In a Sea of Purls

Remember the other day when I mentioned I was a nominee for "Best of the Blogs" in the Knit/Craft category?  Well, I was advised today that CrochetWithDee is now a finalist!  In a sea of purls and a crafter, CrochetWithDee is the only crochet blog to be listed as one of the Best of the Blogs.  Wow!  You know, I was flattered to be nominated; I'm totally tickled to be a finalist! 

Is it possible for the "step-sister" of the fiber arts to pull it off?  Who knows.  But as long as they don't have a singing competition, I think we have a shot.  (Oh why couldn't I have had laryngitis this week instead of last week!  You don't think they're gonna make us sing, do you?  Maybe I could sing this song...)  Voting starts on the 10th.

I'd like to extend a big "crochet-ulations" to the other finalists I am listed with:

Amelia Raitte: My Fashionable Life
http://www.autoscopia.com/amelia/

Dioramarama
http://www.dioramarama.com/kmel/

Grumperina goes to local yarn shops and Home Depot
http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/

savannahchik knits
http://savannahchik.typepad.com/

See Eunny Knit!
http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/

sweetgeorgia
http://sweetgeorgia.planetfishdesign.com/

The Knitting Fiend
http://www.thedietdiary.com/blog/

knit and tonic
http://knitandtonic.typepad.com/knitandtonic/

Vintage Knitting
http://www.vintageknitting.net/

There is no end. There is no beginning.

"There is no end. There is no beginning.
There is only the infinite passion of life.
And the last remaining skein of yarn,
in the desired dye lot, in an infinite tangle."
                                          ~Modified Chinese Cookie Fortune

 
Crochet-ulations goes out today to
Melissa Leapman,
who was my Mentor through
Crochet Guild of America. 
Her book, Cool Crochet, was named as 
one of the finalists for the
Craftrends 2006 Award of Excellence in the NeedleArt Book category!

Excitement Spills Out onto the Playground

There has been some discussion lately about the "types" of patterns various yarn companies are offering (other than knit & crochet) and their effectiveness.  Understandably the goal of the yarn companies is to sell more yarn.  But, either knowingly or unknowingly, they are helping to spur on interest in the other fiber arts: weaving, macramé, and braiding.

I happen to like that the yarn companies are branching out.  I think the more people are exposed to the "other" fiber arts, the more apt they are to consider mixing their art forms together to create interesting works such as this child's purse I designed (including dying the fiber with kool aid) on the right in June of 2005.  It combines crochet for the body and finger weaving for the strap.  (I did the crochet, my daughter did the finger weaving so this also helps with the argument of getting children involved with the arts.  The bags below also have the crochet/finger weave mix.)

So where's the proof in the pudding you ask?  Well, I think I found it yesterday among a group of people that stand no taller than 4 feet tall; a classroom of third graders.

I was advised by my son that the school children have been spending recesses inside due to the extreme cold, snow and ice, and that they were given the OK to bring toys in from home because they are "bored" with the school board games.  Upon hearing this I thought I'd do something a little different with my volunteer time later that day. 

I packed up a bunch of yarn and offered to teach the children how to finger weave!  Boy!  Were they ever so excited! 

I sat a group of a dozen children down at a round table and got them prepared to start when just at that moment a teacher came into the classroom and announced that the "higher powers" opted to OK them to go outside for recess.

You would have thought the children would have been excited with this news -- a chance to go outside to run wild, with yelps of joy and tons of giggles.

      But that wasn't the case. 

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!  Do we have to??!?" they inquired in near unison.  "We're learning how to finger weave ..."  Their faces were so sad looking.  I didn't want to cause any trouble so I promised the children that the next time I come to do lunch duty in their classroom -- when they're "stuck inside" -- I would bring all my yarn and teach them how to finger weave.  The children smiled and cheered, "You're alright Mrs. Stanziano!!" and with that they put on their coats, hats, scarves & mittens and went outside.

Apparently the excitement of learning finger weaving spilled out onto the playground and other grades got wind of this endeavor.  "You're going to teach my child's grade, right Mrs. Stanziano?" inquired another parent.

                                                      Sure!  :o)

Getting & Sending Messages

Messages.  We give them, we receive them.  They're spoken, written, gestured.  The key is to read between the rows and find the golden nugget that makes that message so important.

Take television for instance.  Many crocheters enjoy "listening" to various programs as each stitch is created.  From time to time we lift our heads up from our work to see the images before us.  In my case it seems I do this most when the commercials start to come on.  I don't know why this is, but I've gotten the message loud and clear.  Have you?

Yes, that's right -- crochet is being touted, promoted, and placed into the public's mind seemingly inconspicuously.  Have you noticed?

First, lets look at the now well known commercial for Glade.  Yeah, you know the one I'm talking about ... the one that features the lady with all her little crochet covers for the air fresheners.  If you listen to what she says when the commercial first comes on, then you got the message.  If you never noticed then pay better attention next time!  LOL ... she says, "...remember to keep those stitches loose!"  Ah!  Crochet advice on national television!  I love it!

She is sooooooooooo right!  If you keep your stitches loose it makes it easier to work in the next time you come around.  (And we're not even touching on the subject of gauge!)

The next commercial is a new one on the air waves.  Sherri mentioned it yesterday in her blog ... it's the trailer for Queen Latifia's new movie, Last Holiday.  In the trailer they show the clip of her at a gaming table and there's a little dialog going on; she's rolling some dice while saying, "that's why they call it gambling not crochet."  Do you see the message here?

The message I walked away from hearing this is that crochet is not as simple as plopping your money down and throwing some dice.  No, instead crochet is an art form that requires patience and practice.  Once you got the technique under your belt then you go can go wild, throwing caution to the wind and do some wild freeforming!  (*freeform is a crochet technique) Thanks Queen Latifia!

The next commercial to recently air is one for Verizon -- the cell phone/network providers.  Now they don't mention a single word about crochet in their commercial, but if you lift your head up from your work to watch it, you'll SEE  the crochet.  Staring crocheted snowmen in fact.  And the essence of the message is to "stay connected."  See, another truth!  Crocheters should stay connected!  And we can do this by joining local groups and/or joining various online groups -- of which I just happen to have a bunch I belong to listed to the right  -- for your convenience to check out!   (heh heh heh, gotta love those hidden messages!)

The message I received today was a reminder that I need to go and refresh some material at my website www.CrochetWithDee.com as Carol Alexander, editor of Crochet! magazine, has mentioned me in her Crochet! eNewsletter -- she's encouraging crocheters to learn a new crochet technique for 2006 as part of their New Years Resolutions.  (I'm honored for the write-up, Carol!  Thank you!!)  I also happen to agree with her -- what are you waiting for?!?  Go! Visit my site and check out all those techniques I have listed and put one on your New Years Resolution List!!  {{wink wink}}

So now there's a way for you to send a message ... by voting for crochet blogs!  Click here to plugin as many of your favorite crochet blogs/journals under various headings (including your favorite: hint hint) and lets see if wecan get crochet in the lime light!  Or (and?), if you're more interested in getting crochet "heard" on a knit list, then this is the place to go  :)

Winter/Spring 2006 Crochet Classes: Bethel, CT

You asked for crochet classes that offered
more freedom, more opportunity to learn what
other Crocheters are creating, and new techniques.
Ah, you're crocheters after my own heart!  :)
I think you'll be pleased with the
Winter/Spring 2006 Crochet Class Offerings below! ~Dee


Store:  A Stitch In Time
Location:  276 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT
Contact: (203) 748-1002

Class Reminders: Store Policy
 ·         All classes have a maximum and minimum size, so sign up early to insure your spot.
·         Full payment is required upon registration. There are no refunds on classes unless we cancel. If you cancel and we can fill your spot, you will get a store credit.
·         We will give you the supply list when you sign up. There is 10% off materials that are bought for one of our classes.
·         Most of our classes require home work be done at home. Yes, homework!
·        Please leave your friends and family home for class!



Stitch Social: Come for an hour, or come for two!  In this social class participants experience the joy of crocheting and chatting with others while getting help with projects, finishing techniques, and/or learning a "new to me" stitch. Class size is limited so reserve your seat today!
Thursdays                                 10:00 - 12:00
Choice 1: Pay $15 for 1-hr or $25 for 2-hr sessions on the
following dates: 1/19, 1/26, 2/02, 2/9, 2/16, 3/02, 3/09, 3/23, 3/30

Choice 2: Pay $75 for 4 2-hr sessions
Session 1: 1/191/26, 2/02, 2/09     or
Session 2: 3/02, 3/09, 3/23, 3/30
Supplies needed:  hook & fiber to play with; pattern & materials if requesting pattern assistance.


Felted Heart Broach: For yourself or to give to your loved ones to wear on Valentine's Day!  This class explores the technique of felting crochet by hand.
Thursday Feb. 9th                     12:15 - 2:15
Cost: $25 plus supplies; pattern is included
Supplies needed:  red or pink 100% wool and hook to match fiber for this class.


Mixing Mediums: Fun and exciting!   In this class participants will learn how to mix fiber, wire and beads to create beautiful one-of-a-kind necklaces.
Thursday, 3/02             12:15 - 2:15
Cost: $25 plus supplies
Supplies Needed: a steel #7 crochet hook, 4-10 yards of eyelash yarn, 28 gauge wire, seed beads.


Crochet 101: The start of a New Year is a perfect time to get hooked on the art of crochet!  This class is designed with the beginner in mind: learn how to properly start your work, the foundation, the single crochet, how to count stitches, how to build on your work to create wonderful fabric, and how to properly end off.
Thursdays, 1/19, 2/02, 3/09      12:15 - 2:15
Cost:  $25 plus supplies
Supplies needed: Any crochet book that has illustrations of basic stitches, Crochet Hook (G, H, or I), light colored 4-ply yarn.


Crochet 102: Reading labels, figuring out gauge, reading patterns, repeats, markers... Oh!  What is all this?  It's the next step in learning more crochet!  This class is designed to help beginners take their new passion to the next level.  ** Participants will need to come to class with pattern, fiber & hook. 
Thursdays, 1/26, 2/16, 3/23      12:15 - 2:15
Cost: $25 plus supplies
Supplies needed: Pattern to start, Crochet Hook (G, H, or I), and light colored 4-ply yarn.


Crochet for Knitters: Knitters, what do you do when your patterns require crochet for finishing?  Instead of skipping it, fudging it, or pawning your project onto someone else for those finishing touches sign up for this class to learn how to crochet on a knit edge, including button holes!
Thursday, 3/30             12:15 - 2:15
Cost: $25 plus supplies
Supplies:  Crochet hook that matches knitting needles size, fiber to play with
Homework:  Participants must bring in a knitted swatch at least 4" x 4"


Hairpin Lace 102: Already know how to crochet Hairpin Lace?  Ready for the next step with this fantastic technique?  In this class participants will learn how to use the Clover Hairpin Lace tools to create elongated loops and flowers.
Thursday 3/16                          12:15 - 2:15
Cost: $25 plus supplies
Supplies:  Clover brand hairpin lace fork/loom, crochet hook & fiber of choice.


 Crochet Demonstration of Irish Clones Lace: Planned in honor of National Crochet Month and St. Patrick's Day!  Come any time during the demonstration and watch our Certified Crochet Teacher demonstrate the various techniques while discussing how the crochet lace industry saved millions of lives in Ireland.  Also on display will be the "Irish Flower Basket" that was on display at the Lacis Museum in Berkley, CA. 
Thursday, 3/16             12:30 - 2:30
Cost: Free


Crochet 101 Special: March is National Crochet Month! Sign up for Crochet 101
with a friend and get a discount! Class size is limited so don’t wait!
Thurs, 3/16 or Sat, 3/18           10:00 -12:00
Cost: $40 per pair of people plus supplies

 

All Felt Up

I was alerted by Sheila's post this morning over there at The Hooker's Haven about one of the most recommended websites I send people to with stitch problems.  It is gone! Gone! Gone!  Yes. Sadly we've had our first bit of sad crochet news for the new year.  StitchGuild.com is no longer with us.  Instead of finding stitch help with relative ease you'll now need to visit the Annie's Attic website and do a little searching until you find the video clips we've come to love from the StitchGuide.com website.  As Sheila states, "there was no warning."  The website worked fine last week, so this does seem rather sudden.  (Like when Patternworks suddenly closed their doors in 2002 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and later showed up in NH with new owners.)  If I hear of any "official word" I'll post it.

Since I'm still over here on "Camp Couch" (I know! Enough of this already!!), I've been spending my time experimenting in preparation for my new winter classes I'll be teaching.  I wanted to come up with the right pattern, and this is not always so easy.  Sometimes this requires many stitch "rippings" (also known as "frogging"), and completed samples.  I then hand felt up the samples to see if the patterns gave the desired results.   One design out performed the others and I've got to say that I'm really loving the end product, and more importantly I'm sure my students who will be taking the class in February will love it too!  Yes, I've been crocheting & felting hearts! 

Add that today is a snow day (5-12 inches are expected in my area due to the high elevation), I plan on spending another day at Camp Couch decorating the hearts.  I plan on taking pictures once all the class displays are done.  :)

For those interested in  getting hooked on the felting technique there are two ways to do it ... by hand or by machine -- bottom loading washing machine, that is.  If you opted to add exercise to your 2006 New Years Resolution, then you'll want to give the hand felting technique a try.  Both create interesting results!  If this topic interests you then check out these other blogs, books & websites:

              * felt so good: Cher is the present VP of the CGOA and does her felting in Texas!!
              * Felted Crochet by Jane Davis:  is now a treasured book in my personal  library!
              * A Loom With A View: be sure to also check out Linda's studio; it's to drool over!
              * Simply Felt, by Margaret Docherty and Jayne Emerson is the book I drooled over so much last January!

 

UPDATE:  I received word that StitchGuide.com has always been a part of the Anne's Attic world -- apparently I was too busy watching those little video clips to notice!   The StitchGuide site was operated separately until sadly the webmaster for it died in an auto accident last year.  Anne's Attic opted to move the StitchGuide website onto theirs to make maintenance easier. 

Thank you, Donna, for this information!  And condolences to the webmaster's family ... the StitchGuide website was appreciated by many fiber artists through the years!  Thankfully all that hard work is preserved at Annies Attic!   ~Dee.

Goals. They seem easier to achieve.

Have you made your Resolutions for 2006 yet?  I haven't.

Instead I decided to create Goals for myself.  What's the difference?  Hmmm, I think attitude.  The word "Resolution" or "Resolve" sounds so harsh/hard/difficult.  Goal sounds simple/easy/obtainable.

Instead of Resolving to lose weight, my Goal is to eat healthier.  This means cutting down to one cup of coffee a day and (gasp) eating fruit.  Instead of Resolving to exercise more, my goal is to spend more time outdoors.  (Bee allergies/fear really puts a damper on my willingness to be outdoors so this is a major Goal to try to accomplish!)

Instead of Resolving to use up an ample amount of my yarn stash, my Goal is to crochet more items for Charity donation than I did for 2005.  (I'm really pumped for this Goal!)

And, my readers, you'll be happy to know that one of my biggest Goals for 2006 is to offer a book filled entirely with my crochet designs and other little tidbits! Of course this will take a great deal of time for me to dedicate to such a project, so I may abandon my journal/blog here from time to time to accomplish this, but I'm sure you'll be understanding and supportive, yes?  Oh, and I'll need pattern testers too!  (Any volunteers?) 

Finally, instead of Resolving to teach more classes, my Goal is to stick my neck out more and submit some National Level Class Proposals.  If they're accepted it would fulfill my ultimate goal of finally traveling out of the NY, CT, MA area to pass on my crochet knowledge in person while getting to meet so many of you that I know through various online groups, visitors here at CrochetWithDee, and with the owners of blogs I love to frequent myself.  Yes, that would be a great goal to achieve, don't you think?

                      I like that.  Goals.  They seem easier to achieve.  J