She's Growing Up

 

2006: Myra Wood assisting Mini~Dee
with her 1st Runway appearance.

Photo from Mini~Dee's website,
www.CaseysCrochet.webs.com

Can you believe my Mini~Dee is a sophomore in high school?  Me either!

It does not seem all that long ago when CGOA Founder, Gwen Blakley Kinsler, was pinning her as a "CGOA Member," or when  Myra Wood took her by the hand and helped her make her first runway appearance at ChainLink.  Where does the time go??


This past weekend she worked at The Knitshop Girls booth at Stitches East.  This was her first official job, and she enjoyed it tremendously.  Not only did she have fun working, but she also got to see fiber-friends she hasn't seen in a few years ... like Drew, Tammy Hildebrand, and Kathleen Sams (of Red Heart).  

Mini~Dee working at Stitches East,
enjoying a Starbucks coffee.

Mini~Dee modeling a garment
for The KnitShop Girls.

Everyone who knows her that got to see her at Stitches East was shocked to see just.how.much. she has grown -- and she loved seeing all those shocked faces!  LOL

She hasn't had much time to crochet (or knit) as she is very involved with her school marching band.  At the moment though, she is working hard at raising the $1,000 she needs to go with the Band to play at Disney in April.   One of the things she is doing for fund raising is taping into her knowledge of how sofas eat stitch markers -- something that both crocheters and knitters alike need, and how much we love bling.  With this in mind, she's selling "Bi-Stitchual Stitch Markers" in my Etsy shop.  If you'd like to support her fund raising efforts, or would like to see what she has available, please visit www.Etsy.com/shop/CrochetWithDee   As of this blog post, she has another $700 to go to reach her goal. 

When will she be at another fiber event?  Possibly at Rhinebeck (she has a PSAT test to take first!).  If you haven't seen her in a long while, you too might be just as shocked at how much she has grown!

Crochet Classes to be taught in New Fairfield, CT

I am thrilled to announce some local classes that I will be teaching for my town.  If you are interested in signing up, please visit  http://www.newfairfield.org/filestorage/209/253/4913/Fall_2012_Brochure.pdf  to download the brochure, and http://parksandrec.newfairfield.org   to register.

The crochet classes are be held in the Library of Consolidated School, located in New Fairfield, CT. 

Crochet Classes  101 & 102
with Dee Stanziano 

Crochet 101: The Absolute Beginner
This crochet class is designed for the absolute beginner: learn how to properly start your work, the importance of the foundation chain, how to create the single crochet, how to count stitches, how to build upon your work to create beautiful fabric, and how to properly end off.

When: Monday, OCTOBER 15, 2012 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
# of Sessions: One.
Fee: $20
Required Materials: light colored worsted weight yarn, size "H," "I", or "J" hook.
Class Size Limit: 10



Crochet 102: The Refresher
If you took 101 last week and are ready for the next step, or perhaps you crocheted long ago and need a refresher, then this is the Beginner Crochet class for you! In this class participants will learn to build taller stitches and the importance of turning chains, how to read yarn labels for crochet projects, learn the importance of gauge, and more! This class is designed to help beginners take their new passion to the next level.

When: Monday, OCTOBER 22, 2012 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
# of Sessions: One.
Fee: $20
Required Materials: light colored worsted weight yarn, size "H", "I", or "J" hook, or current crochet project stuck on.
Class Size Limit: 10

Enhance your Crochet Knowledge by learning
new Crochet Stitches With Dee Stanziano

Crochet 201: Six-Stitch Scarf
Crocheters proficient with the basics will learn at least six beautiful crochet stitches in this class series to create a personal scarf (or for the more ambitious crocheter, a small throw). Instruction on how to finish off your project, including how to properly block your project to take it from "home-made" to "hand-made" will be included.

When: Mondays, OCTOBER 29, November 5 & 26th, December 3 & 10th, 2012 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
# of Sessions: Five.
Fee: $60
Required Materials: worsted weight yarn (1 - 2 skeins to start), size "H", "I", or "J" hook.
Class Size Limit: 15

Cro-Fun at The Big E

Wednesday was such a fun, fun day!  I joined up with nine of my fellow CGOA Chapter members and headed up to West Springfield, MA, to attend the Eastern States Exposition -- better known as "The Big E."  Our mission was to spend the day demonstrating various types of crochet in the New England Center building.  We have, for the past 10 years, gone to The Big E to promote Crochet on what is known as "Connecticut Day."

After setting up our booth, with both personal and charitable projects on display, time just seemed to speed up.  I met such wonderful people and had so much fun doing demonstrations on Tunisian crochet and the Amazing Needle/Knooking techniques.

Irene and I take 1st and 2nd Place in first heat of
"Crochet It In a Minute" contest at The Big E.

I also got to partake in the first-ever (that I know of) speed crochet contest held at The Big E that they called "Crochet it in a Minute."  They allowed us to use crochet hooks that we're comfortable with, so I chose one that I recently purchased from a friend who is destashing a bit -- I never used the hook prior to the contest, and yes, I did threaten the poor little hook that it would be "kindling" if it didn't do me right ... I was kidding, naturally.  I'd never willingly hurt one of my precious crochet hooks!!   ...   In the first heat, HHCC'er Irene and I came in 1st and 2nd, respectfully.  In the second heat Chava and Grace grabbed 1st and 2nd place.  If we were placed in order of speed, then I stand at an "Honorable Mention," coming in 4th.  In the knit version of the contest, our Fluffy came in 2nd Place. :)

I also got to check out all the entries our members had entered for judging: as a collective we won several blue ribbons, 2nd and honorable mentions.  I won 2 blue and 1 red for my pieces.  There were some amazing-jaw-dropping entries this year, including a beautiful red fillet duster and a "Big E" theme tapestry! 

And then came the dancing -- on stage! -- with the Connecticut Line Dancers!  Even with my two left feet, I had such a fantastic time!

Fluff had the moves, and even with my two left feet, she talked me
through the steps of one of the Connecticut Line Dancers dances.

Oh, and I can't forget the fudge.  Yessssss, fudge.  Cranberry fudge from the Massachusetts building.  Mmmmmmm.  :)

Don't Discount the Discounts!

Who doesn't like to save money? Me! Ha, I'm kidding! I'm known for finding great deals, especially when it comes to crochet!

First, I utilize my CGOA Discounts whenever I can. Recently I bought some 90 crochet hooks through AnniesAttic.com -- they will be utilized for a future workshop my Chapter will be having. Not only were the hooks on sale, but I also used my CGOA discount, saving an additional 15% off my order. ... and I was really happy to discover that my CGOA discount also works for the AnniesAttic online classes! To see the list -- and learn how to activate the discounts, go to the CGOA's webpage, and under the Membership tab, log into the "Members Only" section; you'll find the instructions there.

Second, I went to the Joanns.com website and signed up for their VIP program. They mail you a little card, you bring it into the store with your CGOA membership card, and for the rest of the year you get an additional 10% off your purchases. This is an unadvertised perk of being a CGOA member!

Third, it pays to open your mouth and inquire. At a recent trip to Webs (yarn shop in Northamption, MA), one of our Chapter members asked if they give CGOAers a discount on purchases. The answer was yes ... 10% -- but not to be combined with any other discounts they offer.

 

Fourth, I utilize Upromise.com. I use it to connect to various online stores I shop at. By using their links I save a little for my kids education (if you don't have kids, then you can save for grandchildren/nieces/nephews...) anywhere from 3% up to 10% (sometimes more. Thus far I've saved over $600 towards my kids education!)  Often times I find additional savings offers, like free shipping, or extra percentages off my purchases. The other day, when  Andrea was looking to buy a dress form from Joanns online store, she Tweeted that she was on the fence about paying so much for the shipping. I told her about Upromise; she signed up and found a free shipping code to use! Upromise has links to CafePress, Amazon, M&J Trimmings ... I think its worth looking into.

Today I went to Upromise, connected to CafePress and ordered a "I love Yarn Day" tote -- in the kiwi color. By going through Upromise I saved 8% (towards my kids college), and after using the code GR8FALL at CafePress, I saved $3.90 off my order (coupon expires today). The cool part is that my order also helped benefit the Warm Up America program. More info about the CYCA/Warm Up America program here: http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/ily-gear

 

Happy Savings!

-----------------------------------------
Did you notice I didn't link to a single site?  That's my way of saying I have no affiliation with any of the discounters mentioned, other than being a proud member of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). 

60/60 leads to taking a crochet class

playing with Tunisian Cables while crocheting a scarf
for the 2012 60/60 Challenge

One of the things I love about the annual 60/60 Challenge is in learning a new crochet stitch or technique while also working on a scarf for donation.  What would it be for this year?

Fortunately for me Kim Guzman posted the answer on Facebook:  she posted about a blog post she had written about her Tunisian Cables & Lace class being offered on AnniesAttic.com!  I watched the preview and decided to sign up.  Since I am a CGOA member I plugged in my 'members discount' code and got 15% off the class.  (sweet!!)

This would be my first experience in taking an online class -- I really didn't know what to expect.  Boy, I was in for a treat!  I loved it!!  I plan on taking more online classes in the future.



While at the moment I am not using the pattern Kim provided with the class, I am having fun with the cable stitch (I omitted the lace part and beefed up the number of stitches required for the cabling).  And, I'm using up a bit of yarn stash too -- because we all know The Big E is coming up, and that means a trip to Webs!  (Whoot!)

So lets see: I get to take a class utilizing my CGOA membership, I get to learn something new, I get to use up some stash -- and then later replenish it -- all while hand-crocheting a simple scarf that will benefit my local community.  Priceless!

9th Annual "60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge"

September 1st, 2012:  This is the official date that kicks off the NINTH Annual “60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge” that originated here on my blog as a personal challenge (30 Scarves in 30 Days) and then grew into the heart-warming charitable drive that it is today!  And you're invited to participate!  :)

How the Challenge works:

Participating in the 2012 "60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge"?
Save this badge and then upload it to your blog, or use as an
avatar to help promote the good you're crafting for your
local community!

1. Crochet, knit, or weave a scarf (or more) for charity. You can use a pattern (give credit to the designer if that’s what the pattern calls for!), learn a new stitch, or create your own pattern. The scarf MUST be made by hand!
2. Pledge it for a local charity near YOU; there is no need to ship! Check with your local homeless shelters, Salvation Armys, religious institutions, and schools to find a home for your scarf/scarves.
3. To have your scarf count towards the goal, tell us about it on our Ravelry group here, or post about it on your blog and give us the link by leaving a comment on this blog post below.
4. The scarf/scarves must be created by hand between September 1st and November 30th, 2012, midnight, eastern time, to count. (Yes, we know this is really 90 days, but we’re keeping the name of 60 days)
5. Any skill level, age and gender can participate! Spread the word!
6. If you have a website or blog, feel free to save the our badge shown on the right to your own computer and display it proudly!  There is even a CafePress shop where you can order pins & such!

This Challenge is a great stash buster AND does YOUR local community good!  :)

2012 Summer Adventures

Geeze, this place is dusty!  And look at all the pretty cobwebs ... as I doodle "Did you miss me?" with my finger in the dust, I will admit that the summer of 2012 was one I will always remember! 

Visiting & Shopping at the "Yarns of Italy"
warehouse in Missouri.

First, let me state that I did not attend the CGOA's ChainLink Conference.  While I greatly missed seeing all my crochet comrades, I had the experience of a lifetime with the kids -- and one that they too will remember for the rest of their lives...

Our first of two summer trips was to my father's farm in Missouri.  While we were there the kids got to meet cousins they've never met, got to go horseback riding, stay cool in a local creek during record-breaking heat, learn to drive a tractor, watch history in the making (cattle were driven by the house everyday on their way to auction because the cost to feed them was going up due to the drought.), went up the St. Louis Gateway Arch, caught a Cardinals game, checked out the Fantastic Caverns, and much, much more.  I also got to tour & shop at the Yarns of Italy warehouse!  What a blast that was!  (If you find yourself in the Springfield, MO, area, do contact them for your own tour!!) 

While staying at my father's farm house, I discovered a bunch of old crochet & craft magazines from the 1980s that had belonged to my Aunt.  While I did not bring any of the magazines home with me, I did love flipping through so many issues!  I learned from reading her old issues that crocheting with a monotone colored yarn and then sponge painting an image onto the finished work was very popular during the time!  I also learned a cousin of mine, who lives two houses down, was a crochet fan.  However, she had been stuck on her lessons since the passing of my Aunt.  We spent some time together going over some basic stitch rules, and after I returned home I sent her some supplies with one of my patterns.  She emailed me happy that she's able to resume her love of crochet.  :)

Inspiration found in Florida

Our second of the summer trips was to Florida.  We were there to visit with my mother and my brothers.  While I did bring my crochet with me, I did not do a single stitch during the entire time we were there.  Shocking, right??  There was just too much going on, from visiting the Keys, to boating up the St. Johns River and everything in-between!  My mother said to me on the last day we were there "I'm shocked you didn't visit a single yarn store!"  Me too!!!  However, I did leave with plenty of inspiration, and that is just as valued as a crochet hook & yarn, right?  Just ask my sister-in-law who has challenged me with a special request ...


Upon returning home I found us facing our own water challenges.  As we work to resolve them, and gear up for the kids starting school, I did enter some of my crochet works into the local Bridgewater Fair: "Yellow" won a Blue Ribbon, as did my modified Delta Lace Topper. 

I'll be back soon to clear out the cobwebs and post more of my yarnie adventures.  In the meantime, feel free to tell me about your yarnie adventures you enjoyed this summer.  :)