Katya Novikova — Sharon Silverman's Crochet Blog — Sharon Silverman Crochet: Your source for 'How To' crochet books and fashionable patterns with clear instructions.

With the return of cooler temperatures, things in my crochet world are heating up! The most exciting bit of news is that Delicate Crochet will be out next month. Here is a sampling of pre-publication comments from librarians and other qualified reviewers:

“This is an extremely well-planned and organized book. The patterns are delightful…”

“As expected, there are wrap/shawl/scarf designs and several tops/sweaters/cardigans, but also a pretty skirt (with directions for optional lining), a beaded necklace and a very fun cowl done in Tunisian crochet.”

“This is a lovely book that does a lot to show just how versatile and beautiful crochet can be..”

The book, with 23 original patterns including written instructions and charts, came in at 176 pages. Besides my own designs, there are patterns from Kristin Omdahl, Vicky Chan, Karen McKenna, Vashti Braha, Rhonda Davis, Robyn Chachula, Amy Solovay, Katya Novikova, Jude Butterworth, and Marty Miller. With two Canadians and a Russian in that group, it truly is an international cast. I’m honored that the contributors agreed to be part of this project. Thanks also to photographers Daniel Shanken and Alan Wycheck, and the models who showed off the garments to stellar advantage: Alexis Lebo, Nina Magnani, Aron Rook, and Shay Strawser. Not to mention Candice Derr, Emily Cable, Caroline Stover, Tessa Sweigert, Judith Schnell, and Kristen Mellitt from Stackpole Books.

For a sneak peek at the projects, click here. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy, you can do so here.

Meanwhile, the Wall Hangings book from Leisure Arts is getting some good press. Here is today’s review courtesy of Ambassador Crochet. I really had fun designing and crochet those projects. You can see all of the designs here and purchase the book here.

I’m really looking forward to a weekend in Virginia, teaching for the Crochet Guild of Prince William County. Four classes are on the schedule for November 10-11: Beaded Crochet, Tapestry Crochet and Basket, Crochet Patterns Demystified!, and More Techniques in Tunisian Crochet. If you’re in the area, the workshops are open to non-members as well. Here are registration details.

The first week in December I have two Delicate Crochet book-signings and fashion shows set up (I’ll have all 23 items with me): Tuesday, December 4th, 7 p.m. at my home library, the West Chester Public Library in West Chester, PA, and Thursday, December 6th (don’t know the exact time yet) at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NYC! More information about both of those events will be coming early next month.

I hope your autumn has gotten off to a warm and cozy start!

My February trip to Indiana to film two online classes for Annie's went great! The weather even cooperated and it was much warmer than when I was there two years ago. Both classes are live now, so I can reveal that they are "Tunisian Crochet: Beyond the Basics" and "Learn to Crochet Pineapples." Each class has two projects; here are some pictures.

The projects for the Tunisian class are a two-texture scarf and a lacy shawl. The ones for the Pineapples class are a fringed lap blanket and a lacy half-circle shawl.

As usual, the crew was terrific. It's amazing how many people are in the studio, all working to make sure the class is professional and polished. Three camera operators, the producer, director, editors, stylists...no wonder Annie's classes are such high quality.

I was invited to one of my favorite yarn shops, The Knitter's Edge in Bethlehem, PA, to celebrate Local Yarn Store Day on April 21st. What a fun afternoon! The owners, JoAnne and her daughter Amanda, should be used as role models for any shop owner. Their store is spacious--with dedicated classrooms!--well-stocked with yarn for every budget, and staffed with knowledgeable, caring people. They set me up in their beautiful bay window to do a book-signing and some Tunisian crochet demos. I met all sorts of nice people who had come from nearby, and from as much as several hours away. (That goes to show you how valued The Knitter's Edge is.) One of the women I met that day has since invited me to teach two introductory Tunisian crochet classes at the Middletown Thrall Library in New York state in August. A lovely surprise to have that work out.

I'm looking forward to my trip up there. Not sure if I will have time to visit Manitoga: The Russell Wright Design Center then, but I certainly hope so. I have been on the travel/architecture beat recently for The Hunt Magazine. My article about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum just came out in the summer edition; in the fall, features about Ladew Topiary Gardens and the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise will be published; for winter, I'm covering Hollyhock House (a restored Frank Lloyd Wright site in Los Angeles) and Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey. Manitoga would fit right in.

I'm excited to report that Delicate Crochet is listed for sale! Check out the "Books" page and the "Sneak Peek" to see photos of the 23 projects included in the book, and the names of the designers who contributed patterns. Amazon has the publication date as 12/1 but it should actually be ready to ship in late October/early November. If you are going to TNNA or CGOA this summer, look for Stackpole Books and some of the designers showing off some sample garments.