I Cord Methods and Machines

I Cord is a method of making a stronger ‘cord’ than just ‘string or twine.’ In ancient history, they would use this cord to tie anything, sew it onto their clothing as decoration, or use it to keep their clothing ‘closed.’

I wanted folks to see ALL of the things you will learn in this class, and you will be given an opportunity to work with each of these tools to get a feel for them.


Bond America Embellish Knit
With this machine, you can create yards and yards of I Cord in just minutes.


Clover Wonder Knitter
Since this is more hands on, you can add beads to your work as you stitch. This also lets you use those big chunky yarns to make big chunky cords.


Peg Knitters/Knitting Nancy’s
I will have several different Peg Knitters for you to try, including The Crochet Dude’s newest addition to this ancient tool.


Lucet
Lucet is an ancient forked tool that has been found in Viking and other medieval archeological digs.


How to make I Cord with 2 Crochet hooks (or two double pointed knitting needles)


I’ve seen this on YouTube, but she used only one hook, and you had to remove the loops from the hook to work each round. We all know if you remove the loops from your hook/needle you risk losing a loop while working the rest. I’ve modified the technique, so that those loops never leave the hook/needle.


To finish up the class, we will look at what to do with this I Cord once you made it!


Such as running a second yarn or ribbon down the middle...

Pulling the cord over beaded garland

Or treating the I Cord like any other ‘string.’
 

FaceBook page

To reserve your class choices, post your meal choices or dietary needs, or ask questions, please visit our FaceBook Page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hooks-In-Texas/131587976957767

This is a much eaiser way for all of us to communicate with all of you.  I'm posting the announcements here, to give more folks the information.


Doh.  I forgot to add, that you can still send me an email at XXHooksInTX@Yahoo.comXX and reserve your classes that way. (remove the XXs)


OH, And ALL of the pages to the Left, have been updated.

Weekend Schedule 2012

THE PRE-PAYMENT REQUIREMENT IS SUSPENDED.

You can Post your class choices at our FaceBook page, send a PM to our FaceBook account, or to HooksInTexas@ChezCrochet.com

BRING YOUR ENTIRE PAYMENT TO THE CONFERENCE.

The pre-payment, simply isn't practical, at this late date, and it is my fault.

I had not improved from last year, when I should have. I found out why, last week... and that explained everything. I'm switching back to a medication that my body can process, and THIS should get me back to normal.

Meals and Choices

100% Certain: Saturday Lunch will be Soups, Salad and Breadsticks from Olive Garden.

Saturday Lunch IS INCLUDED in your registration fee.

If you have Soup Favorites from Olive Garden, list them in the comments section at our FaceBook page.


We are scheduling a Saturday Evening Buffet, but we are still in negotiations with a caterer, but what I can tell you:

The cost of Saturday's Dinner Buffet IS NOT included in the Registration Fee.

I am negotiating based on a price of $10-$12 per person.


There is a possibility we'll use last year's menu for Cactus Bean Cafe, but we still are obligated to talk to the catering department of the hotel... and they just opened up for business.

Hooks In Texas 2012 Peoples' Choice Awards

We are adding a new event to our conference this year, a People’s Choice Award for projects attendees have crocheted.

There are 4 Categories:

Fashion:
Includes clothing, purses, bags, caps, hats, scarves, jewelry, doggy sweaters, etc.

Solid Flat Pieces:
Includes afghans, blankets, warm shawls, table runners,

Lace:
Flat Lace only- including doilies, table cloths, shawls, scarves

Scraps and Orphans:
This is for any project that uses scraps or one skein of yarn/thread, Items include baby booties, slippers, stuffed animals or other three dimensional figures, fingerless mitts, scrapghans, holiday decorations, place mats, coasters, hot pads.

Entry Requirements:

1. Entries must be your own crochet work.
2. Any Crocheted item is acceptable. Bring Any Project, that you are proud of.
3. This can be a New project OR one completed in the past.
4. If you aren't sure which category your project should be, the judges will determine what category it fits in.
8. If you can, please identify which publication the pattern came from, or who the designer was.

We will have cards for you to fill out to identify your piece.

During Saturday's lunch break, you will be given a Voting Card. Walk through the entries and choose your favorite from each category. You will vote for only 1 project in each category.

There are prizes for the top three winners of each category, plus a Best of Show prize for the one project that receives the most votes.

The First Place Winners of each category will receive: a quilted project bag, two project books appropriate for the category, and other goodies. Each of these prizes is valued at $50 retail.

The Second and Third place winners in each category will receive a Project Bag with goodies and fun things.

The Best of Show winner.... will receive a large project bag filled with lots of Crochet goodies, that I’m still adding to, so it will be a really nice prize.

*~*~* Fine Print *~*~*

To insure everyone gets a chance at a prize, the judges reserve the right to move projects into other categories.
In case of ties, the judges will decide the winner.

HOOKS IN TEXAS 2012 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Drop Spindle Spinning: Mary Page is back to explain and demonstrate the entire process of taking raw wool and turning it into yarn - by hand.  You will learn about yarn weights, different types of fibers, and hands on use of a Drop Spindle.
Class Fee is $10
Supply fee is $10 for roving.
If you don’t have a drop spindle, Mary will have kits, that take only a few minutes to assemble.
You can purchase these from her before class for $5.

Crocheting with Roving: Vanessa Emmons, local alpaca rancher, is offering a class on how to crochet from Roving, which is unspun fiber.   Yes, wool roving can be utilized to make items like hats and scarves. No skills are needed other than basic crochet stitches. These techniques will transfer well to the commercially prepared yarns that are ‘unspun.’
Class Fee is $10
Supply Fee: TBA, $10-$15, based on the market, and you will pay this at the conference.

I Cord Methods and Machines: ARNie is offering an interactive class on the numerous methods and tools that can be used to make I Cord, plus tips and tricks in using Caron’s Embellish Knit, a variety of Peg Knitter/Spool Knitters, and Clover’s Wonder Knitter.  Students will get the opportunity to work with all these ‘gadgets’; in a Try before You Buy opportunity.
Also included in this class is two different I Cord methods: using Two Crochet Hooks (or dpns, if you prefer) and with an ancient tool known as a Lucet.
Class Fee is $10
Students should bring several balls of scrap yarn, and two hooks the same size, or two double pointed knitting needles.
Lucets will be available as loaners and to purchase.

Knooking: How to Knit with a Crochet Hook.  Kim will teach how to use this specially-designed crochet hook that creates a knitted fabric. Take your crochet skills to a new level by learning to knit using a tool we are more familiar with.
A scarf pattern is provided.
Class Fee is $10
Supply Fee: TBA- $5 - $10   We are negotiating with the company to provide the Knooking Kit at a reduced price, and will be available to purchase at the conference.
Students should bring one skein worsted weight yarn.

Learn to Read Tunisian Crochet Symbols: With the interest in symbols, especially with the many available books from Japan, Kim will teach students how to read and use the symbols like a pro.
Kim's Symbol Directory and a free pattern to get you started will be provided.
Class Fee is $10
Bring one skein of yarn, and an appropriate sized Tunisian Crochet Hook.
(Loaner hooks will be available.)

Reversible Ripples: Kim will teach some classic crochet techniques that create beautiful unique projects with patterning on one side and a traditional ripple on the other.  Add to your stitch mastery for those charitable projects or holiday gifts.  A free pattern provided.
Class Fee is $10
Bring scrap yarn and an appropriate sized crochet hook.

Stone Soup Scrap Scarf:
Cyndye Scott Batchelor has a crochet pattern that fits the Traditional story well.  Students should bring scrap balls of yarn to put into the pot, and everyone will draw from this pot to crochet their Scarf.  This is an exploration of yarn and texture, so don’t be limited to typical yarns like Red Heart or Simply Soft.  Bring those balls of novelty and textured yarn to add more depth and flavor to your Stone Soup Scarf.
Class Fee is $10
Students should bring several balls of scrap yarn with different textures and weights and an I hook.

Stone Soup, is the story of a traveler who was hungry, but no one in the village would share a meal with him.  He built a fire, set up his pot and dropped rocks and water inside.  When folks asked, he replied, I’m making Stone Soup, but a carrot, potato, onion, and a bit of meat would make it much better, oh even a clove of garlic, some basil, oregano, rosemary... those would add more flavor, too.  Everyone brought something from their cupboard to put inside the pot, and they all enjoyed a wonderful bowl of soup.

Kumihimo: Judy Voce, from Abilene, is a newcomer to our conference and we are excited that she has another way for us to use up our stash.  She will be teaching this Japanese art of Braiding, and students will make a bracelet in class. All supplies are provided by Yarnies, the LYS in Abilene.
Class Fee is $10
$10 supply Fee- includes yarn and the braiding template card.

Lace: Intimidating, But Not Difficult.  ARNie will offer a brief presentation on making lace shawls with ease, that look stunning, but are so easy to create.  This presentation is free of charge, so bring paper and pencil to take notes. 
Class Fee: Free!