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.

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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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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While Mother’s Day seems to have just passed, Father’s Day is sneaking up on us quickly! Even if you haven’t chosen the perfect gift for Pops, you still have time to whip him up something handmade and from the heart.

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