Please join me in touring these fantastic blogs over the next couple of weeks:

If you know anything about author and designer Kristin Omdahl, you know that she’s constantly working. It seems as though she never puts down those knitting needles and crochet hooks! When one book is off to the printer, she’s already working on the next—sketching, designing, writing and dreaming. Her latest book, Seamless Crochet: Techniques and Designs for Join-As-You-Go-Techniques is now out in bookstores and local yarn shops nationwide, and we’re thrilled to announce the nationwide blog tour with some of your favorite yarn-loving bloggers. You’ll learn more about what inspires Kristin’s designs, get a closer look at the book’s garments and accessories, and have an opportunity to win free copies of the book at many of the stops. Ready for those tour dates?

SEAMLESS CROCHET BLOG TOUR

1/25   
AllFreeCrochet.com

1/26  
Crochetville.org

1/27  
CraftGossip.com Crochet Guide

1/30  
Crochet by Faye

1/31  
About.com Guide to Crochet

2/1   
She Knits When She Should be Writing

2/2    
Sara Likes to Make Stuff

2/3   
Jimmy Beans Wool Blog

2/6    
Rebecca Velasquez Designs

2/7    
Yarn Thing Blog and Podcast
live interview with Kristin, 12 pm Eastern

2/8
Hook and I

2/9
Faina’s Knitting Mode

2/10
The Crochet Doctor

2/11
Stylish Knits

2/13
Doris Chan: Everyday Crochet

Seamless Crochet is available now as a book & DVD combo, and also as an eBook and DVD download that you can purchase online and receive instantly. Click here to learn more about the Seamless Crochet eBook & DVD download.

Not only is Seamless Crochet available now as a book & DVD combo, BUT it is also available as an eBook and DVD download that you can purchase online and receive instantly! Seamless Crochet eBook & DVD Download

The Nantahala Tunic and Botanical Pullover crochet patterns are now available as instand download pdf patterns, too!

Have you joined my Ravelry Group Page yet? We are having lots of contests, drawings and giveaways this month, including books, patterns, yarn and sample garments. Please stop by and check it out! Kristin Omdahl's Ravelry Group Page

Nantahala Tunic Crochet Pattern

Botanical Pullover Crochet Pattern

Perfect over a dress or tank, or as a breezy swim cover up for a day at the beach!
Finished Size: Size 35 (39, 43, 47, 51)" bust circumference. Garment shown measures 35", modeled with 1" ease. 
Gauge: 20 sts and 16 rows = 4" in hdc with smaller hook; 16 sts and 8 rows = 4" in dc with larger hook; sleeve motif = 15" in diameter.
Hook: Sizes D/3 (3.25 mm) and C/2 (2.75 mm) crochet hooks. Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.   
Yarn: Halcyon Yarn Satin Bamboo 5.24/4 (100% bamboo; 1,050 yd [960 m]/16 oz [454 g]): #19 medium grey, 1 (2, 2, 2, 2) cones.
Yarn Weight: #1 - Super Fine  
Originally Published: Interweave Crochet, Summer 2011

In Simply Crochet, all the projects are either 1, 3 or 5 skeins and affordable projects. There are tons of tips & tricks from each designer about the projects, too.

My project, the Annabel Shawl, is a lace motif based fabric and the edging is something I made up as I went along because I wanted to try to create a back and forth elaborate edging without doing it in long rows along the end of the shawl. Each repeat of the edging is worked entirely before you move on to make the next repeat. It's different and fun. I hope you enjoy it.

Here is a funny photo! Remember when I went camping last year? I brought this shawl with me to crochet in my downtime between bb gun shooting, archery and general mucking around.

Each designer featured in Simply Crochet is participating in the blog tour. Check out Robyn's blog for more information! Robyn Chachula's Blog

Simply Crochet

Please leave a comment below and I will randomly draw a winner next week to receive a FREE ebook of Simply Crochet!

In addition to the Sashay knit skirt pattern, here are the other new patterns that have been released in the last month:

Lola Knit Wrap Pattern $3.99

GIA Crochet Wrap Pattern $3.99

Pleated Crochet Scarf Pattern $3.99

It's been a crazy week around here. I'm discussing new projects, taking on new projects, talking to people who will be helping me knit and crochet some projects, and still have tons of projects on my plate. Phew. Just typing that sounds silly! Anyway, in the middle of all that, last night around 7:30 I got an email from my editor that my next crochet book (which is finished by me, but going into photo shoot this week) has a problem. One of the projects is in a color that doesn't go well with the rest of the collection and can I re-crochet it and have it back to the publisher's office before the photo shoot -- in a couple of days? Gulp. I said yes, of course, but dropped everything and got started immediately. Thankfully I had the right yarn on hand, (Zarina by Filatura di Crosa) in a pretty light green color that the stylist preferred. And, thankfully it was only a hat (BUT) the hat used a D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hook, which is pretty teeny tiny! Anyway, less than 17 hours later, minus 5 hours sleep, I finished and sent it off to Fed Ex for a 2 day delivery, with time to spare before the photo shoot! Phew. Crazy, huh? But at least I got it done on time and didn't hold anyone else up. Here is a photo of the yarn (since I can't show a photo of the finished hat -- YET!)

I'm working on a scarf for the next knitting book and the construction is bizarre to say the least. One of the down sides to creating new construction styles is that it often takes a few tries before you get it right. I spent 3 days knitting and unraveling back before I got the scarf just right. Now I'm more than half-way complete with it, and must say it was worth the mistakes because I love it now. Based on the yardage, it may become a tube cowl or a button fastened cowl, but the texture and geometric patterning is amazing and I'm very excited about it. I used Fibre Company's Canopy Worsted yarn and US6 (4mm) knitting needles. The hand of this yarn is divine.

The first book reviews have begun rolling in for Seamless Crochet. This week, CraftGossip.com released their review of Seamless Crochet book & DVD. Click here to read the review: CraftGossip.com's book review of Seamless Crochet.

Also, for the November Giveaway on CraftGossip.com enter to win yourself a copy of Seamless Crochet. Click here for more information about their November giveaway: CraftGossip.com's November Giveaway of Seamless Crochet Contest.

Are you going to Stitches West February 2012 or Stitches South April 2012? I'm offering 3 different knit and crochet classes at each event, and there are still seats available! I'd love to meet you and show you some of the techniques and tips & tricks from my current and upcoming books! Click on either link below for more information and to sign up!
Stitches West February 2012 Knit & Crochet Classes with Kristin Omdahl

Stitches South April 2012 Knit & Crochet Classes with Kristin Omdahl

On the menu:
I've been on a soup kick still. I found a new chicken stock at the grocery store that is UNSALTED and I love it. I like having full control of the amount of salt I add to soup. I usually throw one box of stock in the pot, along with 1 large can of chopped tomotoes and whatever other veggies I want. Sometimes I add some beans, too. This week I've make a "Bloody Mary" soup which is just a tomato based veggie soup served with a dollop of horseradish. Easy, but spicy and good. I also made a batch of collard green, garlic & great northern bean soup. And, I also made a batch of my "fake creamy broccoli soup" that is actually very healthy and dairy free. I add stock, potato, broccoli, onion, garlic and pearl barley. Cook it down and lightly puree it so some chunks remain. Funny, but the only chunks that remained this week were the barley which gave it a great texture and the soup was still very creamy tasting. Love it when I can trick myself into thinking I'm eating rich food when I'm not. :)

Exercise:
I am still not over my weight lifting injuries. So sad. I hope to get back to at least yoga or cardio next week and hopefully back to weights shortly after that. Knitting and crochet have been aggravating the pulled muscle in my shoulder and I've been icing it. Getting better every day. In the meantime, trying to watch what I eat more than ever and continuing to do my situps.

Inspiration:
Music has been my inspiration this week. I am exploring Metal for new workout music, including Korn. I have a new playlist ready to go and am anxious to get back to the gym to use it. I fell in love with the country music in a movie I watched this week, "Country Strong" with Gwyneth Paltrow. The duet "Give In To Me" is so beautiful, sad and lovely. I downloaded it on iTunes as soon as the movie was over and love listening to it. Here is the scene from the movie in case you want to hear the song:

And I've been inspired to play my keyboard and acoustic guitar this week, too. I'm learning "Someone Like You" by Adele on piano and on guitar I'm learning "She Talks to Angels" by Black Crowes, "Last Kiss" by Pearl Jam and "Chicken Fried" by Zac Brown Band. Hopefully I'll have a whole song down perfectly before the weekend is out!

Congratulations to our winner last week, Kristin F! I'm having a new contest this week. You will win a pattern of your choice from my online pattern collection. Here are your choices: Kristin Knit & Crochet Patterns. Please leave your comments below and let me know which pattern you choose! And I will be giving away yummy surprise yarn, too!

If you haven't seen the first and only available Photo Gallery for the entire collection of Seamless Crochet projects, please check out my photo gallery here: Seamless Crochet Photo Gallery Leave me a comment at the bottom of this blog post and let me know what your favorites are. I inlcuded the yarn & hook size used. Let me know if you have chosen yarn and/or colors for your projects, yet!

Have you seen the new issue of Interweave Crochet Magazine: Accessories 2011? It's available as a digital download and you can order it NOW! There are many gorgeous patterns inside, including lots and lots of smaller projects, perfect for the upcoming gift-giving holidays! I also contribued a dsign, called Mirrored Rainbow Wall Hanging. It is inspired by Moroccan tile work and exclusively crochted in stash yarn left over from a project I worked on for Knitting Daily earlier this year. It uses Thaki Stacy Charl' Cotton Classic Lite (100% mercerized cotton) and gorgeous mirrored paillette sequins.

Congratulations to our contest winners so far! Sandra D and Deb S! This week I am going to choose someone randomly from the comments of this blog post to receive a free pattern & mystery yarn package. Good luck to all!

I have three book reviews this week. The first two are books I purchased personally last week, and the third is a book I'm proud to be part of the contributors.

Martha Stewart Year of Celebrations

With the holiday's approaching, I felt compelled to order this book. Whether for the photography and inspiration, or the great party ideas and recipes, I enjoy flipping through this book often. I left it out on my coffee table so far. One of my favorite parties is a boat picnic. The boat is one of those old fashioned, mohagany boats. You know, something James Bond would speed off in. And now if I ever speed off with him, Martha has taught me what I should pack in the picnic basket. :)

Martha Stewart Homemade Holiday Crafts

As I have previously pledged in my blog, I will be making as many of our holiday decorations (including tree ornaments and garland) from scratch this year. I am also spearheading the crafting fundraiser for our local cub scouts this year. When I heard this book was coming out, I figured it had my name written all over it! One of my FAVORITES so far is a wreath made from corn husks you buy in the grocery store, dye with RIT dye and pin to a foam wreath. It is rustic and gorgeous. Don't be surprised if one lands on my front door. My only conflict is I have a mermaid ornament year-round on my front door and don't want to take her down for the holiday wreath. Decisions, decisions... :)

Unexpected Afghans

This is Robyn Chachula's upcoming book (due out July 2012) and it is a stunner! The list of designers who came together for this collection is impressive, but more importantly, the afghan designs are breathtaking! I'm proud to be included in such a collection. Check it out, please. Afghans are by far my favorite project for gift giving (although they take the longest and are very rarely given by me). Each one is prettier than the next.

On the menu:

It's been another soup week around here. I made a HUGE pot of cabbage soup (also known as Dolly Parton diet soup when I was a teenager). Then after going to Costco this week and picking up a rotisserie chicken, I simmered the bones overnight and got AMAZING broth for garlic chicken noodle soup. Shark Hunter and I ate that for a couple of days, too. I think we are going to need some steak, red meat or lasagna around here next week. I think I've finally had my fill of soup for a while! HAHA

Just today, I uploaded a photo of each project in the book. I think this is the first unveiling!! I hope you like them! I listed the yarn and hook size next to each photo for easy reference, too. Please leave a comment and tell me which is your favorite! Seamless Crochet Photo Gallery

If you haven't ordered your copy yet, you can order it directly from me here: Personalized signed copy of Seamless Crochet

On the menu:
We've been eating ultra healthy (and always on a budget) lately. I'm trying to slim down fat and build up muscle (simultaneously of course). Here is a list of a few of the things I've created (and made up) lately:
High protein bars -- I experimented with a Baklava inspired flavor (awesome) and a Peanut Butter & Jelly flavor (only so-so). Both were very high in protein, fiber & omegas, but low in carbs.
Soups!
Chicken Soup & Dumplings;
Tomatillo & Green Chile & Collard Green Soup (so good I've made it twice lately)
Thai inspired vegetable soup with broth, tomatoes, spinach, lemon, garlic, onion, cilantro.

On the hook:
Right now I'm working on 2 pieces for freelance projects to magazines and yarn companies, and I have to size two crochet patterns still.

On the needles:
Right now I'm working on two garments for the new knitting book, swatching like crazy for the rest of the projects, and have 1 freelance job in the works, too.

Daily Inspiration:
As you may know, I am obsessed with the daily inspirational quotes I read and often repost on Twitter. Here are a few of my recent favorites.
"Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical." ~ Sophia Loren
"The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it". ~Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
"The most valuable thing I have learned from life is to regret nothing." – Somerset Maugham
"Talk doesn’t cook rice." ~ Chinese Proverb

Since the contest last week was SUCH a HIT with Robyn Chachula's new book, I decided we need another contest!! This week, leave me a comment below and I'll pick a winner to receive a knit or crochet pattern of your choice from my website and maybe some yummy yarn will just happen to fall into the package before I ship it!!! :)

xoxo, Kristin

I have had the pleasure of knowing Robyn Chachula for several years now. She sent me a copy of her newest book last week and I am so happy for her because it is a great book! Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia offers a wide variety of different types of crochet stitch patterns from a vast array of regions and techniques. There are stitch patterns, edgings, lace, motifs and so much more. Each of the 300 stitch patterns includes line by line instructions, great detailed photos and crochet charts. And, Robyn gives her professional tips & tricks along the way, too.

Please leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of the book! I'll choose a random winner on Friday.

The weather has been lovely so far, but I've been told it's going to get very cold tonight, stay cold for the remainder of my trip and begin raining in the morning. Well, there goes my hairstyle! I guess I will go with the poker straight look tomorrow, since my hair barely holds a curl anyway! In the rain and high humidity, forget it.

All packed up and ready to go! Unfortunately, it requires several suitcases for a 4 day trip when I come to tape the show. I packed 14 outfits to wear on set, including handknit and crochet garments to wear, stepouts and sample garments for each of the 14 segments, books, tools and accessories for 14 segments, along with all of my toiletries, regular things one must pack to leave home, electronics (video camera, phone, computer and cords), and yarn and tools for 5 freelance and book related projects.

I'm not much of a sweet snacker, but these are the famous Shay Pendray cookies. Shay bakes them for the green room every season and we all gladly gobble them up in our free time. They are oatmeal based cookies with coconut, nuts and chocolate chips. So yummy. And they taste even better because we know Shay bakes them with love.This is my corner of the green room. We usually stake out the same sections every time. It takes several hours to unpack and organize everything by episode. This is what I do on the first day. Then I steam and/or iron any touch ups for step outs and my outfits.

All pressed and ready to go! These are my wardrobe selections. I don't actually choose each one by episode. I decide as I'm changing between segments, coordinating with either a second person on set (when applicable) or coordinating with the colors of the samples and step outs I'm teaching. Eunny's and Shay's wardrobes are on the other side of this rack.

Ironing the yarn step outs isn't so bad, but the antique linens were impossible to iron. And don't get me started on my button down shirts. Let's just say I'm glad I don't iron for a living, or for a spouse, or really for any reason on a regular basis. I'm not good at ironing, and really don't enjoy it either. HAHA, there are very few things I say that about, too.

In this picture, Annie Bakken and I composed ourselves long enough to smile for the camera, but seriously, we giggled all through dinner. We are good friends and look forward to catching up with one another every 6 months when we get together to tape Knitting Daily TV. Dinner last night was at a delicious Lebanese grill. I miss Lebanese food so much! I used to get it all the time when I lived in the Detroit area, but it is non-existent in SW Florida, except for the things I make at home. It was a real treat for me.

I am not crazy about posting the before and after shots of professional makeup. But it is part of what we do here, and I promised to share. I am cringing, but I am keeping my promise.

I also promised to show a photo of what I see from behind the on set desk. The camera are much taller than the photo shows, but I think you get a little idea of what we see. The lights are bright and hot, too. But the camera guys are super sweet and funny. In this episode, Shay & I demonstrate crochet pleats.

And last but not least, we finally made it on the set. I taped 6 episodes with Shay today and we had a great time. I am really happy because I remembered most or all the details I wanted to share on camera. In this photo, we are talking about picot edgings, and I'm wearing the Starry Nights Shawl from Crochet So Fine.

They have created a Stash Bash Flickr.com Group, asking readers & fans to upload photos of their craft stash and enter to some cool prizes. Are you on Flickr? The Group page is http://www.flickr.com/groups/stashbash/ and anyone can upload photos. I uploaded 4 photos of my Stash today. Check it out! Below is an explanation of each of my four stash photos.
 
One winners selected at random from all the uploaded entries to this Flickr pool will win their choice of 5 NEW BOOKS from Interweave Books' 2011 collections to add to their book stash. Five additional winners selected at random will win copies of the new book INSIDE THE CREATIVE STUDIO: Inspiration and Ideas for Your Art and Craft Space by Cate Coulacos Prato (available October 1, 2011). Winners will be selected on September 17, the day after our September Stash Busters Sale.

They say it is not good Feng Shui to store things under your bed. But where else can I store sample garments and yarn? I'm busting at the seams with yarn these days... I have 2 of these gigantic bins under my bed. One has yarn & tools, and the other has sample garments from my next book. Oops, is that a sneak peek? Don't tell anyone. :)

I bought these storage cubes intentionally as coffee tables for my living room because they store so much! I keep all my current projects, yarn & tools in there. Anyone who comes for a visit has no idea what is inside. And it is super easy to hide everything away when the doorbell rings!

Nothing fancy here! This is my outdoor storage shed. It houses over a dozen HUGE storage bins FULL of yarn. On the right side I think I count 10 bins, along with our bikes, fishing equipment, beach supplies & luggage.

This is the other side of the same storage shed. I think I have 6 huge bins filled with yarn and sample garments on this side, along with fishing equipment, beach supplies, bikes & luggage.