Thursday, December 02, 2010

She's Got a Way With Crochet

Edited to add on Dec. 4th, 2010: The contest for BBC is closed! No more entries are being taken. Thanks to everyone for entering.

Hi Knitters (and hopefully crocheters today),
I am thrilled to be included on Robyn Chachula's official blog tour for her new book called, Baby Blueprint Crochet. I met Robyn briefly one time at TNNA in the green (hotel) room for Knit and Crochet Now. She was pregnant and adorable and oh so friendly and helpful as she was working for the show at that time. I am sure Robyn wouldn't remember meeting me but I was clearly impressed with her.

Here's my two cents on Robyn. Robyn is one the cutest people in this industry, hands-down, she is smart, friendly, cheerful, uber-talented and fun. Robyn is one of the crochet experts on the PBS show Knit and Crochet Now and I love watching her segments. Her personality shines right through and it is just a joy to watch her in her crochet element. She is an expert on visual crochet or crochet using symbols and charts and her teaching and explaining of the charted crochet makes it seem incredibly easy.

Check out these fantastic links, sites, interviews, project and books to learn more about Robyn:
Robyn on Ravelry! (check out all of her designs)
Robyn's interview on Marly's podcast, Yarn Thing! This is a great interview and a fun listen.

All in all this young woman and mother is a pleasant talent. She has style, personality, smarts, serious teaching chops and the dedication needed to pull together a fantastic book like this. I love to crochet and looking at her book and reading the instructional section (which is crystal clear and easy), makes me want to delve into crochet even more.

The book is beautifully crafted and the projects are beyond charming to say the least. Here are a few of my favorites although I love all of the projects in the book.
I mean.... what more needs to be said about these boots? Maybe just that they are made in Spud & Chloƫ Fine which totally rocks. I love these little boots. I would be so proud if I made these.
I so want to make this blanket. I find it completely sweet and inviting. Every baby should have this blanket in my opinion.
Crocheted baby socks? Why not? Aren't these squishy looking? I bet these little socks work up at the speed of lightening.
Okay, you all know I have a thing for anything "pea pod" but really, look at these Pea Pod Sliders!!! I don't even know what to say. They are awesome and so charming. Robyn, you are on fire with these designs!
I think crocheting a few of these little bibs would make one of the best baby gifts ever. You would be the hit of any baby shower.

Again, Robyn's specialty is visual crochet. She breaks things down to make it super easy. She teaches you step by step how to read the charts and symbols. She makes it easy! This book has the best instructional crochet section I have ever seen. Honestly.

You have to get this book if you have any interest in learning to crochet or if you already know how to crochet. It is a great resource. There are lots and lots of sweaters, dresses, an elephant mobile (incredibly cute!), a robot toy, a diaper cover, cardigans, vests, a hat or two, colorwork, striping.... I am sure there is more.

I don't know if I am supposed to offer a giveaway with this book but I am going to anyway. I'll take care of the details later. That's how much I like this one. If you would like a copy of Baby Blueprint Crochet please leave a comment on this blog post. Do not email me to enter, please, and also leave your Ravelry Id or your email address so I can get in touch. Only enter one time, please.

I will pick a winner very quickly this time because I have a lot to get up on my blog. I am so backlogged with stuff to get up on here, running behind schedule as always. I will pick a winner later tomorrow or Saturday at the latest so be sure to check back.

Interweave is making more and more fantastic crafting books! I am a big huge fan. Thanks for letting me talk about Robyn's new crochet book.
best, susie

133 comments:

Elizabeth D said...

Must. . .have. . .those. . .boots!! New baby arriving in the family in the spring, so I even have a target.

r said...

This book looks fantastic, and I would love to learn to crochet! Perfect! :)

rav id: texangryphon

Alison said...

Oh oh oh I want it! I have a friend who wants to crochet and has upteen grandkids, and I want to encourage her! What a fabulous gift this would make! I hope I win.

Jimberlys said...

Wow, is it really possible that I am the first to comment? I began to crochet before knitting. All I have done in crochet is blankets. I am really interested in expanding my crochet skills. This sounds like the book I need. Please enter me in your give-a-way. If I don't win I believe I will be buying it anyway!
Thanks Susan,
Patty
jnp1982@msn.com

Debby said...

I was a crocheter long before a knitter. I love both! And I remember seeing Robyn on the Knit and Crochet program on PBS.

VeganCraftastic said...

Ooh, that book looks adorable, thanks for the chance to win!

-kala on ravelry

Kath said...

I am learning to crochet as we speak! I would love something more instructional and these patterns are so cute!

I'm ssbk on Rav. itsmekathyh@yahoo.com

Michelle said...

What an amazing crochet book! I've yet to get a good crochet baby pattern book. My little guy HAS to have those boots and the pea pod sliders! Thanks for the awesome giveaway chance!

Rav ID: stitchywitchy

Barb said...

Between you and Robyn, I am on serious 'cute over!! You two make and design the most adorable baby stuff! (I'd be beyond thrilled to win a copy of this book!) Thank you for the opportunity.

rav id: aspenknit1

Tiphanie said...

Oh my gosh, I love those boots! I must make those! Thanks again for a chance to win an awesome giveaway!

My username on Ravelrly is purplemama.

stephigordon said...

Wow - absolutely adorable stuff! Would love to win! Thanks for the chance! Stephanie indigodogmt on Ravlery

Paulapurl said...

I was just talking to my co-worker today about how I want to learn to crochet. Perhaps the stars will align and I will win this giveaway. I, too, know the perfect baby that just needs those boots. Thanks for your generosity, Susan.

Jodee said...

Love the projects you showed - my first grandchild is due in March so I could have a head start if I win.

Jods on Ravelry

amandaleigh on Ravelry said...

I would love to have this in my collection, such a beautiful book :) I taught myself to crochet watching Robyn on Knit and Crochet Now

Schmath said...

My new little boy would look so dashing in those loafers! And the boots are to die for! schmath@yahoo.com

Armida said...

I just learned how to crochet this fall after years of wanting to!! This looks like a great book. I'm so excited to finally be able to make adorable projects like these!

Raili
Rav Id: Armida21

barb said...

I, like you, think Robyn is an amazing woman. I have been a fan of hers from the first time I saw her on Knit and Crochet, Today. I love listening to her talk about her first "baby", her dog, Faye. I am looking forward to her returning to Knit and Crochet, Now and hopefully see photos of her new baby.
This book looks FANTASTIC. I would love to win this.

blyerke1@yahoo.com yerkeb on Rav

Jani said...

The baby bib did it! Beautiful book - thanks for the giveaway.

Leanne (Lunatic84) said...

Oh I love it! I must get my hands on it, my cousin's little girl, Genvieve would look smashing in those boots!!!

chocolate river alpacas said...

Robyn comes to my crochet group and her cousin is a member of our group too. A couple members of my group also make samples for her projects. cuffaro on Ravelry

Oiyi said...

Thanks for the review of the book. Everything is so cute! That blanket is stunning. I need to make that blanket!

Ravelry id: oiyi
email add: oiyi.yau(at) gmail (dot) com

Charlotte said...

I'm not a crocheter but if this book can teach me, I'd love to have it.

Charlotte,
cat16@mindspring.com

Brooke Crook said...

Ooo. I love to crochet and am expecting my little boy in may so I NEED this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Bdavi295@gmail.com

Catie said...

I love love love the baby bib - and the idea of a good instructional section is enticing - I just learned how to crochet and I still need to learn how to read the charts. Plus, a lot of my friends are having kids or have just had kids - so many babies!

ravID: catiecat

knittinggrammy said...

GREAT book!! First grand-baby arriving in Jan. Such cute things!
r.lang@live.com

Anonymous said...

Would LOVE this book! My aunt crochets and a visual tutorial would be a great learning tool for me!

valeriebee@comcast.net

Connie said...

I LOVE watching Robyn on TV...I'd love a chance at this cute book!

Connie
tcrpm@sonic.net

tammy said...

thanks, susan! i love the interweave books!
rav id: tyeatts
maddgriffsmom@gmail.com

shannon said...

Adorable!
Girl4purl on Ravelry

Lisa said...

Oh my!! Plenty in this book to keep this Nana busy! (LOVE those pea pod mocs. Seriously.)

mrsp on rav
pettry@neo.rr.com

Sarah said...

The book looks great! Thanks for a chance to win.

Rav ID: sarahsparkle

Catalina said...

What a wonderful book! just beautiful!

theyarnkat on rav

Anonymous said...

I have several little ones I could make gifts for from this book, and I have been meaning to relearn crochet.

Bonnie said...

Love Robyn's designs. She is so good at charts.

Unknown said...

The book looks great!
-knitteralli on Ravelry

onescrappychick said...

Oh what a fun book. My first love was crochet, before knitting.. and of all the pattern books I have, not one is for crochet.

Rav: justplainbeth

Missy said...

Such adorable projects!
mkrids on Ravelry

marylouc said...

Thanks so much for your post. The book sounds so good. I'm just learning crochet and would love to win.

Gmahelen said...

I love watching and learning from Robyn. I want to make the blanket for the Linus project. Her designs are fantastic.
Gmahelen

judy said...

ADORABLE!!!!!!!

Tully Family said...

I would LOVE to have this book!!! My email is tully_family at yahoo dot com

THANKS!

craft-chick said...

Thanks so much for sharing...it DOES look fantastic!

Rav Id: CraftChick

Unknown said...

Oh, another great giveaway! I'd love to learn to crochet.

Unknown said...

Oh, another great giveaway! I'd love to learn to crochet.

Tracey said...

My grandparents (that's right, grandma AND grandpa) taught me how to crochet when I was 5. I'm still going strong 30 years later. Would love to win this book and expand my crochet horizon. I'll do them proud!
Thanks for the chance to win it!
Traceymccarthy@gmail.com

Cheri said...

Working on a baby, working on stuff for the baby, working on winning this book . . . (ravid: itscherij)

Susan E said...

I would love this book! I would love to learn more crochet techniques.

SuzySticks on ravelry

Anonymous said...

Great projects! So cute!

Jill Pickle

savvy-stitch said...

this book looks adorable! we're expecting our first baby in march and this would be perfect!

rav: "savvy-stitch"

Margo said...

That book looks adorable with some great projects for my new nephew! RavID: sewknittystar

Faith said...

I'm putting this on my Christmas list now! I know the basics of crochet, but I switched to knitting years ago when no one around me crocheted and I couldn't do more than a blanket in single or double crochet and it was beyond my skill to understand a pattern; I needed to be shown the stitches, but you give me hope that this visual crocheter can teach me to make some of those adorable projects!

(rav ID: introvert)

KCina said...

super cool....please add me to the list for the giveaway!
~ Kathy C.

Anonymous said...

Oh, that baby bib is the cutest! So stylish with the side button! Thanks for another great giveaway!

Sarah
SarahLiz82

TopChamp said...

Hello - I have wanted to do marshmallow snowmen since I saw them on your blog (quite a long time ago!) - thought you might like to see how they came out.

I don't want to enter the crochet comp - am a rubbish crocheter.

http://badjokesandovenchips.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-snowmen.html

Daniela said...

The Pea Pod Sliders are just cracking me up! Thank you for the give-away! I'm Dadzi on Ravelry.
Have a nice day
Daniela

Carol said...

Hi Susan! I learned to crochet about a month ago, so I'd love to win this book to expand my skills a little. Those baby booties are just darling, too. Thanks so much!

carol.p@fuse.net

Unknown said...

I would love to win this, since I have learned to knit I haven't picked up my crochet hooks, this would be a great motivator :0)

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see Everything in this book! How cute are those boots!! Thanks for the giveaway. jeanie@zeigle.com

Anonymous said...

This looks like a wonderful book! Yay for designers making crochet modern and beautiful!

Paula Bannon said...

Those patterns are adorable! I'm going to be an aunt for the first time in the spring, so this would be perfect.

rav id: messiahkitty

annemarie said...

Oh do I want this book - thanks for the chance to win.

bitten78 said...

wow! I'm a newish knitter and have some basic crochet skills but I didn't even know you could make all that cute stuff! I've got 3 lil ones in the house and they would all look so cute in those boots! I'm just floored and I will have to get this one way or another! thanx for the great giveaways-I am so glad I found this blog!

Anonymous said...

Lovely crochet items. I love the little animal you knit from your spun yarn. Have a nice weekend. valli at sweetpeaquilts@yahoo.com

Margaret Owens said...

Aww, everything looks so lovely. I have a niece on the way who would look so cute in any of these pieces!

Nicole said...

Fantastic book! So many things I'd love to make!

ravelry id: reeneeroo

nicoleaw@hotmail.com

Jan said...

What a fabulous book. I was always the one that thought that crocheting was JUST for afghans but boy does this book prove me wrong. Even if I don't win it, I am running out to buy it. I need someone to walk me through a project step by step and this sounds like the perfect book to do it! Happy Holidays Susan!

elizabeth said...

DARLING! Can't decide if my favorite is the blanket or the socks, so maybe I'll just have to make both. :

rav id: scrappygolden

Erin said...

oh...just love the bib!! erinm.williams(at)yahoo.com

robin said...

I am in awe of the creativity! I'd like to make them all!

Anonymous said...

Would love this. My friend,an avid knitter and crocheter,is having her first grandchild in 3 weeks or sooner.
Kathy
longkathy27@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Would love this. My friend,an avid knitter and crocheter,is having her first grandchild in 3 weeks or sooner.
Kathy
longkathy27@yahoo.com

Lorette said...

Love the socks and all the other beautiful items...makes me want to crochet all day.

Melissa said...

Oh I would love this book! I've really wanted to learn to crochet but the symbols and charts are Greek to me! It sounds like this book would be perfect!

PAK said...

Adorable things. I'm making things for twin baby girls. So cute! I hope I win.

Amy said...

So cute!!!

Doula Mommy said...

What a great book! Perfect for me since I'm expecting baby #4!!!
~Jessica, Rav ID: MonkeyButtBabies

Echo M said...

This is lovely, I am impressed...I am the go-to-girl when someone has a baby, everyone wants to get something handmade and my generation is int he life stage of starting families! This would be a wonderful addition to a slim crochet library..... Thanks for offering such a great giveaway!

Rav ID Shadedfears

Sara said...

I haven't tried crochet yet, but it is on my list of new years resolutions already! This book looks so incredible!
Thanks - sms394 on Rav

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book. I find it hard to find things that I would like to crochet and the pictures that you previewed definately have me interested in the book.
Thanks, cecilia.moore6@gmail.com

Carol Perecman said...

What a cute book--thanks for the chance to win it! (perecman at mindspring dot com)

Carol

Unknown said...

Adorable projects! I'd love to win and make things for gifts and my 3 year old twins. I'm javajennie on ravelry.

Karen said...

I love those boots too!! Count me in for a chance to win this great book. Ravelry ID (knitnspin)

Kelly said...

Hi Susan,

This looks like a lovely book! I am a knitter, but my sister crochets. I'd love to learn--we'd have fun working on the projects together!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for introducing me to this fabulous woman and book. I love to crochet and LOVE those patterns!

Amanda
mae327@crestviewcable.com

Sara said...

Great looking book, a perfect excuse to try to do more crochet!
Thanks for the preview.

coffeechris said...

I learned to crochet - made many a ripple afghan back in the day. Now I mostly knit...all that could change with this book. Love the PBS show, too.

Unknown said...

I do know how to crochet and also love the patterns in this book. I think I will buy it if I don't win...please pick me...
Ellen
missellen (rav name)

adodds said...

The patterns you showed make me want to learn to crochet. I will make sure to give the book a good look when I see it. Anita

Anonymous said...

Lots of cute and colorful items.
deni

rav id: denim

Anonymous said...

i really really want this book! sooo cute!
shamaree from colorado springs

Tara Vanderkamp said...

I have 4 little beauties that would look GREAT in those super cute things! Would love to win. Yippee!
Thanks for the chance
Tara Vanderkamp
tarakristav@hotmail.com

Nancy said...

Love the slippers! The projects in this book look so cute. Would love to win it.

Angie Keeton said...

Would love to win

Cathy Williams said...

So cute! I love your connections Susan! You are such a blessing.
Here's hoping!

Cathy Williams
gregcathyw@hotmail.com

heartrock said...

I just love this book...I crochet and knit and I love the boots! I have two little grandsons who really need a pair of them!! I love knitting and crochetting books and I appreciate the chance you have given us to win one and such a great one at that! Have a GREAT rest of the day!!! =0)

hearttock said...

I'm so sorry but I forgot to leave my e-mail address in the previous comment. It is from heartrock:

mry_stndrd@yahoo.com

bluekaeru said...

I'd love to win that book. I both knit and crochet and prefer baby knits. It seems my friends and coworkers are always having babies! I love all of the projects you shared but especially the burp cloth bib. I love the textures.

Pam's Oils said...

Pls pick me! I love to both knit & crochet & these patterns look absolutely adorable. Ravelry Id-pammigliore

Laura T said...

Wow what a great book! I love this one:) I'm a fairly new crocheter (knit a bit better than crochet) so this book looks like it would really help me:) I went to Robyn's blog and that looks fun as well. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this fun give-a-way!
Laura T
ravelry: Laura T

Elly said...

What a cute book!
Thanks for this giveaway :)

- Eliana -
IknitCupcakes on Ravelry

Tanya said...

I've been wanting to crochet for a while, love the little hats that they have out for little ones and would like to be able to make things on my own. Thanks for the chance
crystalball 137 [at] hotmail [dot] com

Kristal said...

That looks like fun! I'd love to make those sliders.

Spinneretta said...

She has some lovely designs in there- I especially love the frog closures on the jacket on the front cover :)

Spinneretta on Ravelry

Unknown said...

Looks like a must have book!

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

This book looks great! I'm just learning to crochet and these cute patterns would be just the thing to get going on.

OneOfTheHive (Heidi) said...

I don't think there are many things cuter than a baby in handmade sweetness. Very cute book and it would be a lovely addition to my Itty-Bitty books. I've got a few people who are having babies soon, and I need some new inspiration. I'm tired of just doing hats, maybe it's time to venture into boots and blankets!!

Ravelry = OneOfTheHive

Unknown said...

OOH, me me me! I love Robyn's designs!

Sara said...

need that book. I have been crocheting forever and always looking for cute new baby patterns!!
Sara
jayandjeremysmom@sbcglobal.net

ali@skeinsherway.com said...

Oh, those little green slippers are simply adorable!!

Mary Emily said...

This book looks fabulous! Those boots are so precious, and I'd love to have the crochet instructional section to get my crochet skills up to par.

mehansen on Rav

crookedknits said...

I love the shoes patterns! They're both so adorable. I can't wait to see more of this book!
(rav id: crookedknits)

Amy M said...

I have an 8-month old who would look fantastic in those boots! What a wonderful book- thanks for sharing!

Amy M (KnitterMai on Rav.))

Kiwibirder said...

I learned to crochet when I was a little girl, and haven't done much crochet since I learned to knit. Robyn Chachula makes me want to get out my hooks and go to town! Wow! Everything is JUST BEAUTIFUL!!! Would love to win a copy of the book. Thanks!

Kelly P.
Kiwibirder@verizon.net

Whitney said...

I want it!!! Rav ID: whitsknits

Anonymous said...

Love watching Robyn as well and what a great book. Skispinner on ravelry and imler_sharon@yahoo.com.

Anonymous said...

some of the cutest crochet baby patterns i've seen. it looks like a must-have book for my collection!
erinyoffie@hotmail.com

Crystal said...

OMGosh!!! I love that book I want to make so many things from it!!

Thank you for offering another awesome giveaway.

Good luck to everyone!
Rav ID: Connorsmom10306

Anonymous said...

very cute.

rav id: boilerup

Anonymous said...

very cute.

rav id: boilerup

remmy said...

I would LOVE that book. My sister has a baby and I actually learned to crochet about a year ago, before knitting.


remmy on Ravelry

The Wibe's said...

I am just learning to crochet and this book looks awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Tanna said...

LOVE.LOVE.LOVE those boots and pea pod sliders!!

Share330 said...

This looks like a great book! My grandma always did crochet - it is something I've always wanted to learn, but never did...
- Shannon
shannonhare@ymail.com

Anonymous said...

Oh my. She sure does have a way with crochet!
Tammie
homebody62565@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

The book looks fantastic! Please enter me in your drawing. I would love to have it for my own. I'm one of the only crocheters in our knitting group at work, I'm trying to convert them!!! Thank you for this opportunity.
--Jan, psion1@swbell.net

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this - lovely patterns. As a novice crocheter, I always appreciate thorough instructions. Ravelry ID = citrusjourney

knittingknirvana said...

Oh my goodness! These are really great patterns!!

Sabra said...

Wow what great timing. I've been crocheting lots of baby items. Winning this would be great.

Robin said...

I would love to get the book. Awesome looking projects.

Rav ID: rrnorman67

Lucy said...

OMG I love those boots, I hope I win the book ;)
hypersky5@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

would LOVE to win this!! New baby coming next month for me! Plus 2011 is the year to improve on the one-crochet-project-ever thing....I gotta be good at crochet!!!

deloresthai@shaw.ca

Anonymous said...

If it's anything like "Blueprint Crochet" it's got to be great. I love Robyn!

cveditions said...

Robyn's books are essential. I love them.