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!

Are you participating in the Finish in ’15 Year Long WIP/UFO Challenge? All are welcomed to join at anytime! This contest is a fun event to help get your projects completed. In this post are all the photos submitted by readers so far for the third quarter of the challenge. Remember there will be a winner every 3 months and each photo you submit counts as an entry!

Join the contest by emailing your recent photos to [email protected]
Your photos can be any WIP (work in progress) you have on your hook at the moment, any item you just finished, any UFO (unfinished object) that’s been sitting around your house, any item that you “frogged” (ripped out to reuse the yarn for something else). Submit as many photos are you like, each crochet item you submit counts as another entry!
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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

Heeeeyyyyy! Remember how we started this cool contest all about finishing our WIPs and UFOs in 2015? Remember, it wasn’t a resolution, it was a CHALLENGE! And like all good challenges, there are rewards. And guess what? The rewards get better as we go along! Read on, ’cause this is BIG & involves FREE YARN!

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