Newsletter One: A New Beginning!
Welcome to the slim, sleek, "i" version of Crochet Insider. Why a new format? Who has time to peruse multiple pages, no matter how fascinating, when every minute, social media are sending you multiple messages on multiple channels? I decided, if you can't beat them, join 'em. . . So, I hope you'll tune in to this new, tighter format. I plan to fill it with crochet news, reports on new patterns, classes, my latest musical creations, reviews of new yarns and new books -- and also plenty of giveaways!!!
The original version of CI is not going away. I am too fond of it, and I think others are too, to let that happen. It will remain as a resource full of articles, interviews, techniques, book reviews, etc.
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The last couple of months have been very exciting, because of the release of my new book Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Making Sweaters That Fit (Lark Books). It was an assignment I took seriously as a scholarly and an artistic challenge. Response has been overwhelmingly positive, it's quite thrilling!
Here are some of the sweaters:
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In February I had a blast at the Lion Brand Studio, talking about sweaters to a good crowd, teaching a class, and discussing my book with Patty Lyons. The video of that interview is here, and you can see me wearing Creampuff.
-- I also did a WEBS podcast with the Kathy Elkins here.
-- an interview with CLF Fearless Leader Laurie Wheeler here.
-- and a podcast with the marvelous Marly Bird here.
Who saw/heard any of these? C'mon folks, lemme feel the luuuuuuuuuv!
At TNNA in Phoenix I signed my book at the Tahki Stacy Charles Booth, and at VK Live at the booth of my very dear LYS Knitty City. I went around singing my new crochet song, Family of Stitches, to anyone who would listen. Here's the song.
Are you impressed with all the publicity for this book? It's all due to my wonderful publicist, Libby Butler-Gluck, of Genesis PR. Thank you Libby!
If you have my new book, have you started anything? I'm here to give advice or help if you have questions.
More Dora News
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I had a piece on the cover of Crochet Today! March issue: Folding Fans Scarf. Inspired by the amazing Ukrainian magazine Duplet, with its awesome diagrams of intertwining motifs. We also did a CAL for this project, and you can still find the posts here.
The current issue of Crochet Today! has my Senorita Skirt. And Interweave Crochet just published my Cleopatra Dress.
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Crochet Insider Classes
We are running classes on Sweater Making, Design Careers, and Pattern Writing. Check it out here: http://crochetinsider.com/article/crochet-insider-classes-designing-and-...
SPECIAL OFFER!
To launch this newsletter, we are doing GIVEAWAYS!! If you'd like to win a copy of my book, Custom Crocheted Sweaters, here's how: Leave a comment here by midnight Sunday, April 1, telling me what "issues" you have with sweater fit. You can also enter to win by Tweeting about this giveaway on Twitter, including @DoraDiva in your tweet. This will count as an extra entry!
Later this season, we will be giving away some of the BEST CROCHET BOOKS of 2011:
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The Best of Interweave Crochet by Marcy Smith
Simply Crochet by Robyn Chachula
Seamless Crochet by Kristen Omdahl
Make sure you're on our Mailing List so you get future issues. More to come in the weeks ahead. Till then, please talk back to me, tell me what you're most interested in (here), and please send this newsletter to friends who you think would like it. Thanks much! Dora
Add a new comment
Want to hide the "bulge in the middle"
I'm at an age where I've developed what I call the "bulge in the middle." You know what I'm talking about ladies, what Dr. Oz calls the "bad fat" that sits above your waste line and below your breasts. I'd love to be able to crochet tops and pullovers that hide that fat until I'm able to get rid of it through exercise and healthy eating. So I'm hoping Dora's new book on crocheting sweaters will help me in my quest to achieve the perfect sweater for my body type.
And it's 7:55 pm Hawaii time on April 1, so I hope I'm getting this comment in before the d4eadline.
Sweater Fit
I have large hips and smaller top, so to fit hips, sweaters are too boxy/loose around the bust area.
problems with sweaters fitting
my biggest problem with sweaters is getting them to fit right in the underarms. they're too tight plus being a short, larger lady, it's hard to get the sweater to look right on me. the sweater never looks as "smooth" as it does in the pictures. mine look "chunky."
fit in sweaters
I'm an athletic girl: broad shoulders, slim waist and muscular arms. It is hard to find a feminine fit that can soften my big-boned features. A fit for the shoulders means too boxy in the torso.
Fitting Sweaters
I'm short, short-waisted, large in the bust and abdomen. It's hard to find a sweater pattern that doesn't make me look like I'm either wearing a large box or a tight tube. I want something to be comfortable and flattering, accentuating my positives and downplaying the negatives. If I can learn the tricks to do that, I'd be a happy woman. It looks like your book could hold the key!
Sweater Fit
My biggest issue with sweater fit is narrow shoulders and a large bust.
Fit Issues
My problem is when a sweater is boxy and too big in the body. Armholes are another challenge too.
Sweater fit
My biggest problem with sweater fit is the sleeve-armhole fit. Oh, what a nightmare! The second biggest problem is the drape. How to get the perfect combination of stitch, hook and yarn/thread? In spite of lots of samples, it's not rare for me to get a lovely but unusable sweater: the fabric is too rigid or too flimsy or generally uncomfortable.
sweater fit
Hi, I always seem to have issues with the length and the fir of the arms. I have rather large arms and alot of times find the shoulder upper arm area a bit snug in my sixe. I also prefer a longer top than most patterns seem to make. I want my problem areas covered! lol The book looks great! Hope I win it!!! Thank you for the opportunity to try.
fit problem
My main problem fitting sweaters if around the armhole. It's either too tight, or way too loose and looks sloppy.
Big Shoulders
Hi, I find that crocheted sweaters make my 'football-player-like' shoulders look even larger. I have trouble finding patterns or techniques that work for my shape. Even using lighter weight yarns does not seem to help. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any ideas you might have. Dr. G.
Tailoring Fit
I am plus-sized, large busted and short waisted, with sloping shoulders. I have always gotten my best fit with top-down sweater patterns but would LOVE to be able to make a tailored fit sweater. Also, most patterns I find require worsted weight yarns - not particularly practical in the Pacific Northwest, where it's only cold from November to January!
sweater fit
I find most sweater too boxy or too clingy - never in between.
Sweater Issues
Hi all. My issues with sweaters are, that most styles are to short in the arms and in length. These are easy fixes so my only real problem with sweaters is that I live in Central Texas and we only need a sweater about once a year... lol. The new newsletter is a nice quick read, thank you.
Good luck with the new book. :-)
Fits
Sweater Fit
My shoulders and waist are much smaller than my hips so I always have to adjust so that the sweater fits in the hips. I find it hard to figure out what size to make and how to make any necessary adjustments.
Sweater Fit-Not!
What issues don't I have in fitting sweaters? I am short and wide with narrow, sloping sweaters and an apple of abdomen. I usually "fit" a sweater by making sure the bust fits, constructing an ever-widening A-line for the bottom, and chopping four inches off the arm length. Now that's custom!
Custom Crocheted Sweaters
Let's see, you asked about our issues with crocheting sweaters. My main concern has always been trying to get a flattering shape for me. I am tall, big-boned and heavy (er - pot-bellied). I'm losing weight slowly but I've always had trouble even when I was skinny to find a good fit around my hips (or butt, if you get right down to it). I love what I've just seen of your book on these blog pages, especially the shawled collared tunic and the creampuff. The Fiji Cardi is also of interest to me because right now I'm making felted bags, that have that far-away landscape look and I'm curious if that sweater is felted, or not.
P.S. I love to read about Dora's excursions into exotic places from which she brings back beautiful and elaborate crocheted designs from the people who live there. Outstanding!
GIVEAWAYS
My issue is I recently learned how to crochet. I love the styles in these books and I need all the help I can get.
Thanks for the newsletter.
Sweater fit
Being a Plus size doesn't mean I am shaped like a box with 4 foot long arms.
Your books and patterns are very inspiring ! I love feminine looking fashions. Made the recent "frilly"motif scarf published in Crochet....it is gorgeous and very fun to make! I would love to have a copy of your book.
Sweaters that Fit
I am so happy to see this book! I have 2 main problems with sweaters. 1. Armholes, I have very large arms (think tukshop lady arms large enough to cool the arctic) and 2. My hips are 16" Larger than my waist. So having sweaters fit at all is a real treat!
what I have the most trouble with...
is fitting and flattering a full bust with relatively narrow shoulders. Whether starting from the top or bottom, it is so hard to take into account fabric drape, stretch and the amount of extra width and length needed just in front!
sweater fit
my issues with sweater fit:
i never have crocheted a sweater because i have short arms and a wide body! the sweaters are usually too long in length as well!
I have crocheted tops and
I have crocheted tops and sweaters for myself. However, I do have fit issues, mostly the width from shoulder-to-shoulder and armhole depth. I usually crochet top down with raglan sleeve patterns because I know they will fit in the shoulders and I can easily adjust the armhole depth with top-down. I am always on the lookout for books that are technique oriented for tips on improving my skills. I like your new format.
too much fabric
Congratulations for all this good news Dora!
My issue: I hate when there is to much fabric under the arms! And when the yarn is to thick. Thin is much much better for crochet as you said.
Cheers from Brittany!!
(excuse me if you get the comment twice... i don't know if it works and i send it twice... the way to you is so long :-)
Like some of the others, I
Like some of the others, I haven't yet made sweaters because I am afraid of putting all that time and effort into it and then discovering it doesn't fit or doesn't look good. I did try to make one several years ago, but I had all kinds of problems because of gauge and discovering the yarn I chose was actually bulky instead of worsted weight. I would love to win your book and conquer my fear!
Giveaway
Hi Dora!
Glad to see the new format of the newsletter!
I would say I have fewer problems with fit than I ever did before I took your excellent classes (thought a little promo was in order)! I have learned so much from the classes about fit, and getting sizing right. Previously, I struggled with patterns being too big, all over. I still find this to be true, and I have to work at getting the garment to fit, but, thanks to you, it is not something I am doing blindly. I don't have the new book yet, but it is on my wish list. Congratulations on the new newsletter!
old vs new
Personally I really enjoyed the interviews you did with the old format. (Maybe it's my age! HA!)
But I appreciated the history lessons and the insights to be gained. Just sayin'! So I'm really glad there
will still be access to the "older" previous format.
Sweater fit
Making sweaters / clothing in general is an issue for me - to scared, don't know how to go about it mostly. I'd say one issue for me would be sleeves as I'm on the short side and probably hips too (wider than I should be). The patterns look great by the way. Keep up the good work.
Sweater fit
My biggest problems are that my bust and stomach are large, so sweaters that fit tend to be boxy, I've found. I also like a longer length so that my tummy will be covered. I'd love to win a copy of your book. The sweaters in the newsletter are gorgeous!
Unsuccessful attempts
Hi,
I've made sweaters mostly for tots and infants, and would love to make a sweater or two for myself. I do have some yummy yarn which i would love to turn into a sweater, however, a few too many unsuccessful attempts and I have become reluctant to try again. I am tall and have issues with sleeves being too short and the body too wide at the waist.
I too have issues with making
I too have issues with making sweaters for myself. I have the most difficulty with joining the parts together and making sure all the edges fit as they are meant to do.
I'm sure if I win your book I will put it to good use as I have 5 daughters and in-laws as well as granddaughters that I love to make sweaters for.
Your new book
I am the classic crocheter you seem to be addressing your new book to. I have been crocheting for over 30 years and have never made a garment becuase I am fearful! I don't have garment construction/sewing background, and the crocheted garments of old seldom had appropriate drape (to my eye at least) due to the thick yarns that were often used in the samples portrayed. I, too, love the thinner yarns, and even make full sized afghans with them. Your Lion Brand interview really insprired me, and I would love to get your new book, but due to recent retirement (but much more time to crochet now!!) and a fixed/more limited income, I have to monitor my book and yarn spending. Here's hoping I win this book in a book drawing! I'm so inspired by so much of what is available now on the internet, including your wonderful intererviews. Thank you!
Anni Maver
California
I would love to get your new
I would love to get your new book. I have isses with the tummy area needing to be bigger. the bust will fit fine but the tummy isn't
Sweater Fit
I always have to shorten sleeves and widen hips.
Pretty much afraid to even
Pretty much afraid to even start because of fit and getting gauge. Then if I do get the fit correct how can I be sure the style will look good on me? or reasonably good:-)
crocheting sweaters to fit
Funny that I have made sweaters for my baby grandkids and even for my daughters, but have never been successful in making one for myself, so I gave up with at least 2 semi-finished sweaters sitting in a cedar chest. My biggest problem is proportions. I like sweaters to be a little longer and not quite so form fitting since at my 5'1" (the inch is important, lol) height I gained some weight and I look like a barrel in sweaters I tried to make for myself. I have no idea how to make sweaters, fit, look feminine, yet not hug the wrong places. So....I haven't really crocheted anything for me in a while and would like to try again, just hate being disappointed.
designs
Yyour designs really stand out to me. I will be scanning for a pattern and you name is like 8 out of 10 pops out at me. So now i always check out what you are doing first!
Newsletter
I'm glad you're keeping CI online -- I like being able to come back and read longer articles when I have time. BUT for the newsletter, I'd like to hear more design discussion like that in Custom Crocheted Sweaters and more about your intrepid travels.
Sweater Fitting
I guess you would call it the depth from shoulder seam to armhole being too short. I am taller and need my length added there instead of below the bust. Or maybe length added in both places. I am not satisfied when I lengthen only near the waist.
Good luck with the new format! I look forward to the newsletters. I have enjoyed your website, but I don't check it as frequently as I should.
Giveaway!
I just started crocheting, and while I haven't attempted a human sweater, I tried to make a dog sweater a couple of months ago. It seemed like it was just too stretchy--after wearing it for about an hour, the belly of the sweater was dragging the floor it had stretched out so much! I haven't tried another one yet, but I am going to attempt to crochet a tighter weave by giving it more tension and maybe that will help?
Sweater Fit
My biggest enermy is and probably, always will be, gauge. Even when it seems I've gotten it, once I get started into the bulk of my crocheting (or kntting), all is lost....usually it turns out 'ok', but I'd really like it turn out 'great'...