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The Anna K will be the next pattern to be released on Art of Crochet.

I am tweaking the pattern a little bit in order to offer a version with more waist shaping, and which incorporates 3 colors instead of just 2. Of course, this means stitching another version, too (which is quite good as I will be able to get a few production shots as I go along, and maybe even some video of me sewing up the side seam).

It will probably take me about 2 weeks to get this pattern perfect and packaged. While that is going on, I’ll also be planning and starting the first seminar at the Crochet Academy. Here are the details for the first class:

If you wish to participate, please send me an e-mail (josi@iamintheloop.com) to sign up for the class. All materials will be available on the website, but participation in the live question-and-answer segment requires a reservation.

You can prepare for the first class of the seminar Gauge, Drape & Substitution by doing the following:

Materials:
approx. 50yds DK to Light Worsted weight yarn
3 standard crochet hooks — a 4.00 mm (US-G), a 5.00 mm (US-H) and a 6.00 mm (US-J)
rigid ruler, preferably clear plastic (not a measuring tape)
notebook

Select a DK to Light Worsted weight yarn. Anything you have in your stash will do, as long as you have at least 50 yards of it. Save the label, in order to compare your gauge with the listed gauge (or you can look this up on the internet later… most yarn companies offer that information on their websites).

For each hook size, crochet a square that is 25 sts x 25 rows. Measure, inside of the square, the length and width of 20 sts x 20 rows. Mark down this measurement in your notebook, making certain to mention the yarn and hook size. You can also label your swatch and save it for a swatchbook (this is a topic that will be covered in the seminar, along with why it’s best to use a clear plastic rigid ruler to measure gauge, and a discussion as to why some yarn labels just get it plain wrong when it comes to their hook size recommendations).

The day of the seminar, the website will have a few nifty tools that will help you analyze your numbers — and I’ll bet you’ll be surprised at all the information you will be able to gather about a yarn’s drape by swatching in a few different hooks sizes! It’ll be well worth your prep time, even if the assignment is simple I encourage even advanced stitchers to humor me, and participate by stitching up their swatches.

The question and answer portion of this event will take place on Yahoo! Messenger. It’s free and easy to use, so sign up today. Everyone who registers will get an e-mail the day before the class begins, with instructions on how to log into our virtual classroom.

I hope to meet you there!
Josi