not this year

And all through the house.....

Night Before Christmas for Crocheters
Twas the Night before Christmas (for crocheters)
If you've used this poem in the past, the info is CROCHETERS CHRISTMAS EVE, Original knit version by Nancy Massaroni, 2003, rewritten (crochet version) by Dee Stanziano, 2006. If you use this poem, please give Nancy Massaroni and Dee Staniziano authors credit.




CROCHETERS´ NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

~ Nancy Massaroni adapted by Dee Stanziano ("Crocheting with Dee")

`Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
There was unfinished crocheting not under the tree,
The stockings weren´t hung by the chimney with care
`Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep-he was no help at all.
And the sweater for him was 6´´ too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my hook to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash.
Tripped over my yarn and fell down in my stash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how far I still had to go.
When out on the lawn I heard such a noise,
I was sure it would wake up both Dad and the boys.

And although I was tired-my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment that it must be St Nick.
Yet what I heard left me very perplex-ed
For nothing I heard was what I expect-ed.

"Move Rowan! Move Patons! Move Koigu and Clover!
Move Shelridge! Move Starmore! Move Spinrite! Move over!
Lopi, don´t circle around, just stand there in line.
Pay attention you sheep and you´ll work out just fine!

I know this is hard as it´s just your first year
But I´d hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill. What I saw was amazing:
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing!

And then in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa´s big boots stomping on the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet.
As I turned around, St Nick I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his heat to his toe
And his clothes were hand crochet from above to below.
A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back.
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran crochet sack.

His hat was a wonder of bobbles and lace
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf on his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

On the back of his mitts was an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I spotted a small label:
"S.C." in duplicate on the cuff.
So I asked, "Hey, Nick, did YOU crochet all this stuff?"

He proudly replied, "Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to crochet when I was just a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a well dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I´d thought up a plan.

I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked down in his lap
Where I had laid my crochet hook and yarn for a cap.

He began then to crochet, first one cap then 2-
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks,
While I sat back drinking a scotch on the rocks.

Quickly like magic his hooks they flew,
Good Grief! He was finished by two!
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
I heard him explain as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year, start your crocheting sometime around JUNE!"

no words

I know I titled this "no words" and actually I do have a few words to say. Monday, October 22 the love of my life, Craig Andersen, died of a heart attack. I am devastated. I had been working on making another lion curtain for him for well over a year. I had gotten to the 19th level & kept screwing up in the rest of the project because of the 19th row. I actually finally managed to get past row 19 and was probably up to row 26 or so. And it sat like that for a long time. It was a filet pattern & they seem a bit complex to me, especially with no directions, just the chart. So I thought really hard and decided I was not going to continue the curtain. I was making it specifically for Craig, so I don't feel compelled to finish it. So I ripped out what I had entirely. No lessons, no moral to the story, nothing insightful. Just hold on tight to your loved ones and make sure you let them know how much you love them and appreciate them.

Funeral for a friend

In about a half a hour, I will going to a funeral for a friend, Daisy Shore. I've known her about 50 years. Yes, she was older than I am. Yes, I knew she was ill. No, it doesn't make her death any easier to take. Daisy is the mother of a girl (Sharon) I knew in elementary school. She's about a year younger than I am, so we never had a class together. But I was secretary of the Red Cross group we had at the elementary school. We met a few times a month, I think. She was the volunteer (?not exactly sure about that) from her class. And she lived right across the street from me. Somehow, along the way it was Daisy who I felt closer to than Sharon. Weird, but that sort of thing happens. Daisy was interesting to me because she did a lot of handwork. My mom had embroidered prior to my birth, but with 6 kids,a full time job, and her volunteer work, she had little time for anything. And even if she did want to teach me, I wouldn't have listened. I was a _teenager_. Those of you that have/have had teenagers know what I mean. My older sister Bee gave me the foundations of crocheting as well as knitting and embroidery. But she got busy with her future husband, so Bee had no time to help me with crocheting or embroidering. (I never cared for knitting, seems too slow). And this is the part that Daisy filled in. I sometimes could not figure out a stitch diagram in my life. Some made absolutely no sense to me. Daisy, having lots more experience) could help me understand the strange new world I had wandered into. So after homework, supper and chores were done, I'd go visit Daisy. And we would drink tea and talk about anything and everything in the world. Sometimes it was stitches or how something was worked out. Sometimes (lots of times) we'd eat her delicious baking.It was always easy, pleasant and fun. Daisy was the kind of person the world needs more of - funny, friendly, smart and compassionate. Although I know that love goes beyond the grave, that what was buried today is just the earthly form of Daisy, it's difficult to wrap my head around it. I've had too many losses and each subsequent loss feels like another weight to my heart. But I think for tonight (and a lot of days and nights after this), I will sit down with a cup of tea and crochet. And that way I can honor and treasure her memory while soothing myself.

Crochet Day:)

Okay, here it is, September 12 and it's Crochet Day. I know, every day is crochet day, but apparently this is a bigger deal than just everyday. I probably won't crochet in public because my employer has this silly notion that when I am at work, I should be working. But I will be working on preemie hats tonight, so that's when I get the crochet on.....

For those of you who are planning an active fall lifestyle, particularly the kind that includes going to places where you got to dress up, I have this amazing pattern for a party purse. Okay, it's not "Amazing" it's "Vanna's Sequins"...

here's the link from Lion Brand
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20105.html?utm_source=Patterns_20120911_Sept11&utm_medium=Emails&utm_campaign=NewPatternsAlert&utm_content=P-MoonWaterClutch

_enjoy_

scrips and scraps

yes, I have been crocheting. No, I have not finished my curtain yet. I have been working on preemie hats - they are easy to do while watching TV.

I came across this article about the crochet hyperbolic reefs and how it relates to feminism. I never would have thought of that one, but here's the link.
http://www.mcadenver.org/feminismco.php
Definitely something to ponder.

I am starting to buy yarn more online than in the stores. The biggest reason is because it's easy to get the colors I want. I wanted a skein of Ebony Lion Brand Microspun and a skein of Lily White Lion Brand Microspun. That's it. So I ventured to the store, after checking online to make sure they had that particular brand of yarn. Guess what, they did not. They didn't have any Microspun at all. I'm sure they have something else I could use, but I already have black and white yarn at home if I was going to use my stash. So I didn't buy any yarn at all (I know, hard to believe). I checked online and found what I wanted. Even with the shipping and handling, it's still about the same price it would have cost retail. So yay me;)


I received my copy of this week. It is beautifully photographed and so colorful. I happen to really like Tammy Hildebrandt's "Kaleidascope" afghan - I'd change the colors to a colorway I liked better. But that's me. I should do a review of it.....

hello again

Hi.
I haven't been saving the world or anything besides the normal stuff of working and living my life. Nothing terribly exciting (unless you enjoy compliance training) just chugging along.

I have finished a pink and white baby afghan, a giant granny square using the Fibronacci sequence. I think it looks cool, but that's me.I've cleared everything out except the BIG project I alternately dread and am excited about. It's a matching curtain for the window, the lion curtain....

I need to get this done because it is always in the back of my mind that I need to finish it. Silly, isn't it? But this UFO has been hanging around the house way too long and I will be happy to finish it.

I think the craft stores are taking a major hit in this recession. Almost every week, Michaels and A.C. Moore have a 20% discount coupon. I know, you'd think I'd be hitting that sale every week. Rubber stamps, magazines, paper and of course yarn for 20% off. Sounds great. But....
I'm only semi interested in checking it out. Is it depression? Did a pod person take over me? I don't think so. One driving force is I have more yarn than I can possibly use in my life. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of reducing my stash (don't faint!) because there is so much I'm not going to ever use. I have some beautiful bulky fall colored yarn. Absolutely beautiful. It's wool. I don't know if it's getting older or what but I find it difficult to work with wool. I get all stuffed up and itchy when I crochet with it. Same with mohair, but worse. This is a shame because I have some beautiful yarn in those fibers, but not if it is going to cause me to clog up.
Another reason is there is not enough variety of books and magazines in these stores. I mean, I wasn't that fond of "The Happy Hooker" but some folks think it is awesome. Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker I'd rather see something new such as Unexpected Afghans: Innovative Crochet Designs with Traditional Techniques or The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet: *All You Need to Know to Crochet *The Essential Reference for Novice and Expert Crocheters *Comprehensive Guide ... Charts, and Photos for 200 Stitch Patterns or Simple Crocheting: A Complete How-to-Crochet Workshop with 20 Projects or here's something I could really use The Crochet Artist Memory (no kickback for me from these authors, just saying)

just something that has been published in the last 3 years. Sometimes (*gasp*) I go to Joanne Fabrics for books and magazines. They seem to have a fresher inventory or maybe it's just stuff I don't already own. They also have British books there occasionally.

But I don't know, maybe I am just a cheapskate.

It was suggested to me from somebody that I make myself a panda bear similar to the one I made for my sister Howie that was buried with her. She suggested it may have healing qualities for me. I think she is right. (It's strange to mention this on what would have been Howie's 54th birthday). Now I just got to find the perfect yarn - I used the Lion brand microspun yarn for hers. I am not sure that's the name of the yarn, but it is so soft and smooth and easy to work with - even when your eyes are full of tears. Do I have what was left of it in my stash or should I buy more....well, I do have discount coupons;)

Vickie Howell's take on peeps

Really, I'm not obsessed with Peeps - or maybe I am...
Here's Vickie Howell's take on the Peeps here
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2012/03/project_peeps-a-boo_bag_from_v.html



this is really cute....I'm making one (though it's little) for my oldest sister - she will love it.......

check it out

Peeps!

I probably have already posted this, but just in case I didn't there is a great pattern for Peeps bunnies at Ravelry - and it's free

check it out
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marshmallow-bunnies

I just finished working on a scarf, switching colors between blue and white. Nothing spectacular, just trying to get comfortable enough to do more color work and hide the floats.
I received my new issue of "Crochet!". Looks pretty good, but I am confused - they have an award called the Jean Leinhauser Hall of Fame award. (I'm not confused by that part). They have nominees, one of which is Jean Leinhauser, but not Rita Weiss who was a partner with her on so many things. Plus if the honor is named after you....well, I know they gave her an award after she died, so it's unclear to me if her award was the Jean Leinhauser award or not. I get confused too easily, I think.

My right wrist is giving me a fit. Nothing new about that, just when it's the "crunch time" at work, I must type harder or something to make it ache. I could do without that, but apparently my wrist says "no" to that.

I feel like my brain is bubbling with what I want to do _now_;) I want to make some Peeps (of course), I want to finish the long project of the curtain, I want to make a shawl, I want, want want... I need to learn how to crochet with my feet although since the right foot aches, it might not be the best plan. Man, I'm falling apart;)
But I really need to stop being on Facebook. I like it, it's a great distraction as well as a huge time waster. The old "I just want to do _1_thing" turns into a 20 minute waiting game. I should quit it, but I'm no quitter;)

_enjoy_

woo hoo free books

Ravelry is doing a 26 book giveaway this month. If you want to join in, here's the link
http://www.ravelry.com/

meanwhile I am still crocheting (of course). But I had something weird (at least to me) happen. I gave a co-worker a cutting from a white Christmas cactus. She said she took it home and her grandson wanted it. So for the heck of it, I designed a 3 stem Christmas cactus in crochet, complete with white flowers and left it on her desk. I was shocked by her reaction. She praised me up and down, telling me her grandmother used to crochet and how much respect she had for those who crochet. *wow* wasn't I flattered? I usually get "what is that?" or something along those lines. So of course this woman has become my new best friend;)
Seriously, I don't get criticized for the work I do (except for 1 snarky remark by another _crocheter_ at the CGOA gathering in PA a zillion years ago)...but if I say this is what I do, people seem to have a dim view of my hobby. Don't know why, but there you are.

and here's another weirdness that happened. I volunteered to donate a few squares for an afghan for a person. No problem I said, heck, I probably got that Redheart color in my stash. Redheart has something like 275 colors, I got a gazillion skeins of yarn, should work out.

Would you believe I had to track down 2 skeins of the yarn? I didn't have it. I couldn't even believe that, but there you go. I must have 274 colors of Redheart;)
And yeah, you can complain about Redheart, but their Supersavers dye lots are the same across the country. Did you ever order a gorgeous bundle of yarn and when it gets to you, you think "Double yuck! I ordered that?! What was I thinking?" well, maybe you haven't but I have and it's good to know that if it's Redheart, I know what color it will be. And no, I don't get a kickback from Redheart. I wouldn't mind if I did, but I should probably take it in cash instead of yarn;)

that's it, later dudes and dudettes

why, Interweave?

I left this note on Interweave's FB page. Since I never received an answer what made the crocheting calendar more expensive than the knitting calendar for 2011. I mean, what the hell?

here's the crochet site
http://www.interweavestore.com/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=crochet%20calendar


so here goes....yo, Interweave Press, you have done it _again_ Please tell me why I should have to order _2_ things to have a complete calendar for 2012 (just as you did for 2011). If you really dislike crocheters that much, maybe (just a thought here) you should look at what your making from you crochet magazine. And if it's "nothing" maybe you should stop putting out a magazine.
Don't get me wrong, I love the magazine.. But why are you charging crocheters _double_ the cost of the knitting calendar? The knitters get their patterns, why can't the crocheters? Because one without the other isn't that great a deal. Without the patterns I have to speculate on how these items are made (warning, at least one you can buy from a designer online). And if I buy the patterns and don't have the photos, I can't compare the item with the directions. Sometimes there is a mistake in the patterns...


the Interweave's site has the knitting calendar with "all you need to make a sweater"
http://www.interweavestore.com/More/Calendar/Interweave-Knits-2012-Wall-Calendar.html

Smithsonian hyperbolic crochet reef

As you probably know, the Smithsonian Coral Reef was moved to Davenport, Iowa.
Here's a link about the museum is in
http://www.putnam.org/Exhibit-Halls/Changing-Exhibits/Smithsonian-Community-Reef.aspx

In the photo that is shown, I am sure that one of my pieces is in the top third of the let hand corner, but really it's impossible to know for sure.

Crochet Horoscopes Part 2 of 2

Crochet Horoscopes 2012 Part 2 of 2
I start off this post as I always do - this post in no way reflects my beliefs in astrology, astronomy and astronauts. This horoscope is just for fun, don't take it seriously. If perhaps something works out the way I have written, I'd be just as surprised as you would be.
So without further ado, here is the second part of my 2012 Crochet Horoscope

Libra September 23-October 22
This year will take you out of your "comfort zone" in crocheting. This might be the year when you finally learn hairpin lace well enough to create some beautiful gifts - for yourself or a loved one. You will gather more support from friends and family regarding your crocheting, even a person previously scorned crocheting. But you will have to give up a few of your "that's the way I have always done it". Maybe check out tutorials on YouTube, or a class or a book, but you will find a new way to do your favorite technique. It could be an old friend that teaches you something new. The second half of the year will be busy with all sorts of creative outlets, so be alert to this phase in your life.

Scorpio October 23- November 21
You also have to move out of your comfort zone to take your crocheting to a new level. And no, you can't make excuses, either. Think carefully and deeply about what you want to do with your crochet - design? teach? sell? edit patterns? All of this will be within your reach in the last quarter of 2012. But to be ready for the opportunities, you will have to prepare yourself now. So it's time to stop playing with your sheep on Farmville, time to start playing with the yarn stash you have accumulated. You have to make decisions instead of allowing yourself to be tossed back and forth like a feather in the breeze. You will advance your crocheting so much farther if you take the initiative. You can advance yourself in the real live crochet land around you then by buying the new green and purple cow, so do it.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You will be challenged this year because many different projects draw your attentions. Not just crocheted projects, just all sorts of creative endeavors. You will have to take a step or two back just so you consider what project is the most pressing to finish - probably the project with the closest deadline. And those people that bug you, unfortunately they are still around. But it's time you stopped let them and their derision live in your head and mess up your life. Some people are just jerks and to advance yourself in crocheting (and in any other part of your life), you got to walk away from them. You will meet some very supportive people this year and you will get support from unexpected places. Just don't overload yourself with projects and jerky people.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
You will have so many good ideas for your crocheting (and your other creative endeavors) this year, you will have to rely on recording the thoughts as fast as you can write or speak. Besides that, your life will be chaotic with the rush of changes that are in store for you this year. You like being busy and productive, but you will also need to check your intuition often. If something doesn't sound or look or feel right, it isn't right for you. Don't overthink the decision, just go with what your gut tells you. You will need to walk away from some people this year, but like Sagittarius, you will make new, more supportive friends. Friends that will show you things about crocheting that you were totally unaware of. Be ready to embrace the change.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
You will have to work hard on your crocheting this year, but it will start to pay off around the last quarter of 2011. You should take the time now to learn more about the crochet business (if that's what you want) so when the opportunities present themselves, you will be ready to act on them. Some major changes are going to be made in your life which will leave you confused for a little while, but eventually they will work to your advantage. You just have to be patient and allow life to unfold as it unfolds - there are just some things you can't hurry along. What you learn this year and your ability to use that knowledge will set you up for a better future - be aware and take notes.

Pieces February 19-March 20
Your crocheting year will be adventurous, but not roller coast ride adventurous. It will be a nice steady beat gradually picking up speed. Focus on what your most important goals are because it will be very easy for you to get sidetracked this year. February and March of 2012 will be a surprisingly busy period for you in crochet land as well as in your other activities. You will have to pace yourself or you will be overwhelmed. I also advise you to pay close attention to your intuition. If something doesn't seem right to you, don't allow yourself to be talked into investing in it with your time and money. Do you _really_ want to make 1015 scrunchies from a yarn that has been discontinued for a year and a half - and all of them have to be the same dyelot? Your friend may be happy that you did this for her, but you will not be happy with yourself or your friend.

There you go, the rest of the 2012 Crochet Horoscopes. If you have a comment to make, go ahead. If you think I'm totally off the mark, well, I didn't promise perfection.
But I want you to enjoy your crochet time (and whatever else you might be doing) and I hope you have a happy, healthy new year!

Crochet Horoscopes 2012 Part 1 of 2

I start off this post as I always do - this post in no way reflects my beliefs in astrology, astronomy and astronauts. This horoscope is just for fun, don't take it seriously. If perhaps something works out the way I have written, I'd be just as surprised as you would be.
So without further ado, here is my 2012 Crochet Horoscope

Aries March 21-April 19

Aries, you can be a stubborn one, but you've heard that many times by now. But it may be time to break loose of your fixed ways because some good stuff is coming your way. Maybe it's a terrific yarn sale, maybe it's a design you have created has really taken off. Or maybe it's something else you have always wanted and never thought would happen to you. Any way it shakes out, be open to the new experience and enjoy the rush of excitement you get from stepping outside your own self-imposed limitations. The first half of 2012 should be intense for you, but the second half of 2012 allows you to focus on making your dreams a reality.

Taurus April 20-May 20
This year is not going to start off like a ball of fire for you, but it will slowly increase in intensity. You will spend much of your time in the first part of the year working on your new crochet creations. There will be some big changes coming for you in terms of your crocheting and it will get hectic starting about May 2012. Make sure you're not staying up way past bedtime crocheting that particular piece. Or at least have a warm human/cat/dog/bunny (your pick) to cuddle up to as you're burning the midnight oil.

Gemini May 21-June 20
Usually you work very hard to achieve your goals. This year, your will still work hard, but around June 2012, it becomes easier for you. You will get in the "zone" with your crocheting - your fingers will fly over the yarn. But you have to fine tune your goals. For example, it may be a tad ambitious for you to decide you will self publish 100 hat patterns. If you focused on maybe 20 hat patterns, you will be able to polish the patterns to perfection. This focus will have a long term effect that may not be completely realized for two years. Don't stress about it, take it slowly and easily to meet your goals

Cancer May 21-June 20
The first half of 2012, you will meet (over the internet or through a chat group or perhaps at in a real life setting) that will influence the way you view crochet. Maybe it's somebody that needs your help to proofread a pattern or make up a sample. Maybe it's somebody who has seen your work and wants to order something extra special. There will be some difficulties along the way with this process, but you are used to working through difficulties. As long as you trust your gut, you will be able to suss out the hard parts. You can definitely achieve a lot in crochet land this year as long as you step up to the plate.

Leo July 23-August 22
Believe it or not, things will be a bit easier this year. The first half of the year you will be offered opportunities you didn't know existed in crochet land. But you will have to take your time in picking the right option for you. Do you really want to spend your time making samples? Would you rather sell your own crocheted goods? You'll have to think long and hard about what interests you. You will also need to have a rough idea of the plan you are going to use to get you to your goal. You don't have to go that part alone - you'll be able to ask your crocheting buddies and they will help you decide how to proceed. This will bring you closer to your crocheting friends and also help build a support group for all involved. And that will be terrific.

Virgo August 23-September 22
This will be a year for you to learn new skills.The new techniques will come easier for you this year than at previous times. Choose wisely as the choice will impact the second half of 2012. This is also a year for you to build up a circle for fiber friends. You can try the various social media available (I like Facebook, but Ravelry is so much better for fiber fanatics.) Some of them will help you develop the new techniques and some will have opportunities for you to display and perhaps sell your crocheted goods. October will be a very busy month for you. Suddenly, whatever technique you have been working on will be hotter than July. Don't burn yourself out trying to take all the inquiries that will come your way. Think carefully about what you want to achieve with your crocheting and find the opportunity with the best fit for you.