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!