Life Happens

Do you like roller coasters? I use to ride on roller coasters but then I got really scared and couldn't deal with the incline and the descent. No thanks. I don't do roller coasters anymore.

But life can be just like a roller coaster with its ups, downs, twists and turns. As there are different sizes of roller coasters there are different life roller coasters that you get caught up on. I couldn't blog because I was caught up on a children's roller coaster but one that took some maneuvering to get off.

The thing about life's roller coasters today is they have become a free for all. More and more people are finding themselves on them and not being able to get off. With the job situation, money crisis, and caring for families, life's twists, turns, ups and downs just has a lot of us dizzy or trying to find air to breath.

I have started a school program for six months. I am taking a Microsoft Office Certification. I am enjoying it. So that has kept me busy studying and attending class. Even though I haven't kept up with my blogging I have been knitting and crocheting because I don't have to think with it and that is the place I want to be in.

So what have I been doing with my needlearts? I am making this top and it was designed to be made out of cotton. Well, because I am on a yarn diet I have been using what I have for now. I had some acrylic yarn that was the same multi-color so I used that. I had to calculate for the difference in the yarn weight and away I went making it. But then when I got to shaping the sleeves I could tell I would not be able to finish both sides with the yarn I had. What did I do? I forgot to calculate the yardage and went by the amount that it called for in the cotton. Silly girl. I had to improvise by working two rows multi and two rows of the solid tan for the sleeves and neckline. The picture shows the results. I love it. So now I don't feel so silly anymore. It is still a lesson learned to be extra careful as to all calculations and yardage so that all that work in a garment won't go to waste.

We buy single skeins or hanks and we don't know what to do with them. Try mixing colors or change the color at the neckline, stripe it, or trim the bottom and top of a garment in that yarn. There is so much you can do to use what you have. That is called being super creative with yarn. You might be pleasantly surprised what a beautiful combination you can make.

Have fun!

My First Blue Ribbon

Have you ever went to a county fair? Well, I haven't been to one in a long time. I went to the Monmouth County Fair and for my return to the fair I did something that I've never done.

The fair has a lot of things that you can enjoy. Of course what would a fair be without the cotton candy, gyro's, kettle corn and other goodies that we really shouldn't be eating. But since the fair comes around only once a year some of us make exceptions to our diet rules. There are also the shows like the pig racing and wood carving competitions. Of course I gravitate to the animals especially the babies. They are so cute.




























There were other competitions and I entered two. Guess what two? Knitting and crochet. I got a first place blue ribbon for my crochet shawl by Doris Chan and second place red ribbon for my knitted neck warmer by Arcadia Knitting. It was fun going to the fair and looking for my two items amongst all the entries. And I enjoyed looking at the other entries.



In past years I would try to do at least one thing that I've never done before during the year. So for this year I entered my first contest. I've never been competitive but again it is all about doing something new.

Since the year is still buzzing with other fairs I thought I would enter another fair. I might as well enter in the fair of my own county of Middlesex. So I did. This time I entered my crochet top by Belinda Carter, my headband that I made up with Aran stitches, and my sample stitch crochet scarf that I made up for my class I was teaching. Well I received a blue ribbon for the crochet top and two second place ribbons for the headband and scarf.




There are many categories that an item could be entered under. So the next time you hear of a fair in your neck of the woods, enter one of your completed projects in and see what happens. You might be surprised. And you know what? It is all just to have fun and expand your horizon.

Contribute To Your De-Stressing

I love when I feel de-stressed and most of the time it is my knitting and crochet that help me do just that. But there is another love that I've talked about that also de-stresses me, that is my love of animals and the outdoors. No I can't swim or bungee jump, but I sure can enjoy a walk in the park. There is something about a walk in a nice park that just calms the nerves. And if there are lakes or ponds it adds to that calmness.

I use to go to the park every other day with a friend and that would be our contribution to our weekly exercise program. Then she found a job - yeah for her and boo for me. I got lazy because I had to go by myself and I stopped. I started walking again around my complex with another person that lives here. But there was something missing.

Through the winter I did not walk because I am not a go out in the cold and walk kind of person. So when the summer came along I said that I wanted to start visiting the park again. At the first park there were rabbits and birds, no lakes nor ponds. I wanted to try a park that was nearer to me. Well, I was glad I did. There are rabbits, turtles, swans, geese, ducks, and several different types of other birds. But the best part of all is that the swans, ducks, rabbits and geese all had babies.






I really enjoy my walks there. Seeing wildlife in action is a beautiful thing. Watching them swim, care for their young, the ducks are so funny as they glide in the water when they come in for a landing, and hearing the beautiful sounds of bird calls as they talk to each other. They can make you laugh.

I was watching one duck trying to eat this piece of hard bread. Maybe it was a pizza crust or piece of bagel, but I could tell that it was hard. He couldn't eat it that way so he took it in his mouth and carried it over to the water, dunked it in the water and he ate the pieces as they got soft enough for him to eat.

I tell people that you don't have to love animals to respect them. Respect where they live and know that we need to share this space called earth. It's far from perfect for them and for us. But it sure would be a lost without these wonderful creatures that we enjoy watching. We can learn so much from them. Just seeing their determination to continue living despite the ruination of their environment for food supply and living space is an encouragement for me.

So the next time you want to de-stress yourself think of going to your local park and see what you can find there to enjoy, admire, and respect. Have a wonderful day.

A Statistical View On Crochet

Do you like statistics? I do especially when it comes to the needle arts. There was this article I found and wanted to share with you to show that crochet is taking the lead as a hot item in the needleart world. This article came from the Craft and Hobby Association's website. This gives a breakdown of the craft industry in sales and its popularity.

If you go to the different needlearts events or conventions during the year you see the big crowds. You might get as excited as I do to see that we have a lot of company out there. But to be able to see it broken down statistically it gives a broader picture. When I look at the sales part I think it is lower on the list because you only need a hook and yarn. If you are really into crochet then you usually have a complete set of hooks. As far as the yarn we all know if you are a crocheter or a knitter then you have your stash.

Craft and Hobby Association (CHA).

CHA ANNOUNCES 2010 CRAFT INDUSTRY STATISTICS

By CHA PR Manager

In a news release posted on April 5, 2011 CHA announced the results of the 2010 CHA U.S. Attitude & Usage Study which presents the top craft sectors and annual consumer spend. The U.S. craft and hobby industry is at $29 billion with about 56% of U.S. households crafting at least once a year. See the complete release below for the top 10 craft sectors by participation and spend.

THE CRAFT & HOBBY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2010 CRAFT INDUSTRY STATISTICS

ELMWOOD PARK, NJ (April 5, 2011) The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) announced the 2010 full-year results from its CHA U.S. Attitude & Usage (A&U) Study. The CHA U.S. A&U Study is a custom quantitative research study commissioned to better understand consumer craft spending and behavior in the United States. The CHA U.S. A&U Study found that 56% of U.S. households crafted at least once during 2010, contributing to the $29.2 billion U.S. craft and hobby industry.

Beginning in January 2010, the CHA U.S. A&U Study was upgraded from a direct mail panel format to an online survey questionnaire. The change provided many benefits including greater depth of data on individual craft segments and purchase drivers, and detailed crafting behavior at the individual and household level. Due to the changes in methodology, sample size, and reclassification of craft segments within the 2010 questionnaire, direct comparisons between the 2010 CHA U.S. A&U Study and previous years are not valid, nor recommended.

The CHA U.S. A&U Study tracks sales and other metrics in eight broad categories comprised of 53 individual craft segments. Categories include: General Crafts ($9.9 billion), Fine Arts ($3.7 billion), Paper & Memory Crafts ($3.3 billion), Needle Crafts ($2.9) billion, Artistic Crafts ($2.6 billion), Sewing Crafts ($2.5 billion), Jewelry Making & Bead Crafts ($2.3 billion) and Floral Crafts ($2.0 billion). During 2010, the General Crafts category represented the largest sector at 34% of all industry sales.

The 2010 CHA U.S. A&U Study also ranked the top ten crafting segments based on consumer spending and household participation which collectively represent 19% of the craft segments and 53% ($15.443 billion) of total industry sales.


Top Ten Craft Segments by Sales

1.Woodworking/Wood Crafts $3.322 billion
2.Drawing $2.078 billion
3.Food Crafting $2.001 billion
4.Jewelry Making $1.446 billion
5.Scrapbooking & Memory Crafts $1.440 billion
6.Floral Decorating $1.303 billion
7.Crocheting $1.062 billion
8.Card Making $1.040 billion
9.Home Décor Crafts (Non-Sewing) $948 million
10.Wedding Crafts $803 million

Top Ten Craft Segments by Household Participation*

1.Drawing 21.1 million households
2.Scrapbooking & Memory Crafts 18.4 million
3.Crocheting 17.4 million
4.Woodworking/Wood Crafts 16.8 million
5.Jewelry Making 14.7 million
6.Card Making 14.0 million
7.Floral Decorating 13.6 million
8.Cross-Stitch 13.3 million
9.Knitting 13.0 million
10.Wreath Making 11.6 million
* Based on 114,200,000 U.S. households

The CHA Attitude & Usage Study is fielded by a major global market research survey provider on behalf of the Craft & Hobby Association for its members, to provide consumer insight that guide decision-making. Complete reports are available free to CHA members or for purchase via email request to Keri Cunningham, Marketing Manager, at kcunningham@craftandhobby.org.

CHA previously announced the first-ever quantitative study on the attitudes and shopping behavior of Canadian craft consumers. The CHA Canada Attitude & Usage Study estimates the size of the Canadian craft and hobby market in addition to identifying important attitudinal drivers of crafting frequency and consumer spending. The study was initiated at the request of Canadian members of CHA and is being conducted in both English and French to include the French speaking population. The study follows the same methodology used in the CHA U.S. A&U study. Full year results for 2011 will be available in early 2012.

For us crocheters we are right on point. So keep enjoying one of the most popular hobbies out there.

I Finally Blocked My Shawl

This picture shows a shawl that I finished, a pattern someone gave me. Who I don't remember. This pattern is only a 4 row repeat which I love. It shows such a lovely open lace design. The name is Lacework Pattern. I used Fashion Toes by Filatura Lanarota, part of my stash from Smiley's yarn sale last year. It is sock yarn made up of 90% Superwash Merino Wool and 10% Nylon.

I love the shawl, but the only thing that I need to be conscience of is the length before blocking. I didn't quite think it through as to the measurements between making the shawl and blocking. It really blocks well. But I had changed the width and length from what the pattern called for so it is longer. I love it and that's all that counts. But if I was to pass along a tip it would be to think through your pattern. Don't be so excited that you don't think it all the way through. If you do not make a swatch and you don't take the time to block your swatch then skipping those steps can make a difference in the end result. After making your project and you need to block it, the blocking process can make a difference in how it looks and fits. For example, if you use the wet method then when the water soaks through the fibers and it relaxes those fibers this will affect your measurements. You need to think about the whole process.

As you can see, it is not a wide shawl but long and it took four of the blocking pads I used and a space to lay it out, which meant the kitchen for me. I did it. Blocking is one part of the whole process that I don't like to do. I don't know why. I think it is just the thought of laying it out, measuring and pinning and sitting on the floor. But for some reason a couple of days ago I said it's time. This shawl has been sitting here for a couple of months not completed and all that would complete it was blocking. So I didn't delay any further. I got my blocking wires out, my T pins, blocking pads, soaking pan, towels and started the blocking process to its completion.

I wish I could bottle up that spark of determination and use it when I don't feel like doing something. It would be great if it could come in a spray bottle and spray it on as needed or a pill that would just turn on your determination and excitement for the things we procrastinate on. OK, I'm waking up to reality.

You can see how it looks on my flikr page. If I can do it you can do it also. Get out that project that you need to finish and do it. It really feels good to see a finished garment completed.

Enjoy the whole process and see the difference with your end result.

I'm Not A Yarn Snob

Did you know that there are yarn snobs? Oh, sorry you might be one of them. But that's ok if you are, but because of the economy and maybe what people do not know about the world of yarn they tend to stick to what they know or what they can afford.

Now when it comes to yarn shops it can be a luxury for some and that includes me. I so believe in supporting the yarn shops because we want them to stick around. There is nothing like going into a store and being able to feel what you want to purchase and to see the color of what you want to buy. That up close and personal feeling nothing can take its place. And the variety of the different fibers of wool, cotton, linen, silk, and blends seem to be endless.

Because my budget is low and I have a goal this year, as I spoke of, to use what I have and limit what I bring in to the bare minimum, I am using what I have in my stash from the past. I have been able to hit sales at yarn shops and come out screaming with joy as to what I got to add to my stash and what new fibers I get to work with. My problem came in when I went to use the yarn. I found of course, that I didn't have enough for the projects I would have liked to make out of the yarn. So the dilemma started as to what will I make out of the yarn and how creative can I get. Sales are great but they can put you in the arena of stash, stash, and more stash without a permanent home in a project. I don't know about you but I want to see my luscious yarns used in a project. I want to show them off in something that I can make from them.

Going back to the snob thing, I do prefer how I am though. I can work with anything and there are no specific guidelines as to what I will or will not work with. There are always the favorites and those yarns that I truly don't like when worked up. That is just a personal choice. Of course being a yarn snob is a personal choice and should also be respected. Not being a yarn snob should be respected too. All in all at the end of the day the goal should be, in my opinion, to de-stress oneself and have fun with whatever you use. It's about being creative and enjoying the journey of the world of yarn, needles, and hooks.

I've from time to time have shown what I am working on. I don't usually talk about the yarn that I am using but I said that would be a good subject to talk about. Maybe it would open more people to want to go to a yarn shop and try something new. Even if it is for a small project, like a scarf or a pair of socks. Of course you have to refrain yourself from being hooked and reeled in to a whole new world as you see all the different colors, fibers, textures, and yarn companies.

Anyway, I want to show what I am working on and the yarn I am using. The first subject (and if you know me by now you know that this is not the only project I am working on), is a shawlette from the magazine Interweave Knits - Spring 2007 issue. The project name is Clementine Shawlette.

Sometimes your eyes can look across so many patterns that you want to make that you pass by something that later catches your eye when you are looking over your magazine stash. Yes, we have stashes of magazines also. I love the shape of this shawlette and when you start working on it you see the simplicity yet it works up with elegance.

I am working on this project and using yarn from a sale two years ago. I have five hanks of Rowan Summer Tweed. It is 70% Silk and 30% Cotton. Now I love blends because they work up so nicely giving the yarn in some cases more body, more drape, taking out some of the drape, and of course it depends upon what you are making. This yarn has more stiffness to it. It has more texture - a little knotty feel as tweed usually has. But I love the color and the tweed effect.

When I am done it will be in flickr and you can at any time click on where it says 'view finished projects on flickr' and see all my finished projects.

Be open to learn about what is out there which is sooooooo much. I feel each person can find their comfort in an area they can enjoy. But don't stay too comfortable because with all there is to learn you will be left behind even if we are just talking about the yarn choices.

Enjoy and have fun.

Eyes Are Just Too Big

Have you ever heard of the saying, 'your eyes are too big for your stomach'? Well, let's say that you are invited to a friend's house and you know that they are a great cook. You see the array of the different food choices and your eyes start to bulge as you must have a little bit of each dish. Before you know it you have piled up on your plate more than your stomach can handle in one sitting. That is what is called 'your eyes are too big for your stomach'.

Now for me, that saying comes in a different way. My eyes are too big for all of the different projects I have started. Yes I am a small hoarder of projects. I enjoy myself so much, but I know that I just won't be able to make everything that I see with my bulging eyes. As you get more and more involved in the needlearts I'm sure you are finding that to be the case. It can be overwhelming but also overwhelmingly fun at the same time.

I set a goal for myself this year and I'm doing really well with it. Do you want to know what that goal is? It is not bringing in any yarn into my house that is not connected to a project that I would work on right away. No storing of new yarns, no going to festivals and buying, no looking at new patterns and dreaming of the finished product or me working on it. Maybe I will keep the last one. I mean it is only dreaming of what I want to do. What harm could that be? Who am I kidding.

I know you might be saying well that doesn't sound like too much fun. But in any case, I am on a mission. I haven't brought any yarn into the house that was not going to be used for what I call a "now" project or yarn I need to go with a yarn I have for a project. It has been working out.

Do you find yourself in the same situation as me? Do you have yarnitest or projectitest and are looking for a balance? The first thing you must do is to be honest with yourself and the second thing is to learn control. Believe me it is not easy. I hope you can work on your balance as I am. Why don't you join me for the second part of the year and do a couple of changes or deciding differently to be able to work on your control. I'll give a report on mine nearer to the end of the year. But you know what that means for next year - BUY, BUY, BUY. Just kidding.

Enjoy what you are doing and make each moment count.

This Week on 'My Talent Corner'

In this weeks Talent Corner is another student in one of my classes. To me she is an inspiration to others in the needlearts. She is returning to the world of crochet. But what is exciting is that once she got the basics down again she grabbed hold of her hook and took off running after different techniques right away.


From the picture you can see what Denise has been up to lately. She tackled the Solomon's Knot (Love Knot) and made a beautiful very delicate scarf. She had a nerve to bring in this dilabadated towel with a crochet topper and said she wanted to make one. Well, I never had a desire to make a towel topper before so she helped me to delve into something new. After helping her to make one (I made a sample of the process) I liked it. So thank you Denise. Then in class we made a market bag as they learned the granny square. And if that wasn't enough, she delved into the world of beading as she made a couple of braclets crocheted with wire and beads. Well, just surpass the teacher why don't you. She keeps me motivated to do more. Maybe I should just say motivated and keep out the more. I can't do any more. Great job Denise.

My interview with Denise:

Miss Craft Diva: When did you first learn how to crochet?

Denise: When I was about 10 yrs old.

Miss Craft Diva: How did you learn? From a family member, friend, organization?

Denise: I asked my mother to teach me how to knit and crochet, but she's right handed and I'm left handed, so I really taught myself from a book or pamphlet.

Miss Craft Diva: What made you take the class to start again?

Denise: I didn't really take to crocheting and there were a lot of 'old' looking patterns back then. I didn't remember anything that I learned, so I figured I would give it another shot.

Miss Craft Diva: Why do you enjoy crocheting so much?

Denise: It's easy to do and easy to fix mistakes. Projects can be done quickly for a sense of accomplishment.

Miss Craft Diva: What are some future projects you would like to make?

Denise: A modern granny square short vest where the pattern is charted.

Miss Craft Diva: What benefits do you get from crocheting?

Denise: Sense of accomplishment.

It is truly inspiring to see how different ones embrass the needlearts. Thank you Denise for sharing with us your passion with crochet.

May this inspire you to want to learn and grow more in the world of creativity. There will be future projects that I will feature from Denise. As of now, she is busy with her first love - gardening.

The 'V' Stitch Continued

Weather can be so unpredictable. Today for instance is very chilly and rainy. So there is always room in our closet for one more light and skinny scarf just to have on days like today or for a little chilly evening or morning. You don't want the scarf to be too heavy but long enough to wrap around the neck in a way that can give a little extra to an outfit for color and style. The 'V' stitch does just that. It is light and open so that it is just an accent and yet can give enough warmth to your neck but can be worn loose when you are warm enough.


Color is the key that can make it pop. I made mine out of sock yarn but added a triangle to each bottom piece and buttons. I wanted something different. And when I place it around my neck it is just enough. What I like about a little skinny scarf is the difference it can make with the yarn you use and the color you choose. It can be dressed up or dressed down. It is also a scarf that can easily be made shorter or longer as your desired look. It just needs to be place around your neck as you are making it to see how it looks at different lengths.

I am passing along this little skinny 'V' stitch scarf. It also is very easy and a quick project to make. And it doesn't take up a lot of yarn.

V Stitch Scarf Pattern

Size G Crochet Hook

Yarn – Sport weight (3) – 1 skein at least 200 yards

Size: approx. 5" x 52"(with the yarn I used)

(note: If you need to purchase more yarn remember to look at the dye lot number from the skein you have and the one you are going to purchase to make sure they match.)

Abbreviations:
dc – double crochet
ch – chain

Chain 22

Row 1: double crochet in 4th chain from hook, chain 1, double crochet into same chain as first dc, *skip 2 chains, (dc, ch1, dc) into next chain*. Repeat from * to * ending with dc into last stitch, turn.

Row 2: chain 3, *(dc, ch1, dc) into chain 1 space* Repeat from * to * ending with dc into last stitch, turn.

Repeat row 2 for pattern for the length you want.

Edging around scarf

When you get to the length that you want start the edging of single crochet. For the next row chain 1, turn, single crochet in first double crochet, work one single crochet in each double crochet and one single crochet in chain 1 space across row, when you get to the corner put 3 single crochets in corner stitch to make a round shape, do not turn work but continue single crochets down the side of scarf working 1 single crochet per row to the next corner, work 3 single crochets in corner stitch then work 1 single crochet in each free loop across bottom row which is your foundation chain row, work 3 single crochets in corner, work 1 single crochet in each row down the last side of scarf.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Mistakes to avoid:

• working only one double crochet in space instead of two
  
• no chain between double crochets to form V
  
• chaining in between two V’s instead of between the two double crochets
  
• not working the last double crochet in top of turning chain of previous row when you get to the end of the row
  
• not chaining three at the end of row or beginning of row to start new row
  
• making the V between two V’s and not on top of last V of previous row
  
• every once in a while hold your work up to the light to see if all your stitches are correct
  

It's A Baby Shower

The months go so fast. It seems as if it was just yesterday that I was getting ready for the annual baby shower at the Navasink Knitting Guild. For the past few years the guild has put together a baby shower for charity. Everyone that wants to give makes something special for the shower. How could you resist not making a gift for a little bundle of joy.

Last year the baby items were so precious and beautiful. This year is no exception. We all at the guild enjoy showing off the gifts we made and looking at what everyone else made. It is like a fashion show for babies.

As you can see from the picture, I made a baby blanket for a preemie and four hats of different styles and colors.



I took a picture of the array of items from the members of the guild when after each person presented their item it was then displayed so that everyone could look at them.




It is not just items that are displayed but hand made items showing off the talents of techniques and stitch patterns used as we enjoy the act of giving.

It's All About The Color

Picking out the right color is so important. Take for example my Entrelac scarf. I tried two different times using different color choices before I went out and purchased yarn for this. I was trying to use the yarn I already had but it just did not appeal to me. Working with the right color is the key. When you can choose the color that is appealing to you it gets you excited about the end result of your project. You can't wait to wear it or display it. Now that I found the colors I like I enjoy looking at it and working on it. I will share my end result when I complete my scarf.


But if it is for a gift we want to remember that the colors should not be from our color palette. Picking out the right color for that person is so important. When taking out the time to give a gift of something hand made and we put the time into making it, then we want the receiver to use what we have made. If it is not an appealing color or style for that person then it can become a waste of our time and effort. So it is important to find out what might be a favorite color or if it is something they will be wearing what is their style of choice.

Giving is a great feeling, but we would not want it to become an object that just sits in a closet unused. Let's make it worth it by making it more personable and your gift will be more appreciated.

By the way, Entrelac is a fun technique to learn and you can do a lot with mixing colors. Try it and see what color choices you come up with. Have fun.

This Week on 'My Talent Corner'

On Tuesday, March 8, 2011 I wrote about my future blogs under the 'My Talent Corner'. I would like to think that my blog, even though I have my moments of not blogging as often as I wish I could, it will inspire ones to do more, not to be intimidated by their level but be open to learn, grow and have fun. So I felt that sharing not only what I am doing, but what others that come across my path are doing would broaden the scope of talent and projects.



My first candidate is a student in one of my classes. She thinks of her craft as therapy. She was brand new in the needleart world. Well, I think of it also as therapy because it is very therapeutic if you haven't found that out by now. I know it keeps me calm and it destresses me especially at times when I say thank goodness I have my knitting and crochet.

As you can see, Liz has been busy making items to wear. I just love the hat she is wearing. These are just a couple of items that have brought joy to her fingers. Great job, well done.

Interview with Liz:

Miss Craft Diva: When did you first learn how to crochet/knit?

Liz: I first learned to knit and crochet about 2 and 1/2 years ago.

Miss Craft Diva: How did you learn? From a family member, friend, organization?

Liz: I learned from a knit class held at the library. The teacher is someone you know quite well. We were taught the basics of a beginning class. Later the library group included people from the class and other community members who wanted to meet. The group has in addition to our earlier teacher had people with all skill levels. We learn from each other and help each other.

Miss Craft Diva: What made you want to crochet/knit?

Liz: I always admired other peoples work, ie afghans, hat, scarves sweaters.

Miss Craft Diva: Which do you like better - knitting or crocheting and why?

Liza: I like both. Though I favor crocheting primarily because it is faster and much easier to fix mistakes.

Miss Craft Diva: What are some future projects you would like to make?

Liz: I would like to make different afghans. I would also like to make some clothing items, sweaters ponchos. I also like to make gift items because their special. TLC.

Miss Craft Diva: What benefits do you get from knitting/crocheting?

Liz: I feel doing these crafts is very relaxing, and fun. Going to knit groups is also a nice social activity. It is fun to go out and meet our group members. We kiddingly refer to our group as our therapy.

Liz has learned both knitting and crochet and I have enjoyed watching her progress and I am inspired by her determination as she tackles the 'I can't' to the 'look what I did'.

We all have those moments of doubt in our ability to learn. Let's follow Liz's example of saying I can and keep trying and stretching out of our comfort zone. Can't wait to feature future projects from Liz.

Enjoy what you are doing. Do what you enjoy.

My Healthy Regiment Update

Excuse my absence but my blog was down for a week not knowing what had happened. I did figure the problem out and it is solved. Then I needed some down time to catch up with emails, make samples for my classes, and guess what - I started cooking.

We are all struggling with something that we wish we could just get a handle on. It might be weight, our daily schedule of what we need to accomplish, putting "me" time in the schedule when you have children or other responsibilities. And you might be with me as I continue to struggle with cooking. Well, since I have a busy schedule I need the stamina to continue to do all I need to do in one day. That takes energy and the combination that gives me that energy is; water, exercise, juicing, and eating my fruits and vegetables. There is no stand-alone that will give me all the energy I need.

So as I revealed what I wanted to accomplish with my healthy lifestyle, all of a sudden I had the desire to cook. I thought maybe I was sick or something, just to think that I actually wanted to cook. So I looked at what staples I already had and then I went to the store and gathered the items that could go with the items I had at home and a world wind went through the house. I looked in my refrigerator and freezer and it was full of cooked food. Yes, I cooked and it has lasted me three weeks since I froze some of it. I made a couple of soups, vegetables, other dishes that I had recipes for and I have been eating so healthy and feeling more energetic.

Like I had mentioned, it is not just the eating. I have been working out on the trampoline and doing stretches since I don't do walking in the cold weather. This is really a great alternative for indoor exercising. I try to have it as a part of my schedule every day so that when I need to skip a day or two I don't feel bad. It's not being a fanatic but working on balance. I continue to strive to take better care of my body. For the mind my knitting and crochet keeps me sane.

We all like control in some form or fashion. One of the best areas to use that control mechanism in us is to keep striving for a better health regiment so that you have control of your own health. You not only will look good on the outside but you will feel good from the inside out. This is not just for springtime but year round.

Now the question remains can I keep this cooking up? Only time will tell. I'll let you know how I am doing. I take one day at a time. How about you? Have you tried to put at least one change in your diet or exercise program for a better health regiment? I think putting it out on my blog helped me to be more accountable. Find what will work for you. Let's continue to strive to be healthier.

The "V" Crochet Stitch

In today's crochet world there is so much to choose from between yarn, patterns, and stitches. We get so caught up in the world of choices that we forget about a simple stitch used in a simple design. One stitch that I am talking about is the "V" stitch. It is such a simple stitch but it works into a beautiful throw, scarf, or hat. It is what I call a 'throw in the bag take anywhere project'.

If you have read my blog for a while, by now you know that I am not a 'one at a time' project person. I love variety and I get so excited at the vast choices of items to make. And then there is the personal creativity that comes out that makes the space of choices even bigger. But when I am going somewhere and I know I will not be able to concentrate on my project that is a more involved pattern, then a no brainer is the key.

One of my students wanted to learn how to do the ripple crochet stitch. After trying it, she realized that she didn't like all the counting and concentrating that the stitch required when you are first learning how to do it. The solution - how about the "V" crochet stitch instead. She loved it and others in the class wanted to try it and so they did. The result are blankets and scarves in different colors and sizes working their way to completion using this simple stitch.

Now you might say that you made lots of things with the "V" stitch and it has been used a lot. But guess what? You might have been exposed to the stitch but there are so many more that have not. With the stress that a lot of us are under we look for something that we don't have to think, that we can do while watching TV, waiting at a doctors office or at a crochet group. It's a stitch that you can talk and work on your project at the same time. So for those that might be new with crochet or know how to crochet and forgot about this simple stitch here is a throw pattern using the "V" stitch.

Another student asked with this pattern could she use two yarns together so that she could have a two color affect. Yes you can. Use a larger hook and it looks great. Of course doubling the amount of yarn.

This is a fast stitch because you don't go into each stitch but you go into the hole inbetween each "V" stitch or say the space that the chain 1 is made. And of course, the yarn makes a difference in the outcome of the blanket as you can see with the variegated yarn I used.

The "V" Stitch Throw

US size H (5 mm) Crochet Hook




Start out with 4 skeins because it depends upon the yarn you use. Skeins have different yardage which makes a difference in how much you will need. I used Bernat Berella "4" Worsted Weight and each skein has 165 yards/3oz. I used approx. 4 skeins so that equals 660 yards. So when you are purchasing the yarn get at least a total of 660 yards.

Approximate size of blanket: 32" x 45" including edge single crochet stitch

(note: If you need to purchase more yarn remember to look at the dye lot number from the skeins you have and the ones you are going to purchase to make sure they match. Also, keep your receipt just in case you need to return yarn.)


Abbreviations:
dc – double crochet
ch – chain

Chain 115

Row 1: double crochet in 4th chain from hook, chain 1, double crochet into same chain as first dc, *skip 2 chains, (dc, ch1, dc) into next chain*. Repeat from * to * ending with dc into last chain, turn.

Row 2: chain 3, (dc, ch1, dc) into first chain 1 space, *(dc, ch1, dc) into next chain 1 space*. Repeat from * to * ending with dc into top of turning chain, turn.

Repeat row 2 for pattern for the length you want. (note: I tend not to give a specific length because it is best to snuggle up in it or compare the length with a blanket that you already have that you like the length. This gives you more control over your project. If you need the throw to be wider and you are comfortable with calculating for the size, then add stitches by 3's on your foundation chain. This gives you the chain for the double crochet chain 1 double crochet in one chain and the two chains you skip equaling 3 chains for each repeat. But I would make a sample of the stitch before purchasing the yarn so that you can figure out how much yarn you need.)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

To make it pop I added a couple rows of single crochet all around remembering to work 2 to 3 stitches more in each corner to make the corners round.


Mistakes to avoid:

• working only one double crochet in space instead of two
  
• no chain between double crochets to form V
  
• chaining in between two V’s instead of between the two double crochets
  
• not working the last double crochet in top of turning chain of previous row when you get to the end of the row
  
• not chaining three at the end of row or beginning of row to start new row
  
• making the V between two V’s and not on top of last V of previous row
  
• every once in a while hold your work up to the light to see if all your stitches are correct
  

It's ok to have two projects. You don't have to work on them at the same time. One could be a harder project and if you get stuck or you just can't concentrate on that project then - Walla the "V" stitch to the rescue.

Have fun.