on April 14 2012

High-Def Crochet Tutorial Videos in the Making (Or, “How I Managed to Spend the Last Two Days of My Spring Break.”)

Crochet Tutorial Video Set-up

V-Day. It’s here. No, not Valentine’s Day all you lovers. Video Day. The day I finally start re-shooting all my crochet videos in high definition.

The Husband bought an HD camera several months ago and I thought it was high time these videos get a make-over. Or, perhaps a complete do-over.

Gear

Crochet Tutorial Video Set-up

1. Flood lights with a diffuser soft box on tripods. Two lights, in fact, each positioned on either side of the work table.

2. Bounce. It does exactly what it sounds like it does. It bounces light into the shadows so the back side of the frame doesn’t look like a dark abyss.

3. Sing it, baby. It’s the mic, carefully positioned so that it’s close enough to my mouth to not pick up room noise but far enough away that I don’t sound like I’m breathing heavily all over it.

4. The camera, positioned high up and facing directly down on top of me so as to get a flat-facing view of what I’m doing.

5. Mini DVD player. Super old school, too. Bought this thing for The Husband nearly a grand over 8 years ago. Oiy. And it never gets used for DVDs. It acts as a monitor and displays whatever the camera is seeing. When I’m taping, I look at the DVD player so I know what the audience will see. It’s a thing of beauty.

6. Half sheet of birch plywood stained to match the trim in my office (it’s a homemade mix of some popular stain colors) thrown on top of a standard, two-level folding table.

Crochet Tutorial Video Set-up

Oh, and the yarn. I tried to match the website colors as much as possible. And this time around, I wanted a yarn that was thicker and a little more rigid so it would hold its own shape in the camera. I just needed something that was easier to see and would play nicely. It’s just some Sugar ‘N Cream yarn.

Is this the part you hope I don’t break a leg? Wait, that doesn’t exactly apply. Don’t break a vocal chord?


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on April 13 2012

And the NEW Winners of “Custom Crocheted Sweaters” are…

Dora Ohrenstein's "Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments that Really Fit"

So, I searched high and low trying to get in contact with the first two winners of the giveaway, but could not get in contact with them. I really, really tried!  So the new winners are…

Rebecca J

who said, “I’ve made several sweaters for me and have had to either frog them or give them to someone else because they didn’t fit. I would love to learn how to crochet a properly fitting garment.”

and

Tina Rey

who said, “I am in the middle of making my first sweater vest right now, and i am having problems with the lapel area and attaching it to the vest body, my stitch count seems to be continuously off and this book is on my wishlist already so that hopefully the next sweater i make will work out much better in its construction! Thank you for the review of this and offering one up!”

Congrats to the new winners! I’ve sent you an email. Be sure to look out for it! And if I don’t hear from you soon, I just might have to pick new winners again.


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on April 4 2012

And the Winner of “Custom Crocheted Sweaters is…”

Dora Ohrenstein's "Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments that Really Fit"

Jenn McMillan!

Congrats Jenn! Your post to Pinterest won you the book. Please send me an email at blog[at]nexstitch.com and I will get your contact information over to the fine folks at Lark 

Ohhhhh, but I’m not done yet, folks.

Nope. Not done.

I have an extra copy of the book to give away. You heard that correctly. I have my own copy to give out.

Nezka Pfeifer!

Also, another Pinterest entry won it! Send me an email, too, and I’ll get it to you.

A BIG thank you to EVERYONE on Pinterest, Twitter, and this here little blog for participating! I little birdie told me that Dora might be having her own contest on her site, so keep your eyes pealed on Crochet Insider for your next chance to win.

I didn’t comment on all your awesome posts while the contest was going on, but you had a lot of great things to say. It seems like the issue of fit is a major concern with crocheters alike in delving into their first garment. Dora’s book is a great place to start to get tips, tricks, and suggestions, so if you didn’t win, I recommend checking it out. It’s an awesome book.


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on March 26 2012

Review & Giveaway: “Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments That Really Fit” by Dora Ohrenstein

Dora Ohrenstein's "Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments that Really Fit"

ENTRIES FOR THE GIVEAWAY ARE NOW CLOSED. Thanks to everyone who participated! I enjoyed reading all your responses. A winner will be selected at random later on today. Good luck everyone!

REVIEW

Making crocheted sweaters can be a daunting challenge for a novice wanting to improve his or her skills. It’s risky business to spend lots of money on a pile of yarn in the hopes that it will transform into something wearable. Bonus points if you fall in love with it.

But what if you pour your heart into a garment and it doesn’t fit right? How do you determine where you went wrong and what you’d do differently the next time around so that you are more successful in your craft? Enter Dora Ohrenstein‘s latest book, “Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments That Really Fit.”

Floating Tee

Right from the get-go, Dora sets a comfortable tone with her readers in addressing the possible fears they might have in making garments which range from not knowing one’s own body measurements to picking the wrong type of yarn. Then she sets out on a systematic, well-scripted endeavor in replacing her readers fears with knowledge about garment construction, yarn choice, body measurements, fit, reading schematics, shaping, altering, and finishing. And she does all of this under the guise that you’re creating art from your craft, a sentiment that is carried throughout the book as each sweater is introduced.

The spirit of this book is about empowering crocheters to create sweaters that will become timeless pieces in their wardrobe by understanding their own body size, the measurements of their favorite sweater(s), and how to calculate changes in fit. Dora manages to achieve this without confusing the reader by giving many clear examples in a manner that’s both conversational and educational, and by explaining terms that might be unfamiliar which I find refreshing after having perused and even purchased other similar books. Like rungs on a ladder, I’m incredibly impressed with how she takes the reader from one established understanding of thought to another newer one further up the ladder, building on knowledge and thereby gaining the confidence of the reader; fear is overshadowed by fact.

Cream Puff

The best such case of this is in the section entitled, “Shaping and Alteration 101″ in which Dora outlays the logical steps one would take to make changes in either width or length using gauge. If it isn’t clear just how important or necessary it is to create a swatch from the gauge before beginning – and you know you’ve questioned the purpose of this little menial task – Dora illustrates through example how useful it can be in calculating the right fit for your garment (so do it!) And yes, you will see math in this book, but don’t be afraid because each calculation is backed up with very clear explanations which help demystify it all (and that’s coming from someone who isn’t very mathy).

And then there are the sweaters, which don’t disappoint.

Each garment introduced is an opportunity to learn something new and is packed with illustrations, stitch diagrams, and schematics (hurrah!). At the conclusion of the pattern, Dora explains the construction details as well as how to substitute yarn. But the real gem of each? It’s the “lessons” that accompany them. The reader is given a first-class seat behind the designing wheel of each pattern, beginning with the Floating Tee where Dora carefully lays out how to alter body and sleeve lengths in a dropped shoulder construction all the way to learning how to change length, waist and bust measurements in a round yoke, top-down sweater like Cream Puff. Even if you’re not a round yoke, sweater-wearing kind of person (like myself), I highly recommend you read each and every “lesson” to increase your knowledge in these areas.

Fiji Cardi

My absolute favorite pattern is Fiji Cardi. And I’m in love with Dora’s under-the-hood explanation of how to adjust the armhole and sleeve caps in this fitted sleeve sweater. I’m blown away by her attention to detail and willingness to guide the reader through each and every step in getting the best fit. She’s covered all the permutations in making adjustments to both and still turn out an altered sleeve that will fit the body portion; she doesn’t leave you hanging hoping it will turn out alright on its own, so much so that she’s dedicated two full pages to it.

Other favorites that I adore include Eleganza Raglan (a great weekend at the beach kind of sweater), Floating Tee (a perfect accompaniment to a lovely skirt for work) and Cream Puff (a comfy-looking, every day kind of sweater). Again, each is accompanied by a lesson or two in how to alter it and each is worth a read.

Honestly, who ever thought you could buy a book that is teeming with such a wealth of knowledge about tailoring crocheted garments to your body and include an abundance of fabulous, wearable patterns that incorporate detailed instructions on how to alter them? There hasn’t been a single book on the market that does that for me, until now. And if you haven’t checked out Dora’s first book, ”Creating Crochet Fabric: Experimenting with Hook, Yarn, and Stitch,” do so. It’s a great prequel to “Custom Crocheted Sweaters.”

Eleganza Raglan

BRAVO DORA!

And now it’s your turn. Lark Crafts, the publisher of “Custom Crocheted Sweaters” is allowing me to give away one book to one of my lucky readers.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Rules: To enter to win a copy of  ”Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments That Really Fit” by crochet designer Dora Ohrenstein, leave a comment on this post by midnight, EST. on Monday, April 2, 2012 telling me about your garment-making errors in the past and how this book might help you. One winner will be chosen on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 via random.org.

Extra ways to enter to win: Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (include @NexStitch in your tweet so I see it!). Or, follow me on Pinterest and comment on or re-pin one of these sweaters that I’ve pinned to my board called, “Crochet/Knit Pretties.” These will count as a separate entries, giving you more of a chance to win because free stuff is cool, right?

P.S. Comment moderation is on (as always).


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on March 24 2012

Another Warm, Beautiful Winter Day in New Jersey

Winter? Warm? Oh yes, people. It’s been warm and it’s been lovely.

Sandy Hook, NJ on a glorious winter day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Really lovely.

Uprooted tree on the beach in Sandy Hook, NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like 70 degrees lovely.

Toppled trees in Sandy Hook, NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a few hours to kill a couple weeks ago in between a long day at work, so the moment I could, I made a beeline straight for the beach. Sandy Hook, to be exact. It’s the home of Fort Hancock, a old Army artillery base which sits the northern most point on this large sand spit, and boasts beautiful views of the New York harbor.

It was so warm in fact on this day, that I watched one man windsurfing and another man jet skiing on the bayside of Sandy Hook, NJ. Two other guys were actually swimming and it wasn’t even the Ides of March!

Fort Hancock at the tip of Sandy Hook, NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s also a great place to collect shells and driftwood, which was my goal of the afternoon.

Driftwood from Sandy Hook, NJ

Mussel Shells from Sandy Hook, NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m hoping to make something for my office with my finds.


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on February 12 2012

A Shopping We Will Go.

Here are a few things I’ve been gathering here in the office once I’m ready to start decorating. I’ve been hung-up on what to do for a side table and shelves. I think I’ve gone round-robin on all the possibilities countless times.

I bought this on "The Foundry" website for $22. Not bad. It's actually a decent-sized vase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I picked out a table on Crate and Barrel that I like but I’m worried that it’s too dark and won’t stand out against the dark chair I have that’ll sit next to it. And I’ve been unusually indecisive about shelves. I’d prefer them to be floating shelves but I’m running into the same issue: if they’re too dark, it’s all going to look like a dark abyss in my office nook.

I bought this at Pier-1. While it wasn't on sale, I cashed in two gift cards I'd received for Christmas that I don't personally shop at. I exchanged those cards for a Pier-1 card at a discounted price, which saved me some money on this purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So until I get things squared away, I’m buying things that I see that are at a good price.

I got this frame on sale for $20. I thought that was a steal of a price. It's a rather large frame made with little shells. Love, love, love!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I could shop all day. I like a bargain.

Kitty likes to get in on the action too. She's sniffing some shells I bought. She was convinced I'd procured her something from the sea as a late night snack. Not a chance.

I wound up doing OK at TJMaxx. I found a bunch of shells, so much in fact that I had to restrain myself. I wound up leaving behind a driftwood mirror that I really wanted (and need to go back for).

If you’re into beach-themed stuff, check out my board on Pinterest.


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on January 22 2012

Pinterest Pretties, and My Ever-Growing Addiction.

And it’s only day 1, folks. Actually, I’m only a mere 14 hours into it and I can’t seem to pull myself away from the crack otherwise known as Pinterest. For someone like me who is very visual, this place is a monumental, living, breathing eyegasm.

I’ve long wanted a place to catalog all the pretties I found online without having to bookmark and favorite a million websites or copy images into iPhoto where there is no link back to where the actual image came from. This is especially true for things I want to buy. I hate the mall and rarely walk into a store cold turkey. I do almost all – if not all – of my window shopping online. Now…now I have t a place to do that window shopping and compare pictures of things I think I want next to one another.

Fair warning: my personal aesthetic is very beachy, so I’ll be pinning a lot of beach-related things. Other than that, right now I have boards for fine art, interior design, fashion, crochet/knit, jewelry, and handbags (although I’m thinking of merging the two since I don’t see myself pinning a lot of that kind of stuff).

I’m so addicted. I’m not sure I should have made this leap. I see myself on here all the time. Quick, someone line me up a local therapist because I’m going to need an intervention.

I’m there. Are you? Hit me up. I’m “NexStitch.”
Follow Me on Pinterest


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on January 18 2012

More Uses for ‘Maters: (Cream of Tomato Soup)

I don’t eat meat. Mr. NexStitch does.

I eat fish. So does he.

Lovely, LOVELY 'maters.

That’s where we meet in the middle for most meals. I cook lots of fish and shellfish. So when I am making a meat-based dish for him, it puts more pressure on me to churn out something that I can have.

On the afternoon that I made chili, I also made myself some tasty cream of tomato soup, a double batch to be exact because I like leftovers. Leftovers are my friend.

Beautiful round orbs of tasty goodness.

I love eating this soup, but I don’t enjoy making it as much. It’s very laborious. You start out with some lovely, whole tomatoes that have been skinned (canned is fine but I prefer the organic tommy toms if they have to be canned). Sprinkle with dark brown sugar and roast in the oven for a half hour.

They come out looking a bit like my hands after an entire day of washing paintbrushes in the sink because the lone sink I have at work is not large enough for every child to put their hands in and man is that annoying and…

…Anyways, so then you let them cool and seed them. This is where the labor comes in and if you have family members who you can bribe to do the work, I vote, “BRIBE.” You’ll be so much happier when you’re down a bottle of wine and it’s all done. Just sayin’.

...with devilish seeds inside. I am very vexed by you.

Slice and seed and slice and seed and…

It’s always a good thing to keep the pile of “to be seeded” out of your direct line of view so you can’t forget just how many there are to tackle.

Meanwhile, butter, shallots, tomato paste, allspice, reserved tomato juice and flour are doing a lovely dance in a dutch oven while chicken stock is being added in. This is the best part: throw in the roasted tomatoes and let them cook in there for a short while.

But you make a lovely soup.

Can you taste it yet?

Strain the solids from the liquids, do some lovely food processing, combine everything back into the dutch oven, throw in some cream, brandy, cayenne and salt.

Wa-la: cream of tomato soup.

It’s a lot of work but it’s really well worth it.

Glad I made that double batch. too, because I’ve not been feeling well the last few days and nothing is nicer than homemade heat and serve food.

Throw in some crusty salad-sized croutons for a perfect contrast. YUMness.


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on January 16 2012

It’s Ma-gic, Ya Know.

Mid to late afternoon is just about my most favorite and productive time of the day in terms of designing. There's something to be said for the light that comes streaming into my office window, the light that permeates the room with the most wonderful glow and invigorates my creative juices. I don't like to miss it.


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on January 16 2012

This is Not Texas Chili.

Northern ChiliAnd it’s not even trying to be so don’t be comment bombing me when you see some things in there that you wouldn’t expect to see in Texas.

For one thing, it has dark red kidney beans in it. For another, lots of red pepper. I know, I know, I know: Texas chili doesn’t have beans and pepper in it.

I watch Top Chef. This season they’re in Texas, of all places, and they made chili and I got to listen to how they don’t put beans in their chili.

Awesome.

So I’m not even trying to pretend that I’m making southern chili. No, no this is northern chili. You see, we have this one tiny advantage to putting the beans and pepper in there, and it’s a devious plan from the get-go: husbands without the southern and culinary pedigree don’t know the difference and are suckered (read: tricked) into eating more veggies and beans.

Yup.

I can’t get Mr. NexStitch to eat enough of those things otherwise. So what he doesn’t know, won’t hurt him. And don’t you go ratting me out!

I figured this time around, I’d throw in a little beer from a local brewery just for some added flavor. Shoot, I’m not eating it – I don’t eat meat, I eat fish – so I’m not going to know the difference.

(Aren’t I bad?)

So I poured some in. And what didn’t get poured into the pot, got poured down the throat (a sip for me, a sip for the chili, mix, repeat). Luckily the evidence has ceased to exist.


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