Last week we featured several books to help build your crochet skills. This reminded me of when I was young.  After learning to do a granny square in girl scouts, By the age of 19, I had made granny square afghans for everyone I knew!  Believe me - I was sick of granny square afghans!  I vowed that anything I crocheted past that point had to be a real challenge or I wouldn’t do it.  So my first post granny afghan was a 55 piece afghan out of Family Circle or Women’s Day magazine.  There were large circles down the middle, half circles around those circles and striped panels on the sides.  The colors were brown, black and cream - very retro looking.  By doing only challenging patterns I was able to develop mad skills in crochet.  By reading all those patterns I became familiar with how designs were created.

I encourage you to try patterns that are challenging for you.  If you get stuck on one of ours patterns we will help you.  You can also look for help in local nursing homes.  If a patient can’t help I bet one of the nurses could.  There are also local guilds, your local yarn shop or tutorials online on youtube.

This tasty recipe will be a great addition to your summer cookouts.  Enjoy!

Creamy Cole Slaw

Recipe By : Maggie

Ingredients:

1 sm. head cabbage

1 Cup shredded red cabbage (optional)

1/2 sm. onion (about 2 tbsp.), finely chopped

1 lg. carrot

3/4 c. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. lemon juice

2 tbsp. vinegar (tarragon, balsamic, red wine, your favorite)

2 tbsp. sugar

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 Tb. Dill

1 tbsp. milk

1. Prepare dressing by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, dill, pepper and milk in a bowl using a wire whisk.

2. Cut the core out of the head of cabbage. Shred the cabbage using grater, food processor or knife. If using a knife, make sure it’s a sharp one and cut the cabbage very thin.

3. Peel and grate the carrot using a cheese grater.

4. Chop the onion finely.

5. Mix the cabbage, carrot and onion in a large bowl.

6. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and blend thoroughly.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. If possible, let the coleslaw stand in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Have a great day,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com

We’ve finally created a Twitter account! Follow the latest sales, new products and announcements from both Maggie’s Crochet and Lace Pottery. We’ll be tweeting often about all the new and exciting happenings with Maggie Weldon Designs! Come find us and all your crafty friends. It promises to be a good time.

Happy tweeting,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com

I’m at the High Point Furniture Market with Lace Pottery all this week. So far it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve met a lot of wonderful and talented people. I’m so excited with the way my booth turned out!

Here are a few photos of the design my daughter helped me create…

Have a great day,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com

I read the most amazing article about the earthquake in Italy that made me realize that crochet touches so many lives all over the world. A 98 year old woman was pulled from the rubble nearly 30 hours after the earthquake had collapsed her home around her.

Maria D’Antuono was pulled from the rubble to cheers from the crowd and briefly answered questions from a reporter before she was taken to hospital. Asked how she had passed the time since her house had collapsed on her, she reportedly said she had been busy with her hook and wool. She then asked for a comb before she was to be taken to hospital.

Maria D'Antuono crocheted until she is rescued from the rubble.

I think this story is so touching. The idea that this woman didn’t know whether she’d live or die and passed her time with crochet is amazing. The fact that she had just survived a natural disaster wasn’t even her first thought. She was more concerned with her appearance than anything else. I think this lady is just so cute and sweet.

Have a great day,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com

Two years ago I rescued a Beagle-Chihuahua mix also known as a “Cheagle.” I named her Annabelle after her mother. One of my employees also rescued her mother, Annie, and a woman who used to work for me has her brother, Lucky.

Here’s a puppy picture of Annabelle…

Annabelle's puppy picture

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years already. She has such a personality now and makes me laugh everyday with her antics. She’s started walking around the office with her blanket on her back.

We will continue our annual birthday party tradition for the three of our rescued puppies this afternoon. Although, I won’t be baking a doggie cake like I did last year. Instead I think we’ll shower them with treats and gifts. One of my crocheter’s will also be bringing her newly adopted puppy, Rowdy, to play with our birthday puppies. It promises to be a laughter filled afternoon.

Have a great day,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com

Enjoy this tasty recipe!

Applesauce Cake

Grease a 13” x 9” pan. Flour pan just before putting batter into it to bake.

1. Cream together ½ cup soft shortening and 2 cups sugar until fluffy.
2. Beat in 1 very large egg (1/3 cup)
3. Stir in 1 ½ cups thick unsweetened applesauce
4. Sift together 2 ^7/8 cups sifted cake flour or 2 ½ cups all purpose flour with;

1 ½ teaspoons soda,

1 ½ teaspoons salt,

¾ teaspoons cinnamon,

½ teaspoon cloves,

½ teaspoon all spice

1. Stir in alternately with ½ cup water
2. Stir in ½ cup chopped nuts and 1 cup cut-up raisins
3. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45-50 minutes

Raisiny Top ‘N’ Fill

½ cup sugar

1 tablespoon flouer

Dash of salt

Fill ¼ cup nearly full of orange concentrate and fill on up with water

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 cup raisins

½ cup chopped nuts

Mix sugar, flour, salt, orange juice, butter, egg and raisins in sauce pan. Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture thickens and boils. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in nuts, cool.

Have a great day,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com

Over the past few years, crochet has made a huge come back in the fashion world.  Many fashion designers are using more and more hand knit and crochet pieces in their fashion collections. These designers include everyone from Afya Ibomu to Prada. The resurgence seems to have started in the spring of 2005 with the formation of boho chic. We must note that it also may have been stirred due to fall of 2004 when the grandiose Martha Stewart made her entrance back into society donning the now famous poncho crocheted for her by a cell mate.

Peruse any fashion magazine or clothing store and you’re bound to see crochet involved in everything from tops and pants to scarves and hats. Crochet is also being heavily promoted within it’s own world to prove to non-believers that it really is fashionable. Several new book titles have even been written with the purpose of convincing people that crochet is cool.

This year you’ll find that crocheted hats and bags are extremely trendy as well as dresses, belts and slippers. Everything crocheted from prom dresses to suits, handbags to swimsuits will have a home in almost every designer store. Top designers have already begun unveiling their take on crochet. These designers have taken crochet and transformed it into the most stylish of fabrics to be seen in this season.  Celebrities including Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson and Anne Hathaway can be seen wearing anything from crocheted boots, shawls and hats.

If you’re looking for fashionable crochet, you’ll want to check out the following books…

NM346232 Positively Crochet is fashionable and inspirational.

You’ll also want to check out our Maggie’s Crochet patterns for the Martha Stewart Poncho and Jessica Simpson’s Flower Stitch Shawl.

Keep up with the latest crochet trends by reading crochet magazines and publications. Crochet!, Crochet Today! and Interweave Crochet all feature styles that characterize the latest crochet trends. Each include a multitude of projects that highlight the newest supplies and techniques from fashion crochet designers.

Have a great day,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com

Do-it-yourself fashion is becoming more prevalent than ever with the insurgence of hand knit and crocheted pieces into more and more fashion designer’s collections. Thanks to new and improved yarn fibers and color choices, fashion designers are creating crocheted halter dresses, bikinis, shawls, skirts and even jewelry. That coupled with the tough economic times has brought a renewed popularity to DIY knit and crochet projects designed to emulate runway fashions.

Everyone wants to look good and keep an updated wardrobe even during an economic down turn. It’s important to allow yourself a few indulgences now and again while still becoming more budget oriented and tightening your belt. Knit and crochet allows you to add designer style pieces to your look without going bankrupt.

This year’s fashion trends include hand knit and crochet leg warmers, hand knit tights and stockings, wrist warmers, belts, hand bags. Hand felted hats, purses and slippers are also in style this year. You can create each of these styles easily from home with a hook or needle and ball of yarn.

If you’re interested in learning more about crochet and knit on the fashion runway, you’ll want to read CHIQ’s blog. Although it hasn’t been updated since last June, it’s chock full of world renowned fashion designers with gorgeous crocheted pieces in their collections. You’ll love it, even if it’s nothing more than an inspiration for a DIY project.

DIY fashion also includes accessories. If you can’t afford a designer handbag, it’s time to consider a cheaper, greener and craftier option provided by the world of Counterfeit Crochet.  This site provides patterns to indulge in the craft of designer knock-offs. The creator encourages designers to use their crochet skills and notes, “The final results may or may not bear resemblance to the originals, which is an interesting part of the ‘translation.’ The resulting counterfeits are both homages and lumpy mutations.”

Stephanie Syjuco also boasts, “Crochet is considered a lowly medium, and the limitations imposed by trying to create detail with yarn takes advantage of the individual maker’s ingenuity and problem-solving skills.”

For runway fashions made at home, you’ll love these patterns…

PA335 Maggie's Crochet Lace Beret is a style in demand on the runways.

Keep up with the latest crochet trends by reading crochet magazines and publications. Crochet!, Crochet Today! and Interweave Crochet all feature styles that characterize the latest crochet trends. Each include a multitude of projects that highlight the newest supplies and techniques from fashion crochet designers.

Have a great day,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com

Now more than ever ethnic inspired items are becoming all the rage in the crochet world especially amongst the new generation of young crocheters. These items are characterized by their bold and rich colors, symbols and shapes, as well as fibers and textures. The most notable creations are accessories. You can find a myriad of ethnic flavors within the fashion industry today. Walk into any store and you’re likely to find a global or international section filled with brightly colored accessories and handmade home decor.

International flair can be found locally at Target stores. Their line of Target Global Home is gorgeous. Since the line was introduced back in 2005, Target has held an annual Global Bazaar. It’s their annual home furnishings event that lasts for several weeks and features merchandise with a global ambiance. For the first few years, it was organized by country of origin but since has been categorized by color. Newly renamed for the 2009 unveiling, the Home Design Event also has a new categorization system organized by room. Although not all of it is completely authentic or crocheted, you’re sure to find something breathtaking.

Many crocheters are getting back to their roots by creating projects of cultural significance for their background and heritage. If you want to get in touch with your heritage and create a truly cultural piece, you’ll want to join a crochet guild that promotes the traditional skills of your personal ethnic traditions.

To learn more about arts and crafts from around the world or to gain a little inspiration for a new crochet project, check out the Midtown Global Market. If you’re ever in Minneapolis, at least 14 of the 50 shops at the market are dedicated to cultural arts and crafts. Many of the shop owners hail from all around the world which means you’re guaranteed to walk away with an authentic cultural piece. So if you’re a little home sick or want to get back to your roots this is definitely the place you want to go.

For a little ethnic flavor at home, try using bright or variegated yarn colors in your projects. Aunt Lydia’s has Mexicana and  Red, White and Blue variegated size 10 threads to get you started. You’ll also want to try using the vibrant colors Senso offers.

You’ll want to check out all of Stitch Diva’s patterns for brilliant color and seemingly ethnic styles. There is a range from sensuous apparel to breathtaking accessories. Here are a couple patterns you’ll love…

SDS033 Stitch Diva Shimmering Thread Necklaces will satisfy your need for handmade jewelry.

Keep up with the latest crochet trends by reading crochet magazines and publications. Crochet!, Crochet Today! and Interweave Crochet all feature styles that characterize the latest crochet trends. Each include a multitude of projects that highlight the newest supplies and techniques from fashion crochet designers.

Have a great day,

Maggie

Maggie Weldon Inc.
Producer of Elegant Handmade Lace Pottery
World’s Largest All Crochet Website

705 Graves St.
Kernersville, NC 27284

Office: 336-992-0054
Fax: 336-992-0059

Websites
http://www.MaggiesCrochet.com
http://www.MaggieWeldon.com
http://www.LacePottery.com