Ever seen one of those balance boards that are on top of a cylinder? You put one foot on each side and try to keep the edges of the board off the ground.
That's a bit what it feels like marketing a finished project while working on new ones. It's best to go back and forth, not leaning too much to one side.
Some top crochet bloggers have been helping me get the word out about Crochet Scarves by hosting a blog book tour. In the past few days, Annie Modesitt (www.modeknit.com) and Ellen Gormley (www.gocrochet.com) have blogged about the book. Please visit their websites to learn about their many books and patterns!
I've been pleased that the bloggers understand how the scarves in the book are also teaching tools to help crocheters learn new things. Here is an excerpt from Ellen's review:
Many of the projects caught my attention, but the one I will try first is the above photo, Premium Cable. This is a simple Tunisian CABLE pattern. There are 21 photos that illustrate step by step how to do this technique. Don't be scared though, 21 photos doesn't indicate how hard the pattern is, but how thoroughly Sharon teaches! Have I brought home my point yet? The point is... this book is about learning new things... and scarves are just the vehicle to make great projects in the process. You can apply these techniques and stitch patterns and apply what you've learned to any project.
Coming up shortly are blog stops with Robin Chachula (www.crochetbyfaye.com) on 8/3, then the tour's first international stop with Mary Olivier (www.livredefil.com) on 8/9, followed by a visit to Eurona's wonderful blog, www.handsindelight.com on 8/10.
So, that's one side of the balance board, marketing the latest book. New designs and projects are on the other side. I've just finished Ripples on the Lake, a pattern for the second kit I've designed for World Wide Yarns. This one in Dyelot Yarns "Recovery Package" set of four yarns in one colorway (avocado). There's one thick-and-thin yarn, one smooth cotton, one chainette-ish yarn, and a lusciously draping rayon. The kit with pattern will be available from WWY on or before September 1; I'll announce the availability as soon as I get the go-ahead. I really enjoyed working on this!
Next, it's time to return to some UFOs and finish them up. There's the asymmetrical garment in Blue Heron's mercerized cotton "Wintersky" colorway that's almost done; a navy and cream striped sweater that I stowed away and want to return to; and some baby items for gifts and for publication. As my space fills up, I'm also getting ready for a "sample sale," offering some finished items for sale on etsy or elsewhere (haven't quite worked out the best way to handle this yet).
Don't forget to keep up with the blog tour stops and enter to win your copy of Crochet Scarves! Each blogger is offering a giveaway.