Luck of the Irish Scarf

This beautiful yarn was given to me by someone who thought about me on her trip to Ireland. It is so beautiful. The pictures don't do it any justice. The colors make me think of a lush, green field sprinkled with dots of wild flowers.

As soon as I saw the yarn I knew I wanted to knit something that I would be able to treasure for a very long time. Although I really like making hats, I don't wear them, but I would wear a scarf. After doing some searching and test knitting I decided on this great, simple pattern that can be found here on ravelry or here. I think it really does a nice job of showcasing this handspun yarn, it's texture and colored flecks.

Some people collect keychains, I think I would like to collect yarn and use it to create a collection of scarfs from around the world. So, friends the next time you travel and you think of me, feel free to bring me back a lovely ball of yarn from that location made by a local person. Bring back two and I'll make something for you and me. :-D

True Art in Crochet

I am in awe of my next spot light guest. I've shared that I am new to the hobby of crochet and I love it. You know how you don't really notice a particular car model until you own it and then all of a sudden you see that car everywhere? Well that is how it's been with me and crochet recently. I notice it everywhere and I am strongly drawn to the many creations and artist involved.

I saw my next guest on Etsy and had the immediate urge to check out her shop. She is a true crochet artist. I can only dream of being so talented. In the meantime, I will enjoy looking at her creations and admiring the talent, hardwork and time spent to create each of her pieces.

Li was kind enough to answer a few questions for me today, as I wanted to get to know her a little better and I thought you may be curious as well.

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Your Name: Li Sui (really short, haha, only 5 letters, I still remember that when I graduated from school, my name was the easiest name to find in the booklet)

Location: Toronto Ontario Canada

How did you get started crocheting?: Hm... I learned this from school, actually from my mom first, and tried so many things, then I became a crochet flower person...

How long have you been crocheting?: More than 10 years..:) don't guess my age..

How many hours does it take you to complete a piece?: usually will be 3 days..but I feel I am like a machine, first crochet this part, second. third.....but I love this..

What is your favorite material to crochet with?: so far, yarn, I haven't try to crocheted something else, such as fabric..

What is your favorite color(s)?: I love black, white, orange, green, purple.

Do you use patterns to create your flowers or do you create them on your own?: Well, I don't use pattern, it just like a free-hand crochet. Well, you do need a pattern for some parts, but each of flowers is different.

Do you have any other hobbies?: Yes, Papercuting. http://papercutdiecut.etsy.com. I learned this from my grad-parents...when I was little, I did a lot of project for city, magazine...etc.

You can also view more of her creations here-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/suili/

Thank you Li for sharing with us.

Let's Crochet or Knit for a Cause

In the most recently released Lion Brand Yarn Newsletter an article featured a wonderful project, Knit-a-Square to benefit orphaned children in Africa. The project is simple, knit or crochet a square, 8 x 8 inches and send to the group. There are a few more steps and requests listed in the article. They prefer the squares to be made with a wool yarn and to leave a tail of yarn 3-4 yards long to be used in fastening the squares. If you are interested in participating, I highly encourage you to read the article, get your hooks/needles and yarn out and make a colorful, child friendly square or more and send it off.

These children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS and many live on the streets and suffer through freezing night temperatures. Unfortunately, there are towns filled with orphaned children who have to fend for themselves on a daily basis, looking to meet their basic needs, food, shelter, and clothing.

Many may ask, why Africa, why not the US? Well, in my opinion, even our worst off homeless person has more than these orphaned children in Africa. Americans are blessed with many resources, homeless shelters, programs that feed the poor and homeless, and many other resources that help adults and especially the children. Of course I'm not saying don't help those in your local communities, I'm just encouraging everyone to reach out and help others in far worse conditions as well. I feel I can ask this as I make an attempt to do both myself. I have had the opportunity to help those in my community and want to extend that help even farther.

Giving these children just a glimpse of hope and showing them that others do care about them, can make a huge diference in their lives.

I would love to hear from those of you who plan to participate and I challenge everyone to spread the word about the project and encourage those around you that crochet and/or knit to make at least one square.