Ruffle Crochet

I like ruffles. Just ask my coworkers—I don’t think more than a day or two goes by that I don’t show up at the office in them. It was one of the things that drew me to this blanket, which I’ve made much progress on over the last few months! I’ve experimented with different techniques and I think I’ve finally figured out what works the best: Once you have your first row of stitches (in a circle), do two or three more rows at a two-to-one ratio—or even triple it if you want a lot of fullness—stitches, then finish it off with a one-to-one ratio of stitches in each row. Once you like the size, gather up the edges with a row of single crochets and you’re set!

On the Road, Again

Creative types have a reputation—deserved or not—of being flighty. I’d like to introduce you to a couple artists who have spent the past year on the road… but have learned more about the commitment of seeing a project through than anything else.

Madison-based photography studio Paper Antler is about halfway through Fifty Nifty, their effort to shoot a wedding in every state to raise money for She Dances, a non-profit organization that provides holistic restoration for young girls who have been trafficked and sexually exploited. The Fifty Nifty donation will support a safe home in Honduras for one year. They still have dates available… book your wedding, let them stay at your place or donate directly today!

Power and Light Press, a letterpress studio based in Portland, has spent over 10 months cruising through 47 U.S. states and a few Canadian provinces in The Type Truck—a 1982 Chevy step van equipped with built-in type cabinets and workspace, a mid 20th century sign press and an 1873 Golding Official No. 3 tabletop platen press. The goal was to spread awareness of letterpress, renew interest in the artform and have a great time doing it! Mission accomplished.