CraftSanity with Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood

Here's a sneak preview of the craft column I wrote for this Sunday's edition of the Grand Rapids Press. These whimsical polka-dot pillows are by a Holland, Michigan fiber artist who's not afraid to bust out with color. Stop back here Sunday to find out who this talented artist is, and click the links to read my column online and download directions to make your own fantastic polka-dot coasters.

On the apron front, the wait is over. I ordered a copy of Meg's rockin' "Emmeline Apron" pattern as soon as it became available and was so HAPPY when it arrived in yesterday's mail. What a great V-day present!

I cut all the pieces this afternoon and hope to sneak some sewing time into the schedule in the next couple days. The pattern doesn't call for pockets, but I do. I frequently wear aprons out and about and I like to have pockets to stash my money, I.D. business cards and notebook. I don't want to ruin Meg's awesome design, but I doubt I'll be able to resist the urge to add at least one little pocket. Hopefully, my apron will settle in that beautiful place where fashion and function meet. I'll let you know how all this shakes out. Wish me luck.



Did you see the Spring Issue of Interweave Knits yet? I just got my hands on a copy today and was very pleased to see a fantastic scarf pattern by West Michigan designer and knit shop owner. Lorilee Beltman. Lorilee is the owner of City Knitting right here in Grand Rapids, Mich. "Chameleon Scarf" (p. 102) is the first of Lorilee's patterns to be published by Interweave. I sampled this pattern last summer and think it's fantastic. It works up quickly and is really fun to knit with those super fun self-striping yarns.

On my last trip to City Knitting, I asked Lorilee to model her scarf design and pose with a copy of the magaine. (Congrats, Lorilee!) Y ou may remember her from the knitting video we made together depicting the difference between throwing and contential knitting. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out.



P.S. I fell asleep at least four five times during the writing of this post.