Category Archives: maRRose Crochet Book

More “Eindeloos Haken” partying…..

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How lucky can you be, celebrating the release of your book twice?
After the official book launch at “Echtstudio” on May 27th, there was a semi-official one on June 17th, at my favorite yarn store in the more southern part of The Netherlands: “Inspiratiecentrum Wolplein”. If you ever have a chance to go there, please do : it’s – as their name suggests – such an inspirational place!The Thursday prior to the event, I packed up all projects that can be found in “Colorful Crochet” / “Eindeloos Haken”, and drove to Zaltbommel to prepare for the party.
“Wolplein” made a fun time-lapse of Lotte and me decorating the Wolplein Studio :-).
The day of the book party was such a fun day again!
Once more I felt very grateful being surrounded by so many of my crochet friends, who took the time to come and celebrate with me, offering help during the DMC-yarn tasting-workshops, ah…. I love my crochet tribe: they’re the very best!
Lovely people traveling from near and far, wanting to have their copy of my book signed, bringing sweet presents…. very touching! And they all seem to know me extremely well – their gifts were spot on and left me feeling very spoiled (lots of chocolate, mmm).
I love this cut-out gifted to me by Shirley (also, it’s so true, don’t you agree?).

One of the gifts nearly got me in (happy) tears: it is the mini-Marianne that super-sweet Esther made! Isn’t she absolutely fabulous? And meticulously made as well? Just the thought that someone I “only” met through social media (and up to that day never in real life) would take the time and effort to create something this special and precious: simply amazing, don’t you think?
Mini-me has a place of honor on my desk, and is now supervising all creative things being done there!
I’m still very busy during the aftermath of my book jumping into the real world; pleasant stuff, like keeping an eye on the fantastic “Colorful Crochet” / “Eindeloos Haken” blog tour that’s still going on, and ….. being interviewed, whaa!
“Colorful Crochet” was reviewed in issue 90 of “Inside Crochet” (and they loved it, so pleased about that), plus one of the projects from the book (“Puff Scarf Wendi”) was published in this edition: yay!

Another project from “Colorful Crochet” (the “Geometric Triangle Blanket”), and a rather extensive interview with me is in the latest “Crochet Now”, issue 16: very exciting.

Gladly I’m also slowly getting back into crocheting, and it feels great!
I’m currently working on another “Hexagon Shawl Ursula” in a very soft pink ↑, and I have just finished a cushion using the “Granny Square Lenize” ↓ – both projects from “Colorful Crochet” / “Eindeloos Haken”.
A third “Colorful Crochet” project that’s on my hook right now, is the motif used in “Floral Lace Throw Heleen” ↓, but this time crocheted with a 3,5 mm hook and the DMC Natura Just Cotton – I think this will become a scarf, or a small shawl.

Agnieszka had the very same idea (great minds think alike, haha); she used this motif and her own gorgeous hand dyed yarn, and I love the look of her scarf.
Seeing so many twists on my designs from all the bloggers participating in the blog tour – and loving them – made me want to crochet my own patterns again, and I’m really enjoying the ride. No more checking, double-checking, but just some relaxing crochet: bliss! After all, as I was so pointedly reminded by someone over on Instagram: my love for crochet is the core of all that has happened so far.

Apart from getting my crochet on again, I’m doing one more “Eindeloos Haken”-celebration before my summer break: I’ll be visiting “Rits-In” in Zwolle tomorrow, bringing all projects, doing small workshops, signing books, and hopefully meeting lots of lovely co-crocheters – I’m really looking forward to it! Maybe I’ll see you there?

Love,
Marianne xx

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“Colorful Crochet” – “Eindeloos Haken”

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With the “Colorful Crochet” / “Eindeloos Haken” blog tour well underway, I thought it would be fun to share the posts and projects from the first 20 participants that have ‘blog toured’ so far.
From left to right, top to bottom:
1. Susan’s Cobblestone/Striped Babyblanket washclothes;
2. Clare’s Stroller Blanket Wendi;
3. Natalie’s Hexagon Shawl Ursula;
4. Mandy’s Flowers in a Field motifs.

Sure, I might be a bit biased ;-), but I find it greatly inspiring to see my projects crocheted with different yarn and in different colors. Honestly, it makes me want to pick up my hook, and start crocheting my own patterns again doing the same thing, choosing other yarn and colors!
1. Shelley’s Boho Cushion;
2. Nerissa’s Ribbed Tartan Cushion;
3. Tanya’s Lenize squares;
4. Lisanne’s Flowers in a Field squares.

I also feel extremely happy and grateful that my crochet peers love the book as much as they do. You see, it’s one thing to put your heart and soul into 20+ projects, and work on them with lots of dedication for almost a year. It’s another thing to stay objective……

1. Kathryn’s Circle Wall Hanging/Doily;
2. Ingrid’s Striped Babyblanket Ingrid;
3. Emily’s Flowers in a Field Shawl/Blanket;
4. Alia’s Circle Wall Hanging.

During the book making process, I grew increasingly fond of all my projects in an unconditional kind of way, I started to love them as if they were my children. Seeing them gathered up in my book, made me overjoyed, but also – as I said – …. less objective.
There were times when I thought “what’s not to love about such-and-so project”, but as the publication date neared, that changed into “what if my projects are not loved”?

1. Sarah’s Geometric Triangle Blanket;
2. Holly’s Hexagon Blanket Inez;
3. Frederika’s Hexagon Blanket Inez;
4. Sharna’s Flowers in a Field Garland.

So big sigh of relief and lots of happy dances finding out, that yes, other people love my projects too! And don’t we all adore it when other people like our children as well?
I’m so proud, humbled, and thankful for all the praise the book has received so far, whether it’s from people who crochet as a hobby, or from the crochet pro’s: it’s just all fantastic!
1. Carmen’s Hexagon Shawl Ursula;
2. Sandra’s Circle Wall Hanging;
3. Funda’s Merry-Go-Round granny squares;
4. Sandra’s Puff Scarf/Cowl Wendi.

To have you share in all this happiness, sweet Joyce / Mez11 – the lovely leather-label-savvy and generous woman who donated all the beautiful labels for the projects in the book – is allowing me to giveaway THIS ↓ fabulous set of labels!

All you need to do is leave a comment under this blog post, and make sure I can reach you via email in case you win. This giveaway is open internationally, and ends Sunday June 18th, 2017 – 23:00 my time (GMT+1), after which a winner will be drawn and notified. Good luck to all of you!

Love,
Marianne xx

EDIT: this giveaway is now closed – a winner has been drawn and notified

PS: If you have an opportunity to join me this coming Saturday, June 17th for another festive “Eindeloos Haken”-party at Wolplein, I would LOVE to see you there (more info here), and here ↓

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“Eindeloos Haken” Book Launch

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It’s hard to believe it has been way over a week since the official launch of “Eindeloos Haken” took place …
Usually I’m quick and eager to share the fun of crochet parties I’ve been to with all y’all here on the blog. Of course a lack of being eager was not the issue for not writing up a blog post about and right after my very own crochet party: I just couldn’t find the right words.
In fact, I’m afraid I still can’t, so many days after the big day! I’m still glowing, happy, grateful, humbled, positively overwhelmed, impressed, extremely thankful (and I could easily go on for some time) by all festiveness that took place: it was absolutely fantastic!
I’m going to give it a try anyhow …. so here it is: my account of May 27th, accompanied by a great deal of – mostly pink (what else, haha) and happy – photos.

Having been part of the crochet-scene for quite some time, I know how kind, friendly, caring, and loving a community this is. Being at the center of it was a whole new experience for me.
                                      Miriam and I on the big party preparation day!

For starters there were many people offering their help getting the party prepped! Just to name a few: G. Brouwer & Zn, beautiful “Echtstudio” and its lovely staff, and of course my sweet friend Miriam: I couldn’t have done this without her excellent help, she’s the very best!
Then there’s the ladies who helped during the workshops on the day of the party, thank you, darling Borgo-babes!
My dear husband Lex, our two fabulous kids, Quinn & Carter, my brothers Lex and Marcel….. and I’m sure I’m forgetting people, please forgive me.

Lovely Kim of “Echtstudio” doing me the honor of handing me the first copy of “Eindeloos Haken”.
Right before the party started, Sharina interviewed me about “Eindeloos Haken”, and the process of making the book (you can find the Dutch article here; for another interview with me – in English – you can go here).

I don’t know if you’re familiar with the Dutch climate, but we don’t get a lot of warm, sunny days, not even in Summer. So when the weather forecast for May 27th, 2017 says: tropical temperatures, you can be nothing but very, very, EXTRA thankful for people braving the heat and coming to celebrate an ever so special moment with you: the launch of your first book!
(As it turned out May 27, 2017 was the hottest May 27th ever in Holland, with temps reaching a whopping 33.4 Celsius).

                                      Lots-and-lots of smiles, and happy people!
You can imagine I was extra delighted they did, because it was just wonderful being surrounded by so many people I love spending time with: family, dear friends, and oodles of dear crafty friends….. ah….. glorious times!
Both my parents being present (83 and 86 years old) was very special – I so loved that they were there.
Realizing I have fans was exhilarating as well: I feel honored that they too took the time to come to the book launch, no matter the heat, patiently standing in line to have their copy of “Eindeloos Haken” signed (by me, how surreal is that?!). Above you see lovely Laura, aka @cosyup on Instagram (photo credit: Laura’s boyfriend).

Apart from being spoiled with so much love and personal attention, I was showered with gifts! Incredibly sweet! Pretty flowers, yummy treats (homemade jam, chocolate, champagne to name a few), lovely bath products, a very special pepper&salt shaker set from South Africa (gifted by dear friends who know I collect salt&pepper shakers), pretty notebooks, gift cards, and a whole lot of the most beauteous handmade gifts….. utterly-utterly marvelous! And overwhelming, hence my little ‘writer’s block’…….

Look at these fabulous leather labels my sweet friend Joyce / Mez11 made!
Aren’t they awesome?
I’m in love with the beautiful present Anique / Kleinmaarfijn made for me…
and with the one Lidy / Lidy Nooij made…
as well as the one created by Chantel / De Haakfabriek…

plus this gorgeous pouch for my knitting needles, made by Janneke / JipbyJan…
Too many thoughtful gifts to put in the spotlight here….. *sigh* ……

The Sunday following the party my mother in law sent me such a touching snapshot of what she calls “the family book shelf”. My crochet book is positioned on this honorary shelf in her bookcase, right next to the two books my father in law wrote, and among books either written by or about other family members. Very special indeed!
                                               Yay! The “Terrific Tester Team”

To top this all off, so far, the book has been received very well – I can’t tell you how much that pleases me. To see people enjoy the projects in the book, and crochet the most beautiful versions of my patterns is extremely gratifying.
Equally wonderful is the feedback I’m getting from my crochet peers, who are participating in the “Colorful Crochet” / “Eindeloos Haken”-blog tour; I couldn’t be happier about all this!
If you’re keen on winning a copy of the book, it’s good advice to follow the blog tour: there’ll be many more chances for you to enter book-giveaways!

Love,
Marianne xx

PS:  “Alles is Haken” author Saskia Laan stating in her latest vlog my book is a “must have” was a nice way to get my week started!

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“Colorful Crochet” – “Eindeloos Haken”

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When it comes to crochet, or any other craft for that matter, I’m easily pleased and quickly excited. I’m sure you’ve noticed… 😉
However, I don’t think I’ve ever been THIS excited!
My book is ready, printed, on its way to (online) shops around the world (can someone pinch me, please), ready for you to pre-order (English edition on Amazon and Bol; Dutch book via Echtstudio, just to name a few), and some people actually already have a hard copy in their hands!They are the wonderful women that are part of the blog hop I told you about in this post. Yep, that’s right: “Colorful Crochet” and “Eindeloos Haken” are going on tour for the next 40 days, and we’re taking you literally on a trip around the globe. From Australia to The Netherlands, from South-Africa to the UK and the USA, then back to Europe, the books will be hopping from one continent to another.

I feel very privileged and joyful that so many talented and lovely creative friends wanted to be part of the happy happening that this blog/social media tour is going to be, and I’m honered to introduce everyone here to you, all 40 fabulous participants!

01. Lisanne Multem – Draad & Praat;
02. Ingrid Danvers – Studio 92 Designs;
03. Sandra Paul – Cherry Heart Blog;
04. Tanya Eberhardt – Little Things Blogged;
05. Clare Newton – @frankielovescrochet;
06. Sarah Shrimpton – Annaboo’s House;
07. Kathryn Vercillo – Crochet Concupiscence;
08. Heleen Scharstuhl – Vol van Wol;
09. Nerissa Muijs – Miss Neriss;
10. Sandra Eng – Mobiusgirl Design;
11. Emily Littlefair – The Loopy Stitch;
12. Holly George – Holly Pips;
13. Shelley Husband – Spincushions;
14. Susan Carlson – The Felted Button;
15. Sharna Moore – Sweet Sharna;
16. Carmen Heffernan – @anniedesigncrochet;
17. Frederika van der Galien – Frederika Creates;
18. Alia Bland – The Little Bee;
19. Natalie Schwarz – Little Cosy Things and Craft As Therapy;
20. Makenzie Pearson – BQueen Collection;
21. Mandy O’Sullivan – Red Agape;
22. Heike Gittins – Made with Loops;
23. Funda Kaya – Kikalite;
24. Wendy Koutlis – @crochetcrazygirl;
25. Mariana Abadie – @winterbeachbymab;
26. Lotte van Dinteren – Lotte Haakt;
27. Janneke Assink – Jip by Jan;
28. Inez de Goede – Goed id Handwerk;
29. Lidy Nooij – Lidy Nooij;
30. Miriam Catshoek – @miriamcatshoek;
31. Hattie Risdale – The Petal Shed;
32. Annemarie Huijser – @studiohipenstip;
33. Rachele Carmona – Cypress Textiles;
34. Liza Veenendaal – Confetti Lab;
35. Emily Carter – @carter_and_brown;
36. Agnieszka Strycharska – Niebieska chata;
37. Susan Regalia – @suregal27;
38. Robyn Hicks – @crochetgirl99 and @yummyyarnandco;
39. Emma Friedlander-Collins – Steel and Stitch;
40. Mabel Gaiser – Hip met Kleur.

Having just typed up this list of fan-tas-tic creative colleagues makes my heart skip a beat: what an awesome group of makers, don’t you agree?
I know some of them have already started a project from my book, and I simply cannot wait to see!
As of tomorrow through June 30th, 2017 you’ll find sneak peeks of the book and its projects, plus chances to win a copy of the book when visiting almost all of the following websites/blog/instagram and facebook accounts on a daily basis – in short: we’re going to have a fun social media relay, starting here today.I’m kicking the tour off with a give-away of two of my books, an English and a Dutch version. All you need to do is leave a comment under this post, tell me what version you’d like to win (English or Dutch) and make sure I have your email address to notify you in case you won – easy as that!
My giveaway closes on Sunday May 21st, 8:00 pm, after which I’ll notify the winners.
By that time you will already have been able to enter the next giveway on the tour’s following participant’s blog/ig/fb, and so on and so forth: cool, right?

Oh, and just in case you’ve missed this: Saturday May 27th will be the book’s big launch party at Echtstudio – I’m SO much looking forward to that! If you have a chance, I’d love to see you there!
We’re busy prepping the party – it’s going to be loads of fun!
Just in case May 27th is not a good date for you, we’re partying again at Wolplein, on June 17th (10:30 – 13:00).

Have a super weekend!

Love,
Marianne xx

PS: make sure to visit Lisanne/Draad&Praat tomorrow – she’s your next stop on our tour

EDIT: two winners have been drawn and notified, and the giveaway is now closed.
Thank you ALL so much for your lovely comments (loved reading them) & for participating! xx

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“Colorful Crochet”

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                                 (to read this blog post in Dutch, please click here)

And then, what feels like “all of a sudden”, my book is almost ready, and I’m able to show you its cover (and some sneak peeks), woo-hoo!
All three editions (English, Dutch & Turkish) are being printed as I type this post!
Such a glorious, happy, feeling!
Apart from very happy and proud, I’m feeling just a bit anxious too – I so hope you all will like the book……

Looking at today’s date, I realize we’ve almost come full circle time-wise. You see, this whole marvelous bookmaking adventure started with an email message from my wonderful publisher Tuva on May 18, 2016. Reading the email the thought “this is spam or a joke” went through my mind for a split second (please forgive me, Tuva), but I quickly found out “this was very serious”.
Before I knew it I was on my way designing beautiful and fun projects for the book-to-be, crocheting at the speed of light.
Next up was assembling my fabulous team of testers, writing and adjusting patterns and diagrams as they did their admirable testing jobs. On went the patterns and charts all through the hands (well, eyes actually) of a crochet-savvy tech editor. And after that proof reading first, second, third-and-many-more-to-come proof sheets, translating the book into Dutch, and doing the proof reading of the first, second, third-and-many-more-to-come proof sheets of this Dutch edition as well……
A whole lot of hard work, quite frankly, and then – finally – last week a Skype message from Tuva: all three editions – English, Dutch and Turkish – have gone into print!
It’s a good thing I’m busy organizing some pretty cool festivities to celebrate the launch of the book, otherwise I think I’d be sitting on a chair next to my mailbox all day – crocheting, of course 😉 – waiting for the hard copies to arrive here all the way from Turkey. It can’t be long now……
Festivities? Yes, yes, YES! There will be an amazing blog tour around the globe, starting here on May 20th. I’m so pleased and honored that a top-notch selection of the Dutch and international crochet community will be part of this blog hop. Previews and projects from the book will be shared and……there’ll be many a chance for you to win a copy of the book: I can’t wait to kick things off!

The official book launch party, the “Eindeloos Haken” Haakfeest, will be held at one of my favorite Dutch yarn stores, “Echtstudio” on Saturday May 27th, 2017 (from 14:00 – 16:00) in Alphen a/d Rijn, and I’m enormously excited about that.
Needless to say I’ll be there to sign copies of the book. Of course I’ll also be bringing all the projects that you’ll find in the book, so you can see (and touch) them.
There will be a “yarn tasting”, allowing you to try the beautiful DMC Natura and Woolly yarn that I used for the projects in my book. At the moment I’m working on a lovely, free little pattern that you can crochet during the fun workshops we’ll have set up for you at the party.
Drinks and some tasty bites will definitely not be forgotten…….
No party without lots and lots of fabulous people to celebrate with, so I’m hoping you’ll all be able to partake!
Is May 27th is not a good date for you? No worries! The delightful “Wolplein”-people have invited me over to celebrate the book launch all over again – book signing & projects, yarn tasting, free pattern, little workshops, the works – in their “Inspiratiecentrum” in Zaltbommel on Saturday June 17th, 2017 (10:30 – 13:00). “Wolplein” being my favorite yarn store in the southern part of The Netherlands, I’m equally excited about that, and sure hope to see a big crowd there too!

When and where will the books be available?

Dutch Book:
“Eindeloos Haken” – The Netherlands/Belgium (mid May, 2017) in craft stores and online via this link

English Book:
“Colorful Crochet” – UK/Europe (end of May, 2017), via Amazon.com UK and Bol.com
“Colorful Crochet” – USA and the rest of the world (end of June, 2017) via Amazon.com USA and Bol.com

Turkish Book:
“Renkli Tig Isleri” – Turkey (mid May, 2017), e.g. via this link

To tell you the truth, I can hardly contain myself….. my book is about to set foot in the real world! Surreal and exhilarating….. I’m off to crochet myself calm again!

Love,
Marianne xx

PS: look what arrived in my inbox yesterday afternoon: “Eindeloos Haken” back from the printshop and on its way to The Netherlands! #soridiculouslyhappy

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Exciting news!

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2016-10-15-14-55-25-1Hello, you lovely people, long time no see – I sincerely hope you’re all doing well!

I can’t believe it’s been three whole months since I last wrote a blog post; I’ve honestly missed blogging, and it sure feels great to be back here.
It must not have gone unnoticed that my summer break turned out to be a rather lengthy one. The funny thing is, it was all but a “break”: I honestly don’t think I’ve ever crocheted as much as I did in these past months.marrose-ccc-dolly-dotty-cushion-02

You see…… I’ve been asked to write a crochet book, and that’s all that has been on my mind and desk this summer!
Late May I was contacted by a publisher whether I’d be interested to make a crochet book with them. Needing hardly any time to think about the fab opportunity they offered, soon enough I was on my way designing and crocheting to my heart’s content, all projects for my own book. A book that will have an isbn connected to my name: wow, how awesome is that?
 marrose-colorful-crochet-granny-squares-01The book will have a nice mix of projects for the home, as well as pretties to wear, and will be released internationally (in English) next Spring.
Almost all designs are ready: crocheted, their patterns written, charts drawn, and photos taken. Right now it’s all about testing, re-testing, crocheting projects in different colors and yarn, in short: adding the ever so important finishing touches.
Even though I’m close to the finish line, I still need to pinch myself regularly to realize, that, yes, it’s true: next Spring will see the publication of my very first crochet book!
All kinds of exciting, really!

marrose-ccc-dreamcatcher-40This – of course – is the main reason why I’ve been extremely silent here and on other social media, and I’m delighted I can finally share my happy news with you.
Unfortunately I still can’t show a whole lot – a sneak peek here and there will be all, I’m afraid. But at least there’s an explanation for my absence (thank you, you sweet peeps for checking in to see whether I was okay), and the ongoing recycling of old work on my Instagram and Facebook.

Within the next couple of weeks I’ll start my “Treasury Tuesday”-posts again, and I’ll share the projects that I’ve made for CraftKitchen during the past couple of months (including the English translation of those patterns/diy’s), for instance the dream catcher you see in this post (↑), the cute knitted slippers (↓), and my latest, a felt Fall/Halloween-garland (↓marrose-craftkitchen-slofjes-17

marrose-ccc-craftkitchen-vlaggenlijn-herfst-halloween-22As I said, I’ve missed my blog (and YOU, my lovely readers) and I’m looking forward to spending time here again!
See you soon,

love,
Marianne xx

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