Kristin Knit Crochet & More Week In Review 9/17/10

It has been a very busy week around here. My workload doubled for the remainder of September, due to some very exciting additional deadlines. Unfortunately, they are secretive and I won't be able to share them for a few months. However, a few of my OTHER secrets were revealed this week and I am very excited to share them with you.

The BLAD (Book Layout and Development) preview of "A Knitting Wrapsody" was released this week. In the 8 page preview, you can look at photos of several of the projects from this book and bonus DVD set. In the coming months, I will be discussing each of the projects in more detail, but in the meantime, take a look at the photo preview!

Knitting Wrapsody S11 BLAD Web

Pearl's Cardigan from Crochet So Fine features Microspun yarn from Lion Brand Yarn Company in a pretty blush pink colorway. My great-grandmother Pearl, the Norwegian immigrant and aspiring actress in the 1920s was the inspiration for Pearl's Cardigan. Lion Brand Yarn invited me to host a crochet-along on their website and I am excited to tell you that it begins next week! Click on the CAL photo for a link to join me! Pearl's Cardigan pattern will be available as a free download for the crochet-along. Download the pattern, and next week we can discuss which color you want to use. The week after that, I am going to de-mystify your gauge swatch.

Click here to order a personalized, signed copy of Crochet So Fine from me: Personalized Copy of Crochet So Fine

The New Book's projects are coming along nicely and I can't wait to show them to you. I crocheted 2 shawls last week and they are so lovely. I have a few projects left to make and then it's off to photography while I finish writing the patterns and charts.

I have a gazillion swatches and step outs to make this weekend and I'm going to use Red Heart Super Saver for them in an assortment of colors with an H/8 hook. If I could tell you more, I would!

While at a large craft store yesterday, I purchased some sterling silver french hook earring pieces. I have some beautiful Tilli Tomas beaded and sequined lace silk that just may have to become a pair of dangling earrings...Stay tuned.

I received a package from my friend, Drew Emborsky aka The Crochet Dude this week. Guess what? His brand new book is available now! Crochet It. Love It. Wear It! The Ultimage Collection for Every Occasion by Drew Emborsky is a great book. Congratulations, Drew on a job well done!

There are 13 patterns in the book, ranging from a scarf to a full length coat, and sized from small to 2X. Drew wrote a very sweet intro to each of the patterns, and I enjoyed reading them very much. My favorite projects are both named after two of his dearest friends, Laurie (aka Crazy Aunt Purl) and Vashti (Designing Vashti)

Laurie is a wrap cardigan worked side to side in a beautiful post stitch pattern. The texture is gorgeous and I love this sweater: the style, the color, the fit. I want one for me!

Vashti is a lace skirt and all I can say is WOW! I think this would make a fantastic beach coverup. I think I would wear it as a tube dress tied around the bust, or tied around the neck like a sarong. Great idea, Drew. The stitch pattern is ethereal, the scalloped hem is beautiful and the tied sash balances the rest nicely.

Click on the photo of the cover of Drew's book to order your copy today! Best of luck, Drew!

Weekly On the menu:

Breakfast items: french toast with homemade peach syrup; parmesan omelettes; lots of coffee this week

Lunch items: potato salad with lots of shredded egg (my Auntie Sherri's family recipe); BLT sandwiches; grilled panini with tomato, bacon and cheese; roast beef quesidilla

Dinner items: roast beef spaghetti; homemade garlic bread (fresh garlic Of Course!); chicken enchiladas; salmon burgers wrapped in whole wheat tortillas with salsa, avocado, pepperoncini, pickled jalapeno, sour cream and lettuce; cobb salad; bacon & cheddar corn muffins

Desserts: homemade peach jam (that turned out a bit soft so I'm calling it peach syrup); peach, watermelon, grape & apple fruit salad; chocolate sundaes with bananas

Weekly Inspirations:

If you want to stand out, don't be different - be outstanding. ~ Meredith West

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down. ~ Arnold Glasow

You will have no enemies once you decide to surrender. It means not giving in to another but giving in to love. ~ Deepak Chopra

An attitude of gratitude creates blessings. ~ Sir John Templeton

Be civil to all; socialble to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Weekly Minimalist Update

I began reading a book this week that I'm enjoying: Unclutter Your Life In One Week by Erin R Doland. I am 90% finished with my closet and feeling fantastic about the strides I've made so far. Thank you to all who have been bidding on my ebay auctions. I will have new items up this weekend. Kristin's Ebay Store