"Dudette, Where's the Pickles?"

It took me hours yesterday, but I did it; I had sewn the tulle ballerina skirt and then stuffed it with little roses.  I then slipped the little skirt onto Cana Pickles and, I swear, her smile seemed to get bigger.  I think that means she likes it.

This morning I'm addressing her need for appropriate earrings.  I decided I didn't like the one's I initially made for her.  So I visited the website Sheila had mentioned in a past journal entry on dainty earrings and tried creating one with wire.  I only made one earring and didn't like it; it doesn't "stand out" enough.  I guess I'll get out my thread a bit later on and will work one up and see how it looks on her.  Really now, catering to Fashion Diva's ...  LOL

If the rain passes through today I hope to take both of the Pickles out -- if not to join me for some fun on my swing, then at least for a ride -- I want to see where I can take their pictures around town before I ship them off.  Of course I know you're all clamoring to see them, so I'll see what I can do.

In the meantime, here's a great news article on kids & crochet:  Dude, Where's my yarn?

Enjoy!

Anyone speak/read Russian?

Any one speak/read Russian?

Word has it that the exhibit my Irish Clones Lace is in has grabbed the attention of those in Russia -- see for yourself:

Раздел: Интересная ссылка
Тема: Картинки с выставки freeform
Загетботила 37 картинок с выставки freeform по ссылке.Кому интересно, качайте:
http://www.lacismuseum.org/exhibit/freeform/A Picture 033 copy.jpg



(yeah, I'd love to know what that says!!  lol)

How exciting!

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

6/4:  Ang W. emailed the link to the babelfish.altavista.com website.  There I was able to make the translation from Russian to English.  Here's what the above says:

Division: Interesting reference is the theme: Pictures from exhibition freeform Of zagetbotila of 37 pictures from exhibition freeform on the the ssylke.Komu it is interesting, rock

Thanks Ang!!!  :) 

Three Choices and a Lasso?

I am not a sewer. I don't profess to be one, and I doubt I'll ever play one on TV.   I am having the most difficult time getting the tulle stuff to behave! 

My goal is to have the tulle "stuffed" with roses.  I've seen it done; it's very pretty.  But like I said, the tulle is being a royal pain.  Every time I get it the way I want it and bring it close to the sewing machine it gets all wiggly & slippery and no amount of straight pins will hold it in place long enough for me to sew a straight line.  The image here is about as close of a true picture of me going after that pesky tulle.  (Arg!!)   LOL

Finally, I got my crooked line sewn, and then gathered the tulle.  It's starting to look semi-normal, like what a ballerina might  wear.  I finish pinning in place the pretty beaded trim that I'd like around the waist and of course no one warned  me that beads and sewing machines are allergic  to each other.  Oh no!  No!  No!  I had to figure out on my own that this simply won't work!  My sewing machine is practically unplugging itself and is ready to walk away from the project!  Imagine!!  (Uhgh!)

I'm left with three choices:
1.  Pick another trim without beads
2. Sew it on by hand
3. Go out drinkin' and call it a day.

Since I'm not much of a drinker, that option is out.  I could pick another trim, but this one is soooo pretty!  Darn!  It looks like I'll be sewing the trim on by hand -- so this means it will take Miss Cana Pickles a bit longer until she's properly dressed.

Sorry gang!

...towel & shower cap?

Dear Dee,
Take a hand towel and wrap it around her as though she just came from a shower. :o) Too bad you don't have one of those Glad covers with the elastic in them....you could put it on her like a shower cap.

Oh, you guys are cracking me up today! LOL

I know how cranky I'd be if someone were to snap my picture with nothing but a towel and shower cap on -- and then to see it up on the Internet.  I can only imagine how a bear would take it ... I imagine it wouldn't be a pretty sight.   Oh, OH!  I'm not saying that the bear wouldn't be pretty with nothing on but a towel and shower cap; I'm sure she would be quite cute ... I'm just saying it wouldn't be pretty with what she'd do to me if I betrayed her trust like that!    LOL

Don'tcha' just love it?!   ... She's a crocheted, stuffed bear and I going on & on as if she were real, with human emotions.  Oh, I do need to get some sleep!

Thanks for the suggestion, Sheila!  :)

Question from Reader: Picture Now?

Dear Dee,
How about a picture of Miss Pickles and her brother sitting on the couch? I'd love to see how she came out! Denise

Wow Denise! You're quick! I just posted this update on finishing the second Comfort Bear, Miss Cana Pickles, and already you're all wanting to see how she came out!  I'm impressed and honored!

Well, ordinarily I'd comply with taking a picture and showing everyone but Miss Pickles says she's "...not proper sitting here naked." Remember, she's a little bear! (hahaha -- I'm playing on words here!)

I do promise to share a picture of her, and of them together, just as soon as she's "proper."  Thanks for emailing me!  :)

She's done!

It's official; Miss Cana Pickles is done.  All the kings men, and all the kings horses have finished putting her together.  Yeah, right.  Wouldn't that be cool if it were true?!! ... you crochet up whatever it is you have in mind and a bunch of kings' men & their horses get out their tapestry needles and do all the assembling.  I wonder if Humpty Dumpty knew he had it so good before his terrible fall?  (LOL)

Getting back to Miss Pickles, all kidding aside, I finished crocheting and assembling her yesterday.  If time permits today, I'll dust off my sewing machine and work on her ballerina skirt, and finish assembling her earrings (just need to add two jump rings). 

I had hoped to take Miss Pickles outside today with her brother --  maybe to a nearby beach and take their picture, but I don't trust the weather.  It looks like we'll be getting more rain and Miss Pickles has stated that she doesn't want to "...get caught out in such weather."  Can't blame her, really.  She's not machine washable.

So for now, she's content to sit on the couch and hold her brother's hand.  He's happy too -- he finally had his mouth sewn on too.

I know, I'm "punchy," I'm "giddy."  This is what happens when you stay up to the wee hours of the morning working on a project.  That "one more stitch" becomes "one more row," and heck, "since I'm so close to finishing it, I may as well."  Ah, come on now, you know what I mean!  LOL    J

Summertime Crochet Classes: Bethel

It's that time again -- time to announce classes for the summer being held at the Bethel  store! If you're interested in signing up for any of these classes, please contact
                          A STITCH IN TIME  @ 203-748-1002:

     Crochet Classes with With Dee!

Fantastic Fiber Camp
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM:  Kids Can Crochet Too!  Six great classes to introduce the fantastic fiber arts to kids -- and their friends!  It's an opportunity to put down the electronic games, and with giggles & grins, create something from a simple piece of string!  Class size is limited; make it more fun by taking the classes with a friend!

Week 1:  June 30th - Learn the Crochet Chain Stitch
Week 2:  July 14th - Learn the Single Crochet Stitch
Week 3:  July 21st - Start Project: Purse or Treasure Bag
Week 4:  July 28th - Learn Finger Weaving for Purse Strap/Treasure Bag pull
Week 5:  August 4th - Purse assembly
Week 6:  August 11th - Learn how to add beads to projects
Skill Level:  None needed.  (Parents of children younger than 12 must remain in store)
Materials:  Size H or I hook, 1 skein worsted weight, light colored yarn
Cost:  $60

Knit & Purl with Crochet!
       Thursday: June 30
       11:15 PM- 1:15 PM
Crocheting is known for having many techniques ... and achieving the look of knit and purl is one of them!!  Yes, crocheters CAN fool the naked eye with the Tunisian Crochet Hook!  Intrigued?  Sign up today!
Skill Level:  Basic
Materials:  Tunisian Crochet Hook, worsted weight yarn
Cost:  $25


Absolute Beginner 101
     Thursday: July 21 or August 4
        11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
Have you tried to learn how to crochet from a book and just don't get it?  Has it been awhile and you need a refresher?  This class was designed with you, the beginner, in mind.  In this class you will learn the slip knot, the chain, and the single crochet, the importance of turning chains, how to add on a new skein, and how to properly end off.  Come, be inspired, and learn the fastest growing needlework in America.
Level:  none.
Supplies: 4-ply yarn (light color); crochet hook size G-H-or I, any book/magazine with beginner stitch diagrams
Cost: $25


Absolute Beginner 102
     Thursday: July 28 or August 11
        11:15 AM -- 1:15 PM

Ready for that first project? Reading patterns more like figuring out a new foreign language?  Then this class is for you!  Bring your materials and get help on getting started, or get help with that pattern that's stumping you!
Level:  absolute beginner/beginner
Supplies: pattern, yarn & hook for first project
Cost:  $25


The Rose Broach class is back by popular demand!!
     Thursday: July 14, or August 16
       1:30 PM  - 3:30 PM
Book the entire class for yourself and your bridesmaids to learn how to crochet the beautiful crocheted Rose Broach to give as favors.  Or bring a friend and exchange your roses at the end of the classes as tokens of your friendship.  Whatever your occasion, say it with a rose; say it with a crocheted rose that lasts a lifetime!
Level:  basic
Supplies: 4-ply yarn (light color); crochet hook to match yarn recommendation
Cost: $25


Flip Floppin' Fun
     Thursday: June 30
       11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
It's all the rave!  Learn how to add crochet to your pair of flip flops to makea splashing flashing statement on the beach this summer!  Book the entire class to make for a great summertime birthday party!
Level: basic
Supplies: yarn; crochet hook to match yarn recommendation, tapestry needle, flip flops.  Beads & charms optional.
Cost: $15


BYOP (Bring Your Own Project)
      Thursday: June 30
      12:30 PM -- 2:30 PM
Come for one hour or come for two.  Bring in that pattern you need help deciphering, or that crochet project that has become your nemesis.  Sign up for this class to get the help you're looking for while also learning tips and tricks to make your crocheting hobby easier.
Level:  beginner/intermediate/advanced
Supplies: bring your own project/pattern
Cost:  $15 1-hour; $25 2-hours



Hairpin Lace
 Thursday: July 21, or August 18
      1:30 PM -- 3:30 PM
Hairpin lace is a beautiful technique of elongating loops to create a beautiful fabric that's perfect for the summer months!  Learn how to use the fork, and how to assemble the pieces together.
Level:  beginner/intermediate/advanced
Supplies: hairpin fork, yarn or thread, hook to match fiber.  Beads optional.
Cost:  $25

Joinings & Edgings
        1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Have you been crocheting a zillion granny squares until the time has come to assemble them?  Have you worked up the pieces for a sweater and not sure how to put the pieces together?  Does your work seem to be missing that final touch?   If so, then this class is for you.  In this class you'll learn the proper techniques used for sewing and crocheting your work together, along with discussion of how you can finish your work with a simple edging to pull it all together.
Level:  Beginner/Intermediate/advanced
Supplies:  project to be assembled, or 4 - 8 squares to practice on; Crochet Hook (size G, H, or I works best, or hook used for project); 4 ply yarn; tapestry needle
Cost:  $25


Crochet For Charity
     Thursday: August 18
Instructional Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM; event ends at 2:00 PM     

Crocheters of all ages, of all abilities, come join our Certified Crochet Teacher and Crochet for Charity!  Come with 6" X 9" crocheted or knitted squares, or come on in and learn how to crochet a square.  Come and help assemble the squares, Dee will even offer you instructions on how to assemble!  Our goal is to create blankets that will be donated to Danbury's "Elizabeth House," a local shelter for women and children.  Don't have time to join us but still want to contribute?  Drop off completed squares anytime!

Enjoy a glass of refreshing Iced Tea, good company for a great cause and get 20% off Plymouth Encore yarn.  Discount only good during Charity Event Time, limited to 2 skeins of Encore Worsted Weight yarn.
Skill Level:  None Required
Supplies:  BYO, or Purchase them here at the store
Cost: FREE!