As we are in the New Year I can't help but think about what I still have on my needles from last year - meaning UFO's (unfinished objects). How did you do with your UFO's?
I had to revisit my UFO list to see how I did and what still needs to be completed. You might have figured out by now that I am a starter of new projects. I just love all the variety out there to make. Then I get wrapped up in making samples for classes and so on and so on. Sometimes things get left behind for future finishing. But revisiting last year showed me that I didn't do half bad. Sure I still have some UFO's lurking around screaming at me saying finish me please. Looking at the big picture it is not that bad.
So what did I finish? I posted on several dates regarding my UFO's so let me see what I talk about and was it all talk or was there a finish line to those projects. Maybe you remember my post from June 1, 17, July 6, and October 8. On June 1st and June 17th I talk about the same two sweaters. They will not be completed. The Noro speckled yarn sweater needs to be sewn. The problem is I don't like it. The Noro yarn did not knit up as I thought. You know when you see a yarn and it looks good until you use it and you find that it doesn't come out as you envisioned. The chance of that one being finished is slim to none. I also had a cable sweater that I didn't have enough yarn to finish it so I took that apart. From time to time that can happen.
From the July 6 post I had five projects that I worked on. The knitted pinwheel rug needs to be sewn together. The knitted handkerchief lace shawl is complete. The knitted fingerless gloves are still unfinished. The Crochet pig puppet is complete. Three out of five is great. Or should I say two and a half since the pinwheel rug is not completely finished until I sew it together. Now these are projects that I posted about. If you look at my flickr you see that there are a lot of projects I did finish, but I just didn't include them in my post. I tell people all the time that I am not on a clock for time. I just love having fun.
That's why I didn't go to the yearly sale that Knit-a-Bit in Westfield, NJ has every year. I hadn't gone before so I was thinking about going, but my conscience reminded me that I have enough to work on and enough yarn for now. I'm on a yarn diet. But as one of my students said that I am on a fiber diet, which fits the situation. I like that one. So I passed up going to the sale for this year. It was easier to do than I thought. But you know what? It is something to look forward to for next year. Also, since I wrote that series on organizing your craft on my blog from October 28th thru November 24th of 2010, I surely don't want to be the one that is out of control.
So what about you? Have you put yourself on a fiber diet or are you running to the sales but with self control or are you just saying I'm livin large and what of it? Now that last one could get you in a world of trouble. Let's see what we do this year about our UFO's and our yarn stash.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Recaping My Trip To Pittsburg, PA
I can't believe it has been two years since I went to Pittsburgh, PA. I went mainly for the Annual Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival that is held in February. Well, last weekend marked the 7th year for the event. I wish I could have gone but was unable to, so I just started to recap my trip in my mind and I thought I would share with you. I had a great time that weekend that I went. It was only a weekend event, but now it is three days. Hurray for a successful event that keeps growing.
That was my first time in Pittsburgh and it won't be my last. I did my research and I knew someone that use to live there so they gave me plenty to see for my trip. If you have plans to go next year it is so worth the trip. I made it into a mini vacation. Let me give you some ideas of things to do prior or after the event. This is just in case you want to make a vacation by tacking on a couple more days on your weekend.
First, how was the convention when I went? It was really nice. It is held at the Sheraton North, Mars, PA and I stayed right there at the hotel. Now that is so convenient. I signed up on line and picked out my classes prior to going so I was set. I could sleep a little later and relax before the event started. It's not a huge event like Stitches, but the vendors were very nice and there was enough variety of yarn, books, and supplies for shopping. I took a couple of classes because I like to keep up with learning since I teach myself. The seating is tight for the classes but I can adjust so I had a good time.
I didn't go last year because of all the snow. Well, for this year I saw that from the weather report it must have been a great weekend for the event. I'm sure there are those reading this post that had an opportunity to go. I hope you enjoyed the event. I want to plan for next year to go. We will see what happens.
Now after the event, I continued my trip with visiting the city of Pittsburgh. There is a nice variety to see depending upon what your interests. For me it was great. I love different cultures so I visited the Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning housed in the University of Pittsburgh. That was so nice. It is a self tour and you are able to visit their twenty six rooms that represent the cultural backgrounds of various ethnic groups. Of course, since I volunteer at a zoo I had to visit the Pittsburgh Zoo. You might say in February you want to visit a zoo? On the day I went it was a crisp winter day but with enough warmth to walk around and enjoy. It is a very nice zoo and I definitely want to return. I also went to the National Aviary of Pittsburgh. I love birds and they have more than 600 birds from all over the world there. They were doing some renovations when I visited so I know by now it is even better. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra was still in town so I went to the Heinz Hall to see them perform. This was sweet musical food to my soul. Now I am into museums so I just had to visit the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. There are four museums all together in one place and I enjoyed going from one to the other. The last place that I really enjoyed was the Phipps Conservatory. The indoor gardens were beautiful. I would love to visit there in the summer to see the outside gardens because I know they must be something to see also. The one place I wanted to visit was the Frank Lloyd Wright house but it was under renovation at the time. I guess that means another trip to Pittsburgh in the future.
I enjoyed my visit to Pittsburgh and I recommend going to the knit and crochet event and exploring the city of Pittsburgh for yourself which will make a great vacation to plan. Now these are things that I enjoy just to give you an example of what is there to see and do. But for you there might be other things you would like to explore. The key is to do your research before hand to take advantage of your time, to make sure things are open, there is an exhibit you would like to see and calculating the price total for what you want to do. And if you have AAA at certain places you get a $1.00 off the price. Every dollar counts in this economy.
As always have fun with your plans.
That was my first time in Pittsburgh and it won't be my last. I did my research and I knew someone that use to live there so they gave me plenty to see for my trip. If you have plans to go next year it is so worth the trip. I made it into a mini vacation. Let me give you some ideas of things to do prior or after the event. This is just in case you want to make a vacation by tacking on a couple more days on your weekend.
First, how was the convention when I went? It was really nice. It is held at the Sheraton North, Mars, PA and I stayed right there at the hotel. Now that is so convenient. I signed up on line and picked out my classes prior to going so I was set. I could sleep a little later and relax before the event started. It's not a huge event like Stitches, but the vendors were very nice and there was enough variety of yarn, books, and supplies for shopping. I took a couple of classes because I like to keep up with learning since I teach myself. The seating is tight for the classes but I can adjust so I had a good time.
I didn't go last year because of all the snow. Well, for this year I saw that from the weather report it must have been a great weekend for the event. I'm sure there are those reading this post that had an opportunity to go. I hope you enjoyed the event. I want to plan for next year to go. We will see what happens.
Now after the event, I continued my trip with visiting the city of Pittsburgh. There is a nice variety to see depending upon what your interests. For me it was great. I love different cultures so I visited the Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning housed in the University of Pittsburgh. That was so nice. It is a self tour and you are able to visit their twenty six rooms that represent the cultural backgrounds of various ethnic groups. Of course, since I volunteer at a zoo I had to visit the Pittsburgh Zoo. You might say in February you want to visit a zoo? On the day I went it was a crisp winter day but with enough warmth to walk around and enjoy. It is a very nice zoo and I definitely want to return. I also went to the National Aviary of Pittsburgh. I love birds and they have more than 600 birds from all over the world there. They were doing some renovations when I visited so I know by now it is even better. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra was still in town so I went to the Heinz Hall to see them perform. This was sweet musical food to my soul. Now I am into museums so I just had to visit the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. There are four museums all together in one place and I enjoyed going from one to the other. The last place that I really enjoyed was the Phipps Conservatory. The indoor gardens were beautiful. I would love to visit there in the summer to see the outside gardens because I know they must be something to see also. The one place I wanted to visit was the Frank Lloyd Wright house but it was under renovation at the time. I guess that means another trip to Pittsburgh in the future.
I enjoyed my visit to Pittsburgh and I recommend going to the knit and crochet event and exploring the city of Pittsburgh for yourself which will make a great vacation to plan. Now these are things that I enjoy just to give you an example of what is there to see and do. But for you there might be other things you would like to explore. The key is to do your research before hand to take advantage of your time, to make sure things are open, there is an exhibit you would like to see and calculating the price total for what you want to do. And if you have AAA at certain places you get a $1.00 off the price. Every dollar counts in this economy.
As always have fun with your plans.
Friday, February 11, 2011
A Play On Color
Did you ever have skeins, hanks, or balls of yarn that you don't have enough for one whole project that you would like to use it for? Well, with my black and cream yarn that was the case. I was thinking about what I could use the yarn for. And it came to me that I had this pattern that I wanted to make but I didn't have enough of one yarn for it. Why don't I mix the colors of the two different skeins together. There is always room in the closet for a black top or a black and white (in my case cream) top.
This is a play on color. I am creating one row suttle stripes by switching each color when I get to the end of the round. It can be a suttle color difference or bold color difference as in my black and cream top.
Let's look at my pictures below to see how this is done.
Steps:
1. Make a slip knot and place it on your needle as the picture shows with the working yarn hanging in front of the tail.
2. I used the long tail cast on. Choose which color you want for your cast on edge and wrap that color around your thumb when making the cast on. For this example, you can see that the tan is my cast on edge and the cream becomes my cast on stitches on the needle.
3. You need to work two rows of the first color to get back to where you will pick up the second color. Notice that I have completed two rows of the cream and I am back to where the tan working yarn is. Because I will be carrying the yarn up the side of each color as I change colors, I am laying the cream over the tan so that when I pick up the tan to knit with it then the cream catches as it is crossed over the tan. This avoids long strands of yarn that just looks like a loop on the side. If you are knitting with circular needles and you are performing this kind of color change, then crossing the last working yarn used over the next yarn to be in use will avoid a hole in that area.
Here is my black and cream top. It is a pattern from the Holiday 2008 issue of VogueKnitting Magazine called Ribbed Pullover. I just need to graft under the arms and weave in the ends and it will be finished. It is knitted in the round which makes it oh so easy to switch colors. I used the long tail cast on with both colors so that the bottom edge would be the cream and my first round would be the black.
As I knit around and come to the end of the round, the one color (black) is dropped and I pick up the next color (cream). Before I drop the one color (black) I crossed the yarn over the next color (cream) so that the two colors lock protecting from a hole forming as the two colors are carried up the side.
The second project is this hat. Also worked in the round, but it gives a little bit of a different look.
The third project is this skinny scarf made with the honeycomb stitch. Because this is not done in the round it gives more of a stripe effect. But because of the stitch the stripe is less pronounced, showing more of a decoration. If you do this in stockinette stitch then it is more of a traditional stripe.
The two things to remember are to cross the two colors at the end of the row or round, whichever method of knitting you are using and to make sure you pick up the right color to continue. Make sure your yarns don't tangle as you switch colors with each round. It is easy to know if you have the right color because when you come to the end of the round the round shows the color you just worked. If you continue with that color at the beginning of the next round you will be working on top of the same color.
A great time that this method of changing colors could come in handy is if you purchase some yarn and you go back to the store months later and you can't get the same dye lot color. You haven't started on your project so this is good. You can get half of the yarn in the new dye lot and mix the yarn you already have working two row stripe change and you will not be able to tell a big difference of color because it will blend all in together. Just make sure that you have the right total yardage for your project.
So don't rule out what you want to make and don't give up on the yarn you have before you give yourself a chance to tap into your creative side. Make a sample of the two colors in a square or work a sample in the round to see if you like the mix of the two colors you have with the stitch you will be using. You might be surprised at the end result. Enjoy.
This is a play on color. I am creating one row suttle stripes by switching each color when I get to the end of the round. It can be a suttle color difference or bold color difference as in my black and cream top.
Let's look at my pictures below to see how this is done.
Steps:
1. Make a slip knot and place it on your needle as the picture shows with the working yarn hanging in front of the tail.
2. I used the long tail cast on. Choose which color you want for your cast on edge and wrap that color around your thumb when making the cast on. For this example, you can see that the tan is my cast on edge and the cream becomes my cast on stitches on the needle.
3. You need to work two rows of the first color to get back to where you will pick up the second color. Notice that I have completed two rows of the cream and I am back to where the tan working yarn is. Because I will be carrying the yarn up the side of each color as I change colors, I am laying the cream over the tan so that when I pick up the tan to knit with it then the cream catches as it is crossed over the tan. This avoids long strands of yarn that just looks like a loop on the side. If you are knitting with circular needles and you are performing this kind of color change, then crossing the last working yarn used over the next yarn to be in use will avoid a hole in that area.
Here is my black and cream top. It is a pattern from the Holiday 2008 issue of VogueKnitting Magazine called Ribbed Pullover. I just need to graft under the arms and weave in the ends and it will be finished. It is knitted in the round which makes it oh so easy to switch colors. I used the long tail cast on with both colors so that the bottom edge would be the cream and my first round would be the black.
As I knit around and come to the end of the round, the one color (black) is dropped and I pick up the next color (cream). Before I drop the one color (black) I crossed the yarn over the next color (cream) so that the two colors lock protecting from a hole forming as the two colors are carried up the side.
The second project is this hat. Also worked in the round, but it gives a little bit of a different look.
The third project is this skinny scarf made with the honeycomb stitch. Because this is not done in the round it gives more of a stripe effect. But because of the stitch the stripe is less pronounced, showing more of a decoration. If you do this in stockinette stitch then it is more of a traditional stripe.
The two things to remember are to cross the two colors at the end of the row or round, whichever method of knitting you are using and to make sure you pick up the right color to continue. Make sure your yarns don't tangle as you switch colors with each round. It is easy to know if you have the right color because when you come to the end of the round the round shows the color you just worked. If you continue with that color at the beginning of the next round you will be working on top of the same color.
A great time that this method of changing colors could come in handy is if you purchase some yarn and you go back to the store months later and you can't get the same dye lot color. You haven't started on your project so this is good. You can get half of the yarn in the new dye lot and mix the yarn you already have working two row stripe change and you will not be able to tell a big difference of color because it will blend all in together. Just make sure that you have the right total yardage for your project.
So don't rule out what you want to make and don't give up on the yarn you have before you give yourself a chance to tap into your creative side. Make a sample of the two colors in a square or work a sample in the round to see if you like the mix of the two colors you have with the stitch you will be using. You might be surprised at the end result. Enjoy.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Crochet Sessions - Franklin Township Library - NJ
Hello,
If you or someone that you know lives in Franklin Township, NJ and would like to learn how to crochet, I have three spots open for 4 crochet sessions that will be held at the Franklin Township Library. The dates are Sunday, February 6, 13, 20, and 27. Call the library (732-873-8700) to sign up. Thank you.
Are we not having the most awful weather this year? Even the states that are suppose to be sunny and beautiful, like Florida has had some really unusual cold weather. Here in New Jersey we are experiencing tough snow and ice days. In fact, it has been a snow storm almost one a week. What a record this is becoming. I was stuck on the ice for four days. I just could't get the car off the ice. I finally got some help today and my car is finally free, at least until the next snow and ice storm. Whether you are in New Jersey or anywhere else experiencing some form of unusual weather, please be careful and don’t go out in it if you don’t have to.
I know there has to be a lot of people out there that are experiencing cabin fever. Did you start a new project? Have you been working on something exciting and you have taken advantage of the extra time because of the weather to finish it? I hope you are making the best of this time you might have off. It's not always easy to do. Try to keep focused on something positive.
May you all be safe.
If you or someone that you know lives in Franklin Township, NJ and would like to learn how to crochet, I have three spots open for 4 crochet sessions that will be held at the Franklin Township Library. The dates are Sunday, February 6, 13, 20, and 27. Call the library (732-873-8700) to sign up. Thank you.
Are we not having the most awful weather this year? Even the states that are suppose to be sunny and beautiful, like Florida has had some really unusual cold weather. Here in New Jersey we are experiencing tough snow and ice days. In fact, it has been a snow storm almost one a week. What a record this is becoming. I was stuck on the ice for four days. I just could't get the car off the ice. I finally got some help today and my car is finally free, at least until the next snow and ice storm. Whether you are in New Jersey or anywhere else experiencing some form of unusual weather, please be careful and don’t go out in it if you don’t have to.
I know there has to be a lot of people out there that are experiencing cabin fever. Did you start a new project? Have you been working on something exciting and you have taken advantage of the extra time because of the weather to finish it? I hope you are making the best of this time you might have off. It's not always easy to do. Try to keep focused on something positive.
May you all be safe.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
VogueKnitting Live - First Event in New York City
Well I have come to the conclusion (like I haven't come to the same conclusion before) that I can't do everything. What a revelation that is. For the past two weeks I have been so busy that blogging could not be added. But here is the latest. I'm sorry that this post is so lengthy but I am just so excited about this event.
The year has started out with a most exciting event - VogueKnitting Live! The first knitting event held by Vogue Knitting. I was so excited for this event because Vogue has been a part of my life since my sewing days. Vogue sewing patterns were my favorite because of the styles and it was always fashion forward. And since my return to knitting the VogueKnitting magazine is my favorite because of the same reason. I don't have all that time and money to make a lot of the things I see because of all the cabling work, intarsia and the amount of yarn needed. But I'm always gravitating their way and I get a couple of garments made from the magazine even if it is just a scarf. So when I found out that volunteers were needed I jumped at the chance to be a part of the first event. Well, for me I was not disappointed.
I didn't take any classes because as I tell people that I am a starving artist. That means to do what you like to do sometimes takes sacrifices - but it's all good (for now). To be there with over 3,000 people that signed up was very exciting. VogueKnitting had the top teachers come like Debbie Bliss, Lily Chin, Nicky Epstein and a list of others. There were also the Representatives from Knit and Crochet Now show - Brett Bara and Drew Emborsky. I got to talk with the "Crochet Dude" for a couple of minutes and in that time I could tell that he is such a down to earth guy and very nice. I enjoyed meeting and talking with him.
I was there on Thursday for the volunteer orientation meeting. We were greeted by Miki Hodge and Beth Ritter, the two contacts from SOHO Publishing Company that were the coordinators for the event. They are terrific people and great at their job. They work great with people and when problems come up they stay calm and collective ready to put out the fires - and we had some. There were 47 volunteers. We got a great shirt for us volunteers, brochure for the event and our badge.
Then for that afternoon to early evening I worked at the registration desk. I was helping to put badges together for the attendees and I was so surprised at the number that would be coming from overseas - Wow! The ones that had regestered started coming in the door and all happy as they picked up their needed information and badge got me even more excited. And if they purchased a certain package then they got an extra added treat of a bag that included a water bottle and VogueKnitting's brand new, hot off the press book 'Knitopedia - the ultimate A to Z for knitters'.
For Friday and Saturday I worked all around to direct people and answer questions. I met a lot of great excited people. I enjoyed hearing about what classes they were taking, even though at times I was just a tad bit jealous wishing it could be me. Hey I'm only human. But also it was like a fashion show. So many people wore items that they themselves made. I was always telling this one and that one that I admired their piece. Some were very intricate and others simple yet the color or a detail made it stand out.
Well, as usual with a place that is featuring what you love you connect with people. I have zoo buddies, why not event buddies. There is always someone that you connect with more. This was no exception. I connected with a couple of the volunteers. I had a lot of fun even though it was a lot of work. I went out to lunch with one of the volunteers and had a great time talking and sharing. I connected with another and we were shopping buddies. I didn't buy anything but when I am with someone I can do window shopping. I don't like to shop (yes I know that is strange) but I will go around with someone else and then I will look at the same time. So she brought and I looked. And then another one I spent time with attending one of the free demonstrations on lace knitting. These were very short windows of time since most of the time we were busy. By the end of the event I was running on fumes. I was not scheduled for Sunday so that was my relaxing day at home.
The highlights of being a volunteer was I got to see the set up of all the vendors and a preview of what they were going to display. To see all of their sample garments, the styles, color combinations and of course the yarns used got me all excited to want to do more with my needlearts. It was exciting seeing all the vendors building their areas up. The boxes they had to pack - Wow is all I can say about all that work and time put in for a show.
Of course with this being the first event not everything goes as planned. You can write a plan out, but when it comes to reality it can go up in smoke. The hotel had some issues with the elevator and escalator - that is one of the worst things that could happen with over 3,000 people there and some that desperately needed those accommodations to be in working order, like the elderly and handicap. And the hotel staff did not deliver things on time - not good for business. That just puts more stress on the coordinating team because those were things that were out of their control. But in my opinion, all in all the event was a huge success. Do you know they are having one in Los Angeles California this September 23 - 25. If you will be in that area or you live in California then look on the website for details.
I got another exciting opportunity and that was to personally help one of the vendors set up. This was a friend of one of my guild friends. Ann O'Maille representing 'O'Maille - The Original House of Style'. Check out their website for great yarn and ready-made garments. She came all the way from Ireland for the show. She is soooo nice and her sister Mary was great to be with. I told my friend that she will have to move over a smidgen because I have definitely adopted them because they are good people. I also met Ann's daughter who is living in Boston here in the states. She is so nice. They are down to earth and I can agree with them that they have a sense of humor. It was so much fun helping with the set up but especially to see the garments she brought over from Ireland - yes the Aran sweaters that she had a team of knitters to make. Most of her knitters are between their seventies and eighties. Unfortunately, she was saying how the young people are not picking up knitting so much. It is such a shame that our young people are so into the technology that they are loosing their moment to become our future designers and just to use the brain more to be creative. And the work that is put in to make an Aran sweater takes skill that should be passed down to future generations.
The event made the New York Times. How about that. There was classes going on, demonstrations, fashion shows and even an area for art. Check out this whale that is all knitted.
Maybe you had a chance to go or are you waiting for another event that is on your list for this year. If you don't know about the other events during the year go to Knitter's Review for the full list of 2011 events. Try to go to at least one event this year. Seeing all of your fellow needle arter (yes I made up a word) gets you all geared up to want to do more and you also see that you have a lot of company out there across the world.
It was hard to say good-bye. I did go home with some goodies though. When I went to say good-bye to my new Ireland friends I was given yarn in four different beautiful colors from her new line 'Donegal Wool Spinning Company' and a box of chocolates from Ireland. I was so excited. And we also exchanged addresses and I was invited over to Ireland to stay with them. Now that topped the whole weekend. Then VogueKnitting gave us a copy of the Knitopedia. I can't wait to delve into it and learn more. I can't wait for next year's event. I exchanged contact information with my event buddies in hopes that we can stay connected and maybe see one another at other events during the year.
After this event and looking at the list for this year's coming events how could anyone say that knitting was going away any time soon - for get about it. Knit and crochet on and have fun. This event as every other event gets me so excited to do more, to learn more and to teach more. What do knitting and crochet events do for you?
The year has started out with a most exciting event - VogueKnitting Live! The first knitting event held by Vogue Knitting. I was so excited for this event because Vogue has been a part of my life since my sewing days. Vogue sewing patterns were my favorite because of the styles and it was always fashion forward. And since my return to knitting the VogueKnitting magazine is my favorite because of the same reason. I don't have all that time and money to make a lot of the things I see because of all the cabling work, intarsia and the amount of yarn needed. But I'm always gravitating their way and I get a couple of garments made from the magazine even if it is just a scarf. So when I found out that volunteers were needed I jumped at the chance to be a part of the first event. Well, for me I was not disappointed.
I didn't take any classes because as I tell people that I am a starving artist. That means to do what you like to do sometimes takes sacrifices - but it's all good (for now). To be there with over 3,000 people that signed up was very exciting. VogueKnitting had the top teachers come like Debbie Bliss, Lily Chin, Nicky Epstein and a list of others. There were also the Representatives from Knit and Crochet Now show - Brett Bara and Drew Emborsky. I got to talk with the "Crochet Dude" for a couple of minutes and in that time I could tell that he is such a down to earth guy and very nice. I enjoyed meeting and talking with him.
I was there on Thursday for the volunteer orientation meeting. We were greeted by Miki Hodge and Beth Ritter, the two contacts from SOHO Publishing Company that were the coordinators for the event. They are terrific people and great at their job. They work great with people and when problems come up they stay calm and collective ready to put out the fires - and we had some. There were 47 volunteers. We got a great shirt for us volunteers, brochure for the event and our badge.
Then for that afternoon to early evening I worked at the registration desk. I was helping to put badges together for the attendees and I was so surprised at the number that would be coming from overseas - Wow! The ones that had regestered started coming in the door and all happy as they picked up their needed information and badge got me even more excited. And if they purchased a certain package then they got an extra added treat of a bag that included a water bottle and VogueKnitting's brand new, hot off the press book 'Knitopedia - the ultimate A to Z for knitters'.
For Friday and Saturday I worked all around to direct people and answer questions. I met a lot of great excited people. I enjoyed hearing about what classes they were taking, even though at times I was just a tad bit jealous wishing it could be me. Hey I'm only human. But also it was like a fashion show. So many people wore items that they themselves made. I was always telling this one and that one that I admired their piece. Some were very intricate and others simple yet the color or a detail made it stand out.
Well, as usual with a place that is featuring what you love you connect with people. I have zoo buddies, why not event buddies. There is always someone that you connect with more. This was no exception. I connected with a couple of the volunteers. I had a lot of fun even though it was a lot of work. I went out to lunch with one of the volunteers and had a great time talking and sharing. I connected with another and we were shopping buddies. I didn't buy anything but when I am with someone I can do window shopping. I don't like to shop (yes I know that is strange) but I will go around with someone else and then I will look at the same time. So she brought and I looked. And then another one I spent time with attending one of the free demonstrations on lace knitting. These were very short windows of time since most of the time we were busy. By the end of the event I was running on fumes. I was not scheduled for Sunday so that was my relaxing day at home.
The highlights of being a volunteer was I got to see the set up of all the vendors and a preview of what they were going to display. To see all of their sample garments, the styles, color combinations and of course the yarns used got me all excited to want to do more with my needlearts. It was exciting seeing all the vendors building their areas up. The boxes they had to pack - Wow is all I can say about all that work and time put in for a show.
Of course with this being the first event not everything goes as planned. You can write a plan out, but when it comes to reality it can go up in smoke. The hotel had some issues with the elevator and escalator - that is one of the worst things that could happen with over 3,000 people there and some that desperately needed those accommodations to be in working order, like the elderly and handicap. And the hotel staff did not deliver things on time - not good for business. That just puts more stress on the coordinating team because those were things that were out of their control. But in my opinion, all in all the event was a huge success. Do you know they are having one in Los Angeles California this September 23 - 25. If you will be in that area or you live in California then look on the website for details.
I got another exciting opportunity and that was to personally help one of the vendors set up. This was a friend of one of my guild friends. Ann O'Maille representing 'O'Maille - The Original House of Style'. Check out their website for great yarn and ready-made garments. She came all the way from Ireland for the show. She is soooo nice and her sister Mary was great to be with. I told my friend that she will have to move over a smidgen because I have definitely adopted them because they are good people. I also met Ann's daughter who is living in Boston here in the states. She is so nice. They are down to earth and I can agree with them that they have a sense of humor. It was so much fun helping with the set up but especially to see the garments she brought over from Ireland - yes the Aran sweaters that she had a team of knitters to make. Most of her knitters are between their seventies and eighties. Unfortunately, she was saying how the young people are not picking up knitting so much. It is such a shame that our young people are so into the technology that they are loosing their moment to become our future designers and just to use the brain more to be creative. And the work that is put in to make an Aran sweater takes skill that should be passed down to future generations.
The event made the New York Times. How about that. There was classes going on, demonstrations, fashion shows and even an area for art. Check out this whale that is all knitted.
Maybe you had a chance to go or are you waiting for another event that is on your list for this year. If you don't know about the other events during the year go to Knitter's Review for the full list of 2011 events. Try to go to at least one event this year. Seeing all of your fellow needle arter (yes I made up a word) gets you all geared up to want to do more and you also see that you have a lot of company out there across the world.
It was hard to say good-bye. I did go home with some goodies though. When I went to say good-bye to my new Ireland friends I was given yarn in four different beautiful colors from her new line 'Donegal Wool Spinning Company' and a box of chocolates from Ireland. I was so excited. And we also exchanged addresses and I was invited over to Ireland to stay with them. Now that topped the whole weekend. Then VogueKnitting gave us a copy of the Knitopedia. I can't wait to delve into it and learn more. I can't wait for next year's event. I exchanged contact information with my event buddies in hopes that we can stay connected and maybe see one another at other events during the year.
After this event and looking at the list for this year's coming events how could anyone say that knitting was going away any time soon - for get about it. Knit and crochet on and have fun. This event as every other event gets me so excited to do more, to learn more and to teach more. What do knitting and crochet events do for you?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Lacework Knitting - What's On My Needles?
I love lacework. I wish I had more time just to do more of it. If you've never done any lacework then maybe that will be one of your goals for this year. When you work on a lace project, like a shawl, it looks like a big glob of mess. If you happen to show your work and then the picture as to what it should look like to someone that is not a knitter and they don't know anything about lacework, they would look at it and say to themselves there is no way that mess will look like the picture.
These are the two lace patterns I am working on. One is from a pattern that I don't remember who gave it to me. I like it because it is a simple design that only requires a four row repeat. So the worries are practically none. The other shawl is called Maia from the book Small Shawls by Rosemary Hill.
You can see in the picture that I have a white string hanging from the shawls. This is actually floss. I use it for my lifeline. What is a lifeline you might ask? Because there are usually a lot of yarn overs, increasing and decreasing, making a mistake can cause you a lot of time trying to pick those stitches back up again. Using a lifeline can save you time and headaches.
How does it work? You thread the lifeline through the row of stitches with a tapestry needle and use either a yarn that is thinner than what you are knitting with or in my case I use floss (not peppermint flavor). It works so well when I need to rip down. The floss holds the stitches and I can just pick them up. I love it.
Then the day comes when your masterpiece glob is finished. Now the end of the process arrives when you take your project and choose the blocking method, stretch those lovely pieces of yarn-overs, increases and decreases and make the shawl come alive. It is such a beautiful thing. I can't wait to show you the finished product after I block them.
So you haven't tried lacework yet? We are in a New Year of 2011, which means, you know what I'm going to say to you - new goals of new learning. This way you can find out for yourself what all the rave is about lacework knitting.
I did get to finished a few of my UFO's from last year. I still have several to finish but I am in no rush because I just want to have - what's the word - FUN.
"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Enjoy your projects and be safe.
These are the two lace patterns I am working on. One is from a pattern that I don't remember who gave it to me. I like it because it is a simple design that only requires a four row repeat. So the worries are practically none. The other shawl is called Maia from the book Small Shawls by Rosemary Hill.
You can see in the picture that I have a white string hanging from the shawls. This is actually floss. I use it for my lifeline. What is a lifeline you might ask? Because there are usually a lot of yarn overs, increasing and decreasing, making a mistake can cause you a lot of time trying to pick those stitches back up again. Using a lifeline can save you time and headaches.
How does it work? You thread the lifeline through the row of stitches with a tapestry needle and use either a yarn that is thinner than what you are knitting with or in my case I use floss (not peppermint flavor). It works so well when I need to rip down. The floss holds the stitches and I can just pick them up. I love it.
Then the day comes when your masterpiece glob is finished. Now the end of the process arrives when you take your project and choose the blocking method, stretch those lovely pieces of yarn-overs, increases and decreases and make the shawl come alive. It is such a beautiful thing. I can't wait to show you the finished product after I block them.
So you haven't tried lacework yet? We are in a New Year of 2011, which means, you know what I'm going to say to you - new goals of new learning. This way you can find out for yourself what all the rave is about lacework knitting.
I did get to finished a few of my UFO's from last year. I still have several to finish but I am in no rush because I just want to have - what's the word - FUN.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Enjoy your projects and be safe.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
What I Learned From My Little Visitor
This is Pepper. Isn't he just an adorable little kitten. He is four months old. No, he is not mine. I am babysitting for a friend that went away with her family and she needed someone to take care of the little fella. Such a little thing can teach us a lot. As I watched this little fella I was amazed at the curiosity and adventurous spirit that he showed.
If you read my post on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 about my two babies you know that they were the loves of my life. I lost them at a couple of months apart shy of 16 years. So when this one came into my home it just reminded me of the past years of fun and happy times I had with my two. I'm sure there are a lot of animal lovers out there that could relate to what I am sharing.
As I watched this kitten play he was literally into everything. His first day and a half here he was scared and he hid. My friend only had him inside her home for three weeks before they went away. So he was outside then he was inside her house and then he came over to my house and each a new environment to get use to. The adjustment had to start all over again. Wednesday is my night to go to Michael's Craft Store so I had to leave him. By the time I came back I don't know what happened but he did a 360 on me. He came out to eat then he started to play - amazing. I was so happy to see that he adjusted very quickly. The next day he discovered that he could jump on the cat stand and look out the window. Then the next day he found out he could jump up on the window sill in my bedroom. In between, he was exploring the whole place jumping and leaping on places I didn't mind and on places that was a no no. Even if he almost fell he was determined to try again.
Of course, I started to think of my needlearts and what I wanted to accomplish for the next year right around the corner. Do you suffer from the fear syndrome? Do you see what others have produced with their needlearts projects and wish you could do the same? Do you stop yourself not wanting to venture out into the unknown just thinking of the mistakes you would make instead of the things you could learn? Don't put yourself down before you begin. Think of 2011 as the year of trying what is out of your box or comfort zone. Yes, I do say this a lot because I hear it a lot. Take a class (I offer classes - see post Thursday, December 16 for details), explore the Internet more, and ask more questions.
Let's do ourselves a favor and imitate this little kitten who has no fear of the unknown and is willing to take the chance to explore and have fun doing it.
Dale Carnegie
Do videnja (Good Bye)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
What Does "Being Creative" Mean To You?
When I think of being creative I think of 'out of the box' or 'out of our comfort zone'. Once you know the skills of knitting and/or crochet and how to follow a pattern, it becomes easier and easier to do what the pattern instructs you to do and be done with your project. Being creative means to look beyond what you see. Also, making it your own. Now those are my opinions on the matter. When you look at a pattern you could say yes I like that pattern that's why I chose to make it. And for the most part, with me, I go by the pattern because I like it the way it is or because of time constraints. But when you look beyond what you see you start to invision how you would like the end result to look like. You might start out with simple changes, such as the yarn color or type of yarn than what is used. Then you might go beyond and change the look of your project by adding a trim or different button enclosures.
How else can we bring out our creativity? What do you do with your scrap yarns? When I hear that people are throwing away little balls of yarn, I want to scream - NO WAIT! We need to bring out, release more of our creative juices and skills to take those small balls of yarn and make a masterpiece. We might not like stripes, but what about that senior at the nursing home that would love and appreciate a lap blanket in stripes. This would also be a great time to learn a new stitch. Baby items are small and don't require a lot of yarn. With your small balls of baby yarn you could add a small trim to the bottom and sleeves of a baby sweater or just top off a plain colored garment accenting it with one or two rows of extra color. And don't forget the preemie babies that would love a stripe blanket to keep them warm and comfortable. To give is divine. Also, there are senior places that would embrace those small balls of yarn for their knit or crochet projects.
It is so rewarding and best of all you are not wasting anything or putting it in the land fill. Someone could use your wonderful creation. And if you don't want to do it alone then get a few of your friends together and do a knit-along for charity. It's fun and you could help your fellow crafters to use up their scraps of yarn. With several in the room this could also mean more brains working and in turn more creativity juices flowing. Can't you just see it?
Don't get stuck in the full-skein syndrome. For this year coming keep forcing yourself out of the box. Think mixing colors in crochet granny squares or striped knit squares in a simple garter stitch. They could also be single colored squares that can be sewn or crocheted together to make a blanket.
Don't just think blankets but other items such as this knit and crochet basket I made. I didn't write the pattern out - sorry, but this is a mixture of knitting and crochet. I used five different stitches. The five stitches from the top to the bottom: 1) knit ribbing; 2) knit seed stitch;
3) crochet shell stitch; 4) crochet V-stitch; 5) single crochet. I knitted a couple of rows in seed stitch with ribbon yarn leaving enough at the beginning and at the end to tie a bow.
Getting back to those small balls of yarn, I could have for example made each stitch section with a different color. I have to keep that in mind for my next basket. This would look great on one of those organized shelves you did (if you followed my postings on organizing your craft).
"You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives."
Clay P. Bedford
Chisarai (Stay well)
How else can we bring out our creativity? What do you do with your scrap yarns? When I hear that people are throwing away little balls of yarn, I want to scream - NO WAIT! We need to bring out, release more of our creative juices and skills to take those small balls of yarn and make a masterpiece. We might not like stripes, but what about that senior at the nursing home that would love and appreciate a lap blanket in stripes. This would also be a great time to learn a new stitch. Baby items are small and don't require a lot of yarn. With your small balls of baby yarn you could add a small trim to the bottom and sleeves of a baby sweater or just top off a plain colored garment accenting it with one or two rows of extra color. And don't forget the preemie babies that would love a stripe blanket to keep them warm and comfortable. To give is divine. Also, there are senior places that would embrace those small balls of yarn for their knit or crochet projects.
It is so rewarding and best of all you are not wasting anything or putting it in the land fill. Someone could use your wonderful creation. And if you don't want to do it alone then get a few of your friends together and do a knit-along for charity. It's fun and you could help your fellow crafters to use up their scraps of yarn. With several in the room this could also mean more brains working and in turn more creativity juices flowing. Can't you just see it?
Don't get stuck in the full-skein syndrome. For this year coming keep forcing yourself out of the box. Think mixing colors in crochet granny squares or striped knit squares in a simple garter stitch. They could also be single colored squares that can be sewn or crocheted together to make a blanket.
Don't just think blankets but other items such as this knit and crochet basket I made. I didn't write the pattern out - sorry, but this is a mixture of knitting and crochet. I used five different stitches. The five stitches from the top to the bottom: 1) knit ribbing; 2) knit seed stitch; 3) crochet shell stitch; 4) crochet V-stitch; 5) single crochet. I knitted a couple of rows in seed stitch with ribbon yarn leaving enough at the beginning and at the end to tie a bow.
Getting back to those small balls of yarn, I could have for example made each stitch section with a different color. I have to keep that in mind for my next basket. This would look great on one of those organized shelves you did (if you followed my postings on organizing your craft).
Clay P. Bedford
Chisarai (Stay well)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Contemplating The New Year
As I sit and think about the New Year, I can only imagine how it will be. But, of course, I have my goals and that means it will be a very busy year. I'm sure you felt as I have that this year came and is going out quickly. Maybe you were able to meet some of your goals and maybe you will have to shift the leftovers to next year. And that is all right. As long as you learned, grew some more (mentally - unless you are hoping to be taller), and you want to do even better in the coming year across the journey of your life.
For me, I am going to be super busy next year. I've already started to book classes and I am excited about that. Because of my upcoming year of excitement, I will have to change my posting to two days a week for now. On Tuesday and Thursday I will post. I want to be consistent but with my schedule it will be a challenge. Speaking of excitement, is anyone attending the VogueKnitting Live? Well, I will be volunteering there and I am excited to be around well known teachers and authors to be able to pick up some tidbits of how to continue to grow as a better instructor of the needlearts. If you are going I hope you have a great time shopping and/or taking a class. I will report back to you about my three day adventure. But I sure hope it doesn't snow.
As far as my blog posts, I would like to know your thoughts. Let me ask you a question. What do you not like about the end result of your project(s)? I'm always talking about learning something new and improving, but are you satisfied with your projects and if not why? What would you like to see on my blog? How can I help you grow? I know that with trying to find answers to questions it is hard when your schedule does not permit you to do the research that you would like to do. If you have specific questions on anything with the needlearts then put it out there. I would be happy to find you the site or answer your question to help you to move forward in your quest to learn more. You can either post a comment or send an email to my address on the top of my blog page. Let's make this a fun learning and creative year.
I am always encouraging people to take a class. With a class you are able to have one-on-one attention and get questions answered without trying to do a lot of research. You have the opportunity to meet more people that love the same hobby as you do. You can get help on your projects and continue to learn more as you go. Your creativity and inspiration can grow as you mingle with others that are like minded. So I am including my class announcement below for any in the areas I've listed. Give yourself a gift of learning. I hope to see you at one of my sessions. Please by all means pass this along to friends and family.
NEWS FLASH
I'm Hitting the Road with My Classes
If you live in the Central Jersey area near North Brunswick then you would be excited to know that Michael's Arts and Craft store has started classes for knitting and crochet. And guess who is the knitting instructor - me. So if you have been putting off learning more, or if you know of someone that has wanted to learn how to knit, then the opportunity is now. Michael's is working with the Craft Yarn Council of America to bring classes back into their stores. I teach on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. It is a 2 1/2 hour class. And there are some really great projects to work on as you learn. So click on both sites and learn more about what is offered. I hope to see you there.
Address:
North Village Shopping Center
869 US 1
North Brunswick, NJ
732-296-8199
But this is not stopping me from hitting the road with my classes. You can have more flexibility with dates and times by scheduling a workshop. So you have more choices now. Depending upon where you live, you can come to Michael's and take a class or design your own workshop to your liking in your area. Choose today and sign up. Read below if you would like to build a workshop.
Workshops
I found that without a doubt my passion is the needlearts. I love to teach and I want to show my passion through my teaching.
The winter is here in this part of the world and that means cold weather and staying inside more because activities usually slow down for a lot of people. What could this mean? This means a great time for knitting and crocheting - of course.
I keep hearing the same things. There are no classes offered in my area. I don't know how to read a pattern so I am limited as to what I can make. I don't understand how to do different stitches or techniques, and I want to learn more so that I can do more. I have questions that I would like answered and I would like to be in a group setting. And it is always those that have not even tried to knit or crochet and they say, I've always wanted to learn that. Well, the time is now.
I'm in search for those that want to learn more and want to build their knitting and crochet skills. Why not host a workshop and get your questions answered, learn how to read a pattern, pick out yarn and learn new techniques that will help you go farther with your needlearts. Make plans for Miss Craft Diva and build a workshop around what you would like to learn. I can customize a workshop for either 4 to 6 hours of packed learning time.
There are way too many people that I come across that say they can't read a pattern. There are those that are stuck and can't go any farther and there is just too much still to learn. Do you have questions on a project, want to start a project or need help finishing a project? Then having a workshop in your area would benefit you because it can be tailored to the needs of the majority of the attendees.
If you live in NJ, Delaware, PA, or Staten Island and you are within a 2 1/2 hour drive from Central, NJ then you can make plans for Miss Craft Diva to come and teach a workshop in your area. Find the place for the workshop to be held and I have the skills to teach.
For now the classes are for levels beginners and intermediate which offer a host of techniques to learn. I would love to help you expand your knowledge and face your fears so that you can do more and have more fun.
If you know of friends or family members that would love to learn or expand what they know, I would appreciate it if you could pass along this information and help them get started or learn more in the needlearts.
Send me an email to misscraftdiva@yahoo.com to get more details. And stop putting off today as you keep saying 'one day' or 'that would be nice - but...' Make it happen because the opportunity is here.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
For me, I am going to be super busy next year. I've already started to book classes and I am excited about that. Because of my upcoming year of excitement, I will have to change my posting to two days a week for now. On Tuesday and Thursday I will post. I want to be consistent but with my schedule it will be a challenge. Speaking of excitement, is anyone attending the VogueKnitting Live? Well, I will be volunteering there and I am excited to be around well known teachers and authors to be able to pick up some tidbits of how to continue to grow as a better instructor of the needlearts. If you are going I hope you have a great time shopping and/or taking a class. I will report back to you about my three day adventure. But I sure hope it doesn't snow.
As far as my blog posts, I would like to know your thoughts. Let me ask you a question. What do you not like about the end result of your project(s)? I'm always talking about learning something new and improving, but are you satisfied with your projects and if not why? What would you like to see on my blog? How can I help you grow? I know that with trying to find answers to questions it is hard when your schedule does not permit you to do the research that you would like to do. If you have specific questions on anything with the needlearts then put it out there. I would be happy to find you the site or answer your question to help you to move forward in your quest to learn more. You can either post a comment or send an email to my address on the top of my blog page. Let's make this a fun learning and creative year.
I am always encouraging people to take a class. With a class you are able to have one-on-one attention and get questions answered without trying to do a lot of research. You have the opportunity to meet more people that love the same hobby as you do. You can get help on your projects and continue to learn more as you go. Your creativity and inspiration can grow as you mingle with others that are like minded. So I am including my class announcement below for any in the areas I've listed. Give yourself a gift of learning. I hope to see you at one of my sessions. Please by all means pass this along to friends and family.
If you live in the Central Jersey area near North Brunswick then you would be excited to know that Michael's Arts and Craft store has started classes for knitting and crochet. And guess who is the knitting instructor - me. So if you have been putting off learning more, or if you know of someone that has wanted to learn how to knit, then the opportunity is now. Michael's is working with the Craft Yarn Council of America to bring classes back into their stores. I teach on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. It is a 2 1/2 hour class. And there are some really great projects to work on as you learn. So click on both sites and learn more about what is offered. I hope to see you there.
Address:
North Village Shopping Center
869 US 1
North Brunswick, NJ
732-296-8199
But this is not stopping me from hitting the road with my classes. You can have more flexibility with dates and times by scheduling a workshop. So you have more choices now. Depending upon where you live, you can come to Michael's and take a class or design your own workshop to your liking in your area. Choose today and sign up. Read below if you would like to build a workshop.
Workshops
I found that without a doubt my passion is the needlearts. I love to teach and I want to show my passion through my teaching.
The winter is here in this part of the world and that means cold weather and staying inside more because activities usually slow down for a lot of people. What could this mean? This means a great time for knitting and crocheting - of course.
I keep hearing the same things. There are no classes offered in my area. I don't know how to read a pattern so I am limited as to what I can make. I don't understand how to do different stitches or techniques, and I want to learn more so that I can do more. I have questions that I would like answered and I would like to be in a group setting. And it is always those that have not even tried to knit or crochet and they say, I've always wanted to learn that. Well, the time is now.
I'm in search for those that want to learn more and want to build their knitting and crochet skills. Why not host a workshop and get your questions answered, learn how to read a pattern, pick out yarn and learn new techniques that will help you go farther with your needlearts. Make plans for Miss Craft Diva and build a workshop around what you would like to learn. I can customize a workshop for either 4 to 6 hours of packed learning time.
There are way too many people that I come across that say they can't read a pattern. There are those that are stuck and can't go any farther and there is just too much still to learn. Do you have questions on a project, want to start a project or need help finishing a project? Then having a workshop in your area would benefit you because it can be tailored to the needs of the majority of the attendees.
If you live in NJ, Delaware, PA, or Staten Island and you are within a 2 1/2 hour drive from Central, NJ then you can make plans for Miss Craft Diva to come and teach a workshop in your area. Find the place for the workshop to be held and I have the skills to teach.
For now the classes are for levels beginners and intermediate which offer a host of techniques to learn. I would love to help you expand your knowledge and face your fears so that you can do more and have more fun.
If you know of friends or family members that would love to learn or expand what they know, I would appreciate it if you could pass along this information and help them get started or learn more in the needlearts.
Send me an email to misscraftdiva@yahoo.com to get more details. And stop putting off today as you keep saying 'one day' or 'that would be nice - but...' Make it happen because the opportunity is here.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Summer Brings Different Excitements For Each Of Us
I know this won't appeal to everyone, but I just had to share this because my blog also includes other loves in my life.
When the summer comes after a long winter there are certain things that you look forward to. You want to feel the sun beating down to make you warm and feel good inside. You want to enjoy the freedom to go places that are non existent in the winter time. You want to see certain things that you don't get to see in the winter time like the bloom of an array of flowers.
I look for one other thing each summer. I've been fortunate to find at least one for the past several years in the summer. That is a praying mantis. I like a few bugs here and there, but I am very selective. These are beautiful and intriguing creators. As you can see from the pictures that this little fellow is special.
A friend and I were leaving our knit group and headed for her car. She called me over to show me what was on her tire. It was a praying mantis. Now she didn't want to touch him, but she didn't want to hurt him either. You don't have to love every animal and bug to have respect for them. So we got a vase that she had and placed him inside. Since she was driving I had a chance to really see how he reacted. At first, he wanted to just get out - naturally. Then he just went for the ride so calmly as if he knew that we wouldn't harm him. So off he went to her house. She has a nice size backyard with trees. We watched him for a little bit longer and then let him go amongst the bushes.
I went back a little later and he was gone off to do what they do. But it made my summer complete and more fulfilling to be able to watch that wonderful creature that we know so little about.
He acted like a cat sitting and grooming himself. I usually don't get to watch the praying mantis that I find because I am usually trying to place them somewhere that they won't get squashed or there is a time factor. But this time I really got to watch him and see how beautiful he is.
Maybe you also have a special beauty of nature that you love to look forward to see in the summer. I hope you got to see yours also.
"Each season has its joys to treasure, to lift one's spirit and bring us pleasure"
Unknown
Salut (Bye)
When the summer comes after a long winter there are certain things that you look forward to. You want to feel the sun beating down to make you warm and feel good inside. You want to enjoy the freedom to go places that are non existent in the winter time. You want to see certain things that you don't get to see in the winter time like the bloom of an array of flowers.
I look for one other thing each summer. I've been fortunate to find at least one for the past several years in the summer. That is a praying mantis. I like a few bugs here and there, but I am very selective. These are beautiful and intriguing creators. As you can see from the pictures that this little fellow is special.
A friend and I were leaving our knit group and headed for her car. She called me over to show me what was on her tire. It was a praying mantis. Now she didn't want to touch him, but she didn't want to hurt him either. You don't have to love every animal and bug to have respect for them. So we got a vase that she had and placed him inside. Since she was driving I had a chance to really see how he reacted. At first, he wanted to just get out - naturally. Then he just went for the ride so calmly as if he knew that we wouldn't harm him. So off he went to her house. She has a nice size backyard with trees. We watched him for a little bit longer and then let him go amongst the bushes.
I went back a little later and he was gone off to do what they do. But it made my summer complete and more fulfilling to be able to watch that wonderful creature that we know so little about.
He acted like a cat sitting and grooming himself. I usually don't get to watch the praying mantis that I find because I am usually trying to place them somewhere that they won't get squashed or there is a time factor. But this time I really got to watch him and see how beautiful he is.
Maybe you also have a special beauty of nature that you love to look forward to see in the summer. I hope you got to see yours also.
Unknown
Salut (Bye)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Lesson Learned
I know that my blog posts can be lengthy sometimes. I know that you are busy and time is a factor. So just for the fun of it I'm throwing in a short one.
I had a lesson learned with this cable sweater. I learned to look at the pattern picture and my results to see if they match. Why? because if you look at the picture the cabling is staggered. If you look at my sweater, which I went by the pattern, the cables are straight down on top of each other. If I would have looked at the picture to check my work instead of being so excited to make it, I would have caught the error. But I just kept going and said that I would make it again and do it the way it looks in the picture.
Well, I had purchased a stash of yarn from a fellow knitter and thought I would have enough yarn because I thought I did the math correctly as to yardage, swatch, and needle size. It didn't work this time. I did have enough for the sweater itself up until the last few rows of the second sleeve. Oh no! So that meant I don't have enough for part of the sleeve and the belt. I could always get a belt but the sleeve - not. I thought about it and since I had the issue with the cables I'm just going to rip it out. Yes, I know all of that work. But I have to be happy with the end result.
Did you know that if you are having a problem with a pattern and you think it is in error that there is for most professional patterns and some free patterns an error page or update on the pattern. I'll touch more on that another day.
Motto of the story is:
You are not after perfection but improving on your skills with every project and continuing to learn should be your goal.
Auf wiedersehen (Good bye)
I had a lesson learned with this cable sweater. I learned to look at the pattern picture and my results to see if they match. Why? because if you look at the picture the cabling is staggered. If you look at my sweater, which I went by the pattern, the cables are straight down on top of each other. If I would have looked at the picture to check my work instead of being so excited to make it, I would have caught the error. But I just kept going and said that I would make it again and do it the way it looks in the picture.
Well, I had purchased a stash of yarn from a fellow knitter and thought I would have enough yarn because I thought I did the math correctly as to yardage, swatch, and needle size. It didn't work this time. I did have enough for the sweater itself up until the last few rows of the second sleeve. Oh no! So that meant I don't have enough for part of the sleeve and the belt. I could always get a belt but the sleeve - not. I thought about it and since I had the issue with the cables I'm just going to rip it out. Yes, I know all of that work. But I have to be happy with the end result.
Did you know that if you are having a problem with a pattern and you think it is in error that there is for most professional patterns and some free patterns an error page or update on the pattern. I'll touch more on that another day.
Motto of the story is:
- make sure you have extra yardage for your project
- make a gauge swatch according to the pattern instructions with the correct needle size then if need be make adjustments to attain the gauge
- look at the picture for a guide and see if your work is coming out the same - that is if you want the same look that the pattern displays
You are not after perfection but improving on your skills with every project and continuing to learn should be your goal.
Auf wiedersehen (Good bye)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Knitting and Crochet Expanded
The New Year is approaching and that means for me goals. What about you? Why not set yourself a goal of learning something new in the needlearts world? Look on the Knitter's Review site for the 2011 Calendar of Knitting Events and go to an event if you haven't been to one or go to a different event that you haven't tried. Take up a class to expand your knitting and/or crochet further. It's a whole world out there for us to explore. We have the opportunity to be in a time that a lifetime could not be enough to venture out on all there is to learn just with the needlearts. Look below for an eye's view at what there is to learn.
If you think you have reached your peak after learning how to knit and purl and you've tried a host of knit stitches, I would like to let you know you've just begun. Knitting has expanded in leaps and bounds as to what can be done. Here is a short listing of extras you might want to add to your learning-out-of-the-box list for the future.
Techniques to learn
Fair Isle
Intarsia
Mosaic Knitting
Entrelac
Lace Knitting
Double Knitting
Shadow Knitting
Modular Knitting
Cables
Beading
and others
I haven't forgotten crochet. After you know the basics of sc, dc, trcr, there are other fun ways to expand your crochet knowledge.
Hairpin Lace
Broomstick Lace
Afghan Crochet
Yo-Yo Crochet
Filet Crochet
and others
'If we always do what we've always done, we will get what we've always got.'
Adam Urbanski - Marketing Mentor
So as the New Year approaches, show more and more of your potential in all aspects of your life. As always I say, "Have Fun" with learning and growing.
Ciao (Goodbye)
If you think you have reached your peak after learning how to knit and purl and you've tried a host of knit stitches, I would like to let you know you've just begun. Knitting has expanded in leaps and bounds as to what can be done. Here is a short listing of extras you might want to add to your learning-out-of-the-box list for the future.
and others
I haven't forgotten crochet. After you know the basics of sc, dc, trcr, there are other fun ways to expand your crochet knowledge.
and others
Adam Urbanski - Marketing Mentor
So as the New Year approaches, show more and more of your potential in all aspects of your life. As always I say, "Have Fun" with learning and growing.
Ciao (Goodbye)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thank You
I can't believe it is December. The end of the year is near. How did you do this year with your goals? Did you make goals? If not another year is around the corner and you can start today to build on a goal plan. What would you like to accomplish for next year? It could be the smallest thing to a huge goal plan. You are in control and you make it happen.
I want to thank you for visiting my blog. I want to thank those that sent comments because that helps me in knowing how people feel about the blog or what went right or wrong. I thank those that have signed up as followers. I appreciate your support.
I thought I would not enjoy writing a blog. Why? Well, at my previous place of employment it was part of my job to write technical user guides for programs that we supported for our clients. I hated writing those user guides. I was so happy when I didn't have to do that anymore and said I would never want to do it again. So when I kept hearing that if I wanted to expand my needlearts in the teaching capacity, having a blog would be essential - I cringed. I couldn't believe that I had to write again. But after starting I fell in love with blogging. There will always be better blogs. There will always be ones that are better in knitting, crocheting or any other craft. But that is not the point or of importance to me. The point is to have fun. I have passion for the needlearts along with other loves of my life and I want to share that with you.
There was a great lesson learned in starting this blog. We all have had some bad experiences that have caused us to utter those same words of 'I will not repeat that again'. But I learned not to take a bad experience in life and think that it will be the same with another experience. You could stop something great from coming in because we put up a block. That doesn't mean our next experience will be the same. It is a different situation why I am writing. It is for my passion and I have found so much enjoyment in writing this blog. Of course time and content are always an issue, but I continue to work on that. Being exact with grammar is a challenge because I want things to be perfect and I am not perfect with grammar. But I look at it as a continuous journey of learning. Have you felt the same way with something you went through in your life? I'm sure there are those that can relate.
When it comes to doing your craft, whatever it may be, don't stop learning. So you couldn't pick up a technique right away. That one pattern has been a challenge. Stop, regroup and try again.
So what about you and your goals for next year? Have you started to think about them? What about your crafts? Are there goals you want to set for learning new techniques or working on a pattern you would not try before? Start today thinking about those goals and writing them down because as this year went so fast the next year will also and you want to say I accomplished at least most of my goals.
"Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind."
Seneca (Roman statesman, philosopher and writer)
Happy goal setting.
Chau (Bye)
I want to thank you for visiting my blog. I want to thank those that sent comments because that helps me in knowing how people feel about the blog or what went right or wrong. I thank those that have signed up as followers. I appreciate your support.
I thought I would not enjoy writing a blog. Why? Well, at my previous place of employment it was part of my job to write technical user guides for programs that we supported for our clients. I hated writing those user guides. I was so happy when I didn't have to do that anymore and said I would never want to do it again. So when I kept hearing that if I wanted to expand my needlearts in the teaching capacity, having a blog would be essential - I cringed. I couldn't believe that I had to write again. But after starting I fell in love with blogging. There will always be better blogs. There will always be ones that are better in knitting, crocheting or any other craft. But that is not the point or of importance to me. The point is to have fun. I have passion for the needlearts along with other loves of my life and I want to share that with you.
There was a great lesson learned in starting this blog. We all have had some bad experiences that have caused us to utter those same words of 'I will not repeat that again'. But I learned not to take a bad experience in life and think that it will be the same with another experience. You could stop something great from coming in because we put up a block. That doesn't mean our next experience will be the same. It is a different situation why I am writing. It is for my passion and I have found so much enjoyment in writing this blog. Of course time and content are always an issue, but I continue to work on that. Being exact with grammar is a challenge because I want things to be perfect and I am not perfect with grammar. But I look at it as a continuous journey of learning. Have you felt the same way with something you went through in your life? I'm sure there are those that can relate.
When it comes to doing your craft, whatever it may be, don't stop learning. So you couldn't pick up a technique right away. That one pattern has been a challenge. Stop, regroup and try again.
So what about you and your goals for next year? Have you started to think about them? What about your crafts? Are there goals you want to set for learning new techniques or working on a pattern you would not try before? Start today thinking about those goals and writing them down because as this year went so fast the next year will also and you want to say I accomplished at least most of my goals.
Seneca (Roman statesman, philosopher and writer)
Happy goal setting.
Chau (Bye)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Health Is Huge
There are certain subjects that can be discussed continuously non-stop and health is one of those topics. Since we have been talking about organizing, there is another kind of organizing I want to do. I need to continue to organize my health regiment tuneup. Try to fine tune my eating and exercise but with balance. What do I mean? It's called accountability for our own health.
You've heard it said that you can't look for someone else to make you happy. You can have someone in your life that enhances your happiness but ultimately you have to be in charge of your own happiness. It's the same when it comes to your well being and your health. We should be in charge of our own health.
This summer I fell off the exercise routine because it was just too hot for me. There are two choices. I could beat myself up because I stopped or I could get right back out there and continue where I left off. I chose the latter. Don't beat yourself up because what you didn't do, that is wasted energy. You want to use your energy to revise your game plan. If you don't have one make one - TODAY!
Make little changes that can give big returns back. Remember, it's all about long term care. When I talk about being healthy I use the words - be good to yourself, be kind to yourself and be patient with yourself. Any kind of woe is me takes our energy away from what we need to concentrate on. We need to get back on the horse and keep it movin.
It's like the old movie reels for example. When there was a part of the movie they didn't want they would splice the movie tape and cut what they didn't want and tape the two parts together and walla, you couldn't tell by watching the movie that they made that change.
That's what we want to do. Stop playing over and over what we didn't do, use what we didn't do as a lesson learned. Splice out that part in our mind reel and tape where you left off to where you are continuing and move it on from there. Easier said then done but the point is that it can be done. Our goal should be to release negative energy and bring in positive energy and action. It's all about not giving up.
For about the last five months I got back on the band wagon and I continue my walking regiment. That is going well, but I am still working and struggling with the cooking part. I don't intend to give up but continue to improve reminding myself that if I want to do more of my crafts, using my working hands, I need to make sure I keep my health up.
A new year is approaching. Don't wait, be good to yourself and start today working on your plan. Build on it as you just take baby steps, if need be, into better health for a better year. Here's to mine and your health.
You've heard it said that you can't look for someone else to make you happy. You can have someone in your life that enhances your happiness but ultimately you have to be in charge of your own happiness. It's the same when it comes to your well being and your health. We should be in charge of our own health.
This summer I fell off the exercise routine because it was just too hot for me. There are two choices. I could beat myself up because I stopped or I could get right back out there and continue where I left off. I chose the latter. Don't beat yourself up because what you didn't do, that is wasted energy. You want to use your energy to revise your game plan. If you don't have one make one - TODAY!
Make little changes that can give big returns back. Remember, it's all about long term care. When I talk about being healthy I use the words - be good to yourself, be kind to yourself and be patient with yourself. Any kind of woe is me takes our energy away from what we need to concentrate on. We need to get back on the horse and keep it movin.
It's like the old movie reels for example. When there was a part of the movie they didn't want they would splice the movie tape and cut what they didn't want and tape the two parts together and walla, you couldn't tell by watching the movie that they made that change.
That's what we want to do. Stop playing over and over what we didn't do, use what we didn't do as a lesson learned. Splice out that part in our mind reel and tape where you left off to where you are continuing and move it on from there. Easier said then done but the point is that it can be done. Our goal should be to release negative energy and bring in positive energy and action. It's all about not giving up.
For about the last five months I got back on the band wagon and I continue my walking regiment. That is going well, but I am still working and struggling with the cooking part. I don't intend to give up but continue to improve reminding myself that if I want to do more of my crafts, using my working hands, I need to make sure I keep my health up.
A new year is approaching. Don't wait, be good to yourself and start today working on your plan. Build on it as you just take baby steps, if need be, into better health for a better year. Here's to mine and your health.
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