*****************************************************************************************TECHNIQUES CHALLENGE:

Think spring, think summer. Pull out those cottons, bamboos, linens, etc. and Get Ready, Get Set, Go; to learn the ABCs of a new crochet technique/techniques. We may have reached a certain age, but we're never too old to learn something new. So let's push our mind's and hands' limit and get those hooks polished. We challenge you to learn one or as many as possible techniques this month. The more, the better. But don't get overwhelmed. The idea here is to learn something new and challenge ourselves, rather than a challenge with others.

Categories:
1) Wearables:
Items that can be worn like ponchetes, hats, scarves, jewelry, mitts, etc.

2) Gifts:
Any crocheted items that do not fall into the other 2 categories. Use this category to show some love for "Mom" as we have Mother's Day just around the corner.

3) Garden:
Think green, tea parties, lace hats, items to decorate the garden, items that represent gardens, etc.

Guidelines:
1) The item needs to be crocheted either in part or in whole.

2) The item(s) needs to be listed/relisted in your etsy shop starting today, April 1, 2011 to April 30, 2011 by 11.59pm. Entries posted after these dates and times will not be added to the challenge.

3) Each shop can have 1 entry only in each category. You must mention the category that you're participating in.

4) Tagging is not mandatory but you must add a link to your item(s) in the CHALLENGE thread along with the names of the techniques that you've used in that entry.

5) Try to demonstrate 1 or more crochet techniques in each of your challenge entries. The entry with the maximum number of techniques will be the winner.

Example:
"A" makes a huge item using 1 technique, "B" makes a tiny item and uses 5 techniques in it. "B" wins. The focus here is learning as many techniques as we can this month and presenting them in your items.

I know that some of us are already great at a few techniques. So please don't use those techniques that you've already been using. Try to learn new ones and express them in your creations. Afterall, crochet is a limitless art.

These are just a few techniques/construction/ethnic styles I found on Ravelry. You may add/learn any new one not mentioned here.
Broomstick Crochet, Brudges Crochet, Cro-hook, Cro-Knit, Cro-tatting, Filet Crochet, Hairpin Crochet, Irish Crochet, Pineapple Crochet, Surface Crochet, Tapestry Crochet, Tunisian Crochet, Afghan Crochet, entrelac, amigurumi, andean/peruvian, aran, bavarian, cowichan, Intarsia, Mosaic, Stripes/colorwork, stranded, illusion/shadow, corrugated ribbing, Freeform, moebious, felted/fulled, icord; New Stitches: clones knot, bullion, roll stitch, front post, back post stitch, granny squares, lover's knot, etc.

6) There will be no voting this time around.

We'll try to get a GRANT for this challenge for winners. If not, let's just have fun. ;)

If there are any questions/concerns, please feel free to convo Mamta.

*****************************************************************************************

Posted at 9:16 pm Apr 1, 2011 EDT