Happy 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!

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.

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!

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!

Red 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 Red Heart Yarns? Who needs more yarn? Thanks to Red Heart's generosity, one lucky winner is going to get a whole bag full of yarn to try out!

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 Hot Lava Crochet, follow me on Twitter or Tweet about this contest with something like "YARN #giveaway knitting/crocheting @RedHeartYarns&@HotLavaCrochet http://tinyurl.com/bxtdcft Comment to Enter #win RT"

Contest ends November 30th at midnight! Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Furls Crochet

Usually 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 Furls Crochet.

I had the pleasure of meeting Harrison Richards at the Crochet Guild of America 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  http://vimeo.com/49476483

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?

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.

Please check out his website http://furlscrochet.com/ and tell him I sent you! You can also find him on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/furlscrochet 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.

Thank you so much for my amazing hook Harrison! I'm looking forward to seeing you again at a future conference!