Is it bow time?

Minnie wants to know if she can play with the bows. 

Shoot!

4" to go and I have run out of yarn. Time to re-think the edging! 

Chickee gets the lecture

Chickee gets her wisdom teeth out over Christmas break. Here she is watching the "warnings" video of all the bad things that could happen because of surgery.... great.... (insert sarcasm font here).

Christmas Crochet

My sister-in-law's friend's mom crocheted this lovely Christmas village.

Do you have crocheted Christmas décor in your home? 

Working with Black Yarn

Working with black yarn is tough. It's hard to see, but I love it. Do you work with black yarn? 

Glenda!

I'm so happy! My step-father's wife, and my friend, Glenda are one and the same and here she is crocheting!

And yep, we are at IHOP in this photo. Doesn't everyone love a great breakfast/dessert?

Tao Te Ching Quote?

I don't know if this is a real quote or not, but I really like it.

There is no imperfection, only design decisions. ;)

So Close!

But yet so far.

This is as close as Charlie and Minnie have ever been without fighting. This lasted mere seconds before the tussle began.

Knit and Crochet Now! Sneak Peek

So much fun!
Enjoy!

Catching Up!

I admit, my blogging pretty much fell apart in November. Life ebbs and flows, doesn't it? 

Well... This happened... 

And... This happened... 

Father /daughter dance at school.

And this happened...

Chief in the State soccer tournament. 

And this happened... 

Chickee at the early premiere of Mockingjay Part 2.

And this happened...

Chief went to camp with school. 

So, I guess we have been busy. Now, I need to wind some yarn because I found a crochet-worthy person for a Christmas gift this year. More on that later! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a truly Thankful Thanksgiving.

I hope you have time to relax with family and have time for stitching too!

Friday, instead of shopping, the Christmas decorations come out!

Don't forget if you want to get moving, you can join me in a walk/jog/run. See the details on this post: http://gocrochet.blogspot.com/2015/11/fitfam-challenge-movethemission.html

It's not a business for me, I don't make a penny.  As a crocheter, I spend lots of time... sitting.  At some point, I knew that I needed to move more. If you feel like you need to move more when you aren't crocheting... join me. The only goal is to move.

FitFam Challenge, #MoveTheMission

I've been telling you all about my running exploits and many of you have been wanting to join me by becoming a little more fit. It's time to make a MISSION to Move. #MoveTheMission 

I was invited to become a FitFam Ambassador. The mission is to encourage people to move a little more. FitFam is both a forum and website where you can find races across the country. It's also a community that creates virtual events to get us moving!

If you would like to join me in January for a little Virtual event, I'd love to get some crocheters up off the couch. Walk it, jog it, run it, it doesn't matter. Just move. Anywhere in the world. Wherever you are.

I'm setting up a CROCHET MOVES ME team. 

How far? You can choose: 1 mile, 5K (3.1 miles), Half marathon. There are biking options as well.

When: Any time that fits your schedule the weekend of January 16-19, 2016. Indoors or outdoors.

Do you have to train? Not unless you want to ;)

What do you get? A t-shirt, a medal, and a participant bib/number to wear if you want.

Here's the EventBrite Invitation and join my CROCHET MOVES ME team. https://www.eventbrite.com/teams/1437753/

Register and use my friend discount for 10% off. (I don't profit, I just want to see you move!)
MOVETHEMISSION10

Here's more info:

FitFam, a Seattle-based startup building an online, turnkey platform for brands to host engaging virtual events. The service will officially launch on 11/10/15. People will be able to sign up for FitFam's first official event, the FitFam Challenge, and brands can learn more about how to host an event of their own.

FitFam creates and hosts virtual event experiences that inspire people -- of all ages and athletic abilties -- to live healthy and active. Participants commit to a fitness goal, connect with hundreds of others in a nationwide online community, get exclusive event merchandise, win awards and prizes, and benefit worthy causes.

In addition, FitFam virtual events allow brands to build brand loyalty through a unique experience, and increase their customer reach and engagement by empowering their fans to become vocal and passionate brand ambassadors.

 

WHAT MAKES A VIRTUAL EVENT UNIQUE

A virtual event is like your local 5K or marathon, but much more flexible -- participants can do on the event on their own time, with a gathering of friends or solo, and at a location of their choice.

Put another way, it’s a fun and easy, low-stress way to participate in a race -- not having to be at a specific location at 7am, while also connecting participants in a supportive, nationwide event community.

The experience has been popular with solo runners, friends, families (including kids and dogs!), and organizational groups alike -- proving to be a great way to get together, get out the door, and be active.

HOW A VIRTUAL EVENT WORKS

Participants pay around $35 to register for a themed, fitness-related virtual event -- often related to a fun holiday, pop culture favorite, and/or marketing campaign associated with a partner brand.

With this registration, participants get:

• invited to a participant-only website and social media community, where they can learn about and meet fellow participants nationwide
• exclusive swag in the mail to recognize their efforts and remember the experience
• the chance to win awards and prizes through photo contests and merit-based categories (e.g. fastest 5K finisher)
• lots of "feel-goods", knowing they: committed to and accomplished a goal, were part of a supportive and encouraging community of go-getters, and contributed to benefitting an non-profit cause related to the event’s theme.

Once the event weekend arrives, participants complete their activity (e.g. running, walking, or biking), submit their results online -- verified by their tracking app data -- and share their experience through photos and videos on social media.

Photo contest and merit-based award winners are also selected, winning prizes in the mail on top of merchandise given to all event participants.

FOR BRANDS

FitFam works closely with organizations to design and execute a virtual event from start to finish, providing insightful guidance along the way and a thorough post-event summary about the event community.

Partner companies pay a per-event setup fee to initiate the project, then receive a split of registration and sponsorship dollars (if applicable) at the conclusion of the event.

And, lastly, FitFam and its partners make a collective donation with proceeds to a theme-related cause.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BACKGROUND ON FITFAM

THE MISSION AND SLOGAN

FitFam’s mission is, “To empower people to live a more healthy and active lifestyle.” FitFam’s slogan is, “Achieve your impossible.”

THE NAME

The name FitFam is a combination of the words “fitness” and (global) “family”. It's an inspiring, inclusive community of people helping one another improve one day at a time, with running and fitness as a vehicle.

 

Website: http://fitfam.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fitfam_com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/fitfamhq

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitfamhq    

Learn to Crochet! review

The lovely and talented Sharon Reinhart, teacher for Annie's paper classes, did a very nice review of my Learn to Crochet Annie's online class.

Go check it out and see Sharon's fascinating paper crafting site. Sharon also taught at the Annie's Craft Festival last weekend. My pal Glenda took her class and really enjoyed it!

Thank you Sharon!

I'm here!

At the Annie's Craft Festival 

Class Time!

Off to a great start!

True of False?

1. Ellen just dumped out a Halloween assortment of candy bars in order to sort out and reserve her favorites.

2. Ellen has been eating Halloween candy since October 10th.

Annie's Craft Festival

Annie's Craft Festival is this coming weekend. I am knee deep in handout prep! 

CITW: Soccer!

This smart lady brought a circular crocheted afghan/throw with her to yesterday's game.

Play on!

Another Race...

13 miles is really, really far. (to me!)

Annie's Craft Festival PROMO CODE!

If you haven't yet signed up for classes at the Annie's Craft Festival, here's an extra incentive!

Some knit and crochet classes are 50% off this week Oct 12-18 using the Promo code YARN50

I have 3 classes, I'm not sure if they count for the discount, but go look!

 

Short Video Peek of Knit and Crochet Now!

Check out this little video of Knit and Crochet Now!

Can you believe what the camera caught me doing?! Get quick looks at Deborah Norville, Robyn Chachula, Rohn Strong, Kristin Nicholas and MORE!

Family Photo Time

I'm so excited! After a year of thinking about getting new family photos, we finally did it! Our talented neighbor, professional photographer, Erin Becker did the honors. She's at erinbeckerphotography.com

I was thrilled when Tom suggested I go get Charlie for a photo too. Minnie won't tolerate being held. Crazy Cat.

Chief and Chickee, 12 and 14.

Summer Projects

The projects for the summer issue of Crochet! Are in the house! 

CITW: Comicon

Chief and the Captain spotted crochet at Comicon. 

I'm 168th!

I have a theory that being below average at a task is somewhat stressful because you want to be better but are struggling. Being better than average at a task can me stressful because there is pressure to "stay there" or fear of losing it since you are "known" for being above average.

When it comes to running, I am wonderfully average.

There is no real pressure to perform except the pressure I put on myself to get better and stronger. There is no way I could compete with the top runners so I applaud them in awe of their talents.

I'm securely in the middle of the pack.

On the Air Force Half Marathon this weekend (13.1 miles), out of the 415 women aged 40-44, I came in 168th.  LOL  There's just no sense in comparing myself to 25 year olds...  (Comparison is the thief of joy).   I'll take it!  Whoo Hoo!  I'm 168th! 

Here is my step-sister Amber, who flew up from Florida for race weekend and me with our friend Roger after we all finished the Air Force Half Marathon. Amber is definitely not average (well above!).  This is my second official Half Marathon race and I have another one scheduled next month.

2 Medal Weekend

Don't forget when you spend hours crocheting, getting up and moving is important too. Stepping down from my soap box. ;) 

Nothing to See Here

I don't always destroy the tissues... But when I do, I act like it wasn't me.

Inspiration

My friend Kim found this gorgeous flower in Houston, TX. Makes me think about designing a motif afghan... 

Food: Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

I've got nothing for you today, so I'll give you a recipe I have been playing around with. Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Below is what I have so far. Any foodies have any suggestions to make it better? I would put actual sun-dried tomatoes in there but if they come from a jar and have the texture of like tough raisins, I wouldn't like that.

(my attempt at what I had at the North Market in Columbus at TNNA)

Half a box of cooked Penne Pasta (drain and set aside)

In a skillet...

1 tbsp of flour

1 tbsp of butter

1 pea sized squirt of tube garlic

½ tube of sundried tomato paste

4-5 leaves of fresh basil, minced

Milk (1/4 cup?)

4 tbsp of cream cheese.

Cook the butter and flour together, stir in garlic, milk, turn to low, put in cream cheese and tomato paste and stir until smooth. Add more milk if necessary. Stir in drained pasta and basil.

YUM.

Crochet on the Go!

It's that time of year when crochet is on my lap at most of the kids sporting events! Where do you take your crochet?

 

Crochet Inspired

Speaking of crochet on tv... Wouldn't this be awesome in crochet? (Is it crochet? I can't tell)...

A little Bruges Lace at the neckline... Little beading... This is from the tv show Reign on the CW.

Crochet on TV

Don't judge... but I happened to catch a glimpse of Bachelor in Paradise on ABC when I saw THIS:

A beach cover up/tunic type item on the left with fringe that totally could be tiny hairpin lace. AND a boat-neck pullover that is very reminiscent of pineapples. (Does that have odd long tassels too?)  Both in ecru.  I think the garment/stylists for the show like the beachy-trendy crochet-inspired looks!

YouTube and Crochet!

Now that I have a teenager and a soon-to-be teenager, it has come to my attention that I am completely unaware of the impact of YouTube on the world. When it comes to crochet, tell me what I'm missing!  Who is your favorite YouTube crochet video producer/personality?  Why do you turn to YouTube for guidance? Do you go to YouTube before you turn to a book? Are you YouTube unaware like me?

Enlighten me!

Fauxchet Bag

I bring you the fauxchet items because they can easily be made in actual crochet with much prettier results (in my opinion!)

I found this fauxchet bag in a Target store. Be inspired!

Book Sale at Annie's TODAY

Hi!
Just a quick post. Annie's is having a 40% off sale of crochet books today. Lots and lots of crochet books including back issues of magazines. 101 Easy Tunisian Stitches... it's there. Marvelous Crochet Motifs (which includes how to make partial and half motifs) is on sale already, I don't know if it can be discounted with the sale as well.

 

Click here to go to the sale: Annie's - Celebrating home, family and the creative spirit

Tangles

Over the years, I have become an expert de-tangler. One of the upsides of having a huge yarn stash though, is that if I get too annoyed at a tangle, I just cut it out. Some yarns are precious and some I have enough abundance that I don't waste the time.

What is the longest amount of time you have ever spent detangling yarn? How long do you work with it before you cut-bait?

Drop Join Motif

Here's a join as you go (jaygo) technique that I don't usually use, but I like the braided look that results. I call it "Drop Join" because you drop the hook from the loop, insert the hook into the space on the adjoining motif, put the loop back on the hook and proceed as if nothing happened. You are not joining with a slip stitch this time.

What's your favorite way to join motifs?