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_
Showing posts with label Jean Leinhauser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jean Leinhauser. Show all posts
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thursday, July 24, 2008
the Masters class
Quite a few folks asked me to post the ins and outs of the Master of Basic Crochet Stitches class, so I thought I'd do that today, since I am exhausted from mopping the kitchen floor yesterday (yeah, really, and it's a small kitchen. And no, Craig didn't know I was doing that.)
I had kicked the idea around of taking the class for quite some time. First I was like "hey, what can they teach _me_?" alternating with "suppose I'm _not_ good enough?" But gradually my curiosity regarding the class got the better of me and I decided I could learn something new from taking the class - maybe an easier/better way of doing things. So I wrote the check and filled out the application and waited.
The form I got was probably 4 pages long, front and back. I was supposed to do the required number of swatches with the directions given to me. The materials are specified - smooth light colored yarn so it's easier to see the stitches. I used the Red Heart Super Savers in white, eggshell, mint green and light purple. I had to get sports yarn, so I chose Lion Brand MicroSpun for that project. I also had to get (*gasp*) cotton thread, size 10 to use for a filet project
There are other requirements besides yarns and threads. I had to get some 3 ring binders to use to contain the portfolio I was creating. I also purchased those acrylic see thru sheets (some people use them for recipes or patterns) and blank tags, like those used for a yard sale. I would crochet and number the swatch and put down all the requested info - type of yarn used, hook, etc. I decided to get two storage boxes to store the yarn and the swatches plus some of the books I used for help. You can use any book you choose, but you have to reference what you used. This is where all the experience I had doing term papers in high school came in handy;) (finally). There are instructions given for some of the swatches but not all.
I started off making the "easy" swatches first - the single and double crochet ones - and labeling them. I tackled the filet crochet piece last. And I didn't do such a hot job on it. As Bendy Carter explained to me, I was doing "shadow filet" - not the normal two double crochets in the space but only one. The piece sort of looked like the display piece, but not exactly. (There were no instructions given for this piece. I enlarged the photo at work to figure out what I needed to do.)
I had to redo that piece. I wasn't thrilled about it, but now I had some new toys - the Boye interchangable steel hook set. I had looked for the Comfort Grip Clover steel hooks, but they didn't have the size I needed. My second attempt at thread with a steel hook came out much better.
I also had trouble with the gauge. I can make items to gauge, done it many times, but I can't seem to put the explanation into words. It doesn't make sense, but there you are. I also had trouble with cables. They just didn't pop out enough.
M's Carter emailed me as well as phoned me. (I couldn't seem to email her except thru one email provider, the other never reached her.) She went over what I did correctly and what I needed to correct. I corrected the necessary items and sent them back to be judged. I have to admit, I was nervous about it. You either pass or fail, there is no refund on the money (and of course not the time) spent. So I was _thrilled_ when I finally got the news that I had passed.
Now keep in mind this is just my experience with the class. It's probably been updated and modified since I took it. I had a year to complete it and though a year seems long, it really isn't because of course other things like life get in the way. So I'd advise if you're going to do this class, commit to making the time for it - whether it's an evening a week or whatever time you can squeeze out along the way. You probably are more organized than I am, but I really needed to make myself crochet the swatches and answer questions on a regular basis.
The swatch part is easy compared to the questions - what if you did this or that, how would that change the look of the swatch, that sort of thing. I scribbled notes as I went along and kept them in the same place I kept my supplies. When I had the notes to about five of the swatches, I used a word processing program to transcribe my notes. I wanted whoever was going to judge the swatches and the answers to be able to read what I had written.
When I was finished to my satisfaction, I set three 3 ring binders up for my portfolio and divided the swatches into sections. I relabeled the swatches with the proper information. If I could have figured out a way to type the swatch info and attach it, I would haved done that. I set up a table of contents for each binder and included a bibliography for the books I used. I also made sure I put all the labels for the yarn that I used in a separate holder (it's in the directions). I cross referenced this with the name of the yarn and what swatches were made from each particular yarn or thread. I intended to present an organized portfolio to the judge.
I was fortunate because M's Carter corrected me. You can just be rejected without any hope of trying to correct what you have done wrong, so I was certainly happy that didn't happen to me. But it was a concern of mine and I'd advise anyone who would take the class to take the time to found the directions to the letter on how the portfolio should be set up. When I took the class, you couldn't ask any questions about what was expected or any pattern advice. I don't know if that has changed or not, but sometimes I felt as if I was wandering around stubbing my toes in the dark. When I felt like that, I would put it away for a little while and try not to stress over it. I'd pour over magazines and books and of course, the online crochet groups trying to figure out what to do next. I never got any specific advice as such, but sometimes a nugget of knowledge would come my way without me asking the question. It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears and that must have been the case for me.
I hope this clears up any questions about the class. As I have said, I started mine in 2007 and it has probably been changed by this time. If you have any general questions about the course, I'll be happy to answer them if I can. I don't know if CGOA has changed its stance on answering questions regarding the course, but you can certainly try them for information.
Remember, mileage may vary. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa.
I had kicked the idea around of taking the class for quite some time. First I was like "hey, what can they teach _me_?" alternating with "suppose I'm _not_ good enough?" But gradually my curiosity regarding the class got the better of me and I decided I could learn something new from taking the class - maybe an easier/better way of doing things. So I wrote the check and filled out the application and waited.
The form I got was probably 4 pages long, front and back. I was supposed to do the required number of swatches with the directions given to me. The materials are specified - smooth light colored yarn so it's easier to see the stitches. I used the Red Heart Super Savers in white, eggshell, mint green and light purple. I had to get sports yarn, so I chose Lion Brand MicroSpun for that project. I also had to get (*gasp*) cotton thread, size 10 to use for a filet project
There are other requirements besides yarns and threads. I had to get some 3 ring binders to use to contain the portfolio I was creating. I also purchased those acrylic see thru sheets (some people use them for recipes or patterns) and blank tags, like those used for a yard sale. I would crochet and number the swatch and put down all the requested info - type of yarn used, hook, etc. I decided to get two storage boxes to store the yarn and the swatches plus some of the books I used for help. You can use any book you choose, but you have to reference what you used. This is where all the experience I had doing term papers in high school came in handy;) (finally). There are instructions given for some of the swatches but not all.
I started off making the "easy" swatches first - the single and double crochet ones - and labeling them. I tackled the filet crochet piece last. And I didn't do such a hot job on it. As Bendy Carter explained to me, I was doing "shadow filet" - not the normal two double crochets in the space but only one. The piece sort of looked like the display piece, but not exactly. (There were no instructions given for this piece. I enlarged the photo at work to figure out what I needed to do.)
I had to redo that piece. I wasn't thrilled about it, but now I had some new toys - the Boye interchangable steel hook set. I had looked for the Comfort Grip Clover steel hooks, but they didn't have the size I needed. My second attempt at thread with a steel hook came out much better.
I also had trouble with the gauge. I can make items to gauge, done it many times, but I can't seem to put the explanation into words. It doesn't make sense, but there you are. I also had trouble with cables. They just didn't pop out enough.
M's Carter emailed me as well as phoned me. (I couldn't seem to email her except thru one email provider, the other never reached her.) She went over what I did correctly and what I needed to correct. I corrected the necessary items and sent them back to be judged. I have to admit, I was nervous about it. You either pass or fail, there is no refund on the money (and of course not the time) spent. So I was _thrilled_ when I finally got the news that I had passed.
Now keep in mind this is just my experience with the class. It's probably been updated and modified since I took it. I had a year to complete it and though a year seems long, it really isn't because of course other things like life get in the way. So I'd advise if you're going to do this class, commit to making the time for it - whether it's an evening a week or whatever time you can squeeze out along the way. You probably are more organized than I am, but I really needed to make myself crochet the swatches and answer questions on a regular basis.
The swatch part is easy compared to the questions - what if you did this or that, how would that change the look of the swatch, that sort of thing. I scribbled notes as I went along and kept them in the same place I kept my supplies. When I had the notes to about five of the swatches, I used a word processing program to transcribe my notes. I wanted whoever was going to judge the swatches and the answers to be able to read what I had written.
When I was finished to my satisfaction, I set three 3 ring binders up for my portfolio and divided the swatches into sections. I relabeled the swatches with the proper information. If I could have figured out a way to type the swatch info and attach it, I would haved done that. I set up a table of contents for each binder and included a bibliography for the books I used. I also made sure I put all the labels for the yarn that I used in a separate holder (it's in the directions). I cross referenced this with the name of the yarn and what swatches were made from each particular yarn or thread. I intended to present an organized portfolio to the judge.
I was fortunate because M's Carter corrected me. You can just be rejected without any hope of trying to correct what you have done wrong, so I was certainly happy that didn't happen to me. But it was a concern of mine and I'd advise anyone who would take the class to take the time to found the directions to the letter on how the portfolio should be set up. When I took the class, you couldn't ask any questions about what was expected or any pattern advice. I don't know if that has changed or not, but sometimes I felt as if I was wandering around stubbing my toes in the dark. When I felt like that, I would put it away for a little while and try not to stress over it. I'd pour over magazines and books and of course, the online crochet groups trying to figure out what to do next. I never got any specific advice as such, but sometimes a nugget of knowledge would come my way without me asking the question. It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears and that must have been the case for me.
I hope this clears up any questions about the class. As I have said, I started mine in 2007 and it has probably been changed by this time. If you have any general questions about the course, I'll be happy to answer them if I can. I don't know if CGOA has changed its stance on answering questions regarding the course, but you can certainly try them for information.
Remember, mileage may vary. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
drum roll, please;)
Here's the winners for the drawing -
Pat Johnson won the "101 Crochet Squares" - please contact me with your address at
robin/andersen9/@/gmail/.com (please read between the lines;)
Alia, I have already contacted you for your information.
Thank you, one and all for your congratulations and good wishes. I'll be back later with the freebies, I got to go clean up, I've been having a "dirt manicure"
Pat Johnson won the "101 Crochet Squares" - please contact me with your address at
robin/andersen9/@/gmail/.com (please read between the lines;)
Alia, I have already contacted you for your information.
Thank you, one and all for your congratulations and good wishes. I'll be back later with the freebies, I got to go clean up, I've been having a "dirt manicure"
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Celebrate!
I got my "Masters of Basic Crochet Stitches" certificate yesterday in the mail. I am so _thrilled_. My sons made fun of me because "what is it Mom, just crochet a couple little things?"...
But it's a lot more than that - it's swatches and essay type answers. I did learn a lot....
So to celebrate my academic achievement, I will be doing a drawing for 2 books - one each by the lovely crochet women that helped me along the way.
The first one is "Crochet on the Edge" by Belinda "Bendy" Carter. She was the person who went over my swatches and patiently explained what I needed to correct.
The second one is "101 Crocheted Squares" by Jean Leinhauser. She was also extremely helpful to me.
If you want to enter the drawing, leave a comment on this post by June 14, 2008. You can only win _1_ book so if you have a definite preference (maybe you already have 1 and not the other), please state which one you'd prefer. Otherwise it will be up to my discretion. I will announce the winner on June 15, 2008. Enter as often as you like.
But it's a lot more than that - it's swatches and essay type answers. I did learn a lot....
So to celebrate my academic achievement, I will be doing a drawing for 2 books - one each by the lovely crochet women that helped me along the way.
The first one is "Crochet on the Edge" by Belinda "Bendy" Carter. She was the person who went over my swatches and patiently explained what I needed to correct.
The second one is "101 Crocheted Squares" by Jean Leinhauser. She was also extremely helpful to me.
If you want to enter the drawing, leave a comment on this post by June 14, 2008. You can only win _1_ book so if you have a definite preference (maybe you already have 1 and not the other), please state which one you'd prefer. Otherwise it will be up to my discretion. I will announce the winner on June 15, 2008. Enter as often as you like.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
FM 3/3/08
If you have crocheted for any length of time, you know the patterns of Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. Here is their new website:
http://www.creativepartnersllc.com/Free_Patterns.html
March is National Crochet Month and this blogger has some great ideas for it:
http://www.shadetreearts.com/crochetblog/?p=299
I've only sold in 1 craft show and that was a very long time ago. My sister keeps trying to convince me to try again, but I don't know - the timing never seems to be right. But this is a blog definitely worth reading if you're interedted in doing craft shows:
http://crochetcoalition.blogspot.com/2008_02_24_archive.ht
You've got that sweatshirt you were going to paint, but the paints are all dried up and you really don't want to invest more money in fabric paint. I hear you. So check this pattern out:
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/sweatshirt-cardigan-crochet-embellished/2008/02/17/
I thought this was totally cool. a Betty Boop pot holder. My youngest sister is a Betty Boop fan.
http://www.craftown.com/crochet/baz1.htm
Here's an Irish crochet pattern for a shamrock. You could make a pin with it.
http://crochet-patterns-techniques.suite101.com/article.cfm/irish_crochet_shamrock
Just learning how to crochet or need a little help? Here's a site for you:
http://tipnut.com/learn-how-to-crochet-free-resource-guide/
Tetris is my favorite video game. I started what I called a "Tetris blanket" but ended up making the run of the mill granny afghan with my pieces. But I still have more granny squares, so this looks pretty cool to me.
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/tetris-granny-square-blanket/
Easter is March 23 this year - you might want to crochet the Easter eggs for the hunt just in case the hunt is called on account of snow. You definitely don't want hard boiled eggs sitting in your yard for a few weeks.
http://knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/easter_egg_crochet_pattern
Here's a cool belt pattern for those of you who want to emphasize your waistline;)
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/crochet_belts
This is a great blog that deals with probably the most ignored stitch in crochet, the slip stitch.
http://ayarnifiedlife.blogspot.com/2008/02/slip-stitch-crochet-tips.html
You can read a Stephen Kingish type story and learn how to crochet an axe at this webstie.
http://theanticraft.com/archive/imbolc08/splitter.htm
This is a crochet along that should be perfect for lots of people, including me - "Small Crochet", where it's okay to make those little toys:
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2008/03/01/welcome-to-small-crochet/
As usual, no kickbacks. _enjoy_
http://www.creativepartnersllc
March is National Crochet Month and this blogger has some great ideas for it:
http://www.shadetreearts.com
I've only sold in 1 craft show and that was a very long time ago. My sister keeps trying to convince me to try again, but I don't know - the timing never seems to be right. But this is a blog definitely worth reading if you're interedted in doing craft shows:
http://crochetcoalition
You've got that sweatshirt you were going to paint, but the paints are all dried up and you really don't want to invest more money in fabric paint. I hear you. So check this pattern out:
http://crochet.craftgossip.com
I thought this was totally cool. a Betty Boop pot holder. My youngest sister is a Betty Boop fan.
http://www.craftown.com
Here's an Irish crochet pattern for a shamrock. You could make a pin with it.
http://crochet-patterns
Just learning how to crochet or need a little help? Here's a site for you:
http://tipnut.com/learn-how-to
Tetris is my favorite video game. I started what I called a "Tetris blanket" but ended up making the run of the mill granny afghan with my pieces. But I still have more granny squares, so this looks pretty cool to me.
http://crochetalong.wordpress
Easter is March 23 this year - you might want to crochet the Easter eggs for the hunt just in case the hunt is called on account of snow. You definitely don't want hard boiled eggs sitting in your yard for a few weeks.
http://knittingcrochet.suite101
Here's a cool belt pattern for those of you who want to emphasize your waistline;)
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/crochet_belts
This is a great blog that deals with probably the most ignored stitch in crochet, the slip stitch.
http://ayarnifiedlife.blogspot
You can read a Stephen Kingish type story and learn how to crochet an axe at this webstie.
http://theanticraft.com
This is a crochet along that should be perfect for lots of people, including me - "Small Crochet", where it's okay to make those little toys:
http://crochetalong.wordpress
As usual, no kickbacks. _enjoy_
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Happy Boxing Day......
well, it's the day after Christmas & time to "box" things for the service folk in your life - if you're the type of person that does that sort of thing.....I guess I'm not as I haven't done it.
I got some great Christmas gifts, 2 killer gifts from my sons (who were also good enough to fix Christmas dinner at their place and clean up afterwards - themselves. Excellent turkey dinner)
One is "Crochet Embellishments" by Jean Leinhauser and the other book is "Everyday Crochet" by Doris Chan. Pretty cool books.
But I thought I'd take a poll and publish the results on January 15, 2008. If you're interested in participating, here's the questions:
1) Top crochet books of 2007. If you give the title of an e-book, please give the website. For a book to qualify as a "top crochet book", at least 50% of the patterns have to be crochet. Why? Because I said so;)
2) How many projects do you estimate you made this year? How many were gifts? How many for charity? And did you really make something for yourself this year and if so, what was it?
3) Christmas gifts - a _lot_ of people crochet Christmas gifts. Did you? Did you finish in time? My youngest sister offered to give me a new hobby this year - cross stitch;) She's making a cute bunny picture but didn't quite finish it. I said no, I have enough hobbies;)
4) What project are you looking forward to doing in 2008? Any crcochet challenges or crochet alongs? Maybe trying a new technique?
5) Your blogs or your favorite blogs or both. I'm always curious to see what other folks are writing about.
That's it, inquiring minds want to know;)
Please just put the answers in the "comments" section or you can email me at blazelaflame at g m a i l (.) c o m (you know the proper way, just trying to avoid spambots).
Thanks!
_enjoy_
I got some great Christmas gifts, 2 killer gifts from my sons (who were also good enough to fix Christmas dinner at their place and clean up afterwards - themselves. Excellent turkey dinner)
One is "Crochet Embellishments" by Jean Leinhauser and the other book is "Everyday Crochet" by Doris Chan. Pretty cool books.
But I thought I'd take a poll and publish the results on January 15, 2008. If you're interested in participating, here's the questions:
1) Top crochet books of 2007. If you give the title of an e-book, please give the website. For a book to qualify as a "top crochet book", at least 50% of the patterns have to be crochet. Why? Because I said so;)
2) How many projects do you estimate you made this year? How many were gifts? How many for charity? And did you really make something for yourself this year and if so, what was it?
3) Christmas gifts - a _lot_ of people crochet Christmas gifts. Did you? Did you finish in time? My youngest sister offered to give me a new hobby this year - cross stitch;) She's making a cute bunny picture but didn't quite finish it. I said no, I have enough hobbies;)
4) What project are you looking forward to doing in 2008? Any crcochet challenges or crochet alongs? Maybe trying a new technique?
5) Your blogs or your favorite blogs or both. I'm always curious to see what other folks are writing about.
That's it, inquiring minds want to know;)
Please just put the answers in the "comments" section or you can email me at blazelaflame at g m a i l (.) c o m (you know the proper way, just trying to avoid spambots).
Thanks!
_enjoy_
Sunday, March 11, 2007
something about PussyFoot
I crocheted a small round bed for her, which she sleeps on a lot. She had surgery late last year to remove 2 cancerous growths and we weren't quite sure how she was going to handle it. She has come back pretty good. She even has a new favorite cat toy - a pattern by Jean Leinhauser of a cat toy. She will run up and bat it around. Since she's at least 14 years old, I'm surprised how kittenish she is with the toy.
So in honor of the pattern writer of PussyFoot's new fave toy, I have a link to an interview with Jean Leinhauser.
http://www.crochetinsider.com/JeanLeinhauser.html
Link
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