Happy Birthday to me!

This year, my present to me, is "Designing Knitwear" by Deborah Newton and two Clover Crochet-Lite hooks! Yay! The book is awesome, I'll have to do a review for you. I have already referenced it several times when designing sleeves. It is written for knitters, but so much of it easily translates to crochet. It is a gem. I bought it used on Amazon. The Crochet Lites I bought from Yarns and More yahoo group. They are totally fun and not at all essential, but that's what gifts are supposed to be, right? Something you want and not necessarily something you need. I'm looking forward to using the crochet-lites on my next evening car ride home from wherever.



My friends think it's hysterical that I buy myself a birthday gift, because normally, I say that it's a gift from my Mom. My mom passed away 10 years ago, and ever since, I usually buy myself something for my birthday. (Really, I don't think anyone needs a reason to buy themselves a gift. Don't we all deserve a little 'pat on the back' for surviving another year and celebrating the hope of the year ahead?). When I explained to my friends that my Mom really would want me to have item "X", they just exploded into laughter. But, it's the truth. Because my Mom loved me and delighted when I was delighted, so if I delight myself with a birthday gift, she would be delighted, right? That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)



Anyway, what matters is that life is good. despite all the heckling that I received from my dear sister-in-law (who's older than me!)


I may not post tomorrow, because I have a lot scheduled, but I'll be back on Monday, and tell you the story of the Gazillion cupcakes.

Popcorn Rectangles

Here is Shay Pendray (left) and Kathleen Sams, on Shay's show, "NeedleArts Studio" with Shay Pendray http://www.knittingdailytv.com/ And, that, is my Popcorn Rectangles afghan. The pattern is offered free on Coats & Clark's website. Kathleen Sams, is from Coats & Clark and is in charge of choosing designs that represent their yarns/threads. http://www.coatsandclark.com/Coats/Templates/Crafts%20-%20Projects%20List.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7b03ED5274-2937-44C6-831D-B2B52AB0B93C%7d&NRORIGINALURL=%2fCrafts%2fCrochet%2fProjects%2fTV%2bProjects%2fCrafts%2bProject%2bList%2ehtm&NRCACHEHINT=Guest
And that is the incredibly long (I don't know how to make a tiny url) link to the free pattern. There are a few more of my patterns on there that you will have to endure reading about at some point!

The funny thing is, I've never seen Shay's show! It doesn't air in my area, but I'm thrilled that my project was chosen to be on tv. My 15 minutes of fame and I didn't even get to see it! I guess I'll have to keep trying for another 15 minutes of fame. I wonder, which would be better, to be rich or famous? What would you choose?

Book Review: 50 Crocheted Afghan Borders

Written by Jean Leinhauser, created by Creative Partners for Leisure Arts, this 32 page booklet it such a little find! Published in 2006, this little booklet offers some nuggets of information that I have never found in any other crochet How-to book! Pages 4-7 are golden, offering a clear explanation of how afghan borders are calculated. The simple yet thorough instructions are a standard from a source we can trust. The designs themselves are very nice and are in a wide range from simple to complex, from nostalgic to contemporary. After crocheting for many years, this is a booklet that I wish I had read first.

Prickly crochet

Have you seen this link yet? Check it out, it's a tiny cactus garden made of crochet!

http://tinyurl.com/2hbmz8

It reminds me of the crocheted coral reef I saw recently, but I can't remember where....

Anyway, on one of my earlier experiences with felting, I made this felted bowl that I use as a flower pot cozy.

About every 6th stitch on the top two rows, I put a FPdc trying to see what texture would do to the felting.

Fun little idea

Sometimes the best designs come in unexpected places. Here's a link to a crocheted baby's mobile. What a fun idea. With all the amigurami designs out there today, it makes me think that these things could go together... http://www.chulamama.com./shop/products/chsol010.html

Speaking of sleeping like a baby... ok, that's a stretch, from mobile to baby sleeping. Here's Chief, on the back of the couch in the tv room:

Thanks!

I need to say THANK YOU! Something good happened yesterday, and it makes me want to say, "I'd like to thank the Academy...." But don't get your imagination all revved up, it's probably not quite as good as what you think (and probably not quite as good as what I aspire to). Anyway, I had a nice day yesterday and I think it's time to name names. So, in no particular order:

Thank you to:

Lisa Pflug for helping me with this website/logo and linking them with my blog. She is http://thecrochetgallery.com/ and a published crochet designer. Thanks Lisa!

Tammy Hildebrand, mentor, friend, crochet designer extraordinaire. Your unwavering support and wisdom has been more valuable than I can measure. Thank you Tammy!

Lisa Naskrent for helping me see a new perspective on gauge which has unlocked a treasure trove of possibilities for me. Lisa is also a published crochet designer and owns http://crochetgarden.com/

Now, for people who answered my questions, no matter how elementary they may have seemed. These women have taken time out of their day to answer them the past few years...

Sharon Mann, author, artist, crochet designer, http://sharonmanndesigns.com/

Darla Fanton, crochet designer, teacher, leader... she also has a blog, but I'm sorry, I don't know the address. I'm sure if you google her or look her up at http://needlecraftuniversity.com/ you'll be able to find her.

Kathleen Stuart, thank you!

Susan Lowman, thank you!

Melodee MacDuffee, thank you!

Susan Huxley, thank you! http://sewntellstudios.com/

Heidi Petach, crochet designer, author, illustrator, pianist....thank you!

The women of the SouthWest Ohio Crochet Guild, to which I am a non-attending member, but they keep me anyway.... http://southwestohiocrochetguild.com/

If I forgot anyone, I apologize, but I hope there will be more opportunities to say 'thank you' in the years to come!

Here's a little get-to-know-you questionnaire that I found:

Favorite way to spend a Saturday/Sunday afternoon: Crocheting!

If you could have three wishes granted, what would they be: That my children would grow up to have faith and be optimistic. That we would always have what we need. That our family would be remembered for being "good people". (I wouldn't mind a new car and a yearly trip to Chain Link, though)

To read or be read to: To read. Right now I'm reading "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon

Do you wish on stars: Yep.

What was the last movie you watched? Ugh, High School Musical 2.

If you were blind but could some how see for one hour a week, what would you spend your time doing? Staring at my children's faces and memorizing every expression.

Best concert you ever went to? Paul McCartney was fun.

If you could learn a new skill what would it be? I'd like to be fluent in another language.

Are you a dancer or a wallflower? At Jazzercise I'm a dancer, at weddings, I'm more of a wall flower.

Do you prefer reading books or listening to music more? Read, absolutely! I only listen to music in the car and at Jazzercise.

If you could live on only one food item for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Chocolate Cake

And 6 weird things about me:

1. I like cherry flavored things, but not cherries. I like oranges, but not orange flavored things.

2. I had a cat named "Ansel" when I was a teen because I loved Ansel Adams' work and thought that I would be the next awesome photographer!

3. I know all the words to the movie, The Princess Bride.

4. I re-read all the earlier Harry Potter books before each new came out.

5. I'd rather go out to dinner than watch a movie.

6. I played soccer for 8 years as a kid and never once scored a goal.

Now, let's see if I can find a photo...



Tammy Hildebrand (left) with me at the 2006 Chain Link CGOA conference

Pam B, Diane S, and me at the 2006 CGOA conference. They are also crochet (and knit) buddies! Thank you, friends!

Crochet Cotton

As I mentioned a day or two ago, it took me a while to understand the value of Crochet cottons, but now I'm a believer. I now understand the need for a 100% cotton product that has some weight to it.

Everyone is familiar with Lily Sugar n' Cream http://sugarncream.com/ which has been a staple for dishcloths for years. If you go to the website, however, they have many patterns that will help you expand it's uses. I used the Sugar n' Cream for the Tunisian Backpack (in brown) that I posted about a couple of days ago. Cotton is absorbent and cool and machine washable, and doesn't melt if you put a hot pan on it. (Maybe I'll tell you about that one day :) This yarn was good for the Tunisian backpack because it is durable, in Tunisian, the fabric is a little more dense, so there were less "holes" between stitches. The yarn "softened up" the more I worked with it. The Lily comes in a 2.5 oz ball, it doesn't say how many yards, but it also comes in 1 pound cones and lots of colors.

Next is Lion Brand Organic Cotton.

it comes in these teeny tiny hanks, that are 1.75 oz, and 82 yds. It's a size 4. And boy do I love it. It is really nice to work with. It feels "lighter" somehow than other cottons. It comes in just a few natural colors, and would add up pretty quickly for a bigger project. Awesome for facial washcloths, baby washcloths, burp cloths or bibs. When you see this yarn, you don't ever want to wash your face with anything else again. This would make a great little gift with a natural bar of soap in a little crocheted basket! Hmmm? Can we say "Christmas Gifts?" Just act surprised, ok?This is Lion cotton, and I don't recall ever using it. I think I had a ball in black once, and my recollection is that it is very similar to the Lily Sugar n' Cream. Anyone with more experience with this yarn and want to chime in? It's 236 yds, 5 oz, and is worsted weight.Here's another one from Lion that I don't know anything about. In general, if it is smaller than a Red Heart LusterSheen or Patons Grace size yarn, I don't know much about it.

Next, here's the new Coats & Clark's Creme de la Creme. It's 100% combed cotton, worsted weight, 2 oz ball, mine doesn't have a yardage amount listed on it. This one is called, "orangetones" and is quite pretty, though I haven't made a swatch with it yet. It comes in lots of colors, and I think is set to hit stores this or next month.

And don't let me forget Bernat Cottontots!

I really like this one for children's items. It's a little softer than the Sugar n' Cream, and it has more texture. I made a baby blanket with it once (with other scrap yarns too) and it turned out nice. It also comes in mid-tone colors, not just the palest of pastels. I like medium tone colors for babies. They like bright colors, and so do I. This comes in a 3 oz ball and some multi-color skeins.

And here's Handicrafter! I've never used this one.

I have heard a little about it, but never used it. I think it also comes in another variety, like multi-color or solids, but I really don't know. You'll have to go to http://bernat.com/ and try it out! let me know what you think!

Changing my mind about Turning

Occasionally, on discussion groups, people will ask, "how do you turn your work?" and I have always answered, "like I'm turning a page in a book". But now, I'm changing my mind. I am right-handed, you need to know. I have been teaching my daughter, Chickee, but now I need to re-teach her.

Do a swatch, any swatch that requires a turning chain of any length at the end of one row to begin the next.

Usually, with my right-handed work, I turn the work as if I am turning a page in a book. As a result, I am observing that the turning chain twists in such a way that it is more difficult to find the top of the stitch to end the next row. If I turn the opposite way, the turning chain sits up nicely, and it is easier to find the top ch to place a stitch into it.

Does this make sense? I have a cold and my head is fuzzy. But tune in tomorrow, because I have a nice list of cotton yarns to look at.

Now, let's see if I have a photo to share:

This is me and "Chief" photo by Chickee. Please disregard the jammies on the floor, Guiding Light on the TV, the dismantled chair in the background, afghan thrown on the floor, etc. This is a simple halter in White TLC Essentials. I'm a little pale in white, next time I'll choose pink or magenta or some other better color.

The spacing seems to be getting all wonky, sorry, I'll try and figure out the key to it!

60 Scarves in 60 days Challenge

I found a new outlet for scarves for charity. Threads of Compassion http://www.threadsofcompassion.bravehost.com/ is an organization seeking scarves, either knitted or crocheted to be a source of comfort and support for survivors of sexual abuse. First, I was simply looking for outlets for scarves to help with Dee's 60 Scarves in 60 Days challenge. http://crochetingwithdee.com/. The Threads of Compassion group offers a few free patterns and explanation of their organization. The finished scarves should be about 5" wide and around 65" long. Finished scarves should be mailed at their address in Chicago, Ill. See their site for more details. Scarves can be made by anyone. They do suggest that survivors of sexual abuse might choose to donate scarves to other survivors as part of their healing process. Donation may be made anonymously. If you are interested, check it out.


Do you know of any other charities that accept scarves?


Now let's see if I can find a cool photo for you to look at...


How about a Sneak Peek for you?
This item should be hitting the printed page sometime soon....

Tunisian in the Round

Hi All, there were some questions Tunisian Backpack and how it came to be "in the round". First, I learned the technique from one of the Master's of Crochet: Nancy Nehring, and her book "Tunisian Crochet" which is available at Amazon and probably other places too.

In this book are many great projects that highlight different techniques to Tunisian, one of them is the "On the Go" bag. Here is my rendition of it:

The bag is made with a traditional bottom, then the black and white pattern is the Tunisian part, Then it is topped off with more traditional methods. This is the project that taught me Tunisian in the round enough to make my backpack, that was published in Crochet Fantasy in Fall 2005.
Ok, My backpack is made of Lily Sugar n' Cream. And I have to admit that I didn't understand the full value of crochet cotton until I made this bag out of it. It is durable, and I really enjoyed using it. More on Lily Sugar n' Cream another time. Both bags, used an afghan circular or cable hook, which looks like this:

The procedure for Tunisian or afghan crochet as you may know, is to cast on stitches on to the hook/cable (forward pass), then to bind them off similar to what you do in knitting (return pass). You can find lessons and tutorials for Tunisian Crochet at the Crochet Classroom. http://crochet101.forumotion.com/index.htm Kim Guzman is also a Master of Tunisian, a link to her blog, WiPs n' Chains is on the right of this blog page.

The "in the round" part comes after you have done a forward pass. Now that I'm re-reading the pattern text in Crochet Fantasy, it's not terribly clear how it's done.

May I quote Nancy in her book? Her explanation (better than mine) is on p. 8, "Slip stitch bind off until 1 loop remains on hook, ch 1, drop loop from hook, insert hook through 1st ch of rnd and last loop of previous round as for Tss. " Tss in this case, is short for Tunisian Simple Stitch.

In my notes when I designed the pattern, I have written "The first six rows or so of in the round are difficult and the base will have to be squished a little to get the cable around all four corners of the bag. Take breaks and stretch your hands frequently. It gets easier after that."

Where the slip stitch join occurs on the backside of the project, there will be a visible diagonal join, like this:

Also, you have to be careful to count your vertical bars (stitches) to make sure that you are keeping an accurate stitch count. There is some decreasing near the top of this bag, which you may notice.

The inside of the bag looks like this:

And here is a closer-up photo of the front flap, which I am particularly proud of. It is a Tunisian Twisted Simple Stitch.

The color striping is made by doing a forward pass in one color and a return pass in the next color.

If I had it to do over again, I would not have woven so many ends through at a time. Oh, it's crochet, I do have it to do over again if I want! Yay crochet!

I'll answer questions if you have them.

And that, my friends, is likely the longest post you'll ever read from me!

Swatching and Yarn review

I've been busy swatching! I love this stitch, it's the ripple stitch (p. 83)from the Crochet Stitch Bible, by Betty Barnden. And I am showing some uncharacteristic patience in making swatches of this fun stitch. Big hook, little hook, big yarn, little yarn, light color, dark, it all looks good. Now I just have to choose the right combination of everything for the project I have in mind. Now, I haven't chosen a yarn for this project yet, but I have discovered a new favorite yarn:
Lion Cashmere Blend! Yum. This color is silver. It is 72% Merino Wool, 14% cashmere, and 14% nylon. It's a size "4", (but it feels slightly thicker than a typical worsted weight). One ball gets about 1.5 oz, 84 yds.

It is very soft and has great drape. (meaning its floppy and not stiff). And guess who else likes it? Mr. Yarn snob himself....

This is Charlie, who never bothers my acrylic yarns, digging into my project bag trying to get at the Lion Cashmere Blend swatch....

And this is him, looking at me guarding his treasure. And that look he's giving me is the, "how long do I get to sit here before you shoo me away?" look. Yes, I agree Charlie, it is a luscious yarn worth working for.

Medallion Monster

Look at this monster. What was I thinking? This bottom photo was on my living room floor (please excuse the ends sticking out!) And it was before I completed the edging. This was the hardest pattern I've ever written. Every row is different. The count on every row is different. This Medallion Throw was in Crochet Today sometime in the Spring of 2007 (I forget which issue). http://www.crochettoday.com/ , you can click on "past issues", then click on each issue, and it will show you what's inside each issue.

This afghan was originally commission by Crochet Today, Brett Bara, the editor, e-mailed me and said something like, "how about an afghan using Moda Dea Eclipse, and Curious?", of course I said, "sure". And I made the afghan and sent it in. A month or two later, I get a call from the tech editor with a question, and I find out that Curious yarn has been discontinued and it is being substituted with Moda Dea "Dream". I don't know if the tech editor had to re-make the entire afghan with the new yarn. I'm guessing that she only made a swatch for the close-up photos and they did a little photographic magic with the photos of the whole piece. I just can't imagine that there was time to re-make the whole thing. I did the math on the afghan if I had purchased the yarn myself, it was a huge amount, I want to say something like $400. I do like it, but I don't know how practical it is! I'd like to see it mounted like a doily in a frame, behind glass, hung up on some huge wall like a rose window in a church. Wouldn't that be nice?

60 Scarves in 60 days

One Done! This one is boxed up and ready to ship to the Orphan Foundation of America! (See my previous posts for details)

This took like 2 hours. It is Lion Brand Thick and Quick http://lionbrand.com/ and I used a "P" hook. Now that's a big hook! It's just sc. I ch as long as I wanted to go with red, then made 2 rows white, 2 rows red. It's simple. I admit that I didn't really have the time to "design" something or learn a new stitch pattern. I have some other projects that are vying for my attention. I do very much appreciate Dee at http://crochetingwithdee.com/ for the challenge. It is always on my yearly goals to donate something, and I just hadn't gotten around to it yet this year. I'm still hoping that I can make a few more before Oct 31, but if I don't, at least I got one done. I'll keep you "posted".

Are you ready?

Are you ready for the spiel about Jazzercise? No, this is not a paid commercial. I am not an actor, I'm not being paid. I'm not an owner, I am not an instructor. What I am, is a believer! Ok, that's a little much. I have been going to Jazzercise regularly since 1994 (I think). I went whenever I could during grad school, then regularly through the time my Mom died in 1997. I just truly believe that being in "good" physical health is one of the things that helped me most while hanging out in hospitals and then recovering from grief. I continued to go to Jazzercise through the years, while pregnant with both my kids. Again, I think that Jazzercise is what made it possible for me to deliver (naturally) both my kids with a fairly quick rebound into my "old jeans".

Jazzercise first, is over 35 years old. It is a fitness program that uses current music and a few dance-type moves to make the exercise fun. It does incorporate pilates, yoga, kick-boxing, and weight training. The people that attend are all different ages, body types, fitness levels, etc. We have a few guys who come (one rides a Harley! he's so much fun!)

People attend class in shorts and t-shirts, or long shirts, or long sweats, or short sports bras, or whatever they feel comfortable in. You show up, do what you can, have fun, and feel better the rest of the day.

In terms of CROCHET, I often crochet while sitting on the floor (ugh) or sitting in bed (yuck) and my posture is terrible. I often get kinks in my neck, strain in my shoulders, and twinges in my elbows. I go to Jazzercise, and it goes away. I loosen up, work it out, and go back to my bad habits when I get home.

That's the lecture on Jazzercise. I love it, I do it, you should try it. (I know it's not for everyone, really, do what's right for you! But really, do what's right for YOU!)

To find a class in your area, (the first class is usually free). go to http://jazzercise.com/ and click on "find a class".

60 Scarves update

Here's the progress on the first scarf for Dee's 60 Scarves in 60 days challenge. I'm actually further, and I've run out of yarn. Yes, it is knit, simple stockinette stitch. I barely know how to decrease and increase and haven't really learned any new combinations of stitches yet. I chose to do stockinette and not learn a new stitch pattern because I haven't knit in a few weeks, and since I'm new anyway, I figured I could use the basic practice. I like the way this super bulky yarn is working up fast on size 13 needles. Of course the sides are curling, though you can't see it in the photo. I was going to add a crocheted edging to fix the curling, but I have to hunt down some more yarn. I should have known that would happen, but I was trying to use a yarn out of my stash. People always say that knit uses so much less yarn than crocheting, I was curious how long one skein would take me.

I have other projects pending on my WIPs list, I have to:

add an edging to an afghan and add it to the pattern.

sew a pocket onto a tote bag and write the pattern.

sew a strap onto a different tote bag and tweak the pattern.

assemble a stack of motifs into a project (I can't tell you! I wish I could!)

write a different afghan pattern out from my notes (which I'm dreading)

I started a bolero jacket from Crochet Today, but I just don't know about it....

Of course make more scarves for the challenge!

And I have several things in my head to design...some sketched out, some not.

My list has been longer in the past, it has been shorter. I've got a soccer game today, so I'll take something with me. Maybe an afghan, it's getting down to a frigid 67 degrees today! Compared to our 100 degree summer, that's going to feel cold. I already have jeans on. The first jeans of the fall!

THAT WAS ME!!!!

I turned on my TV to watch the 2nd Episode of Knit and Crochet Today on PBS and to my surprise and delight, there was my SNOWFLAKE AFGHAN!!!! That I shared with you countless times already! No, they didn't mention my name, (and no, DH, I don't get paid more money because they put it on TV). But I'm thrilled! I have had 3-4 other afghans on the Needle Arts Studio with Shay Pendray show, but since we don't get that show in my area, I've never seen it. So I couldn't believe it! yay! Only Chief was home with me, and Charlie the cat, and they just didn't appreciate the magnitude of the moment! They watched my happy dance with amusement and confusion. I knew you, dear readers, would understand. Now, back to the stack of 4-5 patterns waiting to be written.

Book Review: Positively Crochet

By Mary Jane Hall. This book is great fun. There are many innovative designs to look at. It's is FULL with 50 designs. The most unusual and innovative designs have to be the jewelry, which is so interesting and fun. There is even a ring pattern in there! I admit, there are way too many scarf patterns in the book for my taste. I own about 4 scarves tops, I like one for playing in the snow (LionBrand Homespun), a red scarf for my white coat (SWTC Gianna yarn), um, I can't remember the others. Oh yeah, a really classy one in Patons SWS yarn, yum. I definitely don't wear scarves for decoration, I really wear them for warmth with a coat. I'm just not a novelty scarf wear-er. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) I've even designed a few myself! (We'll see where they turn up later!)

Back to the book, this book has designs that I actually want to make! Some of the shrug designs are very innovative and do-able! There is a tie-cardigan that is extremely wear-able. (I'm just making up words all over the place today). I can totally see myself wearing that cardigan. I appreciate that Mary Jane uses both easy to find yarns, as well as more "gourmet" yarns. She also offers suggestions on yarn substitution (very bold move Mary Jane!)

The "positively" part is snippets of encouraging words with each pattern. I think that overall, it's a fun idea to add these comments in a crochet book, and it sounds authentic to who she is as a person...but I can't imagine the book proposal, I wonder what Mary Jane must have said to make the publisher take such a risk?

Definitely a good book to spend some time with.

Magazine Review: Interweave Crochet Fall

Here it is! Another much anticipated issue of Interweave Crochet http://interweavecrochet.com/ I read it all the way through! It is really a nice magazine. I love little things about it like the little one sentence comments about each designer at the end of each pattern. I like the fact that they are putting a little "@" sign if there is more info to be found on the website. (Although, I went to the website and couldn't find any additional info...it's a great idea, I hope they follow through). Boy! Isn't Doris Chan hot right now! She's coming out with her second book, there are designs in this issue from her as well as a profile about her. The cover design is by Robyn Chachula, and if you haven't heard of her, you must not be listening, because she has been all over lately! She has several patterns that have been in Crochet Today in addition to being profiled in the same magazine, I saw a photo of her in ad for Knit and Crochet Today on PBS, so apparently she will be on an upcoming episode. You can find her website and blog at http://crochetbyfaye.com/

There is a broomstick lace patterned ponchette that it very interesting by Kate Pullen on p. 44. The ads are even beautiful. The design that I am mostly likely to actually do is the Overlay Felted Tote by Jennifer Hagan on p. 84. I love a great bag. I like garments too, but I admit that I'm not the best at caring for my gentle crocheted fabrics, and I don't often have the time to invest in a garment designed by someone else, but bags are a possibility!

Overall, if I ever get a design published in this magazine, I will feel that I have "made it" as a crochet designer.

Baby Basket Afghan

This Baby Basket Afghan was in August 2007 Crochet World. (See the Crochet World Magazine link under "Great Sites to See" in the right sidebar.) It is made in Lion Brand Homespun yarn in Hepplewhite. http://www.lionbrand.com/ It is a unique pattern because it is worked in 3 panels. The panel thing happened because I was using the basketweave technique (FPdc and BPdc) and to tell the truth, I got bored. Really bored. So I changed the way I was doing it to make it more interesting for myself, and the pattern was born. When I am designing, I never hesitate to change my mind...it's just yarn. I can frog it or keep the swatch for future reference. I figure that if I get bored making the pattern, then readers will too. Sometimes I will even get so far as making the swatch, photographing it, and writing the pattern, then I decide that I've lost passion for it, and I "retire" it. It goes in the stack of designs that never got submitted or have been submitted to everyone I know and still haven't been chosen. So I keep them. Sentimental reasons? maybe, or to provide inspiration later. Maybe if I change the yarn, change the construction. Turn the motifs into a bag or place mat or pillow. Maybe I could change the stitch pattern with a tweak here or there. So I keep the "retirees".

60 Scarves progress

Red Scarf Project

OFA's 2008 Red Scarf Project is officially underway. Knitters who wish to send a unique message of support for foster youth via their colorful handmade creations can send in scarves to OFA between September 1 and October 15, 2007. Visit our Red Scarf Page http://www.orphan.org/index.php?id=40 for latest information and guidelines.
RED SCARF PROJECT '08
A Great Charitable Knitting Initiative Provides Warmth and Encouragement to Foster Youth
In 2005, OFA launched a unique initiative to send warmth and encouragement to college-bound foster youth. We began taking donations of handmade red scarves to put into our Valentine's Day Care Packages.

I found this group last year, but didn't get around to it, but I remembered the group and thought, I would like to send my scarf to them... I'm talking about Crocheting With Dee's 60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge http://crochetingwithdee.com/

I think I like this Orphan Foundation of America because they serve older kids. I tend to feel that the older kids are under served. It's easier to donate items of little kids because smaller children outgrow items quicker, they are still in good condition. The littlest ones pull at our heartstrings with their little faces. But what about the older kids? With perhaps a tough exterior, a kid who has had to endure circumstances that have made them perhaps weary, perhaps cautious, perhaps suspicious of the world. Wouldn't it be great to reach out to them and show them a little softness, a little kindness?

Yes, I think this is where I am going to send my scarf (scarves?) So, the lavender one that I started might have to go to Chickee, (I'm sure when she sees it, she'll want it anyway) and I'll go through my stash for some Red yarn and some neutrals to go with it. If you are interested, follow the link above to find all the particulars about the organization, their needs, and their specific requests for the scarves.

Note that their deadline is October 15th, I'd better get moving!

Conversation Piece

Have you ever wanted to create a crocheted thing for fun? That has no function? I'm such a practical person that this following project is quite a departure for me!

this is a Sc square, but I crocheted over the top of 24 gauge wire. It's a thin yarn, like a 2. some obscure yarn, kinda stiff. I'll look it up if you're interested.

And after it was done, I began to play! Smooshing it and bending it, flattening it again.

I asked my husband if he wanted to take it to work to put on his desk, but he said it would get lost.

Then he said, "what is it?"

I said, "I dunno, a decoration." What do you think? It's now sitting on top of my TV.

60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge

Dee over at http://crochetingwithdee.com/ is hosting her 4th Annual "60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge". So, By October 31st, 2007, make as many scarves as you can, tell Dee that you did it, and you donate them to your favorite cause or a few that Dee has listed on her blog. You never send anything to Dee, she is trying to encourage people to Donate with a goal of at least 60 scarves. One courageous lady has a plan to make 60 herself! Wow! If you write a short essay (minimum 250 words) about your experience, or blog about it, tell Dee and she will put your name in a drawing for participants to win a "Yoo-Hoo Bamboo Black Bag" purse kit.

Go to Crocheting With Dee to get all the fine print and other details.

What I'm doing...I'm going to do a couple of scarves. I'm not sure how many yet. I plan to use some yummy yarns that I have in my stash. I may knit one, just for practice. I have some TLC Cotton Plus I may use.... I have some Caron Simply Soft I may use, hmmm, I'll have to dig through the stash and see what comes up. I have some Bernat Glacier http://bernat.com/ that might be fun for a little girl (it's in lavender)...do I have a photo? Have I posted this photo before?

Or this Washable Wool http://modadea.com/ would be nice, I think it's one of my new favorite yarns. Or I'll bet Patons Rumor http://www.patonsyarns.com/ would make a luxurious scarf. Here's a yarn doodle/swatch I made with it just to enjoy the feel of it:

The possibilities are endless!

Knit and Crochet Today Show on PBS

There is much buzz going on about the new Knit and Crochet Today show on PBS. http://knitandcrochettoday.com Many PBS stations are carrying it, and many aren't. You'll have to check the http://PBS.org website, go to station finder, put in your zip code, and check the program schedule. If your station does not carry it, consider e-mailing them and asking for it! Remember to put in your e-mail if you belong to a guild in your area (multiple people would like the show!).

One of the stations in my area does carry it, but I went ahead and sent an e-mail to the other one that doesn't carry it. I also asked them to start carrying NeedleArts Studio with Shay Pendray. I'll have to find you a link.

Anyway, I was able to WATCH! the premiere episode of Knit and Crochet Today, that was on yesterday in my area. I was so excited! I sat right in front of the TV just like a 4 year old watching Scooby Doo. (Hmm, that sounds familiar...) First, I am just thrilled to have a fiber arts show, and doubly thrilled to have one with "Crochet" in the title. With that said. It was OK. Cassie DePaiva, was the host, and she seemed a little silly. They had a knit designer on who led a project and then Brett Bara from Crochet Today magazine led the Crochet project. (Photo above) that had been in the February 2007 issue of Crochet Today. (Sorry, I forgot to look up the designer) and I'm sorry that they didn't mention the designer's name on the show either! (disappointment!). I was worried that the show would just be a huge commercial for the yarns used, but they didn't even mention the brand/style of yarn used, just the fiber content (yay for them!) But when I went to the website to see if they had posted the projects/details/materials/instructions, I couldn't find it! (Boo for them!).

The theme of the show was felting and they had many great tips (yay for them!)
Overall, I enjoyed the show, and already have it programmed to record again next week. I understand that there is a learning curve for everything, and hopefully Cassie won't seem so clueless next week. I do appreciate the "star power" she brings to the show. (She is on a Soap Opera, One Life to Live, I think, on ABC)

And of course, I'm thrilled for Crochet! I am a little disappointed that crochet has to share the show with knit, after all, Knit has Knitty Gritty. Knitty Gritty (DIY network) is a great show, and I watch it often, but it's 99% knit. I wish Crochet had the same parity.

WOO HOO! Better photos are coming!

I am so excited, I just figured out how to download and plug-in the professional photos of my work off the Internet! For example, here's a photo of the Snowflake throw (I know you're tired of seeing it, but I don't want to reveal everything at once!) direct from Crochet Today and the Coats Collection Catalog. http://crochettoday.com/ http://coatscollection.com/ Now I just need to find out how to make them bigger without losing resolution. I feel validated. Life is good. you know what this means don't you? Yes, you are going to be subjected to just about everything I've ever published!

Spare stuff I want to share

I have a few photos I want to share with you. First, now that Chickee and Chief are both in school, here are their first day photos:

This is Chickee on her first day of 1st Grade. (age 6)

And here is Chief on his first day of pre-school. (age 4)

And while we wait for Chickee to get off the school bus in the afternoon, this is what Charlie has been up to:

Yes, he is rolling in the dirt. We do not have landscaping yet around the house, and with the severe drought we are in, it didn't seem like a good idea to put any in this year.

Now, here's the tie-in to crochet:

A very loose tie-in: Here is Charlie, all filthy from his roll in the dirt, rolling again, on the white cloth that I use to place my crochet stuff on when I photograph it. Maybe his new blog code-name should be Pigpen, for when I pet him, plumes of dirt can be seen wafting around him. Back to crochet on the next post.

In a Catalog!

My "Winter Throw" that originally was on the cover of Crochet Today http://www.crochettoday.com is now a kit in the Herrschner's "The Coats & Clark Collection" Catalog. It sells for $39.99. You can shop at http://www.coatscollection.com There are also several other designs as kits in this catalog along with all the yarn, hooks and notions you might need. Other crafts also can be found in the Herrschner's catalog. http://www.herrschners.com

Rejection!

It's not so much a rejection....I tell myself. I understand completely, that it is more about the theme of the publication, what else they already have in mind, what they have room for, what techniques and colors they have already used, etc, and not the quality of my work. Matter-of-fact I have proof! There have been instances in my crochet design career where an item has been rejected several times only to be purchased later! Still, when I get a box returned, it's time to turn to my old pal, chocolate. Luckily, I happened to have some Dark Chocolate M&M's on hand. What I didn't take a photo of, was the four re-packaged submissions, ready to give it another try! It is because of rejection, that it is so SWEET when a pattern is sold.

Here's my theory: Crochet Designing is like Gambling. In behavioral counseling terms, it is "intermittent reinforcement" Which means that you sell an item every so often (unexpectedly) and it carries you through the next several tries, because the high of selling (winning) is so fun, that it makes you want to try and try again! Even when you don't sell an item, it's the knowledge that "it's possible" to sell an item, that can carry you through many more attempts.

It's just like gambling without the crazy patterned carpet and noise. And the truth is, it's all about timing. If you persevere, you will succeed.

Glass Cozies

Glass Cozies. Does anyone use these anymore? Apparently my Mother-in-law's neighbor does! My MiL asked me to make some for her neighbor last summer. These are made of Debbie Bliss, I think it's Cotton Aran (?) in a light blue color and a light green color. I bought the yarn at the CGOA conference in 2006 in King of Prussia PA. We were living with my MIL at the time while my husband was finishing up the building of our house. Then I made a few for my MIL from Patons Katrina (which I think has since been discontinued).

My Mom used to use glass cozies. They were a stretchy loop fabric, I thought it was cotton, but I don't know. And there were about 6 of them in cool 70's striped patterns (all different). She used to use them on the bottom of her glass of iced tea in the summertime. I would used them on the tall thin Tupperware plastic cups. I wonder whatever happened to them. I remember right where she kept them in the drawer in the mint green kitchen.

Well, I don't use glass cozies anymore, (again, they were very practical, why don't I use them?) but I have started making "coasters" for around the house. The first couple were my early knit lessons. Then I made a few crochet ones. I need to photograph them for you!

Another felting swatch

Here's a swatch with two colors of Moda Dea Cartwheel. http://www.modadea.com The pinker half is in Neapolitan, and the reddish brown half is in Bronzeberry. It's the same stitch, I just continued with the second color so that I could see what each one did.

It's not just a shadow cast over the swatch. This is the same stitch pattern that you saw yesterday in the Caron Felt it. It has a great landscape type feel, don't you think? The Cartwheel, before felting, does have an inconsistent width to it, it gets thicker then thinner. Part of it's appeal!

Chief starts preschool this morning, if I have more time later, I'll try to write more.

Felting preview

One day I'm going to talk about felting. I love felting. I don't know why. It's funny because in the midst of the novelty, fuzzy, furry, trend, I always loved the smooth yarns with their crisp stitch definition. But yet, I love felting, where there is no stitch definition. I like it because it is practical. The application of felting I like the best is in purses and totes. The felting makes the wool fabric more dense and so pens and crochet hooks don't "poke through". Look at this fun set of swatches. This is in Caron Felt It in Evening Mist. http://www.caron.com/ It is a stitch of my own design, a variation of a shell that you may see again later. And look at the interesting texture that it makes the felted material. So much of the time you see a felted item with a nice smooth, untextured finish. again, all stitch definition disappears with hard felting. Look how much smaller the felted one is than the pre-felted swatch on the left. For purses, another alternative is to crochet tightly with a smaller than recommended hook, which makes the crocheted fabric more dense, less drape-y and gives pens and other small items less chance of "poking through". That is also why I chose the Tunisian twisted simple stitch for the Tunisian backpack. I liked it because it made a denser fabric than regular crochet and allowed for less "holes".

Labor Day Eve

I'm taking the day off! We have been so busy already this weekend, that I'm finally getting to the dishes from Thursday night (EWWW!) Go visit www.crochetingwithdee.com She is starting a 60 scarves in 60 days charity drive, and I'm thinking about participating!

CinderEllen

So, it's Saturday, of a holiday weekend. I'm eating my cereal, at a leisurely pace, trying to decide what to put on my blog when I hear the familiar rumble of the UPS truck over our gravel driveway, He drives along and is in the turn around and stops nearest the door. Captain (the husband) says, "your UPS Guy is here". Hmmm, Saturday, it's not my usual guy, it's the Saturday Guy. Wow, it must be really important, I think, to be delivered on a Saturday of a Holiday weekend. He approaches the door with the package, it's a small package, OOOHHHH! it's a DOCUMENT package. When I see the UPS or Fed Ex guy, I always like to guess what it is and who it's from before he gets to the door by looking at the size of package and what I'm expecting.... Anyway, a document is a GOOD sign, I'm starting to get grandiose ideas about who could be sending me a document. Is it a contract? It's not a rejection, those come in bigger packaged since the swatches get returned. Hmmm? I don't recognize the address. I open the package strip and peek inside, it's a business size envelope. My heart rate starts to increase as I think maybe it's a response to my book proposal I sent out a month or so ago. I pull out the envelope....and on it is.... a picture of golf clubs. Golf clubs? GOLF CLUBS? What the heck is this? It's for my husband. Golf! Golf is what is so important that it needs to be sent on a Saturday of a holiday weekend? I should have been an architect, apparently they really know how to plan a conference. He gets to go (for free) to a seminar in the morning, golf in the afternoon, have dinner, do a little more seminar, sleep over at a country club, golf the next morning and then come home. Who plans these things? The seminar is just an excuse to go golfing at a country club and spend the night away from home! It's probably all sponsored by a vendor who is trying to sell him bricks or something. The seminar is probably a sales pitch on their bricks. Oh well, he gets to go golfing (twice) and get a free dinner, and stay over night away from home, all under the guise of "work", and I'm jealous!

Oh, well, I'll have to plan to get Chinese Take-out that night, I love it, and Captain hates it, and I'll have to rent a chick-flick maybe something with Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts or a comedy with Robin Williams. Or, maybe I should tape a bunch of episodes of Knitty Gritty and have a Knitty Gritty marathon! Now that sounds like a good idea!

Oh, BTW, the photo has nothing to do with this story, I just feel that every post should have a photo, so here's Brocade, you can read more about it from my old blog, that will stay up for about another month, http://www.blogger.com/www.ellencrochets.blogspot.com