caron Simply Soft Party, in a fuchsia shade. This yarn has a hint of sparkle and a very soft touch as well.

© by Caron International Yarns

Is is worked with only one skein of yarn on the round from the bottom up. It's an easy project to work and could be a very cute gift for sure. Hope you give it a try. Candela already asked me for her to knit one of course, and she is already digging in my stash of yarn :-)

Happy knitting!

New Double-ended crochet design - On the bias scarf

One of my designs has been published in the Crochet World Magazine, October issue. The On the Bias Scarf is an eye catching yet easy to crochet project. The dynamic of the self-striping yarn combined with the diagonal effect of the pattern stitch makes the scarf one-of-the-kind.

© by DRG Publishing

The best part is that you can adapt the pattern to your desire, if you like to make the scarf wider, just add some extra stitches to the count and get a stole looks like or wrap effect, on the other hand if you like to shorten the length, just work less number of rows, it is an easy project to customize to your preference. The yarn weight is great, helps the scarf to be airy and lofty.

The Double-ended crochet technique use a special type of tool, the hook anatomy is basically a straight shaft with no thumb rest and a hook head in each of both ends. This allows to work with 2 strands of yarn alternately.

Got the magazine copy a couple of days ago and the pics are fantastic! Hope you like it as well :-)

Love of Knitting - The knitting shop feature

Where do I begin? Everybody knows by this time that I love designing, I always have to have some WIP in my car or a project bag ready to be grabbed when I need to carpool my daughter to dance lessons or running back and forth from one place to another...

What I really love as much as my projects is fancy knitting notions to work with. A few months ago one of my dear friends said... I love those (markers) I don't know exactly why you use them but sure they are pretty... That was my lightbulb moment, since then I've been hand crafting colorful and snag less stitch markers.

Love of knitting magazine has featured my shop showing an assortment of stitch markers in their Fall Issue. It is part of "the knitting shop" section.

The magazine is full of new ideas from quick projects to more elaborated ones. Take a look when you can, you won't regret it :-)

New crochet design: Posies Blanket

I'm so excited to share with you some good news! For the very first time one of my designs has been published in a book. Yes indeed, Posies Blanket is part of the Go Crafty! Crochet Baby Blankets booklet.

© by Soho Publishing Co.

Soho Publishing has recently released a series of booklets in both techniques, knitting and crochet, with projects from accessories like shawls and scarves, to home decor including blankets, and afghans to name some.

© by Soho Publishing Co.

You can find these booklets on the web at Knit Picks and they are on sale 40% off. Great deal if want to expand your library.

Hope you enjoy them!

Dulcinea shawlette

It has been a while since I've posted any news about designs. That doesn't mean I'm taking a sabbatical year, its because I need to keep things hush hush for a while until the right time arrives and the designs get published.

In the meantime I've been busy working on some design ideas which I intend to publish independently. And this is one of them: Dulcinea Shawlette. A summer accessory to cover your shoulders at the office or those evening in town when a cami or strapless calls for help. Tunisian crochet project worked in two sections, the body is worked from the bottom up and then comes the lace edge sideways.

Written instructions are coming soon. Stay tuned for more info.