Nashville and the folks at Haus of Yarn were terrific! We had a full room full of enthusiastic crocheters and not nearly enough time to explore all the things we wanted to do. Most importantly, I came home with a great story.

Twenty-plus years ago, I was a poor college student at Vanderbilt. I was knitting sweaters for free for a young man who would buy the yarn. At the time, it was a win-win for both of us, as I wanted to knit and couldn’t afford good yarn, and he wanted a hand-knit sweater and couldn’t knit. There was no Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater here, as our agreement was purely professional.

One day I needed a size 4 circular needle and set off to the yarn shop, via bus, to get it. (I seem to remember taking TWO buses to get there, but that could be the ravages of time–like when your grandfather had to walk to school in the snow, uphill both ways.) When I arrived at the yarn shop, hot and sweaty, the yarn shop lady said they were out of size 4 circular needles, and I’d have to come back. She must have seen my disappointment (possibly tears? certainly frustration), because she whipped the needle out of her sweater and handed it to me. “Here, honey, take this one. I’m so sorry we didn’t have what you need.” AND she wouldn’t let me pay for it.

I still have that needle, and use it. If only I could find which WIP it’s in, I’d take a picture.

Fast forward to the present. One of the first people I met at Haus of Yarn was Bobbe, who told me she used to own a yarn shop in Green Hills Village in Nashville. I told her the story about the nice yarn shop lady and how I think of her fondly, even now. Yep, it was the same woman!

The best part? When I told the story to the class, absolutely no one who knew her was a bit surprised. Apparently, that’s par for the course for this generous soul. Thanks, Bobbe!

I’ll be teaching Where Do They Get Those Numbers? (Math for Knitters) at Pins & Needles in Ruckersville, Virginia on Saturday, March 21 from 10am to 1pm.  For those of you in the area, this is a new-ish store just north of Charlottesville on Rt. 29.

For more information, contact Kathy at Pins & Needles
(434)985-YARN
pinsandneedles@embarqmail.com

It’s not what you think.  Minimal singing will be involved.

I’m very excited to be visiting Nashville on Sunday, March 8, for a workshop and book signing at Haus of Yarn. From 1:30 to 4:00 we’ll be doing Beyond the Square Tips & Tricks, where I’ll share everything I know about crocheting motifs,  joining them, and making them look terrific with as little effort as possible. From 4:00 to 5:00, I’ll be signing Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs, The Crochet Answer Book, and others.  Sign up now! (Sign-up link to be added soon.)

This is a multi-faceted trip–I graduated from Vanderbilt, and I’m taking a teenager for an Official College Visit. We’ll also play tourist (which I never did in my mis-spent youth), visit old friends and family, and generally have a good time. We’ll probably try to catch some good music (which I DID do in the past). All in the space of 2.5 days.  Let me know if there are any not-to-miss locations we should visit.

I promise not to sing at all.

OK, here’s another pattern-writing conundrum: how to describe several types of shapings going on at the same time.

For example:

A cardigan might have side shaping for the waist  (decreases, then increases). At some point during the increases, V-neck shaping might begin. The side might be worked straight for a bit before the armhole shaping begins. Sometime after the armhole shaping ends, shoulder shaping begins. This may or may not be before the end of the neck shaping. To top it all off, there may be some changes to pattern stitches going on in the body of the sweater.

Let me point out that, however easy the stitch pattern is, the multiple shapings kick this theoretical cardigan out of the Super Easy category.

Some designers might choose to deal with this problem by writing out every row. Bad idea.  (I can be judgmental here–it’s my blog.) Unless absolutely necessary, writing out every row takes too much space; it’s hard to track with the eyes. Since different sizes would require different rates of shaping, grading the pattern (writing it for several sizes) would be a nightmare.

So, if we try to condense the text somewhat, we break it into blocks, and rely on the stitcher to be responsible for keeping up with what’s going on. While some stitchers may do this with a great deal of grumbling, kick/screaming, or swearing at the designer, it does have the advantage of presenting more of an overall concept of where the shaping is taking place, and at what rate, than writing it out row by row.

I like to add a note to warn the stitcher that multiple shapings will be coming up, and to group them all together under a sub-heading to help the reader visualize all of that happening at once.

Depending on our audience, desired design details, and the publication’s style, we may or may not spell out how to do the shaping stitches. Crochet instructions are more likely than knitting instructions to spell out how to handle decreases in pattern. For now, let’s assume we don’t need to spell out how to do increases and decreases.

Thus, our theoretical cardigan instructions might read as follows. This would be pretty much the minimal amount of instruction required to present the information. I’ll expand on this same example in a future post.

Left Front

Note: Neck and side shaping take place at the same time; armhole and neck shaping take place at the same time.  Read all shaping instructions before continuing.

Cast on x (x, x, x) sts. Work even in Stitch Pattern for 1″, ending with a WS row.

Waist, Neck and Armhole Shaping

Dec 1 st at beg of next RS row, then every xth row x (x, x, x) times–x (x, x, x) sts. Work even for 1″, then dec 1 st at beg of each RS row every xth row x (x, x, x) times;

AT THE SAME TIME, when piece measures x (x, x, x)” from beginning, dec 1 st at neck edge every other row x (x, x, x) times;

AND AT THE SAME TIME, when piece measures x (x, x, x)” from beginning, end with a WS row. Bind off x (x, x, x) at beg of next RS row once, then dec 1 st at armhole edge every other row x (x, x, x) times–x (x, x, x) sts remain when all shaping is complete.

Work even until piece measures x (x, x, x)” from beginning, ending with a WS row.

Shoulder Shaping

Bind off x (x, x, x) sts at beg of next RS row, then x (x, x, x) sts at beg of following two RS rows.

Crochet patterns are harder to write than knitting patterns. While knitting requires that each stitch on the previous row be used in order to prevent a dropped stitch, crochet is more forgiving. You can put your hook darn near anywhere you want in crochet, since there’s only one “live” stitch. Therein lies the rub.

Since you can put your hook anywhere, crochet instructions have to spell out exactly where each stitch goes. This usually involves lots of words, unless you are using a symbol chart (more on that in a future post). Lots of words and lots of punctuation. In fact, a line of crochet text can read like a challenging algebra problem in a foreign language:

Rnd 2: Ch 4, (skip 1 st, partial tr in next dc) two times, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook, ch 5, *[(skip 1 st, partial tr in next dc) 3 times, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook, ch 5] to corner group, skip 1 dc, (tr in next st, ch 1) two times, tr in next st, ch 5; rep from * around, join with slip st to first cluster.

However, even a simple crochet instruction can be written a variety of ways, and can seem more (or less) complex than it needs to be. Look at these  examples, all of which refer to the second round of edging on a square washcloth. Assume that the first round is made up of 12 single crochet stitches along each side, plus 4 corner stitches.

Example 1:

Rnd 2: Join yarn in any corner st. Ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next 12 sts, 5 dc in next st; rep from * around, ending last rep 4 dc in next st, join with slip st to top of ch-3.

Example 2:

Rnd 2: Join yarn in any corner st. Ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next 12 sts, 5 dc in next st; rep from * around, omitting last dc, join with slip st to top of ch-3.

Example 3:

Rnd 2: Join yarn in any corner st. Ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next 12 sts**, 5 dc in next st; rep from * two times more, then work from * to ** once more, 4 dc in beg corner st, join with slip st to top of ch-3.

Example 4:

Rnd 2: Join yarn in any corner st. Ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next 12 sts, 5 dc in next st; rep from * around, ending last rep 4 dc in next st, join with slip st to top of ch-3.

Example 5:

Rnd 2: Join yarn in any st. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each dc and 5 dc in each corner dc around,  join with slip st to top of ch-3.

Which do you find easiest to follow? While all may be “correct”, there are slight variations among them. One crocheter may prefer one  wording over another; publishers have their own preferred style.  The wording style chosen may also depend on the readership–how much crochet knowledge can the writer assume? How does the writer make the wording as clear as possible for the novice crocheter while at the same time keep from driving a more experienced stitcher absolutely bonkers by spelling out way too many details?

There is no answer that fits all situations.

Given the five examples above, which do you vote for? Or would you prefer some combination of the choices you were given? If so, what would it be?

Read and discuss.

Even if The Public–or that little part of it that might find me–does want to read about what I’m doing, there’s a big part of my job that I can’t share–yet. New designs to be published need to wait until they are ready to be launched. So… a very clever colleague of mine (and I don’t EVEN remember who (Sarah? Dora? Ellene? Lorna?) suggested I concentrate on the pattern-writing aspect of my job. What a grand idea! Thanks, Sarah/Dora/Ellene/Lorna!

I spend a good deal of time parsing words. Not even words, so much, as abbreviations. Knitting and crochet instructions. Coding and de-coding, if you will.

Whether I’m writing my own patterns, writing instructions for someone else, or tech-editing someone else’s work, I pay attention to how things are said and how numbers work. It sounds straightforward, but seldom is. And I make plenty of mistakes. The more I learn about technical writing, the more in awe I am of those who can do it well. Technical writing–which is what pattern-writing is–requires a special skill set which is quite different from designing. There are terrific designers who can’t write a pattern to save their lives, and there are so-so designers who can really make themselves understood.

I’m going to do my best to post here from time to time about the particular pattern-writing and design challenges I encounter, both as a knit and crochet designer, and as a technical editor. My intent will be not to offer solutions to problems, although I may do that, but just to present ways of thinking about details of communication that may not be obvious to the lay person.

This week I’m headed off to San Diego for TNNA, just in time to miss the cold wave that will be hitting my part of Virginia over the weekend. I’ll be in Southern California a brief 48 hours, during which time I’ll do my best to talk to dozens (hundreds?) of industry friends and colleagues. It’s always an interesting if exhausting trip. Maybe I’ll see some of you there…

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Clearly, I’m a terrible blogger. I know all the “rules” about good blogging-keep it fresh, use lots of pictures, link to other interesting sites. I do none of this. I start with very good intentions, then I just don’t stick with it because I’d rather spend my time doing other things. Or because I don’t really think anyone would want to read about what I’m doing. So, if I fail in my good intentions and don’t post soon and regularly about pattern-writing challenges, shoot me an email nudge to get it done. I work better under pressure. And I’ll know that at least someone is watching me.

More things I learned on my road trip:

I’m running a couple of days behind, but here’s what happened next.

(7) Knitorious, in St. Louis, is another great yarn shop.  If you like alpaca or wool or silk or acrylic or sock yarn or bulky yarn or mohair or cotton or bamboo or something else, Sandy’s got it. See? (No, I hadn’t been drinking at that point, but apparently my camera had, or it would have been in focus. Use your imagination. Or squint.)

We had a cozy time around the couch, sitting on motifs (oops–it’s hard to see them that way), and chatting about kids, jobs, carpooling, college majors and, of course, fiber arts.

And you win a prize if you can tell us what this garment is, and why it has three holes. We were pretty sure it’s not supposed to be worn this way.

(8) It’s a long, flat drive from St. Louis to Indianapolis.  I live between mountain ranges, so it did seem VERY flat to me. I’m not good at driving long distances by myself (too much knitting/crochet opportunity time wasted), so I thank goodness for audio books. I was almost sorry to reach my destination because I had to wait to find out what happens next to Sophie, the main character in my story, after her boyfriend goes crazy and she gets shot, then recovers and goes to Italy to look for scrolls in an ancient villa.

(9) Foreshadowing happens in real life, not just in literature. I named my nifty rental-car GPS Sophie before I started listening to the book whoe main character is Sophie. And I’m going to be at Sophie’s Fine Yarn Shoppe in Louisville for a weekend. Are these omens?

(10) Stitches & Scones, in Westfield, Indiana, really does serve scones. Yummy tasty hot sugary fatty goodies and yarn.  Um, they could just call “heaven”, but then you wouldn’t know how very serious they are about teaching the fiber arts. They have the most amazing teaching spaces. THREE separate class spaces, not to mention a great casual space in the middle of the store. Oh, and of course, amazing yarn and great people. How Molli does it with two small kids and manages to look about 15 herself, I’ll never understand! (That’s Molli behind the counter.)

(11) Downtown Indianapolis isn’t difficult to navigate. I found my way to the Alpaca With a Twist Open Warehouse. My buddy Jennifer Orr has moved the business to Indianapolis and wanted to show local fiber fans what she has to offer. Although there was nothing for sale (get it at your LYS!), we got to see where all the excitement happens, and drool over the lovely colors. I forgot to take closeup photos of the yarn (stupid me), but here’s what the inside of the warehouse looks like. Trust me, the yarn is yummy.

We had a sleepover at Jennifer’s sister’s house (thanks, Julie!), but we were all so tired that we watched an hour of TV and went to sleep.

(9) Sophie’s Fine Yarn Shoppe puts on a nice party. More later.

Here are some things I’ve learned on my road trip so far, in more or less chronological order:

(1) Kansas City isn’t as flat as many people think. Here’s the view from the front of my hotel.

Can you tell it goes downhill from there?

(2) Stroud’s has good fried chicken. And lots of it. When you go, bring a friend or two.
(2a) They FRY their cinnamon rolls. Who knew?
(2b) Leftover fried cinnamon rolls are actually quite tasty for breakfast.

(3) The Studio (Kansas City) has a great teaching space with–holy cow!–plenty of light. What a rare delight.

I forgot to take pictures when there were students in the classroom. They WERE there, I promise. We had a good time learning about all kinds of stuff. Sometimes I talk about that “aha” moment when students get a concept. This time we had a couple of “head-slapping” moments of enlightenment. (NO-I didn’t slap heads. The students slapped their own heads. Must be a KC thing.)

(3a) There’s to tempt the knitter OR needlepointer at The Studio. I actually bought a piece of needlepoint.

(4) The in-car GPS on my rental car is a marvelous thing. I’ve name the tiny lady with the nice voice Sophie, and she is one of the best traveling companions I’ve ever had. She doesn’t sound nasty or curse at me when I go off-course. She just nicely says “re-calculating route”. Wish I could keep her.

(5) The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is rather breathtaking and beautiful. There’s a reason it’s photographed so often. One of which is, it stands still and looks nice while you focus your camera. Even photography-challenged that I am, my cell phone and I managed to get some good shots.

The ride to the top of the arch is, er, interesting. They pack you into a little pod with four strangers (well, if you are traveling alone) and take you on a ride that’s like a really bad amusement park ride.I wouldn’t do it again, but it was worth it to say, been there, done that, took the picture of the Mississippi River:

(6) Joy Slayton and her dear husband are great tour guides. On Tuesday we toured part of St. Louis. Ate at McGurk’s Pub (yummy!), drove around The Hill and Soulard, past the brewery (see off-focus eagle below), through Forest Park (wow!) and to the St. Louis Art Museum. Thank goodness Hilt was there because he gave a great running commentary on the various antique TV cabinets in the museum. According to him, the technology wasn’t as good in the 18th century so none of the TVs have survived–they just burned them for firewood. Then we went to Ted Drewe’s on Rt. 66 for frozen custard. See? I told you they are great tour guides.

(7) Knitorious (St. Louis) is another great yarn shop! More on that later.

I’m packed and ready! In a couple of hours I’ll be boarding a plane headed for the middle of the country for ten days. If you are in the area, I hope you’ll join me at one of the following events. I’ll do my best to keep the blog updated with my adventures on the road. If I can figure out how to get the pictures from my phone to the website.

I’m taking very few clothes, but lots and lots of crocheted motifs, including all the motifs from the book. They make a very colorful display, and it would be interesting to know what the TSA guys think when they open up my suitcase.

Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, I’ll be at The Studio in Kansas City. I’ve known about The Studio for a long time, since I first noticed their really cute tote bags years ago. (I’m a bit of a tote collector.)  I’ll be teaching Crochet for Knitters, Lace Basics (Knitting), Beyond-the-Square Crocheted Motifs,  and a 3-hour (knitting) finishing class. Can’t wait to see Cindy and the gals in KC!

After KC, I’ll be picking up a car and driving to St. Louis. Since I’ve never been to St. Louis, I’ll do the tourist thing at the Arch and hopefully an art museum. Planning to have lunch with a knitting friend one day, then on to a book signing at Knitorious. I hear this is a really nice yarn shop, and Sandy is very nice on the phone. I also hear that there are lots of enthusiastic knitters and crocheters in St. Louis. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!

Then it’s on to Indiana and Kentucky–more on that later today…

As far as the crochet, I’ll take all comers! If you don’t know how to crochet, or if you’ve tried and not been happy with the results, or if your skills are rusty, or if you are an experienced stitcher, I can help you improve your skills–promise.

Wow! Portland is a beautiful city! Although I was only there for a few days, I managed to see part of downtown, thanks to the cheap and easy-to-use MAX. Wish all cities had such a helpful transportation system.

The main thing I noticed about Portland was how many young people there were. Lots of 20-somethings. Many of them with interesting piercings. Not much liike my little neck of the woods, but it made for fun people-watching.

The Knit & Crochet Show, held in the Oregon Convention Center, was a success–or at least the two days that I spent there were successful.  The meeting rooms were well-lit, and the exhibit hall was right there so it was easy to shop during class breaks.  What more could a fiber fan want? Since I wasn’t teaching on Saturday and Sunday, I came on home Saturday morning.

Because I keep forgetting I have a camera phone, I didn’t take many pictures. However, I did manage to take a couple–and I’ll do my best to get them up here in the next day or two.

I’ll be heading to the Midwest in a few weeks. If you are in Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis or Louisville, be on the lookout for an email from me!

Edie