Classes, Connections, Publications, and Plans!

Last week I ventured north to Middletown Thrall Library in the Hudson Valley to teach two "Introduction to Tunisian Crochet" classes. It's a long drive, but the scenery through the Delaware Water Gap was beautiful. I wish I had had more time to explore. 

The classes came about thanks to a lucky meeting a few months ago during a book-signing and Tunisian demo I did at The Knitter's Edge. The library's Head of Youth Services Director was there, and before I knew it, I had received an invitation.

What a wonderful experience! The staff at the library was terrific. Bridget, Lu, Betsy...I wish I lived closer so I could get to know them better. I arrived the afternoon before and they got me all set up in the meeting room. The next day we had two full classes, 12 people each, including one talented young crocheter in each group. I loved the energy and enthusiasm, and the way the students helped each other. Very congenial! I think some of them will get together regularly and I hope they practice their Tunisian crochet. I've already been asked to return in the spring, when I'll probably teach "More Techniques in Tunisian Crochet."

One thing that came up during class is that I need a better way to hold the yarn ball as I walk around demonstrating stitches and checking on the students' work. A woman in class mentioned something that hooks onto a belt. I found this very interesting link under the category "History of Domestic Paraphernalia." I think I'm going to rig something up for next time. It might be as simple as a Ziploc bag that hooks onto a belt--or I suppose I could see if one of the beltpacks I have would work. Have any of you tried something like that?

In November I'll be heading south to teach four classes for the Crochet Guild of Prince William County (VA). Again, it was another fortuitous meeting that resulted in the invitation. I taught a "Designing for Publication" class at Lion Brand Yarn Studio, and one of the students is from the Prince William Guild. I'm delighted that we were able to work things out, and I am very excited about meeting the rest of her group.

You might remember my bewilderment about having my classes turned down by TNNA (The National NeedleArts Association), despite my having received perfect ratings from all students who took my classes at the national show back in 2008. I finally figured out that they want teachers who can teach many hours, in order to get the most out of the travel expense reimbursement. I get it. For 2019 I submitted five class proposals. Now we wait and see. 

Speaking of conferences, I was not able to attend the Crochet Guild of America show but it sounds like it was fantastic! I was very happy to hear that Karen McKenna, one of the designers who contributed two Tunisian Crochet patterns to Delicate Crochet, showed both of those garments in the fashion show. Karen also won an award for another of her Tunisian designs. Well-deserved! Congratulations to Karen.

On to books! I'm delighted to tell you that my Leisure Arts leaflet, Wall Hangings, has been published in print and digital forms! It's available through the Leisure Arts website here. And here are some pictures of the eight crocheted projects:

I should receive the next version of Delicate Crochet (available here) from Stackpole Books later this month for one final review. It will be the first time I'm seeing everything laid out, not just in copyedited form. Less than three months until publication!

I finally made the time to take pictures and set up my Etsy shop, here. There are way too many finished projects here, all new and in perfect condition. I'd be happy for them to go to a new home and for that space to be liberated for new projects! So far I have about 50 items for sale; next up, another day of photography for hats, baby clothes, baby blankets, and more scarves and cowls. If you know anyone who is looking for hand-crafted items for themselves or to give as gifts, please send them to my shop. 

I'll leave you with this, a female box turtle we have seen in front of and in back of our house. (We know she's a female because of her eye color.) It had been a few years since we saw a turtle, and we are glad to welcome her back! 

Isn't she beautiful? I wish I could keep my nails that nice!

Enjoy August, whether you are at home or on vacation. Happy crocheting!

A busy spring with new classes, new projects, and a new book coming!

My February trip to Indiana to film two online classes for Annie's went great! The weather even cooperated and it was much warmer than when I was there two years ago. Both classes are live now, so I can reveal that they are "Tunisian Crochet: Beyond the Basics" and "Learn to Crochet Pineapples." Each class has two projects; here are some pictures.

The projects for the Tunisian class are a two-texture scarf and a lacy shawl. The ones for the Pineapples class are a fringed lap blanket and a lacy half-circle shawl. 

As usual, the crew was terrific. It's amazing how many people are in the studio, all working to make sure the class is professional and polished. Three camera operators, the producer, director, editors, stylists...no wonder Annie's classes are such high quality.

I was invited to one of my favorite yarn shops, The Knitter's Edge in Bethlehem, PA, to celebrate Local Yarn Store Day on April 21st. What a fun afternoon! The owners, JoAnne and her daughter Amanda, should be used as role models for any shop owner. Their store is spacious--with dedicated classrooms!--well-stocked with yarn for every budget, and staffed with knowledgeable, caring people. They set me up in their beautiful bay window to do a book-signing and some Tunisian crochet demos. I met all sorts of nice people who had come from nearby, and from as much as several hours away. (That goes to show you how valued The Knitter's Edge is.) One of the women I met that day has since invited me to teach two introductory Tunisian crochet classes at the Middletown Thrall Library in New York state in August. A lovely surprise to have that work out.

I'm looking forward to my trip up there. Not sure if I will have time to visit Manitoga: The Russell Wright Design Center then, but I certainly hope so. I have been on the travel/architecture beat recently for The Hunt Magazine. My article about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum just came out in the summer edition; in the fall, features about Ladew Topiary Gardens and the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise will be published; for winter, I'm covering Hollyhock House (a restored Frank Lloyd Wright site in Los Angeles) and Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey. Manitoga would fit right in. 

I'm excited to report that Delicate Crochet is listed for sale! Check out the "Books" page and the "Sneak Peek" to see photos of the 23 projects included in the book, and the names of the designers who contributed patterns. Amazon has the publication date as 12/1 but it should actually be ready to ship in late October/early November. If you are going to TNNA or CGOA this summer, look for Stackpole Books and some of the designers showing off some sample garments.

Videos, Books, and Travel Coming Up!

Although it is still drab and grey outside, flowers are in full bloom indoors in Longwood's Conservatory. What an inspiring place! Right now it is their "Orchid Extravaganza." The variety of colors, shapes, and sizes of orchids is astonishing. It has been delightful to experience that (on weekdays--too crowded for my taste on weekends) and to return to work refreshed.

The crochet book in the works for Stackpole Books is moving along. I made two trips to Harrisburg, PA to work with photographer Daniel Shanken on the model and studio shots. Together with Alan Wycheck's technique photos, I think the pictures in the book will be stunning! 

Daniel at work

A Leisure Arts leaflet is ready for production as soon as one of the major craft stores gives the okay. I hope it's soon because I really enjoyed designing the projects for the book's theme, and I am eager to see them in print. I hope to do a fun promotion with Leisure Arts for National Craft Month in March. I'll share the details as soon as I have them.

Next week I return to Berne, IN to film two crochet classes for Annie's. I enjoyed doing "Learn to Crochet Ripples" (and the pull-out class, "Go-To Ripple Tote") for them two years ago. The hardest part for me isn't the patterns or the scripts, it's the wardrobe! There are very specific requirements for what you can and cannot wear on camera. No black, no white. Red isn't so great either. No stripes or bold patterns, no texture that could "vibrate" on screen. Have to choose something seasonless. Nothing that is or looks handmade because then the students could get too interested in that and start asking for the pattern. Can't be too casual or too formal. Long sleeves are okay but they may not be pushed up. Fabric must be thick enough for the microphone to stay clipped on, and it can't make any noise. Have to wear a unique outfit for each class. I ended up with a bright blue long-sleeved crew under a watercolor sweater for one class, and a lilac top under a dark purple sweater for the other. Fortunately, I will be seated at a table so the pants don't matter!

Last time the makeup artist was snowed out so I did my own makeup, but this time the hair and makeup person should be there to work her magic. I usually wear little or no makeup, but if I tried that on camera I'd probably look tired and washed out. I'm happy to put myself in the care of a professional. Look for some Instagram and FB pictures from the makeup chair next week!

More videos will be on tap after that, but those will be done in my own studio for my YouTube channel. Subscribers keep signing up and they deserve some new content! If you have any requests for techniques to cover, please let me know.

Plymouth Yarn Company has published several of my designs in the past. I love working with them! I noticed that one of the patterns I wrote for them is no longer available because the yarn has been discontinued. They were generous enough to turn back the rights to me and allow me to publish it with a different yarn. The result is the "Scarf de Triomphe Paris," in luscious SpaceCaded Maia.

I'm expecting a "designer box" of samples to arrive from Plymouth soon, too. Can't wait to see their new products! 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Eagles' Super Bowl win. What a game! We kept waiting for them to lose in spectacular fashion like they have so many times in the past, and it wasn't until the clock ran out that we could exhale and believe what had happened. That "Philly Special" will put a smile on people's faces for years. It's amazing how the mood in the city and region has been lifted by the win. I made a scarf before the game, a version of the Tunisian Check Scarf in Eagles colors:

E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!

I hope have been working on some interesting projects and are looking forward to spring! Feel free to share pictures on my Sharon Silverman Crochet Facebook page. 

Designing for Publication: Upcoming Class at Lion Brand Yarn Studio

I'm excited to be returning to the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NYC to teach "Designing for Publication." The class is Sunday, December 3, from 2-5 p.m. and is suitable for all crafters, not just crocheters. More information is here. 

I really feel like this class is a return to my roots! I've been a freelance writer since 1987, mostly travel and features (my first crochet book came out in 2006), and I have taught freelance writing and travel writing in adult evening school. Many of my students have gotten their work published.

There is a balance between the creative side and the business side. You can be the most brilliant crocheter, or novelist, or food critic, but that's not enough to get your work published. There is protocol to follow, analysis to be done, self-promotion to convey, and more details than you can probably imagine...and that's all before you get the assignment! When you work in the craft field, there are very specific requirements for how your package should be submitted to a publisher. Ignore those rules at your own peril. Same with deadlines. You'll need to keep track of your expenses, fees, and taxes, too, so there's a bit of bookkeeping involved.

I am not the world's most creative designer. Sure, I've come up with some nice things, maybe better than average, but nothing like the awesome garments I see on Ravelry and elsewhere. However, I am exceptionally good at project management, organization, and communication, and editors value working with me as much for that as for the creativity I bring to the table. I attribute some of those skills to my essential nature, some to my experience as a technical writer, some to learning the value of checklists during aviation training, and some to fear--I don't want my reputation to be tarnished by missing a deadline or forgetting something important! That's a powerful motivator. And I've learned from my mistakes.

I've also had the benefit of wonderful advice from other writers and editors. (I owe a lifelong debt to my former DuPont colleague Paula Diaco, now with Write Stories Now, who introduced me to the concept of a query letter and recommended Writer's Market all those years ago.)

One thing that I will be emphasizing in class is the importance of following through on commitments. Your job is to make the editor's job easier. It's as simple as that...and, apparently, as difficult, as several recent exasperating experiences would suggest. Why does someone promise to send a press kit to me and then need me to remind him three times? Why does someone say he has put aside tickets for me to an event, but not actually do it? Why does a national trade association say decisions about teaching proposals will be made by the end of August, then, when asked on August 31st, change that to mid-September, and then let that date slip as well? (The latter is the type of situation I find the most frustrating--they set their own deadline, so why would they pick one they can't meet? It wasn't like the deadline was being imposed externally. I just don't get it.) Ugh, now I understand why my dentist feels compelled to send countless emails and texts to tell me about an upcoming appointment even though I have never missed one.

Deadlines and commitments are not aspirational. They are not something you "hope" you can make. They are promises. Occasionally things do happen that prevent someone from making good on a promise. If you break your arm, it might be impossible for you to knit a sample. Family situations arise. I get that, and so do editors--they're human, too. But you cannot sign a contract or enter into a commitment with the thought that, "Oh, I'll hand that in on this date if I have time and if it works out for me," or contact an editor on a due date and say you are going to be late. If you are not prepared to be rigorous with deadlines, conventional publishing is not for you (although self-publishing might be--we'll discuss that option in class, too). 

If you are considering moving from amateur designer to published professional, this class is the place to learn what it takes. I'm eager to share my experience with crafters. It's a wonderful feeling to see your work in a book or magazine, or on a yarn company website, and this class will give you the tools you need to move toward that exciting day!

Asking a Designer a Question

Recently I received a very polite question from a crocheter, which got me thinking about the way designers and crocheters interact. Why do some encounters go smoothly while others ruffle feathers? I've seen this from both sides--as the questioner and the one being questioned. Here are some suggestions that I hope will make for better communication.

For the crocheter:

1. Read the text slowly and carefully for the row or round that is tripping you up. (Doing this aloud can be helpful.) To clarify the instructions, re-write them in list form to make sure you are not missing something. For example, did you repeat what is in parentheses or brackets the right number of times? Are you doing EXACTLY what the instructions say? It is very easy to jump over something and then think it is a mistake in the pattern.  

For example, my recent questioner was having trouble with this round of Lilytopia:

Round 7: Work beg 6-dc cluster. (Ch 6, sc in next ch-4 sp) twice, *ch 6, work 6-dc cluster over next 6 dc, (ch 6, sc in next ch-4 sp) twice. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 6. Join with sl st to top of the beginning cluster. Total 30 ch-6 lps.

Writing the instructions for that round in list form would look like this:

• Work beg 6-dc cluster.
• Ch 6, sc in next ch-4 sp.
• Ch 6, sc in next ch-4 sp.
• Ch 6. [This is where the repeat starts]
• Work 6-dc cluster over next 6 dc.
• Ch 6, sc in next ch-4 sp.
• Ch 6, sc in next ch-4 sp.

That should give a better picture of what this round looks like, with three ch-6 lps between each two clusters. Ch 6, sc, ch 6, sc, ch 6, cluster. (My correspondent was short on the number of ch-6 lps and was trying to figure out why.)

2. If you are still having trouble, contact the designer directly. I can't speak for others, but I would much prefer a private message to a public post. It is really deflating to see a post that could undermine people's confidence in my pattern accuracy when it is actually the questioner's mistake that's to blame. Even if you post again later to say, "Oh, actually it was my fault," the impression can linger. If, however, you contact the designer via email, FB, and/or Ravelry and don't hear back in a day or two, go ahead and share the question.

3. Be polite and respectful. (I wish I didn't have to mention this, but I've received some pretty aggressive questions; interestingly, when those crocheters learn that it was their issue, they usually disappear without an apology.) My correspondent had just the right tone, which made it easy to want to help her. 

4. Whitelist the designer's email so her response doesn't get trapped in your spam filter. And please include your phone number in your inquiry so if she doesn't get a response to her "Please confirm you received this" email, she has a way to contact you to check.

5. If possible, send photos of the area in question.

6. Understand that anytime you contact a designer and say you're having trouble, it is an unsettling experience. I'm immediately thinking, "Uh-oh, did I make a mistake? Am I going to have to issue an erratum? How long is it going to take me to figure this out?" It's a lousy feeling, even if it turns out that my instructions are fine.

7. Recognize that you are putting an unexpected demand on the designer's time. My schedule is packed with deadlines and commitments. When your question comes in, I have to figure out when to address it. That's made doubly difficult because I don't know how long it will take. Will I be able to spot the trouble right away and solve things with a quick email? Will I have to dig out the sample (which I might not even have anymore) to verify that my instructions are correct? Will I have to crochet multiple rows or rounds to get to where I feel confident in responding to you? All of that time has to come from somewhere. 

8. Confirm that you received the designer's answer. Say thank-you for the help. If you have been pleased with the designer's response, shout it from the online rooftops! 

Before I go on to the designer's responsibilities during the interaction, I need to mention an uncomfortable possibility: sometimes it's you, and there is no reasonable amount of time or help a designer can give you to solve your problem. Perhaps the pattern is at too advanced a level for you. That is not the designer's fault. She is also not responsible if your pattern-reading skills are poor. Maybe the style of the instructions doesn't suit your learning preference. (Even sadder to contemplate, perhaps you have a cognitive problem that is preventing you from understanding the pattern. I have often thought that seeing how someone reads and executes a pattern could be used as a dementia screening tool.) By all means, take the pattern to a crocheting friend or someone at your local yarn shop to see if anyone can help with your problem, but unless you want to pay the designer to come teach you privately, it may not be possible for her to help any more than she already has! Please don't trash the designer. If she has tried her best to help, the two of you may have to agree that this time it just didn't work out.

And now, some guidelines for the designers. (Did you really think I'd let you off the hook?):

1. Respond ASAP, even if it's just to say, "Thanks for your question. I will review it this evening." Nobody should have to wonder whether you have received their inquiry.

2. Don't assume that the questioner has made a mistake. Sometimes there really is an error in the pattern. It is your responsibility to check thoroughly to see if that's the case. If so, apologize profusely and issue an erratum so others who are working on the project have the benefit of the correction.

3. Be polite and respectful. Someone who asks a question should not be told to "figure it out" on her own, or blown off because you are "too busy" to answer. Pattern support is a designer's responsibility.

4. Be understanding. The person writing to you is likely frustrated at having to stop mid-project because something isn't working. The more quickly and thoroughly you can offer help, the faster the crocheter can get back to crocheting your wonderful pattern. You are working together to solve a problem.

5. Send photos. I forwarded my correspondent the picture at the top of this post because I thought it would help her see where she had gone astray. 

6. If you're comfortable with a Skype or Facetime session, you can offer that.

7. If, after you have made a good attempt to help, the crocheter is still having trouble, it's okay to extricate yourself from the interaction. Apologize for not being able to solve the problem, and suggest that the crocheter take the project to a friend who crochets to see if that person can help. Wish them the best and say you are sorry it didn't work out this time.

Feel free to share your suggestions--and any humorous encounters--in the Comments!

Book review, "A Garden of Shawls" by Karen Whooley

I recently had the opportunity to review Karen Whooley’s new book, A Garden of Shawls. [Disclaimer: I received a review copy of the digital version.] Many of you will be familiar with Karen’s other titles, primarily for Leisure Arts and Annie’s Attic. Karen is also a crochet instructor. I took her Fair Isle online course through Craftsy and enjoyed it very much.

In her new, self-published volume, Karen presents a dozen lacy shawls in a variety of colors and styles. Karen describes her inspirations as coming from the Italian lace of her grandmother, the Pacific Northwest where she lives, and the yarn she uses. When Karen spots something that triggers a design idea, she keeps a picture and writes down some notes. She has even been known to use a magnifying class to look at the stitches in pictures to understand how something was made.

Karen also stays open to letting the yarn direct her choice of project. (In Harry Potter, “the wand chooses the wizard.” I like to think of the fiber equivalent as “the yarn chooses the project.”) For example, Karen says, “I have a beautiful skein of fingering weight yarn that just arrived in the mail. I originally got it to make socks, but as I sit here with it in front if me it is telling me that it needs to be a cowl or a scarf/shawlette of some sort.” It’s important for designers to let the yarn lead them, and Karen does exactly that.

I tested the “Ecliptic” shawl and found the pattern easy to understand. There were no mistakes. The symbol chart was very helpful. Karen gives the stitch totals for every row; it’s so helpful to know what to expect!

Ecliptic Shawl. Nice size and shape.

Of the dozen shawls, three are rated Easy and nine are Intermediate. All dozen shawls are nice projects for crocheters looking for pretty, lightweight wraps. Some, like Palisade, have interesting edgings. Each comes with symbol charts and a schematic. The book also contains clear, concise blocking instructions and helpful information about sourcing yarn. For me, the most impressive part of Karen’s book is how well the patterns are written. It’s one thing to whip up a finished object, and a whole different thing to explain it in a way that other people understand. Karen’s instructions ensure that crocheters will be successful with the patterns.

My one (very trivial) hiccup was Karen’s use of the word “model” to mean “sample” and also “person wearing the sample.” For example, her statement that “The shawl will be bulker than what the models look like” threw me for a second, until I realized she meant that with heavier yarn, the finished project would look bulkier than the sample finished project, not the lovely woman photographed wearing it!

Karen keeps busy releasing patterns via her newsletter every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, collaborating with yarn companies, teaching, doing events, and updating her website. She has a lot of exciting things going on! I admire Karen's energy and her discipline in keeping up with her newsletter and pattern releases. A good role model for designers to follow.

As a special deal, Karen is offering a signed print copy and a free eBook through her website, here. Otherwise the versions are sold separately through the usual outlets.  

A Garden of Shawls
Karen Whooley
Occhi Blu Press
Paperback: 92 pages, retail price US $21.95. 7 x 10 inches; eBook: retail price US $16.99; pdf: retail price US $21.95