Who's Keeping Your Crochet?

With the arrival of the Cascade Collection comes the introduction of the new Everyday Peacocks Crochet Tools!

THE CROCHET KEEPER
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The next tool being introduced is something unique, and the very definition of fabulous decadence-- the Crochet Keeper! The concept for this tool came directly from the feedback of crocheters. I asked what types of tools crocheters might need--that I am unaware of, since I am not proficient in this crafty art form. Most folks told me there were not many accessory tools used other than stitch markers (and of course the main tool, a crochet hook.) Several people mentioned they use their markers to "hold" their projects when they put them down--so that the yarn or string won't unravel. Personally I have always left my hook in place and carefully stored the crochet Work In Progress (WIP), crossing my fingers that the hook would not slip out! I said to myself, 'there's gotta be a better way...'

Since this is a common problem, I decided it was worth solving. The main objectives for this tool would be:

• Free up hooks to use on simultaneous projects
• Free up crochet markers to use on simultaneous projects
• Eliminate the chance of the tool accidentally falling off
• And keep WIPs from unraveling in the most decadent and fabulous way possible!

From this, the Crochet Keeper was born! These easy to use Crochet Keepers will not only effectively protect your WIPs from unraveling when not being worked on (with their unique double loop design), but they will look gorgeous while doing it. Liberate your crochet markers and hooks letting them do what they love most-- help you with other projects!!!

Since crochet work can take so many forms, and use so many weights of yarn, I felt one type of Crochet Keeper was not enough. Therefore, I am offering two sizes -- Light Weight for those daintier and light weight yarn projects, and Heavy Weight for those thicker worsted or bulky weight projects. The sizes are really developed for aesthetic purposes, since either size will work for any project, but for those very delicate projects I do recommend the smaller keepers due to the thicker wire being a bit heavier in physical weight. If you are worried these sizes may not suit your needs, let me know and we can figure out a solution together!

As I am sure you have all guessed by now, I take great pride in my work and absolutely love the way these tools have turned out. Next time I will be introducing Everyday Peacocks Crochet Tool Sets! As this is a new arena for me, any comments or suggestions you may have would be great; if there are any crochet needs that I might be able to help with, leave me a note in the comments! I love discovering new things!

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Crochet, Crochet, Crochet!

With the arrival of the Cascade Collection comes the introduction of the new Everyday Peacocks Crochet Tools!

THE CROCHET STITCH MARKER
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The first tool being introduced is a new take on an old favorite-- the crochet stitch marker. When talking with crocheters about what they look for in a crochet marker, a couple of items kept coming up: ability to lock/stay in place, and easy to use with one hand. I added a few more to my "must do" list as well to develop these designs: lay flat against the fabric (not sticking out at weird angles), create tools for all types of crochet work, and (of course) be absolutely decadent and fabulous in true Peacock style!

These qualities swirled together for months until finally I was happy with the base design. Rather than trying to imitate what I have already seen, I have tried to create something totally new and different. The biggest challenge was to create a way to keep the markers in place without using a hinge or other type of locking mechanism which could easily snag on the crocheted yarn/thread with repeated use. In response to this hurdle I developed a special notched design which keeps the markers in place, reduces slipping, and helps them to hang 'just right'.

Created with ease of use in mind, these markers are not only fabulous to look at, they are very easy to manipulate as well. Each marker has a portion large enough to grasp between thumb and forefinger allowing for insertion and removal using only one hand-- this means you spend less time fiddling with your marker and more time crocheting your masterpiece!

I freely admit that I do not crochet often-- much more of a knitter myself-- but one of my favorite things to crochet is thread work and lace. By working with this sort of pattern as well as the thicker worsted weight variety, I have seen that one size tool does not fit all. Therefore, I am offering several tip sizes and thicknesses to accommodate every crocheter's wildest fantasy! Currently I am creating two sizes of looped tips, and two sizes of straight tips. If these sizes not large enough (or small enough) for your needs, let me know and we can figure out a solution together!

As I am sure you have all guessed by now, I take great pride in my work and absolutely love the way these tools have turned out. Next time I will be introducing Everyday Peacocks Crochet Keepers! As this is a new arena for me, any comments or suggestions you may have would be great; if there are any crochet needs that I might be able to help with, leave me a note in the comments! I love discovering new things!

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The Cascade Collection Has Arrived!

Those of us in the northern hemisphere are keenly aware that Autumn is finally upon us once more, bringing brisk, frosty mornings and brilliantly colored afternoons! I am already bringing out the cozy morning sweaters and early evening shawls to help ward off the chill.

Inspired by this beautiful season and its celebration of warm yarny goodness, Everyday Peacocks proudly presents the Cascade Collection of yarn jewelry and tools! The new colors and designs are a perfect way to showcase those gorgeous cold weather garments, and to bring the seasonal spirit to your current yarny projects.

The amazing beauty and colors captured in this photo of Watkins Glen State Park, New York represents my perfect autumn fantasy. The Cascade Collection credits its name and designs to the numerous cascading waterfalls and swirling pools found along the park's pathways.  I offer this collection as a way to share that magical feeling with all of you.

Since fall is a time for brazenly colorful transitions, I felt it important to include the same vibrance in The Cascade Collection.  Fine jeweler's Copper forms the base of this jewelry with tricolor metal accents of Bronze, Yellow Brass, and Sterling Silver.  Fresh from the studio, these metals are shiny and almost silver-bright on a rosey copper canvas.  But within a couple of weeks, the jewelry starts to embrace warm autumn tones (as a patina forms over the metals) reminiscent of the changes occurring in the natural world.  Just as with the changing of the leaves, the metamorphosis of this jewelry is wonderful to behold!  Unlike nature, though, it is remarkably quick and easy to return the jewelry to its original bright tones again, if desired.

Playing with these colorful metals is a gentle mix of stones and crystals.  The collection features large aqua colored Swarovski crystal accents alongside translucent Smokey Quartz lending the feeling of both flowing and still waters.  The earthy colors found in Verdite beads elude to rocky cliffs and riverbed pebbles.  All together, the qualities and traits found in the materials of The Cascade Collection compose a portrait of the autumn season as it may be seen in every imagination!

With the launch of the autumn line, Everyday Peacocks is also introducing a new line of crochet tools. Crochet Markers, Crochet Keepers, and Crochet Tool Sets will be available over the next few weeks along with the Knitting Tools and Shawl Pins many of you have come to know and love! Be sure to stop by the shop often to see all the new goodies, or follow along with the Everyday Peacocks Facebook page to see the whole collection as it becomes available.

Mini Blog-ette

COMING SOON to Everyday Peacocks:

Crochet Tools!

Grab your hooks and Stay tuned for details...

Mini Blog-ette

COMING SOON to Everyday Peacocks:

The Cascade Collection!

Stay tuned for details...

The Red Collection Unveiled...

With great flourish and fanfare the "Mont Tricot Exclusif" jewelry collection was finally revealed the first weekend of September at the Brome Fair in Quebec. There was a great turnout to the Mont Tricot booth as well as wonderful company and knitting fun!

The Red Collection was designed specifically for Lucinda and her cozy little store with its trademark red pizazz! Sterling Silver with Swarovski crystal accents add just the right balance of elegant and flashy to these whimsical designs.

Within this new collection you will find four shawl pins, three stitch holders, and four sets of stitch markers. The designs range from fairly simple to somewhat complex; there really is something for everyone! If you'd like to see more images of these designs, you can find them on the Everyday Peacocks Facebook page, or check them out on my Everyday Peacocks Pinterest board. I'll be adding new photos daily, so come back often to see even more!

If you are interested in owning part of the Red Collection, Lucinda at Mont Tricot would love to hear from you! There are several ways to reach her:

• Mont Tricot Facebook page
• Mont Tricot Website
• email at monttricot@gmail.com
• or by phone at 1 (450) 538-8040. (Please remember this is a Canadian number and long distance or international charges might apply.)

It really was a lot of fun creating these dainty little treasures, and I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Well, I'm not quite sure how it happened, but things have started really buzzing around the studio! I'm learning to hop, skip, and jump in all news ways with everything going on these days...

Summer is finally in full swing here in Southern Quebec. The heat and humidity Is so thick some days that I swear my silver might melt! Something about this kind of weather makes the kiddos a little loopy as well, which always makes life a bit more interesting. The 12 year old (this week!) girl is in a constant state of boredom interspersed with embarrassment over a seriously uncool mom. And the almost 2 year old boy is not happy unless he is in a constant state of motion-- pushing his limits totally counts here. Throw in a husband who is in full-on summer maintenance mode and I get zero time to myself.

Despite "all the above", Everyday Peacocks is starting to really grow! The Springly Collection is finally complete with all items available in the online store. And now that I am wrapping up my first really large order, for Mont Tricot in Sutton, QC, I can turn my focus to new designs and products! With the change in seasons Everyday Peacocks will see vibrant new colors dressed in copper, brass, and bronze. (I may even get the chance to start playing with wood... This is a long overdue to-do list item for me!). But first I have to clean up the studio--big messes are definately a by-product of creativity.

Beyond the massive order heading to Mont Tricot this weekend, my Yarn Jewelry has been doing a bit of traveling recently, heading out to Virginia, California, and Massachusetts. And now, with the latest shipment to Germany, Everyday Peacocks has gone global! It's very exciting to realize that my creations are bringing smiles to so many people in so many places. I look forward to all my future journeys and hope I may visit you soon, too!

So the light is starting to show at the end of a long tunnel and I am due for a nice break. This Sunday I am treating myself to a wonderful, yarny day out! I will be spending the afternoon in Sutton catching up on my Shattered Sun Shawl, petting and squeezing new Indigo Moon Yarns, picking out my first ever sock project, and enjoying the great camaraderie I always find at Mont Tricot. Oh, and coffee... Blissfully prepared "I didn't make this myself" coffee. If you are in town, drop on by and say hi--I love meeting new people and sharing in yarny goodness!