Our April Issue

I like to read the credits of television shows and movies. I don’t know why, perhaps it harkens back to my days when I was a crew member on school shows and college TV programs; the visual enjoyment of the show isn’t complete without seeing the names of the actors, directors, producers and everyone else down to the hair and makeup artists. What can I say?...I’m a detail-oriented woman. (This quirk is very helpful at trivia games!)

So in keeping with this obsession, I read the names of who-does-what in Crochet World and Crochet! magazines and it never surprises me to see this pattern byline repeatedly: “Design by Michele Wilcox.” Michele and I have been friends for many years through our work. In getting to know her personally and professionally, I can see why her patterns are popular and appear often in these magazines. They’re usually rated as “beginner,” “confident beginner,” or “easy” skill levels and are often quick to make. They vary from blankets and scarves, toys, dolls and figures to hats and all kinds of holiday decor, even unusual objects such as cupcake favors for showers! I can personally attest to the pleasure of stitching her designs as I made one of her more spectacular pieces, Enchanting Unicorn for Red Heart (www.yarnspirations.com), as a baby gift. Her husband, Dick, lovingly described why Michele’s designs, especially animals and dolls of people, are special: “The thing she does the best is the character she gives to everything she makes, especially the faces.” She’s truly a natural at her craft and loves what she does.

Read the entire article in our April 2023 issue!

How often do you find yourself fiddling with paper patterns when you could be crocheting? I know I’m constantly picking patterns up to read my next step, then putting them back down and picking them back up in a seemingly endless cycle. And nice days where there’s a bit of a breeze leave you chasing after your patterns as they blow around the room. This Maker’s Board stops all of that!

This board comes with nine magnets of varying sizes and strength that can hold patterns with ease at any angle that makes your pattern easy to read. They can hold row counters, stitch markers, needles, paperclips, T-pins and even the swatch of a fingering weight or thread project! You can even grab a magnetic ruler and gauge set from the website. You don’t even have to use it for your crochet projects. It will hold sewing charts, metal beads, recipes, coloring book pages and watercolor projects… anything that has paper.

I know what you’re thinking—why would I recommend coloring or painting projects when the Maker’s Board comes in a light gray or this gorgeous tan shade called kraft?

The Maker’s Board is made with a washable craft fabric. I said washable! The website boasts that washing your board will actually make it softer over time. All you have to do is remove the magnets and metal sheets, then throw it in your washing machine.

Saying I love this board is an understatement. This board is easy to use and easier to clean, which makes it a favorite product of mine. It keeps your workspace organized, looks incredible while doing it and has so many uses. This one is a must-have!

Visit the CocoKnits website to get your own Maker’s Board.