crocheted trim is going to rescue me

I receive a phone call from the school this morning:
"Dee?  Hi, this is the second grade teacher's aid.  Does your son have a costume for tomorrow?  He's quite upset that he didn't bring it in today."

"What?  No, he has it.  We tucked his costume into his book bag last night.  Have him look around; I'm sure he'll find it.  He's going to be Spiderman."

"Um, No, that won't do.  He's to be a Saint tomorrow, remember?  He needs his Saint costume ..."

((gasp!!)) "Oh!!!  Yes, I have it here; I'll deliver it tomorrow..."

And then it sets in -- fear!  That "it's foggy outside and there's a monster chasing me" fear!  Had I mentioned last week that I needed to dust off the sewing machine and whip up a costume for my son?  I'm sure I did; but I never got around to it!  Oh NO!!!  

So what does one do?  I looked at the trim I crocheted for last year's costume, St. Mary, that you see to the right.  From the trim I gather up what colors would go with the basic blue theme.  I then run and look at my fabric stash (Did I ever admit that I have a fabric stash?  LOL  I do, but it's nothing like my yarn stash!  I use the fabric for photo backgrounds)  Anyway ... I rummage through and I find an awesome deep green velvet ... enough to make a sash.  (I am SO hoping they wore sashes in the 600s!)  I figure he can wear the light blue shoulder piece (seen in the photo here) on his head, with the green sash.  He should make a mighty handsome St. Zachary.  BTW, I made the two rope pieces you see there too ... thankfully that crocheted trim is going to rescue me from the fog and that monster that's chasing me!  ((grins))

... So, while I'm off to get out the sewing machine and let the petal hit the metal (Sheila, are you envisioning this?  It's a scary thought, huh?? LOL), here are the hats I promised that are available for purchase.  If you're interested in helping me raise funds for the American Cancer Society, they're $35 each (includes shipping w/in US).  As usual, first come, first serve.

CLICK ONTO THE PICTURES TO ENLARGE:

 Gigi Jolie:  due to wonderful comments on the first offering of this style hat, I crocheted another!  It has the finer (smaller) stitches than the Marlene hat shown below, but is created from the same pattern concept. Washing instructions are to hand wash and lay flat to dry; do not spin/wring. The designer fiber used is from England, is 100% nylon and incredibly soft!

Colors: Neon pink, orange, green and yellow with white whisper puffs of soft "fur."

Current Status:  AVAILABLE

Gigi Jolie II: this hat was crocheted with the same finer stitches as the Gigi Jolie hat above.  Washing instructions are to hand wash and lay flat to dry; do not spin/wring. The designer fiber used is from England, is 100% nylon and superbly soft!

Colors: Neon pink, orange, green and light purple with purple whisper puffs of soft "fur."

Current Status:  AVAILABLE

Marlene Two:  one reader wrote that this hat reminded her of the fall foliage in the New England States.  In thinking about it, I couldn't agree with her more!  So I created another!   Since a larger hook was used the end results is a stunning hat with texture. Washing instructions are to hand wash and lay flat to dry; do not spin/wring.  The designer fiber used is from Italy, is 40% nylon, 35% Merino New Wool, and 25% acrylic -- and it's extraordinarily  soft!

Colors:  A variety of oranges mutate throughout the work and combine with gold flecks and puffs of burnt orange/brown "fur".  Stunning when sunlight dances upon it.

Current Status:  AVAILABLE

Scaring Up Some Halloween Patterns

The longest day of the year during the longest month of the year ... ah, what does one do with oneself when extra time is available?  Why, crochet!  But of course!  ((giggles))  And for those that are really into the Halloween theme ... perhaps they'd be crocheting up some Witchcraft Lace ...

Or wickedly trying to create a Witch Clothespin Doll (she's so cute!); or chanting over this pattern (German) to whip up this great looking Witches Hat before flying over to the Lion Brand Website to create the hair and broom to complete the look ...  and lets not forget about the pumpkin!  Maybe instead of scaring youngsters (and youngsters at heart)  they'll be more into collecting the candy loot.  If so, they might want to scare up the right ghostly goodie bag, and don't forget they'll be wearing a Masquerade Mask, eh! 

Maybe the season has them feeling a bit batty, and want some crochet to hanging around ... there's many, many more Halloween theme patterns available on the Internet, so always look around!  A quick search will surely scare up some more!  Wha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!

A Note: The pails featured in today's picture were crocheted by a member of The HHCC where they were placed up for auction -- and where yours truly heavily bid on them (couldn't come home with just one, you know!).  Now they're a part of my kids Halloween tradition.  Unfortunately I do not know any details of if/where there's a pattern available.  I just know that my children love them!

Whoohoo! Hats Received!

Just a few moments ago I updated my journal entry from Tuesday called "Meet the Buyer" ... Pamela emailed me to say she received her package along with her lil' somethin'-somethin'  I added in for herself for being such a wonderful person who happens to be battling cancer herself.  (But just in case you haven't scrolled down yet to check out that journal entry, I'll post the picture of her gift-hat here to the right.  You can click onto it to see a larger version)  I crocheted it using the same Italian fibers ... this one was in hues of blues and cream with gold flecks and puffs of "fur" ...

She wrote, "I absolutely adore ALL the hats and now I can send 2 on ... and not feel like a martyr lol ... the caps are so beautiful, so comfortable and i know my mom is going to love being able to give these to her friend.   Thank you so much !"
                                                 No, Pamela, Thank YOU!!!!


I will be offering more hats for sale.  Just in case you can't wait until Monday, I'll offer up this one ... If interested, email me; first come, first serve!  I am raising funds to donate to the American Cancer Society.  $35(includes shipping w/in US):

Marlene Three:  the same line ofdesigner fiber was used to create Pamela's hat above.  Since a larger hook was used the end results reveal a stunning hat with texture!  Washing instructions are to hand wash and lay flat to dry; do not spin/wring.  The designer fiber used is from Italy, is 40% nylon, 35% Merino New Wool, and 25% acrylic -- and it's fantastically  soft!

Colors:  A classic variety of white, gray and black flow throughout the work and combine with gold flecks and puffs of white "fur".  Stunning when sunlight dances upon it.

Current Status:  SOLD!!

A B C D E F G H I J K ...

L M No?

          What about P?

Q R S T ...

          Not even U?

What is going on here?

Last night after finishing two more hats that will be available for purchase on Monday, I settled in to start working on one of the scarves that will be given to one of my son's teachers this holiday season.  He picked out two fibers ... Di.Ve's incredible "Revival" to be mixed with "Spice #10" on the edging.

The plan was to take this wool and acrylic blend in it's beautiful pink/mauve mix and "waffle weave" it up as I did with the scarf pictured on the right.  I tried a number of different sized crochet hooks and it just did not look "beautiful" to me.  It was either too stiff, or had too many holes.  No hook, including my "U" did the trick.  So I thought of other crochet stitch variations that I love ... nope, nope, nope!  Ugh!!  I was becoming frustrated.  Ack!  What stitch would make this fiber "sing?!" the way it was meant to???

I looked over to my knitting needles.  Do I dare?  What would the teacher receiving the scarf think if I handed her (gasp!) a knitted item instead of crocheted?  My heart sank.  What was I to do?

I thought about it more.  It's been nearly a year since I've attempted any knitting. AND lets not forget that the scarf I knitted (and donated tocharity) had a mysterious "button hole" in it.  (Eish!)  I felt the dread settling in; I really didn't want to knit it -- the teachers know me for my crochet.  Do I break out of my mold and just go for it?  I felt scared, after all what if I knitted it up and the mysterious "button hole" reappeared?!  I shuddered.

I stared at the fiber.  I looked over to the knitting needles.  The needles just sat there looking back at me saying nothing.  They've never spoken to me and I've often wondered why.  I then looked over at my crochet hooks.  What?  Did I hear that right?  My "P" hook whispered something to me -- I swear!

I leaned closer; what was it trying to say?  It was hard to make it out as it spoke so softly.  There!  It said it again!  I blinked, looked at the fiber again then back to the hook.  I hadn't thought of that!  Would it work?  

I sat back, picked up the "P" hook, chained 12 and set to doing the hooks' suggestion.  I let out a big sigh of relief.  It's going to be alright!  The hook was right -- Tunisian does look wonderful with this fiber and the hook size gives it a beautiful drape!

                              We should all listen to our hooks more often, eh?

Illumination

You know what I love?  I love "illumination."  No, not the cartoons shown on television, and no, not the action of flicking on all the lights in the house.  The "illumination" I'm talking about are those moments of "eureka" when it all clicks together for a newbie crocheter.  I love the twinkle in the eye, the smile -- oh! I love everything about THAT moment!  Maybe that's the main reason I enjoy teaching crochet so much ... so I can see those moments happening...

After today's class I was shown a unique toy, and being that I embrace my inner child daily, I decided I have to get one!! (see image/link to the right)  Can you imagine pressing it after finishing every row -- and having the stitch count right? What a riot!!  

Speaking of "illumination," I was also over there at the Ritz camera website and found another toy I think I "must have" -- it's called "Photo Studio in a Box" and sells for $100.  Before I add it to my "Dear Santa" Wish List I plan on stopping at a local Ritz store to check it out first hand.  It sure sounds like a promising product -- or should I say "easy?"  heh heh heh

Finally, Jean Leinhauser, author of many, many cochet books and owner of the Crochet Partners online group asked what advice experienced crocheters would give beginners.  I offered the following:

RELAX
R-epeat the process, skill comes with practice.
E-njoy the Process, it's not a speed contest.
L-oose stitches make the next row/step easier.
A-lways count your stitches.
X-periment; mistakes happen, learn from them.

Do You Love Your Job?

I do -- I absolutely LOVE mine!  When I worked "corporate" I was not the happiest of people for a number of reasons.  The main one was that I felt my artistic side was stifled by the long hours.  Many-a-time I'd take over several lunch tables to do my crafting; that is when I felt happiest back in the day of 50-70 hour work weeks.  Today I have time to spend with my children and doing what I love -- teaching crochet to others.  Are you lucky like me where you can spend time doing what you love?  I wish everyone did.

Soooooooooooo -- as I'm preparing to dash out the door to have fun teaching a crochet class tonight I wanted to post real quick about an interesting artist that is displaying herself "in an office" while crocheting an afghan that will provide no warmth.  Nope, she's using the stuff you wrap flowers with and a HUGE crochet hook.  The concept is to show how we have jobs but the security does not provide us with warmth. 

(When's the last time you saw MAMMOTH SIZED CROCHET???) 

Wait no longer!  Click here to read the article, and click her to read the blog.  A very interesting read INDEED!

                              {{{{Thanks for sharing this Barbara!!  J }}}}

Meet the Buyer

Today I'd like for my readers to meet the buyer of the Lacy Hats I featured for sale yesterday in the goal to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in memory of my Aunt who passed away this past weekend. 

I think the buyer is a very special lady who happens to be battling cancer herself!  ... And, she's a beginner crocheter saying, "I've never ever done more than a chain stitch and a double crochet stitch."  When I inquired if she tried the pattern for the hats she said, " ... I got 3 steps into the instructions and decided this was NOT the time for me to be learning a new trick lol"

She bought the special hats yesterday to bestow upon a friend of the family -- but says she just may keep one or two for herself!

Well, Pamela, keep an eye on out for your postal carrier ... there's a lil' somethin'-somethin' in there just for you!!!  (Update 10/28: Pam received her hats, along with the blue one pictured on the right that was crocheted just for her!)  Thank you, Pamela! 

Everyone else, go ahead and give her blog a visit: GirlsHeadNoise

Finally, I've been asked if I'll offer more hats for sale.  I thought about it -- and the answer is yes!  I bought more designer fibers today so you know my hook will be flying to crochet up more deliciously soft lacy caps!  I'm thinking I'll offer them next Monday, the last day of "Breast Cancer Awareness" Month.  Stay tuned!  J

Cancer Sucks; You Can Help

The other day I mentioned how I was asked to crochet hats to sell after someone had seen the work I did for another blogger.  I was flattered and I stated that I'd work on a few.  I did.  Three in fact. 

Each one was done in the memory of my Aunt Josephine who died of cancer this weekend.  I'm selling them to donate money to the American Cancer Society.  The cost is $35 each (includes shipping w/in US).  Please contact me if you're interested and state which one you'd like.  First come, first serve.

CLICK ONTO THE PICTURES TO ENLARGE:

Gigi Jolie: has the finest (smallest) stitches of the three hats shown here, but is created from the same pattern concept.  Washing instructions are to hand wash and lay flat to dry; do not spin/wring.  The designer fiber used is from England, is 100% nylon and incredibly  soft! 

Colors:  Neon pink, orange, green and yellow with white whisper puffs of soft "fur."

Current Status:  SOLD!



Marlene One:  since the fiber used was larger than Gigi Jolie, a larger hook was used resulting in a hat that shows off a bit more texture (unfortunately it's hard to see as black does not photograph well).  Washing instructions are to hand wash and lay flat to dry; do not spin/wring.  The designer fiber used is from Italy, is 40% nylon, 35% Merino New Wool, and 25% acrylic -- and it's unbelievably lushious! 

Colors:  Black with hint of hunter green (looks more on the gray side to me) with gold flecks and puffs of black"fur."  Stunning when sunlight dances upon it.

Current Status:  SOLD!

 

Marlene Two:  the same line of fiber was used to create this hat as the black/green version listed above.  Since a larger hook was used the end results is a stunning hat with texture (easier to see than the Marlene One hat above). Washing instructions are to hand wash and lay flat to dry; do not spin/wring.  The designer fiber used is from Italy, is 40% nylon, 35% Merino New Wool, and 25% acrylic -- and it's extraordinarily  soft!

Colors:  A variety of oranges mutate throughout the work and combine with gold flecks and puffs of burnt orange/brown "fur".  Stunning when sunlight dances upon it.

Current Status:  SOLD!


Buy a hat to give to a loved one battling cancer, or buy one for yourself in memory of a lost friend or family member.  It's all for a good cause.


           In Memory of Aunt Josephine.

Did Ewe Know: Z Twist is Important

Did Ewe Know?
The natural process of crocheting causes our fiber to twist.

This means that we are either adding more twist to the fiber, or we're actually untwisting it depending upon which end we opt to draw from.  When this happens the fiber is either becoming more firm, or softer.

Most crocheters complain when a fiber feels too stiff (more twisting occurred) or when a fiber splits too much (untwisting resulted).  The quickest fix is to use the fiber from the other end of the ball/skein.

The official names for the twisted fibers are "Z" and "S."  If the fiber was spun clockwise then it's called "Z twist."  If the fiber was spun counter-clockwise then it's called "S twist."

This is another reason why working test swatches is so important.

Tags: did ewe know, z twist, s twist, crochet

"Happy Hats"

A little over three months ago I was contacted by another blogger asking if I'd like join in the RAKing of another blogger that has been quite ill.  The goal, which is still a work in progress, was to have the bloggers create a square that would be worked into a special quilt.  Since I'm not comfortable with my sewing abilities (yet) I felt that I would offer my crochet skills and create two special hats:  One for "every day" and one for those "special events." 

This week the hats I crocheted were revealed at "Quilted Compassions," as they were shipped ahead of the quilt to show the blogger that there is a community that cares.  (Sheila, thanks for the update!  Keep up the good work!)

I have since received a few emails offering to purchase the beautiful lacy chemo hat I created the pattern for.  There is a lot of thought that needs to go into this.  First, I know that I don't want to financially gain over someone else's illness, so if I were to sell them the proceeds would need to go to a nonprofit group.  Then there's a decision of how many hats to offer, and also on where to offer them for sale. 

I think I'm on the right track in reading some of ebay's help pages, because I'm thinking that if I'm going to do this, it's going to be done right, and done for a cause in need.  I'll have to research it some more; watch for updated posts on this topic.  For now, I plan on heading to work -- that place where the shelves are just filled with ever-delicious fibers.  I'll pick up some of Berroco's Lavish and at least get started on crocheting a hat or two ...

But before I go, I'd like to mention that someone else crochets hats for a good cause:  Happy Hats by Kassie Depaiva -- be sure to check them out and keep watching for when she's offering more!!!

*RAKing:  Random Act of Kindness

It's Baseball, No it's Football Season ... or is it really Crochet Season?

Remember those old Nike commercials where they said "Bo knows ..." and they'd fill in the blanks?  It was based on the baseball/football player Bo Jackson who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The LA Raiders, and the White Sox before retiring in 1994.  I'm not much of a sports follower, but when a person can do multiple things well, then you have my attention.  And apparently, this guy can do one more thing -- crochet!  So would this now make me a fan?  Probably! ((grins))

Yep, based on an article I recently read, Bo knows crocheting!  How cool is that?!!  If it's true, it's pretty darned cool if you ask me.  I'll have to see if I can find another reference to confirm that he actually does before adding him to the "Famous Crocheter's" page.

So, because tomorrow is the official start for the World Series with Bo's former White Sox team Vs the Astros, and with keeping in mind that football season has already started, here's some baseball and football pattern links I thought would be fun to check out:

          * Baseball Coaster  (I'm thinking if done in thread it'd be a cute ornament!)
          * Baseball Player Graph & Other items
          * Football Center Granny Square
          * Little (Stuffed) Football 
          * Football Coaster

Crocheting at the stadium, or at home during the games is a great way to "look away" when the team is not fairing well without being called on the carpet for it; it's a great way to minimize "munching" on all the snacks, or to keep from lighting up a smoke; and it's a great way to create a "momento" of the event -- imagine crocheting an item up and having your team win the World Series or the Superbowl.  You'll always be able to point to it and say, "Remember when ..." (and fill in the blank about your favorite sports moment).

I should prepare for tomorrow night.  I know I have some white & red thread around here somewhere, beads too ...  I hear what you're thinking, "Oh no, Dee!  Not another crochet WIM!!!"  Should I hope the game tomorrow night is (possibly) rained out? Would Bo know? LOL

*WIM: Work in Mind

Joy, Sadness & Hope

First, the good news:  The school auction is over and I have been officially auctioned off for $210!  The money raised benefits my kids' school, so it's all for a good cause.  :)

I also volunteered to recreate the Communion Cape; that auctioned for $90!  So with the crochet lessons and the cape added together, I helped the school raise $300 -- and what a joyful feeling that is!

Now the bad news:  our recent eight days of monsoon weather claimed the life of (gasp!) one of my reference books!  We discovered the causality this afternoon when we decided to spend some time  outside -- my book, my brand new book that I recently finished reading, "The Basic Guide to Pricing Your Craftwork," by James Dillehay, was (sob!) left on my swing and was drenched!  We don't know if there's any hope for it right now as it's now in the process of being dried out.  Since it is a great resource book, if I can't get the pages to seperate after the drying period, I'll reorder another.  It was just painful to see that I was absent minded like that.  Thankfully though, it wasn't the laptop, or worse -- one of my prized crochet hooks!  (whew!!)

I did get to do a little felting today.  And by all accounts, it's no exaggeration with the word "little."  I crocheted two swatches of 5 single crochet stitches by 5 rows with the unspun roving and Angelina fibers I picked up at the NY Sheep & Wool Festival.  It looks like the cowgirl hat I have planned to crochet then felt up for my daughter is on track; there is hope for this project.  And what can be more blissful than hope?  ((grins))

Crochet on the March

With the exception of the new fad of being pelted with candy, I do love watching parades.  So when crochet artist Xenobia Bailey noted that she had a "cro-sighting" at the African American Day Parade in Harlem I was eager to see if I could find other accounts of it. 

          Happily, I did!

You can click here to see a video of the parade.  Watch the first marching band featured on the video (they're believed to be from Baltimore, MD).  Look at the tops and at the legwarmers.  The outfits look terrific, and the various marching bands sound great!  (I used to march in a band long ago -- can you guess which instrument I played?)

Ah, but if you want a close-up look, and to check out a great blog at the same time, then you'll want to go here.   

The real question here is who crocheted all those tops & legwarmers?  Was it the marchers, or perhaps someone else?  Whoever did all that work, a crochet hook salute to you for a job well done!  It was great to see crochet on the march! :) 

... Fiber Humor ...

I picked my children up from school this afternoon and they told me how they enjoyed the NY Sheep & Wool Festival so much that they opted to write about their experience in their school journals and share their entries with their classmates. (Hmmm, sounds like they're chips off the ol'block here, huh?)

As I was showing my blog/journal entry from earlier today to my son, he pointed out that it looks like the llama was smiling. And I couldn't help but notice the light bulb above it's head. The caption seemed to write itself! Enjoy! ~Dee

PS:  If you'd like to learn more about llamas, click here.

The New York Sheep & Wool Festival

The children and I woke up early yesterday, packed some extra warm clothes, and a small cooler and were then off to pick up Grace and Jen for a day of fun (and shopping bliss!) at the New York Sheep & Wool Festival held in Rhinebeck, NY.

We made good time, arriving around 10:30 and before we knew it there was an announcement stating that it was 3:45 and the park was closing!  Where did the time go???? 

The kids were thankful I had them pack the extra clothes -- and so was I!  It was cold out!  I had on two T-shirts, two sweatshirts, and my poncho and was still freezing!  At one point the wind was blowing so hard we had to chase my daughter's hat (I opted to anchor it down with her ponytail which seemed to do the trick!).

We saw Linda of Grafton Fibers (she's still talking to hubby about making me purple crochet hook earrings ... perhaps something like these for me to wear when I'm doing demonstrations at large events?), and spoke with Lady McCrady about possibly coming to the Danbury area to teach a workshop in the future (I bought a hook from her & she autographed the instructions on how to use it for me!) -- I hope she does!

We later ventured over to the GEM show that was running alongside the FIBER.  Now that does seem to spell trouble for those of us who like to combine the two, but I did restrain myself.  ((grins))  I had given the children money to spend before starting at the festival so they had fun looking at all the rocks.  My son chose to buy his birthstone, and my daughter opted for a pretty purplish rock called "fluorite."  We then turned a corner in the building and found a lot of kids "hands on" activities -- they were in heaven!

I'd like to thank the Northeastern Woodworkers Association for really exciting my son about working with wood.  His helper, Ron, was so patient with him as he screwed, glued, hammered and sawed to make the cutest squirrel feeder!  Their goal is to educate the youth about the joys of working in wood.  As Ron stated during our chat with him, "woodworking is not offered in the schools anymore and finding people with the skills is getting more rare."  That tune sounded familiar.  That's one of the main reasons I helped start the "Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club" -- so we could promote and educate others about this terriffic art form!!  (BTW: today is the 4 Year Anniversary for The HHCC!  Whoohoo!!)

Moving on with yesterday's adventure, we had lamb-burgers for lunch, fried dough for desert.  We watched a dinosaur puppet show, a man do a juggling act, and had our pictures taken with a cute sheep.  We visited what seemed like hundreds of vendors, each with amazing delights!  To the right is most of our "bounty" from the day -- nothing like the other attendees who had armloads and armloads of loot!!  The children pooled their money together to get "Fluffy the Llama," while I choose to bring home items that I haven't found locally:
     * The "Angelina Loose" is little fibers, kinda like roving, which as I understand it you "draft" along with the actual fibers.  I'm thinking that I need to experiment with it so I got the hot pink and the turquoise blue for that purpose.
    * The license plate cover, well, I think it just says it all ((giggles))
     * The silk worm cocoons belong to my son and I.  His are the three "natural" colored ones, mine is the blue.  We'll spend some time opening one of his later this week; while the blue one is calling to me, "Work me into a necklace!!"  (Odd that it should say that, but who am I to question what a fiber wants to be when it grows up?)
     * The egg container is really unspun wool fiber of various colors.  It will be used for felting experiments.  I thought it wize to go "small" until I know which felting methods I like best.
     *  Also pictured is the "Shirret" crochet hook I mentioned earlier,
     * and I got some more charms for my bracelet (a sheep and a llama).

See, with the hundreds of vendors there, I really did control myself!  Or did  I???
 
Just a few miles down the road as we were returning home, some activity along the roadside caught our eye.  Turns out it was a yarn shop ... and not ANY yarn shop ... it was the Morehouse Farm shop.  It's a beautiful store, and we spent a lot of time checking out all the delicious fibers!  I didn't get any this time, but I did pick up the book, "How to Make Felt: Create Hats, Bags, Rugs, Masks &Much More" by Anne Belgrave.  

                                   Yeah, I'd say it was a great day!!  :)

Monsoon Season Over Yet?

It's been raining here for what seems like f-o-r-e-v-e-r.  Although there's a painfully bright thing in the sky (I think that possibly could be the sun -- I don't know for sure because it's so painfully bright after days & days of nothing but darkness with cold pelting rain!).  So, what have I been doing to keep busy during our unusual monsoon season?  I've been crocheting!  Surprised?  ((grins))

First, let me take a moment and post this picture since it answers Terri's question about what I've been up to with the "jumbo" crochet hooks I had picked up at Stitches East: The WonderKnitter actually belongs to my son (He received it as a prize when he attended the 2004 CGOA National Conference Fashion Show that was held in Manchester, NH; I borrowed it from him) and used two fibers, "No Smoking" and Feza's "Night" (both a "glittery" fiber), to "knit" up.  I then used my new size "T" crochet hook to create a thick chain; ended off; added some beads and findings to the ends; then spent the day looking through my grandmother's button collection.  I found a beautiful button that looks like Mother-of-Pearl to me, and sewed it on as the focal point.  It made a beautiful necklace.  (In the background of the picture you can see my daughter's pattern book & yarn I wrote about on Monday.)

Driving through the monsoon was no picnic (with flooded roads, powerlines down, trees...); but I made it to the stores where I teach as well did most of my students (we must be diehard crocheters to get through that!!).  So I want to take a moment and apologize to Sherri -- she traveled all the way here to the North East to check out our beautiful fall foliage.  Instead, all she saw was rain, rain, and more rain.  She had fun checking out various yarn shops and attended my ColorPlay With Overlay class that was held in Bethel.  Sherri will be returning home today and I'm sure she'll be updating her blog with details and pictures as soon as she's settled in.  Sherri, it was an absolute delight to meet you and your husband!  Thank you for traveling all the way to Connecticut!  I hope you were able to fill that extra suitcase with a lot of yummmy fibers! 

So now that the sun has peeked out, what's one to do?  I need to put the last finishing touches on my mystery project; word has it that it may appear on the cover an an upcoming publication.  (Sorry, that's all the details I'm allowed to give out at the moment.)

I'll also be headed to the New York Sheep & Wool Festival tomorrow.  How about you?  Will you be attending this giant event too?  At least it will be sunny.  :)

A Jewel of Strength & Inspiration

I took the test to see which sci-fi character I am, and apparently I scored as Princess Leia:
     "A strong-willed herald of causes against injustice, you passionately strive to right the wrongs around you.
Somebody has to save our skins!"

Funny, I don't recall Princess Leia as being a crocheter, but if we could write it in as one of her hobbies that'd be pretty cool.

On a more serious note, I was reading this news article and was truly touched by this woman's strength.  I feel for her, and I admire her for coming forward and sharing her story with the world.  Beverly Leo is a crocheter (note that the writer keeps saying *knit* instead of crochet)  who was diagnosed with lymphangiomyomatosis, a disease that causes smooth muscle to grow over lung tissue, blocking the passage of oxygen.  She has little time left and is planning her own memorial service.  She's using crochet as a means to maintain some control when her disease has taken everything else from her. 

          ["I thought, 'Why should I reach for that light? Why should I reach for that crochet bag? I'm just so peaceful.'"] 

At the present time she's "... crocheting a small wind horse, a mythical figure prevalent on Tibetan prayer flags. The horse, which carries three jewels representing Buddhist wisdom and enlightenment, combines the strength of a horse and the wind to carry prayers to heaven."

Beverly, I think you're a "Princess Leia."  You are a fighter, an inspirer.  I hope you are able to finish your horse and get to take "that last ride."

... and she's doing it too!

... during in the mightiest of clashes, crochet pervails!  And this means that columnst Lyn Cockburn is a crocheter too!  Here's the link "Make Visors Mandatory" where she admits to being hooked.  :)


Other exciting news, the free disco yarn from Bernat arrived today.  Even my daughter got a skein; since the two skeins match now comes the fun of deciding on what we'd like to use it for.  The color we received is called "Aqua Velvet" (no, the the cologne!).  It's more like a teal color with a lot of shine in the long bearding (it's furry like LB's Fun Fur). 

My schedule has been a bit tight this week, but I do have photos coming -- stay tuned!

Yarning Over Madonna

Does it bug you something fierce when you get songs stuck in your head?  What about a whole repertoire from two plus decades worth of tunes from the same artist?  This has been my problem since learning Madonna is a crocheter.

Since I don't have access to her to inquire about her crocheting passion I decided to use titles from her Top 40 hits for my make-believe interview below.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it:

We met one rainy afternoon in a local yarn shop that had comfortable seating spaces for the patrons.  The store owners brought Madonna and I a cup of hot cider to enjoy as we sat down for our interview.

D:  Madonna, I'm delighted you could sit with me today.  I see you're wearing a beautiful crocheted wrap.  Who would you say  would benefit from learning how to crochet?

M:  "Everybody."

D. Before we sat down I saw you eyeing a lot of wonderful fibers.  How do you go about choosing the fibers for your projects?

M:  It's a "Physical Attraction" thing. 

D:  When did you know, Madonna, you know, that very moment that you liked crocheting?

M:  I was on "Holiday" and brought it with me.

D:  And how do you feel about knitting?

M:  Hmmmm, "Borderline" I think.

D:  I understand that when you were first learning how to crochet that you didn't quite grasp the gauge thing.  When your projects came out the way that you wanted them to, how did it make you feel?

M:  Like a "Lucky Star" ((smiles))

D:  Once you got into crocheting more, I understand that you couldn't resist the fiber and kept buying more ...

M: I was a "Material Girl"

D:  So you just kept buying & buying yarn?

M: It kept calling to me "Crazy for You," how could I resist? 

D:  So, once you were aware that you had developed "Yarn Acquisition Syndrome," did you come up with a plan?

M:  Only that I'd "Live to Tell" about it!   ((laughs))

D:  I understand that there was some trouble caused by the yarn stash at home ...

M:  Yeah, I'd have to tell my "Papa Don't Preach;" he didn't get the obsession.

D:  I understand it was about this time that you and your first husband departed ways.

M: You're getting a bit personal, Dee, but yeah.  I mean I said to him "Open Your Heart" and he said that he'd like to be able to open a closet without seeing yarn ...

D:  I'm sorry to hear that but can attest that most of us crocheters have large stashes.   What is it that you like so much about crochet?

M:  That you can "Express Yourself"

D:  Oh, I agree with you there!   

M:  and you can "Cherish" the process and "Keep It Together" without worry of losing stitches.

D:  You are so right, Madonna!  I love that we're having this little chat!   Where is the last place you thought you'd find a crochet pattern?

M: ... in "Vogue" knitting magazine; have you seen it?

D:  I don't recall seeing it; I'll have to check it out.  I wonder, have your children said anything about your crocheting?

M:  Yes, they want me to "Justify My Love" for it; I guess the stash is taking over the house again.

D:  Oh dear!

M:  Yes, my son Rocco likes to play "Rescue Me" and hides in the boxes of yarn I have!  ((laughs))

D:  ((laughs too))  Yes, children are great like that!  You seem to be looking around the store a bit, what are you thinking?

M:  "This Used to Be My Playground," I'd come here and buy pattern books, hooks and yarn sometimes.

D:  I'd like to thank you for your time, Madonna, it's been a real pleasure.

M:  Oh same for me, Dee!  Go ahead, "Take a Bow," you did great conducting your first fictitious interview!

                                             (((heh heh heh))) 

Welcome to the Crochet Club, Madonna!

Taking Flight: Taking Crochet to the Next Level

It was 9:30 at night, I open the door to check on them, to see my children's sleeping faces.  I stop, as I imagine that I can hear that soft rubbing of fiber between fingers, hook pulling up loop after loop.  I know I have good listening abilities, but surely I must be mistaken with this sound, yes?

I look closer; a blink with eyelids closed.  Another blink.  Another.  I look down towards her hands and I can see a strand of fiber peaking through the covers.  "Hey, you're supposed to be sleeping, not crocheting," I say softly not wanting to wake her brother.   She opens her eyes and looks at me.  "I know mamma, I just couldn't help it!  I had to do one more stitch and then more stitches wanted to be made," she replies with a sheepish grin.

I take the yarn, the hook, and the pattern from her little hands.  "It's not good to do this in the dark.  You can do it in the morning."  She agrees; I kiss her goodnight and tuck her covers in.  As I close the door I look at the fiber bundle on her table and shake my head in wonderment.  Children are supposed to get caught reading under the covers -- but crocheting?

So I wake up this morning and go to check on the children.  My son is sleeping in; after all, staying up late to watch the baseball playoffs is exhausting.   I look at my daughter and there she is, stitching quietly.  She looks up at me and gives me a huge smile; a smile that says she knows that I know she's a crochet addict.  Her index finger poking up to thread her fiber, her thumb and middle finger pinching the work; in her other hand she has the hook slipping back and forth creating new stitches in a steady rhythm.  She is happy.  I leave her to her blissful stitching and head off for my coffee and morning session with my PC.  (She's working from the "Springtime" booklet for children, creating the overalls pictured here.)

As I await for that first cup of coffee I wonder.  Was I as happy crocheting when I was a child?  I remember the joy of "getting it" for the first time -- of understanding how the hook grabs the yarn and pulls it through.  I remember the joy of saving up my money to buy new skeins of yarn.  But I also remember the times of frustration, of not understanding the written instructions and having no where to turn to for help ...

As I type my entry this morning a sweet voice interrupts my thoughts.  "Mommy, what's a BLO?"  "Hmmmm?," I look over at her.  "My instructions say I need to do a 'BLO' for 10 stitches.  I figured out what 'ch' and 'sc' are, but I'm not sure what a 'BLO' is," she says.

I smile.  She's learning!  She's a butterfly that's learning to spread her crochet wings and take flight.  "Sweetie, a 'BLO' is where you need to make your stitches in the 'back loop only." 

"Oh, I know how to do that!  Thanks Mom!"  And off she skips, project in hand, ready to take her crocheting to the next level -- to the back loop only.

Chinese Fortunes

On Friday night my children and I had our Chinese dinner.  It was a lot of fun as it was their first time trying to eat with knitting needles, er, chop sticks.  They tried so hard but didn't do so well for their first time; they ended the evening with forks in hand.  I read my fortune from my cookie; it read:

          "The first step toward change is awareness.
                    The second step is acceptance."
                     Lucky Numbers 34, 17, 25, 44, 9, 42

I thought that was so fitting for me.  From this experience I have accepted that my children may have been able to eat their dinner better if their chop sticks were crochet hooks.  At least they'd have been able to loop the noodles up -- right?  ((grins))

I've been on the hunt for information again; looking to confirm more people to add to my "Famous Crocheters" webpage.  I'm still trying to confirm Patricia Arquette to the list; no luck yet.  I'm also looking to get my hands on the "Spiderman" movie to see if the actress, Rosemary Harris, who plays Peter Parker's aunt can be seen crocheting with a Tunisian crochet hook in one of the scenes.  I'm not sure which though and that might mean sitting through two movies.  (Is the movie any good?)

I received an email letting me know that actress Ellen Corby crocheted on the TV series "The Waltons," so she'll be going on the list. 

Word has it that Tyne Daly is both a crocheter and a knitter, and that she's featured in an old crochet magazine issue that has a toddler hat that looks like a strawberry or apple. (It might even be in an older issue of Vogue magazine.)  If you'd like to help me officially confirm Tyne and have the magazine issue stating she crochets, please let me know as each person listed on the "Famous Crocheter" page has to be confirmed.  (Hmmm, maybe my "lucky numbers" from my fortunre cookie relates to the magazine issue in question??)   The last time I looked to confirm Tyne I found another "famous crocheter:"  Meredith Deane, a child-actress who was crocheting on the set at the age of 9 and 10. 

My son handed me his cookie fortune:

          "The hard times will begin to fade.  Joy
                  will take their place."
               Lucky Numbers 34, 11, 27, 42, 5, 37

"Maybe," he said, "your readers have the information you are looking for."

How on earth did a six-year-old become so wise?  ;)

Random Thoughts Towards the Weekend

I spent the bulk of my day today preparing a display that will be going up for auction at my children's school fundraiser.  I opted to "donate" my crochet skills and the designer yarn to crochet a Communion Cape for the winning bidder.  The display was foam board cut out like a torso.  I cut two notches at the bottom and inserted more of the foam board to make it stand up, added some netting, pinned on my daughter's cape to show what the bidder's cape will look like once I have measurements of their child, added a picture of my daughter wearing her cape, along with a "teaser" describing the item.  It was a lot of work, and hopefully it will pull in a good amount of bids to ultimately help the school.  I'll keep my hooks crossed.  {{grins}}

So, now that's it's raining and I'm in need of some "down time," I decided to take it easy this evening, maybe even have a glass of wine & tinker with some freeform (care to join me, Rose??? heh heh heh).  One way I've been getting in some relaxation is by "pre-holiday" shopping online (I love that there's no lines!).  I was over there at "Overstock.com" and decided to do a search for "crochet" and found "the motherload" of crochet books for less than what bn.com or amazon.com is offering them!!  I then found a code that offers first time shoppers an additional 12% off  ('til 10/10) ... can it get any better???  Yeah, I was to have been relaxing, but finding crochet books on sale is sooooo exciting!!!  LOL

I plan on spending my spare time this weekend working on my mystery crochet project.  All I need is about 8 more inches on the main project before the finishing touches are added.  Of course it will be some time until I can lift the "cloud of mystery" off the project, but I did wantto mention that I'm working on it.  (How funny; my son is leaning over my shoulder looking at the image asking what the mystery project is!  He's seen me working on it but must have forgotten!  LOL)

Now, before I run off to get some Chinese food for dinner, I want to add one more thing ... click here & scroll to the end of the page to take the poll.  They're wondering if the gas prices have you staying home more (& stitching).  Go ahead and cast your vote.  :)

Effects of Environment

In recent discussions on various online groups, and with students in my crochet classes, the topic of staying relaxed while crocheting comes up quite a bit.  Some state that they tend to start off nice and relaxed but by the time they really get into the project they found they are having a tug-of-war with their yarn.  The stitches were getting tighter and tighter and tighter ... well, you get the picture.

My first suggestion, if you fall into this category, is to check your environment and see if it's effecting your work:

   *Are you watching/listening to the evening news?  That always tenses me up.
   *Are you counting stitches and have kids asking you a million questions?  That always messes me up.
   *Are you trying to crochet on your lunch break at work?  Try going to your car or an unused conference room for peace & quiet.
   *Did you drink a lot of caffeine?  Too much makes me jumpy; try drinking more water, or at least watered down coffee (in order to consume less caffeine)
   *Do you have a radio on and the DJ keeps yacking instead of playing music?  Or is the rhythm of the music too fast?  Too slow?  Change the station, or put on a CD for more control.
   *Did you jump right into your crocheting after some stressful situation? (i.e., work) ... try doing some stretches first.
   *Are you in love with your fiber?  A stiff fiber, or 'unfavorite' color are turnoffs for most.  Do a few rows and then reward yourself by working on a more pleasing project for ten minutes.  Then repeat the process.
   *Are you in love with the pattern?  Same rules as "are you in love with your fiber" applies here.

If the above suggestions fail to help relax you -- to relax your tension as you're creating your stitches -- then consider joining a group if you haven't already.  Join an online group, or join a "human" group that gets together every so often.  Getting together with other crocheters (or needlecrafters) and laughing together makes for a great way to release stress.

Here's to hoping your hooking is always happy!
~Dee

So, You Want to go Pro?

Working for oneself has it's appeal.  You are the boss, you set your own hours.  You can even work in your flannel pajamas and fuzzy crocheted slippers if you'd like.  (Yes, I'm guilty of that one!  And yes, I'm out here on my swing again! heh heh heh)

As a certified crochet teacher and budding designer I'm fortunate to make enough money to keep me home with my children.  I'm able to volunteer time at their school, and take them to interesting places -- such as the museum we went to this past Tuesday.

I'm often asked how I got to this point, and I want to say right off the bat that it was not an overnight success.  I started small and stepped into a lot of luck.  Fortunately for me, I believe that all crochet hooks contain a bit of pixie dust, for without all the crocheters who have crossed my path, where would I be today?  (Maybe still in the *Crocheter's Closet?*)

I've been asked to offer some of my patterns wholesale, this is obviously something I needed to do some research in and I found the book "The Basic Guide to Pricing Your Craftwork," by James Dillehay a great help.  I recommend it to anyone looking to sell their work as it has great information on how to arrive at fair prices and even ways you can save some money come tax time.  One thing I've learned for sure is that it looks like I will need to apply for an official business license.  But that's another journal entry for another day.

Getting back to going Pro, it can be as simple as selling your finished crocheted projects, to selling your patterns.  It can mean becoming a certified Instructor or Teacher, or even a publisher.  The key is to find out where your interests are, what kind of time you can put into it, and if the market can support your choice.  Right now, I pretty much eat & sleep crochet (can you tell?).  Are you ready to devote so much time (and possibly storage space) to it too? 

If so, then you should look into becoming an Associate Professional of the Crochet Guild of America.  If you're already a member then all you need to do is apply for the membership upgrade.  If you're not a member yet, then you can apply by clicking onto the CGOA name above.  Once you're an Associate member you will be invited to join the online Professionals Group.  This is where you have access to "meet" the professionals shaping our art form today: publishers, suppliers, designers ... and upon request, you'll be hooked up with a mentor of your field to aid you in reaching your goals.

Sounds good, doesn't it?  It's like a slice of heaven!  My advice to you, if this appeals to you, is to jump in and test the waters.  You may not get rich, but you just may enjoy it as much as I do -- and happiness is priceless!  J

... not horsing around ...

There is a story of a man who went out to a pub one night.  He enjoyed himself a bit "too much"  and realized that if he were drive his team home and be found drunk by the authorities that he'd be thrown into jail.  So he thought about his situation and came up with a solution.  Sure enough, the authorities caught up with him on his way home and they asked, "Have you been drinking, sir?"  He replied honestly, "Yes I have."  The authorities then asked him to explain how it came to be that he was tethered to pull a cart with two horses in it.  "Well," he said, "it's against the law to drink and drive, but there's no law against drinking and pulling."  The authorities had to let him go.  {{chuckles}} I'm sure they must have had confused faces as much as the horses in the cart did!  {{more chuckles}}  (go ahead, click onto the link; you know you want to! heh heh heh)

I bring this story up because there's an old adage to never put the cart before the horse, or as Ruth said to me at our "Coffee, Crochet & Chat" session today, "you're not to butter your bread before toasting it," and this all relates to comments recently made by a judge about crochet work my daughter recently submitted.

To back up this story a bit, my daughter graduated this year from just creating simple crochet chain stitches to crocheting the single crochet.  It was a major accomplishment and she's still working on tension, yarning over, hook holding positions, and stitch counting.  For her entry she crocheted a pink purse.  She had to learn how to do rows, which includes remembering to do her turning chains (she frogged that project over a dozen times until her rows started resembling "normalcy").  She had to learn the difference of working through both loops, or working through just one -- and why it makes a difference.  It was a lot of work for her, and she was proud of her accomplishment. 

She did not win a ribbon for her entry, which is fine.  This is something we discussed as a possibility.  But when she read the judge's comments that she should concentrate on her joinings (seams) it caused a lot of confusement for her.  "Does the judge mean I should have learned how to sew first, Mommy," she asked.  "Good question," was my reply to her.

When I first read the judge's comments I too was a bit baffled.  It could have been the "Mommy" in me wanting to put that protective wing around my daughter to protect her feelings, or it could have been all of my training in becoming a Crochet Teacher and thinking there's a disregard for the "laws of learning" here, or maybe it was just a common sense thing to me ...  I'm not sure really, but I think the judge was way off base and apparently I'm not the one that feels the way I do.

The "Mom" in me thinks that the judge is not very knowledgeable about crochet.  After all there was not one comment made about her crochet stitches; about those rows she worked so hard on.  In looking at my daughter's work I can see clear as day that she has some problems with tension.  The "Teacher" in me thinks the judge needs to reexamine this piece and make more appropriate comments in regard to the work -- primarily the stitching.  After all, she's only eight  and she's still a beginner crocheter.  And, let me add, I don't know of ANY beginner who first learned how to crochet by learning how to do joinings (seams) first.  Do you?

Since this is not the first time the judging at this event has come into question, like the man in the story from the beginning of this entry, I will attempt to solve the problem, or at least draw some attention to it.   I will ask my daughter to write a letter to the coordinator of the event letting them know that she found the judge's comments confusing.  I'll include my own thoughts and offer my services to assist the judge (or be the judge) for the crochet department next year.  At the very least, discussing the issue will help highlight that there's a problem.

In my humble opinion and experience, I would never tell a beginner to put the cart before the horse.  (go ahead, click onto this link too; you know you want to! heh heh heh) Seaming comes after stitch perfection, not before, and I'm not horsing around on this one.

Wired for Crochet

I'm keeping it simple tonight by offering you a link to check out some great jewelry pieces that were knitted and crocheted -- obviously not your "traditional" pieces you see everyday.  I found myself repeatedly saying "wow!" with each piece pictured!

www.kerenpeled.com

If the site inspires you, then you may want to check out the book Crochet With Wire by Nancie Wiseman for inspiration on getting started.

Also, hgtv.com has images of a recently aired program on crocheting with wire. Click to visit.

Mo' Details from the KOC2

See, I just knew I left out some details! 

One of the biggest details I missed on sharing this morning was about how the technique known as "freeform" made such an impact!  (Geesh!  How could I miss such an important detail like that?  That's so unlike me!  It must be the exhaustion I'm feeling from having so much fun attending these events!)

(this
is the
freeform
purse
I had
on
display
this
year
inspired
by
father's
farm
out west.)

... getting back to the giddy topic of freeform crochet, I want to say what I've already posted to the ever popular online freeform group:  freeform rocked at the Knit Out!

From Margaret's work on the catwalk (thankfully I did remember to mention that on my picture collage earlier this morning!), to the freeform pieces she lent me (& The HHCC) to put on display, and the handouts she offered for me to hand out at my freeform demonstration -- people were asking questions!  They were inspired!

At one point in the day a woman approached me and told the story of seeing child's sweater on display at a previous KOC2 event.  She said it inspired her to try freeform for herself -- and she never looked back!  The concept "so opened [her] eyes" to new possibilities -- and it was my sweater (the one you semi-see on the right) that inspired her!!  Oh, I was so flattered!

When I think back to my freeform "roots" Prudence Mapstone and Margaret Hubert were the ones that got me started -- and now I know that my freeform work has inspired someone else to not only try it, but to love it as well.  To me, that's what going to these events is all about -- being inspired!

In my freeform demo I had a blast telling my students to throw all the "crochet rules" they've ever been taught out the window!  "Experiment," I exclaimed, "to you heart's content!  If you make a mistake, who cares?  It's not really a mistake, it's creativity!"  They were quite excited by the end of the half-hour session, or at least I thought until I whipped them up further into a creative frenzy by telling them that with freeform there's no need to tuck those ends in!  "No!  Leave them hanging!  Then go to tag sales!  Go to those garage sales!  Visit your jewelry boxes and add those trinkets that you love so much!!"  You would have thought I set children loose in a candy store!  {{grins}}  I ended the session by inviting them all to come see me next year and to bring their creations with them; I hope they do!  (and if I just whipped up your imagination into a frenzy of creativity, please take a picture of your creation & share! Share! Share!!!!)

Thanks Margaret & Prudence for opening a new world of possibilites not only to me, but to all those that are just as passionate about crochet and art as I am!  You two are beautiful!!  And thank you to all the freeformers who lent me the urls to their websites to offer at the KOC2 -- expect visitors!!!  :)

2005 NYC "Knit Out & Crochet Too" Event

What seemed to be the hottest day -- ever! -- turned out to be a great day for the New York City "Knit Out & Crochet Too!" event sponsored by the Craft Yarn Council.

We arrived just as the tents, tables and chairs were being set up.  We stopped at Starbucks and then went to Barnes & Nobles to see what books they had on display for the day.  Since we heard that Candi Jensen would be there we loaded up, I bought three:
                  

While on my way to get my group signed in, I found her!  I inquired if she'd sign my books and she was happy to!  What a peach!

I also found Melissa Leapman, Lily Chin, and Susan Huxley ... and had the pleasure of personally introducing others to these great designers!  (What fun that was!!)

For the first time in attending this event (this was my 3rd time), I finally got a glimpse of one of the fashion shows -- turns out that at that moment they had the models showing off Margaret Hubert's freeform pieces that are in the current issue of Crochet! magazine.  Of course I hooted & hollered ((chuckles)); the announcer said, "It seems we have Margaret Hubert fans in the stands" and the crowd all cheered.  (Margaret, although  you couldn't make it, you were well represented!)

I got to hook up with folks from online lists I belong to (Hi Vivian!); and from stores I teach at (Hi Rose, Hi Pamela!).  I got to see a number of film crews going around (I haven't a clue if it was for the local news or for a hobby show).  I had the most fun at the teaching demo table -- I hope all those that got to sit with me were inspired to go out and crochet in ways they never had before.  They all had great questions and it was a pleasure to provide them with the answers they were seeking!

I'm sure I'm leaving out some details as I'm preparing to head to Massachusetts today (yes, fiber related!).  If you attended this great event -- be it the NYC location, Boston, whatever!, please leave your thoughts here, or a link to your blog so others can read about more experiences! 

In the meantime, click onto my collage for a larger view.  

KOC2 Experiences from others:

thread_zealot: pics taken with a cell phone

Every word's a purl: a knitter's perspective

House of miao:  getting the point of knitting ("attack of the knitting grannies")