Have you ever found a pattern that instantly intrigued you? You immediately set about finding the perfect yarn in the perfect shade, and you could just envision the completed project. Settled into the perfect crocheting location, you dug through your hook case for the proper size hook. But the hook wasn't there. I know I have at least 2 hooks in each size, so I hate when that happens. Invariably I realize where the absent hook is, languishing with one unfinished project or other in my UFO basket. I'm not sure how many UFOs I have accumulated but I would venture a guess you could count them on both hands, well maybe both hands of two people. How do they accumulate so quickly? Why does a project end up in the UFO basket? When I conceived the idea for this blog the other day, I had a plan. And it was the perfect plan. I have a beautiful summer top in my UFO basket. All it lacks are a couple of short, flirty sleeves, weaving in a few loose ends, and blocking. This blog would give me the motivation to finish the top and write a short piece on finishing a UFO.

But when I found myself with an hour to kill yesterday and a hook, ball of rich burnt orange yarn, and a quick pattern handy, I couldn't resist. The delicate summer top has moved to the top of the UFO basket, but if I pick it up I will merely replace it with a different UFO. So what pushes a project into the black abyss of the UFO basket? Maybe a project is pushed aside when something new catches my eye, that particular project simply isn't handy and I simply HAVE to crochet, or the project is out of season or I fear it will no long fit me well. Perhaps it doesn't matter why a project sits in my UFO basket. How do I get it out of the basket into my closet? Have you found any good motivators or do you also suffer from severe UFOitis?
~Toni Rexorat

The seasons have changed, but we here in Colorado seem to have jumped directly from Winter to Summer. My wardrobe has performed the same leap from snowboots and wool socks to sandals and skirts. The wool and alpaca yarn has temporarily been tucked into drawers and shelves, and I have pulled out the bright cotton thread. I found a fantastic little jean skirt that just begged to be adorned. I have also been looking for an excuse to try out a few motifs from the Harmony Guides: Crochet Stitch Motifs. The flowers and leaves were finished in just a few hours, blocked, and left to dry overnight. Another evening I'll attach the motifs and create a stem or two.

I love crochet's ability to turn an off the rack garment in a one of a kind creation. In fact, I had so much fun I am busy planning which skirt, pair of jeans, or shirt to adorn next. Perhaps a crocheted edging? I would love to hear your ideas. What have you adorned?

Little thread, tinier hooks, wait let me find a magnifying glass. I love crochet lace. The delicate intricacies of the stitches and patterns of lace drew me to this exciting art form when I was a child. One of my first projects was a doily. The stitches were too tight and the doily refused, despite blocking and liberal starch, to lay flat. Thankfully, I've learned a few things since then, but I continue to be fascinated by lace. Beautiful examples of crocheted lace can be found in many antique or republished needlework books. Around 1888, Weldon's began publishing a series of books that included a wide variety of needlework patterns, including crochet patterns. Interweave republished these fascinating collections, and I love to page through the old illustrations and try my hand—and thread—at some of the old patterns. Old crochet patterns are like old recipes, often no more than a list of ingredients, 1 chain, 2 treble, 2 chain, 2 double crochet. But, like those old recipes, the result is delicious.

The May/June 2009 Piecework is all about lace—tatted lace; knitted lace; and of course, crochet lace. They even have amazing examples of crochet tatting. For those people, like myself, who are fascinated by lace and old patterns, there is even a contest. Within Piecework's pages you will find the Link Pattern Lace pattern from Weldon's Practical Needlework, Volume 12 and Pointed Lace in Crochet Tatting pattern from Weldon's Practical Needlework, Volume 10.

Piecework is inviting you to create your own lace from the patterns and send it to them for possible publication. I may have to pull out my own hook and thread. The Link Pattern Lace would make a beautiful trim on a shirt, but I've never tried crochet tatting before. Which do I choose?
—Toni

Two weekends ago my mother braved the unpredictable Spring weather to drive down and visit me for the weekend. My love of creation through fiber was first fostered by my mother, so we had to plan a trip to at least one of my LYS. My mother chose Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins, so Boulder became the first stop of the day. I brought my camera along to document our adventures.

Mom and I browsing the skeins and buttons.

My mother was fascinated with the myriad of button choices. Plans have already been made for the wool she will spin, sweaters that yarn will become, and buttons that will grace the sweaters created from the yarn.

When I saw this display, I couldn't resist a picture. Yes, this shot describes my attitude about yarn pretty well. The more the merrier.

Look what I found, Interweave Crochet Spring 2009. It's always exciting to see my hard work in the yarn stores.

Sometimes the most difficult part of yarn shopping is not finding the perfect skein but choosing the ideal color. The blue eventually won me over. It will work beautiful with a bit of beautiful, soft peach already in my stash back home. Stay tuned to discover what creation emerges from this yarn after I pull out my hooks.
—Toni

He's about average size with rather short, floppy ears; black button eyes; a pert, pink nose that rarely twitches; and a cute little vest. Sir Stephen is an easy pet in most aspects. He joined the Interweave Crochet family with the Summer 2008 issue. He eats practically nothing and never creates messes. But, like most pets, he adores attention, which is perfect considering the Interweave staff's love for him.

Hi! I am so excited to begin blogging on CrochetMe and sharing my adventures in crochet with you. I have been crocheting for about 15 years, first teaching myself to crochet while sitting in my parent's living room. My mother is a very competent knitter, but she has never quite been able to wrap her brain around the freeform nature of crochet. Maybe one day I will be able to teach her. I keep trying. The infinite possibilities and infinite number of new things to try and learn that crochet provides has quickly become apparent to me, and I love searching for a new stitch or technique to try. I look for every opportunity to crochet and have found myself crocheting in a variety of interesting, and some might say unusual, locations. I have crocheted many times in moving vehicles, waiting rooms, bus stops, while walking from one room to another, and at a coalmine. Now I find that a fair bit of my crochet time is found at work. Yes, that is correct, at work. Interweave is a very special place to work. Like most companies we have our fair share of meetings, but our meeting may not look like the average conference. We have the requisite long table, projector, pads and paper, handouts, etc. But one look down that long table will reveal the difference. Bins of tiny, glittering seed beads, beautiful skeins of luscious fibers, knitting needles, and crochet hooks flash as many of those in attendance work on their latest project. I completed the Schoolmarm Vest from the Winter 2007 issue of Interweave Crochet while in company meetings.

My brain works better if I have something to keep my hands busy. Maybe that's why I taught myself to crochet. One thing is certain, whether sitting in a waiting room, at a bus stop, or in a meeting my hands will always have plenty to keep themselves busy. So, where do you crochet? I am looking forward to getting to know you, so please feel free to comment on my blogs or send me a message.
Toni Rexroat
Assistant Editor, Interweave Crochet