Lily Chin video review

I recently purchased Lily Chin's new video Join as you Go Crochet at Interweave. Short story: Excellent and recommended!

I decided to get the download version so I could watch it right away and also because it was less expensive. It appeared in my account immediately as two videos, parts 1 and 2, each just over an hour long.
In my account I clicked on the links to watch them before downloading to my computer.

Watching them this way gave me no menu option. The video just plays in recorded order. (It was the same after I downloaded them to my computer.) This was in QuickTime which is the recommended program on the web site. I don't know if this is how it works for everyone, but no elapsed time was shown so if I decided to quit and start again later I would have no idea how far into it I had gone. That was disappointing. 

After I finished watching both videos, I downloaded it to my computer for convenience. I then started the videos to make sure they worked before I got off the web page. My computer started the videos using Windows Media Player and now I could see the elapsed time. Still no menu but at least that was an improvement. Since I don't have the DVDs I don't know for sure if there is a menu option there but I would think there would be.

There is a FAQ for video downloads which can be found here. Although the FAQ says their downloads are mp4 this video saved as a .mov . As noted above, it came in two parts which I downloaded separately to my computer. It took just minutes to download. You can download your purchases as often as you like. They are copyrighted, however, so no sharing.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that you can purchase only Part 1 which is about an hour long for $16.99 here. There is also a brief sample that you can watch if you would like to see before you buy. Part 1 concentrates on using single crochet in the join process.

About the first seventeen minutes of the video demonstrated how to make the swatches. I think I could have made the swatches without this instruction if one had said made 2 identical swatches in sc, hdc, and dc using stripes or whatever. If I'd had a menu I would have skipped that part. However, if you think you would have trouble doing that, Lily Chin gave an excellent demonstration. Although she crochets quickly, she took the time to review the steps and explained what she was doing. I thought the entire video was done that way, very thorough and well explained. 

There was a lot of repetition (which I think is good in a teaching video). For example, she often showed the front and back of the pieces and reiterated that there is a definite front side and back side as the back side shows the join. Here are two pics from the video showing the front and back side of a section joining a piece in the center of two previously made pieces. Now wouldn't you want to know how to do that?

front

back

She showed how to tell the right from the wrong side as well, something with which a lot of new crocheters have trouble.

After the swatches, we got to the matter at hand which was "Joining on Every Side" - how to join new pieces in a join as you go manner. She did right side, left side, and top and/or bottom for each stitch (some on part 1, some on part 2). 

She demonstrated joins where both pieces were identical and also those where you were joining pieces that varied in thickness of yarn.

Part 2 begins with how to join a new piece in the middle of two previously made pieces. While it does use techniques previously learned, this was definitely well worth the watch. I can see how this would be quite confusing without the video explanation. I was not working alongside her but just watching the video. I think I would have to refer to this again should I desire to use this method in the future.

Also demonstrated is joining on every side with the hdc and the dc. There are small differences in these methods. I am not patient but I watched each one and there were some small differences in procedure for the different stitches so it is worth a look. The basics remain the same but the details vary.

She also showed how this method could aid in making other things besides joining swatches. Then at the end, she showed how to join as you go using patterns rather than straight lines of stitches. That was very interesting and quite useful, especially if you've finished a piece and found it is not the size you wanted it to be.

The final section considered Tunisian crochet. To me, if you know Tunisian crochet this was the simplest one because the ends of your rows are very evident. There is really no guesswork involved if you're a newbie and cannot find the top of your stitches.

There is a brief section where Lily draws out the stitches as done in symbol crochet. Nicely done!

There were several brief sections with tips and ideas on how to use this method of joining which were interesting.

I thought Lily Chin did an excellent job on this video tutorial. The video showed clear closeups as she worked. She was thorough in her explanations and repeated things to make sure the student got it.

I have to say her nails were lovely too! I wish mine would look so nice. I know, that has nothing to do with crochet. LOL

If I had anything negative to say about it, I just can't get on board with the idea of those tiny strands when making a slip knot. I know this is how Lily does it. I've seen it before and read it in her books. It is not mentioned here specifically, nor are you shown how to finish off the pieces, sewing in the few tails that would remain. I am sure that is because the entire point of this exercise is that you will have minimal sewing to do. I just can't make myself leave short strands. It obviously works for her so kudos. 

I will stick with my 4-6" strands. However, this join method will leave minimal strands to sew in. If you use a variegated yarn rather than changing colors, even fewer! BUT, as she says several times throughout the video, there is a definite front and back of your piece so if you don't like a join that is visible, this video is not for you. If you don't mind that, I recommend it.

Excellent video. Well worth the money if you're interested in this method of joining. I cannot see myself using it for afghans or things where both sides will be visible, but for pillows and garments where the back or inside would not be seen, what a time saver.

If you feel the need for a menu, I would query them as to if the actual dvd has one and then choose accordingly.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

Sadie Sunshine

The Internet can be a wonderful place. In posting the link to the heart and cross popcorn stitch prayer cloths I received a comment from the designer and from there I have had the pleasure of conducting the following interview with the coordinator of Sadie Sunshine. Sadie Sunshine is the Kentucky branch of a larger organization called Crochet for Cancer.

I am not personally familiar with this organization as I was with the other coordinators that I have interviewed, but Carolyn is doing a wonderful job ministering to those in need in memory of her sweet granddaughter.

Crochet for Cancer, the web site for the headquarters so to speak, has much valuable information. It specifies that they will "accept any type of crochet/knit/sewn items that will benefit and uplift the spirits of people taking treatments for cancer. For example, sewn cloth turbans, crochet teddy bears, scarves, prayer shawls, lap blankets, gloves, socks, etc. If you have a specific item that you would like to donate and are unsure, please contact the chapter leader where you plan to send your items."

Here is the interview.

The name of this organization is ... 
Sadie Sunshine Chapter of Crochet for Cancer 

You can find the web site at ... 
www.facebook.com/sadiesunshinechapter

Please introduce yourself and let us know your position or connection with the organization.
My name is Carolyn Dorsey and I started this chapter in memory of my grandaughter, Sadie Caroline Davis, who we lost to cancer in December 2012 at the age of 17 months. [Crochet Cabana: Sadie had acute myeloma leukemia]

How and when did the organization begin? What is the purpose of this organization?
I started the chapter in April 2013 after finding information about Crochet for Cancer in my internet research. I thought it would be a perfect thing to give chemo hats to those receiving cancer treatment to spread some sunshine into their lives.

Do you personally deliver the collected items to the intended recipients? If you do not, who does and how do you ensure that the items get where they need to be?
I mail hats etc to specific people when requested, and mail or deliver to hospitals and treatment centers - Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital in Nashville, TN; Kosair's Children's Hospital in Louisville, KY; locally to our infusion center at Methodist Hospital in Henderson, KY; and to Chemo Buddies who serve all the treatment facilities in the Evansville/Newburgh, IN area.

Scripture sent with each donation

How can fiber crafters help? What types of items do you accept?
Are there any special tips or requirements for the items needed? Yarn colors, finished size of items, yarn used (wool, acrylic, sport, worsted, bulky...)
Details on the hats, suggested patterns, and tips on donating items suitable may be found on the main web page at http://www.crochetforcancer.org/

Sandie: 
A few tips from the Crochet for Cancer site:
They accept items for children or adults; knitted, crocheted or sewn; clean, never worn, free of perfume, detergent, pet hair and smoke. Solid patterns without gaps or holes for chemo caps. No wool. See the web site for other helpful information.

It is understandable that you need to have a person's contact information in case there is a problem and for recordkeeping. Do you allow participants to remain anonymous to those who receive the items?
I use only first names and the state they are from on the facebook page - no personal information is given. I do get the information for my records but just so I can write thank you notes.

hats, prayer cloths, ribbon scarves

Is there a particular item that you yourself enjoy making more than any other?
I make crocheted prayer shawls mostly and these are given locally and also, upon special request, I will mail one to a specific person.

prayer shawl

Does your family participate in your charity effort? If so, how? If not, are they supportive of your work?
My family and everyone is supportive of my work - I have several friends locally who come and help me tag and package the hats to deliver. I receive donations from all over the country, Puerto Rico, and Germany

What would you say to convince volunteers that your effort is legitimate and they can be assured the pieces they send will be used as they intend?
As far as convincing volunteers that I am doing what I say with their donated items, all they need to do is follow our facebook page and they can see everything there that is done. It has never been an issue.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about your charity effort or you personally?
The main thing I would like people to know is that anyone who is told they have cancer, and especially if their child or grandchild has cancer, it is a very frightening and helpless experience. It threatens their life and their security. We were at the hospital for only six weeks - many are in and out for years in treatment. The experience was heart wrenching to see our precious child suffer, and all the while she never stopped smiling. I learned so much from her during that time about what really matters in life. While she was sick we had so many people supporting us and praying for her and bringing gifts, meals, and anything they could think of to comfort. This is why I wanted to start this chapter, first in her memory so that I could talk about her and share her story and her little life, and second to comfort those who are going through the same battle. We believe in paying it forward for all the love that was showered on her and on us. My heart was broken to lose her, but I find a certain amount of peace in doing for others who are going through the same time in their lives. It is healing for me and is also so rewarding for those who are involved in the making of the hats, prayer cloths, etc. I thank them - and they thank me for allowing them to help. I could go on for hours - but that is basically it. 

I want to thank Carolyn for sharing with us about her branch of this wonderful organization.

As noted above, Carolyn has shared free patterns that you can use for your own charity purposes and also for donating to Sadie Sunshine. I made one of her heart prayer cloths using puff stitches instead of popcorn stitches (just personal preference). I used a G hook and I think it is sport peach yarn. It took me about 45 minutes to make one. I think I got a bit faster after making a few of them.

heart prayer cloth

Crochet for Cancer also has patterns you can use for this purpose though you are not required to use those specific patterns. For chemo caps, patients request closed patterns with no holes.

If you would like to donate an item to Sadie Sunshine you can send it to Carolyn at:
Sadie Sunshine Chapter
c/o Memories Past and Present
324 N. Elm Street
Henderson, KY  42420

Thanks again to Carolyn for sharing her work with Sadie Sunshine.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

The Bridge and Beyond

Another charity organization that I've long been involved with is Bridge and Beyond run by Sandy Holladay. Sandy and I got to know one another after Hurricane Katrina when I took over Squares For Survivors from Jackie Garrison. She was invaluable to that effort and has been the driving force behind the effort to help the homeless in her native state of Ohio. 

As before, I'm including a few photos of donated items. It was very difficult to choose only a few as Sandy always amazes me with her talent for assembling a hodgepodge of squares into a beautiful afghan and the volunteers are very generous in their donations as well. Note that squares are only collected at certain times of year and are not needed presently. 

I have tried to show a variety of items that are most appreciated by the homeless community. Socks (store bought or handmade) are always on the list!  

Here are Sandy's answers to the interview questions.

The name of this organization is ... Bridge and Beyond

You can find the web site at http://homelessbridge.blogspot.com/ .
[Crochet Cabana: There is also an active Facebook group here.]

Please introduce yourself and let us know your position or connection with the organization.
Sandy Holladay, Founder

How and when did the organization begin?  
Bridge and Beyond started in the fall of 2008.  From memory I want to say October.  Can't find the first post, seems blogger has nixed it.  The oldest post I see was Dec 3 08, where I talked about adding counters, so I know it was before that.

What is the purpose of this organization?
To help homeless in the central Ohio area through knitting and crocheting.

Personal hygiene items

How many others, besides yourself, are involved in leadership?
Really none in terms of the blog, or processing the mail - getting the mail, opening the boxes, counting the items, photographing, editing the photos, then writing a blog post, sending thank you emails, posting same on Facebook.

I deliver to Homeless Families Foundation and Faith Mission.  I have a friend Lynn who distributes to Holy Family and the schools in need, and a lady in Vinton County connected with St. Vincent de Paul who delivers there.  I deliver to Rae who delivers directly to those living under the bridges etc when she takes meals to them.

cotton cloths wrapped around bars of soap

Do you personally deliver the collected items to the intended recipients? If you do not, who does and how do you ensure that the items get where they need to be?
Expanding on above, all items are hand delivered, not dropped off.  

socks are always needed

How can fiber crafters help? What types of items do you accept?
Knitted or Crocheted Hats, Mittens, Slippers, Afghans, scarves, and cotton washcloths. Each item collected has an information tab on the blog with important specifics regarding size, color and fiber to ensure items donated meet the need.

wash cloths

Do you accept all types of crafting - knitting, crochet, loom, quilting, cross-stitch, plastic canvas etc.?
No, not all types of crafts are appropriate to keep people warm.  Knitted, crocheted, loomed, or quilted items are accepted; not cross-stitch or plastic canvas. [Crochet Cabana: Store bought items are also accepted, such as socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, lotion, hair brush/comb, razors, dental floss, chap stick, handwipes, and hand warmers]

scarves and hats also always needed (check the tips on the blog for colors and sizes)

  
Are there any special tips or requirements for the items needed?
Yes, items need to be durable and warm, not lacy or light weight.  Items need to be clean and free of animal and people hair and odors.  See item specific tabs on the blog for detailed information.
Yarn colors, finished size of items, yarn used (wool, acrylic, sport, worsted, bulky...) Wool should not be used except for washable wool, which is fine. Fun fur and suede should not be used, nor any novelty yarn.  Acrylic, and bulky work well, as does washable wool.  Depending on what you make, sport yarn might not be as warm.  Colors should NOT be pastels and should not be super bright.  Homeless do not like to call attention to themselves, so solid dark colors are always best.  White, beige, tan should NEVER be used.  Items made in solid colors are preferred over stripes because they blend in better.

hats, please label with size

It is understandable that you need to have a person's contact information in case there is a problem and for record keeping. Do you allow participants to remain anonymous to those who receive the items?
All donations are anonymous to those who receive them.  The only exception is those who receive an afghan when they transition out of shelter living into their permanent housing situation. In that case, they receive a letter of congratulations and best wishes for their future with care instructions (laundering instructions) for their afghan from the Group, "Bridge and Beyond".

rain ponchos

Is there a particular item that you yourself enjoy making more than any other?
I don't actually get to knit or crochet as much as I used to.  I spend enormous amount of hours maintaining and promoting the blog, and processing the donations.  I enjoy assembling afghans from donated squares (though I'm currently not in need of squares, and therefore am not currently accepting them). I find it lets my creative juices flow.

Does your family participate in your charity effort? If so, how? If not, are they supportive of your work?
My daughter gets involved by helping to design afghans when she's home for Christmas typically.  She also knits and crochets.  Hubby helps by lugging boxes and bags here and there, up and down the stairs, and into the car for delivery.  He put together a work space so my "shipping and delivery" area has its own space vs constantly needing to move it around the living room.

donated yarn, always useful for square edging and afghan assembly

What do you feel makes folks hesitate to participate in a charity that is not a 501(c)(3) charity other than tax benefits? What would you say to convince them your effort is honest and trustworthy?
I'm actually not aware of anyone not participating because it's not a 501(c)(3) charity.  I get such positive feedback from people who like the grass roots nature of my charity, Bridge and Beyond.  Many in fact have had a bad or negative experience with larger organizations/501(c)(3)'s.  They like that everything is visible. They like that their donation is acknowledged. It's not even so much that they need or want to be thanked, but they do want to know their donations arrived, and many that used to donate elsewhere never knew if their donations were received.  Some even had issues with their donations being sold or not reaching the parties they had intended them for.

mittens

   
Do you have any advice for anyone trying to start their own charity effort?
Start small and actually think it through before you get warm and fuzzy.  lol I've talked to a good number of people throughout the years who've considered starting their own charity.  People do want to help others; but it's been my experience sometimes they're unaware of the time commitment.  It's always easier to start small and build vs making commitments to help x y z and falling short ... feeling like you've failed.  

People who are vague about whom they're helping or who are too broad in their scope typically fail.  There have been a number of groups who've started a charity with information close to this -- "Send me your handmade items and I'll give it to people in need." That's wide open. It doesn't say what's needed, how it will be delivered, or whom it will go to.  But, I've seen this type of thing too often.  Good folks get on the band wagon and a couple of weeks later the group closes, the blog becomes inactive etc.  Throughout the years, I've received odds and ends from groups that started without considering the time commitment and or people lost interest.  

I couldn't resist this picture. Snuggly warm sweater and matching scarf.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about your charity effort or you personally?
I consider my charity, Bridge and Beyond, a job.  I take it very seriously and I'm always thinking how best to continue, or how to alter to improve things.

************************************************************

I'd like to thank Sandy for taking the time to answer these questions and give us some insight into what it takes to run a charity organization and specifically what is being done in her area of Ohio to help the homeless. 

If you are interested in numbers, Sandy has an accounting from 2008 to 2012 of the number of items collected. To give you an idea, over 3000 hats have been provided to the homeless in the central Ohio area through this effort during that time. Good job, Bridgers!

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

more on prayer cloths

Here is my take on Jeanarie's pattern I posted previously. Of course I did not follow the pattern exactly - do I ever? LOL The changes I made were not because there was anything wrong with the original, but rather because I needed it to be a certain size.

First I used dk yarn and a G hook. I chained 22 and worked 2 rows of dc to begin and end with. Then I worked Jeanarie's pattern reducing the number of stitches at the beginning and ending on each row. I also did not put a row of sc between rows. I added an edging of plain sc. I had 12 rows total. Oh, and I used front cross-stitch instead of back cross-stitch for no particular reason except laziness.

It turned out okay, very close in size to the others I made. I think hers is prettier and if this one didn't have to go in with others of a particular size, I'd probably have worked it exactly. 

Jeanarie has this notice on her pattern page so please abide by this if you are using her pattern. Of course another person's pattern should never be sold and permission from a designer should be requested before selling items made from a pattern other than your own.

This pattern is intended for charity and personal use only {To Bless other with}. Neither the pattern nor items made from it are to be sold. This notice must be attached to the pattern when printing it out. 

A very nice pattern. Thank you, Jeanarie!

I did not work the filet by Michele Shirley of Rose Red Designs because it is worked in thread and I don't do thread. Worked in yarn it would have been way larger than the other pocket cloths. I think it would make a lovely thread piece though.

The heart and cross popcorn stitch patterns were designed by Carolyn. I will be posting an interview with her in April. 

I did work this pattern as posted except I used the puff stitch instead of the popcorn. Both use only one stitch and are similar in look. Popcorns make it pop out more though. Here's a picture of mine worked with dk weight yarn and a G hook.

Next interview with be with Sandy Holladay of the Bridge and Beyond. I'll be posting that soon.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

prayer cloths

Prayer cloth. What is it anyway? A prayer cloth is a small cloth - knitted, crocheted, loomed, quilted or whatever way you want to make it. The idea is that you pray for the person you are making it for or if you don't know who will ultimately receive it, just a general prayer for their circumstances.

The cloth itself has no special power. It is just a tangible reminder to the person that someone has prayed for them and by extension that God is looking over them daily. I emphasize. The CLOTH HAS NO MAGICAL POWERS. The Bible verse Acts 19:12 is often quoted and I believe the verse to be true. The previous verse gives the actual meaning. 

Acts 19:11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

GOD did the miracles. Paul was the conduit through which God performed them.

If you are making cloths for soldiers in combat wool is suggested because of flammability issues. Otherwise, you can use anything you like. Since I crochet, I looked up crocheted cloths and there is such a variety of designs. 

I have two patterns on my own site (currently last pattern on the page) but really they are simply crosses and anyone can come up with a similar design. A cross is a cross. It might be taller or fatter or use different stitches. I've also seen cloths with hearts and some which are plain with no design.

So here are a few patterns I found. Really it takes so little time (about 20-25 minutes for my pattern) and so little yarn (I got 11 cloths out of one 5 ounce skein of Red Heart yarn using an H hook and the puff stitch pattern). When your mind is too tired or too stressed to focus on anything complicated, this is something you can do without hardly a thought. You can pray at any time. God knows your heart as you work.

I might also mention that I am sharing the links to the patterns. I make no claims regarding any extraneous info found on the sites as to how these folks use their cloths or anything else. The finished products look nice and it is generous that they have shared these patterns with others.

As I work the patterns, I may add notes.

http://simplyjeanarie.blogspot.com/2010/08/cross-prayer-cloth-crochet.html This one uses a cross-stitch and is very pretty. 

[Edit note]: You need 28 total stitches to work the pattern as is, so the beginning chain should be 29 if you're working regular chains and 28 if you're working foundation sc.
Also, row 13 was confusing to me, so I rewrote it for myself as follows:
Row 13: dc in next 6 sts, * ch 1, skip 2 sts, 1 dc in next, then work 1 dc "BEHIND" dc you just worked, rep from * 4 times, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next 6 sts (5 cross-stitches, 6 "holes")

On the same site is a plain cloth pattern. 

This one uses popcorn stitch. http://hendersonmemories.blogspot.com/2013/10/prayer-shawl-ministry-pocket-prayer.html . 

On that same site is a heart shape design. http://hendersonmemories.blogspot.com/2014/01/pocket-prayer-cloth-heart-prayer-shawl.html 

Here is a pretty filet cloth worked in thread.
http://rosereddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/prayer-cloth-in-filet-5-inch-sq.html 

There are also many other sites with knitted, sewn and other types of cloths and patterns. I personally like the idea of handmade as opposed to just cutting a piece of material and saying here is a prayer cloth. 

Some folks add tags to their work that say "made with love by..." Every time you use that item, you think of that person, right? So if you have a prayer cloth with a cross or heart on it you might think of the person who gave it to you. You might also remember that God loves you and perhaps even be encouraged to pray - for yourself, for that person and for others you care about. 

Some sites also say you should not sell prayer cloths. I did find several sites selling prayer cloths and they were very pretty cloths, some with verses on them. I really don't have a problem with that though I don't personally sell any. Not everyone can sew or quilt or crochet or knit. But everyone can pray. As I said before, God knows the heart. Happy crocheting!
Sandie