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Crochet Archive: Crochet

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February 9, 2007

Interview with Lily Chin, Author of Couture Crochet Workshop

Couture Crochet Workshop by Lily Chin
Lily's Web Site - Link.
Book Site on Interweave - Link.
Buy it on Amazon - Link.

I first got to meet Lily Chin in person at TNNA in San Diego last month. I mean, I've seen her on TV and she's the fastest crocheter in the world. Should I talk to her? Ok, I mustered up enough confidence to meet her before her booksigning at the trade show. In person, Lily Chin is stylish, down-to-earth, and downright personable. You can tell her passion about promoting the needlearts, especially knitting and crochet. Her new book, Couture Crochet Workshop, merges her modern fashion sense along with her keen pattern-making skills to help the rest of us understand the importance of fit. This is a must have book for any crochet lover. What I found useful were her foundation section and how to shape pieces. The charts and graphs throughout the book are helpful. The patterns are beautiful and I am in love with the cardigans and sweater dresses/skirts. This book will make you realize that crochet isn't just about embellishment. Other things you can make are a halter top, bags, shawls, scarves, and lots more!

Lily Chin's been around in the industry for nearly 25 years and her background in fashion has helped her move to where she is now. Since it's fashion week in New York I thought we'd talk to Lily to find out why knits are so popular on the runway these days and her take on the fashion shows she attended this week.

Nat: You've worked with Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Issac Mizrahi, The Gap, and other top designers. Please tell as a bit about your background in the fashion industry.

Lily: I grew up in NY's garment industry, working for sweatshops and working my way up. Thus, I learned patternmaking and clothing construction from the ground up. I took classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology and started to work with manufacturers while in college.

In the early 90's, I did what are known as knit downs (making sample sweaters) and stitch development (coming up with swatch concepts and new stitch ideas). I've worked with designers of all stripes but the "biggies" began in the mid-90's with Isaac Mizrahi. I crocheted a metallic string bikini that wound up in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The rest, as they say, is history. I also did the Absolut vodka cozy prototype for their ads from Dec. 2001 by Cynthia Rowley. That was a lot of fun. Subsequently, I oversaw the manufacturing en masse in Shanghai and they were given away in the Sunday papers of some major cities like NY, Chicago.

Nat: What really goes into the process of creating a designer's "handknit" look piece?

Lily: They usually draw me a pretty picture and I have to interpret and engineer it to see it become reality. Almost all the designers don't knit or crochet and don't really have a clue as to how it's done. I develop some stitches for them to approve, then I have their patternmakers come up with either a flat pattern or a fabric mock up for me to follow. The biggest challenge is to insert details like that bust dart in a fancy allover stitch pattern. The designers are concerned with the visuals. How it's done/how it's achieved or the production process is not their problem.

Nat: Your new book Couture Crochet Workshop brings us fashionable crochet patterns and teaches us the importance of fit. What was your inspiration in writing this book?

Lily: I wanted to bring my experiences and my expertise to everyone. I feel that anyone can achieve the garment of their dreams but may be lacking the technical know-how. I wanted to reveal my secrets, if you will. There's the adage about giving a man a fish ... I want to teach everyone to fish. That's why I see this more as a true how-to book rather than just patterns.

Nat: Why do you think crochet and knit wear have become so popular these last few years on the fashion runways?

Lily: Retro has been so hot over the past years. Lots of people think these age-old crafts harken back to that. Besides, the texture you obtain with yarn-crafts is not really easily obtainable in any other medium. Nat: Have you seen any interesting trends this week at NY fashion week that you can share? Any interesting crochet or knits? Lily: Volume is big - literally. You will see fuller skirts, kimono sleeves, egg or cocoon shaped silhouettes. Metallics are favored. The 80's are back in a big way. Think oversized sweaters over skinny jeans or leggings. Layering continues to be key. Asymmetry still abounds, especially in necklines. Other neck treatments such as cowls or other collars are hot. A-lines and empire waists are also important. It just so happens I have an cowl-neck A-line or trapeze tunic in my book that's right on target with these trends!

Nat: What are some upcoming projects we can expect from you in the coming months?

Lily: I'm on the road teaching a lot, so you may possibly catch me in a location near you. Go to www.lily-chin.com and hit Meet Lily. My schedule's there. You'll probably catch me on TV or in the newspapers as I continue the book promo. The media loves me as I've become a trained circus seal of sorts. I usually begin crocheting a project at the beginning of a news show, let's say, and they track my progress. In the end, they see how far I've got then interview me. It's become formulaic, and I admit I sometimes tire of this, but if this exposure puts the idea of knitting or crocheting into the minds of ANYONE in the general public, it's well worth it. Most people have never seen anyone crocheting or knitting and maybe, just maybe, it may put the notion into someone's head that he or she can do this as well. My mission is to make more converts. : )

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Feb 9, 2007 05:16 PM
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February 6, 2007

Crochet Stitch Markers

Alice of Futuregirl saw this post earlier today and sent in her cool idea of using colored paper clips as stitch markers for crochet because in crochet stitch markers have to be removable. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Feb 6, 2007 10:19 PM
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Tips for Crocheting with Plastic Bags

Purse Bag
Cindy of My Recycled Bags sells her cool crochet bags and products made from recycled plastic bags. The site is full of information and resources about crochet and other crafted recycled bags. Her tips open up your creativity to incorporate plastic bag as yarn projects for almost anything. Cindy says, "Speaking as a crochet crafter, I have found that many existing patterns can be made using recycled plastic bags as yarn. Just remember to use a large hook and check your gauge on the product. Purses, rugs, placemats, and totes are normally excellent products using plastic bags." Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Feb 6, 2007 03:50 PM
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January 29, 2007

A Closer Look: Etsy Winter - Cactus Mittenettes

il_430xN.5544285.jpg

Cactus Mittenettes

You'd never guess it, but these lovely cactus mittenettes were dreamed up on a Gallic pillow. Sylvie lives in the French Alps, not the Southwest United States, but she does a great job of conjuring up ghostly cactus silhouettes. She also makes some quirky and quite lovely patterns, which she sells on her blog, Chez Plum (download her fabulous free pattern for summer sandals to while away the hours before good weather!). Or, you can buy her Vroomies (crocheted automobile toys), mittenettes, baby booties, etc., on her etsy shop.

Arwen: How did you first get involved with crafting?
Sylvie: It's as if I've always been crafting. I always loved to make thing as a kid: went to a pottery class, spent hours dreaming in front of my local craft supplies shop, knit, sewed stuff for my dolls. Then later as a student I started to knit again. Hats, all sorts of crazy hats for my friends ... and then my friends' friends ... that's when I started feeling like a "designer" although I never dared to aks for more than the actual cost of yarn at the time !

Arwen: Why mittenettes?
Sylvie: I've wanted to make mittenettes for quite a while, collected all sorts of pictures and links ... and as usual, ended up designing my own "perfect" ones based on the pattern I'm currently working on. They're so quick to make they're really a rewarding project, especially whith a baby and toddler at home.

Arwen: How did you learn to knit?
Sylvie: I guess my grandmother taught me when I was 8 or 10 ...

Arwen: What inspires you?
Sylvie: Many things. I browse a lot, cut images in magazines ... and suddenly ideas pop up in my head and I write it down in a little sketchbook ... A lot of my designs are inspired by ideas in 3D for garments/accessories. The pleasure for me is to translate that idea into a choice of stitches and techniques to give the best rendition using either knitting or crochet.

Arwen: What's one tip you'd give to other crafters?
Sylvie: Trust your own visions !

Arwen: What are your favorite crafting books/magazines/websites?
Sylvie: I live in France, so I don't have access to most "usual" books and mags. These days I love my Happy Hooker though, and always keep an eye on Craftster and Wists to see what other people are up to...

Arwen: What are some of your most important influences?
Sylvie: Yarn. More often than not I'll look at a skein of yarn and wonder what would be the best use for it. You really don't want to look at my stash ... Friends say it looks like an actual yarn store !

Posted by Arwen O'Reilly | Jan 29, 2007 06:34 PM
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January 26, 2007

Crochet Cuff

Midnight Knitter has a cute crochet cuff pattern. A great way to use up some of your leftover yarn in your stash! Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 26, 2007 11:02 AM
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Assembling Amigurumi

Kim Werker of Crochet Me has a great tutorial on how to assemble and seamlessly sew up your crochet amigurumi dolls. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 26, 2007 09:49 AM
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January 25, 2007

Crochet with Wire & Beads

Sister Diane of Crafty Pod has posted up her awesome instructions on how to crochet with wire and beads from her last Church of Craft project. The close up crochet hook shots are so helpful! Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 25, 2007 05:48 PM
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January 23, 2007

1970 K-Tel Knitter Commercial

Watch this 1970's commerical for a knitting/crochet instrument called the "K-Tel Knitter". This does look kinda amazing, no? Looks like a fast way to knit too. Has anyone ever gotten one of these off ebay or played with one as a kid? If so, please post a comment! We'd love to know. (Note: Announcers voice is a bit loud and annoying.) Thanks Marie! [ via ]

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 23, 2007 02:24 PM
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January 15, 2007

Amigurumi Doll Pattern

Stitch blog has made a super cute amigurumi doll and has the crochet pattern now up on the site. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 15, 2007 01:16 PM
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January 12, 2007

Knit Purse Pattern

Midnight Knitter has a pattern for a stylishy knit purse, the Via Mala Rectangle Purse. The size is perfect for your knitting projects or for taking it around town. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 12, 2007 02:09 PM
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Crochet a Japanese Garden Basket

Elizabeth Mareno has written a crochet pattern for her Whimsical Caste bag. Looks like one of those Japanese garden statues, but it actually doubles as a secret basket to hold anything you want. In this case, Elizabeth finds it a fun place to stash her crochet friends. Brilliant! Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 12, 2007 11:02 AM
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January 11, 2007

New Crochet Pattern from Roxycraft - Big Poke

Just arrived today at the Roxycraft store. Get this pattern for only $3 and crochet yourself Big Poke, the cutest turtle ever! Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 11, 2007 04:48 PM
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Vintage Knit and Crochet Dresses circa 1968

Cathy of California brings a daily dose of vintage inspiration. Today she show's off two beautiful knit and crochet dresses done on location at la fonda del sol in NY. She also talks about a new exhibit by textile designer Alexander Girard going on now at the SFMOMA. Read more on Cathy's blog. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 11, 2007 03:10 PM
Crochet, Knitting, Vintage | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 9, 2007

HOW TO - Crochet a Fortune Cookie (Video)

Jenni Pho has a cool video up on how to crochet a fortune cookie. It looks like a super easy amigurumi to make as a fun gift. Just add your own fortune!

Fortunecookie
Looks like fortune cookies are everywhere -- ccyytt added this photo of her crochet fortune cookie to the CRAFT flickr pool. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 9, 2007 02:21 PM
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January 5, 2007

Amigurumi Robot Pattern

Amigurumi Obessions created a cute amigurumi crochet robot pattern. Once you make one don't forget to share with Dancingdishes your finished friend! Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jan 5, 2007 03:05 PM
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