I have this extra new copy of Blueprint Crochet that I want to give away. So, now is the time for a CONTEST!!
I recently blogged about this book and the blog of its author, Robyn Chachula, so you know I like this book and its author’s blog.
I want to make this more than just drawing a name or number out of a hat. So, I have to come up with something creative. I HAVE to make you work for this book. Well, I don’t HAVE to, but I think readers who put some thought into a contest will value the prize more. And, this book is worth a bit of work.
So, here’s what I’ve come up with. Go back and read my blogs and post a comment on THIS blog telling me which is your favorite of my blog entries – and why? I have my favorites – one’s I enjoyed researching or writing more than others, ones that had prettier pictures, ones that had great comments. Now, it’s your turn to tell ME which are the best articles and why.
This is not really an exercise in sucking up guys. It’s my hope that your comments will help me create better blog entries. So, the winner won’t necessarily be the person who says the nicest things about me and my fantastic writing abilities! Just your honest assessment, hopefully stated in a kind and positive manner, of what you’ve found helpful, interesting, informative. But, if you have something negative to say, you won’t automatically be ruled out. Be daring! Be truthful! Win some Chachula.
The contest begins now and runs through September 30. Within the first few days of October, I’ll read and review all the comments and choose a winner. As usual, determination of the winner is entirely up to me and may not please anyone else. That’s just the way it is!
NOTE: ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THIS BLOG TO BE VALID. ENTRIES SENT TO MY PERSONAL EMAIL WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
My favorite blog of yours is when you talked about the Rug Warp. It was such a good piece of advice! I’ve given it a try, and am quite addicted. I like when there are instructive posts about things you don’t normally find on other blogs. I also the inclusion of photos and color- because you’re blog is mostly white it stands out well. Also, when I’m scanning a post a picture is a quick way to convey if I’ll be interested and read the whole thing.
Wow–a giveaway I can enter! I’m used to throwing them, not entering them.
Of the most recent entries that I’ve perused (I’m new to the craftgossip world), the one that stands out the most to me is “A VANTAGE ON VINTAGE CROCHET DESIGNS”. I feel this way for a couple of reasons…
1 — It’s a personal feeling that you can almost never go wrong with vintage crochet, be it elements of a doily or edging that inspires, or whole garments and accessories that just are good, classic designs.
2 — It’s obvious that you spent time looking for great items to display, to pique people’s interest. What’s even more obvious is that you enjoyed the research. I can appreciate the effort, and the patterns you linked to are interesting. I’ve bookmarked a few to go back and look at later.
I like crochet stitch patterns from this site http://www.mypicot.com
All the patterns are free.
Perhaps it would be helpful.
Thank you for all your work!
I like your wide-ranging entries, that explore various things and provide lots of links to different applications of the art. Specifically, I like your “If I Had A Million Dollars” entry, because it gave you a chance to show off some of the the more outrageous and exotic things available. I like an entry that expands my horizons.
My favorite is “Baby Cakes” http://crochet.craftgossip.com/baby-cakes/2007/06/22/
I love how you put the idea out there of using a baby item as a test for a new stitch pattern or motif – that’s genius if you ask me!
That post just happened to be on my daughter’s birthday, and I saw it and immediately whipped up a couple of the little shirts and went and bought her a baby doll to sport the shirts 🙂
I’ve visited your blog in the past, but never taken the time to read through any of the old posts. Your contest got me to do that! I enjoyed many of them but I was particularlly intrigued with the Amazing Needle one. I went through all the links and took a look at it. I don’t think I’ll be getting one BUT…it resparked my interest Tunisuin crochet! I find the basic stitch a bit repetitive, like you, but I have tons of info on the variations and need to give it a try.
Thanks so much for offering all your good information and for the generosity of the contest! :o)
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/get-some-inspiration/2007/04/09/
i picked this from your blog for the inspiration of it all.
I had a good cup of mocha while I read through your blog posts. I would have to say while I love all of the informative and how-to articles, my favorite posts to read would be those posts where you share a bit of yourself with your readers. A good example would be your post on October 18, 2007 entitled EVERYDAY CROCHET?? No, A Special Day!
I chuckled as I read……having a spouse who, before marriage, used to bring me a rose every week, and now doesn’t even think too much about special occassions let alone a rose/week. But I know he loves me, so it’s okay.
So, thanks for sharing lots of good content (it’s important for search engine rankings and such), but also for sharing yourself…..THAT’S my favorite!
It was very difficult to pick just “one”. I enjoy reading your blog(s) because your style is like having coffee at the kitchen table and just chatting. I take both your book and “tool” reviews into serious consideration because you are a person who uses and reads these items like I do and thousands of other people do. Your not a celeberty, your not being paid, and you don’t get the product for free just to say good things about it. But the post I enjoyed the most is May 3, 2007 – A Visit with Ken Jones. Why? For one it was about a man that crochets, we mainly hear of women, but only a few men. Again the article read like a casual conversation with an old friend. Simple everyday questions answered. I also thought the pictures of the projects that his students made were clear, colorful, and projects that almost all of us can make and possibly give us some ideas. But most of all, it made me feel like all of us that crochet (or any other craft) can be successful, design patterns, make a profit it that is what we would like to do. The article was very interesting, included pics, and didn’t put the person on a pedistal. A very enjoyable read. This was a hard choice, I too like your wide range of entries. Keep up the good work! Even if I don’t win. LOL
I like to read book reviews. It’s easy to find the book online for sale, but all you see is the front cover in most cases. You mentioned about the knit and crochet afghan book that it had 40 crocheted afghans. That is important to me because I usually don’t knit (just learned).
I also like when people show projects and where to find the patterns, which you usually do. Also it’s nice to know what kind of materials were used. It gets the creative juices flowing.
I am lost for words, everything is so nice and well I must be truely honest I loved them all. Sorry I’m lost for words,for the beauty of your projects are breathe taking.
Thank you Susie.
I must be honest and tell you this is the first time I have visited your blog. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed reading the various entries, so much so that it kept me from doing the activity I most love (crochet, duh!!) for over 2 hours!! (a feat in itself , since not even my boyfriend can pry me away from my hooks!!). I dont know which of your entries is my favorite. They all seem to have a little something that keeps me hooked(hee hee)!!though I really enjoy all the book review entries, since I am a pattern hog!!
I will definitly be back to visit on a regular bases…. Keep on blogging
My favorite comment is….”Something in them speaks to the whimsy in my spirit – and makes me doubt my sanity :-).” I relate to this comment in SO many ways!!!! I will surf the internet and say..OH I HAVE TO CROCHET THIS……I FINISH AND THEN THINK…WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING???LOLOL OH NO, maybe I am insane, crazy or even deminted?lol
I have found your site, over the past year, very informative and leads to a lot of imagination. Thank you for your posts and for the wonderful blog full of information that even the most novice of crocheter’s can find interesting.
Hi, i like Sept. 6th blog entry. I have 2 dgds too and 1 is named Olivia also!!!!
I love the sweaters you made for them. love this kind of contest!!!
I’ve enjoyed your book reviews. Even more, though, I’ve appreciated your July 30 and Aug 24 posts regarding vintage patterns. I love some of the classic styles that can be found in patterns from the 30s-50s. It’s a shame most peole don’t appreciate a great hat! LOL
Love following your blog! Keep up the good work!
My favorite blog entry has been Vintage Goodies from July 30. I’ve made several of the items you shared photos of, and enjoyed your discussion of setting our own style and making our own vintage look. It was pretty hard to pick a favorite, though, because in general your blog has a good mix of topics and there are few I’m disinterested in. Blog contests are fun – thanks for inviting us to share!
I really liked the “Crochet Wedding Ideas” entry.
I’ve been obsessed with crocheting my own wedding dress someday. I feel as though it can function as both my wedding gown and an heirloom (if it’s pretty enough :->).
This blog sort of gave me some ideas for browsing on vintage sites for dresses and I’ve found a lot more than I bargained for.
So, thanks for getting the ball rolling…the ball of yarn, that is.
Kind regards!
I really liked and appreciated the “Crochet Wedding Ideas” entry.
I’ve been obsessed with crocheting my own wedding dress someday. I feel as though it can function as both my wedding gown and an heirloom (if it’s pretty enough :->).
This blog sort of gave me some ideas for browsing on vintage sites for dresses and I’ve found a lot more than I bargained for.
So, thanks for getting the ball rolling…the ball of yarn, that is.
Kind regards!
It’s very hard to choose only one…there have been so many good articles. This is an excellent resource for our craft.
Jan 4, 2008 – Indie’s Crochet was one of my favs.
Then there’s the bags…
The book reviews…most I agree with, a few that I did not…but that is what makes the world go round.
I have only recently started to read your blog regularly and find that I truly enjoy your honestly (Crochet Chic Book – July 20) and information (Not so new books – Sept 5).
I have been crocheting for nearly 30 years and I am completely in AWE at all the information available online about crochet and fiber-crafts, but I come to yours first!
Thank you for sharing!
When I read NEMESIS’ AFGHAN NEARING COMPLETION from March 2007, I had to chuckle. It reminded me of the afghan I was making for my oldest granddaughter that turned into a queen size blanket. I was suppose to be making a two toned granny sqaure and got carried away. I ended up switching colors every four rows and it just took a life of its own. I was sick of it by the time I finished it. Love your blogs and tell it like it is. Thank you.
I’d have to say my favorite blog entry is the one from July 30th on Vintage Goodies. I love all the older looking patterns.
You do such a great job pulling different ideas from the web and compiling them. I learn so much from here!
July 4 (and related posts) got my attention. I love reading product reviews from knowledgeable folks before I invest my hard earned money.
Thanks for the review and for the contest!
this is from Nancy D.
J.D.. I think my favorite blog entry was the one about recycled crafts.. only because there is sooooooooooooooo much we can do with lots and lots of things we have just laying around the house.. to me a persons mind can go crazy with nothing but junk and I am not saying that to be nasty but it is really true… I have used soooooooooooooooooooo many items that are nothing to anyone but just junk and come up with some cute things… so that is my thoughts.. thanks and I love all your blogs.. hope I win… lol… have a good day now and do let us know who wins.. hugs from Indiana.. Nancy
jd – I have been crocheting for over 40 years (yikes, is it really that long?). Your blog is in my favorites file for several reasons. The fact that you’ve got such a passion for crochet is the first reason. I love to read about vintage crochet, and try different patterns. I also love your book reviews. You seem to spend a lot of time researching, then give very clear, concise reports.
I have been disabled since 1991 – and would you believe my stash has grown, not shrunk. Since money and mobility are very precious resources – I appreciate you research and candor in reviewing items. Several times, you have helped me decide whether or not to purchase something – or whether it was worth the considerable effort it takes to get to the store and look for myself.
I can not say I have a specific favorite entry – just that the overall feel of the blog that makes me want to come back again and again. Mostly it’s your enthusiasm for the craft (art, really) and that you don’t shy away from sharing your knowledge with others. You give back in a way that not only imparts skills – but also beauty – and, if you’re anything like me, a sense that you are(and your student is)able to do anything. After all, isn’t that what this art is all about? You get a sense of self-satisfaction, you work with your hands and some fantastic materials, creating beautiful, whimsical, practical or goofy items – and hopefully inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and try something new. That is how the craft can keep moving forward and not stagnate.
Thank you.
I loved your entry that introduced me to the stumble upon website. What a wnderful resource for one so clumsy as me! Not only am I used to stumbling physically, but now I have the means to do so cyber-ly as well. I just love looking at the different creative ideas and concepts that people come up with. And the picture of the man in the orange and yellow crocheted outfit, crocheting (on the train/subway?)…SPECTACULAR!
Hi I read your blog often, I like the book reviews but this week I especially like the wild west accessories, it made me laugh. My boys liked to play with plastic guns and some parents were horrified I let them. If only they could see this stuff! I plan on showing the boys the pics and asking if they’d like me to make anything when they get home from school.Of course they think I’m nuts.
Jane
There are two blog entries that I am torn for my favorite for very different reasons.
The first is January 26, 2008. I like this entry because it has an original idea. How to make useful stitch markers. Using the bead with letters and numbers, with links and pictures. Not only can you mark your stitch but you can label it. (i.e. row number or whatever) No linger do I have to remember what color I marked a particular stitch, it is labeled. Part of the complexity of crochet is keeping track of your rows and stitches. especially when you are away from a project for a while.
September 26, 2007 is the other entry that is a favorite. Here you talk about the difficulty finding crochet patterns/books with originality. I agree. But also you provide some useful information on classic designers. I am always on the look out for the Elizabeth Zimmerman of crochet. The entry provides several options for me to do further searches. There is a whole world of cerocht out there and spring points like this often lead me to some wonderful things.
What I look for in blogs I revisit are:
Pictures
Original ideas
Links
What I would like to see more of on your blog:
more pictures of you own work.
keep blogging,
dctangles
Reading your past blog posts has been a lot of fun! I think my favorite that I read was about the different crochet hooks. I’m a teenage crocheter, and I’ve come from not really caring about the materials I use, to really appreciating diverse yarns and crochet hooks. I’m considering asking for a wide assortment of unique and unusual crochet hooks for my birthday and Christmas this year! All of those links will be a great place to send my mom and relatives!!
And I must also add…Robyn’s book is so awesome!! She’s truly an amazing crocheter. I can’t wait to get my own copy! I’ve already picked out what I’m going to make first!
And I must also add…I’m a vintage fashion freak, and it’s really fun reading what you have to write about vintage crochet! I’ve been inspired to make more vintage stuff, and re-create them in a slightly more modern way!
Thanks for all of your inspirational posts!!
Chelsea
I can’t choose a favorite! There is honestly something awesome in each post you “post”. I love the inspiration … the information … the originality … the humor and sharing of yourself and your time. I just like it here and I like every day.
Lesley Ann
Hello,
My favorite entry is July 4th – Hook review – Clover bamboo hooks.
I like all your series about hooks (Jun 24 – Clover soft touch – Jul 4 – Jul 18 – Wooden crochet hooks – Jul 24 Hook review – finale)
I think your posts are instructive and you write about a huge variety of things that I normally don’t find on other blogs. I appreciate that you put a lot of effort researching and surfing the net and the library.
I love pictures and would love to see more of your personal projects.
Thank you very much.
On Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 7:48 AM, CONNIE FISH wrote:
My computer settings will not allow me to reply in your blog, but I would like to enter your contest, anyway, if it is possible through an e mail. I regularly read your blogs & find them all interesting! However, one of my favorites is the one “Plush Towel Toppers”. It gave me some good ideas for gifts & easy instructions for making them. Thanks,
Connie