Substituting Yarns: March 8 Meeting Preview

Have you ever found a pattern you loved, but you couldn't stand the color it called for, the yarn listed was out of stock or no longer available, or maybe you are allergic to wool and the pattern calls for a yarn that has wool content?   Then this is the meeting for you!
 
Substituting yarn often results in a project that just doesn't come out quite right; not after this class! Choosing a substitute yarn with the right fiber content, weight and twist can make all the difference in your finished item. You will learn all about  substituting yarns, WPI, drape and choosing colors. 

In this class, we will examine pattern requirements for garments and accessories.  To get the most out of the meeting, bring a variety of pattern sources (books, magazines) that have projects that interest you.  Recent issues of Crochet! and Interweave Crochet will be helpful, but any pattern source will do. 

As an added bonus, you'll being able to see and touch the yarn listed in the pattern for our CAL sweater!  The Lion Brand Recycled Cotton in Seagrass is no longer available, but it can be found on the Lion Brand's website in Sand, Pebble Beach, Rose Coral and Sunshine. You'll get to see and feel the yarn in Sunshine.

Also, the Textile Center is holding an opening reception on Thursday, March 6 at 6:00 pm for the visiting crochet artist Leslie Pontz. The reception is free and open to the public and will give you a chance to meet Leslie and look first-hand at her unique crochet sculptures. The opening reception will also be the formal opening for Start Seeing Crochet, our very own crochet exhibit at the Textile Center! If you miss the opening reception, both exhibits will continue into May but the opening reception is sure to be extra fun.

All interested crocheters are invited to join us on Saturday, March 8 at the

Textile Center of Minnesota.  The meeting will be from 1pm to 3pm and you are welcome to join us from 11am to 1pm for open crochet.

We hope to see you there!

Project Gallery February 2014

Erin crocheted this fun and colorful cowl using Universal brand acrylic/wool blend yarn; she plans to make another in a different color scheme.  She has also been busy with these precious baby hats.







Lisa shared this simply sweet amigurumi.  She used a varigated Lizbeth cotton thread to get the unique striped look.

Joy crocheted this adorable and practical cup holder using a pattern from Crochet magazine and Sugar & Cream yarn. There are elastic ties that are used to adjust it to your cup and cozy little pockets for your fingers - protecting you both from hot liquid and the frigid Minnesota air!









Julie has a very lucky friend who will be receiving these special "shooter mitts" using Big Trend yarn.  They provide the warmth of mittens, but allow for freedom of movement for the forefinger.  She also shared samples of the new Vashii Braha z-twist yarn.

Jodi is getting a jump start for next Christmas. She used the crocodile stitch for the tree and added a chain of gold garland.  The tree stands on its own and she plans to make more in other sizes.






Maxine is taking her stash-busting resolution seriously, and used up some of her stash to make this great cuffed shawl. Her variation is more like a sweater than a shawl, accomplished by creating a longer side seam than the pattern directed.

Joan had a busy month creating these lacy purple heart earrings and decorative magic circle hearts which she also plans to turn into Valentine's earrings.  There are so many ways you could put them to use!

Joan's grandchildren are sure to love these fun and unique hats she whipped up for Valentine's day.

4th Saturday Meet Up: February 22

This year Crochet Twin Cities is adding more opportunities for us to gather, crochet and chat with
your crochet compatriots.

We now have Open Crochet time available from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm before our regular monthly meetings on the 2nd Saturday each month.  And it quickly became apparent that our members want more time to crochet and socialize with fellow crocheters.  To meet that need, we have begun an informal Meet Up each month on the 4th Saturday. The location of the Meet Up will be in various locations of the Twin Cities.

Where:  This month our 4th Saturday Meet up is on  February 22nd.   At the Meet Up  you can work on our Charity projects, or simply work on your own project.  We are meeting at the Brueggers Southtown from 9:00 am to noon.  Click the link for directions:


Contact: If you have questions about this Meet Up, please email CTClist@gmail.com.

Meeting Highlights: Body Basics: Measuring for Garments

We learned the 3 W’s of measuring: Why, What & Where

Why it’s important to measure: because none of us are built exactly the same, or like exactly the same fit to our garments.  A live demonstration showed us a garment that “fits” vs. one that did not fit well and how small adjustments in the garment can make a big difference in fit.

What tools are required for taking and recording your measurements.   A good partner is an important one!
What is needed to create a universal pattern from a well-fitting garment.

Finally Where, which areas of your body to measure and how to take those measurements.  We learned that it’s best to wear only the undergarments you will wear with the garment, when taking your measurements.

The suggested pattern for the Crochet-Along sweater we'll be working on through out the year was distributed at the meeting.  You can find the free pattern for the Mesh Raglan Pullover on Lion Brand's website.  (Lion Brand requires you to create a login to access their patterns).  
Let's talk about it on Ravelry.  

We also got a first peek at the beginnings of the new banner.  More 2” and 4” squares are needed in purple. We look forward to watching it develop as our members put their creativity to work.

This month’s 4th Saturday, will be February 22, 9 am - Noon at the Southtown Bruegger’s (494 & Penn).  We will be crocheting for charity.   There will be yarn available or bring your own if you like. Come help us create crochet comfort for Harriet Tubman and Warm Up America.