Giveaway + Everything’s Coming Up Crochet!

Last month, we focused on lace, sharing some of our favorite tips, tricks and tools for successful projects for lace enthusiasts; we even shared a photo tutorial starring our brand-new lace blocking wires! While lace designs can be created with both knitting and crocheting techniques, we'd like to put crochet in the spotlight this month by highlighting both traditional and Tunisian techniques which can be used to make a variety of projects. In today's post, we'll begin with a closer look at traditional crochet techniques; we hope you'll join us later this month when we delve into Tunisian crochet techniques (hint: we'll have a surprise from designer Rohn Strong!).

Most of our fans are familiar with traditional crochet, i.e. techniques which are created using a single-ended hook. There are lots of great tutorials to help you get started, such as these free video lessons over on the FreshStitches website. You can also find more advanced techniques such as this bobble stitch tutorial starring one of our Dreamz crochet hooks!

Stacey Trock, the designer behind FreshStitches, is best known for her adorable and cuddly crochet amigurumi designs. Amigurumi is a Japanese term for knitted or crocheted stuffed dolls which are traditionally smaller in size, although many crocheters have broadened the use of this term to describe any knitted or crocheted stuffed toy. Stacey's newest book, Modern Baby Crochet, features some great examples of amigurumi in addition to crocheted afghans, pillows, and other household decor which would look great in and out of the nursery!

Modern Baby Crochet by Stacey Trock

February Giveaway

This month, we're giving away one Japanese Bamboo single-ended crochet hook set! To enter our giveaway, simply leave a comment telling us what's currently on your hook, or what you'd like to make if you won this set! Be sure to also include your Ravelry ID or email address so that we can contact you if you win. 

We will randomly select one lucky winner to announce on our next blog post on Friday, February 21. Good luck!