Stitches in the Seat

Part of the holiday fun is visiting stores for the "after holiday sales" to utilize those gift certificates from loved ones.  After all, you never know what treasures you'll find as was true for me this week!

There I was, strolling around inside of a local Pier 1 store when I happened upon a furniture arrangement that was totally knitted!   We're not talking pillows, afghans, or antimascassars -- we're talking "Chahaya" couches, chairs, and tables that were all stitched! Knitted! ... and while my knitting skills are extremely limited (twisted & backwards too) I can't help but wonder "how did they do that!??"  How could I have not known about this??  Had I the room in my home, and the extra funds, I would have instantly purchased it all and started various crochet projects (cushions perhaps?) to compliment the pieces.  (If I were a yarn shop owner, there is no doubt in my mind that I'd add them to the "flavor" of the store!)

This got me to thinking about another fiber chair I've long admired: the crocheted chair by Marcel Wanders, but at $40,000 apiece I know it is way out of my price range (but apparently not out of Beyonce and Jay-Z's!).  As the International Freeform group continues to discuss interesting fiber sculpture (more here, here, and here), and after viewing Ben Wilson's video clip on the chair he crocheted using coarse cotton and simple stitches, perhaps 2007 will be a year I start to experiment with epoxy too; it's worth thinking about, right?

                                               Have a Fiberlicious New Year!!  :)

Tags: crochet chair, knitted chair, epoxy

Milestones Worth a Hundred Grand?

What a fantastic milestone here at the CrochetingWithDee blog -- 100,000 visitors ... and in a little over three weeks from now it will also be the three year anniversary since my first blog entry!  How exciting!

My first thought was to have a contest that offered a bag containing $100,000 (bar) as a prize; but I haven't had luck locating any locally, and also, that gag has already been played by a radio station.

So I gave it some thought and decided items like yarn, patterns, and gift certificates would make for better prizes that reflect more about what my blog is about: crochet!

So here are the rules:

1.  Contest runs from today until January 15, 2007, Midnight Eastern Time.
2.  A total of three prizes will be awarded via a drawing.  Winners will be announced on January 16, 2007.
3.  To participate:  Read the fictitious news article I featured in my blog awhile ago and come up with an ending for it.  Clean language is a must.  You may enter as many times as you'd like by:
     A.  Leaving your ending here as a comment with a valid email address
     B.  Or emailing me your ending and I will add it here for you.
4.  If no valid email address is available for entrant another name will be drawn.  This means if you're an AIM user so you can leave comments in AOL journals/blogs, I will need a valid email address from you.
5.  Prizes are not exchangeable and may not be redeemed for cash. 
6.  Contest is no way related to the makers of the $100,000 chocolate bar, but if I find one, I promise to eat one in honor of this fantastic milestone!  Thanks readers!

CONTEST IS NOW OVER. THANK YOU PARTICIPANTS FOR SOME GREAT LAUGHS!  :) 
WINNERS WILL ANNOUNCED IN A NEW BLOG ENTRY LATER.

Tags: crochet, contest, $100000, chocolate, yarn, prizes

It's Santa's Fault - and Doris' too ...

Yes, it's all Santa's fault, and Doris' too, that I didn't return to blogging yesterday as I initially planned.

Santa, you see, brought me some "techie" gifts for the PC and the laptop; one of the items is a webpage building software program and I've been tinkering with it.  My  hopes are to make the HHCC's website easier on the eye -- and a lot easier to navigate before the New Year.  After that, for later in 2007, I hope to update my daughter's website, and then mine.  Of course the websites do not need to be done immediately, but you know how new toys call out to you, much like yarn does.  You simply must listen to it; there's no escaping its call!  ... and we're not even discussing webcam possibilities yet!
 
So, there I was yesterday afternoon, taking a break from learning what the new website software can do when I hear a knock on the door.  It was Mr. UPS.  "I've got a package for Mini-Dee," he says.  (Yes, it was actually addressed to "Mini-Dee!")  I bring the big box into the house and call Mini-Dee over.  She's excited as she eyes the package, "This big box is all for me?!"  The box is from crochet & knit designer Doris Chan.

... and it is packed with many delicious fibers of various colors, textures and thicknesses!  Mini-Dee's yarn stash has just been upgraded from the Minor League to the Major League -- and she was all smiles with this delightful surprise! (Thank you Doris!)

I think this means Mini-Dee will need to do more blogging here come 2007 because if we combine the beautiful yarn from Doris; with the lap loom -- and with the book, Kids Crochet by Kelli Ronci, that she received for Christmas, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of exciting fiber creations by my daughter.  (and of course, this would give me more time to tinker with webpage updates!)  {{wink wink}}
Tags: crochet, doris chan, knit, designer, yarn, kids

CROCHETERS CHRISTMAS EVE Poem

CROCHETERS CHRISTMAS EVE

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished crocheting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'Cause the heels and toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I put down my hooks to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both Dad and the boys.
And though I was tired, my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

But what I heard then left me perplex-ed,
For not a name I heard was what I expected,
"Move, Berroco! Move, Lopi! Move, Addi and Clover!
Move, Boye! Move Woolease! Move Reynolds --move over
Paton, don't circle 'round; stand in the line.
Come now, you sheep will work out just fine!
I know this is hard; it's just your first year,
I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."

I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing.
And then, in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned 'round St Nick I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe,
And his clothes were hand crocheted from above to below.
A bright Fun Fur sweater he wore on his back,
And his toys were all stuffed in an cro-knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf 'round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I espied a small label,
"S.C." was duplicate stitchedon the cuff,
And I asked, "Hey, Nick, did you crochet all this stuff?"
He proudly replied, "Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to crochet when I was a kid."

He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I'd thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair,
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I'd laid my hooks and yarn for a cap.
He quickly began crocheting, first one cap then two,
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks.
While I sat back drinking scotch on the rocks.
So quickly like magic his stitches they flew
That he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me,
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year start your crocheting sometime around June!"


*** note: this was a *knitters* poem that I changed last year to reflect crochet.  I do not know who the original author is/was.  If you know, please advise as I'd like to give proper credit/get permission for this post. 

I wish you, my readers, a most happy holiday and a fiberlicious New Year!!
Sincerely,
~Dee
Tags: crochet, knit, Christmas, poem

Holiday Cheer: The New Scarf Pattern is Here!

As promised, and just in the Nick of time, a quick scarf to crochet as a last minute gift -- perhaps for yourself! :)

Dee~lightfully Wavy Scarf
Copyright 2006 Dee Stanziano; for personal/charity use only.

You'll Need:
"N" (10mm) hook (I used a Graydog crochet hook; they're available on eBay only)
1 skein of Tahki's Ritratto (Green): 28% mohair; 53% Rayon; 10% Nylon; 9% Polyester (has a pretty sparkle & haze to it; this fiber will work as a stitch stabilizer.)
2 skeins of Linie 43 Punta (Yellows): 45% Rayon, 45% Nylon; 10% Acrylic (an incredible softness combination of boucle & fur)
Tapestry needle

Skill Level/Time:
The scarf is based upon the single crochet; the edging has some double crochet stitches.  It is the start of the project and the fiber combination that may take some getting used to.  Skill level: Advanced Beginner
Time: Figure 4 hours. This project took me a little over 2 hours from start to finish. The most difficult part of the project for me was naming it. :)

Directions: Holding 1 skein of Ritratto and 1 skein of Punta together:
Create slip knot leaving 8" tail.
Row 1: Using "Foundationless Chain*" (also known as Double Base Chain Stitch as shown on Josi Hannon's site), create 10 stitches.  Place marker on this row for later use.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across (10 sts)
Repeat Row two 105 times or to near desired length. Place marker on last sc row for later use.

Edging:
Row 1: Ch 3, turn, work 3 dc in ea st (30 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, work 2 sc in ea st (60 sts)
End off leaving 12" tail.
Join yarn to beginning edge (where the foundationless chain is) of scarf to the opposite side of beginning tail; follow directions for Edging, leaving 8" tail.

Edging will "fan out." Take corner of each "fan" hold 1" in from scarf edge; using tails, secure to row marked with marker. Repeat on opp end of scarf.  This step is not required, but utilizing it will add to the rippling effect on scarf edges.  See illustration below:


To wear: fold scarf in half, wrap around neck; insert scarf ends through scarf fold as shown in first image.

*Foundationless Chain:
Doris Chan calls it a "base chain single crochet" in her new book. It is a technique also known as the "double chain stitch," and as the "foundation stitch.
Tags: crochet, free pattern, scarf, designer, pirate, ripples, waves, quick gifts

Friendship

I spent this past Monday afternoon with my best friend, Patti.  We've been friends since first meeting in middle school and I wouldn't trade her for the world!  I've mentioned her here in my blog on occasion (in fact, it was her kids I kidnapped this past summer), and I also credit her (on my website) as the one who pushed persuaded inspired me start teaching crochet back in 2000.  {{grins}}

And look what she surprised me with on Monday: Isn't it just fantastic?!!  I love it!

She said she was inspired to create the crochet theme wreath when she was looking through some very old craft books (sorry, she doesn't recall which one -- trust me, I inquired as I told her I'd blog about it!  LOL).  The wreath is now proudly hanging on my front door!

Thank you, Patti!  :)
Tags: crochet, friendship, holiday, christmas, gingerman, stocking, dove

Hot off the Hook; That's the Spirit!

Sing with me a bit today, OK?  Ready?  (In the tune of Jingle Bells)

Rush, rush, rush,
    Wrap, wrap, wrap,
        Time is running out.

String the lights,
    Crochet a scarf,
        Wonder where the yarn labels went! Oh!

Rush, rush, rush,
    Wrap, wrap, wrap,
        Search a little more!

If Dee doesn't
    Find those labels
       She's gonna enjoy some eggnog a little more! Oh!

Ha ha!  We had a kink in the Christmas Tree Decorating department here at the CrochetWithDee homestead ... it seems all our holiday lights were damaged from the flooding in our basement (we've had massive amounts of rain during the summer/fall), so I had to dash out quicker than Santa's reindeer, Donner, and buy a boatload of new lights.  I had to beat back crowds at the stores -- is that normal this time of the year?  I seemed to have forgotten about the mad rushes at the various department stores since I spend so much time at local yarn shops and peacefully crocheting in the comfort of my home. 

Today's project is one of three scarves that will be given to a Teacher this holiday season.  It worked up very, very quickly, and is softer than a baby bunny!  It was inspired by a knitted scarf I had seen; do you like it?  I plan on offering the pattern for it just as soon as I locate the yarn labels -- perhaps they're under all the packaging from the new lights?  Hmmm, if you don't hear back from me by tomorrow, send a search party! 
Tags: crochet, christmas, gifts, scarf

News Article: Small projects can take stress out of Holidays

More on Doris

After being a guest at our monthly CGOA Chapter last week (which Priscilla did an awesome write-up on) Mini-Dee and I took Doris to one of my favorite restaurants in the area: Rosy Tomorrows.  (Yes, that blurry girl in the middle is Mini-Dee and she is wearing the piece I worked up from Doris' new book.)

Rosy's is a local restaurant that is filled with artifacts from the once popular Danbury Fair that closed it's gates in 1981.  There is no beating Rosy's atmosphere -- or it's food, so if you're passing through, be sure to stop there for lunch or dinner!   We had a fabulous time chatting about everything under the sun: from her childhood (we discovered we had similar childhood experiences) to her new book.  I had the most amazing time with her!

I didn't take notes, but fortunately Dora Ohrenstein just announced that the 2nd Issue of "Crochet Insider" has just been released -- and in it she interviews Doris Chan!  In reading her interview with Doris it felt like we were still at the restaurant!  Go, check it out!  Imagine sitting at the restaurant with us while getting to know Doris better!  :)

Hey, if you'd like to gift yourself or someone you know with an autographed copy of Doris' new book, A Stitch in Time said they have six autographed copies left.  Contact them for info!

"a darned cute christmas thing" (2006)

   I've spent the majority of today sorting through my yarn stash,and as I continue to do so this evening, I am:

A. ... amazed I amassed so much during 2006.  Why, I have an entire tote of the ever luscious Marlene (sadly discontinued AND very hard to find!) that I use for crocheting designer hats to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  
 
B.  ... bewildered that although I've consumed more yarn in various projects than I did last year, I'm quickly running out of places to store it.  Maybe I should consult Wendy in figuring out new storage areas?

C.  ... completely inspired to drop the yarn sorting and work up more charity projects; that's always a great way to reduce stash -- but then again, would Santa stop at the house if I never get the Christmas tree set up in time for his arrival because I was too busy crocheting? Would that get me on his "Naughty" list? 

D. ...nostalgic; perhaps I should revisit the thought from last year ... "a darned cute Christmas thing" and consider decorating the tree with my stash?  I'll have to explore if the children would seriously mind the exchange of traditional ornaments for yarn; would they mind? No, seriously?  Would they?  Do I dare ask them?? ... I mean, if Berroco is suggesting it too, how could I possibly go wrong in doing it???  ;-}

Question from Readers: Where Are You????

Dear Dee, My daily routine has been disrupted! I wake up, grab a cup of coffee, and then head to your blog for your latest crochet adventures. I've been reading about Doris for four days now; where are you???? I miss you!
Darcy

Hey Dee, What's up with your blog? In the morning I visit your blog, then check out Annies Attic for their free Pattern of the Day, have my coffee, then read the paper. In that order! Only this week there's no new entries -- are you OK? When will you be coming back?
Rose

I appreciate all your concerns, and you're right! It's not normal for me to abandon my blog for days on end. I've been incredibly busy with preparing for the holidays AND with meeting a deadline for a publisher. Yes, that's right, I'll have more patterns published soon. Once the green light is given I can reveal specifics but until then I'll have to resign to dancing around the house. Yes, that is a hint!  {{GRINS}}

The good news is I can now resume my normal routine, and this means new blog entries are on the way for my very patient readers! I'll be sharing more info about my time with Doris, a story about Gauge, offering you a new FREE pattern to try and more ... so stay tuned!

I would like to extend a huge HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Crochet Partners today -- it's their 11th Year!  If you're interested in belonging to a Crochet Community, the largest that I know of, then you'll want to give them a visit!  I've been a member since 2000 and just love them!

Crochet Camaraderie

I awoke yesterday morning feeling much like a child -- a child that had waited what felt like forever for this particular day to come.  I was excited that Doris Chan was going to be my Guest at our local CGOA Chapter.  I was also excited that our member, Margaret Hubert, would be doing a special workshop with us!  And a day full of excitement it was!

The meeting started with Margaret teaching us her "Adjusting Patterns to Fit" workshop -- a workshop she normally reserves for National Events!  She is just an absolute powerhouse of information and inspiration!  Along with teaching this fantastic workshop, she also raffled off items.  My daughter was delighted to be her Class Angel (helper).  One nugget I enjoyed from Margaret was when she told us about something someone had told her:  "Admire your work often to catch errors earlier."  Oh, I like that; that's great advice everyone can use!

Then, while Margaret went around helping members with their measurements, our Club President, Grace, held her own raffle.  She had purchased many goodies from the recent AnniesAttic end-of-year-sale and everyone was delighted with her thoughtfulness.  At the end of Margaret's workshop they sliced into a most delicious cake baked by our member, MaryAnn.   Yum!

By then Doris had arrived from her book signing that was held at A Stitch In Time and the members were eager to greet her.  She brought her samples with her and encouraged members to try them on; she also signed books!  Having enjoyed her on Saturday at KnitTogether, I got to enjoy her presentation even more.   I know the group enjoyed the presentation too!  :)

**BONUS:  Check out what Priscilla thinks about the meeting! ... http://byhookorneedles.blogspot.com

Delightful Day(s) With Doris

I'm getting ready for Day Two with Doris ... for details about yesterday's visit please go to www.KTogBlog.blogspot.com

... I promise more details & images here tomorrow!  :)

... Goodies Delivered ...

Earlier this evening, with Santa hats upon our heads, I gathered with my children and some of my CGOA Chapter members to deliver our donation of crocheted hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, baby buntings, baby blankets, afghans, and new toys to our local Salvation Army.

We met up with Captain Norma and Helen who gave us a tour of "Angel" program.  This year they have 390 families in need with approximately 200 more on their waiting list.  It's sad to imagine the need for such programs, but it is uplifting to see so many organizations, such as ours, along with local businesses, coming together to make this holiday season brighter for those in need.

Counting Down to Doris ...

I can't believe that in just two days ... two? really? do I count today if it's nearly over? ... ok, let me try again ...

I can't believe that in just 42 hours (isn't that really close to 48 hours? so I guess I could have stated "in just two days" and been nearly correct?) ... that I'll be hanging out with Doris Chan!  I'll first be hooking up with her at the Knit Together store located in Stamford, CT, on Saturday, and then again when she visits my CGOA Chapter on Sunday.  I am totally stoked!

I brought her book with me to yesterday's Coffee, Crochet & Chat session.  It's a time we set aside every month to gather at our local Borders bookstore to oggle over the newest crochet books & magazines on the market, as well as check out projects we're all working on.  Of course I brought Doris' book, "Amazing Crochet Lace", and the project I've yet to wrap for my daughter (see image below).  The girls went wild in pointing at pattern after pattern in Doris' book exclaiming "I want to make that, and that, and that!"  It was good to see I wasn't the only one obsessed with the book at first glance!  (LOL)

In fact, the girls all rushed upstairs to the craft section to start the search for the book.  Did Borders have it?  Well, prior to announcing to my group last week that she would be visiting us, Borders had six copies available.  On Monday they had none.  The girls came back down to the Cafe and declared none were to be had.  So one of the girls, Diana, said, "Dee, let me see your copy."  I handed it to her and off she went.  Time went by and she triumphantly returned with two copies in her hand.

The girls were so excited that she found two copies.  I exclaimed, "Whoever crochets the fastest gets to buy them!" -- of course I was kidding and we did get a chuckle over it.  "How did you find the books, Diana, when we couldn't?"  She's such a clever girl!  "I looked at Dee's copy, noting how the binder looked and found one here (invision animated motions going on where she's pointing), and another waaaaaaaay over there."

There were big grins everywhere, you know, like finding a huge stash of your favorite chocolates... ah, yes, they were tickled with the find and immediately raced up to the register to purchase the two copies.

But the fever doesn't end there.  I spoke with the owner of A Stitch In Time this morning after teaching my "Stitch Social" class.  "Dee," she said, "I've already got calls coming in for people wanting to reserve a copy of Doris' book!" 

"How awesome," I said.  Then, knowing there are people from outside my area that might want an autographed copy, I inquired.  "Eva," I asked, "are you willing to ship copies?"  She is!  For anyone looking to get an autographed copy, give Eva a call at (203) 748-1002.  I don't recommend waiting!  {{grins}}

In the meantime, I'm working up the same pattern I used a few days ago (see same picture above).  This time it will be for me, and I'm using Trendsetter's "Checkmate" -- it's a ribbon yarn that alternates between a checkered "ladder" ribbon and a flat ribbon.  I'm using the color known as "Roses are Red" and using an even larger hook than what the pattern calls for -- I'm using a "P" Graydog hook (Graydog crochet hooks are only available on ebay).  I hope to have it finished in time for the weekend.

                   Did I say 42 hours?  Make that 41 ...

Creativity Unleashed by Mini-Dee

My Mom came home today and gave me and my brother each a new pair of gloves.  She then let us dig through another bag filled with a lot more gloves, and let us choose another pair in case we need them.  She hinted that perhaps I should crochet long chains to attach the gloves and run them through our coat sleeves.

So while she was telling you all about the stuff the crochet club will be donating, I was busy crocheting onto my new gloves.  I decided to crochet a cuff on one glove with a few rows of single crochets.  Then I made a long chain and went to the next glove.  I crocheted around for a couple of rows and then ended off.  I like the way they look; so does my Mom.  She said you all might like looking at them too.  It was easy to do.  I got the yarn from my favorite crocheter, Margaret.  Well, my second favorite, because my Mom is my most  favorite.

The Reason for the Season: Giving from the Heart

On Monday night I gathered with Priscilla and Grace, the President of our crochet club, at our local Borders Bookstore.  We sorted through a lot of hats, scarves, mittens & gloves to create what we call "sets" -- it also means writing down the approximate age the set would best suit.  Two hours, and one spilled Hot Chocolate later, we were done!  I don't have an official count as to what all the generosity amounts to as more donations from our members are still coming in.  I know we were short on mittens & gloves so I went out and purchased 23 pairs earlier this afternoon so we can complete more sets.  (Plus, I donated another 10 pairs today to another organization that is also doing a drive.)  All I know, what I believe actually, is that this is the reason for the season: giving from the heart!

All these "sets" will help various people in my local community to stay warm -- and today's weather of a balmy 22 degrees F (not including the wind chill factor) is a great reminder of what's to come in the coming weeks: Snow, Sleet, Freezing Rain!  I know from my own experience in growing up that it's no picnic to go through winter without a coat and other warming necessities.  So being involved in helping my local community like this is what makes my holiday season so special -- and to think of all of you who participated in the 60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge, that your scarves will aid someone in need too -- well, that's the icing on my gingerbread man!  I love all this generosity!!  Thank you!!  :)

All the items Priscilla, Grace and I sorted will be donated this Friday on behalf of our  CGOA Chapter to our local Salvation Army headquarters.  I do hope to have more pictures to show when we make the delivery; the amount of people they help at this time of the year is staggering!  However, I do have more pictures from Monday night, but they are from an 8-year old's perspective, and somehow close-ups of spilled Hot Chocolate just don't count.  LOL  I do like the one he took of the three of us that's featured in today's blog entry though!  :)

I didn't, but what if you couldn't?? Could you?

It's been an entire two days without crocheting -- and yes, I'm a bit "hook starved!"  LOL

On Saturday my family and I met up with other relatives at the Jones Family Farm in Shelton, Connecticut.  Our goal: to pick out beautiful Christmas Trees.  We let Dee Jr. cut down his first tree and drag it down the hillside -- it was like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting complete with hot cider and chocolate chip cookies.  All that was missing was the snow!  Although my family has been going to the Jones Family Farm for years, this is the first time we gathered there with our extended family; what a blast it was!  We're thinking of making it a family tradition.

Saturday night was "out" for crocheting too as Mr. Dee and I decided to open one of the bottle of wine we purchased at the Farm.  It's a Strawberry wine and it made it to the top of my list of favorites.  Yum!

Yesterday was another family outing, and yes, I could have brought my crochet with me but it would not have been productive.  By the time we got in last night it was really too late to slip in a few stitches.

Even though I've been "stitch free" all weekend, it doesn't mean crochet hasn't been on my mind!  I was busy having "Crochet Sightings" everywhere I looked!  From products on store shelves, to items people were wearing.  I think doing this helped starve off the need to pick up a hook ... but there was something else on my mind this weekend ..

Something a bit more serious in theme: What if I was forbidden to crochet -- for myself, for family, for charity.  Would I do it?  Could I do it?  What about you? Could you give it up?  It seems the NCAA has done that to a football player.  Boise State football player, Ian Johnson, has been told he's no longer allowed to crochet -- they're worried people will ebay the items he creates.  You can read the full story here:  NCAA to Ian: No More Beanies!  Many thanks to Kim Guzman for pointing this story out!  To read the ESPN article about Ian Johnson's "unusual hobby" click here.

Guess who's coming to town!!

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Doris Chan is coming to town
She's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out who crochets real nice
Doris Chan is coming to town
She knows her new book we're all a-seeking
She'll be arriving from Pennsylvania state 
Autographing her new "Amazing Crochet Lace" book  So be there for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Doris Chan is coming to town
Doris Chan is coming to town



When & Where:
Saturday, Dec 9 @ Knit Together, Stamford, CT *
Sunday, December 10 @ A Stitch in Time, Bethel, CT *
Sunday, December 10 @ The HHCC monthly meeting, Danbury, CT
*contact these locations for more information

I am soooo stoked!!