A-Glamping We Will Go: 5th Annual National Crochet Month Blog Tour
Welcome to Crochetville’s fifth annual National Crochet Month (NatCroMo) blog tour, taking place each day of March 2017. Join us for a month of virtual glamping (aka glamorous camping), as we visit crochet designers, crochet-friendly local yarn stores, and yarn companies, as well as offer some fun giveaways.
Today’s Posts: George Shaheen | Yuliya Tkacheva | Amanda Perkins | The Yarn Haven | A to Z Alpacas | Daily Giveaway
Want to Chat about the Tour?
Part of the fun of glamping is the daily round-up around the campfire, chatting and stitching with friends. We hope you’ll join us in our NatCroMo Facebook group, where we’ll be sharing daily camping recipes, campfire songs about crochet, and so much more! We’d also love to hear about your favorite things you’ve discovered on the tour and see photos of your current crochet projects. You’re invited to join us daily for virtual cocktails/appetizers and dinner. (We’ll be sharing links to some fabulous recipes!)
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George Shaheen, 10 Hours or Less
Crochetville is very proud to have designer George Shaheen of 10 Hours or Less with us today, March 3, as one of the featured designers on our 2017 Designer Blog Tour in honor of National Crochet Month (NatCroMo). If you’d like to know even more about George check out our post from last year’s blog tour.
About George:
I’ve been crocheting for over 30 years and often dreamed about making a living from it. Although originally trained in pattern drafting, fabric draping, and sewing construction, I eventually obtained a BA in Business Psychology and an MBA in Finance and entered the corporate world. However, after two decades in administration, I started to feel like just another cog in the machine. So I left my job, moved to Florida, and began publishing the “10 Hours or Less” collection of classic and contemporary knitting & crochet patterns that can be completed in – you guessed it – 10 hours or less! And I couldn’t be more thrilled to finally be doing what I love . . . and making a living from it.
Tell us about any other fiber-related hobbies you enjoy.
I love all the fiber arts!
In addition to crochet, I design knitting patterns as well. I do some sewing and quilting. And I’ve previously done cross stitch, needlepoint, tatting, and machine knitting. Next on my Bucket List? Loom weaving.
How do you decide what to name your patterns?
As a method of branding, all “10 Hours or Less” pattern names employ alliteration.
I usually have a working title from the start. But oftentimes, when I’m making the sample, a more appropriate name will pop into my head. Nonetheless, only after the piece has been blocked – and I get a chance to step back and look at it from a distance – do I determine the final pattern name.
Tell us about your most popular pattern.
My all-time best-selling pattern is “Flurry of Foliage,” a modular crocheted scarf consisting of five “leafy” strips made separately using one color at a time and joined together as you go.
When the pattern debuted in Fall 2015, it immediately went viral and sold hundreds of copies in the first few weeks. Although it continues to sell throughout the seasons, it experienced another strong resurgence this past fall as well. It just keeps selling and selling!
Visit George’s Site: NatCroMo Specials
I’ll be offering a free “10 Hours or Less” downloadable crochet baby blanket pattern as well as a special discount code for use on any crochet pattern(s) purchased from www.10HoursorLess.com.
George’s Designs:
If you’re not familiar with my work already, I’d like to share three of my designs with you.
1. Lace Labyrinth Scarf, $4.95
Intrigue all your fiber friends with this cleverly classy crocheted scarf! Worked in one piece, the intriguing design features waves of double crochet swimming on a background of hatched lace mesh. The big surprise? This seemingly random pattern is based on a deceptively simple 2-row repeat. And with our step-by-step instructions for making any size in any weight of yarn, you can make a multitude of lace accessories…..from petite neck scarves to full-length shawls!
2. Pineapple Plantation Scarf, $4.95
Lively colors and long-stitch lace combine to create this stylishly sublime circular scarf! Crocheted in one piece, this fully reversible topper sports columns of “pineapple” clusters framing wispy V-stitch wedges. Whether you choose a chunky Merino or a lace Lurex, this versatile pattern can be stitched for casual days or formal nights. And with our step-by-step instructions for making any width in any weight of yarn, you can easily adjust the pattern to produce an assortment of seasonal accents….from summer scarves to winter wraps!
3. Floral Fantasy Shawl, $4.95
Wrap yourself in evening elegance with a graceful, gauzy crocheted wrap! Worked in one piece, this completely-reversible cover-up features fanciful flowers softly swaying on honeycomb mesh. Bordered by lush leaves, the decorative pattern is equally suited to solid, tonal or color-transitioning yarns. And with our step-by-step instructions for making any size with any weight of yarn, you can impress your fashion fans with an accent that’s dramatically you!
Find George Online:
Website: http://www.10hoursorless.com/
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/10-hours-or-less
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/10hoursorless
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/10hoursorless
Additional Blog Tour Information:
Links to All the Info
Daily Giveaway Schedule
Daily Designer Schedule
Daily Local Yarn Store Schedule
Daily Yarn & Product Company Schedule
Discussion on Facebook
I love these circular neck scarves…so perfect an accessory for those in warmer climates.
All of George”s patterns are wonderful, so it’s hard to choose just one as a favorite. I think that Concentric Cables is very nice for a knit pattern and Flurry of Foliage may be my favorite for a crochet design.