For the crochters out there, one of the stitches used in the collection of Crochet Barefoot Sandals Pattern is a 2-treble cluster crochet stitch. I made a tutorial video for cluster stitches and uploaded it to YouTube. You can watch it HERE:

If you want information about the instant download pattern for the Crochet Barefoot Sandals Pattern, click HERE: Kristin's Crochet Barefoot Sandals Instand Download Pattern

If you want to see the Crochet Barefoot Sandals Preview Video, watch it HERE:

Also, I made a new tutorial video this week teaching foundation stitches. You can watch it HERE:

And now for the contest! Leave a comment on one of these three videos, requesting what YOU want me to demonstrate on an upcoming video! Knitting, crochet or what? I will randomly choose winners for prizes throughout next week! Thanks for sharing with me!

Pattern is available for immediate download for $3.99 HERE: Fer Sure Legwarmers Crochet Pattern 

Pattern features Drew Emborsky's The Crochet Dude Sarcastic Yarn

Video tutorial features Rosewood Crochet Hooks by Lantern Moon

It is a super easy and quick pattern that uses foundation stitches. Here is my YouTube tutorial video on how to make a foundation single crochet and foundation double crochet:

Well, now Kristin is selling her handmade, crochet barefoot sandals already finished! Each pair is designed and handmade by Kristin Omdahl. Order your own pair of crochet Barefoot Sandals HERE for $24.99. Each pair includes a single pod of Wrapture, all natural delicate wash infused with essential oil of night blooming jasmine.

Want to see a preview of the sandals you are considering buying for yourself or a gift? Here is a YouTube video preview of all styles currently available: 

The Mermaid Shawlette knitting pattern is a simple project that only uses yarnovers and the knit stitch, yet incorporates 3 yarns and by manipulating the direction of each row, you create a striped textured pattern without purling! I used 3 different yarns with beautiful variations in texture but within the same color family. The sequins and sparkle are so pretty. The edging is simple to create with large eyelet holes and the added volume creates a pretty ruffled border. One yarn is a sparkly ribbon, one is a sparkly brushed mohair, and one is pre-strung with tiny sequins. So pretty together!!

The Barefoot Sandals crochet pattern is one of my favorite patterns in a while. Despite how simple and frivolous they may seem, make one pair and try them on. Seriously, I feel so girly and feminine in them. They are so much fun!! Plus, you can make them in no time flat for gifts, too! In this pattern, you will receive 5 patterns to make 5 different styles! Each one incorporates different stitch patterns and uses a variety of yarns in different colors.

And to celebrate the debut of these new patterns, please use coupon code NEW25 in my Ravelry Knit & Crochet Pattern Store to receive 25% off your patterns! Enjoy!!

Fiber Type:  50% Extrafine Merino, 33.5% Baby Alpaca, 16.5% Donegal Tweed
Needle  Size: 9
Gauge:  16 sts x 24 rows=4"
Yardage:  195
Weight:  100 g.
Care:   Hand wash cold, Lay flat to dry

For the Bubbly Shawlette, originally I designed it to be knit up on a laceweight yarn with US6 knitting needles. This produced a blocked shawl that measures 48" wide x 14" long and has a simple scalloped edging. For the Bubbly Renegade Shawlette, I used Renegade and US8 knitting needles, plus added a simple ruffle to the edge as follows: knit into the front and back of each stitch to double your stitch count. The next 16 rows: (k5, p5) across. Fasten off loosely. Weave in loose ends. Block with your favorite delicate wash to finished measurements and enjoy! The updated version measures 60" wide x 20" long after blocking.

You can order the 3 skeins of Renegade by Fiesta Yarn here: Renegade by Fiesta Yarn

And you can order the Bubbly Shawlette Knit Lace Pattern HERE:

For the ENTIRE WEEKEND, type in coupon code RENEGADE to receive 50% the price of this pattern!

Today's selections are:

The Aloha Crochet Scarf with Flower Pattern

I adore wearing this flower decorated lace scarf. It is bubbly and cheerful and the mood definitely rubs off on me when I wear it! The placement of the flower reminds me of something a greeter would wear when you descent the airplane onto a beautiful Hawaiian island. The scarf utilizes a fun alternative to a simple shell stitch pattern and the ends are joined to make the scarf a tube. The flower is crocheted separately and sewn onto the scarf at the end. Either can be worn alone or together.

AND

Barefoot Beach Knit Shawl Pattern

I knit the sample shawl at the quiet and reclusive Barefoot Beach in SW Florida and thought it appropriate to name the project after the inspiring knitting location. The rolling surf softly crashes onto a beach filled with seashells of many varieties, shapes and sizes.

Rebecca and I met at a conference in Manchester, NH several years ago when I gave a speech to aspiring designers. It was a wonderful experience and so much sweeter for meeting Rebecca and making a new friend :)

Follow the link for the entire collection. You can purchase the entire collection for $13.00, or purchase kits, or order the patterns, a la carte. Below is a sampling of some of the exquisite designs in Quince & Co.'s luxury yarns. Leave a comment below and I'll pick a random winner to receive a FREE copy of the booklet next week!

I made a photo and video tutorial to show you how to make the cables and just as importantly, how to work the row after the cables are made. And, I have a few notes, tips & tricks to share along the way. Each of the thumbnail photos can be clicked on for larger sized images, and the video is embedded from my Kristin Omdahl YouTube Channel.

First, we begin with the chain, then a row of double crochet. Post stitches can't be worked directly into a chain, so a set up row of double crochet is required first. Then, we crochet a row of back post double crochet, then a row of front post double crochet. Here is the glossary description of a front post double crochet: Wrap the yarn around the hook, insert the hook from in front and from right to left around the stem of the appropriate stitch. Complete the dc stitch normally. Here is the gloassary description of a back post double crochet: Wrap the yarn around the hook, insert the hook from behind and from right to left around the stem of the appropriate stitch. Complete the dc stitch normally. Then crochet one more row of back post double crochet.

Next, we crochet our first cable pattern row (row 4). Ch3 (counts as first dc), skip the next 4 stitches, fptc (front post treble crochet) around the post of the 5th st, then fptc around the post of the 6th st. Working behind on the 4 sts we skipped, dc in the 3rd st, and dc in the fourth st. Working in front of the stitches made, and working in the first and second sts skipped, fptc around the post of the 1st st, and fptc aroudn the post of the 2nd st. Note: ALL 6 sts have been used. Fpdc in ea of the next 2 sts. Repeat across entire row and this is what it will look like: NOTE: notics how the cables don't exactly look right yet. It takes the following row of back post double crochet to really firm up the fabric and allow the cables to pop.

When working row 5: ch3 (counts as dc), bpdc in ea st across, make sure you work each stitch in the correct order. Because of the twisted nature of the last row, it is difficult to see the stitches yet alone figure out which is the next stitch to crochet. I like to peel the top of the fabric toward me so I can peek and see the stitches on the wrong side, while stretching them out at the same time. As long as you work them in the correct order, after the next row it will look like this:

And here is a photo tutorial of what the fabric will look like at the end of each row left in the repeat.

Row 6:

Row 7:

Row 8:

Row 9:

Repeat rows 1 - 8 (row 9 photo is actually the first repeat of row 1).

And, here is a video tutorial explaining rows 4 and 5, the crochet post stitch cables using front post treble stitch, front post double crochet stitch and double crochet stitch (Row 4) and back post double crochet stitch (row 5). If you have any additional questions, please leave them in the comments below!

But, having said that, I KNOW I've mentioned working on a new knitting book for months and months now. And guess what? I have a finalized title, cover photos I can finally share AND a release date, too! The book is called: "Knitting Outside the Swatch: 40 Modern Motifs" by Kristin Omdahl and releases October 31, 2013. You can pre-order a personalized, signed copy of the book here: Knitting Outside the Swatch PRE-ORDER BOOK HERE

Also new this year is "The Finer Edge" Crocheted Trims, Motifs & Borders" by Kristin Omdahl. Here is a photo gallery of all the garment patterns in the book. Notice the names of the projects. Can you determine the theme?

And I have a few new PDF patterns available. THE WISTERIA SHAWL IS WORKED IN ONE PIECE using a chaining technique that joins motifs as you go in an organic way, unlike the usual join-as-you-go motifs. The result is a swirl of lacy fabric with only two ends to weave in. Elegantly brilliant, this shawl is as mysterious and wonderful to make as it is to wear.

THE MERMAID SHRUG is one of my favorite pieces to wear! Slinky bamboo yarn makes this easy and addictive stitch pattern shimmer, like a mermaid's scales glistening in the water. The edging, worked perpendicularly and joined to the body as you go, has a scalloped finish that echoes the main stitch pattern.

 I want to launch a new fun project but I need YOUR help! I will be choosing one pattern and give it away for FREE every Friday. Please leave a comment below of what pattern you would want me to offer for FREE even if only for a limited time. The FREE PATTERN FRIDAY project will begin next week. Check out my pattern library on Ravelry or Craftsy and post your favorite below. In the meantime, have you checked out my all the time FREE patterns here:

FREE Cleopatra Crochet Cuff Pattern

FREE Butterfly Lace Crochet Motif Scarf Pattern

FREE Crochet Flower Shawl Pattern

FREE Race Flag Crochet Blanket Pattern

FREE Alpaca Angel Crochet Shawl Pattern

FREE Knitted Belt Pattern

FREE Isis Beaded Hat and Flower Knit Pattern

FREE Rugged Ribbed Hat Knit Pattern

FREE Granny Loves Ripples Crochet Baby Blanket

SharkHunter and I have a tradition of going out for sushi dinner when I return from a long business trip, and this was no exception! But I was home for only for a couple of days before heading to Cleveland, Ohio to tape season 1100 of Knitting Daily. And, you know what that means: lots of knitting and crocheting step outs for my segments! We both came down with a terrible cold during the few short days I was home, and it was a challenge to get all the step outs done in time, but I did it! Travelling with the cold was challenging, too, but I survived and the trip went really well. Here are a few photos of Eunny and I on set:

And, now I am back home safe and sound. SharkHunter and I are almost completely rid of our coughs & colds, and it is time to think about my next projects! Will it be a book? A collection for a yarn company? A new series of YouTube tutorial videos? Magazine assignments? All of the above? I guess you'll just have to wait and see :)

Here are some snapshots from CurveLV Las Vegas, NV:
We stayed at the Venetian Hotel and the gym was F-A-N-C-Y! Notice all the options on the stationary bike's screen? I thought it was hilarious. I did a 50/50 split of my cardio time between the bike and the stairclimber. I was one of the few women in the gym without full makeup on. It was quite a glamorous place...

Next funny shot was of what I thought was crime scene tape on one of the hotel doors in my corridor. You'll have to read it up close to see how and why I was wrong...

Setting up the Eucalan booth is pretty straight forward and simple, except we have to hunt down steaming stations (and they are hard to come by because EVERY lingerie vendor needs to steam every piece of clothing for their booths) and we have to steam two banners that hang on the back walls of the booth. I totally lucked out this time and found one that was available on the first try! Then, we stand on chairs and hang the banners on the walls. It's just high enough that stretching my arms up to reach the hooks on the top of the fake walls over extends me to almost lose my balance. Luckily, I have managed to appear graceful each time so far... :)

Now you KNOW I brought a project to work on, right? If you recall in an earlier blog post, I was working on a shrug loosely based on the construction method used in Babylonia Hat from The Finer Edge. Well, I brought it to work on in the booth because I hadn't finished it in time to wear it the first day. And I finished it! The construction method is awesome and I'm really proud of the fact my theory was successful. The pattern it in tech editing right now but will become a PDF pattern here on my site in the next few days. So excited. And I LOVE wearing it. It feels fabulous on.

Lunch at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas is so yummy, too. We order out from an Asian vendor called Wasabi Jane's and the chicken is SOOOO good. It normally comes with rice or noodles, but they gave me a low card option of a side of green beans instead. It is amazing and I will probably always get this for lunch every day in Vegas from now on!

The newest Wrapture ad for Eucalan was listed in the show book and all I can say is O-M-G I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! How adorable is the graphic in this ad? I want to frame it at my desk, or put it on a tshirt or a bag or SOMETHING. Just love it :)

Dinners are always amazing in Vegas and this trip was no exception. Here are a couple of my favorite meals: smoked salmon pizza on a sourdough crust laced with shaved red onion and dill creme fraishe for the sauce. Heaven. Seriously. And I overlooked the late night carbs and ate THE.WHOLE.THING. Yes, it looks like a large plate of pizza and yes, I ate the WHOLE THING. I forgot to take a picture of another yummy dinner I had at PF Changs: Seared ahi tuna slices on a bed of arugula tossed in a wasabi viniagrette. Delicious. Bad news was the waiter told me the item is going to be discontinued and that is really unfortunate because it's the healthiest item on the menu and I frequent this restaurant often on work trips (several different shows in different cities). Anyway, I will enjoy it as long as it remains on the menu. I did take a photo of my fortune, though. I love reading my fortune in fortune cookies - only for entertainment, but still :) "The best thing to do this week is to prepare for the unexpected."

Next stop after Vegas was Santa Clara, California for Stitches West. I was exhibiting in the Fiesta Yarn Booth to debut my new collection called "Date Night Knits". The first day I helped set up the booth with Jeannie Randolph and Amy Olson and it was an efficient, tightly run ship! There is an incredibly amount of yarn that is organized into their booth and it is so efficiently organized we were able to get everything done in time for Student Preview night. Unfortunately, after only 20 minutes after the show opened, I tripped on the carpeting and fell ON MY INJURED HIP but very very FORTUNATE to not have re-injured myself. Still shaking my head over that one! Anyway, I managed to get up and get right back to work selling and doing demos and teaching knitting and crochet at the booth. In the photo on the right, Jeannie, Amy & I are all wearing samples from "Date Night Knits".

Next day, I did several demonstrations on knitting lace, knitting flowers, crocheting picots and foundation stitches, tunisian crochet and even taught a woman to crochet for the first time ever! So many lovely people visited me in the booth and it was a great day. Great day was followed up by a great evening, finding two of my pieces in the fashion show, and having a great dinner at the fashion show banquet dinner. I ALWAYS love the dinners Stitches hosts after the fashion shows. They do a great job, seriously. Yummy.

Next day I spent the majority of the day in the booth, but had to leave a few minutes shy of closing to get to the airport to take the redeye to New York because CurveNY opens in the morning! Can you believe it? I scheduled back to back work days with a red eye in between meaning no bed just an economy airplane sleep between two work days??? What was I thinking??? Haha, I thought it would be good character building and a funny story to tell afterward. Guess what? I was right :) Of course there were weather delays, it is Feburary afterall. But I landed in NYC by 10am, hopped in a cab, headed to the hotel, took a shower, drank two cups of coffee, hopped in another cab, and made it to the booth by 12:30!!! Not too shabby, if I do say so myself...

The next day we had great opportunities to be seen & heard by the media. I gave a video interview in the booth, and we gave several other interviews. Jennifer Edgar played a trick on me and it was perfectly captured by a photographer in our booth. LOL Good luck getting me to tell you why I'm hysterically laughing, but still... you get the idea! I met a 'higher up' from Womens Wear Daily and thought that was awesome! And, there was a booth of toys licensed for "Fifty Shades of Grey" book series that seriously made me blush. Every time I walked past the booth. Lots of gorgeous lingerie, as usual for the Curve shows. I fall in love with the vendors every time I go.

We stayed at the Marriot in Time Square and it was such an amazing experience for me! We stayed on the 42th floor so our views were A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. And the hotel restaurant had incredible food but the view was spectacular because it was on the 8th floor and faced Time Square. The roasted beet salad was so good we shared it every night for dinner.

On our last night we always go to Angelo's Pizzeria for incredible NY pizza. It's a little restaurant that is upstairs above the David Letterman Theatre and that is fun. We stopped for cupcakes after dinner but if I'm going to have dessert while in NY it will always be a black & white cookie. There is something about that cookie, and only in NY. I can't explain my love for it, but I love it. Then we stopped at the Hershey store for souveniers to take home. I wanted to shop at the candy store in Vegas because they had the most ridiculously large candy bars, but I was so many cities away from home still that I wanted to wait until NY before buying souveniers.

The hotel was bizarre, and maybe just to me because I'm not used to tall hotels. But the bank of elevators didn't have up and down buttons on the outside and didn't even have ANY buttons on the inside! You typed in your desired floor in the lobby and a screen told you which elevator (A through N) to go to and it would automatically take you to your floor. The room had the most unusal venting system. The air vent in the bathroom was SO LOUD it sounded like the fan was on but maybe 10 times louder. We tried to buck the system with a map over the vent to quiet the sound (because closing the bathroom door wasn't enough)! Even the stamp on the tile tells you something: either they think we are dumber than rocks for needing the reminder, or the vent is so strong it contantly blows the shower curtain out of the tub!