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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Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:

"Everdeen " by Jessica Myers

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

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:

"the Mountain Lily Scarf" by Heidi Kunkel

Totally Green Contest--TOP 3

OK, Folks, you've voted, and the Totally Green Contest is now in the Finals round!!! This is it-- this vote is for ALL the cookies (or $350 gift pack in this case!) Here are your FINAL THREE CONTESTENTS...

Here's a quick view of the final three projects (in no particular order):

Totally Green Contest Top 10 Contestants!

That's it folks! If you see something you LOVE, head on over to Totally Green Crafts and vote! Remember, the winner will be getting a huge $350 prize pack!!! More details on each of these projects can be found on the contest page. Good luck to all these well-deserving recycling geniuses!

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Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:

"Longpullover" by Dorothea Neumann

Totally Green Contest--TOP 10

It's finally arrived! The Totally Green Contest has moved into the Semi-Final round!!! Now it's up to you-- the viewing public-- to vote for your favorite crafts and ideas to move THREE of these great projects into the final round...

Here's a quick view of the final ten projects (in no particular order):

Totally Green Contest Top 10 Contestants!

That's it folks! If you see something you LOVE, head on over to Totally Green Crafts and vote! Remember, the winner will be getting a huge $350 prize pack!!! More details on each of these projects can be found on the contest page. Good luck to all these well-deserving recycling geniuses!

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