tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25671124302061866002024-03-13T13:22:53.537-07:00Hot Lava Crochet!Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-75178692042466633912019-12-22T17:41:00.000-08:002019-12-22T17:41:35.920-08:00Always focus on the blessings!"Always focus on the blessings" has pretty much become my tag line. Life has been difficult but we chose to keep our attention on the many blessings that are still all around us. So tonight we received an incredible blessing and we would like to share it with you that you too may be blessed. Kindness, thoughtfulness and love can have such a profound affect and this certainly did for us! So...without further ado....<br />
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Last week I was contacted by a Facebook fiber friend. She said she was destashing and would like to send some beads and things for Willow. For my non-fiber friends, destashing is something we do with our offices and studios quite frequently as we accumulate an abundance of supplies. Contrary to popular belief, yes, you CAN have too much. Ha, Ha. My friend asked for my address and said a package would be on the way. I thought this was so super sweet and I knew Willow would be thrilled. Then I got another message asking what her favorite color was. After I responded to that I was asked what characters she likes. Wait a minute! This is more than destashing. Ha, Ha. It really warmed my heart. </div>
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After a long day of baking cookies, Shelby ran outside to get something and discovered a big package on our porch! On a Sunday no less! She brought it in and we all just plopped right down on the kitchen floor! Check out the super cute paw print paper!</div>
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Willow gave it all she had to get the paper off and get the box opened. Look at her face!</div>
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We flipped the lid open to reveal Frozen, Frozen, and more Frozen - one of Willow's very favorites, along with a TON of other wonderful treats!</div>
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She has been having the greatest time brushing Elsa's hair and accessorizing with all her hair bows.</div>
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I only ever knew of one other child that wore a sleep mask and that was Chelsea, Willow's mother! How would this person know that Willow loves these!!!</div>
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Elsa slippers that she put on immediately and they fit perfectly! Again, how would this person know that???</div>
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And then she pulled out the unicorn blanket that she also immediately put on!</div>
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Willow is one of the most grateful, appreciative children I have ever known. She gets so excited about everything and thanks people repeatedly. She was just thrilled with this little puzzle.</div>
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Books, stickers, puzzles, headphones, blankets, toys, a huge smile and an overflowing heart!</div>
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Now the really incredible twist to this story. I noticed the return address on the box was a different name than my friend uses on Facebook and I mentioned that to Shelby. A few minutes later I received a message from my friend that had originally contacted me about destashing to give me a heads up that she had shared our story with a friend of hers and that she had wanted to send something to Willow too. Oh my goodness! This package was from someone we don't know, have never met, have never spoken to. I am speechless. The very coolest thing is knowing there are people out there - friends, family, acquaintances, people we don't even know - that are thinking of us, praying for us, sending us love. That's amazing! We are so touched and so thankful and so blessed! Thank You!!!</div>
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Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-11081492631429585412017-12-08T08:26:00.000-08:002017-12-08T08:26:54.915-08:00The Most Special Kind of Crochet!I have to be honest that I've always been just a little envious of the people that share the love of crochet with their families. So often you hear that someone learned to crochet from their grandmother or their mother. Having learned to crochet from my second grade teacher, I was the lone stitcher in my family. I knew that my great-grandmother had crocheted and while I did have her in my life briefly, she passed on when I was about 10 years old. When I had two daughters of my own, I thought for sure that I would finally be able to pass on my love of all things fibery but that was not to be either. Sigh.<br />
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Earlier this year, my mom showed me a tote box full of crochet items that my great-grandmother had made. I had no idea that these even existed and was so thrilled for the discovery. We didn't go through the items and only peeked at them through the clear box. I have no idea why. My mother said when she was gone that she wanted me to have them. Sadly, neither of us knew that would be just a few short months later.<br />
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So yesterday, I went through the box for the first time. It was an amazing experience to hold these pieces in my hands knowing that my great-grandmother had created them! They are beautiful works of art that are somewhere around a hundred years old! I am so thankful that my mother took care of them all these years but it's sad that they were tucked away in a box. I plan to block them and starch the gorgeous ruffles to put them on display to be enjoyed. Oh, and I think it's pretty obvious to see where I get my love of complexity!<br />
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And now....I would like to share them with you!<br />
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Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-84526969830750898682017-11-17T04:37:00.000-08:002017-11-17T04:37:41.543-08:00Cable Crochet Made Easy by Bonnie Barker book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Bonnie Barker's new cable book which is nothing short of spectacular! If you have always loved cables, this is the book for you. If you've never done cables but always wanted to try, this is the book for you too! Not only is there a wide variety of beautiful designs but every single pattern includes a link to a video tutorial! Cable patterns can be wordy and confusing on paper so Bonnie will SHOW you how to create them! </div>
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The book contains patterns for 2 hats, 4 scarves (including one that can be made larger as a shawl), a cowl and cuffs, 2 ponchos, a baby blanket, a throw with matching pillow, a bottle cover, mittens with a matching headband, a stole and a shrug. Like I said, something for everyone!</div>
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I had a difficult time deciding which pattern I wanted to try first but I ended up going with the Abigal Scarf. Even though I have been crocheting for hundreds of years, I learned 2 new stitches in this pattern which was really exciting for me. While working the Celtic Weave, there were a number of different ways I might have interpreted the instructions so it was extremely helpful to pop over to the video tutorial for Bonnie to show me exactly how the stitch was to be made. I love the versatility of this design. Different yarn weights with different sized hooks all create a marvelous new look and this is the pattern that includes instructions to keep going if you wish and turn your scarf into a shawl!</div>
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I love all the little personal touches in this book that show Bonnie's beautiful heart. All the glory is given to God from the first page to the last! This compilation was a labor of love that included Bonnie's husband, children and friends and in spite of all the hard work that clearly went into this book, you can see and feel that they had a wonderful time producing it together. </div>
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If you can't wait to get your own copy of this amazing book, it is now available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Crochet-Made-Easy-Tutorials/dp/1974063097/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510757690&sr=8-1&keywords=cable+crochet+made+easy" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. You can also visit Bonnie at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.m.barker.7/" target="_blank">Bonnie Bay Crochet</a> to see more of her incredible creations!</div>
Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-31529116758783627462016-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:002016-03-24T00:00:08.996-07:00Happy National Crochet Month 2016!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my stop on The Crochet Express! I am so happy you are here! Big thank you to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Crochetville/?fref=ts">Crochetville</a> for once again putting together this incredible blog tour in celebration of National Crochet Month. I'm sure you are just like me and celebrate crochet EVERY month but March is exceptionally special and it's so much fun to celebrate in a much bigger way!</div>
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I developed a new appreciation for things we often take for granted after I reclaimed my health almost 3 years ago and there are many things I never thought I would experience that I now celebrate. I had been sick for over 7 years and I am so thankful that I had my crochet with me but once I found healing, I just wanted to get up and MOVE all the time. The problem that presented would be less crochet time! Or would it? I love to get creative and blend the various aspects of my life together for the best efficiency. So I didn't see any reason why I couldn't get up and get moving and take my crocheting with me! </div>
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Just because I'm working on my legs doesn't mean there is any reason I can't still be using my hands to crochet, right? </div>
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And so I challenge you to incorporate your crochet into all areas of your life! Especially something that gets your body moving and improves your health! We already know that crocheting is good for your health, now let's step it up to the next level! I know sometimes it can be hard to get and stay motivated so find a friend to keep you accountable and you do the same for them! And if you can't find a friend, make your own! (remember...no excuses!) and so I give you "Workout Wendy" to motivate and inspire you. Plus, she is just really cute and I love making doll clothes. Please click on the link below to get the pattern which will be free for a limited time as a thank you for celebrating crochet with me! If you are ready to take charge of your life and you are ready to improve your health, lose some weight, gain a whole bunch of energy or if you are just ready to look and feel amazing, please send me a message THilde5939@aol.com! I would love to help you! You can also visit me at https://www.facebook.com/Healthybeginswithyou/</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B823B-ywrIiDLTliTXFqRjV1VGc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Work Out Wendy Set</a></div>
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Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-13435217228984361972016-02-29T00:00:00.000-08:002016-02-29T04:10:43.141-08:00Fair Isle Crochet by Brenda BourgWhat a thrill and an honor it is to be reviewing this wonderful book which is Brenda's very first! It is a spectacular book that has set the bar pretty high and will be a hard act to follow with any future books but if anyone can do it, Brenda can!<br />
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Before I tell you about all the fantastic things this book has to offer, let me give you a little background on how Brenda and I came to know each other. Brenda and I met online about 8 years ago when she contacted me on Ravelry about a design of mine that she had made. We got to chatting and a friendship was born. Brenda was just getting started in the industry as a professional and as a <a href="http://www.crochet.org/">CGOA</a> member she wanted to take advantage of our <a href="http://cgoanow.blogspot.com/2014/08/crochet-and-mentors-professional.html">mentoring program</a>. She asked me if I would be willing to be her mentor. Initially, I said "no". Not because I didn't want to but I had a lot going on and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to devote the necessary time. However, as I thought more about it, being a firm believer that people don't come into our lives by accident and God places them in our path for a reason, I told her on second thought I would love to be her mentor. The official mentoring program lasts 2 years and here we are 8 years later! We have both learned an awful lot more than we knew way back then and I have learned every bit as much from her as she has from me. It has gone far beyond mentoring to a truly wonderful friendship that I treasure.<br />
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So on to the book. It is incredible and I know you are going to love it! Brenda is extremely thorough and covers everything you could think of so even a beginner could create these projects. There are step-by-step photos for all the stitches which I found enormously helpful. I'm a very visual person so this was great!
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Brenda includes sections with tips and hints, seaming, blocking, tension, changing colors and all that entails as well as helpful tools and choosing your own colors! She has provided everything you need to know to sit down and get started right away. The only thing that you are going to find extremely difficult is which project you would like to start with first!
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My personal favorite is the Cora Sweater. This design just speaks to me! I love the colors and the complexity. I love the shape and the ribbing. I just really love everything about it!</div>
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I also adore the Annabel Bag! Is this not absolutely gorgeous?! </div>
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There are lots of little projects if you're someone that likes instant gratification. Fingerless mitts, cowls, headbands and boot cuffs to name a few. </div>
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If you would like a chance to win a copy of Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet, please enter our giveaway! And if you don't win, no problem...you can order a copy right here! Enjoy! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fair-Tunisian-Crochet-Step---Step/dp/0811715388/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456536236&sr=8-1&keywords=fair+isle+crochet+brenda+bourg">I NEED THIS BOOK NOW!</a></div>
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This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to the owner of this page and not to Facebook. US Residents only please!Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-89985973364257815252016-02-07T20:31:00.000-08:002016-02-07T20:33:00.643-08:00We are so incredibly blessed!When your heart is so touched by the kindness, generosity and insurmountable outpouring of love from others, how do you possibly put that into words? "Thank you" just doesn't even begin to cover what I would like to say to each of you. I have been at my computer for hours staring at a blank screen as this is by far the most difficult post I have ever written. There are so many things I want to say to all of you and yet, I just have no words. Part of me wants to get in my car and drive around the county, knocking on the front door of each and every one of you to hug you in person while another part of me just wants to wrap myself in my afghan and curl up on the couch never to leave.
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For those of you that found your way to my blog that may not know my story, let me just briefly share. I have been involved in the crochet community and active with the Crochet Guild of America for many, many years. During that time I have had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful, beautiful people. It goes far beyond friendship and I have always referred to them as my crochet FAMILY. October 2015, we tragically lost our precious 22 year old daughter, Chelsea. Many in my crochet family knew Chelsea and had watched her grow up. She is the mother of our very special granddaughter, Willow, who is quite frequently seen on my Facebook page. My crochet family immediately banded together to do what they do best - create. And in doing so, they sent us a 27 pound box which if we had a scale that measured how much care and love was in it would have weighed thousands upon thousands of pounds.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOpHTjPPDiiEnmUVSQ6XOyuFL-ZklSrZaSQlXTXq54Jz-G07b_XOk5ztOLckDcWyR1rGE9q3-gqkvZQiZbR19kA5LWp2ovKdnUoekZdkIZe-dD4Ojsb_wvArDfJknCsYCYLJh_-q7ldP0/s1600/thisone.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOpHTjPPDiiEnmUVSQ6XOyuFL-ZklSrZaSQlXTXq54Jz-G07b_XOk5ztOLckDcWyR1rGE9q3-gqkvZQiZbR19kA5LWp2ovKdnUoekZdkIZe-dD4Ojsb_wvArDfJknCsYCYLJh_-q7ldP0/s640/thisone.JPG" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcZjH1p2xtYFixONLCxmSvyXQTwmtM3G_7KZE7iKAW_Gbveow1PBVydXtCAsc3UY1L_4JDJMW4HVvErtuu1XfdYOMH5Vq9XYYd0Y7qcYQTSuFjDrq2Ea11lky3YvzBFuZUq7NeFEfyf8l/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcZjH1p2xtYFixONLCxmSvyXQTwmtM3G_7KZE7iKAW_Gbveow1PBVydXtCAsc3UY1L_4JDJMW4HVvErtuu1XfdYOMH5Vq9XYYd0Y7qcYQTSuFjDrq2Ea11lky3YvzBFuZUq7NeFEfyf8l/s640/7.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsnkgtCa1DpjVhqRl8yx5vl9dOpY_0Bpk1Ye0tsNQ8irHIZMyJmPVvSAYedxRGAdNrLE-b7ssVBceZOgXYVq7E2US4H1MDLaE-xgThxhyLU5ElwEVA8FdEtt72lzt2RUnWoJG3YtpjnS2/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsnkgtCa1DpjVhqRl8yx5vl9dOpY_0Bpk1Ye0tsNQ8irHIZMyJmPVvSAYedxRGAdNrLE-b7ssVBceZOgXYVq7E2US4H1MDLaE-xgThxhyLU5ElwEVA8FdEtt72lzt2RUnWoJG3YtpjnS2/s640/8.JPG" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXP9wgZIlyEqvCTY2CJu7OLg1ZDxh_u6pboptd9xUpgWkU8EZegL3AhCcu7lbJHpAmtkn4AFUAXo3EjUAnW7HgbFNkpkXq-O9qTCf8ZbFzNvT3PkUFB__kqS0Mizshv50MQjwin8TptqPI/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXP9wgZIlyEqvCTY2CJu7OLg1ZDxh_u6pboptd9xUpgWkU8EZegL3AhCcu7lbJHpAmtkn4AFUAXo3EjUAnW7HgbFNkpkXq-O9qTCf8ZbFzNvT3PkUFB__kqS0Mizshv50MQjwin8TptqPI/s640/9.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYdF7cHxGnb1jN0Ggu9XC7iqw9TGlXvqEVC96JVdNfcQk-kCkK_SnF7962WLGwD3P0KfHQ0J0pAHx3gUKry-XoujvrddaHvwcKlD7_HQj2vqcwJVAhGDNWVrjT4rvy44pVj3O6n3frqEk/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYdF7cHxGnb1jN0Ggu9XC7iqw9TGlXvqEVC96JVdNfcQk-kCkK_SnF7962WLGwD3P0KfHQ0J0pAHx3gUKry-XoujvrddaHvwcKlD7_HQj2vqcwJVAhGDNWVrjT4rvy44pVj3O6n3frqEk/s640/10.JPG" /></a>
And they didn't stop there! Also enclosed in our box of love was an album with a picture of Chelsea with her gorgeous smile that we miss so much, cards, letters, a perpetual membership in the Association of the Miraculous Medal, poems and a certificate stating that 200 trees are being planted in Chelsea's memory. Chelsea would have thought that was SO cool!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_LTeOSIzEFC-5DbCYroQFQ9_UEyPD2wRzGbBABicHgnLEKuGfz7uzZDcuS9OEWrr0vg-PYXnHHTML8jME9nkzSa36CA55NZpentH9PW0EICK6E2nHFqDJ875H7jgDJPM1HExQuMA26fY/s1600/DSCN9698.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_LTeOSIzEFC-5DbCYroQFQ9_UEyPD2wRzGbBABicHgnLEKuGfz7uzZDcuS9OEWrr0vg-PYXnHHTML8jME9nkzSa36CA55NZpentH9PW0EICK6E2nHFqDJ875H7jgDJPM1HExQuMA26fY/s640/DSCN9698.JPG" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyzrI0DHWNOJTXxN-ty-oQFXWUh6eUcrbh5DXin6tQ2FVj7WB7SYa2C-yqHlZyAiDjRMB-Rr3YhYk0dXpJMrz3vfntiIWrKvxeGQGJgQUD1fi31NzeAnVMvcY_vXYVD6_oY2unLQeTXjW/s1600/DSCN9704.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyzrI0DHWNOJTXxN-ty-oQFXWUh6eUcrbh5DXin6tQ2FVj7WB7SYa2C-yqHlZyAiDjRMB-Rr3YhYk0dXpJMrz3vfntiIWrKvxeGQGJgQUD1fi31NzeAnVMvcY_vXYVD6_oY2unLQeTXjW/s640/DSCN9704.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLjAP0vsrx7cRlnTZuy6dubMBS2JkFyZNr6LvQ8v-4Y0RQw3YP43qZVJ3lYH9KbowvMxjhRH6l31aaYHI-YqwaIoJKGOF80LI7R52b6SI-vmgbaiHELhkj5C8SyKxbkOMjCSOz_aoWnI5/s1600/DSCN9700.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLjAP0vsrx7cRlnTZuy6dubMBS2JkFyZNr6LvQ8v-4Y0RQw3YP43qZVJ3lYH9KbowvMxjhRH6l31aaYHI-YqwaIoJKGOF80LI7R52b6SI-vmgbaiHELhkj5C8SyKxbkOMjCSOz_aoWnI5/s640/DSCN9700.JPG" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtkAe8eQnyoq66mvQ7q2JK1BNMZ3hitjLyu-xexABl7FfXMiH8ACRC8aLS2UnxVAGEjzX6T7CrXZ2P9q0GvWNLRGS6DonqRnm0IBE3upB-ksEkhpk9v__69O0hIdfub_YzLmRU8BHeo0u/s1600/DSCN9707.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtkAe8eQnyoq66mvQ7q2JK1BNMZ3hitjLyu-xexABl7FfXMiH8ACRC8aLS2UnxVAGEjzX6T7CrXZ2P9q0GvWNLRGS6DonqRnm0IBE3upB-ksEkhpk9v__69O0hIdfub_YzLmRU8BHeo0u/s640/DSCN9707.JPG" /></a>
And lastly, you just have to see these one-of-a-kind afghans by themselves. They are absolutely breathtaking. I am so grateful that even a master list was included for each blanket so we could know who lovingly created each block. We will treasure these always just as we will always treasure having each and every one of you in our lives. I love all of you so very much! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
<p>
George
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYY5UG_GQjtti2aygJEYJoTGte_bifolgcynN0T79X8pz0mlIOkfEOBGA5ThunGJ5o_Yi2_-niIyrF6VkNl8JmBE6Ww9HOEbZN85LHXnnxjWUUoXv8jQ_oqoHWtm1zeKlXqME_O3Y6Hd3T/s1600/George.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYY5UG_GQjtti2aygJEYJoTGte_bifolgcynN0T79X8pz0mlIOkfEOBGA5ThunGJ5o_Yi2_-niIyrF6VkNl8JmBE6Ww9HOEbZN85LHXnnxjWUUoXv8jQ_oqoHWtm1zeKlXqME_O3Y6Hd3T/s640/George.JPG" /></a>
Tammy
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpavdEYW4ehjWrk7iNGX0b8JERhKOL-eSTxPWyGfrS2AOU_uYWmr1stM78xE5cN2daXjhr9ksm5nrKWIvtXTidS-Er2L0w4AHCeeWHqd7lAGoKD9gU4zD3Qe3ZIhx7CiCo0vePCuHrBUc/s1600/Tammy.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpavdEYW4ehjWrk7iNGX0b8JERhKOL-eSTxPWyGfrS2AOU_uYWmr1stM78xE5cN2daXjhr9ksm5nrKWIvtXTidS-Er2L0w4AHCeeWHqd7lAGoKD9gU4zD3Qe3ZIhx7CiCo0vePCuHrBUc/s640/Tammy.JPG" /></a>
Shelby
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwMFxWtpTIz10x-7mQVb7o9kDq3lOc5L7ahGIc0SIkYGTBGe3LDDhIfSQLeiK12IWsqwk_N58cEkUafqUul6o2aqcgqdcfQLAw_S1MeVphubG5gpkeJwLh0Ovbf6D-KbbeGj_fghcB4kh/s1600/Shelby.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwMFxWtpTIz10x-7mQVb7o9kDq3lOc5L7ahGIc0SIkYGTBGe3LDDhIfSQLeiK12IWsqwk_N58cEkUafqUul6o2aqcgqdcfQLAw_S1MeVphubG5gpkeJwLh0Ovbf6D-KbbeGj_fghcB4kh/s640/Shelby.JPG" /></a>
Little Willow
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDzcKu5ZCCq2uaG4wedRZXi0SjNObXBmLKY4LUqfV7XmGsKu8kNhkedD1Q_oMktc6RreY1ziecPXP0VmqPXIKn9LNL5A86FaY1PYCxy9tVcxsQLeH3EyesTHTLMhYeYsImmZ4P5l_Z_Nv/s1600/Willow+Little.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDzcKu5ZCCq2uaG4wedRZXi0SjNObXBmLKY4LUqfV7XmGsKu8kNhkedD1Q_oMktc6RreY1ziecPXP0VmqPXIKn9LNL5A86FaY1PYCxy9tVcxsQLeH3EyesTHTLMhYeYsImmZ4P5l_Z_Nv/s640/Willow+Little.JPG" /></a>
And even one for Willow to grow into!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16f8rg3EYhVGLtCK0lZ3lFqFSQgi-h2N_GKgq-P6VV9ijf8cXmOSNtVPyT1v59k70jeuUKaI5YyurONlqVystOBSyry2TPe-gePByVzH0q4VdtBfypKqthvkXio2mryFVAGcgu1wszUuR/s1600/Willow+Big.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16f8rg3EYhVGLtCK0lZ3lFqFSQgi-h2N_GKgq-P6VV9ijf8cXmOSNtVPyT1v59k70jeuUKaI5YyurONlqVystOBSyry2TPe-gePByVzH0q4VdtBfypKqthvkXio2mryFVAGcgu1wszUuR/s640/Willow+Big.JPG" /></a>
Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-31947338402920864172015-08-20T00:00:00.000-07:002015-08-20T00:00:03.727-07:00Colorful Crochet Lace by Mary Jane Hall Review and Giveaway!<div dir="ltr">
I have had the pleasure of reviewing Mary Jane's new book, <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/colorful-crochet-lace">Colorful Crochet Lace</a> and it comes as no surprise that it is absolutely gorgeous! If you're already a fan of Mary Jane's, this is exactly what you would expect and if you're not, what are you waiting for? Go and check it out right now! You will not be disappointed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURJ9NhkZeGZJMiE772FgLyTpX2FWYYlOfC7b-zgRRoQyYtpiU_r78rFqAa6MBh8XkuutqiDHSrFfYDte458W_r9O936WhJ5j26CicHNOs3HzA5lPdoSwDzooYO4SxSZrVIznLYFnGCtQa/s1600/Colorful_Crochet_Lace_-_Parisian_Gardens_Circular_Shawl_beauty_image_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURJ9NhkZeGZJMiE772FgLyTpX2FWYYlOfC7b-zgRRoQyYtpiU_r78rFqAa6MBh8XkuutqiDHSrFfYDte458W_r9O936WhJ5j26CicHNOs3HzA5lPdoSwDzooYO4SxSZrVIznLYFnGCtQa/s320/Colorful_Crochet_Lace_-_Parisian_Gardens_Circular_Shawl_beauty_image_medium2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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Designing is such a personal thing and a little bit of our soul goes into each project. Our designs can feel like our babies and I always find it so interesting to learn a little more about the designer. It is my privilege to share these fascinating tidbits with you about Mary Jane. Also be sure to enter to win your very own copy of <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/colorful-crochet-lace">Colorful Crochet Lace</a> at the end of the interview!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVEZw8z1KiJvY09UsJjME4UsVHh9qpzIFQn1FjWKoA0WDfyeLv_c2Or1ymfyaY1Q1lFC6B74HgWw-85ZaJtQQoOzG09licFuyPprSuCNg-MckT2S8LSp1CfCVUXFoCWV4iyiuYyM-73QT/s1600/cr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVEZw8z1KiJvY09UsJjME4UsVHh9qpzIFQn1FjWKoA0WDfyeLv_c2Or1ymfyaY1Q1lFC6B74HgWw-85ZaJtQQoOzG09licFuyPprSuCNg-MckT2S8LSp1CfCVUXFoCWV4iyiuYyM-73QT/s320/cr2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>We want to know:</b>: What are some of the other jobs you had before becoming a designer?
(I know you used to sing professionally and I think that is so cool!)</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Mary Jane's Response: </b>I was a stay at home mom while my kids were growing up because I felt
like that was the best job in the world but when they got into HS, I became a
Realtor. I also had my own Graphic Design business designing custom candy bar
wrappers for all occasions such as weddings, birthdays and many other special
events. Then I became a supervisor for Gifts by House of Lloyd, which included
Christmas Around the World and Cookin' (similar to Pampered Chef). <br />
As far as
my singing career, I started singing on stage when I was 14, along with my
sisters and brother when we lived in Mississippi. We had our own radio program
every week and were regulars on a live show every Sat night. We had 4 part
harmony and sang folk songs, pop and a few country songs. We also did several TV
appearances. Another fun thing was when we got to travel around Mississippi with
a local man running for state senator. We wore our matching red, white and blue
dresses with our Uncle Sam hats as we sang on a huge truckbed on the "square" of
small southern towns. When we all got married and moved away from home, we
started our own separate singing careers. I sang for many events such as
weddings, United Way campaigns, Christmas and New Years Eve parties, etc but I
also performed at fairs and festivals in a 2 state area. That was my life for so
many years and I loved it! My singing style is that of Karen Carpenter, Ann
Murry, Linda Rondstat, Amy Grant, Patsy Cline, Gloria Estafon and others. My
daughter started performing with me when she was only 14 and we were regulars on
a weekly TV show here in Dayton, singing mostly songs of the Judds. I stopped
all that when I started designing in 2005. I miss it but my voice is not in
shape anymore!</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>We want to know:</b>:What was your very first design? What was your very first published
design if it is different from your first design?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Mary Jane's Response: </b>My first design was a poncho. I was teaching about 30 girls to
crochet in 2004 when it became popular again and they wanted some updated,
shorter ponchos and capelets. I came up with several different shapes and when I
decided to submit them to a publisher, all 8 were accepted and published within
5 months of them being accepted. That <br />
was Donna Kooler of Kooler Design
Studios and they partner with Leisure Arts as the publisher. Donna said, "We not
only want to do 1 booklet of your designs, but we want to do 2 booklets of your
designs!" Of course I was in shock, but so thrilled! I sent them in, along with
a few scarves, and Crochet in Style and Crochet Young and Trendy were published
in June of that year.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>We want to know:</b>:What does your design process look like? Do you swatch and sketch and
calculate all your measurements in advance or do you just grab yarn and hook and
create?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Mary Jane's Response: </b>Good question. When I get an idea, I do a sketch first, then I decide
on the yarn, and start designing it as I go, writing down the instructions as
I'm working. Occasionally, I will write down instructions with measurements
before I start, but not usually.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
If there was one thing that you could make sure everyone knew about
crochet, what would it be?</div>
<div dir="ltr">
For anyone thinking about learning, especially if they are
intimidated, I tell them that crochet is incredibly easy! I say that the hardest
part is learning to hold the hook and yarn, but with practice it becomes 2nd
nature. I feel like any beginner can make anything as long as they practice
holding the hook and yarn. Having some determination and passion about wanting
to make crocheted things helps too! With the stitch pattern charts we have
today, there's no reason they can't go forward and try an intermediate pattern.
But one of the other most important things is that they need to learn crochet
language. This will save them so much frustration in working a pattern!</div>
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<div dir="ltr">
<span style="color: red;"><b>We want to know: </b>Do you make things for yourself to wear and for around your home?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Mary Jane's Response: </b>Believe it or not, I don't make myself much crochet to wear because I
just don't have the time. I'd really like to though and that's one of my goals
in life! Lol. The only crochet in my home is a heart shaped rug I made years ago
and some doilies made by my great grandmother, from Montgomery, Alabama and
Rice, Texas. Some of the doilies could have come from my other great grandmother
who was from Corsica (part of France) and Florence, Italy. </div>
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<div dir="ltr">
<span style="color: red;"><b>We want to know:</b>:What is the most unusual place you’ve ever crocheted?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Mary Jane's Response: </b>A few times I was on a very strict deadline and worked on a project
at a Wed night Bible study in my home. I always asked first if it was OK with
the others. I've never crocheted in a swimming pool like you have Tammy! Way to
go!</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="color: red;"><b>We want to know:</b>:What do you do for fun when you’re not designing (is there ever such
a time?!)</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Mary Jane's Response: </b>We both know that when designing, there's always something going on,
whether it's sketching, swatching, searching for yarn, submitting designs or
working on designs that have already been accepted with a deadline. Then of
course there are book signings, intrviews, posting on our blog and other social
media. Doing all that while at the same time being with family keeps us so busy
that it is hard to find time to take a break. My designing is my biggest source
of income and we, as designers are constantly working on something. I'm sure you
can say the same thing Tammy, but I eat, sleep and drink designing! It is really
exciting to me, which keeps me going, but sometimes my ADD brain causes
deadlines to overwhelm me. It wouldn't be so hard if I didn't have anything else
going on in my life.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="color: red;"><b>We want to know:</b>:Tell us one interesting thing about yourself that we might not
know.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Mary Jane's Response:</b>1. Well, I love to cook and have a collection of around 300
cookbooks. I have just as many food boards on Pinterest as I do crochet boards
and have always loved having family and friends over. <br />
2. I am obsessed with
the History channel and love watching shows about history. I especially like to
watch America Unearthed and shows about Lost Civilizarions that have been found
under hills or water. They have actually found pyramids under water near
Pennsylvania, Egyptian writings in caves and so much more. <br />
3. I have been
called the "Thrift Store Queen" by many of my friends. My 40+years of experience
led me to do a 1 day seminar on thrift store shopping. We had a special lunch,
and in the afternoon we had a fashion show of women wearing outfits they had
bought at thrift stores. Then we all took a bus to my favorite thrift stores
here in Dayton for those who had never been. It was so much fun!<br />
4. I run a
"free" clothing store owned by the church I attend. I am there only 1 day a
week, but we get donations from people in our county, and you just wouldn't
believe what all we have and how many people we clothe. Everything is set up
like a store with most clothing hanging on racks. We have a little bit of
everything to give away including household items. Bob Evans headquarters are
here, so they generously give us 2 freezers full of sausage every couple of
months to give out to people. Sometimes it's overwhelming, but is very
rewarding. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-10883407292001462822015-07-07T16:02:00.000-07:002015-07-07T16:02:55.197-07:00CGOA Conference Prep Time & Celebrating Two Years of Healthy!!!For many years July was both exciting and terrifying for me! It was exciting because it was time for the Crochet Guild of America's annual conference but terrifying because I lived with chronic illness and never knew what my body would be doing. Since there were times when I wasn't able to walk on my own, I remember trying to decorate my walker with crocheted motifs in case I had to bring it with me. I would contact my beautiful roommate, Kimberly, shown below multiple times telling her I didn't think I was going to make it because I was so afraid of the "what if's" but she would convince me to come and would reassure me that she would help to get me through it. Wow! What a friend to take on that burden.<br />
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Two years ago, everything changed. Kimberly was doing a nutritional cleansing program. She looked totally amazing and she was so full of energy and vitality! I immediately knew I wanted to try the program. The picture below was taken just 4 days before I began the program July 26, 2013. Lynyrd Skynyrd was staying at our hotel and we are pictured here with Rickey Medlocke but I was so sick. Just look at my eyes!<br />
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Even if it gave me just a little of my health back that would be better than nothing but it blew that totally out of the water and gave me health that I never would have even dreamed of! At 51 years young, I feel better than I did in my twenties and I am certainly way stronger! Another amazing thing I have enjoyed over the last 2 years is that I have been able to help others achieve the same results! There is nothing more rewarding then being able to offer solutions to peoples problems! My favorite days are when I get up to a message from one of my cleansers telling me their doctor has taken them off of some of their medications or an excited phone call telling me they have lost 20 pounds and now fit in a pair of jeans they've had for years. This is by far the most rewarding, exciting and meaningful adventure I have ever been a part of and I feel so incredibly blessed!<br />
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So this July for the second year in a row, I am not terrified of anything about traveling to the upcoming CGOA conference. I am very sad that Kimberly will not be attending but I will be totally fine on my own thanks to her caring enough to share this program with me. My biggest concerns are bringing my program supplies and making sure my sneakers fit in my suitcase so I can work out. Exercise is something I had never done before and it is now one of my very favorite activities.<br />
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I am completely unstoppable and there is nothing I can't do now! I cannot wait for all of you to feel this amazing too! Please, send me a message! My email is THilde5939@aol.com or message me on Facebook. I am so excited to see many of you in San Diego and can't wait to get lots of hugs!!! See you in 2 weeks!<br />
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<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-77436494733737228462015-03-02T05:05:00.000-08:002015-03-02T05:05:21.149-08:00Happy National Crochet Month 2015!Wow! I can hardly believe it is this time of year again already! I hope everyone has a lot of fun events and activities planned to celebrate National Crochet Month! I would first like to thank <a href="http://www.crochetville.com/community/page/articles.html/_/about-crochetville/about-amy-r19">Amy Shelton</a> and <a href="http://www.crochetville.com/community/page/articles.html/_/about-crochetville/about-donna-r20">Donna Hulka</a>, owners of <a href="http://www.crochetville.com/community/page/articles.html/_/about-crochetville/about-crochetville-r21">Crochetville</a> for once again hosting this incredible <a href="http://crochetville.com/">blog tour</a>! I love to read all of the wonderful entries and this year there will be more free patterns and prizes than ever before! Thank you to <a href="http://www.redheart.com/">Red Heart Yarns</a> for sponsoring the great <a href="http://crochetville.com/2015-natcromo-designer-blog-tour-daily-giveaway-schedule/">giveaways</a>! You can find the complete list of participants right <a href="http://crochetville.com/2015-natcromo-designer-blog-tour-designer-schedule/">here</a>!<br />
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One great way to celebrate National Crochet Month is by joining the <a href="http://www.crochet.org/">Crochet Guild of America</a>! There are so many benefits to being a member of CGOA; you can find just a few of the top reasons <a href="http://www.crochet.org/?page=WhyJoinCGOA">here</a>. The picture below is from our Summer conference last year in Manchester, New Hampshire! Pictured is Jenny King, Amy Shelton, myself and Marcy Smith. We have so much fun and I have learned so much with incredible volunteer opportunities. I am currently serving my second term as Vice President of this wonderful organization. Find out how you too can become involved.<br />
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Another great way to celebrate is to pay it forward and share your gift of crochet by bringing love and comfort to someone in need. We will once again be supporting <a href="http://halosofhope.org/">Halos of Hope</a> which is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization committed to providing volunteer-crafted hats to cancer centers across the country. Founder and executive director, Pam Haschke, is a cancer survivor and you can find all the details of their program on their <a href="http://halosofhope.org/aboutus/">site</a>. I am offering a free hat pattern in celebration of National Crochet Month and I ask that you make a hat or two (or as many as you are able) and send to Halos of Hope! There are also many knit and crochet patterns offered on their site and they also accept <a href="http://halosofhope.org/just__1_sends_3/">donations </a>to help cover the expenses of shipping the hats!<br />
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Whatever you do to celebrate, just be sure you ARE celebrating and sharing the love of crochet! Teach someone to crochet, gift your projects, send some yarn and patterns in a random act of kindness to someone in need, just celebrate!</div>
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And be sure to stop by and visit me on my Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HotLavaCrochet">Hot Lava Crochet </a>page, my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/92814/pattern-store?_ct=cx-buvjdql&_ctp=my-pattern-store,manage">Craftsy pattern store</a>, my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/tammy-hildebrand">Ravelry</a> page, and lastly, if you are looking to improve your health, lose weight, increase your energy or even create an additional stream of income, I invite you to visit my Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Healthybeginswithyou">Healthy Begins With You </a>nutritional cleansing page. I have lost 53 pounds and I feel absolutely amazing!!! </div>
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And now on to the free pattern! A very special "thank you" to Bendy Carter with her help </div>
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testing the pattern! </div>
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Enjoy!!!</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Celebration 2015 Hat<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
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RED HEART® Super Saver: 100% Acrylic; 7 oz. (198g), 364 yd (333m) skein; 1 skein each: Shocking Pink #718 (A); Jade #3862 (B); Lavender #358 (C). </div>
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Crochet Hook: 5.5mm [US I-9].
Yarn needle. </div>
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Finished Size: </div>
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Special Stitches
Sc2tog (single crochet two stitches together)</div>
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Notes
Ch 3 at beginning of rounds counts as first double crochet.
To change color, yarn over with new color when working final slip st to join round.
Drop unused color to back of work until needed again and loosely carry up.</div>
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Instructions
With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring.
Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 3, 11 dc in ring, join with sl st in top of beg-ch changing to B. 12 dc.
Rnd 2: With B, ch 1, sc in first st, ch 3, skip next st, *sc in next st, ch 3, skip next st; rep from * around, join with sl st in beg sc changing to C. 6 sc, 6 ch-3 sps.
Rnd 3: With C, working all sts in skipped sts of 2 rnds previous and behind ch sts of previous rnd, sl st in first skipped st, ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 1, *3 dc in next skipped st, ch 1; rep from * around, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3 changing to A. 18 dc, 6 ch-1 sps.
Rnd 4: With A, ch 1, * sc in first st of 3-dc group, working in ch-3 sp of 2 rnds previous and next st at same time, sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next ch-1 sp,; rep from * around, join with sl st in beg sc changing to B. 24 sc.
Rnds 5 – 7: Rep Rnds 2 – 4. 48 sc.
Rnd 8: Rep Rnd 2. 24 sc, 24 ch-3 sps.
Rnd 9: With C, working all sts in skipped sts of 2 rnds previous and behind ch sts of previous rnd, sl st in first skipped st, ch 3, 2 dc in same st, *3 dc in next skipped st; rep from * around, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3 changing to A. 72 dc.
Rnd 10: With A, ch 1, * sc in first st of 3-dc group, working in ch-3 sp of 2 rnds previous and next st at same time, sc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in beg sc changing to B. 72 sc.
Rnd 11: With B, ch 1, sc in first st, sc2tog, *sc in next st, sc2tog; rep from * around, join with sl st in beg sc changing to C. 48 sc.
Rnd 12: With C, sc in each st around, join with sl st in beg sc changing to A.
Rnd 13: With A, sc in each st around, join with sl st in beg sc changing to B.
Rnd 14: With B, sc in each st around, join with sl st in beg sc changing to C.
Rnds 15 – 23: Rep Rnds 12 – 14 three times.
Rnd 24: Rep Rnd 12.
Rnd 25: Working in front loops only, rep rnd 13.
Rnd 26 - 28: Rep Rnds 8 – 10 (do not change to B in last rnd). Fasten off after last rnd.</div>
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Finishing
With yarn needle, weave in ends. </div>
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ABBREVIATIONS: ch = chain; dc = double crochet; sc = single crochet; sl st = slip st; sp(s) space(es); st(s) = stitch(es); * = repeat whatever follows the * as indicated.</div>
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<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-25100432733976294162015-02-17T05:49:00.000-08:002015-02-17T05:49:59.320-08:00Formal Jewelry by Karen McKenna Book ReviewWell Karen has done it again! She has created yet another beautiful book of wonderful crochet designs for all of us to enjoy! Formal Jewelry published by Leisure Arts is now available <a href="http://www.leisurearts.com/formal-jewelry-1.html">here!</a><br />
Please be sure to visit Karen at her blog <a href="http://ihookdesign.blogspot.com/">Ihookdesign</a><br />
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When I first received this book, I must admit that I was just a little bit intimidated. I don't typically work with thread and my beading experience is limited but it didn't take long to realize I had nothing to fear. Not only are the instructions so detailed and clear, but there is also a bonus online video tutorial!<br />
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I love that the projects look so classy and elegant and yet they would take very little time to complete. What wonderful gifts they would make!<br />
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My very favorite project in the book which I will be making just as soon as I can get the supplies, are the Silver Barefoot Sandals. They just scream "Fun" but they are also very sophisticated. Picture a gorgeous bride getting married on a warm, sunny beach. Perfect! And I will be keeping that image in my mind while we are in the single digits this week, anticipating snow and freezing rain! </div>
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Stay safe and warm my fiber friends!</div>
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<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-85645242710178174942014-10-13T06:25:00.000-07:002014-10-13T06:25:17.939-07:00Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches Class If you're anything like me and you've been crocheting for hundreds of years (ok, maybe it just feels like hundreds of years), you get really excited to discover something new. About ten years ago, a good friend of mine was working on her first book. She was a little overwhelmed so I offered to do some of her stitching. She happily agreed and then proceeded to tell me that I needed to use foundation crochet for some of the designs. What?!! I'd never even heard of foundation crochet much less possess the knowledge of how to do it. Well, as luck would have it, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/martyagm?fref=ts&ref=br_tf">Marty Miller</a>, who is actually the "Queen of Foundation Stitches", lives pretty close to me and offered to teach me what I needed to know. How lucky is that?<br />
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I couldn't believe I had been crocheting for so long and didn't know about this wonderful technique which makes crochet life so much quicker and easier and I've used them ever since. What I didn't know was that there is so much more you can do besides the basic stitches! I have had the pleasure of reviewing Marty's new Craftsy class, "Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches" and have now discovered a wealth of new information!<br />
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Marty is a wonderful teacher, very patient and thorough. She is always a favorite at the <a href="http://www.crochet.org/">CGOA</a> conferences. What's even better about this <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/MartyMiller_4809_F">online class</a> is that you can refer back to it as many times as you need to which is really fantastic since there is so much valuable information to take in!<br />
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So let me give you a run down of what the class includes. There are seven complete lessons! Wow! That is a lot of class for the money!<br />
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Lesson 1 is extended vs. foundation. I really like Marty's approach to first teach extended stitches which really are foundation stitches just worked into another row of stitches. This allows people to first work into stitches (which is always easier when you are learning) and then takes them on to foundation stitches in the next lesson. And Marty doesn't just show you one or two stitches, she goes through the whole list from single crochet to treble crochet with step-by-step instructions and excellent visuals.<br />
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Lesson 2 then goes over the basic foundation stitches.<br />
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Lesson 3 shows you how to now use the foundation stitches that you have learned.<br />
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Lesson 4 is eyelets and my absolute favorite! This is so ingenious and I could smack myself for not having thought of it myself years ago! At this point, I had to pause my class and immediately grab my hook and yarn to give it a try. I worked V-stitches into this particular foundation eyelet which was so quick and simple. I have a lot of ideas to use this method in some of my future designs.<br />
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Lesson 5 explains how to use foundation stitches in pattern.<br />
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Lesson 6 is foundation stitches in filet, mesh and more.<br />
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And lastly, lesson 7 teaches tunisian, colorwork and beyond.<br />
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Are you getting excited to check this class out? You certainly won't be sorry! There are very clear, detailed instructions for so many different techniques and variations! I truly enjoyed this class and I am very excited to use all the new information that I learned. You can start learning too right now! Just head over to <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/?_ct=wberqbdql-bewe">Craftsy</a> and here is the link that will take you directly to Marty's class <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/ext/MartyMiller_4809_F">Mastering Foundation Crochet Stitches.</a>Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-87803914536895088062014-03-12T21:04:00.000-07:002014-03-12T21:04:01.153-07:00Happy National Crochet Month 2014Happy National Crochet Month! What is everyone doing to celebrate? As always, I am honored to be included in the month long celebration blog tour put on by <a href="http://crochetville.com/">Crochetville</a>. Owners <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Crochetville">Amy Shelton</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Crochetville">Donna Hulka</a> do so much for the fiber community and we appreciate you! Let's have a round of applause for this dynamic duo!<br />
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Our focus charity this year is <a href="http://halosofhope.org/">Halos of Hope</a>. Halos is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization founded by Pam Haschke, herself a survivor of inflammatory breast cancer. Their mission is to provide volunteer-crafted hats to cancer centers across the country. Please consider making a hat or two to donate. You can send completed hats to Crochetville's official headquarters (also know as Amy's house). For all the details please visit <a href="http://crochetville.com/national-crochet-month-2014-charity-project-halos-hope/">Hat donation details</a> and be sure to check out the hat pattern I was honored to contribute to the <a href="http://halosofhope.org/store/items/view/45/independence/">designer invitational</a> program for Halos.</div>
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So who is ready for Spring? It has been such a crazy winter all over the country. Two days ago I enjoyed sunshine and 75 degree weather with all the windows open. Tomorrow it is supposed to be in the twenties again! So I decided I needed to create a little Spring of my own and I designed the "Passion Rose Motif". I love the look of the little rose buds just waiting to burst open. I am offering the pattern for free until the end of the month. Please be sure to stop by my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Lava-Crochet/260649393965228">Facebook page</a> and say "Hello". I also love to see pictures of your projects from my patterns! Enjoy your celebration of National Crochet Month and thanks for visiting!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Passion Rose Motif<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Design by<span class="patternbylinename"> </span>Tammy
Hildebrand<span class="patternbylinename"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Skill Level <o:p></o:p></div>
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Intermediate<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finished Measurements<o:p></o:p></div>
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7 1/2 <span class="formatfraction"> </span>inches
square<o:p></o:p></div>
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Materials<o:p></o:p></div>
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Caron Simply Soft medium (worsted) weight acrylic yarn
(6 oz/315 yds/170 g per skein):<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 ounce each: #0012 passion, #0014 pagoda, #9702 off
white<o:p></o:p></div>
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Size I/9/5.5mm crochet hook <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tapestry needle<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gauge<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gauge is unimportant for this design<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pattern Notes<o:p></o:p></div>
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Join rounds with slip stitch as indicated.</div>
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Chain-3 at beginning of round counts as first double crochet.</div>
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Chain-4 at beginning of round counts as first double
crochet, chain 1.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chain-6 at beginning of round counts as first double
crochet, ch 3.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Special Stitches</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<span class="instructionsrowrnd">Cluster (cl): Yarn
over, insert hook in indicated space and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw
through 2 loops on hook (2 loops remain on hook); yarn over, insert hook in <i>same </i>space and draw up a loop, yarn over
and draw through 2 loops on hook; yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on
hook.</span><span class="instructionsrowrnd"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<span class="instructionsrowrnd">Popcorn (pc): Work 3
dc in indicated space, drop loop from hook, insert hook from front to back in
first dc of 3-dc group, place dropped loop back on hook and draw through. </span><span class="instructionsrowrnd"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
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<div class="instructionstext">
With passion, ch 3, join with sl st <i>(see Pattern Notes),</i> to form ring.<span class="instructionsrowrnd"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<span class="instructionsrowrnd">Rnd 1 (RS):</span> Ch
3, <i>(see Pattern Notes)</i>, 15 dc in
ring, join in top
of beg ch-3, fasten off. (16 dc)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<b>Rnd 2: </b>With
RS facing, join pagoda with sc in any st, sc in each st around, join in beg sc,
fasten off. (16 sc)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<b>Rnd 3: </b>With
RS facing, join off white with sl st in any st, ch 4, <i>(see Pattern Notes) </i>dc in same st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st and in
each st around, join in 3<sup>rd</sup> ch of beg ch-4, fasten off. (32 dc, 16
ch-1 sps)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<b>Rnd 4: </b>With
RS facing, join pagoda with sc in any ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip next ch-1 sp, [cl,
(ch 2, cl) 3 times] in next ch-1 sp,<i> </i>ch
3, skip next ch-1 sp, *sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip next ch-1 sp, [cl, (ch 2,
cl) 3 times] in next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip next ch-1 sp; rep from * around, join
in beg sc, fasten off. (4 sc, 16 cl)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<b>Rnd 5: </b>With
RS facing, join passion with a sc in any sc, ch 3, sl st in top of next cl, ch
3, [pc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sl st in top of next cl, ch 3] 3 times, *sc in
next sc, ch 3, sl st in top of next cl, ch 3, [pc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sl st
in top of next cl, ch 3] 3 times; rep from * around, join in beg-sc, fasten
off. (4 sc, 12 pc)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<b>Rnd 6: </b>With
RS facing, join off white with sl st in any sc, ch 3, 2 dc in same st, sc in
next ch-3 sp, sc in top of next pc, working <i>over
</i>ch-3 sp, [3 dc in top of next cl of rnd 4, sc in top of next pc] twice, sc
in next ch-3 sp, *3 dc in next sc, sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in top of next pc,
working <i>over </i>ch-3 sp, [3 dc in top of
next cl of rnd 4, sc in top of next pc] twice, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from *
around, join in top of beg ch-3, fasten off. (36 dc, 8 sc)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="instructionstext">
<b>Rnd 7: </b>With
RS facing, join pagoda with sc in sc of any corner, ch 6, <i>(see Pattern Notes), </i>[dc, (ch 3, dc)
twice] in same st, [skip next st, (sc, ch 5, sc) in next st] twice, [skip next
2 sts, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next st] twice, skip next st, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next
st, skip next st, *[dc, (ch 3, dc) 3 times] in next st, [skip next st, (sc, ch
3, sc) in next st] twice, [skip next 2 sts, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next st] twice,
skip next st, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next st; rep from * around, join in 3<sup>rd</sup>
ch of beg ch-6, fasten off. (16 dc, 40 sc)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-49729470801386120802014-01-06T18:43:00.001-08:002014-01-06T18:43:21.667-08:00Happy New Year Fiber Friends!<span style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Happy New Year everyone! I know I am a little bit late but it has been as hectic as always around here, maybe even a bit more than usual. 2014 has started out with a bang and it is shaping up to be a fantastic year! I am so excited to see what's in store. Let me share just a few of the great things going on.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">My very first book, </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Wraps-Every-Which-Way/dp/0811711838" style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">"Crochet Wraps Every Which Way"</a><span style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> is now available! If you took advantage of the pre-order, you probably already have the book in your hands! Please stop by my Facebook page </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Lava-Crochet/260649393965228" style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Hot Lava Crochet</a><span style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> and let me know what you think! I always love seeing pictures when you make one of my designs so be sure to post on my page! If you want a sneak peak of all the designs, you can check them out </span><a href="http://media.stackpolebooks.com/promotions/11838/crochetwrapslookbook.pdf" style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">here.</a> There is also a blog tour going on for the entire month of July! Check my Facebook page every day to follow the stops. There are a lot of great people that I am so thankful to that will be reviewing my book and some of them are having giveaways.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">On December 20, just 5 days before Christmas (who does that??!!), we purchased a beautiful, old Southern home. She needs some work so we've been spending a lot of time over there bringing back her original beauty and charm. We have name her "Isabella Manor" and we just love her!!! </span><br />
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<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
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And my new office that I am so excited to work in! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAIaeqWEnd91Aw2avw7qFgCjoz4y88plTlsP3RNHGIubANPTW_VdFUI4SU84RCLSNW4jG4TzqPFkLMmSkmfyLhO1jD_MyYaIBC_TKxe2QU7MtMKMAX4EIxpdowWWfWn6uWRwUbENxCmHb/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAIaeqWEnd91Aw2avw7qFgCjoz4y88plTlsP3RNHGIubANPTW_VdFUI4SU84RCLSNW4jG4TzqPFkLMmSkmfyLhO1jD_MyYaIBC_TKxe2QU7MtMKMAX4EIxpdowWWfWn6uWRwUbENxCmHb/s1600/7.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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As many of you know, I began a nutritional cleansing program at the end of July last year. It has been the most incredible journey and my life has undergone a complete transformation! So far, I have lost 44 pounds but it feels like even more because this program helps to build lean muscle mass. I have so much energy that I feel like I'm in my twenties again! In case you missed my latest picture on Facebook, I will post it below. Please contact me if you are interested in giving it a try! I would LOVE for everyone to feel as great as I do and nothing would bring me greater joy than to help you achieve it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV6MTmlheIii6meHNoqrFtBVg_JnCv_a1bLpbtqqZVEBprT0eOww7jwEkv_RUKaiAeHrbo6AU0cJfXWmbZs9Jvn9z1ku5n-BMJKOUTU-rrDeIN_-5lV5JeFMVQibXukDdazGeNvvjiKys/s1600/oooo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV6MTmlheIii6meHNoqrFtBVg_JnCv_a1bLpbtqqZVEBprT0eOww7jwEkv_RUKaiAeHrbo6AU0cJfXWmbZs9Jvn9z1ku5n-BMJKOUTU-rrDeIN_-5lV5JeFMVQibXukDdazGeNvvjiKys/s1600/oooo.jpg" height="368" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with much happiness and health and dreams that come true! </div>
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Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-49794324700476036642013-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:002013-12-05T00:00:05.364-08:00Tunisian Crochet Baby Blankets Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you haven't seen <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon-Silverman-Crochet/120870511272613">Sharon Silverman's</a> new book yet, you're in for a treat! Eight beautiful Tunisian baby blankets including cables, ripples, stripes, bobbles and basket weave. There are four "easy" designs, three "intermediate" and one "intermediate plus". There is truly something for everyone. And what's really great is that there are also online technique videos available to help should you need them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbgr3UCiCdjvhAJlIFB0wQ2kihnIgejq4h2bcAcRJOOjk_POJS4B-KDSWeRJYbVSNCFvnYIIxj_k4OcS0reb3NHOO8oXuUzjJKlQVBhoZ-jYxh_9kKozBu46YVtnl7hm8y8KRhAzNt-hn/s1600/sharon+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbgr3UCiCdjvhAJlIFB0wQ2kihnIgejq4h2bcAcRJOOjk_POJS4B-KDSWeRJYbVSNCFvnYIIxj_k4OcS0reb3NHOO8oXuUzjJKlQVBhoZ-jYxh_9kKozBu46YVtnl7hm8y8KRhAzNt-hn/s400/sharon+cover.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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The gorgeous afghan pictured on the cover is called "Color Waves". I love how crisp and fresh this one is in a classic, traditional style. What baby wouldn't love this?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElWogI3RzchNpnWu03cWL7r8CxCe0meJhErd4ii-RtnkPKa2a6Yokb1O-CaBMpas1ETffsVFsq7O9nTCZDcj5_8zO5c4UqAu-EvvLf9fTYVbwurhorfKAffylGcjyJXQ4aRdYGt3rMNB3/s1600/sharon+basketweave+blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElWogI3RzchNpnWu03cWL7r8CxCe0meJhErd4ii-RtnkPKa2a6Yokb1O-CaBMpas1ETffsVFsq7O9nTCZDcj5_8zO5c4UqAu-EvvLf9fTYVbwurhorfKAffylGcjyJXQ4aRdYGt3rMNB3/s320/sharon+basketweave+blocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another classic is the "Basket Weave Blocks" using two colors. This would be the perfect gift for any little boy using the blues shown in the photo or equally attractive using two shades of pink or colors to match the baby's nursery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMMXmuDkZJFWXt6rtPXRY37OAKz5l0_s3WBzOtdouCldTdv8DOVRmKsdPkHu8zekbx-K1iHZejHWdp-7RTacZdCI-mU0PH9TY2Z42OLvEUD5-0uatXUGew2AZPpKJIHFzHZK1vL1f6814/s1600/sharon+frosted+stitch+stripes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMMXmuDkZJFWXt6rtPXRY37OAKz5l0_s3WBzOtdouCldTdv8DOVRmKsdPkHu8zekbx-K1iHZejHWdp-7RTacZdCI-mU0PH9TY2Z42OLvEUD5-0uatXUGew2AZPpKJIHFzHZK1vL1f6814/s400/sharon+frosted+stitch+stripes.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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Don't you just love this chubby baby? I can't help but smile every time I look at this picture. The "Frosted Stitch Stripes" uses clusters and Tunisian Simple Stitch to create this beautifully textured throw. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NVQGyMjSKnKKPgeHwdgwbyG1N1_Gasric0d-cqiFkdgj7KZU-B2-a-yJ8wkSG3v03TOLIpSrJWRZhP4ruKbzUoCOIxCguX8JFxjlGVIKzXcGRBHHwvKG2_R5UvYfu8YpdBKOMtoqOTvt/s1600/sharon+bright+strands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NVQGyMjSKnKKPgeHwdgwbyG1N1_Gasric0d-cqiFkdgj7KZU-B2-a-yJ8wkSG3v03TOLIpSrJWRZhP4ruKbzUoCOIxCguX8JFxjlGVIKzXcGRBHHwvKG2_R5UvYfu8YpdBKOMtoqOTvt/s400/sharon+bright+strands.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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While I love all the designs in this book, the "Bright Strands" is my very favorite! If you're looking for an incredibly unique blanket with loads of visual interest, this is the one for you! </div>
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To see the rest of the blankets, please visit <a href="http://www.leisurearts.com/products/tunisian-crochet-baby-blankets-ebook.html">Leisure Arts</a>. You can download a copy right away and get busy stitching! The hard copy will be available soon as well. I would also like to invite you to enter our giveaway and you might just win a copy of this great book! Leave a comment on this blog telling me which blanket is your favorite! You can also earn two more entries by visiting and "liking" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon-Silverman-Crochet/120870511272613">Sharon's Facebook page</a> and tweeting about the giveaway! Good luck everyone! <a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/58187f6/" id="rc-58187f6" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-84202534923373899072013-10-25T11:16:00.000-07:002013-10-25T11:16:41.160-07:00A New Beginning!!!As many of you know, over the past 3 months I have been going through an incredible transformation! So many people have asked what I am doing that I thought it would be easiest to share here. Let me back up a little bit first. In January 2006, my family and I decided to take charge of our health so we embarked on a weight loss program and joined a gym. It was such a wonderful time, feeling that we were finally on the right path, eating in a way we then believed to be healthy, exercising and losing weight as a family. For 6 months we were just enjoying life and then we got sick. Very sick. I was the first to be rushed to the hospital where I was told I'd had a stroke. I was 42 years old. Things just got worse from there. I went through years of "mystery illness", seeing one doctor after another with each one giving me a new diagnosis from MS to Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Parkinsons, Chronic Lyme Disease and just handing me a bunch of pills with the explanation that "these things just happen". As I continued to get sicker, my neurologist referred me to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in the dead of winter! I could barely walk anymore and it was a very scary, sad time as I gradually lost hope of ever being healthy again. As the years passed I tried many different treatments including mainstream medicine, herbs and supplements and I would sometimes find something that would help a few symptoms. I was thrilled to have some sort of life back but I never experienced true healing nor did I feel I ever would.<br />
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July of this year I attended a crochet conference where my roommate and wonderful friend Kimberly was doing a nutritional cleanse. I didn't even ask her a thing about the program, I just wanted what she had! She was full of energy, she felt amazing and she looked incredible. She was healthy and I wanted that too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYTl_a3rnI3CGW7AnEvAiGTDLHQBKMoAz0MH0U_mb9Azi1pgAFDqU2zI-DWa0kEUufOgvT5ypTrDVobS24udrDMMAawAPNfwN-iolHj5uEZe-jcNu1Gh4I7u9w6Rj-Eu_jooPlR4xOIBX/s1600/Kimberly+before+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYTl_a3rnI3CGW7AnEvAiGTDLHQBKMoAz0MH0U_mb9Azi1pgAFDqU2zI-DWa0kEUufOgvT5ypTrDVobS24udrDMMAawAPNfwN-iolHj5uEZe-jcNu1Gh4I7u9w6Rj-Eu_jooPlR4xOIBX/s400/Kimberly+before+after.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I began nutritional cleansing on July 26, 2013. By the end of the third day my symptoms were gone. Every last one of them....gone! I knew from my years of research that this program just made sense! Put the good in, take the bad out! When I had lost the weight in 2006 I didn't know that toxins were stored in fat cells. As I lost weight, I went into toxic overload! This picture reminds me of the insurance commercial that is on television all the time - "It's not complicated".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWcbmS_KBs-xU39jWCT6OTn0OU7KQ5-eaZWWf6S5JfodUK6DFrbtm-FJozZ7wUBKElrU55uFVJf_uD6go0TCs2bOR2yI3uIjNFP3H6HuZ6vIJTVD-VvbnjyaHB3cGwYOFrgAerWo44-l6/s1600/nutritional+rebanlancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWcbmS_KBs-xU39jWCT6OTn0OU7KQ5-eaZWWf6S5JfodUK6DFrbtm-FJozZ7wUBKElrU55uFVJf_uD6go0TCs2bOR2yI3uIjNFP3H6HuZ6vIJTVD-VvbnjyaHB3cGwYOFrgAerWo44-l6/s400/nutritional+rebanlancing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So tomorrow will be 3 months since I reclaimed my life. I can't even begin to put into words what that feels like! I wake up each morning excited to start the day and I leap out of bed. For years I kept my walker at my bedside in case I couldn't get up without some help. Those days are gone! I even did a cartwheel about a week or so after I started. It has been absolutely incredible and I know I have the key to remain healthy. I am so grateful and I feel so incredibly blessed! Obviously, I have been telling everyone I know about this! Why wouldn't I? It brings me so much joy to pass this on and watch my friends experience the same healing as me! My husband began the program about 2 1/2 months ago. He has been through so much medically and it is absolutely fantastic to watch him heal and be able to do things he couldn't previously do! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to know more! Nothing makes me happier than to share this with everyone I can! You can message me on Facebook or send me an email THilde5939@aol.com. I would LOVE for you to feel this great too!!!</div>
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<span id="goog_861863021"></span><span id="goog_861863022"></span><br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-54970607337634682872013-09-06T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-06T00:00:08.952-07:00Elegant, Fashionable, Chic Accessories to CrochetI am so excited to be kicking off the blog tour for <a href="http://ihookdesign.blogspot.com/">Karen McKenna's</a> beautiful new book <a href="http://www.anniescatalog.com/detail.html?prod_id=102776&cat_id=946">Elegant, Fashionable, Chic Accessories to Crochet</a> . If you haven't had a chance to see this book yet, you're going to want to get a copy in your hands as soon as possible!<br />
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There are six accessory sets including hats, scarves, mittens and so much more! All of the designs are rated "easy" skill level so anybody can make them! They are all made using fingering, sport and worsted weight yarns.</div>
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If I had to pick a favorite - and I'm not, because I can't! I really do love them all but the Purple Mountain Hat and Mitts set is just too cute! Lots of color (I'm a huge fan of color in case you didn't already know that!) and loaded with fun!</div>
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And guess what? There is even a great set for that special man in your life! (The model is not too hard on the eyes either!)</div>
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How would you like to win an autographed copy of this fantastic book? All you have to do is head over to Karen's <a href="http://ihookdesign.blogspot.com/">blog</a> and leave her a comment about something you read in this post or any of the stops on the upcoming tour. Karen has the whole schedule listed on her page. It doesn't get any better than that! What are you waiting for?</div>
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Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-24930545708984997942013-08-02T10:07:00.000-07:002013-08-02T10:07:14.123-07:00What's Your Mountain Hat Design Contest!If you haven't already heard the buzz, you're going to want to get right over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=543081662419099&set=a.543081635752435.1073741830.532553676805231&type=1&theater">My Mountain's</a> Facebook page and check out the great contest they have going on. All you have to do to enter is design a hat with one of their fabulous yarns! They'll even send you the yarn! It doesn't get any easier than that!<br />
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The contest, put together by Westminster, features Schachenmayr yarn which comes in such vibrant, bold colors and styles that you're going to have a tough time choosing. It was impossible for me to choose just one (or two, or even three) so my hat has five of my favorite colors using their wonderful <a href="http://us.schachenmayr.com/yarns/lumio">Lumio</a> yarn.<br />
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My life tends to be complicated and a little bit challenging so my personal mountain is to face each day with a positive attitude and try to fill my world with color and fun and so I present my hat design....<drum roll=""> "Whirlybird". Willow thinks it's great! </drum><br />
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With a simple change of hook size, minus the "whirly's", we made Mommy a more subdued version but still full of color and fun! So what are you waiting for? Go visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mymountain.us">My Mountain</a>!</div>
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<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-17151980965477278512013-03-31T17:42:00.003-07:002013-03-31T17:43:35.224-07:00Wrapping Up National Crochet Month With A Winner!There are many of us, myself included, that celebrate crochet every day of every month but the official National Crochet Month celebration ends in just a few hours. I hope everyone enjoyed the blog tour put together by <a href="http://crochetville.com/">Crochetville</a>. Thirty-one days of blog posts from our professional and associate professional members of the Crochet Guild of America. You can find the complete list <a href="http://crochetville.com/a-tour-through-crochet-country-natcromo-blog-tour/">here</a> in case you missed any of them. If you'd like to learn more about CGOA, please visit our site <a href="http://www.crochet.org/">http://www.crochet.org/</a><br />
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Don't forget to join us in supporting <a href="http://projectnightnight.org/">Project Night Night</a> which is an organization that provides homeless children with a new security blanket, an age-appropriate children's book, and a stuffed animal -- all nestled inside of a new canvas tote bag. You can find all the details <a href="http://crochetville.com/a-tour-through-crochet-country-natcromo-blog-tour/">here</a>.<br />
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And now to announce our winner of the yarn giveaway...<drum roll="">..... the winner is Carrie P. Congratulations! I will get this sent out to you right away and I hope you will share photos with us on my facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Lava-Crochet/260649393965228">Hot Lava Crochet</a> of all the wonderful things you create with it!</drum><br />
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Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-58723085926841316932013-03-17T16:26:00.000-07:002013-03-17T22:21:27.930-07:00Crochet Guild of America Professional DevelopmentPlease be sure to stop by the <a href="http://cgoanow.blogspot.com/">CGOA</a> blog tomorrow where I will be talking about some of the many benefits the Crochet Guild has to offer to our professional and aspiring professional members. I'll be wearing my Vice President hat for that post. If I really had one, I'd post a picture of myself wearing it here. Note to self: make Vice President hat! (I'm just jealous of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Crochetville?fref=ts">Amy</a> and her crown!)<br />
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You'll also want to visit <a href="http://www.thisiscrochet.com/">This is Crochet</a>, our other stop on the tour tomorrow. Turquoiz Blue is one of our professional members. She designs beautiful fashion, accessories and home decor. I love her <a href="http://www.thisiscrochet.com/fleurette.html">Fleurette Scarf</a>, a clever piece done in Tunisian Knit Stitch that I think is so pretty. Tell her I sent you!</div>
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Until tomorrow.....</div>
Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-46779291645719718152013-03-12T21:25:00.000-07:002013-03-12T21:25:18.052-07:00The Next Stop on a "Tour Through Crochet Country" is Hot Lava Crochet!I'd first like to thank <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amy.robertsshelton?fref=ts">Amy Shelton</a> and Donna Hulka of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Crochetville?fref=ts">Crochetville</a> for putting together this "Tour Through Crochet Country". What a great idea and I have enjoyed reading all the blog posts in celebration of National Crochet Month. You can find the whole list here <a href="http://crochetville.com/a-tour-through-crochet-country-natcromo-blog-tour/">blog tour</a> in case you missed any of them.<br />
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There are so many ways to celebrate National Crochet Month but don't we really celebrate the joy every day? I know I do and I can't imagine my life without crochet. It is the one thing that stays constant in an ever changing world.<br />
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I first learned to crochet from my second grade teacher, Mrs. Crooks. I can remember it like it was yesterday. After school I would get to pull my chair up to her big, wooden desk as she patiently taught me the stitches to create a floppy, purple "hippie" hat that I still have. Little did she know all those years ago just how big of an impact her act of kindness would have on my life! I am so happy to still be in touch with her and I was thrilled to see a comment she recently left on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrochetGuildOfAmerica">the CGOA Facebook page</a> saying she was going through my patterns to find one of my designs to make in celebration of National Crochet Month. Thank you Mrs. Crooks!<br />
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After that first hat, I've never stopped. I have crocheted everything from garments to dog jackets to baby booties and everything in between. I love to experiment with new techniques and try different things. My crochet goes everywhere I go. I have been spotted stitching at bus stops, on my treadmill, on airplanes, on my riding lawn mower and even floating in my pool! </div>
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And speaking of CGOA, which stands for the Crochet Guild of America, I must also remember them as we celebrate this month. CGOA has been instrumental in helping me pursue a professional path with crochet. They offer a mentoring program, a day long event called PDD - short for professional development day - at each conference, and opportunities to network that wouldn't otherwise be available. Even if you have no desire to become a professional, CGOA has so much to offer. Please visit their <a href="http://www.crochet.org/">site</a> for more information. </div>
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My friend, fellow guild members and former CGOA president, Marty Miller, is also blogging on the tour today. You'll want to stop by and see what she has to say! Marty was the person that took me to my very first ever LYS! You can find her site here at <a href="http://thecrochetdoctor.blogspot.com/">the crochet doctor</a></div>
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Lastly, I want to hear about YOU! Leave me a comment on here or my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Lava-Crochet/260649393965228">Facebook page</a> and tell me about how you learned to crochet or the craziest place you've stitched! I went through my stash and pulled a few of my favorite yarns to share with you. One winner will be randomly chosen at midnight on the last day of March. As much as I hate to do this, I have to limit it to US residents only. Shipping prices have skyrocketed and I just can't ship outside of the US. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRVGOTj4IySJeMOlbL2F7mRGiH4nCsRq1QzDl_z8gvGWBYS3ScYn5gBT7M_gGsE9YOHyN1qCJqP46BU53qTrVAk-97lcL420ggVu8G8NaqVgJQqhxUACWurCQrJb5ie84pfe0KiHWcSeu/s1600/National+Crochet+Month+Yarn+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRVGOTj4IySJeMOlbL2F7mRGiH4nCsRq1QzDl_z8gvGWBYS3ScYn5gBT7M_gGsE9YOHyN1qCJqP46BU53qTrVAk-97lcL420ggVu8G8NaqVgJQqhxUACWurCQrJb5ie84pfe0KiHWcSeu/s400/National+Crochet+Month+Yarn+Giveaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/58187f1/" id="rc-58187f1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-59500545860093136932013-03-07T17:07:00.000-08:002013-03-07T17:07:38.323-08:00Happy National Crochet Month!I'd like to wish everyone a very Happy National Crochet Month! I hope you are doing something special to celebrate and sharing the love by teaching someone how to crochet!<br />
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Unfortunately, (hanging head in shame) I also need to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year's, and Happy Valentine's Day. Where on earth does the time go? In my defense, it has been a very busy time. My first little granddaughter, Willow, was born just before Christmas. She has been a blessing and brings much joy to our lives. Since neither of my daughters have any interest in knit or crochet, I have very high hopes for Willow. I had a hook in her hand by the time she was one week old.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHGh4gceoVONvjCF-VunkxSLgPVqSIpPR22cKAKTIrCU5u6ZoVc6AG0Up7qCGvBIrDsrfEmeWDqksWWvF3_B1dIN2CmfXIKwk05A82S7UmGEzuo6uXwWtaLIshgwd_r233e-wyH7D8lTv/s1600/Willow+crocheting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHGh4gceoVONvjCF-VunkxSLgPVqSIpPR22cKAKTIrCU5u6ZoVc6AG0Up7qCGvBIrDsrfEmeWDqksWWvF3_B1dIN2CmfXIKwk05A82S7UmGEzuo6uXwWtaLIshgwd_r233e-wyH7D8lTv/s640/Willow+crocheting.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And I include her while I stitch so she is exposed to yarn regularly. She may not seem like she is very interested but I could tell she did enjoy it! I am determined that this child WILL crochet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSc3pYBAiiMRgUOekaQAtPWo93CZtYAgwdExBeAWe8zcZKz5skMTPi3EtXh1BwGfaoBR5YScSRoAy78Am5Bl6jtHgYk73hoXtAAlT1itcW_UY1ivXnJScku9xdj4h5XY8RHwfRASVmYaJ/s1600/Willow+at+the+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSc3pYBAiiMRgUOekaQAtPWo93CZtYAgwdExBeAWe8zcZKz5skMTPi3EtXh1BwGfaoBR5YScSRoAy78Am5Bl6jtHgYk73hoXtAAlT1itcW_UY1ivXnJScku9xdj4h5XY8RHwfRASVmYaJ/s400/Willow+at+the+office.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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I have also been keeping busy with work. I became the vice president of CGOA in January. That has been very exciting and fulfilling. I just finished my first book which will be released Summer 2014 and I'm now working on my second book which will be released Fall 2014. I will tell you more about them in my next post. I promise it will be soon and not months from now!</div>
<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-36196370113070018802012-11-24T12:57:00.000-08:002012-11-24T12:57:44.889-08:00Celebration!When I was at Stitches East last month I had the opportunity to try the new <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/celebration">Red Heart Celebration</a> yarn. I'm a big fan of bright, bold, in-your-face colors (which none of you probably knew about me) so I was instantly drawn to this yarn. It comes in aqua, blue, gold, lime, pink and purple. Each color has a metallic polyester thread which adds even more "bling". I love it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa47MKt8EkXPiqWUWNBk3JM9506HW7LNVUaDcvVObxNDbpo-kakZJd3U_qkxxMj-WwfcQCvUc3UKAyUewRPRT5pxM-ap7jvACQBbGC5K23UPtfjeTLJwqAVFYP3SsdpW-9xco5slFhLFk/s1600/Red+Heart+Celebration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa47MKt8EkXPiqWUWNBk3JM9506HW7LNVUaDcvVObxNDbpo-kakZJd3U_qkxxMj-WwfcQCvUc3UKAyUewRPRT5pxM-ap7jvACQBbGC5K23UPtfjeTLJwqAVFYP3SsdpW-9xco5slFhLFk/s400/Red+Heart+Celebration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I stuffed as much as I could into my suitcase and decided a couple weeks ago to make something just for fun. I don't get to do that very often since I'm usually racing against deadlines. My first little granddaughter is due to arrive soon. Two weeks from today actually so I grabbed a skein of the pink, relaxed in my recliner while watching a good movie and created this dress for Willow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP_yrIe7-bho_bpJR_G-CkxNu1xJTt5BcixVNZf8tZRLTADADjcQYKlnD_ylHwANQ2irAq2hFieh7ND0mCcJOiwIWQNFnZMrzJW94Gv-zN7QbkcufLyIel1TzP2SSHG5vpoMcyaJN31yw/s1600/Willow+Dress+in+Celebration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP_yrIe7-bho_bpJR_G-CkxNu1xJTt5BcixVNZf8tZRLTADADjcQYKlnD_ylHwANQ2irAq2hFieh7ND0mCcJOiwIWQNFnZMrzJW94Gv-zN7QbkcufLyIel1TzP2SSHG5vpoMcyaJN31yw/s400/Willow+Dress+in+Celebration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have been reading all the wonderful comments on my giveaway post. They have been heartwarming and so full of passion. Crochet and knitting is so much more than merely making loops with yarn. Many readers shared how they still feel close to mothers and grandmothers that that taught them to knit or crochet and have since passed. People are able to show their love and let someone know how much they care by gifting prayer shawls, cancer caps, afghans and petghans to shelters, baby gifts to welcome new little ones and the list goes on. I think "Celebration" is a great name for this yarn since we DO celebrate our stitching! It was a celebration for me to create this and it will be an even bigger celebration to see Willow wearing it and welcome her to our family. </div>
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If you haven't already entered my giveaway, make sure you do it! There is a skein of <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/celebration">Red Heart Celebration</a> in the prize package. Just comment on my November 19th blog post. Contest ends November 30 at midnight.</div>
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<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-61106706718053239222012-11-18T13:27:00.000-08:002012-11-18T13:27:12.062-08:00Red Heart Yarn Giveaway!As we enter the holidays and prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we realize we have so much to be thankful for. Take yarn for example. Who isn't thankful for yarn? Who loves trying all the great new products from <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn">Red Heart Yarns</a>? Who <b style="font-style: italic;">needs</b> more yarn? Thanks to <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn">Red Heart's</a> generosity, one lucky winner is going to get a whole bag full of yarn to try out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe4plnWd5NDaWmLGUsJZwYzvaw94rkGN_8u4kEbee9xF_e_nCnHBxmjakl4oyOpkN5ma-wDs1RNug-J8nyKTpIdz1P8E8_VLAuxfxSQ6JQcAqZ2u7XC3xfk1_SgwvDOqUJVnU7Bci7syD/s1600/Yarn+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe4plnWd5NDaWmLGUsJZwYzvaw94rkGN_8u4kEbee9xF_e_nCnHBxmjakl4oyOpkN5ma-wDs1RNug-J8nyKTpIdz1P8E8_VLAuxfxSQ6JQcAqZ2u7XC3xfk1_SgwvDOqUJVnU7Bci7syD/s400/Yarn+Giveaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's easy to enter! Simply leave me a comment! Tell me your favorite fiber story. Something funny, something sweet, a gift you gave or received, how you learned, whatever! If you'd like to earn a couple extra entries (totally optional), you can "like" my Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Lava-Crochet/260649393965228">Hot Lava Crochet</a>, follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/HotLavaCrochet">Twitter</a> or Tweet about this contest with something like "YARN #giveaway knitting/crocheting @RedHeartYarns&@HotLavaCrochet http://tinyurl.com/bxtdcft Comment to Enter #win RT"<br />
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Contest ends November 30th at midnight! Good Luck! <a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/58187f0/" id="rc-58187f0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com353tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-14520552326464007602012-10-19T10:53:00.001-07:002012-10-19T10:54:24.627-07:00Stitches East 2012I have had the honor of guest blogging for <a href="http://www.redheart.com/">Red Heart Yarn</a> today! Please check it out! <a href="http://www.redheart.com/blog/recap-stitches-east-2012-guest-blog-tammy-hildebrand">http://www.redheart.com/blog/recap-stitches-east-2012-guest-blog-tammy-hildebrand</a><br />
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Team Red Heart - Me, Amy Shelton of <a href="http://www.crochetville.org/forum/">Crochetville</a> and Kathleen Sams of <a href="http://www.redheart.com/">Red Heart Yarn</a><br />
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<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2567112430206186600.post-55196629035671002062012-10-08T14:16:00.000-07:002012-10-08T14:32:27.835-07:00Furls CrochetUsually I have to force myself to walk out to the mailbox. I know it's never going to be an enjoyable experience since nine times out of ten, the box is filled with bills and advertisements but it has to be done. So it was a great surprise to open the mailbox and instead find a wonderful little package from <a href="http://furlscrochet.com/">Furls Crochet</a>.<br />
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I had the pleasure of meeting Harrison Richards at the <a href="http://www.crochet.org/">Crochet Guild of America</a> conference in Reno last month. He is the founder and president of Furls Crochet and an all-around nice guy. He is absolutely passionate about his hooks and with good cause - they are amazing! You can see for yourself in this video <a href="http://vimeo.com/49476483">http://vimeo.com/49476483</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxNACeZqjs6R2I0bVqbhZmaa5tzmOPDvTy6QDrFbhf56ml45IxLaTSBxsBbHQALHxwYM0c7xzCzrmd6w-MS7CVQqvfay4H2P6gKVzE2q54qOxR9mEziI5B-eeWRFgbwZa6OAraTcdvm4s/s1600/First+Furls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxNACeZqjs6R2I0bVqbhZmaa5tzmOPDvTy6QDrFbhf56ml45IxLaTSBxsBbHQALHxwYM0c7xzCzrmd6w-MS7CVQqvfay4H2P6gKVzE2q54qOxR9mEziI5B-eeWRFgbwZa6OAraTcdvm4s/s320/First+Furls.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
As I opened the box, it is instantly evident that Harrison gives impeccable attention to detail, not only with his hooks but with everything involved with the entire process. My hook has it's own beautiful, little bag all carefully wrapped! Also included is a postcard with fantastic photographs of some of his hooks and a write-up about their "Refurls Promotion" on the back of the card. You receive two "15% off your first purchase cards" to share with friends. When they order a hook using these referral cards, you receive a free...YES....I did say FREE hook! How cool is that?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUai_cMWjFaSeaRVt9PZjq5ljUdNgmddJGG0tbhiQq9-8OEhsR8barAdrsfeFs0G3pzlIRZc_UdVsHPMy2KuZRdS_aAEYYqWKqvX2hn4xZ8GLy59Eb30zbA1HzMESM5KiqQ0DKupS1zPyp/s1600/next.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUai_cMWjFaSeaRVt9PZjq5ljUdNgmddJGG0tbhiQq9-8OEhsR8barAdrsfeFs0G3pzlIRZc_UdVsHPMy2KuZRdS_aAEYYqWKqvX2hn4xZ8GLy59Eb30zbA1HzMESM5KiqQ0DKupS1zPyp/s320/next.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In Reno, Harrison measured my hand so my hook is a perfect fit just for me! And it is so gorgeous. I selected Tulipwood in a size I (5.5mm). There is nothing better than a functional piece of art.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJchOLmKoE6ezcAa87sQfVxB8twjUO_D7-tqjOh9kR6YUdE59xElU9vR81VvXva5Y8x3T73T7fctHxaqPOEcGwoygeQi5CCJNtbjnn8XDzF1z60NYLfG_BjkFgaWfqST3lFtQgYqMEVlN/s1600/hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJchOLmKoE6ezcAa87sQfVxB8twjUO_D7-tqjOh9kR6YUdE59xElU9vR81VvXva5Y8x3T73T7fctHxaqPOEcGwoygeQi5CCJNtbjnn8XDzF1z60NYLfG_BjkFgaWfqST3lFtQgYqMEVlN/s320/hand.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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Please check out his website <a href="http://furlscrochet.com/">http://furlscrochet.com/</a> and tell him I sent you! You can also find him on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/furlscrochet">http://www.facebook.com/furlscrochet</a> He's always giving away free (YES...I did say free again) hooks on there so you're going to want to "like" his page.<br />
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Thank you so much for my amazing hook Harrison! I'm looking forward to seeing you again at a future conference!<br />
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<br />Hot Lava Designs, Inc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08482557294552948835noreply@blogger.com1