New design: Rosaura cowl-capelet

It has been a while since I bought this yarn but I was sure this yarn would look great on a knit project. I decided to do a cowl-capelet combo design.
It is knit on US 10.5 (6.5 mm) circular needles from the top down in one piece. Chunky lace and cables gives this design an interesting texture. You can dress up any outfit with it!!

It features pearl buttons for closure. As you can see, you can play around how to button them up. You can fully crossed the neckband and it will hug your neck on a chill day, if you fasten all 5 buttons on the edge you can wear it as a capelet, and finally for those special occasions when you need to look more sophisticated, just fasten a button and you’ll have a pretty collar to emphasize your shoulder.

New design: Kiel Scarf from NaturallyCaron.com

WOW! One of my designs has been published!

It is a scarf called Kiel Scarf and it is worked with the NaturallyCaron.com Country (worsted weight) yarn.
It's a two color project, working wraparound stitches on some rows which makes a wonderful color work.

Two tone fingerless hand warmers set

Candela loves wearing hats year long, cotton and bamboo blend yarn for summer, fuzzy and warm one for winter. This season I crocheted first the hand-warmers, adult size for my shop. It was a design inspired on a vintage pair of gloves I remember my grandmother had on her treasure drawers with embroidery details over the knuckle. Then of course I made one pair children size for her. That gives me the idea to complete the set with the slouch style hat which turned out quite nicely. What I love about this set is that is a 1 day, 2 skeins project, ideal for a gift. After she went through my stashes she already chose another color combo for her next set.

Currently I'm working on the instructions. Hopefully they will be finished by Christmas.

Loving Tunisian crochet lace stitches

I've been spending quite a time trying new stitches using the Tunisian crochet technique. I'm fascinated with the results so far.
It's a great and vast technique, and lately it's getting more and more popular.

One of my latest accessories are the merino wool Shoulderettes. It is a combination of lace Tunisian stitch, then the use of knitting needles to finish the yoke.

Currently, I'm working on a new design also done in Tunisian crochet. Let see if I can post a sneak preview soon...

Two tone fingerless hand warmers

Today I listed my latest design in my shop: the Two tone fingerless hand warmers. It is a multicolored, technique combo project ideal for the upcoming chili season.
The lower band is made using Tunisian crochet on the round, adds to that 2 striking colors and voila! a beautiful interesting pair of warmers for your hands. Reminds me the leaves falling on the street during this season, the Chinese maple tree and its gorgeous shade of burgundy, orange, ochre...
I started playing with another color combos, next in line is a beautiful lilac wool yarn that bought today at the local shop. Candela was with me at the store and she also chose a shade. Also, there is a beautiful blues shades combo, cobalt-sapphire blue with soft light one. Gorgeous!

Solo Exhibit with giveaway at EtsyStalker

I was gladly surprised when the EtsyStalker team asked me for an interview. It is a very friendly team who gives space to new designers to spread the word about our designs inspiration, business goals and achievements in the handmade entrepreneurship world.

You have the chance to participate in the promotional giveaway. One winner will be chosen on Sunday August 30th.

Chain Link Conference unforgettable experience

It was my very first time attending the Knit and Crochet Summer Show.

PDD (Professional Development Day) was a serious, business oriented, and informative day.

Thursday was a great day. Had lunch with the Cyber CGOA co-members, time to finally meet them in person. Terry, Dee, Charles, Tracie, Pat to name some...
At the evening was the CGOA Design Contest Award Presentation. I had a blast time, to my surprise my design won second place in the Fashion Category!!

FASHION Category
First Place: Flamenco Dancer Dress, designed by Patricia Williams
Second Place: Ocean Fiesta Dress, designed by me
Third Place: Sophisticated Spring, designed by Paula Bennett

Honorable Mention:
Baby Dress Set, by Carol Carlile
Short-sleeved Jacket with shawl collar, by Margaret Hubert
Wedding Dress, by Paula Bennett
Double-breasted Jacket, by Mary Jane Hall
Bruges Lacy Dress, by Hyacinth Thomas
Corset Top, by Tracie Barrett
Playing the Angles Cardigan, by Deborah Burger

Grand Prize: Crochet Confection Evening Gown, designed by Renee Barnes

Peoples’ Choice: Wedding Gown, designed by Paula Bennett

In the following photo are the 3 finalist dresses plus the Grand Prize dress; (sorry for the blurry pic, but I was so nervous that I had no set up the camera properly).


HOME DECOR Category
First Place: Doily, designed by Ferosa Harold
Second Place: Freeform Pillow, designed by Shelby Lynn Allaho
Third Place: Victori Africana Footstool, designed by Rhonda Davis

Honorable Mention
Tamara’s Trail Throw, by Tamara Gonzales
Avalon Doily, by Kathryn White
Irish Lace Mat by Kathie Earle Doily, by Ferosa Harold

ACCESSORIES Category
First Place: Spring Handbag, designed by Jerry Rigdon
Second Place: Black and White Headpiece and bag, designed by Kathie Earle
Third Place: Butterfly Necklace, designed by Sonja Hood

Honorable Mention
Evening Clutch Bag, by Diane Moyer Silk
Silver and Lace Purse, by Julia Bryan
Beaded Evening Bag, by Sonja Hood
Freeform Hat with Earflaps, by Leslie Nelle-Urinyi

CROCHET AS ART Category
First Place: Heartrock Hotel, designed by Gwen Blakley Kinsler
Second Place: The Harvest, designed by Carol Ventura
Third Place: Pop Top Bowl, designed by Denise Royal

Honorable Mention
Crochet on a Rock with a Twist of Lime, by Gwen Blakley Kinsler
Crochet Cabernet, by Andera Van Benschoten
Prayer Flags, by Martha Furman Kosro

In the photo is me and the model wearing the dress with the red ribbon

All the Conference was loaded with excitement, camaraderie in a very friendly environment, sharing tips, discussing techniques, making crochet the focal point of all sessions, and conversations.

Friday was a very special day for me too. During this trip I met in person my mentor and established designer Kim Guzman. It was so great having the opportunity to talk with you, specially about Tunisian crochet :-) !!

I met so many kind crocheters, so enthusiasts with so much energy that I am already thinking about next year's Conference.

By for now