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.

wow, just wow

I can't believe it's been so long between posts. I guess that's the reason we'll never see "Crocheting Lessons - the movie" come out;) Part of the reason has been life, work has been a bear. But work is always a bear, isn't it? But a bear to the point my wrist was painful when I crocheted. Oh well. Things have eased up a little (I think) so hopefully I will be able to post more.
What's going on here? We had a relatively mild winter, especially compared to the 4 feet of snow we got last year. I got a big raise (okay  so it wasn't so big, but it's the first one in a few years). I seen some robins in the front yard and this morning I seen a bunny in the back yard. So life is generally good, with a few rough spots, but that's how life is,

I did make 2 scarves for the Special Olympics this year. I hope they announce the colors earlier because it seems difficult to find the right colors in the stores once Red Heart has announced them. And truthfully, sometimes I'm no so fond of the color selections. I did like this year's colorway, a light blue and a darker blue. It seems especially cheery to me  and everyone seems to need a little cheering up these days.


I have finished an afghan I was working on for my nephew's friend. I got to take a photo of it. It's white and shades of purple. I made it sort of like a log cabin quilt, with the color blocking. I was quite happy with the way it turned out.

Right now, I am working on a baby boy afghan, light blue and darker blue (hmm). I am doing a giant granny square in a Fibonacci sequence  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci_number.  I keep spelling "Fibonacci" as "Fibronacci" which shows you how fiber has taken over my mind;) I think it looks pretty cool. I had originally thought of doing a 7 point star afghan, but I realized that if I ever wanted to start on it, I'd have to use something I could just make up as I go along. I think the ripple star afghans are great, I've made a few, but I  didn't feel I had the concentration to stick to a pattern at this time.

Last week I visited D.C. again to see the Smithsonian coral reef for (probably) the last time. Craig and I had a great time and we managed to positively identify two of my pieces. I did not follow somebody else's excellent advice of taking the photos I have of the pieces I made to the museum with me. It would have made identification a bit easier. I mean, after all, who doesn't have white yarn in their stash? So now I got to label and post the photos  and upload them - hopefully soon.

So I'm still here, I'm still crocheting, just a little bewildered at the moment but that will pass. Despite the fact that the weather called for a snow flurry or two today, I can see by the daffodils in my front yard spring has finally arrived. I will clear the winter cobwebs out of my head and enjoy the spring.

Later, dudes & dudettes....

huh?

I'm thinking "how the heck did we get here already?" in regards to both Christmas and the upcoming new year. I feel like I flunked Christmas in terms of crochet this year. I didn't make many presents, but I should have. I haven't even donated to charity as much as I usually do. I don't have a great reason for it, but it is what it is.
It's not like I don't have a stockpile of stuff already made, stuff that was made without any particular person in mind. I do, I'm just not  impressed with them now;) No reason why, just look at it and thing "blah". I do have that Fibonacci purple scarf, I liked the way it turned out. It was something a little different for me but I did enjoy it.
And I really loved working on the coral reef project. I missed the chance to help put it together, too much work, I missed the reception, my choice, because I was having my extended family over for an early Thanksgiving. I haven't even gotten around to uploading the photos! And I can't blame work or anything else for it except my growing addiction to Facebook and the most evil game of all, Farmtown. I have a farm, I have llamas, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and lots of flowers. If I took all the time I wasted on Farmtown... well, I probably would have wasted it doing something else unproductive.
Enough of my whining. I have to put the finishing touches on a scarf for my nephew's buddy and I guess I'm done. I didn't even make a list of what I wanted to make for Christmas crochet wise. The last few weeks I get totally nuts and start thinking "Yes, I'll crochet an ornament for everybody in my department. Heck, I'll do it for the whole company". This is a totally insane idea for a number of reasons because I don't like everybody I work with, why would I want to give them something I made.
Part of it is performance anxiety. Some people do not see the value in homemade items and think it's "cheap". I've only had one person piss and moan about I made for him and I should have known better than to make a thing for him. But I did, I know, I learned, end of sentence.
So if you have any time left to squeeze in some crochet, here's a site for you to check out:
http://www.bestfreecrochet.com/ 

_enjoy_

ain't it funny how time slips away...

I'm surprised it's been so long since I posted. I haven't been off saving the world or brokering peace, I've just been working a bit more than I usually do.  I think "oh, yeah, I'll post tomorrow"....but of course, something comes up at work or some such nonsense...but I have been crocheting.
I'd like to share this very funny video of the Goodies with you, it's called "String" which most of us can relate to, even if we're not threadies, check it out, I'll still be here when you come back...
Here's the link to The Goodies' "String":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7ogIuxegkQ

wasn't that silly fun? 

You may know that the first day of the coral reef exhibit was canceled due to a water main break. That really disappointed me because it probably was the best calendar date for me. After that, I got caught up in a whirlwind of yard work and work work and couldn't make any plans. It's just the way it is sometimes. I am planning to see it on sometime this week with my beloved and my younger son. I don't know if the older one is going to come or not, it's up to him. I have seen some video of the reef and I want to see it close up, to see where my pieces where placed. Of course, I am hoping for a prominent place and not the dust bin, but we will see what will happen.

While I was away, I managed to crochet some squares for charity (I need to send them out) and these 2 hats....

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60437538/black-cat-hat?ref=mt

and this one...



http://www.etsy.com/listing/60437252/panda-hat-adult-size?ref=v1_other_2


and I am working on 2 more similar hats. They are apparently very popular with young adults right now. I personally am thinking of making a tiger one for me. I mean, why not, they are fun to wear (that's me underneath the hats) and it will keep my head warm.

I hope it's not raining when I go to the Smithsonian. I generally don't mind the rain, but with the cooler weather it could be a yucky day. And walking in cold rain never thrills me.

That's all I got got for now...later...

oh deBBIE

Really, truly, I want to send you this book....but I don't have your address. So please contact me somehow, someway by Saturday, September 25, 2010 at midnight EST. Otherwise I will give the book to somebody else....



Here's another coral reef....

more coral reefer madness

okay, deBBie, where in the world are you? I really want to send your book, but I need an address....please contact me...

I turned in 17 pieces of crochet coral reef to the Smithsonian last Sunday. They had Margaret Wertheim there to discuss how the installation will go, where it will be in the Smithsonian (the museum with the big elephant). It was pretty cool...
Anyway, here's some more coral reef I did

large striped coral

all the coral reef together

hairy coral

Dazzle coral

so there is some more of it. The first one I posted in my last post, the green one, escaped the fate of the others - it was hiding in the dryer with the dryer ball. I ran it thru the dryer on air to dehair it...
_enjoy_

coral reefer madness

green coral reef

all finished coral reef (1)

finished coral reef

blue reef

orange reef

 

brain coral reef

purple reef

close up pf one part of the bleached reef

bleached coral reef

what I have been up to.....

Here's a few photos of what I have been up to....
okay, 1 photo, I think I need to resize my photos so they fit. Anyway, this is a turtle that one of my sons' ex-girlfriends asked me to make for her. She likes (obviously) the color purple.
I've been working on the coral reef project, but I think my photos are a little too big to load.
well, I got to go figure this out.....

Smithsonian Community Reef

Yesterday I had the fun of visiting Lovely Yarns, a yarn shop in Hampden (Baltimore). Lovely Yarns was holding a workshop for the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef project (www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/hreef/index.html) that will be displayed at the Natural History Museum from October 2010 to April 2011. You probably heard of the Coral Reef project traveling exhibit and this time it will be in Washington, D.C. They are asking local crocheters to contribute their own versions of the coral reef for the display. Much of the display will be from the Institute for Figuring, but they also use local crocheters. I had a great time and met people whose name I promptly forgot. I think there was a Jennifer, a Shannon, a Denise and maybe a Michelle. But I might be thinking "Michelle" because one of the participants reminded me of my cousin Michelle.
Anyway, Jennifer, (from the Smithsonian) came to do a talk on the history of coral reefs, the history of the hyperbolic crochet project and how the exhibit will be set up. You couldn't help being caught up in the love and enthusiasm she has for the project. I was already excited about it, but she definitely stoked the fire.
She recommend the Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes which I already have as a place to get a start. There are also patterns on the interweb that will help a crocheter craft a coral reef.
If you are interested in this project (you can mail your finished reefs), check out this web site http.crochetcoralreef.org for more information. I am currently working on a pink (wool) brain reef that has so far been a lot of fun. I intend to count the stitches when I finally finish it (I plan to use all 12 ounces of the pink yarn). I already have plans for more reefs to make. Yeah, I know I should be making that curtain I keep swearing I'm going to finish - especially after ripping so much out.  But really, how many chances does a person get to make something for display at the Smithsonian?
I'll keep you posted on my ongoing project.
_enjoy_

FM May 11, 2009

I am still working on the afghan for a baby girl. However, when I started sewing the motifs, I noticed just a few little problems. First, I needed 16 9 inch motifs. I figured after I sewed them together in a 4 by 4 formation, I'd add some trim to it and it would be close to about 40 inches square. One little problem - I only made _15_ squares. Okay, that means I have to make another one, not a bit deal. I could just go on sewing them together;) But there's another little problem. Six of the finished motifs have a total of 4 white rounds as edging the motif. Eight of the finished motifs have a total of 3 white rounds edging the motif. One motif needs to be edged and of course, there's the motif I have yet to make. I don't really have an excuse or anyone to blame it on except myself. I thought I was good at math, but I guess not;)


However, Margaret Wertheim happens to be great at math. Check out the video of M's Wertheim talking about hyperbolic crochet:
http://subrealism.blogspot.com/2009/05/hyperbolic-geometry-of-coral-and.html


This is called a "Bottega Veneta Mini Crochet Ball Bag" and it's
selling for $5,200.00. Yup, I said 52 hundred dollars. Is it worth it?
Not to me, but it's definitely worth taking a look at:
http://www.geekhandbags.com/bottega-veneta/weird-and-interesting-bottega-veneta-mini-crochet-ball-bag



For those who live near Smiley's Yarn in Woodhaven New York, they are
having a huge sale next week. I don't live anywhere near there :(
http://www.smileysyarns.com/ezshopper/store.htm


And Yarn Lady is having a moving sale, but again, I don't live
anywhere near Laguna Hills, California....
http://www.yarnlady.com/


How about some artwork in the form of a crochet picture by Moonglow:
http://www.orble.com/free-flower-picture-crochet-pattern/

Here are two lovely jackets by Doris J. Chan
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_circle_jacket.html
and
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_SS64W7_lacy_jacket.html


The beautiful "Maggie Wrap" from "Blueprint Crochet" by Robyn Chachula
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/08/maggie_wrap_free_crochet_patte.html


If you are brave enough to wear it, I present some bathing suit patterns

This one includes a hat and a cover-up
http://web.archive.org/web/20000511202511/http://www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/1114-186.html

This is just your basic crochet swim suit
http://web.archive.org/web/20010908163424/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/48-178bag.html

How about a crochet bikini
http://web.archive.org/web/20011030175418/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/B-772.html

Or another bikini - the "Mimosa" bikini
http://www.adriafil.com/html/img/riviste/mag40/modelli/file_istruzioni/uk/4-5.pdf

This site has a free pattern a day and allows you to check back for 2 weeks of their earlier free patterns
http://www.dailycrocheter.com/day.php


As usual, no economic incentives have been given to me to post these sites.
_enjoy_

Freebie Monday April 27, 2009

I've spent so much time at work, I don't even have time to crochet. But I'm still crocheting when I can. Too bad I can't crochet with my feet.....

If you're in the Maryland area, the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
is this coming weekend. There's a lot to look at (from sheep to
shawl, various exhibits of needlework with wool) and of course, lots
to buy - if you choose to. Currently they are calling for rain on the festival days, but that will probably change 6 times before Saturday. If you want to buy any of the festival gear (t-shirt, bag), I'd advise buying it online. The line is extremely long at the festival and while you're in line, waiting for your stuff, somebody else (maybe me) will be buying up all the good yarn and accessories. Admission is free
http://sheepandwool.org/

For those of you around Portland, Oregon, you might want to check out the Mandy Greer exhibit at the MCC - here's a little taste
http://www.fiberarts.com/back_issues/April-May-2009/mandy-greer.asp

This coral reef video shows the relationship between the math and the crocheted coral reef.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/margaret_wertheim_crochets_the_coral_reef.html


How to crochet a bunny nose (among other things)
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-crochet-bunny-nose/

Here's a cool beret pattern from Australia
http://cats-rockin-crochet.blogspot.com/2009/04/beret-with-simple-cross-stitch-free.h

How about having a ball? Here's a free Roxycraft toy pattern
http://www.roxycraft.com/crochet_play_ball.htm

This is cool looking - a v-stitch hat
http://www.crochetcabana.com/Patterns/Hats/sassy-stripes-double-v-hat.pdf

And here's what you could really use - a free crochet pattern from SweaterBabe
http://www.sweaterbabe.com/wwmag/

This is for a boy's fishing hat, but you could decorate it any way you wanted to
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2007/08/gone-fishin-boys-hat-c.html

The designer for this one (and she knows best, she designed it) said this is a great little doily. But I think it could make a great motif for an afghan. You check it out and decided for yourself.
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/doilies/f111011simplysmall.shtml


This is so pretty - it's called "Mollie Flowers"
http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/2009/04/mollie-flowers-the-tutorial.html

As usual, I receive no payola for listing these links. I will be at the Sheep and Wool and if they want to shower me with gifts I will take them, but I doubt that's going to happen;)

FM 4/28/08

Do you have a small doll that needs some clothes? This might be a good place to look for patterns.
http://www.geocities.com/crochet_crafters/patterns/patindex.html

I have made many, many afghans made of motifs - as I'm sure most crocheters do. Here's an easier way to join all thoise motifs.
http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/joining_squares3a.htm


Want to try some freeform for a good cause - breast cancer.
http://www.knotjustknitting.com/

Krenik (to me) is better known for their embroidery thread. But here's some crochet patterns for their various projects:
Click here: Kreinik Manufacturing Co., Inc. :: Freebies :: Crochet & Knitting

Here's a new fashion crochet magazine that debuts June 15, 2008: http://chiqmag.com/

Crochet (as well as knit) patterns by yarn type:
http://www.straw.com/cpy/free_pattern_yarnssort.html#choo

The hyperbolic crochet reef project visits New York.
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/episodes/2008/04/08/segments/96377

Here's a Scandinavian snow white bikini for the (relatively) short Scanfinavian summer.
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=99&d_id=28&lang=en

Want to make a hackey sack? Here you go:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-crochet-a-ball-or-a-hackey-sack/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

This is a pattern for a natural alternative for plastic pants that cover diapers. Definitely better than plastic pants.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Modern-Homesteading/1976-09-01/Woolen-Diaper-Covers.aspx

Ready for a crochet talk show - with the "cheerleader for crochet" Dee Stanizano?
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Mary-Beth-Temple
Crochet and Dee Staniziano

The "crochet dude", Drew Emborsky, has a free afghan pattern posted, based on Frank Lloyd Wright's work.
http://www.creativehomeartsclub.com/Projects/Project.aspx?id=104502
Drew Emborsky also has a book coming out later this year, "The Crochet Dude Designs For Guys".

Need an oven towel? I do. Here's a tutorial for one:
http://bunks.wordpress.com/2008/04/23/oven-towel-tutorial/

Sometimes, I need to see a stitch being worked to really understand it. This tutorial for the diagonal box stitch is good.
http://www.crochetcabana.com/stitches/diag-box-st.htm


It doesn't have anything to do with crochet, but it's a little something to think about:
http://amyoops.blogspot.com/2008/04/some-deep-thinking-for-today.html

as usual, no kickbacks for me

_enjoy_

FM 3/17/08

You have to remember that I worked as a volunteer for a little over a year at ther National Aquarium in Baltimore to hunderstand my obsession with a hyperbolic crochet reef project:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/arts/design/04crochet.html?_r=1&ref=environment&oref=slogin

This site has a lot of answers to your crochet questions and can direct you where to find tutorials on various techniques:
http://www.crochet911.com/home.html

Carolyn Christmas' website, free as well as pay patterns. These are terrific:
http://www.gourmetcrochet.com/

I was looking for a frog pattern and I came across this particular gem - a tree frog pattern. If you got a frog lover in your life, here you go:
http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/tutorial-tree-frog.html

Want to learn more about fair use? Check out this website
http://hookandi.blogspot.com/2008/03/fair-use.html

It's not quite clear to me what counterfeit crochet is, but this certainly_sounds_ interesting:
http://stephaniesyjuco.wordpress.com/2008/03/10/wanted-counterfeiters-for-live-bootlegging-event-328/


This is a cool thing to crochet with sock yarn (or any other yarn for that matter). I can't quite explain what it is except a sort of pointy ball thing:
Click here: Berroco® Free Pattern | Celestine Crochet

If you need comfort or somebody you know needs some comfort, check out Noreen Crone-Findlay's bear pattern. Who couldn't use some comfort?
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/crocheted-comfort-bear-by-noreen-crone-findlayc

Do you remember the Leggs pantyhose that came in an egg? I do. Here's some free patterns that use the egg - or you could just use some stuffing.
http://www.sarahanns.com/crochetworks/cwhome.html

Easter is almost here and the stores are filled with yummy chocolate. But if you want to give your waist (or hips) a break, this site has a zero calorie "Cadbury Creme Egg".
http://mama24boyz.blogspot.com/

I have never worked with lace weight yarn, but this shawl pattern makes me want to buy some and test the pattern.
http://milobo.wordpress.com/2008/01/24/evas-shawl-pattern/


Have you ever crocheted socks? Or a Christmas stocking? How about a crochet (and knit) sock contest? Read the rules and regulations here and_good_ luck_!
http://thinkoutsidethesox.com/SOX/Categories_Text.html


This is a really cool idea - wildlife rescue nests.
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/nest.html

I'm a fool for pansies and this afghan is lovely:
http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/crochet-afghan-patternsie.html


This is a really cool looking square.
http://www.heartmadeblessings.org/patterns/BobbysSquare.asp

And this isn't free and it's only marginally about crochet but here it is:
http://www.petitiononline.com/1234lulu/petition.html
This is a petition to get Vickie Howell and "Knitty Gritty" back for another season. I think M's Howell is a terrific hostess and I do watch "Knitty Gritty" every chance I get. I don't knit, but I like to see the techniques because they do translate to crochet and I like the guests as well as M's Howell. So if you want to sign the petition, that's the site for it.

Before I sign off for this post, I'd like to thank all of you who have sent condolences to me regarding the death of my grandmother. It really means a lot to me.