You've got your yarn, your hooks, and are ready to sit down and start creating that beautiful piece from the pattern you just purchased. You turn to page 44 and start looking at the pattern... what the heck is HDC? What direction am I supposed to be working? There's something that looks like Egyptian hieroglyphics on the next page... what have I done? GAH!! Fear not intrepid crocheter! Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby and Craftsy are here to give you all the answers to finding, reading, and understanding crochet patterns. ![]() Yep, Shannon and the folks at Craftsy have been working on another FAB crochet class and this one is all about Reading & Understanding Crochet Patterns. In fact that's what its called, "Reading & Understanding Crochet Patterns" (direct and to the point!). This course was created to teach new crocheters all the skills you need to read and successfully navigate crochet patterns. This will also be a FAB reference tool for the "I've been reading crochet patterns for fourty years" experienced stitchers. Regardless of your skill level you'll be learning tons about the in's and out's of crochet pattern reading and you'll be able to keep the class as an instant reference tool anytime you need it! ![]() You will learn by watching Shannon complete each stitch, while at the same time seeing the stitch's name, abbreviation, and chart symbols on your screen, so you'll recognize them in multiple formats... That's just the start! You get to apply what you are learning right away by making the "Modern Sampler Scarf" pattern that comes with the course. Shannon helps you with reading the written pattern AND the chart and how it all translates into actual stitches and rows. Before you know it you'll be piecing together your own sampler scarf with stitches so true they must have been blessed by a Pink Fairy Armadillo (which incidentally is a real animal… GAH!). I'll be there with you every step of the way! When you’ve completed the entire course, you'll be shocked by how easily you can read through crochet patterns and get to stitching more and more advanced pieces. Don’t worry about forgetting any of the tips and techniques because the BEST part of all Craftsy classes is you can watch them whenever, and wherever you like and you can watch them as often as you like since your purchase never expires! Have a few minutes to watch a segment? Need to go back and see one of our tips & tricks again? Want to watch that technique one more time to get it juuuuust right? You can do ALL that with a Craftsy class because you own it forever! GIVEAWAY OF MY CRAFTSY CLASS!To celebrate the release of this new class the FAB folks at Craftsy are giving away a free enrollment to Reading & Understanding Crochet Patterns with Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby to one lucky person. To enter, click on the special link below and be whisked away to register for a chance to win my new class on Craftsy for free! Yes I said FREE! The winner will be chosen at random the morning of April 18, 2016 so You need to register to win before it launches April 18th! What are you waiting for? You did read that we're giving this away right? Enter Now! Yes, now… stop reading and enter… We'll wait right here while you enter to win. ADDED BONUS: As a Craftsy student you have exclusive access to me personally in our virtual Craftsy classroom. If you have questions or want to show off your FAB stitches, you will always know where to find me. I'll be right there to help out and celebrate with you!
We also have a lot of fun in my classes... I mean a LOT of fun… So click that button and get your entries in today! See you in the Craftsy classroom!
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Week 3 of National Craft Month: Enter to Win A Free Sewing Course on Craftsy.com, Eucanan Gift Pack, and LED Mini FLIP Lite from Ottlite!What a great Craft Month we've been having! Weeks 1 and 2 of National Craft Month have been stellar and we've got something completely different in store for you for Week 3. We're branching out into other areas of crafting with the help of one of our good friends and fellow Craftsy teacher, Katrina Walker. Read on for all the details... Sewing Woes No More! If you are anything like us (and most of you are) you have a sewing machine tucked away at the back of a closet that you pull out when a button comes off a shirt or you have a seam in need of mending. But there is so much more your machine can do... and it's time to learn a few tips from one of the best out there - for FREE! Katrina Walker is a designer, educator and author known for her work in construction techniques, textile expertise and Modern American Pojagi piecework. Her work is featured in many magazines including Threads, SewStylish, Stitch, SewNews and Creative Machine Embroidery. She is a popular instructor both at national sewing shows and online, where her classes for Craftsy, Taunton Workshops, BurdaStyle, Craft University and Craft Daily have enrolled thousands of students worldwide. When she is not creating in her studio, Katrina is traveling nationwide spreading the love of sewing with Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking sewing machines. What You Can Win This Week!
![]() For our Week 3 giveaway Katrina has graciously offered one enrollment into her Craftsy.com course: Decorative Seams: Techniques and Finishes. We've used this class to brush up on our skills as well as learn some FAB new techniques from Katrina! ![]() Yep, the FAB folks at Ottlite have also sponsored an item this week: An LED Mini Flip Lite. The Shibaguyz really love our LED Mini Flip Lites. Jason uses his most every day when he's sewing, weaving and even for throwing a little light onto a project he's photographing. It's the perfect size for carrying but throws a TON of light! ![]() And Eucalan has provided us with a Gift Pack. We can't say enough good things about Eucalan. Their product is tailor-made for the crochet and knitting handcrafter... although quilters and sewers swear by this cleaning product as well. This set of 5 bottles of Eucalan is neatly packaged in a clear re-usable zip bag in each of their scents: Natural, Grapefruit, Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Jasmine. Check out their Washing Basics page HERE for tips on using their product. How to Win Entering could not be easier! Just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the directions to earn MULTIPLE entries! Enter once… or enter multiple times to increase your chances or winning this amazing prize pack!
But don't wait! This contest runs through Midnight PT on March 20, 2016. Stitch On! S&J Week 2 Giveaway: Craftsy Class, Ottlite, and Eucalan Wash
Week 1 of National Craft month was a huge success and we're continuing the party this week with an even bigger giveaway for you.
For Week 2 of National Craft Month you can enter to win:
That's a LOT of swag my friends! Here's the full rundown. Crochet Toolkit from Craftsy.com
This class is a FAB fav topic of ours: Tips and tricks to take your crochet from good to great! In this course, Shannon takes you step-by-step through the process of how to make solid and lace fabrics, brush up your math skills, and he teaches you how to keep those edges clean and tidy for a professional appearance. Dreaming of smooth, drapey fabric? Find out how linked stitches can close the gaps and make it happen. Then, add some "wow" techniques to your toolkit, such as crochet I-cord. Yup… two types of crochet cords including attached cords for edges!
Everything you learn here you'll be able to apply right away! You get techniques and stitches we use in real life, every day. For more info about this class including a promo video where Shannon tells you all about it, click on the button below. Ottlite Mini LED Flip Light![]()
We LOVE our OttLite lamps. Shannon has two in his study and Jason uses them in his photo studio to get clear photos with clean white light. We know you'll love this clip on LED light from OttLite!
With OttLite you’ll see more clearly and comfortably, which makes everything you love to do – from sewing and scrapbooking to reading and computer work to crafts and crossword puzzles – easier and more enjoyable. It’s like natural daylight indoors! Click here to learn more. Gift Set from Eucalan![]()
We can't say enough good things about Eucalan. Their product is tailor made for crochet and knitting handcrafter... although quilters and sewers swear by this cleaning product as well. This set of 5 bottles of Eucalan is neatly packaged in a clear re-usable zip bag in each of their scents: Natural, Grapefruit, Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Jasmine.
Check out their Washing Basics page HERE for tips on using their product. How to Enter The Week 2 Giveaway!
There are a few ways to enter this giveaway. You earn entries by visiting our Facebook page, our sponsors Facebook pages; and earn daily entries by tweeting a message.
Click the button below to register with Rafflecopter for this giveaway and good luck to you all! GRAND PRIZE RULES
Did we neglect to tell you there's a Grand Prize Giveaway including an Ottlite Desk Lamp, Full sized bottles of Eucalan, and a FULL GARMENT'S AMOUNT OF YARN? Well now you know!
To enter the Grand Prize you'll need to post a photo, video, or other proof that you have purchased the Shibaguyz' new book, Crochet Geometry. Post a pic of you starting your favorite pattern... do a video review of the book... take a picture of your favorite pattern and post it on Pinterest… or take a book selfie with you and your copy of Crochet Geometry. Don't have your copy of Crochet Geometry yet? Just go to CrochetGeometry.com by clicking on the button below and you'll see a video and more photos from the book as well as links for where you can buy your book online! We are SO proud to announce that Shannon's NEW Craftsy crochet class is LIVE! Crochet Toolkit - Designer Tips & Tricks is Shannon's third Craftsy crochet class and we can't wait for you all to dig into this material. These are the skills and techniques we use in the Shibaguyz Designz studio every day to create our FAB garments, accessories, and home decor. From how to read crochet charts, to some of our easy math tricks for making sure patterns fit, to making FAB crochet fabrics; you'll get a designer's insight on how to take your crochet skills from good to GREAT!
So don't wait! Click on our special link below to get $10 off the price of enrollment and get started on your new crochet skills today! (There's also a pretty cool introduction video… so be sure to check that out!) "And we're live in 3... 2... 1... GO!" ![]() Yup… my new Craftsy crochet class is LIVE! WOOHOO!!! We are thrilled to announce that you can now have unlimited access to my new Craftsy crochet class: Crochet Technique Toolkit. This class is full of tips and techniques you can use daily to make your crochet totally AH-MAY-ZING! My goal with this class was to pack into it as much of the information I wish I had when I was first starting out as well as the skills and techniques we have developed for use every day right here in the Shibaguyz Designz studio. I present techniques like getting started without using a slipknot, 4 different Foundation Stitches (including our Foundation Slip Stitch) to make your starting rows arrow straight, 9 types of decreasing (count them... NINE), ways to make your colorwork look sharp and crisp, and finishing up with with a little world class finishing and seaming. There are sections on evaluating patterns too, and even a step-by-step worksheet for how to estimate yarn amounts. Here's the great part: Because Crochet Technique Toolkit is a reference class, it is presented in a way that you can find and go directly to any section you want to watch without having to fast forward through other material. Finishing a garment and want to see how we do the Locking Mattress Stitch to give our samples a polished seam? How about our special End Cap Finishing Stitch for invisible finishing? Just click on that section in the class video menu and away you go. In addition, you also receive written instructions for techniques and patterns for the swatches I use in class so you can practice your new skills!
Click on any of the photos in this post or on my special link below to be whisked away to Crochet Technique Toolkit on Craftsy and get started right away. You will be learning all my tips and techniques and showing off your new crochet skills today!!
Here's the link: Crochet Technique Toolkit - the new Craftsy crochet class by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby See you in the Craftsy classroom! Stitch On! Shannon ![]() I think I might have mentioned sometime in the past that I'm a Craftsy Instructor! WOOHOO!! Y'all know I have long been a fan of Craftsy, having taken classes from such greats as Shirley Paden, Gwen Bortner, Carol Feller, and Faina Goberstein. And, as of this year, I am more than a little proud to be counted amongst those world-class instructors as a Craftsy instructor. And now I am proud to announce that I HAVE A BRAND-SPANKIN’ NEW CRAFTSY CLASS. So, without further delay, here is the official announcement that my second Craftsy crochet class, Crochet Technique Toolkit, is going live, July 6th... in just a few days. AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! I'm more excited than a Pointer Sister! So, what is The Crochet Technique Toolkit all about?
Yup… that's right. I made something just for ME! |
If you follow along with us on Twitter or Facebook, you know I gained a serious obsession for blanket scarves this past fall and winter. For me, a blanket scarf is more than just an opportunity to wrap up against the elements. Although, let me just say that, on our trip to New York City this past February, we were VERY happy we had them. We were in the FAB city on the day of the coldest temperatures since the 1970s and our blanket scarves were VERY useful. But I digress… |
More than just protection from frostbite, blanket scarves are a FAB way to showcase a beautiful piece of fabric. This is definitely the case with the gorgeous wool we bought at Mood in NYC.
For a crochet or knitting devotee, blanket scarves are the perfect way to showcase a stunning yarn or a dramatic stitch pattern. Also, they are great projects for just sitting and stitching when you don't want to think too much about shaping.
So… yeah… I'm a little obsessed. And I don't see this obsession ending any time soon because I have only begun to dive into the endless combination of fabrics, stitches, yarns, colors… MAKE ALL THE BLANKET SCARVES!!
For a crochet or knitting devotee, blanket scarves are the perfect way to showcase a stunning yarn or a dramatic stitch pattern. Also, they are great projects for just sitting and stitching when you don't want to think too much about shaping.
So… yeah… I'm a little obsessed. And I don't see this obsession ending any time soon because I have only begun to dive into the endless combination of fabrics, stitches, yarns, colors… MAKE ALL THE BLANKET SCARVES!!
Looking back, I'm realzing this post could have been subtitled:
Why A Blanket Scarf Is A Many Splendored Thing
Since I don't really make a lot of things just for me and since I am particularly in LOVE with this project, I thought I'd share it with you.
The story of this scarf is kind of funny. You see, I have this Craftsy class called Quick and Easy Crochet Cables and the project for the class is a FAB little envelope clutch made from a simple rectangle of crochet cables. When I was on my way to Denver, Colorado to film the class, I realized I didn't have anything particularly warm to wear in my coat closet. You know… Seattle winters just aren't that harsh and the only time we get into temps that cold is when we go hiking in the mountains and I didn't want to wear my beat up hiking jacket for my trip. |
Then it hit me… DING!
In my studio is a large wall of shelves full of yarn that inspires me. On one of those shelves, was a bunch of yarn that we purchased on a particularly snowy trip to Wyoming around ten years ago. The yarn was a bulky, single-spun, slight felted wool we found in this little shop in Dubois, Wyoming (pronounced Dew-boys for those not from Wyoming). Like many of you, we sometimes buy yarn and fabric without any idea of what we are going to make with it. These purchases are made because the yarn or fabric is inspirational and I make no apologies for buying inspirational product. This wonderful, wooly, Wyoming yarn was one of those inspirational purchases. The natural colors, the soft hand, the fact that the wool came from the shop owner's own flock… it was the perfect storm for us and we bought as much of it as she had on the rack in her shop: nine big ol' gorgeous hanks in total. |
This is where the DING! happened…
So, with one of those novelty hooks I keep in a drawer because I have NO idea what size they are, we rolled the Wyoming wool into center-pull balls, I grabbed my Craftsy class cable chart and set to stitching!
I know… long story… but a good one, yes? This project is the perfect example of inspiration meeting opportunity. That's what makes the resulting blanket scarf even more special for me.
Here are some shots Jason took of the finished scarf while were in the Shibaguyz Photography studio one day. Yes, it's good to be married to a professional photographer.
I know… long story… but a good one, yes? This project is the perfect example of inspiration meeting opportunity. That's what makes the resulting blanket scarf even more special for me.
Here are some shots Jason took of the finished scarf while were in the Shibaguyz Photography studio one day. Yes, it's good to be married to a professional photographer.
The pattern is the exact pattern stitch for stitch from my Craftsy crochet class. Upon seeing this blanket scarf, some folks have taken the class just so they could learn cables and make a scarf like this for themselves. Heck… while we were in New York City, we were walking along the shops on Madison Avenue and folks came out of the shops on two different occasions to ask where I purchased my scarf. Of course, they left with our card in hand. |
So many things I love about this scarf. Even though the weather is warmer here now, I'm looking forward to our trip to New York this October when we teach at Rhinebeck then spend a few days in the city. Yes, I've already started on new blanket scarves. More photos and patterns later… Details about our classes at Rhinebeck here: Workshops with the Shibaguyz at the 2015 New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY |
For now, enjoy the eye candy! Oh… if you do decide to get your crochet cables groove on with my Craftsy class, be sure to share your finished project photos with us. Clutches, blanket scarves, however you decide to use the pattern from the class… we want to see how YOU are inspired too!
Here's a special link for you to use for my Craftsy crochet class:
Quick and Easy Crochet Cables Class on Craftsy by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby
Stitch On!
S&J
Be sure to not miss out on future announcements from the Shibaguyz. We'll keep you up to date on events and classes as well as send you special offers and exclusive tutorials you won't see on our website. Sign up for our newsletter today and we'll keep you up to date so you don't miss a thing! (It goes without saying that we never sell your email addresses… right? There… we said it anyway.)
Sign up is easy… just click here: Shibaguyz Newsletter Sign Up
There's a lot of good things happening at Shibaguyz Designz and we're looking for folks to partner with to build our community and share in the fun!
Attention bloggers, editors, podcasters, event promoters, fiber-related businesses, and anyone who might have a sky writing company! Okay… that last one might be a stretch… but, hey, you never know until you ask!
Shibaguyz Designz is looking for folks who like to talk about all things crochet and knit for some upcoming events and book tours. Whether you work in the virtual world of the internet (or the Matrix) or the physical world (preferably on this earthly dimension), we want to talk to you.
There's a LOT going on at Shibaguyz Designz and we are looking for good folks to partner up with for book tours, product reviews, events, promotions, and general FAB happenings. We love the community we have become a part of over the past five years and we can't think of better people to work with to get the word out.
There's a LOT going on at Shibaguyz Designz and we are looking for good folks to partner up with for book tours, product reviews, events, promotions, and general FAB happenings. We love the community we have become a part of over the past five years and we can't think of better people to work with to get the word out.
If you have a fun blog, a podcast, own a yarn shop or promote an event, drop us a note via our Contact Us page and let us know who you are and what you do. If your community is a good fit with our community, we'll get back to you with more info and dates and such so we can start making plans!
Right now we are working on events for the release of our NEW book, Designer Crochet, coming out in April from Sterling Publishing. WOOHOO!! For our book release, we're going to be looking for book reviewers (bloggers, podcasters, makers… that's YOU!) and folks to work on a FAB sponsored giveaway we are doing around the pre-release of the book. We are also setting up workshops based on Designer Crochet, as well as book signings, and trunk shows. |
Want to review one of our online classes or webinars? We have those opportunities as well related to our Craftsy and Interweave classes. We also have a few events where we are conducting workshops that offer some unique sponsorship opportunities and we would love to chat with your company about getting involved. |
Oh yeah… and there are a TON of opportunities for fun around National Crochet Month and National Craft Month coming up this spring. See… so much FAB happening!!
Have some ideas we haven't thought of before? We LOVE creative thinkers! Don't be shy about creative ideas for promotions and events.
So… wanna come along for the fun? We'd love to have you with us!
Just go to the Contact Us form and let us know how we can get in touch with you. We'll be planning and scheming the fun times right away!
Looking forward to a FAB 2015 (and beyond!) working with you all!
Stitch On!
S&J
Have some ideas we haven't thought of before? We LOVE creative thinkers! Don't be shy about creative ideas for promotions and events.
So… wanna come along for the fun? We'd love to have you with us!
Just go to the Contact Us form and let us know how we can get in touch with you. We'll be planning and scheming the fun times right away!
Looking forward to a FAB 2015 (and beyond!) working with you all!
Stitch On!
S&J
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It's here! Well… it's almost here… but close enough to have a little pre-launch celebration for my NEW Craftsy Class: Introduction to Crochet Cables
Folks who follow our escapades on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram know I took a little trip to Denver, Colorado back in December. If you were watching closely, you even noticed me posting a photo like this. Yup… that's me on set in front of THE Craftsy logo! (Note the inclusion of the cover of our new book Designer Crochet in the set dressing… hehehe…) |
So some of you probably had a little clue that we had a class in the works with the folks at Craftsy but now we can let the proverbial cat out of the bag. WOOHOO!!
As you can see, this class is a FAB fav topic of ours: Crochet Cables. We LOVE crochet cables and in this class I take you step-by-step through the process of how to make basic crossed stitches all the way through those glorious sweeping, turning, dramatic cables we all love. Along the way, I share all of my tips and tricks to make crochet cables fun and easy!
The exciting part is I teach you all of this using a FAB project! You get to apply what you are learning right away without wondering how you are going to use these stitches in real life.
The class project includes a written pattern, a chart, and finishing instructions. But ya know what? Because this is a Craftsy class, I'll be right there with you to walk you through how to make the cable stitches AND how to easily read a cable chart AND how to finish the project. You have me personally taking you through step-by-step from the very first stitch through weaving in that last end (there's a special trick I share there too). |
Oh yeah… if you've been around here very much, you've probably noticed one of the small photos is of our WILDLY popular Woven Cables crochet pattern stitch. Yes, there's even a segment of this class where we walk you through the Woven Cables pattern stitch step-by-step!
We designed this class with so much FAB information… when you are finished, you'll be shocked by how nimble your crochet hook is around cables!
The BEST part of these Craftsy classes is you can watch them whenever, and wherever you like and you can watch them as often as you like since your purchase never expires! AND you have exclusive access to me personally! No kidding! I'll be following along with you and answering your questions in the Craftsy forum JUST for this class. I have been a big fan and have taken many Craftsy courses myself in the past to build my skillz. Now… I'm a Craftsy instructor too!! I can't tell you what a thrill it is to be able to teach you all on this amazing world-class platform. And the good news… |
By the time we are finished, you'll have a FAB finished project. Here's a sneak peek at the class project pattern. In class we turn your cables it into a FAB envelope clutch! Even if a clutch isn't your thing, I'll be sharing in the class forums how I used this exact pattern to make a special project just for myself! You'll have to wait till class starts to see that one… |
My class Introduction to Crochet Cables is coming out REALLY soon! WOOHOO!! To celebrate, the folks at Craftsy are letting us give away FREE access to my class to one of our fans. That's YOU!
All you have to do is follow this link to enter:
Update 01/27/15:
This giveaway has ended! Congratulations to Peta P for winning!
Didn't win? That's okay! Our Craftsy Crochet Class is now LIVE and you can join us in class by going to:
www.craftsy.com/ext/ShannonMullett-Bowlsby_4975_F
Can't wait to work with all of you to make you masters of crochet cables!!
Stitch On!!
S&J
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