Talk about some #knitcrochetlove ! Google found some really lovely reviews of my books this week. Here are a few:
Crochet So Fine Review
Crochet So Fine Review
Crochet So Fine Review
Wrappd In Crochet Review

I'm still hung up on the Minimalist article I read a couple of weeks ago and desperately want to scale down "my stuff". I just know it is going to be a lot of work to set up the sale. Don't be surprised if you find my ebay store chock full of cool stuff in the next couple of weeks, though. Purses, knitting bags, yarn, clothing, stuff, stuff and more stuff. I'm just saying...


This was the first week back to school, and I think we are off to a great start. We also received surprise visitors from Arizona and I am over the top excited to see them! I've been cooking (no surprise there) and here is a list of some of the menu items from this week:
Lasagna, garlic bread, banana chocolate sundaes
Cheesy chicken, bean, corn, chiles enchiladas, tomato, cucumber, feta salad (Israeli Greek Salad), fudge popsicles
Sausage & Peppers Flatbreads with parmigiano-reggiano and homemade sauce, watermelon & feta salad
Baked Ziti, watermelon & feta salad
Kale, bean & parmesan rind soup
Roast beef mini sandwiches with homemade garlic/cheese spread
Spinach smoothies
Mini corn muffins
Chocolate cake
I have visitors that are younger than Shark Hunter and they are picky in their own unique ways. My challenge is to fit their taste preferences into my cooking repertoire. Stay tuned! :)

I don't know what I would do without my inspirational quotes. They are the best little pick me ups throughout the week. Here are some of my favorites from this week:

The worst thing that someone can say about you contains some truth about them. ~Deepak Chopra
The individual who says it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it. ~ Tricia Cunningham
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad. ~RevRunWisdom
Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it. ~Ella Williams

The cover photo of my newest book was released this week. I am excited to share a photo of the cover of "A Knitting Wrapsody: Innovative Designs to Wrap, Drave & Tie" with you!

Designer Kristin Omdahl showcases her signature motif designs and experimental construction in an 18-pattern collection of beautiful scarves, wraps, skirts and shawls. In A Knitting Wrapsody, you will also find elegant patterns that incorporate reversible stitch patterns, unique knitted edgings, and other clever elements. Sidebars throughout cover key techniques such as reversible stitches and interesting closures. On the enclosed bonus DVD, Kristin demonstrates new or unusual knitting techniques step-by-step and will help build your skills in edgings, stitch motifs, constructions and more. With her passionate attention to stitch detail and one-of-a-kind motif designs, Kristin offers a wide range of projects in A Knitting Wrapsody for a variety of time commitments. Expand your wardrobe with bold, stylish shapes and add form-flattering pieces perfect for layering. Pre-order now at Amazon.com -- release date is February 22, 2011.

Did you listen to Getting Loopy on Blog Talk Radio Monday night? Kristin Omdahl was the guest and if you missed it, you can listen to the recorded version on iTunes or BlogTalk's website. Kristin's Interviews, Radio and TV Appearances

Interweave Crochet Magazine announces 25 finalists in the Chain Reaction Afghan Square reader competition. Vote now for your favorites! I couldn't choose just one - I voted for 6! Only 10 will win: VOTE HERE

Big news at Interweave Press! Congratulations to the new editorial directors Karin Strom Jaime Bogner Marlene Blessing and Tricia Waddell on their exciting moves. Click here for the full PRESS RELEASE

Have you seen this? Interweave Crochet Magazine Fall 2010 preview is up! It features one of my designs: The Birch Vest. This is a simple, top down raglan shaped yoke with a very pretty lace stitch pattern for the lower body section of the vest. The sizes range for 34" to 50" bust and the yarn is so soft: Malabrigo Silky Wool. I love the color variation in this colorway (acorn #433). Click here for additional photos and more information about the magazine: Interweave Crochet Magazine Fall 2010

Check out this sneak peek from episode 504 of Knitting Daily TV when I interviewed the incredibly talented and super sweet Jared Flood in Designer Spotlight segment from TNNA Long Beach, CA.

In an effort to cash in on the efficiency of frozen leftovers so I had more time to work (and finish up summer vacation), here are some of this week's menus:
Baked Ziti, watermelon & feta salad
Sauteed Catfish with white wine sauce, cucumber & feta salad, chocolate cake
Cheesy Enchiladas, peach cobbler
Grilled Steak and mushrooms, grilled pineapple

I've been working out very minimally. I hope to get back into a routine when Shark Hunter returns to school. In the meantime, my super cool (albeit weird) barefoot running shoes were in the news: Barefoot Running Article

Here are my favorite quotes of this week:
In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher. ~ Dalai Lama
Everyone and everything around you is your teacher. ~Ken Keyes Jr
If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends, you talk to your enemies. ~Moche Dayan

It's been a busy week here. Between returning from vacation, to summer nearing the end, to a book manuscript deadline duedate, it's been busy to say the least - but always fun! :)

I'd like to give a few shout outs to some of the interesting things I've found on the web this week:

Happy Birthday Elisabeth Zimmerman! If you know who she is, please celebrate her! If you don't, read this lovely article called "An Ode to a Pioneer: Elisabeth Zimmerman" on Etsy.com : EZ Article
Gina Wilde, the beautiful and talented owner of Alchemy Yarns is painting silk in beautiful greens for Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2011 Collection! What an exciting week. I sure wish I could see photos! It must be exquisite!
Stephanie Japel talks aobut knitting and math fun/geekery on her blog. What is not to love about that! Here is the article: SJ Math-Knit Article

I'm working on a project to TAKE BACK MY KITCHEN! Through years of rushing and disorganization I have come to the realization that I probably spend double what I should be spending on groceries because of my lack of efficiency and organization in the kitchen. I gave myself a fixed budget, in cash per week, of what I can spend on groceries. I think putting cash in the equation (instead of the magical debit card) I am valuing what I spend a lot more. I am also calculating how to store the produce best and using it all instead of throwing half out. When I make a big meal, the leftovers go in the freezer immediately. And, I am threading the special fresh ingredients I buy for the week throughout the week's menus.

Over the last month, I have reduced my grocery spending by 50%!!!

Here are some of this week's menus:
Entrees: Chicken Cacciatore, Parmegiano-Reggiano Fritatta, Garlicky Chicken Thighs, Cheesy Enchiladas, Baked Ziti with sausage.
Sides: Bean & Kale Soup, Greek Roasted Potatoes, Cucumber salad with crumbled feta, Cucumber/apple/salami/onion/lettuce/cheese chopped salad
Desserts: smores bars (like rice crispy treats but with Golden Graham cereal and chocolate chips), chocolate/banana sundaes, chocolate/banana milkshakes

Last Friday night I was invited to be on Planet Purl's live Webchat. It was so much fun! I talked about Crochet So Fine, Knitting Daily TV and lots of other things, answered viewers questions and had a great time. The photo of the cover of my new knitting book "A Knitting Wrapsody: Innovative Designs to Wrap Drape and Tie" debuted on the show. The photo is only available there, so far! And, the book comes out Feb 2011, so be sure I'll post more info soon. If you attended the webchat, thank you! If you had other plans, no problem! The entire show will be available to watch as a recording sometime this week. When it's available I'll add the link!
While on Twitter, I found a very nice review of "Wrapped In Crochet"

On my hook this week: SWATCHES!! I'm working on a new crochet book that will have a stitch dictionary included! I'm really excited about this project but it brings new meaning to the word SWATCHES!! I wish I could tell you more, but you know the drill. :) The best part about working with swatches (especially when the kids are on summer break) is that they are PORTABLE! I have crocheted swatches at the pool, at the beach, at camp, on the train, on an airplane, in a waiting line, while watching a movie, etc... you get the point. In this photo, I'm watching my Shark Hunter body surfing at the beach while crochet swatching with Caron Yarn's Simply Soft.
On my needles this week: a beautiful knit sweater I'm working on for my Styled By Kristin pattern line. It is in Blue Sky Alpaca's Melange in cornflower and I'm knitting with Lantern Moon Destiny Circular Needles, size US5. When I'm a little further along, I'll show photos. At this point I only have 1/2 of one sleeve finished. Not much to show yet. But I think it will be STUNNING soon!

I am on a committe for a St. Jude Children's Fundraising 5K Walk right now. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, November 20, 2010. I am going to have a fundraising drive on the website here, starting very soon. If you are in the area and can join my team of walkers, that would be wonderful! I'll have an invite link here soon, too. In the meantime, please save the date, ok?

Here are some of my favorite inspirational quotes from this week. The first one I want framed at my desk:
~ A new day has dawned, and you can choose to make it the best day ever!
~ Many great achievements in this world were acomplished by those who were tired and discouraged but kept working anyway! Rev Run Wisdom
~ When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears. Anthony Robbins
~ Today tell yourself, "everything is possible, no matter what!" Deepak Chopra

Check out this article about how "cool" it is to wear crochet garments! Crochet Fashion Article

Annie Modesitt found a great article about knitting in an Oregon news site: Knitting Article

Kristin Omdahl interviewed on Lion Brand's YarnCraft Podcast. Also interviewed on this episode are Margaret Hubert, Anna Hrachovec and much more! YarnCraft Podcast for 8/3/10

Please join Kristin Omdahl for a live web chat at Plant Purl Friday night, 8/6/10 at 8:00pm EST to talk about knitting crochet and much more! If you can't make it Friday night, no problem! The entire video interview and web chat will be available to download at a later date. Planet Purl Kristin Omdahl Interview Web Chat

I visisted the Washington DC / Annapolis MD area last week and had a wonderful time taking in the museums, history and attractions. While on a side trip to Gettysburg, PA, I found a civil war artifact store and look what they were selling:

There are a couple of new Kristin Omdahl patterns available in the InterweaveStore.com pattern store. The Painted Desert Skirt (crochet pattern)

Kristin Omdahl’s signature swirls form the hem of this swingy A-line skirt. Work the motifs first, then begin working the skirt in the round from the top of the motifs up to the waistband, which sits at or just below the natural waist. Piping accentuates the contrasting swirls and unites the colors with the main skirt. This skirt is fun and easy to both make and wear, and the easy-care Eco-Ways yarn lets you machine wash and dry.

The pattern is available here: Painted Desert Crochet Skirt Pattern

The Sweet Lily Knit Lace Shawl (knit pattern): Kristin Omdahl uses short-rows to force a lily-of-the-valley pattern to follow a curve in the Sweet Lily Shawl.

is available here: Sweet Lily Knit Lace Shawl Pattern

The Forest Flower Pullover Crochet Pattern: Kristin Omdahl’s pullover has a slimming body of linked crochet alternated with extended single crochet for coverage without bulk. The simple front and back rectangles are finished with a clever chain-stitch godet that adds shapely fullness at the hip. Subtly shaped triangular motifs create a smoothly encircling neckline.

is available here: Forest Flower Pullover Crochet Pattern

Last but not least, here are some of my favorite inspiration quotes from this week:

Even a clock that does not work is right twice a day. ~Polish Proverb

"Cheap, Fast, or Good. Pick two."

"As you grow older, you'll find that the only things you regret are the things you didn't do." -Zachary Scott 

Hello!! The truly thankful person can survive challenging hard times much better than the ungrateful unfocused & uninspired. @RevRunWisdom  

Every day, tell at least one person something you like, admire, or appreciate about them. Richard Carlson

When someone does something well, applaud! You will make two people happy. Samuel Goldwyn

Have a wonderful week! xoxo, Kristin

Have you seen the Crochet Dude's Purse of the Month Club (PPOM)? The July pattern is up and it is a real cutie! Click here to join Drew Emborsky's club: The Crochet Dude's PPOM Club

Brenda Bourg shared with me that you can go to your public library's website, type in your library card number and download audio books for free!!?! I love the multi-tasking capabilities of being able to knit or crochet while reading via audiobook. Definitely on my to-do list.

Ellen Gormley of "Go Crochet" wrote a great tutorial about making buttons with her kids. Not only is the idea of making your own buttons a fun idea, but a kid friendly project, too? Very cool, Ellen!

Marly Bird of "Yarn Thing" interviewed THE Norah Gaughn designer extraordinaire, mathematic genius and creative director for Berroco Yarn on her podcast this week. If you click on Marly's name it will take you to her site where you can download or listen to the interview.

Kristen TenDyke "quit her day job" and officially became a full time knit and crochet designer this week. Congratulations, Kristen! It is a big step, the job entails lots of long hours, but if this is what you love (as I do), it is the best job in the world! I wish you the best!! Congratulations!!

Zontee Hou interviewed me for the Lion Brand Yarn's YarnCraft Podcast this week. It was a lot of fun! Zontee and I met last year taping for Knitting Daily TV and I had the opportunity to catch up with her last month at the Knit & Crochet Show in Manchester, New Hampshire. On the Podcast, we talked about the two projects in "Crochet So Fine" that feature Lion Brand's Microspun yarn.

Faina Goberstein wrote a beautiful review of "Crochet So Fine" on her website. Click here to read the review
Excerpt here: "This book is another masterpiece by Kristin Omdahl. The focus of her creations this time is on crocheting with fine yarns. She proves that crocheted garments can be light and airy if it is done witha soft and lightweight yarn combined with the choice of a delicate stitch. While I am looking at Kristin's book, I know I am going to make something that I will wear and enjoy the compliments along the way.

Dora Orenstein of Crochet Insider wrote a beautiful review of "Crochet So Fine" on her website. Click here to read the review
Excerpt here: "Kristin has always brought a special eye to crochet design, bringing together the beauty in geometry, great stitching technique, an artistic eye, and lovely fashion sense."

I get a lot of emails asking me what knit and crochet garments I am wearing on the set of Knitting Daily TV. I uploaded photos from "On the Set" of Knitting Daily TV and set up a photo gallery this week. Each photo is listed with a detailed description of the episode name, what I am wearing and where you can find the pattern for what I am wearing. Click on this link to check out the gallery: What is Kristin Wearing on Knitting Daily TV Photo Gallery

Stitch Diva Studios is having a contest to win a free copy of "Crochet So Fine" and offering a 15% off sale on yarn kits for the 2 projects that feature Studio Silk: Sprout Chain Shawlette and Chains Bucket Hat

I added two new stitch to my Crochet Stitch Glossary page: The Crochet Popcorn and Beginning Popcorn Stitches. 

I heard from many people this week who are making their first projects from "Crochet So Fine". I am so excited to see photos! It is so interesting to me how my designs and patterns are only guidelines and that there is so much variation in how people choose to interpret them with yarn and color choice, and so much more. One particular person who contacted me has the CUTEST name for a website: www.afrayedknotknits.com The reason I like the name so much is because when I was a little girl, that was my favorite joke! My uncle is an excellent joke teller, and this was my favorite joke he told.

Knitting Daily TV begins airing right now. Check here to see if and when it is on in your area: KGTV Schedule In Your Area
  In the event that it is not on in your area, the DVD set for season 5 is now available: KGTV Season 5 DVD

Did you sign the petition to restore the Gulf? It is a campaign to alert your local government officials to the importance of the situation to YOU. www.restorethegulf.com

Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows I LOVE inspirational quotes. Here are some of my favorites for this week:
"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." ~Judy Garland

Your breath is your soundtrack for your life. ~Uncle Rush

"Begin to see yourself as a soul with a body rather than a body with a soul." ~Wayne Dyer

"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out." ~Jack Buck

"Constantly look for the good in people and in situations. When you find it, tell the person." ~Bob Proctor

Have a great week, everyone!!

NOTE: Pre-order --  I will begin shipping books Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Here is a new youtube video preview of the book:

I am wearing one of my favorite knit lace shawl patterns in the video. It is called the Fleur de la Mer Shawl and the pattern is available here:Fleur de la Mer Pattern

Or the yarn and pattern kit is available here:Fleur de la Mer Yarn & Pattern Kit

Click here to buy now!

Description
Kristin Omdahl uses short-rows to force a lily-of-thevalley pattern to follow a curve in the Sweet Lily Shawl.
Pattern Details
Finished Size: 80" wide at top edge and 34" long from top edge to bottom point at center.
Yarn: The Alpaca Yarn Company Suri Elegance (100% Suri alpaca; 875 yd [800 m]/100 g]: #2015 blue blood red, 1 skein. Order KIT HERE
Yarn Weight: #2 - Fine

Needles: Size 8 (5 mm): 24" or longer circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Markers (m); smooth, contrasting waste yarn for invisible cast-on; tapestry needle..
Gauge: About 12 sts and 16 rows = 4" in lace patt, after blocking; exact gauge is not critical for this project.
Originally Published: Interweave Knits Spring 2009

Kristin's TNNA Colubmus June 2010 Photo Gallery

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