Have you ever heard of Sukkot? Like Hanukkah, it is a Jewish Festival that lasts about a week. Unlike Hanukkah, it takes place during the autumn season. It is a time to give thanks for the fall harvest. During this time, people who observe this festival build sukkahs, which are temporary shelters meant to symbolize the shelters used by Jews during the 40 years of wandering.

During the festival, people spend time in the sukkah, eating there, having guests, and sometimes even sleeping there. Decorating the sukkah can be a fun activity for the whole family. Since Sukkot begins on September 27, 2015 and ends on October 4th this year, there is plenty of time to crochet one of these projects for your sukkah or to share these project with friends who may celebrate the holiday.

Attending Stitches Midwest for the first time was like going to a crafty playground! There was so much there – so many colors, so many tools, so many people… And we all had something in common – fiber crafting! It was a lot of fun to go to this event, which was unlike any other I have attended. I took classes, shopped the marketplace, and networked. I had a lot of special experiences during the four-day event. There is a lot to process for sure, but I am happy to share a bit of my experience with you here on Crochet Spot.

Ahhh! As I am writing this I am eagerly anticipating all the yarny wonder of the famous fiber event, Stitches Midwest. By the time you read this, the event will be over, but as it turns out, there are a number of crochet conventions and fiber festivals all over the world (and even at sea!)

How does one find a fiber festival? How can one make the most of the time there? Read on for my (lengthy but nowhere near comprehensive) list of crochet conventions and fiber festivals and a few tips for saving money and enjoying the event!

My life has been engulfed in yarn, crochet, and having good crafty times lately and I couldn’t be happier about it. I recently made a really beautiful crochet lace poncho that looks fabulous on everyone! It was crocheted in the beautiful Louet Euroflax Sport Weight Linen. The pattern was from Rustic Modern Crochet by Yumiko Alexander.

I had a lot of fun crocheting this poncho, but I knew that it would have to be specially blocked when I was done. Maybe you are wondering what blocking is and how you can do it. If so, read on to follow my process step by step.

I know it might seem early, but trust me, back to school is right around the corner. A friend of mine has kids that start school on August 10th! Seriously! So I thought I would post this round up of fantastic crochet patterns for back to school! Since these are all relatively small, you have plenty of time to whip something up before the kids head off to school again this year.

Man, it is hot up here in the northern hemisphere! Summer is truly upon us and I’ve seen some lacy clothing come out of storage and have a day in the sun. Summer is perfect for crochet and it seems that each year, every season, I see more and more crochet in stores, online, and on the runway. Hairpin lace is a classic crochet technique that people may not know is crochet. It was originally crocheted using a lady’s hairpin as a loom. As I researched for this essay, I became fascinated with the history of hairpin lace.

Corrine Munger took these hairpin crochet lace photos !

Isn’t it exciting to find a new product or company that you just love? Well, that’s how I feel about Willow Yarns. The company is new to me, but what a wonderful product they have to offer. I don’t even remember how I heard about them, but I am glad that I did because they just provide another affordable option for getting good yarns. And what I love about their website is that they give free shipping on orders larger than $50, so if it is time to stock up, they are a good option.

Did your eyes well up with tears this past month as you watched someone special walk across the stage and receive a high school diploma? The college years are a very special time in someone’s life. I remember when my mom dropped me off at the residence hall with all my stuff. She came running back in to make sure I had a quarter for a phone call. (Yes, I’m dating myself, but I don’t care! It was the 1990s!)

It was during my college years that I learned how to make a space like home and uniquely my own. I missed my family quite a bit but I was comforted by the things that reminded me of home and family. Why not send your child/friend/family member off to college with something special and crocheted especially for them by you!

Photos via flickr by South Hadley Historical Society, Katie Peek, and Erin. License

Have you ever wondered how much yarn you have left to go in your skein? How about how much yarn you’ve used in your finished project? I didn’t realize this when I first started crocheting, but it is possible to know the length of yarn used or how much yarn is left in a skein without taking out a yard stick. All you need is some information and a kitchen scale.

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