Jimbo's Front Porch

NEW AUCTION, this time for a Hookus Pokus

2012-01-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Ok so a few weeks back I had a request from a vary famous and good lookin crocheter, for a magic wand / crochet hook for her daughter who is a fan of a certain wizard who is the central character in a series of books and recent movies. I won't mention character's name because I have no affiliation with the owner of the character and no wish to provoke a spell on my little business.

Ah but there may well be those who would like to be able to cast spells and crochet at the same time.... so.......

See, from this side, it's just an ordinary everyday magic wand, made especially magic by the fact that it was borne of the famous old apple tree on the Jimbo ranch and was selected from dead branches that have been pruned from the generous old tree by either a deer or a bear collecting apples. Ah but turn it 90 degrees and you get....

sorry about the color change. I NEVER can get two pictures the same color!

A Hookus Pokus!

I'm going to auction this hook off and end the bidding on Friday the 20th just to add a little more superstition in the mix (did you know that Friday, January 20 is a magical day?) Me either. heh So cast aside your doubts, conjure up your bid and send it to me, not by owl (way too slow for out of country bidders), but via the e-magical way at jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com , and letting me know your bid. I'll post bids as they come in and run the auction until Magic Friday at the wizardly hour of 10pm Pacific Time. Please bid in $5 increments. Ties will be broken by the time the bids are received. The first bid received in a tie wins.

OH and did I mention that the pokus end is roughly a K sizewise and without an expandus alongus spell, it's roughly 9 3/4 inches of hooky magic.
And did I mention that I crocheted with it and it works like a charm!

Bids:
Shazam! A bid appears!!

Sharon goes $25
Grace conjures up $30
Carla: $35 and a little pixy dust
Medora: $40
Georgiana : $50

.

And the winner is.. ... ......

2012-01-16T23:06:00.000-08:00

(Granddaughter Chloe showing off her crocheted mittens and cap, while at the same time congratulating the winner of this contest)

With all the double entries for some really great stories of embarrassing crochet moments, we had entries by email and posted comment (only one entry per person was counted and of those, the folks who related embarrassing stories got an extra entry each). So I used a random number generator to pick a number from the total number of entries. The number picked, and I didn't believe it at first so I had it run again to see, because it picked the very last number.

So the winner is the contestant who said if she won she hoped there would be someone around who knows cpr. Well Jackie, I hope you have a very good looking cpr caregiver handy because YOU WON!!!

Please email me, Jackie and let me know an address where the hook should be mailed.

And thanks everyone for your entries and stories.

I promise more contests in the future, so please don't despair.

Oh... and the auction is now ended as well. I'll be in touch with the high bidders.

Thanks again entering my contest. I really appreciate your participation!

Jimbo

Jimbo Hook Give-away and AUCTION is OVER ... THANK YOU ALL!

2012-01-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

CONTEST WINNER IS JACKIE S. (SEE HER ENTRY, THE LAST POST IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW)

It's been awhile since I gave a hook away and I'm feeling guilty for waiting so long, so I made one of THE most beautiful hooks evah to give away in a contest that starts today. The HOOK? It's at the top of the page. Talk about chatoyance, this one is the MOTHER of chatoyance. You can see so deep into this hook and the grain figure just dances as your turn it in the light. Oh its a beauty alright. Its made of figured Maple and it's a K sizewise (6.5mm) if you're ever able to stop staring at the grain and actually use it to crochet.
Ok, how to do the contest. Of course I'll end up doing the thing by random number drawing but to make it more fun, how about if we ask our entrants to tell us all about their most embarrassing crochet moment. Now don't think you HAVE to tell us anything, simply posting a comment or emailing me will get you into the contest, but those who have a little story (please keep it short)will get entered twice.
Enter (one entry per person, please) by commenting below here or by emailing me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

We'll run the contest for one week, till Monday, January 16.

Now for the auction part, more beauties! Lets start with the next hook down from the contest hook, and number it hook #1

Hook #1 is made from the venerable Deadman Crick Apple tree and it's a beauty. It's made with a flat foot so it will stand on it's own. It's signed and labled with the hook size...I (5.5mm) and some of the cambium layer remains at the foot to keep the old Apple Tree's character. This is an extraordinary hook, and is all the more special to me because it's been made in partnership with the old tree. The tree made the wood, I made the hook. Oh and it's a nice length..8" long.

Hook #2 (the next one down from the Deadman I) is another I (5.5mm) and is also made from the famous Deadman Crick Apple tree. This one is also a beauty, but a little shorter at about 7 1/2 inches and a bit thinner. A real beauty!

Hook #3 is not from the Crick. It came up here all the way from South America. It's a long ways from its parent Panamanian Rosewood tree, but I'm glad it came my way and decided to become a beautiful size F (3.75mm). This wood is very hard but reasonably light weight, plus it's beautiful. The hook is 7 inches long.

And we come to hook #4, and unless I don't rember correctly, it's the smallest size hook I've ever made. If not, it's a VERY rare Jimbo hook. It's made of the same Panamanian Rosewood as Hook #3, but from a more colorful part of the wood. The finish is also glossy. And the size? Well just a D is all (3.25mm). Tiny and like I say.... VERY rare for a Jimbo hook. Oh and it's also 7 inches long.

Ok here's how we do bids. You can bid on any one or more of these hooks simply be e-mailing me at http://www.blogger.com/jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com , and letting me know your bid. I'll post bids as they come in and run the auction until Monday, same as the contest, Jan. 16. The auction will close at 10pm Pacific Std Time on that date. Please bid in $5 increments. Ties will be broken by the time the bids are received. The first bid received in a tie wins.

Bids:

Hook #1
Christie bids $10
Carla up's it to $25
Georgiana bumps it a little to, oh, just $50!! WOOOHOO!! SOLD

Hook #2
Sheri bids $5
Karen bids $25
Andrew goes $35
Karen bumps it up to $40
Andrew is back with $45 SOLD

Hook #3
Rita bids $20
Debbie goes $30 SOLD

Hook #4
Barbara bids $30
Lani goes to $40 SOLD

Thanks, everyone for dropping by... hope you enjoy the contest!

Jimbo

COMING SOON TO A JIMBO'S FRONT PORCH NEAR YOU... A CONTEST AND AUCTION!!

2012-01-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

[the Ranch this Christmas.. not a lot of snow but purty just the same]

JUST A WORD OF WARNING. ITS BEEN AWHILE SINCE I HAD A CONTEST FOR A JIMBO HOOK, AND EVEN LONGER SINCE WE HAD AN AUCTION. I'LL BE DOING BOTH THIS COMING MONDAY (JAN.9). PLEASE MAKE IT A POINT TO DROP BY AND ENTER THE CONTEST OR BID ON A HOOK OR BOTH. TILL THEN, HAVE THE BEST WEEKEND EVER!

Jimbo

A Jimbo Family Christmas

2012-01-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 was the first I've spent at the Ranch since I lived there back in the early 50's. It's been something I've looked forward to for lots of years so you can imagine how special it was to spend it there with Karol, the kids and grandkids.
So, the morning of the eve of Christmas Eve (one of my favorite days), we went on a mission: the Christmas Tree hunt. All of us wanted to cut a tree on the ranch. None of those store-bought trees for us!

Here are my son, Clint and grandson Clinton discussing the attributes of the tree selection. Twas almost disappointing finding a tree because it was so much fun trudging around in the snow looking for one. We ran across lots of deer and bunny tracks.

We found one! Now Clinton gets the honor with his shiny new folding saw. He's so scrunched up under the tree that you can hardly see him. Look hard, he's there. And he made short work of the trunk. In no time at all we have....

The hunters with their trophy tree, now all's left is the happy trek back to the cabin where a warm fire and hot chocolate wait.

Twas a short hike over the spring and across the meadow to the cabin. And the result....

A truly old fashioned REAL Christmas Tree. No fancy plastic made in China tree for the Ranch... oh no. We have a real genuine Deadman Crick Fir tree with all the Christmas smells and scarce branches along with a few pine needle decorations donated by a neighbor pine tree, envious of the little fir, but probably a bit proud too. So we added a few decorations of our own....

And, on Christmas Eve, we had a gathering of family. Don't remember a happier Christmas Eve...

And then of course, Santa somehow got wind of the change in location from our city homes to the Ranch, and got extra good cookies and milk for his effort. He must have been pleased because he remembered us all...

I'm hoping you had a wonderful Christmas too. Thanks for letting me share ours.
Jimbo

A Custom Order (showing off)

2011-12-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

Just finished this custom hook. First time I've inlaid a stone. Pretty eh? That reflection is actually sunlight! The wood is Panamanian Rosewood.

Hooks and news

2011-11-25T01:46:00.000-08:00

Welp, we're back from the SUNNY Caribbean. That's our boat in the distance, Jimbo feet in the foreground, and in between; Karol frolicking in the most amazingly blue water I've ever seen.

It was a fun cruise, but I missed my whittling blades. Ah but all was not lost in the sand and beautiful blue water. I crocheted!! Yup, I actually made a couple of scarves. Well I call them scarves. Some might call them something less than scarves, but hay, I gave them my full attention for like hours. I'll show you the result along with the hook I used. And let me say this about my crocheting. I LOVE that hook! It certainly wasn't the hook's fault that the scarves look like fishing nets that "Jaws" got tangled in. No, the hook actually works amazingly well for a totally hand carved hook. Why, then, you ask, are you selling it? Look at what I made. That hook deserves better. But you can see what open lacey work it might be able to do in the right hands..

Here's one of the hook with my "artwork"....

I know, I know... stick to hook making. I agree. But the hook is a beauty and it's for sale. It's made from the bramble bush up on Deadman Crick; whittled from a dead branch with lots of little bug trails. Evidently little bugs don't mind the thorns. I left their tracks and filled the deeper ones with the white filler you see. I thought the bug trails were interesting enough to leave and besides, I wanted a big hook. Plus the shape of the stick just fit my hand so well that I just couldn't bring myself to cut deeper.
So the hook ended up at 15.6 mm. That's in the Q neighborhood. big, eh? Nice for FAST gift making.
I'll let this well traveled "Carib" hook go for $35. (SOLD)

Now for something totally new.

A spiffy shawl pin. I've been tossing around idea for novel shawl pins and this is what I came up with. Actually it's not totally new. I came up with the idea while getting ready for my button and shawl pin carving class in October, and liked it so well that I've made several. You see one here, but there are others. I have an inventory well into the fives. Not all look exactly like this one, but they're all similar in the captured post aspect. All are made of spalted Aspen from the crick. Different pins though. This one is made from Montana Juniper. Beautiful! You see it in action above, trying really hard to make my crocheted scarf look good. These beauties are a little over 2 inches in diameter, and the post in the center is shy of a 1/2 inch in diameter.
Price: $25 (Two sold but more left)

And here's another, of the standard Jimbo freeform variety shawl pin. It's made of wood from the venerable Apple Tree from up on the ranch, and is oh about 5 1/4 inches long. So smooth I don't want to put it down. But for YOU? $20 (Sold)

Tis the season to be jolly, and here come some more Jimbo Crimmis hooks. This time with a little more variety, as you can see....

These Jolly little hooks are here to get you into the spirit and make your Christmas gift making all the more fun. They're fully functional hooks with a little bit of Christmas added.

Lets start with the standard old run-o-the-mill Jimbo Crimmis hook at the bottom. This hook is made of maple and has a genuine Christmas tree light removably attached to the foot. You can take the bulb out if you like, or leave it in while you're making auntie Flo's Christmas scarf. It's a 7mm, and without the bulb, is 7 1/2 inches long.
Price: $35

Next up is the Green Ball hook. It's also made of Maple, but has a decorative green glass ball on the foot. The ball can be removed should you like, for off season crochet. It's an N (10mm) and is about 7 3/4 inches long without the ball.
Price: $35

Now here's a really special hook. It's made of maple, but has an intricately turned Christmas tree on the foot. The tree is an integral part of the hook. It's all one piece of wood. No dowels, no lamination, no glue... just one stick of wood. I was thinking of painting the tree, but Karol thought it would be a shame to cover that pretty wood, so I left it. It's an L and is 8 1/2 inches long. Unique.
Price: $45 (SOLD)

And now the Red Ball hook. This one is made from a wood that looks strikingly like Mahogany but isn't. Might be a cousin of mahogany, but this is Lyptus, a very nice hardwood used in fine furniture and what's nice is that it's a sustainable hardwood. Beautiful and unique grain with lots of "chatoyance". It's a 7mm size and is 8 inches long including the ball. Oh and the ball is glued in because the base was slightly smaller than the mounting hole, so a friction fit wasn't possible. In short, the bal and hook are inseparable.
Price: $35 (SOLD)

And how about these......

MORE!! And they're all for sale!

Let's start at the top with this HUGE but very functional hook. This monster is made from Deadman Crick Red Fir so it's fairly light for the size. It's a whopping 1.5 inches in diameter. The idea in making this hook was to provide a useful HUGE hook that wasn't Tunisian, so you can crochet with it in a normal fashion. This biggie welcomes multiple strand, super chunky yarns without even a whimper. And smooooooth? Man oh Man! Oh, and it's 9 1/4 inches long. This is a REALLY unique hook that will definitely turn eyes at your crochet clutch.
Son of Dippy Price: $45 (SOLD)

Moving down from Son of Dippy, we have a succession of Beech hooks, three to be more specific. Beech is a beautiful but tough wood that is often used in tool handles and wood working benches. I like Beech for it's strength to weight ratio. Very light, very strong.
The top Beech is a J (6mm) and is 7 1/4 inches long (gifted)
The middle Beech is an H and is a little over 8 inches long (SOLD)
The bottom Beech is an F (3 3/4 mm) and is 7 1/4 inches long
Price: $25 each or $70 for the set

Down from the Beech group, we have a little hook that's a bit of a mystery to me. I know the wood came from up on the Ranch, but I don't know the species. Frustrating. Anyways the wood is pretty, light weight, and is 7 1/4 inches long. Slender, for a Jimbo hook, eh?
Price: $20 (SOLD)

The bottom hook is one of the most strikingly beautiful woods just ever. It's , (Dalbergia cochinchinensis of the family Leguminosae) and is also known as Siam Rosewood. It's just amazingly beautiful. Color and grain pattern with chatoyance is the most breathtaking. A big drawback to a hook like this is that you'll loose crochet time just turning and looking at the hook instead of your project.
It's an H (5mm) and is 8 inches long.
Price: $50 (SOLD)

Ok now lets move to the left side of the photo where we find a size 7 stand-up hook and a 7.5mm egg hook.
The size 7 stand-up hook is made of a beautiful Deadman Crick Apple Wood and can stand on it's flat foot to become a little piece of sculpture. While standing, this little hook reaches a whopping 7 inches tall. And believe it or not, when it's laying down, its 7 inches long! heh
Price: $20 (sold)

The egg hook is made of good ole Deadman Crick Maple and is of the "Egg" hook variety. Frankly, this is my favorite hook style because the bulb fits so well in my hand. I especially like the little dark oval, which is really part of the cambium layer. This hook is so comfortable using that you'll probably become mesmerized and crochet right through your private polo lesson. Size is 7.5 mm (between a K and L) and it's 5 inches long. If you're an over hand crocheter and experience hand pain, this style hook could be the answer to your dreams.
Price: $30 (SOLD)

Last, we have the hook on the right side of the picture. Lets call it Right Hook. This hook is made from Thunder Plum, a wood I've made several hooks from and that I rescued from certain cremation at our local "waste-to-energy" waste disposal plant. An iinteresting cambium layer and bark pattern helps make this stand up hook a totally unique look. It's an H (5mm) and stands 7 inches tall. Lay it down and it sure enough becomes 7 inches LONG. ha got you again!
Price: $30 (SOLD)

So there you have it. Everything you need to fill your Christmas list! All hand made. All unique.

If you'd like to purchase one or more of these items. please drop me an email at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Thanks! and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Jimbo

Off Cruising... be back in 9 days

2011-11-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Karol, Phyllis, Mike and I are off for a week on an eastern Caribbean Cruise! Any crocheters in San Juan Puerto Rico or St Maartins? We will be on the Holland American Cruise line and should be arriving in San Juan on Wed. the 16th for the day, and St Maartins the next day. Wouldn't it be a hoot to meet up!
My son Andrew will be house-sitting but isn't a hook whittler so my blog will be on hiatus for a few days. I'll be back to show you some things I have been working on, and VERY possibly some interesting hooks for sale.

Maybe my feet will get a better tan this time?

Hasta la Vista!
Jimbo

Jimbo Hooks up for sale...

2011-11-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Oh, and a picture from the Ranch last week....

The leaning tree in the lower left is the old apple tree that has donated so many discarded branches for crochet hooks.

Ok, now for the upcoming sale! Lots of hooks!!

This is a genuine Deadman Crick wood handle made for the "Boye" brand Interchangeable Head Crochet Set. It comes with 14 different size thread hooks that can be used with this ergonimically designed handle. I have had a number of inquiries from the very talented crochet artists in Brazil and Paraguay for this set. The complete set including the handle, 14 interchangeable hooks, and a zippered case sells for $65 US. Shipping is a significant factor, so please when you order, let me know where the set is to be shipped and I will research the shipping cost. I have found that shipping to Brazil and Paraguay is very slow and expensive. ( from $7 to $14 for regular postage). Payment by Paypal is preferred. Also please note that I have other sets and can make the handles to order.
Order by email to me at jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Next up...

Here are a dozen hooks of various styles and they're all for sale except for the standing Thunder Plum figured hook in the top center of the picture... it is already sold and will soon be winging it's way to Amy's talented hands in Nova Scotia!
OK... Lets start with the standing hooks at the top of the picture. From left to right:

Hook 1 is standing on the far left and has it's best features hidden from you. I made this one from Maple and left some of the bark on the handle near the thumb rest. Trust me, its amazing. Like me, I didn't get it turned correctly for the photo. duh. Anyways, this is an H (5mm) and it's 7 inches long and light as a feather. Price $30 (SOLD)

Hook 2 is very special. Remember the old apple tree I keep harping about? The one in the photo above? The tree that started this hook making career? Well hook #2 is made from a discarded branch from that tree. Yup it's apple wood and a beauty at that. It's an I (5.5mm) and is 7 3/4 inches long. Price $30 (sold)

Hook #3 is another beauty, made of Thunder Plum. Sorry folks, but it's sold and will be making warm things in Nova Scotia!

Hook #4 is partially hidden by hook 3 so you'll have to trust me on this one too. Its a beautiful piece of Maple with a bit of bark left on the foot and a hook head with a deep bowl and medium length throat. It's a K (6.5mm) and is 7 3/4 inches long. Price: $25 (SOLD)

Hook #5 is another one from a bramble bush near the old apple tree up on the ranch. You might be able to see it in the photo to the right of the apple tree. Long pointy thorns on this bush make collecting discarded branches a challenge but the wood it worth the spilled blood. Truthfully, I didn't bleed getting this one. Got lucky this time. And I got really lucky with the wood because it's just so very nice. A little bark ring around the foot of this one too, keeps some of the character of the bush. It's a size 7 (4.5mm) and is 7 1/4 inches long. Price: $30

Now we come to the hooks laying down (lying down? I can never remember the correct grammar). Ah but this isn't about grammar, it's about hooks. Lets begin, then from the left again.

Hook #6 is a beauty made of Thunder Plum with a beautiful length of the heartwood showing. It's an H (5mm) with a bit shallower bowl and super lightweight. Length is 7 inches. Price: $30 (SOLD)

Hook #7 is the only non-local wood hook in this bunch. And it's a beauty! This hook is made of Tiger Wood (no it's not a piece of the famous golfer) Tiger wood is an exotic hardwood with really beautiful distinctinve grain marking. This one is an H (5mm) and is 7 3/4 inches long. Price: $35 (sold)

Hooks #8, 9 and 10 are all hand carved by me. No lathe work on these; just a sharp knife, saw and what my momma called "elbow grease": lots of rubbing with sandpaper.

Hook #8 is carved from a down branch of red fir up on the ranch. It's pretty enough to be used as a hair stick or shawl pin, but should work VERY well as a crochet hook too. It's a bit of a Boye hook style and a bit of a K sizewise. I'm hoping this hook inspires you to do some freeform work because the hook itself is pretty much a free form. Fits the hand well though and I dare you to find a smoother finish. Price: $20 (SOLD)

Hook 9 is hand carved from a piece of Thunder Plum. The handle is sort of triangular in cross section with bark remaining from the thumb rest to the foot. Beautiful, and there's a sort of "trigger" opposite the thumb rest where the shank of the hook transitions into the handle. I left the knife marks there because the wood is so smooth and I like to leave Jimbo tracks when I can; like artist's brush strokes. This beauty is a 7 (4.5mm) and is 7 inches long. Price: $20 (SOLD)

Hook 10 is another hand carved rustic beauty, made (I believe) from Maple. I left the cambium layer (the layer between the bark and wood) because of it's character and the contrast between the dark cambium layer and the thumb rest and shank is pretty nifty. It's a K (6.5mm) and is 7 1/2 inches long. Price: $20 (SOLD)

Hook 11 could be a local wood, but isn't. It's cherry. I love cherry, especially the dark heartwood that make up this hook. Beautiful glistening chatoyance that you don't see in ordinary cherry. This hook is MUCH prettier than the picture can convey, because the camera can't capture the depth of grain and the changing colors as the hook is turned in the light. A truly beautiful hook. It's a snug L (8+mm) and is a smidge over 8 inches long. Price: $30 (sold)

Hook 12 is good old Black Walnut. Walnut was my favorite wood back in the old days, and I still have a fondness for it. Light weight for a big hook. It's an M (9mm) and is 8 inches long. Price: $30 (sold)

There you have it, for now. Quite a bunch, eh? So if you'd like to purchase any of these hooks, please email me at http://www.blogger.com/goog_1754796226 .

More to come!! I've been experimenting with shawl pins and have some really interesting ones finally ready for sale, so please stay tuned.

Oh.... ahem you might want to check out Interweave Crochet Accessories edition this month. Not to spill the beans, but there's something in there that might have something to do with ole Jimbo....and maybe even a cameo appearance by an old giant hook friend as well.... just sayin..

Thanks for dropping by!!
Jimbo

Crochet Liberation Front 2011 Retreat..

2011-10-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

Fearless Leader Laurie (left) and the Extraordinarily multi talented Julia (right) giving Dippy a thrill. No wonder he's smiling!

New but already Dear friends, Jacqui and Alan from Australia. Jacqui was a star student in my carving classes. Alan.... well cowboys used to describe a friend as someone who they'd trust enough for company during a river crossing. I'd cross the river with Alan.

Dear friend, amazingly talented hook maker, equally amazing crocheter, and fellow hook geometry researcher, Julia.

The lovely and super talented crochet instructor, Karen (left) holding her "hookane" (a Jimbo first edition), Famous freeform crochet artist and excellent carving student, Jorel (center), and just about the sweetest crocheter you could find, Janet, who grew up helping her woodworker daddy.

A photo in the new Lodge. Can you spot the crocheter? heh.

A part of the "break out" session that Julia and I organized to narrow down the functions of various aspects of crochet hook geometry. Very informative. More to come on this topic.

Spent several days recently at the second annual Crochet Liberation Front (CLF) retreat where extremely talented crocheters and crochet instructors gathered for classes, socializing and note comparing. I was lucky enough to be invited again as an instructor, teaching hook, button, and shawl pin carving. It was an awe inspiring event. I was able to meet new friends, catch up with old friends, and whittle to my heart's content in an idyllic setting. It just doesn't get much better.

More to come.... some really exciting things are unfolding.

Happy week-end!!
Jimbo

Hand Carved Hooks and Shawl Pins

2011-10-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for my class at the CLF (Crochet Liberation Front) Retreat on Camano Island where I'll be teaching Crochet Hook and Shawl Pin carving. These are the style of hooks and shawl pins that got me started in this little business. And they're still my favorites. Hand carving a crochet hook or shawl pin (which can also be used as hair sticks) is a way to not only let the wood show it's original beauty, but puts more of "me" into the work. ALL the wood in these pictures came from up on the Ranch.

The hooks are Genuine Deadman Crick Apple and each has a comfy thumb rest.
The top hook is a hybrid size. It's 6.75mm, partway between a K and an L. (SOLD)
The middle hook is a G (4.5mm) (SOLD)

The bottom hook is a K (6.5mm) (SOLD)

Prices: $25 each

The shawl pins (shown in a beautiful shawl made for my sweetie, Karol, by my lifelong friend Mickey) are all made of Crick Wood
The top stick is made from a charred stump of cedar. A forest fire raged through the ranch area way back in the early 1900's and I still see charred stumps around. Split the outer surface and the insides of these stumps are often amazingly well preserved. I left the dark outside on this one, but you can flip it over and the surface will b similar to the stick you see two places down. (SOLD)
The second stick is made from a old Hazelnut Bush stick. You can see I left the little bug trails. Beautiful wood! (SOLD)
The third is another stick made from the charred cedar stump only with the clear wood showing and a little of the charred surface on the top edge.
The bottom stick is made of a really HARD and prickly bramble bush that grows on the ranch and tantalizes me to come and donate blood as I try to sneak dead branches from it's thorny grip. Ah but the wood is worth the effort, as is the extra effort it takes to transmogrify this otherwise threatening but otherwise plain looking wood into beautiful objects. (SOLD)
The shawl pins are for sale $15 each except for the bottom one, which is $20.
You can email me with your intentions to purchase, at
jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Thanks for dropping by!
PLEASE come visit often.... there are exciting things afoot!!

Jimbo

A Tribute to Golda

2011-09-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

If you have followed this blog, you'll remember several years ago there was a post about Golda Leininger from Lewistown Montana. The pictures above are of Golda from back then. She was 94 years old at the time and still crocheting actively for folks in need.

I met Golda at the furthest end of a road trip taken with two great friends, Biff and Jack (Golda's son). We had planned the trip to see the ranch where Jack grew up, to experience the awesome beauty of Montana, maybe do a little fishing, and meet Jack's Mommy, Golda.

It was a very full day's trip from Spokane to Lewistown. We left early in the morning and arrived at Golda's apartment (she had moved into town from the ranch a few years previously) at 9pm. Golda welcomed us with dinner, including her own home made apple pie. At 9pm! Remarkable? After dinner and for a short time the next day, I got to know Golda. Every thing I discovered amazed me.  Golda was living alone, pretty much unassisted; cooking for herself and others, pretty much doing everything you'd expect a normal 40 year old to be doing. Except Golda was 94 at the time, and sharp enough for her and Jack to whip Biff and I at pinochle. An exceptional woman, Golda, and the kindest hearted person you could meet.

Now it's not a bit unusual to meet nice folks in Montana.  The big sky must have a softening effect on folks there because I've NEVER met anyone from Montana who was rude or inhospitable.  Maybe its that as beautiful as Montana is, it tests souls.  Maybe Montana simply freezes rudeness away.  Striking blue sky, aching winters..whatever it is there's something in Montana that raises good people. Golda, Jack and Biff  are perfect examples.

So who ever heard of a 94 year old crocheting?  Golda crocheted all the beautiful things you see surrounding her in the picture.  Most of Golda's artwork has been given away to charity with the exception of few examples for entry in the local fair. Golda entered crocheted pieces in the fair every year for 75 years.

That road trip and Golda, will stay with me the rest of my days.   It was a true life experience that always fetches a smile.

I'm blessed for knowing Golda. And I smile in her remembrance.

Golda, you see, has gone to heaven.

I thought you'd want to know.

http://www.cloydfuneralhome.com/cloyd/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=174:golda-h-leininger&catid=1:current-obits

NEW HOOKS auction is over

2011-09-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

High bidders please click on "make a donation" box in the left margin of this page to use paypal for payment. If paypal is not your choice for payment, please email me and we'll make other arrangements.

Thanks everyone for bidding!!

(click on photos for more detail) *****

I know I've been tardy with my blog and hook sales lately, but it's not that I haven't been making hooks! Other things got in the way. Ah but the hooks are coming and there should be lots more to follow this group.
Oh, the hairstick/shawl pins. They're here to show folks what they can expect to turn out in my upcoming carving class on Camano Island for the Crochet Liberation Front Retreat. I'm hoping they will inspire folks to sign up for the class. I'll also be teaching hook carving and button making... hope to have some sample buttons to show soon too. The class will be part of the retreat and you can find more information by going to http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/crochetcama-retreat-information/
I went last year and I can't say enough good things about it.... the setting was incredible, on the banks of Puget Sound... the atmosphere was just perfect, friends were made, crochet topics were learned and experienced, our host and Fearless Leader Laurie Wheeler and an amazing group of talented crochetiers guided us through 4 days of fun and camaraderie , the memories of which will make me smile for years to come. And it's happening again!! If you can, please sign up and come join us!! If you'd like more information about my classes, please don't hesitate to contact me at jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Now for the hooks. You see something new? Yes the hooks are standing! I've made a group of hooks from wood that I thought was pretty enough to be displayed. Yet the hooks are also VERY functional! And I'm going to do an old fashioned Jimbo hook auction for their sale. So here we go!

Starting from left to right,
Hook #1 is the only hook in the bunch that's not made of local hardwoods. Its made of Jobillo, a Central American hardwood that had dark streaks that almost look like burn marks. Its a very hard wood and, as you can clearly see, is a beautiful wood albeit a bit heavy compared to the other hooks in the group. It's an I size on my Bates "Knit Check" gauge.. 5.5mm; and it's 7 3/4 inches long.

Hook #2 is a VERY rare and beautiful piece...so much so that I just had to leave as much of the foot as possible in view. This hook is as much a piece of Mother Nature's best sculpture, AND it came from the fabled apple tree up on the ranch where Jimbo hooks had their birth. Just this last week-end I sat on the front porch of the cabin whittling hooks and watching the deer gather around the base of the old tree, eating apples that are starting to fall. A week before, we saw a momma bear and cub stopping by the old tree looking for apples. That old tree does so many things. It feeds the deer and bear, gives us apples for pies if we like, provides places for the Robins, Goldfinch and Humming Birds to rest and feed, and it drops branches that are too old and dry to support apples. Those discards have spent their useful lives feeding and sheltering the animals and are ready to become beautiful and useful again as hooks for you. This piece was one that you'd have NEVER thought could ever have become a hook, and I was amazed that the wood at it's core was so firm and ready to become a piece of art. It's a hook that I've been hesitating to sell just because it's such a majestic thing to look at. Ah but there's a mill to buy, to make lumber for the rest of the porch and perchance a bunkhouse for the grand kids.... so it's up for bids. Since this is such a rare beauty, I'm thinking the bids should start at $75. High. Maybe nobody will bid and it will stay here with me? Not a bad prospect at all.
Technically, this hook is a 7mm (between a K and an L) and is 7 5/8 inches long.

Hook #3 is another beauty from the old apple tree..... just not such a striking grain pattern as the sculptured hook #2. Still, it's from that same fabled old apple tree. It's such a generous tree, giving me all that nice wood for hooks, eh? Anyways, this hook is a Bates Gauge H (5mm) and is 7 5/8 inches long.

Hook #4 is another beauty. This one was rescued from the local "Waste to Energy" plant (we used to call it the dump). I was unloading trash one day next to a couple in a nice truck as they were unloading some amazingly pretty branches from an ornamental tree they had removed from their lot. Turns out the tree is what some call a Thunder Plum, from its beautiful dark leaves. I asked, and they gave me a few of the branches. I cut them up into blanks, let them dry and crack for a year or so, separated the cracked parts and Wall-AH! HOOKS! This one is an I and it's 7 3/8 inches long.

Hook #5 is yet another hook from the old Apple Tree... amazing eh? This one has a foot with what is left of a deep cleft that almost led me to believe there wasn't a hook hiding in there. But a little patience and see what came out!! It's another beauty with some remarkable grain pattern and, of course, history. It has pedigree. A little spalting here, a little bark on the foot... all remind the user of where this hook came from. Kind of makes the mind wander to the meadow up Deadman Crick. So the tree and me are sharing with you. The tree sheds the branches, I use them to make you hooks and leave what I can to show you the character and legacy of this old landmark. The hook is an H (5mm) and is 7 1/2 inches long.

All the above hooks have a comfy thumb rest.

Now for the bids. You can bid on any one or more of these hooks simply be e-mailing me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com , and letting me know your bid. I'll post bids as they come in* and run the auction until Wednesday, Sept. 21. The auction will close at 10pm Pacific Std Time on that date. Please bid in $5 increments. Ties will be broken by the time the bids are received. The first bid received in a tie wins.

Ah its nice to get back in the saddle! Been too long!!!

And as always, THANK YOU for dropping by! I like the company!
Jimbo

*I won't always be in front of my computer, but will post bids as soon as possible.
***** Bids over $30 get a FREE Hairstick/Shawlpin
Bids:

Hook #1
Kath bids $35
Kristin bumps it up to $45

Hook#2 SOLD....$80!

Hook#3
Kay bids $10
Nicole from Australia bids $30

Hook#4
Kathryn's here with $30
Kath with $35
Kathryn says to say "Get out of my way, Kath" and bids $40. Heh! Determined, that Kathryn.

Hook#5
Kath bids $35

INTERNATIONAL CROCHET DAY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-09-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE A WINNER! I DID A RANDOM DRAWING AND THE WINNING ENTRY IS:

this is her comment:

Nanny said...

Deus é tao perfeito em suas obras, que quando me tirou a audicao me deu agulhas, linhas e graficos de croche para substituir a ausencia do som...e querem saber? ELE ACERTOU!!! Amo crochetar no meu silencio interior, é hoje minha vida!!

Love you!!!

Nanny

I DO NOT HAVE A WAY TO CONTACT NANNY SO PLEASE, NANNY IF YOU SEE THIS MESSAGE PLEASE CONTACT ME AT jimbosfrontporch@yahoo.com .

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ENTER THE CONTEST AND FOR YOUR EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE PEACEFUL ART OF CROCHET!!

Jimbo

ps.... Shortly after ICD, I'll be posting a group of hooks for sale. Been too long between sales, but I've been making hooks, so if you're interested in purchasing or simply browsing to see what I've been up to, please drop back by and do a little window shopping.

(please click on image to enlarge)

International Crochet Day (ICD) is fast approaching and for my part in promoting the ART of Crochet, I am having a contest to win this beautiful thread hook set. The set includes 14 thread hooks that are interchangeable on the handle, so the winner will have, in effect, 14 hook sizes to choose from. The set is made by "Boye" and is their fabled "interCHANGEABLE HEAD" brand. The handle is genuine Jimbo and is made from a fallen branch of a beautiful Tamarack tree that is still growing on my Ranch, close to the real Jimbo Front Porch. Tamarack is also known as Western Larch and is my favorite for what it does for us. The tree is actually a deciduous (hardwood) tree because it's needles turn bright yellow in the cold air of Fall. The wood from Tamarack is well used for lumber and firewood. However, it's branches often simply fall to return to the earth, or are piled and burned. It seems a shame that such beautiful wood become food for the insects or be turned to ashes. This piece has been rescued, to become this year's prize to the winner of the annual Jimbo International Crochet Day contest.
To enter the contest, simply add a comment to this blog or e-mail me a brief note telling me of your wishes to own this hook set and more importantly, what YOU will do to promote the gentle art of Crochet this September 12.
I conceived International Crochet Day as a way to promote crochet around the world, and have been promoting the Holiday for several years now..... and it has been growing! Participation has grown outside the United States, thanks to many who participated in the event in the past. I especially honor the publisher of one of my favorite blogs and a TREMENDOUS Crochet talent, Sonia Maria of Brazil. See her amazing talent and inspirational blog at http://falandodecrochet.blogspot.com/ . Sonia and many other HUGELY talented folks in the Crochet world have been a major help in promoting the art of crochet.
You too can help, and in the process be entered to win this beautiful thread crochet set!
If you are unable to enter by commenting in this blog, simply email me at jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com
The contest will end at 12pm, on International Crochet Day, September 12, 2011. I will announce the winner on September 13. The winner will be selected by a random drawing.

Thank you all for your participation in the past and in advance for your participation in the event this year!!

Good luck!!

Jimbo

A Deadman Crick Hazlenut M up for sale

2011-07-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

click on the images for more detail

Two views of a genuine Deadman Crick Hazelnut M hook, carved by hand on the actual Front Porch where this blog got it's name. Biff and I took a walk the other evening up the road. I carried my little folding saw along in case I spotted some likely hook wood. Sure enough there was a dead branch in a close by Hazelnut Bush. I cut a piece off and we moseyed back to the porch to do some whittling. Well, Biff doesn't whittle; he chews. Biff's our Beagle and he tries real hard to make hooks too, but they always end up looking like chewed up sticks. I'm a much better hook maker than Biff. But then he's only a year and a half old.
Biff and I were by ourselves up there on the porch that evening. For awhile. Biff started off laying by my feet and sniffing the shavings as they fell from my knife. Then he decided it might be more fun to survey his domain down by the apple tree and touch base with some of his squirrel and chipmunk friends while I whittled on the porch. Ah it was a wondrous evening so peaceful with the sound of the crick in the distance. I stayed out till a little past dusk to finish the hook, even though it cost me a couple mosquito bites. And the result is this rustic little hook you see resting atop an old cedar stump. If you look close you can see that a fair amount of the original Hazelnut stick remains unwhittled on the back side of the hook handle. I liked the grain. Figured I couldn't whittle it that pretty, so I left it to show off mother nature's handwork.

Now this hook is an M, thereabouts. Remember it's hand whittled so the hook size won't be precise, but you can count on it being pretty close to M size (9mm). And it's 7 3/4 inches long with a full length thumb rest. That's a sneaky way of saying the hook handle is pretty much flat along it's full length.

If you'd like a genuine 100% Deadman Crick hand whittled by Jimbo Hazlenut Hook, it can be yours for, oh, lets say $25. (SOLD ALREADY!!)

You can purchase this little piece of the old homestead by emailing me your intent to buy, at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Oh I know I've been slow getting hooks to the market. But look at the post below this one and maybe you'll forgive me a little lapse.

More to come!
Jimbo

It's not ALL about Crochet....

2011-07-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

Other things get made too... such as:

This is a large block of Red Fir taken from a dead tree just a few yards East of the cabin up on Deadman Crick. I think that tree is at least as old as me. My buddy Jim and I fell the tree and then used the chain saw to cut the slab you see, then it was

Jim, who is a superb woodworker, using his scrub plane to make the surface even. I got to make shavings too. I tell you there's nothing like the sound and feel of a sharp hand plane making shavings.

Once the top was smooth, we drilled holes for the legs, cut and slotted tennons on the leg ends, fitted Cocobolo wedges in the slots, and drove the legs through the slab. The wedges were used to secure the legs in place. It was decided to leave the legs natural.

And here you see the finished product. See the little Cocobolo wedges in the top ends of the tennons? You can click and enlarge the picture for a better idea.
Now I'm itching to do more. I'd love to make us a dining table and maybe a log frame bed for the kids.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Kinder Crochet Week WINNERS!!

2011-06-28T00:14:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE WINNERS!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO: (in alphabetical order)

AMETHYST MADE THIS VERY NICE PIECE. IT'S A WINNER, AMETHYST!!

CLAIRE MADE THIS AMAZING COASTER FOR HER DAD. YOU WIN, CLAIRE!!

LIAM DID THIS VERY CLEVER POT HOLDER. LIAM, YOU WIN!!

MADYSON DID THIS BEAUTIFUL HAT! MADYSON IS A WINNER!!

AND THIS INCREDIBLE SCULPTURE TITLED "KING OF THE HILL" WAS DONE BY MIREYA.

IS THERE ANY DOUBT THAT MIREYA IS A WINNER?? NONE!

Thank you everyone for entering. It was VERY easy to pick winners, as you can see. These are some amazing projects and I'm very grateful you all took the time and effort to enter. Winners, please contact me with mailing information at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

I will be sending your prize hooks soon!

Thanks again everyone!! Aren't these kids just incredible!!!

Jimbo

INTERNATIONAL KINDER CROCHET WEEK CONTEST!!

2011-06-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

I did this last year and it was so much fun, I'm going to do it again this year. Maybe it'll catch on. I think in my little brain that it might be a good way to start kidos along the path to a positive addiction... CROCHET!

The contest is timed to coincide with the end of the school year (which is mid June here in the US). So the week of June 20 - 27 has been chosen for the event. It will be a great time for mom's, grandmothers, aunts, friends or whoever to have some quality time with a youngster and teach them crochet.... something really constructive and worthwhile to do with vacation time.

Send pictures of what your students crochet project during the week of June 20 - 27. I will do a drawing from the entries and the winner will have their project posted in my blog and will win a Jimbo hook. It'd be great if other fiber art professionals would join in, with prizes or projects especially designed for children learning to crochet.

You can enter your fledgling crochetier in the contest by sending me a picture of their crochet project during the week of June 20 - 27th. Entries can be emailed to me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Last year we had some really nifty projects.. most were simple chains, which is perfectly alright.

Thanks again to everyone who participated last year and here's a big CHEER to those who will enter this year!!

Hoping to see entries pour in!
Jimbo

NOTE: I've been asked if there is an age limit. No, there's no limit, but the idea is to encourage teaching crochet to youngsters. That said, and to avoid legal issues, entry in the contest should be done by a legal age teacher on behalf of the kido crocheter. There should be no information submitted about the child beyond a picture of the kido's project WITHOUT the kido in the picture. I tell you..... what's the world coming to??

Memorial Weekend at the Ranch

2011-06-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

My son Clint and Grand daughter Chloe watching the meadow for deer

A humming bird by the feeder on the porch

The wild Strawberries are blooming

Beautiful wild flowers grow up there..

My grandson Clinton waiting for a hummingbird to land on his finger

And there are even blossoms in the Old Apple Tree

WORLD'S SMALLEST JIMBO CROCHET HOOK UP FOR BIDS

2011-05-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

AUCTION IS OVER...

BARBARA IS THE HIGEST BIDDER!

More hooks are left for sale two posts below. And more to come!

Thanks!!!

YOU are the first to see and have a chance to bid on the smallest size hook I've ever made. This is a Tiger Wood hook made in a size D (3.25mm). Had to use a magnifying glass to see the hook head as it was being carved. I crocheted with it and it works just fine. Wouldn't recommend this hook to crocheters who are prone to breaking hooks because their tension is so high, but I believe for "normal" tension this amazing hook will work just fine. The hook is not small in any aspect but the size. It's 7 inches long and has a form fitting thumb rest as you can see in the top photo.

Now what I'm going to do, since I have so much time involved in making this hook (I couldn't expect to set a price based on my time... nobody could afford it)..... so I'll do an old fashioned auction.

We'll allow a bit of time for the Holiday and close bidding at 10pm Tuesday night (June 7) Pacific time, due to the upcoming Holiday.

A little twist here, for the benefit of my followers. The bidding will start at $35. If the bids do not go above $35 I will do a drawing and give the hook away to one of my followers.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:
Barbara goes $35
Just back from the Crick and find Carol here with her bid of $40
Barbara comes back with $50

Noste Giveaway and HOOKS FOR SALE!

2011-05-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

AND WE HAVE A WINNER!!! OMLAIR FROM AUSTRALIA GETS THE NOSTE

I'm BACK, and let the contest begin! This is the experimental Nostepenne that I made for winding small center pull balls of yarn The shaft rotates, but you might want it not to, simply by binding the space between the handle and shaft with a bit of yarn. The handle is made of Apricot wood and the shaft is maple. Now the good part. YOU can win this Noste simply by posting a remark here or by emailing me at jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

I'll make this contest a quick one.... Karol and I are going out of town soon, so lets run the contest till 10pm Pacific Time on Tuesday May 17. Good luck!!
Oh and if you are on my "follower" list and mention that fact, you get TWO entries! Otherwise, one entry per person, please.

Big hooks for sale! The Huge Egg Hook is an S and is made of Yew wood. Beautiful wood and a VERY useful hook that should be a joy to hold. Price: $30 (SOLD)
The other is an M (9mm on my Bates "knit check" gauge) Its made of good ole Black Walnut and is 8 inches long. Price: $30.

Exotic Tiger Wood hooks for sale...
I wasn't sure what kind of wood this was till I looked it up. I just knew that it was very hard and very pretty. Why didn't I know? It was a gift to me in my "goody bag" that I received at the Crochet Cama retreat last year. Beautiful wood, wouldn't you say?
Left to right:
Tiger 1 is a G (4mm). It's 7 1/2 inches long. Price: $35 (SOLD)
Tiger 2 is an H (5mm ) It's 7 3/4 inches long. Price: $35 (SOLD)

Tiger 3 is an I (5.5mm on the ole Bates gauge) It's 7 1/2 inches long. Price: $35 (SOLD)

Tiger 4 is another H (5mm Bateswise) and is 7 3/4 inches long. Price: $35
All of these hooks have comfy thumb rests.

An ultra beautiful Cocobolo G is up for sale. This is one of the prettiest pieces of Cocobolo that I've come across. There's no thumb rest at this time, but I'll carve one at the request of the buyer. Amazingly beautirul hook. It's 7 1/2 inches long. Price: $45 (SOLD)

This amazing Marblewood hook is incredible. Part looks a bit like bamboo, and the darker part is like, well, dark bamboo. The grain looks like it might be rough but I guarantee its REALLY smooth. Size is an I (5 1/2mm) and it's 7 3/4 inches long. Price: $$40

And last but far from least is this set of Boye steel interchangeable hooks. I made a "Fumed Maple handle for this set and inset the otherwise plain aluminium handle. It comes with a very comfortable thumb rest and is ultra light weight, not to mention the pretty dark wood. You get 14 hooks in one with this set from size 1 - 14 in Boye steel hooks for your thread hooking comfort. Price: $65

You can buy any one or more of these hooks by emailing me your intentions at jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com . First offer gets the hook(s).

Thanks for your patience! I hope to get more hooks going soon. If you don't see something you like, I can do special orders.

Have a great weekend!
Jimbo

RAOK (Random acts of Kindness) Week, May 2-8 Proclamed.... lets make it INTERNATIONAL!!!

2011-05-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Tony Antonucci, I'm very proud to say, is a friend of mine. I met Tony while we were involved in a local High School fund raising project for our students in Ferris High School here in Spokane. Tony has energy to burn and it's always directed at helping someone. If there were nominations for Santa Claus, Tony would be my choice.
I just today learned that Tony has been lobbying for a nationally declared Random Act of Kindness week (May 2 - 8). Here's a link to the story in our local newspaper, the Spokesman Review.....

http://m.spokesman.com/stories/2011/may/04/shawn-vestal-small-kind-acts-bring-about-greatness/

After reading the article, I thought why not support Tony and see if RAOK week might be taken to an INTERNATIONAL level. Why not? So... if you're reading this and you have a blog or are a member of a group or are on facebook or have any other access to spread the word, Please help support Tony in his efforts to establish May 2 - 8 as not just National, but International Random Act of Kindness Week.
And what do we do during the week? We simply perform random acts of kindness for others, no matter how small. What a concept!! This world could certainly use more kindness. I'm proud to support Tony, and hope you're inspired to participate as well!

Jimbo

(My first RAOK of the week, a pretty picture for YOU)

Vacationing

2011-04-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

Karol and I are off today for sunny California to visit our son Lance. Have a great week, and I'll be in touch soon after we get back.

Oh, and I want to thank everyone who voted for me for the 3rd annual Flamie Awards. The winners were announced via a podcast and I'd like to congratulate ALL the winners! I didn't win this time, but I really do appreciate all who voted for me. Thanks!!

Jimbo

7.5 MM Deadman Crick Bush Maple (SOLD)... just showing off others

2011-04-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

There's really only one hook here that's for sale. The others are already spoken for, but I just wanted to show you that I've not been slacking.. just filling custom orders.
So which of these beauties is for sale? The one on the far right. I made this hook in response to some discussion about the lack of a hook size between a K and an L. Actually there is quite a gap between manufactured hook sizes there, so I thought I'd make a 7.5mm size and see if there's an interest. Its made from genuine Deadman Crick Bush Maple, cut not 50 yards from our cabin from a dead branch. Beautiful BEAUTIFUL wood, Deadman Crick Bush Maple, and not just because I'm biased. It's a truly chatoyant wood that is sure to entertain you in bright light. And speaking of light, even at 7.5 mm with a generous grip, this hook fairly floats. 7 3/4 inches of purty.
Price: $35 (buy by emailing me at jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

And the others just for your viewing pleasure are to the left of the Genuine Deadman Crick Bush Maple hook. The jet black hook is going to a very talented crochet designer and instructor. It's a J and made of Gabon Ebony. Next over is a Jobillo H that's going with a set of Boye thread hooks to another very talented crocheter. And the furthest left hook is one done in the old Jimbo style (I can still do those if you like, but I'd need orders in advance). This hook is made of beautiful Panamanian Cocobolo.

I've been working hard at the Ranch lately, cutting slash left from a timeber sale directly north of us. Lots of firewood. More than enough to keep our cabin warm for years to come... but I need to get it cut, split and stacked asap, so I've been a little slow with the hook making. I'll try to make it up to you soon.

Thinkin maybe its high time for a contest.....

Have a great day!!
Jimbo

AMAZING NEW CROCHET HOOK DISCOVERY!!

2011-04-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

Ever envy the quilters and their ability to precisely join pieces that have crisp, tight corners? Tired of leaving those unsightly gaps when you're joining squares in your blankets? Weary of crocheting at the same dreary angle? Need a back scratcher for those hard to reach places? Well wait no more! Hot off the research and design bench on the Front Porch comes the ANSWER! I give you the first and only Jimbo Around the Corner Crochet Hook!!

Want to see what this baby can do? Well take a peek at this!

Ever see such tight crisp corners? I didn't think so.

And for YOU today....

Wait a minute!

Today is April Fools Day!!!

HA!! GOTCHA!

love April Fools Day!!!

2011-03-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

Jobilla Hooks Sold out... more to come, Thanks!

2011-03-28T15:58:00.001-07:00

click on image for enlarged view

These are Jobillo (edited to correct spelling) hooks. Jobilla is a nut tree and not only does it produce cashews, but the wood is just phenomenal! I think this is the most lathe friendly wood that I've worked with so far, outstripping the German Plum that is also very nice but just a little more difficult to work. So look for more Jobilla hooks in the future coming from Jimbo's Porch. The wood willingly works down to smaller sizes and seems to stay solid while the shank is formed. Ever have a wood piece turning at 2000 rpm with a shank of 3.75mm? Scairy, but Jobilla holds up well, which translates to really fine hook wood. And the bonus is that it's beautiful wood! Lots of surprises in the grain and lots of color variation.
Oh and bytheway, that little swatch you see under the hooks? I crocheted that!! Amazing eh? I think if I worked at it another few years, I might get to the point of making a fair warshcloth (up at the Crick we pronounce "wash" as "warsh").
Ok so to the hooks. Lets start at the bottom and work our way up,
As measured on a Susan Bates "knit check" gauge:

Bottom hook:An H (5mm), a little over 7 inches long.(SOLD)

Next up from the bottom is a size 7 (4.5mm) a wee bit under 7 inches (SOLD)

Third up is an F (3.75mm) at 6 3/4 inches (16.75cm)long.(SOLD)

And the top hook is a G (4mm) and is 6 7/8 inches long .(SOLD)

All four hooks have carved thumb rests.

And there you have it.

Price: $35 each

You can email me your intent to buy or send your questions to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Jimbo

HOOKS!!

2011-03-23T14:55:00.001-07:00

(click on image for more detail)
Whew! This new camera is amazing, but getting a picture to transfer to the computer is another thing. Must be a learning curve and I'm just starting the upswing. Anyways here are two hooks, the top one is for sale and the second one is sold, but I wanted to get pictures here of both.
The top hook is a G (4.5mm) and is made of Gabon Ebony. Beautiful wood! I like wood grain so the contrast in this hook appeals to me. Ebony, you probably are thinking, is black; its the stuff the black keys on a piano are made from. True, but not ALL ebony is completely black. This piece has black, shades of gray, and yellow/orange, and I think its much more appealing than all black, don't you?
Oh yes, length. This hook is 7 1/4 inches (18.2cm)of ultra smooth, strong wood. It doesn't have a thumb rest at this point but I'll carve one should the buyer so choose.
Price: $45 (simply email me of your intent to buy, at
jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com\

Now the bottom hook has been sold but I wanted to show it because of the handle material. The handle is made from Deadmancrick Wood (ok, technically Red Fir). Ordinarily this wood is likely too soft for hook making, but since the hook is part of a Boye Interchangeable (tm) set of hooks, we can get away with using light weight but beautiful woods. I like the honey color of this wood, not to mention that it comes from my most favorite place in the world (the ranch). Also, this wood is taken from a fallen, dead tree, so except for the poly finish, it's very ecological. Not the easiest wood to turn, but the results are well worth the effort.
Although this hook is sold, I will take orders for more of these sets in this wood or another of the buyer's choice. Price: $65.00 (SOLD).
More hooks in the works, and I'm still taking orders.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Flamewood Hook Showoff

2011-03-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

(click on the image to see detail of the grain in this beauty!)

Just had to show off the Flamewood in this hook, and use the new camera outside. This hook is already sold by way of an email order. I seem to be doing more hooks that way lately, from folks who want something special. Just for the record, though, the hook is made of a really beautiful hardwood called Flamewood for it's dark and red/orange colors that blend in flame-like flares. Beautiful. Trouble is, I think this might be my last piece of Flamewood. Ah but there are many other beautiful crochet hook woods, and most particularly, those nearest to my heart...DeadmanCrickwood from up on the ranch.

I do have more hooks in progress and will have some up for sale soon.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

FLAMIE AWARD NOMINATION!! I'VE BEEN HONORED WITH A NOMINATION!

2011-03-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Just about my most favorite crochet related group in the Universe.. the Crochet Liberation Front in Ravelry (a million member fiber arts related forum) has an annual award called the Flamie, akin but not related to the Oscars. The Flamie is awarded to individuals and companies in various catagories relating to crochet. I have the honor of being nominated in the catagory for "Best Crochet Hooks (Handcrafted/Individual)"I'm nominated with some of the most respected and legendary hook makers I know of, and it's a true honor. Really! The Crochet Liberation Front might seem like a comical name, but it's membership of near 6000 includes some of the best crochet talent in the world, all with a common goal of promoting the gentle art of crochet.

Oh and just in case you might like to vote... here's a link:

Vote for Flamie awards here

Boye interchangeable thead Hook SOLD to the nice and AMAZINGLY talented lady from England

2011-03-12T11:41:00.001-08:00

click to see remarkable detail!

Here's the first image in my blog, taken with my new camera! It's a dandy; a Canon TS3i and it'll do the dishes if I could just figure out which buttons to push. But it takes beautiful pictures!!

And the subject? Well I do need to start selling hooks or folks will think I've fallen off the lathe.

What you see here is a Boye style interchangeable thread set, with interchangeable thread hooks ranging in size from 1 - 14. The hook handle is made from a ultra beautiful, ultra light weight Maple burl. Now with the increased image quality I'm getting with this new camera, you can get a better idea of the depth of the wood grain character. There's no thumb rest yet on the hook, but I'll gladly make one for the buyer.

Price: $65

Buy this hook by being the first to email me of your intention.... at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Sorry posting took so long, but I had to wait quite a while for the camera to get here.

Thanks for your patience!!
Jimbo

I NEED a new camera!

2011-02-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

The camera that took all the pictures in this blog finally gave up. It just gave up, after a long life taking some really good pictures. However, it doesn't have features that I'd like if I was to buy a new one. I need better macro capability and a real need to do quality photos with available light. Anyone out there who can give me an idea of the camera I should have? I'd appreciate your input.

Driving me crazy, it is, to have hooks made and ready for sale but no way to take pictures!

Please give me your suggestions. You can leave a comment below or email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Jimbo

ps.. the camera that did so well for so long is a LUMIX by Panaxonic. And of course, money is an object.

Novel Crochet Accessory

2011-02-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

click to enlarge image

Here is another result of my search for interesting oddities in the Crochet world. This is a tool used to aid crocheters in making "looped yardage". Very interesting and I wonder if this kind of tool might be useful in making bullions or a bullion-like stitch. Take a look. What do YOU think?

Pretty interesting. Could there be a market for such a thing?

Please, lets see your comment. If Blogger won't let you comment, you can email me and I'll copy and post comments for you. Oh yeah.. here's my email address:
jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

A new Jimbo's Front Porch Feature.... interesting crochet developments

2011-02-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

(click image to enlarge)

The above image is of a granted United States Design Patent for a, and get this, a "KNITTING CROCHET HOOK". What the!!?? And if you can enlarge the image, you'll see that this patent belongs to the "Clover Mfg. Co. Ltd". So answer me this. How do you suppose the Clover company expects to use this hook for knitting?? Now in reality, it may not matter much what they call it. A design patent is granted to the ornamental design for the article shown in the drawings. But what amazes me is that a company as large and as deep in the knitting and crochet industry as Clover would call a crochet hook, a "knitting" crochet hook.

This is the first feature of others that I hope to add to my blog for crochet reader entertainment. I intend to focus mainly on interesting patent disclosures, but might do other stuff from time to time.

If you like the idea, or on the other hand, if you think its not something you'd like to see in my blog, please comment. I'll still be doing hook sales here and the stuff you're used to seeing. Just thought it might be fun to look at unusual crochet related stuff once in awhile.

Happy Hooking!
Jimbo

And the WINNER of the 2011 Jimbo Valentine HOOK is...

2011-02-14T09:17:00.004-08:00

We had a grand total of 144 entries this time!! That's the most entries, I think, for any contest I've ever done! Thank you everyone who entered and who are now registered as Followers! I honestly wish I could give everyone a heart hook, you all deserve that and more... but alas, I don't have the time or the wood to do such a thing. So I must pick just one. And I did just that, by using a random number generator. The winner was number 111, and that just happens to be a lovely and talented crocheter from Merry Old England. She goes by Debsydoo in Crochetville. Congratulations Deborah! Please contact me with a mailing address.
And thanks again to everyone who entered!

Jimbo
Oh, and stay tuned, please. I'll have a group of hooks up for sale very soon. I've also been taking orders, so if you have a special hook in mind, please email me with your request.

Isn't she a Beauty!! I'm such a lucky guy!

Happy Valentine's Day Sweetie!!!

Jimbo

Prehistoric Kauri Hook Auction is OV ER, Thanks!

2011-02-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

Just think of it! Back somewhere in New Zealand 30,000 to 45000 years ago the tree that gave birth to this crochet hook was alive and growing. Then what some say was a tsunami fell the tree and buried it under layers of mud. That was a time when saber tooth cats roamed the earth and humans were just beginning to show up in Europe. Before the Ice Age. This is the world's oldest known workable wood.
There are folks in New Zealand who dig up these huge trees and cut the wood into workable pieces. So when I found out that there were pieces available at my local Woodcraft store..... Let me tell you it seemed to be an almost reverent event, shaping this wood into a crochet hook. I was revealing layers of wood that had not been exposed to light for maybe 45,000 years!
And what's incredible too is that the wood is entirely workable and beautiful to behold. It has "chatoyance", a sort of sparkle when very carefully polished. So the wood in this hook has been polished, starting with 200 grit sandpaper (medium fine) to remove the tool marks, then worked with 400 grit, then 600, then 1500, and so on, all the way to 12000 grit. For hours. And it was worth the effort. Of course the picture can't show the effect, because you can see how the light dances only by turning the hook in bright light.
I have enough of this wood to make only 4 hooks. What you see here is hook #1. The other three will come as time allows. But for now, it was decided that I should auction this hook, possibly to a collector, although I think it will crochet very well. In fact I did a short chain and it worked just fine. However, if you crochet really tightly and have a tendancy to break hooks, please don't bid; or if you do, consider keeping the hook as a collector's piece.
When making the hook, I paid very little if any attention to size. My only concern was to make a useful hook, and not risk making one with a tiny head that would break easily. So when all was done, I measured the shank and it's right at 8mm (an L). Normally when I let a hook just find it's own size, it turns out to be between actual sizes, but this one is right at 8mm! And it's a good length (8.25 inches or 21 Centimeters). I decided too, that I would wait to carve a thumb rest pending the buyer's preference.

To the auction..

This auction will run 10 days, and will close on Feb. 21 at 10pm Pacific Std Time.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bids will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Thanks for visiting!
Jimbo

Bids:

Carla starts with $35

Emily takes it to $50

Diana says $65

The graduating class of Feb. 10, 2011

2011-02-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

The graduates pictured here attended my crochet hook whittling class at Woodcraft in Spokane Valley last night. The rest of the class got away before I remembered to grab my camera but here is what we found after clearing away that pile of nice curley shavings; a good lookin bunch of very patient and talented students and the hooks they whittled. Very astute and apt whittlers, these. AND we made it through the 3 hour class without needing a single bandaid!

Thanks for being such good students!
Jimbo

BE JIMBO'S VALENTINE CONTEST 2011

2011-02-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

Will YOU be my Valentine? If you will, make a comment here or E-mail me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

And you'll be entered in my BE MY JIMBO VALENTINE contest to win this Heart Wood Hook. Oh and its an L, for the, uh you know, the "L" word.

I'll close the contest on Feb. 14, Valentine's Day!

Hope you have a warm and special Valentine's Day!
Jimbo

Been away to the Ranch again

2011-01-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo taken yesterday morning (Jan. 17) from the Jacknife road above the Ranch. My good friend Dickie and I stayed an extra day (thanks to our Lovely and considerate wives Debbie and Karol). So before packing up to leave, Dickie suggested a ride to see the sites. We ended up heading up the Jacknife Road which climbs the mountains on the North side of the Canyon above our place on the Crick. Notice the long white patch of snow in the lower left side of the picture? That's a field down the road from our place about a mile. So if you were to mozy on up the canyon about a mile, and if you were to have X-ray vision to see through that ridge just above the baby pines in the foreground; you'd be looking at the ranch. A bit of low hanging cloud cover hides our place too, but I thought it was a pretty view worth sharing. Come to think of it, if you had a really big x-ray and fog penetrating magnifying glass, you would be able to see little saw marks on dead branches in bushes and trees where many of my crochet hooks have originated. So if you happen to own a genuine Deadman Crick wood crochet hook, the area you're looking at is where it was born...
Conditions haven't let me make lots of hooks lately, and I apologize to those who wait. Hopefully there will be more soon.
Thanks for your patience. Wishing you the best year to come!
Jimbo

Have a Hooky New Year Everyone!!

2010-12-30T10:02:00.001-08:00

Deadman Crick in the cold and snow. Ah but it's snug and warm in the cabin. Wouldn't trade it for a hot summer day.

We're headed for the cabin today to watch the grandbabies sled off the REAL Jimbo's front porch; and see the new year come in under a blanket of stars you just can't see in the city. I sincerely wish you could all be there.

My VERY BEST to you for the coming new year! May you be happy and healthy, and may your hooks make magical things!

And thank you all for your kind words and support. You keep me going, you know.

A VERY Grateful,
Jimbo

Christmas Hook Contest WINNER IS "SANDIE P" ... (and some hooks for SALE)

2010-12-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

SANDIE P IS THE WINNER OF THE CRIMMIS HOOK. SANDIE WAS #47, DRAWN AT NO SMALL EFFORT IN COUNTING, FROM 148 ENTRIES, INCLUDING THOSE WHO ENTERED VIA EMAIL. SANDIE IS A VERY ACCOMPLISHED CROCHETIER! YOU CAN VISIT HER BLOG AT http://crochetcabana.blogspot.com/ CONGRATULATIONS SANDIE, I HOPE YOUR CRIMMIS HOOK MAKES LOTS OF NICE THINGS FOR YOU! AND THANK YOU ALL FOR ENTERING.... KEEP WATCHING, THERE WILL BE OTHER CONTESTS COMING.
AND MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

the hooks for sale can be found at the bottom of this post

The 2010 Crimmis Hook ("Crimmis" coming from my son Lance when he was about 3, called Christmas, "Crimmis" and it stuck).
The hook? Well what wood would a Crimmis hook be made of? Holly of course! This is the first hook I've made from Holly. Its an AMAZINGLY smooth and WHITE wood. And it makes for really nice hooks. This one is an I (5.5mm) and has it's own light... a REAL Christmas Tree light! The light can be easily removed if it gets in the way of your crocheting.
And I'm giving this hook away as my Christmas Present to YOU. I can't make one for everyone, but I CAN make one for some lucky winner. All's you need do is leave a comment here in my blog, or email me at my regular yahoo address, at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

We'll pick the winner in a random drawing on December 15. Please only one entry per person, but as before, followers to my blog get two entries.

Haven't had many hooks up for sale lately, huh? WAY to many other things going on; some good some not so good. Anyways, I'm hoping to fix that soon, so if you have a Jimbo hook in mind as a Christmas gift, watch this spot. Some will be coming.

Oh and here's a picture of my Grandson Colton and the dawgs, Biff and Chopper; sledding down the hill at the Ranch. Great fun and a beautiful setting!

AND NOW FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN PATIENTLY WAITING... HOOKS FOR SALE

At long last, after a "blue" period in which I totally lost my Jimbo Mojo, thanks to everyone's encouragement; I bring you a few nifty numbers for sale.

Lets start with the threadie set at the top of the picture. This is an adaptation of the BOYE Interchangeable Head thread hook set in which one handle can be used with any one of 14 different size hooks. The hook sizes go from 1 - 14, and the handle is a beauty, made from Black Locust. This wood was given to me by the nice guys at the Wooden Boat Center on Camano Island during the Crochet Liberation Front Retreat in October. It doesn't show up really well in the picture, but trust me, its BEAUTIFUL wood and totally unique. I didn't carve a thumb rest in the handle in case it's not wanted by the buyer, BUT I'll carve one for you should you wish at no extra charge.

Price: $65 SOLD
Now lets go left to right. The Crimmis hook has been so popular, and since I have more of the Holly wood (hmmm.. Hollywood?? heh). Ok not to get distracted... I thought there might be some who would like to buy one or two of these nifty Crimmis hooks. They are intended for One-Off crochet work. Freeform if you will, because they're not specifically sized to "normal" hook sizes. The larger hook of the two is smack between an M and an N (8.5mm) if you want to have an idea of size.. and it's 8 1/4 inches long without the bulb (which is easily removable for crocheting if you so choose). The bulb, bytheway is real but doesn't light up.

Price: $40 SOLD

Next is another Crimmis hook, same Holly wood (no puns this time) and it's a much smaller size. It's a Bates size 7 (4.5mm). It's 7 1/2 inches long and the bulb is removable.

Price: $40

Now comes a bit more "normal" hook. Actually I should be slapped for calling this hook "normal". Its a serious beauty, ultra light and beyond imagination smooth. Made of German Plum, this size K (6.5mm) is such a pleasure to hold, you'll need to allow a little extra fondle time while you crochet. It's 7 1/4 inches of German Plum goodness. This one includes a thumb rest.

Price: $35 SOLD

Next is a hook made from Gen-U-wine Deadman Crick maple. It was made from a smallish branch and you can see the heart wood show as a little dot at the hook head tip, but not to worry.... it's not soft. Pretty flecks of interesting grain and a bit of bark left on the heel to retain a bit of this hook's origin. It's a J (6mm) and is 7 inches long with a generous thumb rest.

Price: $25 SOLD

And we move on to a MAJOR beauty.... another Bois de Rose hook. This wood is said to be THE most beautiful wood in the world and I ain't arguing. It's just amazing to look at, and to touch. The color and grain.. well you just have to hold it and look to gain a full appreciation of this amazing wood. This hook is made without a thumb rest, but as always, if the buyer prefers, I'll carve one. Its a G (4mm) and is 7 1/8 inches long.

Price: $55 SOLD

Ever hear of a "knooking" hook? Well here's one for you. It's a Bamboo H (5mm) that has a hole in the heel end for a cord, to be used in "knooking". If you've not tried knooking, I'm told it's a hoot and the results are very similar to knitting.
The hook can also, of course, be used for conventional crocheting, and is 8 3/8 inches long.
I'd rather not sell this hook by itself, since I'm only asking $5 and my shipping cost almost negates the price, so the first customer who'd like this added to their order will get it. Just let me know and add $5 to your purchase price.SOLD

Next and on the far right (not politically, mind you) is about the cutest little rustic hook around. This little hook is a real beauty, made from the venerable old Apple Tree that started all this (my very first hooks were made from this same old Apple tree up on the Crick). And there's lots Old Apple Tree character left to remind you of where this hook came from. Inspiring. The little branch that could, became a hook. A rare natural beauty and a rare size (for a Jimbo hook), it's an F (3.75mm). There's a thumb rest, and a length (6 1/4 inches) that fits nicely in my hand.

Price: $30 SOLD

You can buy any or all of these hooks by emailing me your intention to do so, at the email address link which again is ....

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

If you want your purchase as a Christmas gift, please order asap and I'll try to ship as soon as possible. I normally use regular priority mail and shipping normally takes three to six days here in the US. Can't guarantee mailing times outside the US, but I'll do my best to ship the day of or next day from your purchase.

Thanks for dropping by, and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO US ALL!!
Jimbo

HOOK AUCTION!!

2010-11-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

Another Bonnie Pierce autographed Bambullion hook is up for bids. These hooks are being auctioned to help fund the Crochet Liberation Front Retreat (CLF) 2011. ALL money raised in this auction will go into the CLF coffers.

Tha Bambullion hook is a form of my venerable "Chophooks" and has a rectangular cross-section that calculates to about a K sizewise. It has a special head shaped for making bullions. The Bullion piece you see is included and was made by Bonnie with one of these hooks!

The hook below is very special too. It's made from Red Huckleberry. I'd almost wager that Red Huckleberry has never before been used to make crochet hooks but it's an AMAZINGLY good wood for the purpose. This wood was given to me by Dennis, a VERY talented wood carver, at the 2010 CLF retreat, and was harvested, I think, in Oregon.
It's an H (5mm) and has just a bit of the bark left on an indentation that I've used for the thumb rest. A VERY unique hook and it's also up for auction to support the 2011 CLF Retreat.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bids will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

And if you don't win this auction, don't despair. I have more Bonnie signed hooks and a couple more of her exemplary bullions too for later auctions designed to help fund the retreat.

Lets give this auction 10 days and end it on Nov. 25 at 10pm Pacific Time.

Thanks for dropping by!

Bids:
Bambullion:

Red Huckleberry H:
Amy starts us off at $25

Misty Morning In Autumn on Deadman Creek.. oh, and some hooks for sale!

2010-11-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this with you. This picture was taken from the actual Jimbo's Front Porch on the Cabin up on Deadman Crick, at about 6 am while the mist was lifting off the foothills leading to Hoodoo Mountain almost due South of the ranch. (Oh I know it isn't technically a ranch cause all we might claim to raise would be chipmunks, deer, bear, bobcats, coyotes and an occasional moose; but it'll always be the Ranch to me). Ah but I digress as often I do. On that morning, I was the first one up, just got the fire going in the woodstove, put the coffee on, and looked outside to see this beautiful scene. All's I can give you is the picture so you'll have to imagine how it was with the smell of coffee brewing, mixed with a little woodsmoke from the fire, and the silence. Very peaceful, and just looking at this picture reminds me how grateful I am to have all this to experience.

On to my other joy, hookmaking. Presented for your consideration and purchase opportunity:

Gotta run right now, but will be back in a bit to tell you a little more about these pretties.

Ok, I'm back! Had some issues with Comcast, flagpole hanging, leaf bagging etc.
So here we go, left to right

Hook #1 is a Smoked Maple L (8mm)hook. Pretty! And Smoked Maple is a very lightweight hardwood, so for it's size it's a very comfortable weight to use. It's a long one... 8 1/2 inches!
Price: $25

Hook #2 is another Maple, only this one is from the Bush Maple from up on the Crick. It's a K (6.5mm) also lightweight for a hardwood and is 8 1/2 inches long.
Price: $25

Hook #3 is (I think) Alder and doesn't have a thumb rest (but I'll whittle one in if you want). It's a G (4mm) and is 7 3/4 inches long.
Price: $25 SOLD
Hook #4 is made from a wood that was in my "Goodie" bag given to me on the CLF retreat. While others got lots of yarn in their goodie bags, I got a little yarn and some Gorgeous wood. Don't know what it is but it's Beeeutiful as you can see. It's an H (5mm)and is 8 1/2 inches long.
Price: $30 SOLD

Hook #5 is another unknown wood from my goodie bag. And another knockout beautiful pearly wood. This one is a 7 (4.5mm) and is 7 1/2 inches long.
Price: $35 SOLD

Hook #6 is the always beautiful Flamewood. Dark and absolutely beautiful grain. If I'm correct, Flamewood is one of the stars in the Rosewood family. Unbelievely beautiful you just have to see it up close. This one is a G (4mm)and is just shy of 7 1/4 inches long.
Price: $45 (SOLD)

And there you have it!

As before, please email me with your order. First orders get the hook(s).
If you'd like to buy, email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Since this is a direct sale thing, there's no time limit. I'll simply edit this post to indicate when a hook is sold.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

PS I have 6 of the Boye Interchangeable Head Thread Sets coming (interchangeable hook sizes 1 - 14), and I'll do Jimbo handles for them on order. Each set will be priced at $65. Let me know by email if you'd like to order a set. You can see an example set in my Oct. 11 post here in my blog. Thanks!

Wabi Sabi..

2010-11-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

(Please click on image to enlarge the photo)

While I was away for the week-end at the Ranch, I left this picture for you, Dear Reader, to consider. It's a shelf that was in my cabin bedroom on Camano Island where I stayed during the Crochet Liberation Front retreat where I taught crochet hook carving. The cabin where I stayed was built in the 1930's and I'd expect that shelf was installed round bout then. I asked for your impressions in the remarks section here in my blog.

I Like your comments!

Now here are mine:

That shelf was just above the foot of the bed in my cabin on Camano Island, and it was the first thing I saw in the morning as I got up, the last as I turned off the light at night. And in between I was thinking about teaching hook carving to my students. Maybe that sets the stage a little. Or maybe that shelf would have evoked similar thoughts anyway, either way had an effect that I decided to write a bit about.

My first thought when I saw the shelf was what you'd expect. Sheesh that's really shoddy workmanship; a very shallow knee jerk reaction brought on by a lifetime of watching for "quality". Still in that negative mindset, I started thinking about the conditions at the time that shelf was constructed (I'd guess in the 30's when the little cabin was built). Then I wondered about what kind of saw was used to trim that corner, and how that brace was installed with ordinary hammer and nails without resulting in an out-of-level shelf; and how come the brace didn't have hammer marks yet that horizontal molding did. And what about the person who built and installed the shelf? Oh I had it as maybe a hobo working for a meal or a carpenter's son who was just learning the trade.

And it came to me that I was really REALLY enjoying looking at that simple old shelf that wasn't put together really that well. It was becoming comfortable, if that's a good choice of words. It fit. I was proud of the person who had the stuff to stand up and try, and if that was as best effort, then that was just fine... the shelf still does the job after all these years.

And then (here comes the epiphany) I wondered if I would have given that shelf even a second glance, had it been a plastic veneer covered particleboard plank with a plastic T mold edge sitting on a stamped metal shelf hanger, installed with a pneumatic finish nailer... something you'd expect to see. No,I thought,if I was to look at such a "modern" arrangement, I'd certainly not be inspired to wonder about the hands that did the installation. Certainly the more modern arrangement would have been MUCH more efficient to install and likely more accurate. Yet what legacy would have been left? Instead of leaving me with a warm curiosity about the carpenter, and a smile about the out-of-round curvature of that relief cut, saw marks and hammer indentations; I guarantee that if I'd paid the modern shelf any attention at all, it would have been, at best, a glance of indifference and maybe accompanied with a passing thought of derision at what a plastic world we've become.

Instead, that simple shelf made so obviously with hand tools, with very obvious tracks left by the carpenter's tools was actually inspirational. There is simple beauty in that work. Thinking about the old shelf, I left for my classes inspired that teaching people to use a knife to create a useful tool from a simple stick, is really is good thing to do. Simplicity is good. Doing things with your hands is good. Leaving tracks. Its more than good, there's a synergy.

Wabi Sabi? What do YOU think? Not the dictionary version, I expect, but there's more there than just "simple but gets the job done".

I invite your views in the comment section..

Jimbo

Bonnie Pierce Cama Bullion Hook and Jimbo sculptured Cama Hooks

2010-11-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

While at the CLF (Crochet Liberation Front) Retreat recently on Camano Island WA, several of us decided to do a little fund raiser for the next retreat. Bonnie Pierce was kind enough to offer help. Bonnie is famous in the crochet world and has often been known as the Queen of Bullions. If you crochet, you've probably run across Bonnie's books. She's just a HUGE talent and a genuinely nice person. Bonnie and I have collaborated on a bullion hook design that makes use of bamboo chopsticks for a rectangular cross sectional shape and a bullion specific hook head. Not that you can't crochet with the hook (it's about a K, sizewise) but bullions with this hook should be a breeze.
The hook bears Bonnie's signature and comes with a bullion piece done by Bonnie with one of these hooks.
I'll auction this hook off and donate 100% of the proceeds to the next CLF retreat. Lets run this auction till 10pm (Pacific Time) next Wednesday, November 10.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

And if you don't win this auction, don't despair. I have more Bonnie signed hooks and a couple more of her exemplary bullions too for later auctions designed to help with funding another retreat.

Bids:
Carol's in first with $10.00
Delma (one of my EXCELLENT hook whittling students at Camp Cama) goes $20
Jacqui bids $30 all the way from Australia!

FOR SALE:

Now to the other hooks. These are all made from wood donated by the Madrona Trees on or about Cama State Park on Camano Island, Washington and were made to commemorate the CLF retreat there. And there's a story here. I acquired two or three VERY dead, cracked and gray Madrona branches just as I was getting on the shuttle to leave for home at the end of the retreat. I first looked at the branches and wondered if anything at all could be done with them; they were so deeply cracked and weather beaten. But I tossed them in the back of my truck and they travelled with me back across the state to my shop where they languished a few days. Then it occurred to me, why not do some hook-like sculptural pieces and make use of that gray cracked rustic beauty? So I did and boy am I happy I kept that wood.

I've often tried to leave part of the wood surface on rustic hooks to speak for the character of the parent tree. The Puget Sound weather had aged this wood beautifully and to not leave at least a little of that natural patina would be a shame so I did, at least in the four hook sculptural pieces at the top of the photo. And the grain under the weathered exterior is just amazingly beautiful. So I tried to make a gentle transition from weathered branch... to finished wood... to useful tool. The idea was to have the pieces stand as if growing from the support surface, and have the hook shapes visually emerge upwardly as if growing from the wood.

Prices of standing sculptural hooks, left to right:

#1: This piece has the most exposed gray cracked wood..and even some lichen. It stands about 8 inches tall. Its not intended to be a fully functional hook, but if you've a mind to use it for crochet, it could be used as an approximate "L". It's signed on the bottom "Jimbo CAMA 2010".
Price: $45*

#2: Just to the right. The grain in this one stands like a twisting candle flame. There's even what looks to be a charred surface near the base. Beautiful grain, with a tapering head and neck done so as not to interrupt the flow. This one stands 8 1/2 inches tall. I think this hook, though balance might be a bit off, would work well for freeform work. It'd certainly inspire organic freeform.
Price: $45* SOLD

#3 My very favorite of the group because the base so closely resembles tree roots that you have to look twice to see that it's not growing out of what ever it's standing on. And this one is a fully functional hook, sized as a K (6.5mm) and it's 8 3/8 inches tall. Amazing grain direction and color. Signed on the bottom "Jimbo CAMA 2010 K.
Price: $75* SOLD

#4 (far right) Another very functional sculptural hook from the thought-to-be useless branch. This one is an I (5.5mm) and when it isn't making you beautiful crocheted pieces, it can stand proudly on a shelf showing off its beautiful grain and color. A little shorter, this one stands 7 3/8 inches tall. Signed on base: CAMA 2010 Jimbo I.
Price: $50* SOLD

The two hooks between the standing hooks and Bonnie's bullion hook are a bit more traditional, as far as Jimbo hooks are traditional. The bottom hook (one up from the Bonnie Pierce Bullion hook)was made from a gnarly piece of Madrona that I had set out as a joke for my carving students to select from amongst the easier carving wood blanks I'd brought for them to pick from. But the wood intrigued me, and curiosity overcame my sensibilities (not unusual for me), so I brought it home and put it on my lathe. You see the results. Swirling grain and various colors were a beautiful surprise. Actually that the piece of wood resulted in a hook AT ALL was even more of a surprise. And because its an artsy kind of hook, I made it a dedicated freeform hook. The hook tapers from the head all the way along the shank, so you can make tight loops near the hook head or large loops near the finger grip area.. freeform. There's a dark spot that I left along the finger grip area to show a bit of that heavily, dark gnarly surface. Signed "Jimbo CAMA 2010". Lets call this hook #5. Price: $40*SOLD

Just above the tapered hook and just below the standing hooks is a hook with a bit more standard madrona coloration. This piece of Madrona was rescued from the firewood pile behind the Center for Wooden Boats shop where I taught hook carving. Its a nice honey color with tracks form wood eating bugs (that I filled). I left my tracks too. The hook is signed "Jimbo I CAMA 2010". It's an I (5.5mm) amd is 7 - 7/8inches long. Lets call this one hook #6.
Price: $25* SOLD

There you have the Cama inspired hook collection!
More "ordinary" Jimbo hooks to come....

And thanks for stopping by!
Jimbo

* to buy any of these hooks, just email me at the address link given above and we'll discuss arrangements.

What I've been up to recently...

2010-10-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ah I've been having a really, REALLY fantastic time lately. First it was a trip across the state to attend and teach hook carving at the Crochet Liberation Front (CLF) retreat on Camano Island. Camano is an island just off the Washington Coast in Puget Sound. Its an amazingly beautiful place as you can see....

A Heron on the beach in front of my cabin at twilight.

A cabin like mine, just a few feet from the beach. These cabins were built in the '30s and were pretty rustic, but then so am I. Location was in Cama State Park, WA.

The view from my window.

And here is the shop where I taught crochet hook carving. The Center for Wooden Boats let me use it. What a fantastic group. They also have a larger shop right on the beach with a ramp leading out into the water. The smaller shop you see here is about 18 x 25 feet and has a wood stove (see the chimbly?). FANTASTIC!!! I got up every morning early and started a fire to warm the shop for my students. Early morning wood fire crackling, a cup of coffee and, well it just doesn't get much better. Ah but it did! The students were just perfect! I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable bunch, and they made some pretty amazing hooks. I learned some stuff from my students, that I'm anxious to try in future hooks, thanks especially to Julia (heartfelt encouragement and hook design), Andee (gotta try that micro mesh sandpaper), and Dennis (let me test drive his pyrograph tool, and now I WANT one).

And this is a group picture of Camp Cama CLF campers. Notice Dippy (Diplohookticus Jimbosei, the world's biggest crochet hook) in the foreground, held by the immensely talented and equally famous Bonnie Pierce (I swear Bonnie could crochet bullions from barb wire with a fence post), and Andee Graves, designer and star of the crochetwear runway. Oh I could go on and on. Seated next to Bonnie is THE Karen Whooley. Yes, its her, and I got to meet her. Neener Neener! And next to Karen is Julia who designs crochet, makes jewelry and I'm proud to say is my friend and a very accomplished hook maker. Oh I could go on some more. There's Mary in front of me. Mary is so much fun, and whittles in a crouching position. (a little inside joke). And theres Don to my right. Don was there in the shop whittling hooks WAY after the lessons were over. Great guy, Don. He and his wife Deb (another crochet maven) also entertained us with their music. And Bill, Bonnie's husband (the tall guy in the middle) is a great guy to have a beer with. There's Dennis next to Bill. Dennis is a VERY accomplished wood carver and owner of a really cool pyrography tool that I covet. And in front of and between Dennis and Bill is our cherished, venerated, and omnipotent leader of the CLF and organizer in chief of the event, Laurie. I had such a great time with all these folks, just thoroughly enjoyed everyone and every minute at the retreat. I'm hoping to do the same thing next year.

Here's a shot of Marillyn crocheting a lace doiley with Dippy. Ole Dippy was in his glory at Cama. I think he got everyone's autograph. Oh and Marillyn was one of my star puples.

And then... after a fond adieu to the wonders of the CLF and Camp Cama, it was back to the ranch where the tamaracks are changing and the woodpile needs replenishment...

Ah but I've been making hooks too, and there'll be some coming up for sale soon, very soon.

Jimbo

I'm off... ok, I'm always a little "off" but...

2010-10-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

I'm off for the next few days to Camano Isle on the West side of our State, for the Crochet Liberation Front (CLF) Crochet Retreat where I'll be teaching crochet hook whittling classes. Wisht you could be there. I promise to take pictures and to put more hooks up for sale by the end of this coming week.

Have a great week!
Jimbo

A thread hook set!!

2010-10-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

The above is in response to a challenge to produce a Jimbo hook handle for an interchangeable hook set. After noodling on the problem for some time, I ordered a Boye brand interchangeable head crochet set (with steel hooks, sized from #1 - #14). Yup that's 14 steel hooks and a single handle. I modified the handle as you can see, by adapting it to the Jimbo hook style with a longer handle body and larger grip surface than you'd find in the original set. Kind of a costly thing to do, but the result is effectively 14 different hooks, since all the hook heads are interchangeable in the one handle.

What do you think?? Is this something I should be making for sale? I'd have to charge $65.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Canadian Hooks, eh? and a couple others

2010-09-29T14:11:00.001-07:00

This is a shot of Karol looking over a vast field of grape vines while on our recent trip up to the Canadian wine country. British Columbia Canada is a BEAUTIFUL place and their wineries are amazing. We spent several days with a group of good friends, touring the areas around Penticton and Kelowna BC. Beautiful countryside and friendly folks up there. I highly recommend the area for vacations even if you don't appreciate wine.

And what did I do while in BC? Collected hook wood, that's what! In fact the three hooks you see on the left are made from Birch sticks that I rescued from a slash pile near where we stayed. So you're looking at Canadian Birch hooks, eh. BC is big and so are these hooks. The grain is very pretty and these hooks are as light as Canadian Goose down. You have to weight them down or they'll float away. heh And they're for sale!!

Bytheway, these three hooks were designed based on a discussion over in Crochetville about why big hooks are generally avoided. It was quite a discussion (read the thread at http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=113536&highlight=big+hooks) and it resulted in the hook design you see later in the thread. The trademark Jimbo flair is the only thing I changed from that design. The major concern that crochetiers seemed to have about big hooks was that the hook shank in the really big hooks was too big to grip comfortably. So, by making the thumb rest deeper, I was able to eliminate the problem and end up with a pretty nifty design. Another concern was weight. These Canadian Birch sticks are VERY lightweight. So what you have here is a set of BIG hooks that should be very easy and comfortable to use.

On the far left is an S hook (19mm) that's 22 cm (8 1/2 inches) long. It has a very generous thumb rest and a Jimbo whittle faceted heel. Price: $25 (Sold)

Next is a Q (16mm), again with a generous thumb rest and 20cm (8 1/4 inches) long. I'd let this one go to a good home for $25(Sold)

And to the left of the Q is an N (10mm), made of the same ultra lightweight birch and is 19.5 cm (8 inches) of hookey goodness for $25.(Sold)

Next is a carryover from my last sale. Can't figure out why it didn't sell, but hay, go figure eh. It's a beautiful Redheart N (10mm). This is a beauty you can easily see in the photo. Redheart is such a pretty wood and it's a pleasure to work with. This one is 19.5cm or 8 inches long. Price: $35

And last but FAR from least is another African Blackwood hook. This is the last hook I'll be making from this wood because the sawdust causes an allergic reaction. Of course the finished hook shouldn't bother anyone because its coated with hardened poly oil. Blackwood is akin to ebony and is a VERY hard and very beautiful. This is an H (5mm) and it's 18cm (7 inches) long with a wide thumb rest. Price: $45 (SOLD)

As before, please email me with your order. First orders get the hook(s).
If you'd like to buy, email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Since this is a direct sale thing, there's no time limit. I'll simply edit this post to indicate when a hook is sold.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Approaching Fall, an Exciting discovery, and hooks for sale

2010-09-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

(just a little note to let you know we'll be out till Monday evening, Sept. 20... yall have a great weekend!!)

Ah yes my friends, fall approaches. Here is a shot from the Ranch (taken from the front porch!) of my son Clint and grandson Clinton out for a little walk as the colors start to change. It'll soon be even more beautiful up on the crick when the tamaracks turn brilliant yellow. A little nip is in the air and sleeping with the covers gathered 'round is sooo good.

And we made an exciting discovery! Brushrooms!! Bet you didn't even know the species existed but here's the proof! We found them up on the ranch a couple weekends ago. We're hoping they'll multiply given the damp and cool weather, and with luck we'll have lots more. Note that Brushrooms (Bristleus Fullerbrushums) are NOT edible. They do work well, though, for cleaning the bottoms of one's boots of mud and that nasty stuff the free range cattle leave behind. heh

And now the commercial stuff. Hooks for sale!

Left to right:

A Portland Oregon Plum K (6.5mm). This hook is made from a dead branch harvested from my son Lance's plum tree behind his rental house (shhhh, don't tell his landlord). Plum is a very nice hook wood and Portland Plum is, well, special because it's from a gem of a city. I love Portland. Such a clean and friendly place. Hooks from Portland HAVE to be special. This one is. It's 8 inches long and is itching to make something nice for you. Price: $25 SOLD

Next is an incredible hook that pictures can't duplicate. It's made of African Blackwood. Akin to ebony but with a beautiful distinctive grain that you just can't see from the picture. It's VERY hard wood (had to re-sharpen my tools twice while making it). And it makes beautiful hooks. This one is an F (3.75mm)and is 8 1/4 inches long. A collector's hook that should also work to make nice things for generations. Price: $45 SOLD

And now we have a beautiful Redheart N (10mm). This is a beauty you can easily see in the photo. Redheart is such a pretty wood and it's a pleasure to work with. This one is 8 inches long. Price: $35 (moved to sale above this post)

Next up is a new one for me. It's figured Moabi (Baillonella toxisperma), also known as African Pear. You can't see it in the photo but it's a bit "quilted" with highlights that change in the light. Pretty. It's an L (8mm) and is 7 1/2 inches long. Price: $25 SOLD

As before, please email me with your order. First orders get the hook(s).
If you'd like to buy, email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Since this is a direct sale thing, there's no time limit. I'll simply edit this post to indicate when a hook is sold.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Please also note the special Boies de Rose hooks for sale a couple posts below this one..there's still a little of that amazing wood left so I'm still taking orders!

INTERNATIONAL CROCHET DAY , SEPT. 12 CONTEST

2010-08-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

I used a random number generator to pick the winner of the custom International Crochet Day hook, and it did a FANTASTIC job! The winner all the way from London England is NEZUMI
Nezumi (not her real name of course) studied fashion design at The London College of Fashion and did her work experience with the wonderful designer Bill Gibb.
After a few years and an opportunity to return to study part-time, she studied for a City & Guilds in Crochet, Machine Knitting and Embroidery,and Teaching Adults. She started teaching and also designing knitted and crocheted swatches through agents, plus continued to design and made garments and jewellery for sale.
Her website NezumiWorld started in 2002 as a creative ideas textile site. The crochet part of the site was put in place first and it just got bigger & bigger and is now mainly a crochet only site (there are some hidden knitting and craft/textile stuff which may make an appearance in 2010), There so many different styles of crochet and the site continues to grow monthly.
Nezumi has patterns for sale on Ravelry and some free ones too, look out for more coming soon.

Check Nezumi's blog at:

http://nezumiworld.blogspot.com/

Now to make this beautiful little block of wood into a hook worthy of such an artist!

Thanks everyone for entering!

Jimbo

I know. This doesn't look much like a hook, does it? BUT this is a block of what I think is the most beautiful wood in the world. AND I will turn this block of wood into a hook for the winner of this year's International Crochet Day contest. You can see exmaples of Bois de Rose hooks below this post. It indeed IS a very beautiful wood.
What is International Crochet Day? Well the date is Sept. 12, a day to celebrate and promote the gentle art of crochet. Its a growing event around the world and with your help will grow even bigger.
How to promote crochet on Sept 12? Well that's a part of the contest. What will YOU do to promote crochet? Last year we had well over a hundred entries from folks who committed to promote crochet by doing contests in their blogs, asking local yarn shops to promote crochet on Sept 12, crocheting in public, offering to teach others to crochet, and more. MANY of the entries for the contest came from outside the US, and that's a very good thing, since this is "International", a gathering of crochetiers from all over the globe to let others know about the crochet art.
THE CONTEST: This year I welcome and invite crochetiers from all countries to participate in this contest by promoting the art of crochet. You can enter the contest simply by telling me what you'll do to promote crochet on International Crochet Day (ICD). You can enter by posting a comment here in my blog, or if that doesn't work, simply email me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

I'll do a drawing from entries and announce the winner on Sept 13. The winner will have a choice as to the style and size of the hook to be made, custom to her/his desires (within reason, of course).

An excellent example of International Crochet Day promotion has been by the amazingly talented and gracious, Sônia Maria who publicized the contest in her HUGELY popular Brazilian crochet blog, Falando de Crochet!

Oh, and to those kind and faithful followers of my blog, your entry will count twice!

Good luck to all, and HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CROCHET DAY!!!

Jimbo

Birthday hooks up for sale!

2010-08-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the birthday wishes! It's a good day. I noticed that I'm not in the obituary column in the newspaper, and that's good news. My lovely daughter in law, Carla made me a Huckleberry pie from Deadman Crick Huckleberries (don't get much better than that!). I'd share if I could. And I've been busy making hooks... that's good too! Actually these have been in the works for some time now but it's a good day to put them up for sale, so without further old hook maker blather here goes.

From left to right:

First up is a Portland Oregon Plum wood hook. I made this from a dead branch that I rescued from a plum tree in the back yard at my son, Lance's place in Portland Oregon. Beautiful wood! Light in weight, smoooooooth, strong and beautiful grain. It's an I (5.5mm) and is 7 1/2 inches long (19cm). With thumb rest. Price: $25 (sold)

Next is another Plum wood, only this one is from Germany. German Plum. Very pretty wood and, like the Portland Plumm, is light and strong. It's an H (5mm) and is the same length, 7 1/2 inches, (19cm) long. Has a thumb rest. A little more cost wise since this is store bought wood: $30 (sold)

That brings us to the "fumed" maple. Dark wood that smells sooooo good when turning. It too is a nice light weight and, being maple is a nice strong hook wood.
No thumb rest on this one, I'll carve one if buyer requests. Its a Bates 7 size (4.5mm) and is 7 1/2 inches, (19cm) long. Price: $25 (sold)

Next up is another of the beautiful figured Granidilla from Mexico or South America. If you look a couple of posts below this one, you'll see more of this amazing wood. Copied from that sale: "I bought the board because the company said this wood has a high level of "Chatoyance". And what's Chatoyance? Picture a highly polished Cat's Eye gemstone. You get the impression of seeing deep into the stone and the reflected highlights seem to move as you turn the stone in the light. This wood is like that. Trouble is, this kind of wood is very hard to photograph to show its amazing beauty. This outstandingly beautiful figured wood is very hard and is often used for musical instruments. This hook is an H (5mm) with a thumb rest and is about 7 1/2 inches (19 cm) long. Price: $40(sold)

Last but not by far from least is a Deadman Crick Bush Maple hook. This wood has to be seen up close to appreciate the subtle but very pretty grain. The light blond color is pretty enough in the picture, but to really see the grain, you have to get up close. Nice and light and strong. It's an I (5.5mm) and is a longie, at 8 1/4 inches (21cm) Price: $25 (sold)

As before, please email me with your order. First orders get the hook(s).
If you'd like to buy, email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Since this is a direct sale thing, there's no time limit. I'll simply edit this post to indicate when a hook is sold.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Please also note the special Boies de Rose hooks for sale below.. still taking orders!

think I'll go eat some cake now

Bois de Rose #7 Hook for sale

2010-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

(sold)

more!! Hook on the left is a K, $55 (sold) that is on it's way to Brazil!

Center hook is an H (5mm) $55 (sold) 8 inches long (25cm).

Hook on right is an F $55 (sold) that was a special order for a FAT grip. Interesting eh?

Is it fair to say that Bois de Rose is the most beautiful exotic wood in the world? It might not be, since every wood is beautiful in it's own right. But it's been said about Bois de Rose. Intrigued, I've been looking for Bois de Rose wood for some time now. And I found some in Portland this past week end. In my opinion, if this isn't the most beautiful wood in the world from the color and grain figure viewpoint, I can't imagine what would be.

This wood has been enticing me for a long time now and I couldn't wait to make some of this amazing wood into a hook. And here it is. The color is just incredible. Very hard, as you would expect a rosewood to be, but I just can't get away from the color. Regal.

Bois de Rose is prized by luthiers who make very high end guitars and it's typically written up as being an instrument grade wood. So why not a crochet hook? Isn't a crochet hook an instrument, used to make beautiful things?

I have enough of this incredible wood to make several hooks, and I doubt that I'll be getting more soon,if ever, because it's so rare.

I can make two other hooks at this length. Others will be taken from a shorter piece of stock and will be a bit shorter in order to minimize waste. Ordered sizes can be from F (3.75mm) through L (8mm)

What I'm proposing is to sell this one outright, then take orders for Bois de Rose hooks from the remaining supply that I have available. These hooks will sell, depending on what is ordered, starting at $55.

This particular hook? (sold) It's a Bates size 7 (4.5mm) and is 7 1/2 inches long (almost 19cm) long. Price? $55

Ask about a custom order at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

And thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Kode Bluuz

2010-08-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

This past week-end Karol and I drove down to Portland Oregon, where our son Lance lives. Lance just got a great job, but it's in San Diego so we wanted to go down before he moves. Just isn't going to be so easy to visit him in San Diego. Portland is MUCH closer. Anyways, here's where we went this past Saturday. This is a marina on the river where we got to go spend the afternoon on houseboat (it's the white on waaaay down toward the end).

Here's a shot of just the best lookin babe around.... AND she's been my wife as of TODAY for 42 years! (Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!!) How she ever puts up with me...

See where Karol's sitting? We got front row seats for a concert on the river!! Lance is the bass player in Kode Bluuz, a ten piece band that can blow the room away. They're that good.

Seriously. But Lance, our son the bass player in the umpire's cap? Well you just had to be there. Not sure where he got his talent. Well ok, I AM sure. He got it all from Karol, who is VERY musical on top of being the best lookin babe around. Bytheway, that's Ray on the drums... another amazing voice.

And Bill the keyboard guy and still ANOTHER great voice! Bill's retired like me and does metalworking. Twould love to get together with that guy and make some stuff.

Kode Bluuz
And here's Lance and Robin, the lead singer. Robin should be on stage big time. And she's as sweet a person as she is a singer.

There are several other band members that aren't pictured here. Not that they weren't phenomenal.. just that not all my pictures came out so good. So Amy, John, Doug, Chris, Mike and Garrett, I apologize for my inept photojournalism, but you guys are awesome!

So as you can see we had a fantastic time in Portland, seeing Lance off; eating, drinking and getting way too much sun. Portland is a really liveworthy city that I really enjoy visiting. Sad that we won't be able to visit Lance there, and that we'll not likely get to see Kode Bluuz again. But that was one of those week-ends that in a few months from now, when I'm sitting in my rocker in "the home", will bring a smile.

AND while in Portland, Lance and I went over to "Gilmmerwood" an Exotic wood store and I spent half my gross national product on what lots of wood aficionados call "The most beautiful exotic wood in the world", Bois de Rose. The color of this wood is just breathtaking. Reminds me of a beautiful sunset. Ah but you'll see. I'll be introducing a hook in Bois De Rose soon, very soon. AND I picked up some Portland Oregon Plum (from Lance's Plum tree out back), AND some other tantalizing woods that I've not turned into hooks yet.

A little Jimbo travelogue! Thanks for dropping by!

To think, this might have become a ball point pen...AUCTION is OVER

2010-08-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

note... I lied. I read on the turning blank that this hook came from, that it is a piece of Zircote. It's not. This is Brazilian Rosewood!! I should have known better. The two don't have the slightest resemblance. Sorry!!!

(click to enlarge)

There's inherent beauty in all wood. Nature is the perfect artist, and this crochet hook displays an excellent example of nature at it's best.

This hook (both pictures are of the same hook) came from a little piece of Brazilian Rosewood that otherwise would likely have been sold to someone making ball point pens. Not to speak down to pen makers, some are amazing artists; but ball point pens just don't speak to me, and it seems a shame to use such absolutely beautiful wood on a pen that will function just as well or better in a plastic tube. And who makes art with ball point pens? Crochet hooks, and especially THIS crochet hook is destined to make art.

I think a wood piece should be just that.. a wood piece and the less involvement with manmade materials, the more chance the beauty of the wood has to show itself. So, I'm glad to have had the chance with this piece to make what might become a functional heirloom. Never heard of a ball point heirloom, have you? But there I go again. Don't be so cynical, Jimbo.

Ok ok.... so What's amazing about this particular hook, besides having astounding color, figured grain and smoothness; is the little blond topknot. That's not paint or stain, folks. And it's NOT laminated. That's the SAME wood as the rest of the hook. A little natural highlight. A beauty mark. Sort of makes a statement, eh?

While making this hook, I was thinking G (4mm), but to do that, I'd have to remove much more material and that little blond topknot would have disappeared. So, having some control over the issue, I decided to make it an L (8mm). I left just as much wood on this hook as I possibly could because, well what isn't hook is chips and sawdust and I don't like to waste such beautiful wood. I started with a blank that was just over 8 inches long. This hook is a little over 7 1/2 inches long (19cm).

Is it for sale? Yeah! The porch needs a roof!

Lets do this one at auction because I just can't ask what I think it's worth. We'll make it short and end bidding this Thursday night at 10pm Pacific Time.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. Email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Bids:
Vicki goes $20
Amy says $25
Karen goes $30
Amy bumps it up to $35
Carla jumps in with $45
For some reason this didn't post right, but the final bid came in at $55.

And thanks for dropping by!!
Jimbo
Oh and please note the post below and come whittle with me!

COME LET ME TEACH YOU TO WHITTLE A HOOK

2010-08-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

photo: Sunset from West Camano
by Tim Wilcox ~ APOGEE Communications ~ apogeecomm@aol.com

Got plans for October 17 - 21? Love emerald green islands, orcas, fresh seafood, and crochet? Ever had a hankering to whittle a hook? Well here's your chance! I'll be teaching hook whittling on Camano Island, a beautiful spot in Puget Sound WA; at the first annual Crochet Liberation Front Retreat. And if you need more incentive, there will be a number of other class sessions by famous crochetiers and just about the best crochet comradarie you could imagine. And the setting? Well you see the picture above.

I'll be teaching two classes. One on how to turn a stick into an heirloom crochet hook, and another on converting bamboo knitting needles into useful objects (crochet hooks).

Take a look at the registration information at

http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/retreatinfo.php

I'm really looking forward to passing on what I've learned about hook whittling. Its a rewarding thing to do, and the hook you make will have special meaning to you.

Jimbo

Hooks by DeadmanCrick Bramble

2010-08-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Up for sale are two hooks made from that pretty but dangerous bramble bush up on the Ranch. I call it a bramble bush because it has these really long and lethally pointed thorns that always seem to draw a small blood sample when I go to collect hook wood from it's dead branches. Ah but it's worth it. What's a couple pints of O+ when you can get this kind of result? Beautiful contrasty crochet hooks that are very hard and a feast for the eye. Plus they have a history. They're from the bramble bush down by the crick where I watched a standoff between some White Tail Deer and a small flock of wild turkeys. They'd chase each other round that bramble bush first one way then the other. Hard telling who won, but the deer did finally run off so it looks like the turkeys won.
Anyways, these hooks are very pretty and made from the same stick. The top hook is a K (6.5mm) and the bottom hook is an I (5.5mm). They're both about the same length, at a smidge under 7 inches (17.5cm).

Here's the deal. For you today I'll sell these hooks for $25 each. Not a bad price when you consider what I went through to bring them into Hookdom.

As before, please email me with your order. First orders get the hook(s).
If you'd like to buy, email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Since this is a direct sale thing, there's no time limit. I'll simply edit this post to indicate when a hook is sold.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

I hook: $25 SOLD

K hook: $25 SOLD

Another hook SALE!

2010-07-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

These four are made from that same board that my son Lance bought for me at an exotic hardwood place in Portland Oregon. If I can spell it right, it's a figured Granidilla from Mexico or South America. I bought the board because the company said this wood has a high level of "Chatoyance". And what's Chatoyance? Picture a highly polished Cat's Eye gemstone. You get the impression of seeing deep into the stone and the reflected highlights seem to move as you turn the stone in the light. This wood is like that. Trouble is, this kind of wood is very hard to photograph to show its amazing beauty. This outstandingly beautiful figured wood is very hard and is often used for musical instruments. So anyways these four are made from that same board, and are all about 7 1/2 inches (192mm) long.
The top one is an E (3.5mm)
Next two are F's (3.75mm)
and the bottom one is an H (5mm)

And they're for SALE!!

E: $35SOLD

F: $35SOLD

F: $35 SOLD

H: $35 SOLD

As before, please email me with your order. First orders get the hook(s).
If you'd like to buy, email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Since this is a direct sale thing, there's no time limit. I'll simply edit this post to indicate when a hook is sold.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Bullion, Deadman Crick Fir, and German Plum hooks for SALE

2010-07-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Next up! Something totally new. I've had lots of requests for just plain outright sales of my hooks from folks who prefer not to do the auction thing. So I've decided to try this out, and actually sell, rather than auction some hooks. This is a first for me on the blog so it'll be interesting and informative about how it goes. I guess It'll still take a little care to do because these hooks (like all of the hooks I make) are one of a kind and can't easily be duplicated. So it'll have to be first come first served I guess.

Ok so here goes. Lets look at the hooks in the picture from left to right.

First up is a really unique hand made genuine Deadman Crick Fir J (6mm) hook. This is the hook style that started me with hook making... made from a stick in the true sense of the word. I even left a good part of the cambium layer on to maintain the rustic nature of this beauty. There's even little bug holes in the handle (the bugs moved on). Ultra lightweight, smoooooooth, and totally comfy for a knife grip with that little "trigger" spot for the crook of your index finger. Oh and it's 7 1/2 inches long (19 cm).
Price: $25 SOLD

The middle hook was made especially for bullions but will work fine for regular crochet as well. What features make it a bullion hook? Well first thing you see is the shank length. Extra length to let you build up lots of loops. I did 15 with ease. Next is the head and throat. The hook head tapers and the lip is just a teensy bit rounded toward the throat so it won't easily catch on the loops as they're drawn off the hook. Also the throat is short so loops won't have a good chance to collapse as they move back off the hook. The hook is long (8 3/4 inches or 22cm), for balance with that long shank. The thumb rest is there but slightly smaller to make it easier to rotate the hook. Size? It's an H (5mm)
AND to top it all off, its made of a BEAUTIFUL dark hardwood, Zircote.
If bullions scare you, this just might be the hook for you!
Price: $45SOLD

The hook on the right is remarkable for the wood its made from. It's German Plum. I discovered German Plum when my son Lance brought me some from an Exotic Hardwood shop in Portland. The wood is just amazing. Not only is it a dream to work with, the grain and color is just sublime. Its amazingly light weight but strong and tight grained. Probably close to the perfect hook wood. The down side is that this stuff is really hard to find, maybe because it might be called by another name; but regardless, this may well be the last piece I have.
And the hook? It's an I (5.5mm) and is 7 1/2 inches (19cm) of hooky smoothness.
Price: $35SOLD

If you'd like to buy, email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Since this is a direct sale thing, there's no time limit. I'll simply edit this post to indicate when a hook is sold.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Oh and please also take a look at the auction that's still running below this post.

Slip Stitch Hooks up for bids!! Auction is over, the set gets broken up.

2010-07-23T11:27:00.001-07:00

Karen and Beth get the hooks cause their bids totaled more than the highest bid for the set. Which leaves me with a first ever hook that never had a bid. Sad.. I don't know what to tell it.

But Karen and Beth... you can use the "make a donation" button in the left margin of this blog to pay with paypal if you like or email me if you'd like to arrange for another way to pay.

Thanks to all who dropped by.
Jimbo

Been awhile since I've posted. No real excuse compared to what I know lots of folks go through on a daily basis. Ah but I'm back now and have a new set of slip stitch hooks up for bids.

So what makes a slip stitch hook different from ordinary hooks? Slip stitch hooks, so I'm told, should be pointy without being sharp. This allows the hook to be easily poked through stitches in the work, whereas a more blunt hook becomes a source of frustration. Also, I'm thinking, because loops are gathered on the hook shank for slip stitch, and the stitches can be really close together, the throat should be a bit shorter than normal so the loop on the hook has a better chance of remaining the right size. I'm also told that for slip stitch projects, larger hooks are desirable.

What we have here are four hooks, all made from the same chunk of wood. Its called "Thunder Plum", technical name "Rumblus Stickinyourthumbus" (heh.. I made that up). Actually this piece of wood was rescued from becoming part of a Watt of electricity. I was at our "waste to energy" plant (that's the politically correct term for "dump"), unloading a bunch of stuff when a couple pulled up next to me and started throwing away all these branches with really dark leaves. I saw that the heartwood was really beautiful, and asked if I might have a stick or two. They were happy to oblige, and a year of curing later you see the results. Very pretty wood and it makes really nice hooks! Who'da thunk?

As to size, they are, from left to right, in Bates sizes: J (6mm), L (8mm), N (10mm), and P (11.5mm). Lengthwise they are 7 inches (17.8cm), 7 1/4 inches (18.4 cm), 7 1/2 inches (19 cm), and 5 1/2 inches (14 cm) respectively. Notice the largest size hook (the P) is in my Egg Hook style because I felt that the larger size hook might more easily be handled in the palm for slip stitching.

Now as to bidding. I'll take bids on the individual hooks, or for the set, since they're from the same stick and are all slip stitch hooks of graduated size. In fairness, I bids for the set should be for more than the total bids for the individual hooks. For example, lets say we have bids of $700, $200, $10, and $900 for the individual hooks. The set bid (because of the usual $5.00 minimum increase) would need to be $1815; that's the total of the individual bids plus the $5.00 increase. If nobody bids that much for the set, then the hooks will go to the high bidders for the individual hooks. Get it? Not that I'm expecting those kinds of bids, mind you, but a fella can always dream, eh? If you have any questions about how to bid please email me.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. Email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Oh, and lets run this auction till Wednesday, July 28 and end it all at 10pm Pacific Time on that date.

Bids:

J:
Beth bids $25

L:
Karen goes $25

N:
Karen with $25

P:

or, the whole set:
Carmen bids $40
Pati goes $60

And thanks everyone for hanging in there. I promise not to be so long between posts in the future.

Jimbo

And the Kinder Crochet contest winners are.........

2010-06-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

(Everyone did soooooooo good that Biff and I'll will have to make more prize hooks)

And here are the Kinder Crochetiers who won the BEST IN THE WHOLE WORLD Kinder Crochet Jimbo prize hooks:

And the winners are:

Entered by Lillian:
Lillian,
Rowan,
Liam

Entered by Keesha:
Megan, 7

Entered by Debra
Allyson,12
Madeline, 8

Entered by Jennifer:
Ethan, 6

Entered by April:
Annie, 4
Lucy, 2 1/2
And Gracie? You let me know when you decide to learn crochet. I know you're Mommy will teach you to make pretty things, so when you do, please let me know and I'll make YOU a hook too!

I'll post pictures with permission when things get a little less crazy around here.

Thanks to all who participated. I'm just amazed at how all these kidos can crochet WAY better than ME!

Hope you all make some really cool stuff with your Jimbo Hooks!!

And HAPPY 4th of July!
Jimbo

It's a BOYE, AUCTION IS OVER

2010-06-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who stopped by! High bidders, El and Karen please consider using Paypal by clicking on the "make a donation" button in the left margin in this screen. If you choose to pay otherwise, please email me.
Thanks again! Have a great 4th!
Jimbo

This hook deserves a couple photos to show the beauty of the Ironwood grain and that this is a BOYE style hook. It's an H (5mm). The hook neck tapers like a Boye style, and the hook head is not in-line, like a Boye. I don't know if you've noticed, but Boye hooks have a head that is larger in one dimension than the shank. An H Boye, like this one, will not fit through an H gauge hole, but the shank is an H. It's 8 1/2 inches of pure Ironwood beauty (21.6cm). And smooth? Its just hard to put down it's so smoooth. And as you can see it has a nice cozy thumb rest.

These guys are real beauties too, but made in the traditional Jimbo way as in-line hooks. The top one is made of a South American Rosewood and is a VERY rare (for me anyways) E size (3.5mm). Tiny! But the hook body is made with a comfortable grip in mind with an ample gripping surface and thumb rest and a nice long body. It's 7 3/4 inches long (19.7cm) and just a real pleasant experience to hold.
And the bottom hook is made from Redheart. Love the color of that wood! This one is a K(6.5mm), and is just shy of 8 inches long (20.3cm).

These three beauties are up for bids. Let's run the auction till 10pm Pacific time on Tuesday, June 29.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Bids:

Ironwood Boye H:
Debra goes $20
Beverly bumps it up to $25
Debra with $30
El's here with $35

Rosewood E:
Kathy goes $20
El's here too, with $25

Redheart K:
Vaughnde says $15
Karen goes to $20

And thanks for your patience. I know it's been a long time since the last auction, but stuff's been happening and auctions have suffered.

ALSO note that there is only a few days left in the Kinder Crochet contest (see the post below this one). Teach a kido to crochet and enter the contest! I'm hoping to post photos of the winning entries.

Have a great weekend!
Jimbo

CONTEST!!! ENTER YOUR CROCHETING KIDS... INTERNATIONAL KINDER CROCHET WEEK

2010-06-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be late with the announcements, but look two posts above this one and see the WINNERS!!!
Jimbo

Here is Apprentice Biff, busy making a crochet hook as a prize for INTERNATIONAL KINDER CROCHET WEEK. Biff, a kinder beagle himself is excited about folks teaching kids to crochet (oh you don't know how tempting it was to use a K to make it Kids to Krochet.... ah but that would be so, oh, unkool).

And here are the hooks waiting to be won by a crocheting kido!

I've been thinking about this for some time now, and decided to just go ahead and do it. Hopefully others will join in. In the interest of introducing the fine art of crochet to young folk, how about we start a special week for kids in crochet? I'm calling it "INTERNATIONAL KINDER CROCHET WEEK" and it will have as it's focus, introducing kids age 16 and under to crochet.

For timing, I think it would be nice to have it along about the end of the school year (which is mid June here in the US). So lets do the week of June 20 - 27. It will be a great time for moms, dads, grandmothers, aunts, godfathers, friends or whoever to have some quality time with a youngster and teach them crochet.... something really constructive and worthwhile to do with vacation time.

So for my part, I'm going to do a contest for kids. Kids from anywhere in the world can send me pictures of what they have crocheted. I will do a drawing from the entries and the winner will have their project posted here and will win a genuine Jimbo Deadman Crick crochet hook (see photos above). These hooks are made from genuine Deadman Crick wood (the top hook is apple wood, taken from the famous old apple tree up on the ranch.. the others are from bushes and trees near deer trails and bears go there too, oh my!).

So I have 4 hooks to give away ranging in size from oh maybe 3-4 year old size to adult. None are made to a specific hook size on purpose. These hooks are made with all the care that regular Jimbo hooks are made. But I made these with kids in mind so they're fairly large and blunt... short shafted and heel heavy for hook head protection. Still they're VERY real crochet hooks and could make some really nice things.

You can enter the contest for your budding crochetiers simply by sending a photo of their crocheted project to me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

I'm NOT expecting fancy work. A simple chain will do. Heck, if your child doesn't have a hook, or if you can't send a picture that's ok too... just let me know something about your kinder crochetier. I'd like to know age, first name, home location (no addresses please just town and state or country) maybe a little information about them) and they'll be in! This isn't going to be a best of show type contest. I'll draw names at random on the 28th and post the winners then. Kids can enter any time, not just during the Kinder Crochet week. Did I mention age limits? Lets go from gifted toddlers up through 16 years old. No restrictions on boys or girls, or nationality. Girls and Boy crochetiers from all over the world are welcome to enter.

I'd also hope that other fiber art professionals might join (in their blogs or yarn shops etc), with prizes or projects especially designed for children learning to crochet. If you're willing to participate, please let me know and I'll promote your event here.

Thanks!!!
Jimbo

This just in! The lovely and VERY talented designer, April Garwood is participating in the Kinder Crochet week! Monday the 21st through Saturday the 26th, the first child (via a parent's email if necessary) to email April at aprilcreates@att.net and tell her for whom they would like to make a pair of baby mittens will receive a free .pdf pattern of my "Sweet Little Mittens"

April will email the pattern to each day's winner. Oh and be sure to visit April's blog www.aprilcreates.blogspot.com and etsy shop at www.aprilcreates.etsy.com. April is one amazingly talented designer!

Crochet Hook Auction is OVER! Thanks, bidders!

2010-05-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks for another auction! High bidders, please consider using the "make a donation" button in the left margin of this blog in order to access paypal. If you prefer another type of payment, please email me.

Thanks again everyong!!
Jimbo

Please click on images to enlarge

I'm BACK! Had a great time up on the Ranch, even if the refrigerator did die on us. Everything is greening up with all the rain we've been getting so it's beautiful up there. I didn't get any pictures because it was mostly raining but we still had a great time. Got to the cemetaries, left flowers, brought back happy/sad memories. Good time.

And now more good times, we have an auction to start! Notice I added a hook at the top? This one is from a board that I had my son Lance buy for me at an exotic hardwood place in Portland Oregon. If I can spell it right, it's a figured Granidilla from Mexico or South America. I bought the board because the company said this wood has a high level of "Chatoyance". And what's Chatoyance? Picture a highly polished Cat's Eye gemstone. You get the impression of seeing deep into the stone and the reflected highlights seem to move as you turn the stone in the light. This wood is like that. Trouble is, this kind of wood is very hard to photograph to show its amazing beauty. This outstandingly beautiful figured wood is very hard and is often used for musical instruments. I made it into a #7 crochet hook (4.5mm) that will sing through your yarn. Oh and it's 7 1/2 inches (19cm) of long slender Chatoyance, with a oh so comfy thumbrest.

Ok on to the hooks I put up last week for window shopping...

The hook on the left isn't for bids. I'll be giving it away in a new crochet promotion I've been thinking about. Details will be in a separate blog entry... SOON.

The Dark Hook is an incredible beauty in a long slender BEAUTIFULLY figured Zapote (a very VERY beautiful and very hard hardwood). It's an H (5mm) and is a full 8 inches (20.36cm)of dark swirling beauty and a comfy thumb rest.

The ? (I don't know what kind of wood it is but it's hard yet lightweight and very fugured too). This one is even longer, for you long hook fans. Its 8 1/4 inches (21cm) long, lean and a G (4mm) also with a nice thumbrest.

The Big hook at the far rightis a Pacific Yew N, not a Boye N but a Bates N (10mm). Yew is a very nice wood for large hooks because it's strong yet light weight. It's just shy of 8 inches long (20cm)and has a large ergonomic resting surface for that hard working thumb.

There we have it! Since there's been time to oogle most of the hooks already, lets end this auction early ... lets say this Thursday night at 10pm Pacific Time.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Bids:

The Chatoyant 7:
Kimberly goes $15
Nicole says $25

The Dark Hook H:
Patricia goes $15
Kimberly bumps it to $20
Patricia is back with $25
Connie's here with $30

The ? wood G:
Alesha starts it all out with $10
Joann goes to $20
Nicole with $30

The Yew N(10mm):
Alelsha goes $10
Jackie jumps in with $15
Alesha goes $20

And thanks again for dropping by!!
Jimbo

Amazing Crochet Hooks Auction is OVER... Thank you, Bidders!

2010-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

The auction is over, but more hooks will be coming soon, I promise!
High bidders, please consider using paypal by clicking on the "make a donation" button in the left margin of this blog. If you'd like to pay otherwise, please email me and we'll make arrangements.
Thanks to everyone who came by!
Jimbo

This photo is a heel end view of the first hook up for bids, made of figured Panama Rosewood, one of the most beautiful woods in the world. See the many little closely spaced lines? Those are growth rings that measure growth seasons. In some trees each ring measures a year. Don't know about this particular wood, but you can bet it's very old. This photo is a close up of the hook end which measures about 5/8 (16mm) in diameter. There must be well over 50 of these growth rings in that small space. Close growth rings equal dense wood, equal great quality for crochet hooks. This hook is just amazing. Its also one of THE most beautiful pieces of wood I've worked with.

(please click on images to enlarge)
Here is the rest of the Panama Rosewood hook. Beautiful, eh? The grain in this hook is just a feast for the eye. Color, grain texture, contrast. Holey Cow!
Ok getting back to ground, this hook is a size 7 (4.5mm) and is 7 inches (17.8cm)

(click image to enlarge)
Not that these hooks are slouches, mind you. They're all amazing. I just was awestruck by that Panamanian wood. Ok ok.. on to the other beauties.

The top hook is straight from Deadman Crick, and one of our many bush maples. It's VERY lightweight and Very white in color. You'll have to glance down once in awhile to make sure you're holding this hook, its that light. And useful! It's an H (5mm) and is 6 3/4 inches long (17.15cm).

Moving down one, we have another beautiful rosewood, this time its Honduran. Again there's very tight grain structure and beautiful color. Isn't South America amazing!? Gotta visit there someday. Anyways this hook is a G (4mm) and is 6 3/4 inches long (17.15cm).

The next hook down is ANOTHER South American Beauty, this time from Brazil.. Brazilian Rosewood, is somewhat similar in color to American Black Walnut but MUCH harder and dense. More beautiful grain and color! This one is an I 5.5mm) and is a bit longer, 7 1/4 inches long (18.42cm).

Last but far from least is another Deadman Crick original. You might call this a rustic hook. Heck, I might call it a rustic hook too! Conjures up images of the Adirondack cabins and all the rustic bark-on furniture that I drool over. Got a lake place? Want your crochet hook to blend right in? This is the hook for you! AND its made in a size that makes your afghans move along at lightspeed. It's an M for Mountains (9mm) and with the shaped grip, might just be one of the most comfortable hooks you'll own. The wood? More from the Crick. Rustic is as rustic does. Oh and it's amazingly light for an 8 1/4 inch long (21cm)hunk O'Crickwood.

So there you have it. We'll do a short auction on these beauties, and close bidding at 10pm Thursday night (May 27) Pacific time, due to the upcoming Holiday.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first bid posted, so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one mailed. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:

Panama Rose:
Dawn goes $20
April bids $35

Deadman Crick Maple:
Jenny bids $20
Kimberly ups it to $25
Nicole goes to $35

Honduran Rose:
Lorraine goes a 10 spot
Alesha ups it to $15
Barb is here with $20
Nicole says $25
Connie goes $30
Nicole raises to $35
Connie goes to $40
Alice raises it to $45
Wooo! Connie goes to $50

Brazilian Rose:
Jennifer's here with $10
Kimberly bumps up to $15
Jennifer, to $20
Barb again with $25

Deadman Crick Rustic:
AnaMaria says $15
Adarondack Amy goes to $20
Vaughnde goes $25
Kate goes to $30

And thanks for dropping by! I appreciate your patience waiting for hooks to come up for bids. I've been out of commission the past few weeks with family health issues. But all is much better now and I'm BACK!!!

Good health to YOU!!
Jimbo

Mexico has some beautiful sites...and amazing talent!

2010-04-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

Didn't get to go fishing. But on the other hand, I didn't get thrown in jail for disorderly conduct. Ah but there are some amazing things to see from a cruise ship and in old Mexico!

We went ashore in Mazatlan and instead of going to the popular tourist sites (well ok we went there too) but the most impressive place there is their cathedral. It's just breathtaking inside. Here you see an picture with the sun shining through a leaded glass window. I call it Godlight.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

And from the ship, a bit more natural Godlight...

We also went ashore in Puerto Vallarta. I was amazed by the guys who climbed this huge pole and began spinning upside down from the top, but to me that guy in the photo stole the whole show. First he was lifting stones that I doubt I could budge, and I consider myself no weakling. But even more amazing was that he was stacking them in ways that seemed to defy gravity... look close at the several stacks he's made...no glue, just an incredible ability to find balance points in unobvious places. Wisht I could have stayed longer and maybe tried to stack some myself.

And here we are on a little side trip just outside Cabo. That's the four of us. Our friends Mike and Phyllis, Karol and yeah, me. We had a great time!!

And now we're back and I'm anxious to start making hooks again. So... and auction will be coming soon!

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

I WON!!! I WON!!! THANKS TO ALL WHO VOTED FOR ME!!

2010-04-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who voted for me, I won this year's Flamie Award in the catagory of "Best Independent Hook Maker of 2009" by the Crochet Liberation Front in Ravelry (the CLF is a crochet forum with over 5000 members world wide). Its a VERY real honor, especially given the other nominees are VERY accomplished hook makers.
The night of the award event, there was a podcast ("Getting Loopy") where the winners in all the catagories were interviewed by the hostess, Mary Beth Temple. Now that was a bit scairy, but fun.
Anyways, I want to thank everyone again who voted for me!
Oh and Biff DID get an extra treat for running the campaign.

Grateful
Jimbo

Mid April Auction is OVER, THANKS BIDDERS!

2010-04-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for dropping by! The auction closed last night at 10pm. High bidders are AnaMaria and Amy. Please consider using the "make a donation" button in the left margin of this blog if you'd like to use paypal, or email me if you'd prefer other payment arrangements. Thanks again everyone!
Jimbo

(click image to enlarge)

Here we go!! Three beauties up for bids. But first take a look at the bowl under the hooks. I made it for an upcoming FARA auction that will be taking place in Montana in a couple weeks. BUT what I'll do is take bids here and the highest bid here will be the minimum bid at the Montany auction, so in effect you'll be bidding in the FARA auction and your funds (if you're the high bidder) will go directly to help find a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia! The bowl is hand turned by Jimbo from a block of figured Maple. It's 6 5/8 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall. Beautiful wood finished in Beeswax.

AND>>>>

Here is a spice bowl and spoon that we can auction for FARA too. This little bowl is made from a branch that broke from my back yard Maple, and the spoon is a piece of Zircote that was too small to make into a hook. Very ecological wouldn't you say? Beauty from waste. Anyways this little bowl, as you can see from the old nickel is small so it won't take up much space on your table. It's 3 1/4 inches(83mm)at the largest outside diameter and 1 1/2 inches (38mm) tall; and the bowl at it's deepest is 1 inch (25mm) deep. The spoon is a real beauty (took FOREVER to carve the bowl)and is almost 4 inches(98mm) long. I'm guessing the spoon will hold about 1/3 teaspoon of salt, pepper or DRY spice. I emphasize dry because you don't want to put liquids in either the bowl or spoon. They're wood and are finished for use but not with liquids if you want to retain their beauty. The bowl is finished with beeswax and the spoon with polyoil. We'll do this one the same because this bowl and spoon are also going to the Montany auction, so we'll take bids here and the highest bid here will be the minimum bid at the Montany auction, so in effect you'll be bidding in the FARA auction and your funds (if you're the high bidder) will go directly to help find a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia!

Ok now to the HOOKS! We have some beauties again!

Lets start with the biggie on the bottom. I think this is the first Q hook (19mm)that I've done in my new hook style. Its made of BEAUTIFUL Yew wood and for it's size is AMAZINGLY light but tough. Unlike store bought plastic Q hooks, this hook has ample shank space for collecting loops. A generous thumb rest is carved into the hook, making the grip thinner than the Q hook diameter. If you've been hankerin for a Q that's not likely to hurt your hand, this one should fit the bill just fine. Oh and it's long..9 inches(23cm.

Moving up from the big Q, we have a beautiful red Zapote in a size 7 (4.5mm). I've made Zapote hooks recently and found the wood just amazingly beautiful, VERY hard and EXCELLENT for hooks. The grain on this one was tight enough to allow smooth knife cuts, so much so that I left my knife marks on the thumb rest. The hook is a wee bit over 7 1/2 inches (19cm) long.

And on the top is a Panamanian Rosewood beauty! Long, slender, and with fashion model sophisticated beauty, this F (3.75mm) hook is done WITHOUT a thumb rest, which some underhand grip folks (pencil holders) prefer. (but I'll gladly carve one at the option of the highest bidder) And Length! It's 7 3/4 inches (19.7cm) long. Balance? oooooo yeah! The balance is well forward (toward the hook) from the center of length (most of my hooks are pretty much balanced at the center).. so if you'd like a weight forward hook, this one's your huckleberry; and THAT'S not an easy thing to do in smaller hook sizes, you know, because a lot of the forward weight goes away when the wood is taken down to the smaller hook sizes.

So because the Montana FARA auction is coming up soon, lets shorten this auction and end it this coming Monday night (April 19Th) at 10pm Pacific Time.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first to post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:

Maple bowl:
AnaMaria bids $50 for a pretty bowl and a great cause!!

Spice bowl and spoon:

Yew Q (hay, that rhymes!):
AnaMaria goes $25

Zapote 7:
Amy goes $25

Pan Rosewood F:
Deb jumps right in with $35
Amy says $40

And thanks again for dropping by!

Jimbo

Auction is OVER, and I'll announce the winner of the Easter Hook tomorrow morning

2010-04-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

And the Easter Hook Winner IS>>>
A caring mother of three, a crafter of extraordinary talent, the wife of a gran prix racing enthusiast, and excellent cook... From Sao Paulo Brazil, the new owner of the Olive Wood Easter Hook is.....

Rô Szili

Thank you all for entering the contest! We had the most entries ever for a Jimbo Hook and most entries this time were from outside the US! Fantastic!!

A special thank you to Sônia Maria who publicized the contest in her blog, Falando de Crochet!

And please pay a visit to Rô Szili at her blog, Amigas Da Praca

AND THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ENTERING!!!

Jimbo

Totally new to the world of crochet, a revolutionary new hook innovation that will rock the crochet world! DOUBLE your crochet speed! Want to use two yarns? Make two different projects at the same time?? YES WE CAN!! Be the very first and only owner of the very first and only Double Jimbo!! Yes this totally unique-in-the Universe collectible hook is up for bids!! But because this is so much akin to, like, the first light bulb and the collectible value will skyrocket; we must start the bidding at $300 with $50 raise increments. Oh and lets end the auction time on this hook on...... APRIL FOOLS DAY!!!!!

(click on image to enlarge)

Now, moving on to more serious stuff... This next part is REAL... no kidding! Ok I know its a hard act to follow, but read on PLEASE because there is a treat in store if you do..

First we have two hooks up for bids, really! They are the two directly below the amazing Double Jimbo hook.

First is the very dark and handsome Flamewood hook. Flamewood is called that because the grain often has the appearance of flames (duh). This one, though looks more like the char after the flames, it's so dark. The wood is very hard and beautiful and makes just incredible hooks. This one is a very rare (see if you find this size in your local yarn shop) size 7mm. That's between a K and an L on your Bates size gauge. 7.5 inches long (19cm) and is made without a thumb rest for those who prefer not to have one. I'll carve a thumb rest for a highest bidder who specifies they'd like one.

Next we have a Honduran Rosewood beauty in an H (5mm). Beautiful wood, Honduran Rosewood. Reminds me a bit of Walnut but closer grain and lots harder. This good lookin hunk o'hook is the same length as the Flamewood hook.. 7.5 inches(19cm).

And now that you've been so patient.... The bottom hook is one that I decided while making it, that I HAD to give away. It's my Easter Hook and is made of Olive Wood, wood that's associated with peace, and religious significance because much of it comes from the Holy Land. How can you auction a hook like that? The size? J of course. So this is my Easter present to whoever is drawn from entries by way of comments to this post or email me (address below) between now and 10pm Pacific Time, April 13th. We'll end the auction at the same time.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first to post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Please use the same email address for your Easter Hook give-away entries if you have trouble leaving a comment here. Followers you're special! Just mention that you are in the Follower group here and you get an extra entry!

Thanks for dropping by and HAPPY April Fools Day, and if I don't see you before, Happy Easter!! May you find all your eggs!!

Jimbo

Bids:

April Fools Hook: (heh)

Flamewood 7mm:
Shannon says $20
Amy ups it to $25
Jean goes to $44.22

Honduran Rose H:
Kimberly goes $20
Lori's back for another..$25

Watch this Blog!! Revolutionary Hook coming SOON

2010-03-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Still working out the details but soon.... VERY soon you will be among the first to see a totally revolutionary Crochet Hook invention, unveiled right here on the front porch!!! Check early, check often!!

HOOK AUCTION IS OVER!! High bidders please see below

2010-03-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for visiting and bidding on these hooks! This was the first auction that was advertised online at "Crochetville", following a new policy there allowing for free advertising by independent small businesses (Indies). It works!! If you are an independent business dealing in fiber related products, you might want to consider joining Crochetville and taking advantage of their new advertising policy!

Anyways... Thank all who bid on these hooks! High bidders please consider using paypal for payment by using the "make a donation" button in the left margin here in the blog. For other payment preferences, please email me.

Thanks again everyone for dropping by!!

Jimbo

(click on image to enlarge)

Ok it's later now and I have a few minutes. Had the wrestling match yesterday, then my oldest son Clint (named for my Dad, not the ex president) was a rider in a donkey basketball game for a Rotary fund raiser. Fun! Then we had our friend Sharon over to meet Biff. More fun, but no blogging.. so with out further ah doo...

Here is a group ore really interesting and nice hooks. Lets start from the top.

Hook #1 I haven't made and Egg Hook for some time now but they're soooo comfortable for underhand grippers that I really should make lots more. The bulb fits in the palm of the hand, so the grip is pretty much by the ball of the thumb and the pinky, leaving the rest of the fingers to manipulate yarn is a very easy relaxed manner. This hook is a K (6.5mm), is made of Hard Maple and is 5 inches long (12.7cm). The largest diameter of bulb or egg shape is 1 1/4 inches or 3.2cm. A VERY comfortable hook for folk who are underhand (like you hold your toothbrush) grippers.

Hook #2 Another Zircote beauty! Kind of like a pinto pony in color with outrageous dark grain swirling around the lighter blond, this hook has turned LOTS of heads. Zircote is a very hard South American hardwood that makes very fine hooks that easily permit smaller hook sizes. This beauty is a G (4mm) and is a long lean one..almost 8 inches (20.3cm) long. A slightly smaller but definite thumb rest makes for a pretty decent hook for our overhanders out there, while still being comfortable for underhanders. A hook that will have your attention whether you're crocheting or just admiring the wood grain scenery!

Hook #3 Like baseball?? Know what kind of wood that baseball bats (NO, NOT Aluminum... I'm talking REAL baseball bats here). Who answered Hickory? Nope, and not oak either. Its Ash, good ole Amurican Ash! Not sure why I haven't tried ash hooks before now, but this one is the very first Jimbo hook done in Ash. Ash, if it's used for baseball bats, has to be a tough wood, and it makes nice strong hooks too. The color in the picture isn't quite right, for this hook. The hook isn't near as white as the photo shows, its a much richer tan and blond color that I just couldn't seem to squeeze out of my photo edit thingie. Anyways, this long shapely beauty is way out there at 8 1/2 inches (21.6cm), and is an I (5.5mm).

Hook #4 is another lean one, this time of smoked maple. Love to work with this wood because it smells so good... like a bbq. Have to say, though that the finish on the hook obliterates the nice smell. Sad, but then if it was there, you'd just start crocheting and get hungry. They also call this "fumed" maple. Pretty stuff and a nice warm brown color. This one is a size 7 (4.5mm), a kind of rare size that you don't see much in the yarn shops. And its a longish 7.75 inches (19-7cm) long with a well defined thumb rest.

Hook #5 is a White Oak hook that you need to look at up close by clicking on the image above. The shadows in the photo kind of distort the hook shape a little. But what you have here is a shorter hook that's REALLY lightweight and a thumbrest to die for. If you have smallish hands, and an underhand grip style, this hook might just fit you like a very comfortable glove. It's a 6.5mm K for Komfort (korny, eh?) and its just 6 3/4 inches (17.1cm) long.

And that brings us to hook #6. Now is really where the photo editor let me down., but PLEASE trust me, that the color is no where as orange as the photo would let you believe. Its a VERY rich deep red color, one of the prettiest woods I've worked with. A truly truly beautiful wood that doesn't need any gee gaws or fancy turning to show it's beauty, and no stain or dye could ever come close to matching the natural color here. And it's another Z wood. This time it's Zapote, another South American drop dead beautiful hardwood. Very nice to work with too. This is one that I just like to hold and admire the rich colors. It's a J (6mm) and is near 8 inches (20.3cm) long.

So there you have it! Interested?? Lets see. We'll put these beauties on the auction block for a few days, and close the bidding Saturday morning March 27th at 10am Pacific.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first to post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:

Hook #1:
Sherri goes $20
Shannon says $25

Hook #2:
Carla's here with $30
Nicole goes $40

Hook #3:
Janet says $20
Tammy goes $25
Nicloe again, with $30

Hook #4:
Sherri again with $20
Lori goes $30
Alice is in the last half hour with $35

Hook #5:
Donna goes $20

Hook #6:
Jennifer's here with $20
$25 says Lori
Nicole: $30
Lori ups it to $35

Thanks for dropping by, even if its just to mosey around a bit. Moseying is one of my favorite past times!

Have a great day!
Jimbo

Biff says....

2010-03-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

(loosely translated from "Woof rrrrooof rrrrrooof ruf woruf roof"): "My master has been nominated for "Best Hook by an Individual Hook Maker" in the CLF (Crochet Liberation Front) If you like his hooks (I do, they taste like chicken) please vote for him. He might give me a treat if he wins."

The Crochet Liberation Front (CLF) is holding it's 2nd Annual Crochet Awards. I'm honored and humbled to be nominated again for the "Flaming Hook of Justice" or "Flamie" for short. Voting is open to anyone who is connected to Crochet, anywhere in the World! There are lots more categories as well, designers, bloggers, etc.

If my hooks are your favorites, I'd be honored to have your vote!

Vote Here
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lPI3XrwtCsvu%2fZVxieHAVanLRd9mgYvIJdvxbtyhFlM%3d&

Thanks!!
Jimbo

Wooooof!!
Biff

And the WINNER with the name "HookAwl" is.... ta DA

2010-03-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

Belated notice, but the happy winner of the pointy hook naming contest, and the new owner of ROSERED'S inspired pokey hook invention is....

dobertoni and here is what she won!

Rosered and I got our heads together (and you know what? Her head is MUCH better lookin than mine) to pick a winner from some really creative entries. Both of us were taken with the single word name, and the play on the word "all". Easy to remember and suggestive of the use, Dobertoni's entry won out.

A little about Dobertoni: She's single, semi-retired with her three dogs and two porch kitties in the beautiful mountains of NE Alabama. She has two grown daughters and one grown grandson.

Dobertoni is a lifelong crochetier and learned crocheting, embroidery and quilting from her Gramma and through 4H while growing up on a farm. (I wonder if there's still a 4H? That's where my lovely wife Karol learned sewing.)

Here's the clincher. Dobertoni really enjoys crocheting for charity. This year, her charity is the Lil Troopers group (for babies born to military families) where, and get this! she's trying to send 20-30 hats per month! And as if there's enough time, she also likes to quilt, but only does small projects now because of hand pain (can you imagine what she could do WITHOUT hand pain!!??).

Dobertoin's favorite things to crochet are the baby hats, socks, adult hats, scarves and fingerless glove sets, RR's, dish towel hangers, potholders, dishcloths for gifts. She works mostly with yarn. Her care warn hands balk at thread work any more. Just occasionally with lots of breaks.

Three cheers to Dobertoni!!

We're thanking everyone for entering and hope lots of folks get hooked on HookAwl pokey hooks!

A note: Rosered tested the chopstick version of HookAwls that I call ChophookAwls and they work! So if you've an interest in a:

I'll be taking orders for them, with ALL proceeds going to FARA (Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance). Consider ordering a gob, and give them as gifts. It's a pretty sure thing your friend will not already have one of these marvels of Rosered's creative genius. Price?? A MINIMUM donation of $10 each. How to order? Email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

And that's not all!! You can help FARA now by purchasing any one of these Chophook styles shown below (of course you can also order the original basic chophook which isn't shown but is zactly like the ChopKnook except for the eye at the hook end).

About the bottom HookAwl. This style of HookAwl pokey hooks are made from converted knitting needles and can be ordered in standard knitting needle sizes (H or bigger, please)BUT the handled HookAwls are MUCH more costly to make, so I'll ask for a minimum $25 donation for this style. Rosered suggested that I tell you these hooks are lighter than they appear. Some will be even lighter, depending on the wood species for the handles (which must be random because I don't have an unlimited supply of the German Plum that you see in the photo).

Anyways... Congratulations again to Dobertoi and thanks for dropping by!

Jimbo

Knooking for FARA, and a couple beauty hooks for bids.. Auction is over but chopknooks are still orderable

2010-02-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

OK to click and enlarge image

So I've mentioned Knooking before eh? Its a cross between crochet and knitting and the term was coined "Knooking" by PIXJEN and her youtube video is an excellent tutorial on how to knook. Check it out at

knooking

You see the very nice artwork in the background? Look like knitting?? Nope, it's Knooking, done by my good friend Leann... AND she did that with a Chopknook just like you see in the photo. I've decided to start making and selling Chopknooks to raise funds for FARA (Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance), Along with Chophooks and Chophook versions of the pointy "HOOKAWL" that you see a couple posts below this one. Want a Chopknook? Simply make a donation that is a MINIMUM (pleasedonate more because "Chopknooks", and I'm whining here, take alot of time to make). The regular chophooks and HookAwls I'll do also with a minimum $10 donation. To buy one, please email me of your order, then make your donation by clicking on the "make a donation" button in the left column here.
What is Friedreich's Ataxia? Well just get a hanky and click on this link..

FARA

Why isn't this hideous condition at the top of the research agenda? Its rare. But can these kids be denied hope because their condition is rare?

Donations are the primary source for research funding, and a cure is just around the corner. Your order and donation WILL have an effect! Chophooks and Chopknooks and ChopHookAwls are all made in the same approximate size.. K.

Ok, off my soapbox and on to the auction:

We have two beauties up for bids. The top one, just below the Chopknook is the very first ever Tiger Wood hook. Yup, it REALLY is Tiger Wood. This hook will mess around on you! Ha just kidding. Tiger wood is a hardwood that's really beautiful up close and is named because the grain somehow resembles the fur of Tigers. It's a hard, strong wood and fairly lightweight. It's an F (3.75mm) and 7 1/4 inches, or18.4cm long.

Next up is another Zircote beauty. The photo speaks for itself. Its just plain beautiful dark DARK wood that's soooooo smooth. Just ask other Jimbo Zircote owners!
Anyways this one is an I, and it's 7 3/4 inches or 19.7cm long.

Lets end this one Monday night at 10pm Pacific Time on March 1.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first to post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:

Tiger Wood F:
Kimberly 2 (we have two Kimberlys bidding!) $20
Lori takes it to $25
Karen goes to $30
Beth jumps in with $35
Kathy says $40
Beth bumps it to $45

Zircote I:
Kimberly goes $20
Kimberly 2 goes to $25
Beth from OZ is here with $30
E Egan takes it to $35
Beth bumps it to $30

Jimbo's New Apprentice... and Hooks up for Bids! (Auction is over!)

2010-02-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone! Great bunch of bidders! Biff's still working on his hook but as soon as he's done I'll post a picture. In the meantime, there will be another auction VERY soon. Come on back soon!
Jimbo

Meet my new apprentice, Biff. Biff is a Beagle who is just under 8 weeks old and came to live with us Valentine's Day. Karol's been hinting for a couple years now that she'd like another dog. I finally wised up a few days ago and surprized Karol with a pretty cute little Valentine's puppy. As you can see, I'm already training Biff to become a hook maker. He finds time for shaping hook sticks between his regular work hours. His job? Chew on the furniture and poop on the carpet. The old Biffster and I are getting along pretty well though, I must admit. And who knows? Maybe some day all this will be his! Just a wee bit more work on his finishing technique and maybe hone in his hook forming skills a little more and watch out!

Here are a couple that Biff and I worked up, and they're up for bids! Two itsy bitsy hooks, size wise that is.

The top hook is made of Zircote. Its a really beautiful and very hard wood with grain figure that's so distracting that you'll just sit and stare at the hook and loose time crocheting. And I made it long and lean, without a thumb rest for pencil grippers (overhand grip style). And the size?? Oh yeah. It's an F! (3.75mm) And LONG! It's 8 1/2 inches (21.6cm). And the balance point is smack in the middle.

And the second hook?? Well its just the smallest hook size I've EVER made. A one-of-a-kind Jimbo hook here. I don't think I've ever made an E before. Can't be totally sure cause I've made lots of hooks. But an E (3.25mm)? I thought it couldn't be done. Maybe it was the wood. This is Honduran Rosewood.. a really nice hardwood that lets me get down into the wee sizes. Oh and the picture doesn't show it well, but this hook has a nice generous thumb rest. And it's 7 inches (17.8cm) long.

I'm kind of doubting that we'll be putting Biff's hook up for bids, at least this time. He's still working on it. Hay, the little fella's only 8 weeks old, you know.
But he's trying!

So lets close this one this coming Tuesday night (Feb 23) at 10pm Pacific Time.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first to post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:

Zircote F:
Sherri says $20
Sheryl goes $25
Kathy goes $30
Claire says $40

Rosewood E:
Sherri again with $20
Erin's going to Honduras and wants the local wood hook to take along.. $25
Nicole is glad to see an E.. $35
Lori goes to $40
Nicole ups it to $45

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! AND THE HEART HOOK WINNER IS......

2010-02-14T10:47:00.001-08:00

HOOKZENYARN! TALK ABOUT "ZEN"! THE WINNER WAS PICKED BY A RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR FROM THE 48 TOTAL ENTRIES THAT I RECEIVED BY WAY OF COMMENTS TO MY BLOG ENTRY AND EMAIL. I PUT THE NUMBER IN AND THE GENERATOR SELECTED NUMBER 13. HOOKZENYARN WAS LUCKY NUMBER 13.

NOW IF HOOKZENYARN CAN EMAIL ME A MAIL ADDRESS, THE WINNING HOOK WILL BE ON ITS WAY!!

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Still time for bidding on the amazing Peroba Rosa hook (three entries below here). Auction will end at 10pm tonight.

Meanwhile here's to all the sweethearts out there... HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Just sorry I couldn't make you ALL heart hooks!
Jimbo

A BRAND NEW HOOK DESIGN BY ROSERED and JIMBO

2010-02-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

EVERYONE knows ROSERED. She is THE designer who made my favorite afghan in the world, the LUMBERJACK FLANNELGHAN. Not only is she good lookin; she's a supurb crochet designer, AND, so I've found over the past couple of weeks, an inventor!!!

Rosered contacted me a few weeks back with an idea for a fabric hook that would be really sharp so you could poke it through fabric for making dishcloths or any other kind of project where you want to join fabric and yarn. So we went to work. There was a bit of trial and error (error on MY part, and trial on Rosered's) till we got a design that seems to work pretty well.

So to celebrate her idea's culmination, Rosered's having a hook naming contest over in her blog. Course I'm partial to the name I gave it, "Jabber the Hook" and "Rosered's Pokey Hook" but she'd like to choose from a bigger selection. So, drop on over to Rosered's blog and enter to win one of the VERY first of a totally (to us anyways) new hook!

I made up one of these pointy hooks from a chopstick and found that it works well too...

so I'll be taking orders for them, with ALL proceeds going to FARA (Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance). Consider ordering a gob, and give them as gifts. It's a pretty sure thing your friend will not already have one of these marvels of Rosered's creative genius. Price?? A MINIMUM donation of $10 each. How to order? Email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Oh and don't forget the Valentine hook giveaway contest and auction going on directly below this post.

Exciting, eh!!!

BE MY VALENTINE CONTEST and PEROBA ROSA AUCTION

2010-02-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

(PLEASE click on the image to enlarge the photo!)

Its growing near Valentine's Day and another day to show appreciation to visitors to my blog. SO.... I made a VALENTINE hook and I'm giving it away! Its, of course, made of red HEART wood and it an H (5mm) for HEART, which is pretty much a Valentine theme, wouldn't you say. Oh and it has a sparkly heart at the top (that's removable for crocheting).

Would YOU like this Jimbo Valentine Hook?? Hmmmm? Well if you do, all's you need do is enter the contest. Simply leave a comment here in my blog telling me you'd like to enter, or email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

I'll do a random drawing from the entries of Sweeties on Valentine's day.

You see the other hook?? Its up for auction, ending also on Valentine's day 10pm Pacific Time. Peroba Rosa is a Rosewood, and this particular piece is one that I cut from a small board, selected for its phenomenal figure and color. Another hook that even with the mirror, you can't really appreciate till you have it in your hand. So pretty it almost fetches a tear.

So anyways, this hook is an H too (5mm) and it's 7 1/4 inches (18.4cm)of unbelievable grain.

Maybe your Sweetie doesn't know what to get you for Valentines day?? Well maybe drop a hint.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... and I won't stay up Valentine's eve, so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Bids will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first-to-post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:

Peroba Rosa H:
Carla starts it off with $25
Kathy goes $30
Nicole says $40
Kathy's back with $45
Nicole ups it to $50

NEW HOOK AUCTION WITH NEW HOOKS IS OVER!!

2010-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Auction is closed!! I really appreciate your business and bids. Auctions are especially fun for me because I get a chance to meet the bidders, at least for a little bit. So thank all of you bidders!!
High bidders can pay with paypal by clicking on the "make a donation" button in the left margin of this blog page.

And thanks again!!

We have some (ok 2 of them) never-before hooks up this time for auction! And by never before, I mean two of these are hooks that have really unique features. Lets look at the top hook. Ever hear of knooking? Well its a new word, coined by Jen at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV3ZkUig048

How cool is that!? Well what could I do after that! I just had to make a "knooking "hook. But this is a special one. See the knob that cleverly disguises the "knooking" hook as a Tunisian or afghan hook? That little knob lets you use the hook for Tunisian crochet or it can be removed to expose the tapered heel end and hole that makes the hook into a "knooking" hook! The knob is made of German Plum and fits by friction over the bamboo M (9mm) 8 3/4 (22.2cm). The friction fit is a precision wedge kind of fit that requires no snaps or locking device. Just push it on with a small (NOT HARD or you'll break the knob) pressure, and pull off with a little wiggle. The knob will stay on in all but the most violent crocheting... and WE don't crochet violently, do we?

Next hook down from the "Knooking" hook isn't unusual except that it made from astoundingly beautiful Gabon Ebony. It's a perfect K (6.5mm) and is a perfect fit for a hand that loves to cuddle with a 7 inch (17.8cm) long astoundingly smooth crochet hook.

Next up is another first. Not from the hook style but from the material. I made this hook from a French Oak wine barrel stave! You can still see the stain from the wine along the handle! OOOH you should have been here when that wood was on my lathe! The aroma was VERY nice. And the barrel? Well it's one from one of Spokane's best wineries, Lone Canary. So if you crochet, drink wine and like to collect hooks, this one is for YOU. Technically it's a K (6.5mm) and is 7 1/4 inches(18.4cm)long. French Oak is a fairly porous wood so unfortunately I had to apply a finish and alas the nice aroma is covered. But it's still one fascinating hook and sure to be a conversation piece at your next crochet/wine tasting party.

And Last but far from least is a long and lean Smoked Maple I (5.5mm). This long drink of water is here for the pencil grippers in the bunch who like longer hooks. Not to say that the hook won't work well for toothbrush grippers, aw contraire! It will switch hit easily. Its just that I didn't put a thumb rest on this one, for the pencil holders who like to "roll" their hooks. Smoked maple is just as it reads. The wood has been smoked and that's what gives it that rich smokey color. On the lathe, there's a bbq aroma in the air that makes me hungry. Course the aroma is all covered up by the finish, but what's not is the light weight of this hook. You'd expect a hardwood hook that's 8 inches (20.3cm) long to be heavy. Nope. It's light like the feather of a Deadman Crick Turkey. And the balance point is centered on the hook length!

So there you have it! Lets make this an even shorter auction cause I get to go to the crick this weekend. So lets end this auction at 8pm Pacific Std Time on Thursday night, Feb. 4.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first to post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:
Tunisian/"Knooking" M:
Jennifer goes $20
Anamaria raises to $25

Ebony K:
Lori goes $20
Elle goes OOH OOH OOH and bids $35

Wine barrel K:
Jennifer too, $20
Lori goes to $25
Jennifer raises to $30
Lori says go to $35
Jennifer comes back with $40

Lean Smoked Maple I:
Anamaria says $20
Amy goes $25
Kristin goes to $30

And thanks for dropping by! Stay awhile, kick your shoes off...have a stroll through the archives.

Jimbo

Exotic F and G Auction is OVER!

2010-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

It's 6pm! Beth and Kate are high bidders!! Thanks to all bidders. Another auction coming soon!! Got a really interesting hook coming. Stay tuned!
Have a great week-end!
Jimbo

(click image to enlarge)

Here are two hooks made of some if not THE most beautiful wood in the world. The top hook is a G (4mm) and is made of Cambodian Flamewood. You can see how the wood got it's name. Hard and dense, it has indescribably beautiful grain color, deep and rich. The picture is good but the hook is even better. It's 7 1/2 inches (19cm) of utter beauty.

The bottom hook is made of Panamanian Cocobolo, one that I've made before but is still very near the tops in grain beauty. I did this one in an F (3.75mm), the smallest hook in my range. And the grain again speaks for itself. This one is 7 inches(17.8cm)

Tried to come up with more to say but I think the hooks speak very well for themselves.

Lets make this another short auction and close at 6pm on Friday, Jan. 29 Pacific Time.

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first to post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. email bids, if you like, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Here we go!

Bids:

Flamewood G:
Shannon says $25
Beth goes to $30
Kate and Bonnie tie at $35 but
Nicole bumps it up to $40
and Beth raises to $45

Cocobolo F:
Kate's in with $25
Shannon goes to $30
Kate's back with $35
Beth takes it to $40
Bonnie and Kate again with a tie at $45 but
Beth breaks the tie and goes to $50
Kate with $55

And thanks for dropping by! Stay awhile, kick your shoes off...have a stroll through the archives.

Jimbo

100,000 hits!! HOOORAY!!

2010-01-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Just now getting to do a post, and the hundred grand mark has past already!
The mark was hit by Sherri! More about Sherri in a follow-up post.

For now, as small part of my appreciation for your visits, I'm issuing a free limited license to copy the above photo if you'd like. The picture is now my screen saver. I took the photo from just down the road from the driveway to the ranch on Deadman Crick a couple years ago after the first snow. It was early in the morning, about 10 degrees F out, and crystal clear. And the camera was working perfectly. Looks like you could walk right into the picture when that happens. Anyways, if you'd like, feel free to copy the picture for your personal use if you'd like. Its such a serene and calming scene that I wanted to share.

I've also been reflecting about how incredible this blog has been for me, and how grateful I still am for Kari and Elizabeth for making it. I was lucky to meet Kari and Elizabeth from Crochetville, way back 5 years ago or so. They liked my hooks and decided to help me out by putting this blog together as a surprise. They knew what a net dummy I was, and took the initiative to set all this up. It's been one of the nicest gifts I've ever had and I'll be forever grateful to them. I had NO idea of all the fantastic people I'd meet through this blog, nor how successful it would become.

It's been just a great time, and the hook auctions have been just incredible. By selling hooks here, we've been able to build a Front Porch on the cabin up on the crick, and we're working toward a roof, all built with hook auction funds! But so many more good things have happened.

Chophook sales and donations from so many kind and talented folks to our FARA auction have helped raise over $40,000 in research money to help find a treatment or cure for Friedreich's Ataxia. And the donations keep coming in! Due in HUGE part to this blog.

Jimbo hooks have made it into several publications, including "Belle Armoire", "Craft", "Make", our local newspaper, the Spokesman Review, and "Talking Crochet". Heck, I was even interviewed in a podcast!! Five years ago I'da thought a podcast was some kind of fishing move. And Jimbo Hooks got the coveted "Flamie" award from the notorious "Crochet Liberation Front" for Best Hooks by and Individual 2008. A HUGE honor.

International Crochet Day (Sept. 12) got it's start here, and is gaining popularity as a day to promote the gentle art of crochet all over the world.
Inspiration for Diplohookticus Jimbosei, the world's largest crochet hook came through this blog.

And all this began with my Sis, Sandy, and the old apple tree up on the Crick; the apple tree donating wood for crochet hooks carved for Sandy, and Sandy encouraging me to make more.

Oh we've had fun with April Fool's day, and you've tolerated my weird humor. It still amazes me about all the friendships that have been kindled here and that will stay with me the rest of my days! A hunnert and five followers!!!

Really, you guys are the greatest, and I hope you'll keep coming back, cause I sure will.. by the grace of the ever tolerant Karol lets me... and so long as these decrepit old fingers can whittle and type, I'll be here.

So thanks again everyone for your kindness and support!

More to follow!
Gratefully,
Jimbo

The Ranch in Winter...auction is closed...(sorry I'm late announcing!!)

2010-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

BETH is the high bidder for the 7mm Rosa hook!

ARITE is the high bidder for the Tamarack hook!!

Please consider using paypal by clicking on the "make a donation" button in the left margin of my blog, or email me if you'd like to make other payment arrangements.

Thanks!!
Jimbo

stayed another day after everyone else left, and since it's quiet, the deer come out. Nice little white tail buck and his girlfriend down by the old apple tree. Picture's a little dark cause it was dusk.

So pretty out you can just sit and stare, especially through the window from inside where its cozy and warm from the woodstove.

And a couple more hooks to auction!
The top hook is a real beauty, and a re-appearance of one of the finest hardwoods for hooks that I've come across. Its called Peraba Rosa,and it makes just absolutely SUPURB hooks. (the following is a repeat from a past auction for a Peraba Rosa hook) With sharp tools, almost continuous long curly shavings that make this wood an absolute joy to turn. Ah but that's not of interest to crochetiers... Crochetiers want smooooooth hooks that are such a pleasure to hold that beautiful crocheted art just floats off the hook. This is one of those woods. And the color!? Well just look! I researched this wood, and found that its common to Brazil (THANK YOU BRAZIL!!) and doesn't normally have this rich pumpkin color. Normally its more brown and red. So I'm thinking this is an unusual piece, and I'm lucky to have some to work with. But the beauty is in the tightness of the grain and ability to take detail. Carvers would die for this wood! Silk, its like!
This hook and the one below are made to in between sizes. This one is a 7mm, smack between a K and L. And it's 7 inches (17.8cm) long.

And the other hook? Can you guess what kind of wood this is? Think of the tree that looks like a fir, but its really related to hardwoods and it sheds it's needles in the fall after they turn the most brilliant yellow. BEAUTIFUL trees and one of my most favorite woods. Yup you got it. It's Tamarack (Western Larch), and this hook was taken from a fallen branch from a tree that was a little tike when I was a sprout up on the crick. I guess we sort of grew up together. Its huge now, and still pretty healthy.. just sheds a branch or two now and then. So Tamarack is a pretty honey colored wood that's usually knotty and this hook is no exception. In fact there's a knot right in the gullet. Knots are very hard so I take that as a good thing, having a knot in the gullet. Size wise, this one's an O. You never see an O in store bought hooks. Why? Because they didn't want to confuse anyone by using an O which might be confused with a zero. I think you're smarter than that and so I made you an O hook (10.5mm), between the N and P sizes. Its 8 inches long (20.3cm) and is light as a feather... well maybe a wet feather.

This will be another very short auction. Let's finish it up this Friday Night (Jan 22) at oh let's say 5pm Pacific Time (lets the folks back East go to bed earlier).

As usual, you can email bids with $5.00 raise minimums please, to me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time though so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as Jimboly possible. Identical bids are entered by the time posted so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first.

And thanks again for dropping by!!
Jimbo

Bids

7mm Rosa:
Beth from Australia goes $25

10.5mm Tamarack:
Wow, a bid from Oz, now one from Germany! Arite bids $30

Three Sledders and a request

2010-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Any excuse to post a picture of the Grandbabies (though they're not babies anymore, just ask them). Here they're having a little sledding action up on the Ranch. They can slide from the actual "Jimbo's Front Porch" down the hill and past the old apple tree... a distance of about 100 yards. And it's a kick to watch them. Heck I've even slid my old bones down the hill a time or two.

AND here's the thing. I'm noticing my "Stat Counter" edging closer and closer to 100,000 hits, and I'm thinking when it turns over, there should be some kind of celebration. Anybody have an idea? All I can come up with is another hook give away and you guys are probably tired of that.

Gotta go make some hooks now but I'll check back later to see your ideas and maybe I'll have one of my own.. a rare thing these days!

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

Four for auction Auction is OVER, one to give away (CONTEST!!) And we have a WINNER!!

2010-01-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for bidding and entering the contest. High bidders, please use the "make a donation" button in the left margin for payment using paypal or contact me for other forms of payment.

and now to the winner of the Meanest, toughest hook I've ever made...the Australian Red Gum hook....... Drum roll please... rumpa pum pum.... is..... Laughing Purple Goldfish from Australia!! FANTASTIC!!!

For those who haven't had the pleasure, Laughing is an AMAZINGLY talented Australian crochetier and a very deserving recipient. Check out her blog at http://laughingpurplegoldfish.com/

I picked the winner by random choice, not from the hook names, BUT I have to say my favorite name was "Diplohookticus Jimbosai 'Australis' eucalyptus camaldulensis, common name 'Red Ned'". Ingenious, Beth!! Ah but I also kinda like the name I came up with.. "Redrum", you know from "The Shining" cause it sounds kinda like "Redgum" and spells "murder" backwards.

So, Laughing Purple, if you'd kindly email me an address where the hook's to go, I'll send it off. Aussie wood will be returning to Oz! Probably with some amazing tales to tell.

And thanks again to everyone who entered!! This was fun!! Keep watching. We'll do another contest someday soon.

Jimbo
(click on image to enlarge)

Hot off the Jimbo lathe... 5 hooks of beautiful woods; four are up for bids, one will be given away FREE!!

Lets take a look first at the contest hook (on the far right of the photo). This is a one of a kind hook and it will remain unique in the list of Jimbo hooks as far as the wood type goes.

Of course there's a story behind this. I've been interested in the woods of Australia. The land of Oz grows some really beautiful woods, so when I saw an ad on Craigslist for genuine Australian Red Gum, being sold by an arborist about 40 miles away, I hopped in the truck and beat it over there to buy some. In fact I bought several board feet of the stuff. What I didn't know is that Australian Red Gum is NOT good wood to use on a lathe. The wood splinters and likes to fly off the lathe and attack me. Ah but I don't give up easy. I toughed it out even though a chunk flew off the heel end and tried to impale my hand. So although I finished the hook and its a beauty, I took the hint and won't be turning any more Australian Red Gum into crochet hooks. Now don't get me wrong.... Red Gum is a beautiful wood and it makes some really nice furniture and such. It just doesn't normally want to become crochet hooks. I managed to convince just this one and it turned out to be a beautiful I (5.5mm) hook that's 7 3/4 inches (19.7mm) long!

I took SO much time to make the Red Gum hook that I thought it either should sell for hundreds or I should give it away. I doubt anyone would want to pay hundreds, so I'm giving it away. If you've an interest in an incredibly rare Jimbo hook in Australian Red Gum... all's you have to do is enter the contest by posting a "comment" in this blog entry or by emailing me with an appropriate name for this hook. I'll do a drawing of the entries and post the winner on Jan. 20. One entry per person, please except Australians, who have to put up with this wonderful HEAVY and HARD and DANGEROUS wood get TWO entries each. Also, in appreciation to my wonderful blog followers, your entry will count twice too, just mention that you're a follower and you get two chances!

You can email your entries if posting comments doesn't work, at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Now on to the 4 hooks up for bids. Lets start on the left and call this one hook #1. This beauty is made from genuine and downright purty Deadman Crick Bush Maple cut my me from a dead branch in a bush not more than a stone's throw (and I can't throw so far anymore) from the Front Porch. Its an N (10mm) and would love to cuddle in your hand and help you make whatever N's like to make. It's longish, at 7 3/4 inches (19.7cm) but light as a Deadman Crick turkey feather.

Moving to the right, we have a hook (#2) made from a chunk of local Black Walnut. This piece of wood has been curing in my basement for about a year and I finally cut it into pieces on my bandsaw and was amazed at the beautiful color of the wood. Ordinarily I'm not a huge fan of walnut. I grew up during a walnut craze and tired of the stuff long ago. But there are exceptions and this chunk of wood is one of them. Its just beautiful! Grain so clear and deep, it's just a remarkable piece of wood. And the hook? I decided to let the hook find it's own size as it was made. Turns out it became an H! (5mm), and the length is a very comfortable 7 inches long (17.8cm). I promise you, this isn't just your ordinary ho hum walnut.

Next hook (#3) is made of that same chunk of walnut, only (shhhh I don't want the other hook to be jealous) even prettier, with wavy grain that you'll just enjoy sitting and staring at; it changes in the light as you move it around. At least I enjoy just sitting and staring at it. And this one is even more unique. It came out the same length at 7 inches (17.8cm) but decided all on own to be between the H and I, at 5.25mm. Do you own an H.5? I bet not. And you won't see a prettier walnut hook. Beauty has its quirks eh?

And last up is a hook (#4) made from exotic Zircote, a hardwood that runs from brown to black to dusky tan in VERY defined streaks. In fact, if I didn't tell you, you might think that this is several pieces of different woods that were laminated together. This hook was made from the wood pieces that my son Lance gave me for Christmas and was hand picked by him for its amazing grain. The hook is an I (5.5mm) and is a bit over 7 inches (17.8cm) long.

So there you have it. Enter the contest whether you bid or not. To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time... in fact I'll be gone from Thursday - Sunday (Jan. 7-10) so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as I'm able to get to them. Identical bids are entered by first to post so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first. Also please increase bids by $5 minimum. I'll end the auction on Tuesday night 10pm, Jan 12.

email bids, if you've a mind, to me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Whew!! So here we go!

Bids:

Hook #1
Krista jumps in with $15
Virginia bids $25

Hook #2
Nancy's the first bidder with $20
Alice takes it to $25
Nicole goes $30
Nancy searched the couch cushions and came up with $35

Hook #3
JoAnn goes $20
Jennifer's saying $35
Nicole's here too with $40

Hook #4
Kelley's here with $25
Dawn drops a bid for $35
Kelley's back with $40
Jenn's here with $45

And THANK you for dropping by!!

Jimbo

End of year Beauties...Last Auction of 09 is OVER

2009-12-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

Look to see if you were high bidder. We had a couple "max" bids that came to the wire so be sure to check to see if you won. Thanks and Happy New Year!!!!!

Jimbo

Oh.. and High bidders, please use the "make a donation" button in the left margin of this page if you'd like to use paypal for payment. Otherwise please email me for other arrangements.
And THANKS AGAIN!!!

Here are four beauties to ring out the year. Three different woods, all BEAUTIFUL!
Lets go from left to right. The hook on the left (hook #1) is made of Olive Wood. Olive wood, as you know is used for religious carvings. You see Olive Wood Crosses, Madonnas and Nativity scenes; because Olive Wood comes mainly from the Holy Land (can't say this particular wood did, but its certainly possible). And it really is beautiful wood, with highly contrasting grain in wild unpredictable patterns. This wood was sent to me as a gift by Kathryn (a Jimbo hook owner and very talented crochetier). Olive Wood makes VERY nice hooks! THANK YOU Kathryn!! So ok.. to the details. This is an I (5.5mm) and is 6 3/4 inches (17.15cm) long, with a generous thumb rest.

Next hook to the right is Hook #2, and its made from one of my favorite woods... Red Heart. Red Heart always has a Beautiful red color, and beautiful grain patterns. Its unusual in that its one of the pretty hardwoods that's lightweight as well. NICE wood! Oh, and the hook! It's a H (5mm)and is 6 1/2 inches (16.5cm) long AND is shaped in the original Jimbo hook style with a thumb rest that'll make your thumb think its in Heaven!.

Another Red Heart hook is next (Hook #3) and it has all the attributes of Hook #2 except its a different size. Ever wonder why the Hook Gods chose to take such a HUGE leap between the K (6.5mm) and the L (8mm)? Me too! So I, rebel that I am, decided there should be a 7mm hook size. And here you are! A 7mm K/L Or L/K? L minus? K plus??.. whatever.. its 7 inches (17.8cm) of beautiful red grain done in the Universal Jimbo style.. and a thumbrest that will give you chronic happy thumb.

And last but far FAR from least, is one of THE nicest woods I've EVER had the pleasure to turn. Not only that, this wood, Peraba Rosa, makes just absolutely SUPURB hooks. With sharp tools, almost continuous long curly shavings that make this wood an absolute joy to turn. Ah but that's not of interest to crochetiers... Crochetiers want smooooooth hooks that are such a pleasure to hold that beautiful crocheted art just floats off the hook. This is one of those woods. And the color!? Well just look! I researched this wood, and found that its common to Brazil (THANK YOU BRAZIL!!) and doesn't normally have this rich pumpkin color. Normally its more brown and red. So I'm thinking this is an unusual piece, and I'm lucky to have some to work with. But the beauty is in the tightness of the grain and ability to take detail. Carvers would die for this wood! And Just to prove that this is real wood, and not some woodlike nectar from the Goddess Hookthena , I left tiny little very smooth knife marks on the heel end, and on the thumb rest. Silk, its like!
Oh and if I can just work up enough will power to put it down for a minute to measure..uh..ok... its an H (5mm) and is a wee shy of 7 1/2 inches (19cm) long (didn't have the heart to cut it shorter).

So there you have it... the last Jimbo Hooks of the year! And they're up for auction! Lets make these true end of year hooks and close the auction Thursday, New Year's eve, at 5pm Pacific time. Note the 5pm time is different...mainly because Karol and I are going to some dear friends for New Years and I won't be here at the usual time.

So, if you'd like to bid... you can email bids with $5.00 raise minimums please, at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'm not here ALL the time though so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as Jimboly possible. Identical bids are entered by the time posted so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first.

And since this is a short auction and many are in different time zones, I'll allow bids that state a maximim amount you'd be willing to pay. For example, lets say the bid is at $25. And lets say you send a "maximum" bid of $45. I'll increase the existing $25 bid to $30 for you (the minimum $5 increase). If another bid is made to $35, I'll increase your bid to $40, and so on until your maximum is reached or the auction ends with your bid of $45 or under. Like on ebay. Get it? If that's confusing, you can email me with any questions. Hmmm I have a question. What if two people send in the same maximum bids?? Hmmmmm. I guess in that case I'd take the maximum bid that got here first. That sound fair??

Ok I better quit now before my head starts to hurt, and just say..

Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jimbo

Bids:

Olive I Hook #1:
Amy goes $15
Beth's here with $20
Jennifer goes to $30
Beth's back with $35
Elle goes to $40
Beth raises to $45
whew! Kathy bumps it again to $50

RedHeart H Hook #2:
Beth $15
Dawn goes to $30
Beth goes up to $35

RedHeart K plus, L minus, L/K, K/L... 7mm (Hook #3):
Amy with $15
Lori goes to $20
Carol does $30
Christina and Carol tie at $35.. Carol was the first received so..Carol gets the bid. Sorry Christina!! Carol: $35

Hook #4..Silky Peraba Rosa H:
Beth goes $15
Carol ups it to $20
Beth raises to $25
Carol to $30
Kelly bids $35
Beth with $40
Shelly goes $45
Beth take it to $50
and Shelly gets the hook with her maximum... $55

Last chance before Christmas hook Auction is OVER... Thanks Bidders!

2009-12-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

SHELLEY gets the hook for her generous bid of $70.
Thanks everyone, and Merry Christmas!!!!
Jimbo
Shelly, you can pay by using the "make a donation" button in the left column of the blog, or contact me if you'd like to pay otherwise.
Thanks again!!

<

please..click image to enlarge

Just had to show off the picture I made for my Sister in Law, Trish. Its from a photo of Deadman Crick that I worked over in Paint Shop. One of my favorite pictures.
And the hook? Oh its a beauty, as you can see. Its made from Tulip Wood, which is a VERY pretty and VERY pink hardwood that makes excellent hooks. Its a G (4mm) and is 6 3/4 inches (17.15cm) long with a carved thumb flat. The grain is just spectacular, with a knot in a perfectly shaped human eye, along the handle. Heh.. I just realized the eye I'm talkin about is on the back side and you can't see it. What you do see is a pretty knot thats kind of in the shape of an eye, but the amazing eye is in the same position but on the other side of the hook. I'll post a detail picture asap.... its really incredible.

here you go... as good as I can get it without natural light....

amazing eh?

Anyways, I'm going to make this a very short auction and finish it on Christmas Eve, 10pm Pacific time, so if you've got a Jimbo G hook with amazing grain on your wish list, there'll still be time to give your Santa a hint.

As usual, you can email bids with $5.00 raise minimums please, to me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'll not be here ALL the time though so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as Jimboly possible. Identical bids are entered by the time posted so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first.

And if I don't see you before, have a Wonderous Christmas!!
Jimbo

Bids:

Carla....$25
Jenny takes it to $30
Carol goes $35
Jenny steps it up.. $40
Bonnie with a big bump to $50
Shelley's in big with $70!

Have to Brag....

2009-12-18T10:47:00.001-08:00

Just got back from my Granddaughter's Christmas play, and guess who played Mary!?
I know pride isn't such a good thing, but I caint help it..I'm so proud I could pop!

Getting ready to head up to the Ranch for a early Deadmancrick family Christmas. Hope to have some shots from there to post early next week.

If I don't get to post till later, you all have a VERY JOYOUS CHRISTMAS!!

HO HO HO
Jimbo

CRIMMIS HOOK

2009-12-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

THE FIRST ANNUAL JIMBO CRIMMIS HOOK CONTEST!!

(click to enlarge)

My son Lance, when he was about 3, couldn't say Christmas. He called it Crimmis. And this, my friends has just become the annual Jimbo Crimmis Hook Contest. And the prize is the very first ever in the known Universe, Jimbo Crimmis Hook!! Want to win it? Just leave a remark in this post, below the auction, and tell me how good you've been this year. Or if you aren't able to post a remark, email me at

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

to enter.

And yes, that's a REAL Christmas Tree light; and no it doesn't light up.

I'm setting a finish date at the end of the auction below (Tuesday Dec. 15th 10pm).

Enter yourself, or nominate someone who's been very very good this year. I'm sure there will be lots of VERY nice folks who enter, and picking the most deserving will be impossible... so I'll simply draw a name from the entries to select a winner.

Oh and the hook? Its a fully functional Maple (from Jimbo Claus's tree) and it's a K (6.5mm)

Good Luck and Merry Crimmis!!
Jimbo

And the AUCTION:

(click to enlarge)

OK! Here's a number of hooks for all who'd like to treat themselves or others to Jimbo hooks for Christmas! I've been out in cold, working and working to catch up with auction hooks and this is the result. Whew!!!

So lets start at the top, with a hand carved Fir K+. I say K plus because the hook is a tweener, between a K and an L, or in the MM sizes, a 7mm. It has a forefinger AND thumb rest that should fit overhand grippers really well. The intricate carving on the handle is done gratis by those little woodcarving bugs that used to live between the bark and cambium layer of the wood. I promise they've moved on, but they left some serious artwork.

The next two down are something totally new for me and the world of crochet in general. I've combined tunisian and bullion hook features and came up with the first and only "Bullisian" Jimbo hooks! Actually I'll have to fess up. These two aren't the absolute first "Bullisian" hooks. I made one earlier and took it with me to Portland with Dippy. While in Portland, I was able to have the FAMOUS and ULTRA talented Bullion Queen, Bonnie Pierce (hope you don't mind me dropping your name, Bonnie) test the first one. And she LIKED it!! I was encouraged but didn't have time to make more till now. So... what you have here are long tunisian style hooks that can certainly be used for tunisian crochet, but wait... there's more! the hooks at the working ends of these beauties having special features that make bullions a breeze! Stack'em up, slide'em off. Cinchy!
The top Bullisian (tm) ((heh)) hook is bamboo, with a fir knob. Its an M (9mm) and its 9-5/8" long (24.4cm). The other is Birch and it's a J (6mm) and is just a teensy bit longer than the M. It sports a maple knob.
Want to be one of the first (after Bonnie) to have a "Bullisian" hook?? Now's your chance!

Now, starting on the group below.. from left to right.

Hook 1 is an ultra lightweight but HUGE hook. It's made of cedar from up on the ranch and is just amazingly light. Sizewise, its a 15.88mm (5/8 inches in diameter)and is 19.5 cm (7-5/8 inches)long. As amazing as the weight, the grain is irridescent! A really beautiful hook!

Hook 2 is an L (8mm) made of good ole Deadman Crick Aspen. Another lightweight beauty! Its longish, almost 8 inches long (20.3cm)and a light colored beauty.

Hook 3 is a White Oak K. More beautiful grain with radial flecks that are reminiscent of the "Craftsman" era furniture. It has the original Jimbo style thumbrest and is 7 inches long (17.8cm). NICE!!

Hook 4 is one of the South American Rosewoods (can't remember which), but it's a beauty! This is a really hard wood, so I went ahead and cut it down to a tiny G size (4mm). It has the universal Jimbo grip and is 7 inches (17.8cm) long. Rosewood, G, ergonomic grip.... need I say more?

Hooks 5, 6, and 7 are all Jimbo egg hooks. I have crochetiers who LOVE this style hook and some who have said they couldn't crochet with anything else (due to physical joint or muscle issues)
#5 is the darker of the three and it's made from good ole Deadman Crick Briar. Its an H (5mm) and is 5 inches (12.7cm) long. The bulb is a little over a inch in diameter (2.8cm).
#6 is made of Ornamental Crab Apple and is the same size as the Briar hook..and H (5mm) 5 inches (12.7cm) long. The bulb is a little over a inch in diameter (2.8cm).
#7 is made of Maple. A beautiful wood, Maple. Anyways its a J (6mm) and otherwise the same size as it's buddies; 5 inches (12.7cm) long and with the bulb part a little over a inch in diameter (2.8cm).

Hook#8 is a real beauty, hand carved from genuine Deadman Crick Fir. Its a pretty stright hook with a hint of thumb rest, so the rustic colors and grain show clearly. I guarantee you'll not have another hook like this one in your collection. Its in the range of a Q, at 13mm and is 7 1/4 inches (18.42cm1)long. A great hook for fast shawls.

And last but far from least are the FARA chophooks. ALL proceeds from these very useful hooks go to help find a cure or treatment for Friedreich's Ataxia. No need to bid on chophooks, but I ask for a minimum $10 donation. Order as many as you like, I'll keep making them till the cows come home or they find a cure.

As usual, you can email bids with $5.00 raise minimums please, to me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'm not here ALL the time though so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as Jimboly possible. Identical bids are entered by the time posted so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first.

We'll run this auction up until Tuesday, 10pm Pacific Time, Dec. 15. With luck and the grace of the postal service, these hooks should be in your hands by Christmas!

Thanks for your patience!!
Jimbo

BIDS:

Hand carved Fir K+....
Melissa's here with $20

Bullisian M.....
Sherri..$5
Katie.. $10 (corrected from my mistake... sorry Katie)
Lillibet..$15

Bullisian J.....
Nicole goes $15

Hook 1 (cedar monster)...
Sherri..$5
Katie.. $15

Hook 2 (Aspen L)....
Oh oh... a very good little girl gets the L. Bidding's closed on this one!

Hook 3 (White Oak K)...
Beth from OZ! bids $20
Andrea goes to $25

Hook 4 (Rosewood G)...
Shhhh Jimbo Claus has grabbed set this one aside for JoBug's sister who is donating her a kidney. That put her way WAY up on the "Nice" list!

Hook 5 (Briar Egg H)...
Vanessa starts it off with a bid of $10
Nicole: $15
Sherri..$20
Annie.. $25

Hook 6 (Ornamental Crab Egg H)...
Lillibet: $5
Nicole goes $15
Lillibet..$20

Hook 7 (Maple Egg J)...
Jenny goes $20

Hook 8 (Handcarved Fir Q-ish)
Melissa with $20
Anamaria takes it to $25
Melissa ..$30

Chophooks... no need to bid, just paypal your donation of at least $10 per hook and let me know how many you're buying.

Thanks!!!

Weather permitting, there'll be a very special hook coming to a front porch near here... soon.

Jimbo

What I've been up to while NOT blogging....

2009-12-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some pretty bad pictures of the set for this year's production of "Heartsongs". Its a one-night play that was organized by a really dedicated minister here in town, Redhawk. I was honored to be the set designer and builder so I've been busy these past several weeks. The show was this last Sunday at the Bing Crosby theater here in Spokane and was very well attended.
Had lots of great help this year, from Susan the fire hydrant artist extraordinaire, and Tom the Talented. Fun, and worthwhile.

Apple tree sculpted Hook... SOLD*

2009-11-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

*Shortest auction ever, eh? Well I should have first offered the hook to the second highest bidder in the first auction. I've made that right, and the hook is sold. BUT I promise more will be coming!! I'm hoping to do some more Chophooks too. They make really great Christmas gifts and help out a very worthy cause.

Ever see this hook before? It was auctioned several months back but circumstances didn't allow the high bidder to claim the hook. I've held it what I feel is a long enough time (since May), just in case... but decided today that its just too pretty to be sitting on my desk and not in someone's hands making beautiful things.

I copied the description below from the earlier auction, cause it's all still true.

What you see here is my best work yet, in terms of sculptural value in a crochet hook. Shades (albeit distant shades) of Henry Moore! The handle end of this hook is sculpted in an abstract form that is organic and so sensual it begs fondling. Functional form, in the crochet aspect, is almost if not totally dominated by the grain and structure of the Applewood medium and the form it takes at the heel of this hook. Seriously, photographic detail does little justice.

I've been wanting to use more artistic expression in some of my hooks, as a hopeful supplement to the natural beauty of the wood, but have been intimidated by what wood so easily does on it's own. So this is a pretty bold venture for me, and I have to admit to a degree of trepidation about it's acceptance. But here it is, for all it's worth.

My indecision is past, and realizing that I'm a whittler, not a crochet hook collector... I've decided to put this remarkable piece of nature (and some whittling) up for bids.

I'll take bids on this hook ($5 minimum raises please), till 10pm November 25.

Oh and bytheway... this hook is made from a branch of the famous old Deadman Crick Apple tree from up on the ranch. Its 7 1/4 inches (18.5 cm) long and is a K (6.5mm).

You can email bids to me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

I'll try to post bids as they come in but be warned, I'm busy designing and building a set for a local play so will be away for hours at a time. But I promise to post bids as soon as I come back from the studio.

Thanks for dropping by!

Bids:

First Snow on the Ranch

2009-11-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

you can click on the images for a larger picture. Oh and yes, I did make the lamp... its made of Tamarack!

Seems like it's been months since we've been able to get up to the Ranch. Halloween events and later issues kept us away, so we missed alot of the Tamaracks changing color. Hate to miss that since they turn such a spectacular brilliant yellow. But its a fleeting time and you have to be there within days almost to see the brightest colors before the needles fall, and we missed it. BUT we didn't miss the first snow!! And THAT'S a huge thing for me. Love the crisp air up there when it's cold enough for the snow to stick and build up clouds of white in the tree branches.

Karol and I went up Friday and stayed with friends Jim and Mickey through Sunday, then I stayed there Sunday night by myself. Great time!! These pictures were taken Saturday morning when we woke up to fresh snow. Its almost tradition now, that we take a walk in the first snow, and I dawdle to take pictures. Such beauty has to be shared.

So here you are. Almost as pretty as being there.

Auction coming up.... soon.

Thanks for dropping by!
Jimbo

AUCTION IS OVER, BUT THERE'S MORE COMING!

2009-11-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

HIGH BIDDERS PLEASE CONSIDER USING PAYPAL BY CLICKING ON THE "MAKE A DONATION" BUTTON IN THE LEFT MARGIN OF THIS BLOG PAGE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY ANOTHER WAY, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND WE'LL FIGURE IT OUT.
THANKS TO ALL BIDDERS!!
JIMBO

Sorry it's taken so long to put some hooks up for bids. No really good excuses, but the Portland trip did take a bit of time and stuff here has been catching up to me.. and such... lame excuses. I know.

So these hooks are pictured against a backdrop of leaves that I need to rake. Already did that once, and they're back again. Ah but it gets me out in the crisp air and it's good exercise. Yeah that's it.. keep telling yourself that, Jimbo.

Ok ok.. to the hooks. These are four hooks that are ALL really pretty!

Starting from left to right, the first hook is made of a South American Rosewood (can't remember which country). It has rich deep reddish brown colors that are reminiscent of old mahogany, but the grain is much tighter and dense. It's an F (3.5mm) and is 17.15cm (6 3/4 inches) long.

Next up is a beautiful Redheart hook. I love the color of Redheart. Amazing that a wood can be naturally so red! Anyways, this beauty speaks for itself.. all's I really need do is tell you that it's a G (4mm) and is a wee bit shorter than the Rosewood hook... about 6 5/8 inches (16.83cm) long.

Number three is an ornamental Crabapple beauty with wildly contrasting grain, cream on one side, and a golden brown spike on the other. Pretty, feather light, and functional. It's an H (5mm) and is 6 1/2 inches (16.51cm) long.

Last but FAR from least is a new wood for me. German Pear! My son Lance got this for me at a hardwood importer in Portland, as a gift. Its beautiful wood and really nice to work with.. very tight grain and pretty varigated colors that you have to see to appreciate. I didn't put a thumb flat on this one but will if the high bidder prefers, no charge. Its a J (6mm) and is 7 3/8 inches (18.73cm) long.

So.. to the bidding...

As usual, you can email bids with $5.00 raise minimums please, to me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

To new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'm not here ALL the time though so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as Jimboly possible. Identical bids are entered by the time posted so if your bid is the same as another, I'll go by which ever one was posted first.

We'll run this auction up until Monday, 10pm Pacific Time, Nov. 9.

Thanks for your patience!!
Jimbo
now I better go rake leaves, eh?

Bids:

Rosewood F: Bonnie goes $15
Diane bumps it up to $25
Robin says $30

Redheart G: Bonnie here with $20
Diane goes to $25
Shannon takes it to $30
Adam raises it to $35

Ornamental Crab H: Janet again with $10
Bonnie again with $15
Nicole goes to $25

German Pear J: Janet goes $10
Bonnie AGAIN $15
Becky bids $25

Diplohookticus Debut

2009-11-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

A fine time was had by all, especially Diplohookticus Jimbosei, at Portland's famed "Twisted Yarns" over the Halloween holiday. Seen here, Dippy's "coming out" event was carried out by Rockpool Candy, famous fiber artist from Northern Ireland, and sponsored by none other than Ravelry's pride, Laurie Wheeler, fearless leader of the Crochet Liberation Front.

Friday evening Dippy and Rockpool Candy made what SHOULD have been sufficient to get them into the Guinness Book of World records for the World's biggest crochet hook. You see, the Guinness people required that the hook be in a shape normal to an ordinary crochet hook (Dippy IS shaped like a normal crochet hook, wouldn't you say?) and be used in a normal way. AND Rockpool Candy did just that!! And so did Laurie Wheeler!! Both of these talented crochetiers made a total of twenty stitches to complete a giant spiderweb!

And here we have the Team! Left to right, we have THE fearless leader of "Ravelry's" Crochet Liberation Front, Laurie Wheeler, THE famous fiber activist and yarn sculptress Rockpool Candy, "Twisted" co-owner Emily, the totally charming Hazel, and her Mommy, Twisted co-owner Shannon. Oh and yeah that's me in the background, totally humbled by the greatness in front of me. Dippy was so overcome he passed out in the arms of all that talent and charm.

Could it get any better? YES!! Dippy and I had the honor of an audience with the Internationally Renown Author, Freeform Crochet and Bullion Queen, Bonnie Pierce!! Bonnie took a liking to Dippy and even threw a couple loops around the lucky guy's neck. Lucky for me, Bonnie's husband Bill was handy so Dippy didn't dare try any funny stuff. Ever generous, Bonnie graciously coached me in the nuances of a good bullion hook design, although she doesn't need hooky nuances to do bullions. In fact, I firmly believe Bonnie could charm a 30 loop bullion off a cactus. She's that good.

And here we have Ireland's Pride, Rockpool Candy in the midst of actually crocheting, all by herself, with Dippy (who didn't help at all). Rockpool did TEN actual stitches on the perimeter of the giant spider web that we crocheted (YES I helped!) with yarn spun right in the shop from fiber donated by Fearless Leader Laurie Wheeler. Rockpool set us up with strands of yarn that radiated from a center point, with a crochetier between each strand. One would chain a section from one of the radial strands to the next, then hand the hook (we used ALL Jimbo hooks for the project!)to the next crochetier, who continued to chain her two radial strands together, and the hook was then passed to the next crochetier and so on till the circle was completed, Then we'd switch to a bigger hook and do the next circle and so on, till we ended up with Dippy at the furthest and biggest circle. What a BLAST!! You shoulda been there!

And when Rockpool finished with her magic (I was AMAZED she was actually able to crochet with that lunk), she passed the hook on to Laurie, who crocheted ten more stitches and passed ole Dippy on to another crochetier who i stoopidly failed go get a name from (I think I was in shock) and so on. Just amazing! I mean that guy weighs 25lbs!! Not much you say? Just imagine balancing a 25lb pole in one hand while throwing crochet loops with the other! Just amazing!

And here's Rockpool Candy, famed crochet artist, caught in her own web! Actually, she'd putting the finishing touches on this webby wonder Saturday morning as we finished up and got ready to head back to the real world. But not before...

We got a visit from WALDO!! Can you find him? heh. Actually this is Leethal (Lee Merideth) who dropped by with her spinning wheel just as we were hanging the web. We finished earlier than planned so Lee and her very nice alpaca missed out on contributing to the web. Not that Lee is a stranger to the web.. she's a designer! check her out at http://www.leethal.net/index.html

All in all a great time was had, and I'm VERY grateful to Rockpool Candy and her Hubby Andy (what good friends we've become!!) for coming all the way from Ireland to do stitches with Dippy, and to Laurie Wheeler and Hubby Jeff for organizing and having The Crochet Liberation Front sponsor the event, AND to Twisted Yarns in Portland for hosting us. And I'm especially grateful to Twisted for their VERY generous donation to FARA (Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance) through their purchase of Jimbo Chophooks!

And thanks to all who helped us in Portland, especially my son Lance, his bride Crystal, daughter Kylee and dog Louie P. Wigglebottom for their generous hospitality and good eats!!

grateful
Jimbo

Diplohookticus Jimbosei's official statistics:
Diameter of shank (hook size): 15.7 cm (6.18 inches)
Length: 147 cm (57.87 inches)
Weight: 11.3 kg. (24.9 lbs)
First use: Oct. 30, 2009
At: Twisted Yarns, Portland Oregon USA
By: Rockpool Candy of Ireland
and Laurie Wheeler of Camano Island, Washington, USA

Come to Portland Ore. on Halloween... meet Dippy!!

2009-10-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

(click image for larger print)

The paparazzi got this shot of Dippy (Diplohookticus Jimbosei) while he was trying on outfits prior to his cameo appearance at Twisted Yarns in Portland for the event you see in the flyer. The guy's just getting too uppity. And I have to live with him all the way to Portland!

If you can make it, please plan to attend. I'd love to meet you and Dippy wants to fill his dance card!

PLUS you'll get to meet and crochet with Rockpool Candy, the famed fiber artist from Ireland, and Camanomade, fearless leader of The Crochet Liberation Front in Ravelry! They'll be organizing a fiber spinning and crochet event where a huge spiderweb will be made in the shop (Twisted Yarns).

Hope you can be there!
Jimbo

New auction coming sooon! Watch THIS space!

2009-09-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Prettiest Hook Ever?? auction over,Tracey gets the hook! Thanks everyone!
Next auction will be added to this post in order to keep the Halloween post up top. (Need to get folks to come to the event, you know.)
Up for bids

The other day, I was wandering aimlessly through a local wood supply and came across this very small piece of Cocobolo (Rosewood). Now if you've been around rough sawn wood before, you know that its hard to tell what kind of grain you're getting because the frayed saw marks hide the grain. But on this one, I could see beautiful grain peeking through and I immediately bought the piece. Thankfully it was a very small piece because this is EXPENSIVE wood. Anyways, I brought the blank home and cut it into two hook blanks (maybe three if I can use the third piece). To my horror, there was a huge void in the middle of the wood, a pocket probably caused by an insect or some defect or crack while the tree or branch was growing. That's good and bad. The good is that the defect caused the wood to grow in amazingly beautiful swirls and colors. The bad was that it was a DANGEROUS piece to turn at near 2,000 rpm on my lathe, not knowing if the piece would explode and send sharp shards through my favorite T-shirt. Needless to say, I took it very slow and re-sharpened the lathe tool twice during the cutting.

It all paid off, as you can see. The photo is of the hook on a mirror so you can see as much of the grain as possible. But even at that, you just have to hold this beauty and turn it in the light to fully appreciate what a masterpiece nature has bestowed. Hold it in your hand. You can't stop turning it to admire the grain and feel the texture.

I know I've been lucky to find some really beautiful woods before, but this one is just incredible.

Technically, the hook is an H (5mm) and is 7 1/2 inches long (19cm).
Now what I decided to do, since this is such a special hook, is to delay carving a thumb rest, and carve it later, according to the high bidder's wishes. I'll send the hook, the buyer can try it out, maybe mark where a thumb rest should go; send it back and I'll carve the flat and send it back as a custom fit.

So.. to the bidding...

As usual, you can email bids with $5.00 raise minimums please, to me at:

jimbocrochetwhittler@yahoo.com

Oh, and for any new bidders: I try to post bids as they come in. I'm not here ALL the time though so if your bid doesn't show up right away, not to worry. Your bid will be posted as soon as Jimboly possible.

We'll run this auction up until 10pm Pacific Time, Oct. 7.

Jimbo

Bids:
Sherri starts with $25
Tracey to $30
Carlene goes to $35
Debra wants another.. and goes to $40
Tracey bumps it to $45
Debra's back with $50
Tracey takes it to $55
Deb again with $60!
I'm BACK! and a bid was waiting.. Nicole with $75!
Ooooh, Tracey goes to $80!