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
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Thursday, February 02, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
and now the end is near...
oh wait, this isn't Frank Sinatra singing "My Way". It's just it's the end of the year and it seems like this year sped by.
Here's a few things I learned this year: Charity work is good, but don't pick a lot of different charities to crochet for because you probably won't have the time - just saying.
In my part of the world, the economy hasn't "recovered" from the "recession". I put quotes around those words because although the media seems to think there has been a complete recovery, it hasn't happened here (yet?) and I know more than a few people who live in different parts of the US that say pretty much the same thing. So I need to work on my (huge) stash and also swap/sell/whatever the yarn I probably won't use. I have 3 skeins of beautiful bulky autumn varigated yarn. It's gorgeous. But it's wool and the likelihood of my using it is between slim and none. Wool makes my throat and sinuses clog up and that doesn't make for an enjoyable crochet project for me. Why did I buy it? It was gorgeous and I hadn't connected the dots between the watery eyes and my use of wool. (I bet you thought I was going to say "it was on sale";)) But don't worry, I have plenty of yarn.
That if I really plan to make some Christmas gifts or ornaments, the time to start is _now_...well, actually after I get thru the few projects I didn't finish for 2011.And yes, I got projects that go back a few years that aren't finished, unfortunately.
but it's a quiet night, I'm in my jammies so I'm not going to beat myself up about this anymore. I finish what I can, that's all I can do. I want to have more fun with my crochet instead of trying to rush through a project to start a new one. I think my wrist would also appreciate it. It gets pretty bad at work and sometimes (_eeek_) I don't want to crochet when I get home. I know, sounds crazy.
So I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year, I hope the New Year brings you all you could possibly want and to enjoy your crocheting.
Happy New Year
Here's a few things I learned this year: Charity work is good, but don't pick a lot of different charities to crochet for because you probably won't have the time - just saying.
In my part of the world, the economy hasn't "recovered" from the "recession". I put quotes around those words because although the media seems to think there has been a complete recovery, it hasn't happened here (yet?) and I know more than a few people who live in different parts of the US that say pretty much the same thing. So I need to work on my (huge) stash and also swap/sell/whatever the yarn I probably won't use. I have 3 skeins of beautiful bulky autumn varigated yarn. It's gorgeous. But it's wool and the likelihood of my using it is between slim and none. Wool makes my throat and sinuses clog up and that doesn't make for an enjoyable crochet project for me. Why did I buy it? It was gorgeous and I hadn't connected the dots between the watery eyes and my use of wool. (I bet you thought I was going to say "it was on sale";)) But don't worry, I have plenty of yarn.
That if I really plan to make some Christmas gifts or ornaments, the time to start is _now_...well, actually after I get thru the few projects I didn't finish for 2011.And yes, I got projects that go back a few years that aren't finished, unfortunately.
but it's a quiet night, I'm in my jammies so I'm not going to beat myself up about this anymore. I finish what I can, that's all I can do. I want to have more fun with my crochet instead of trying to rush through a project to start a new one. I think my wrist would also appreciate it. It gets pretty bad at work and sometimes (_eeek_) I don't want to crochet when I get home. I know, sounds crazy.
So I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year, I hope the New Year brings you all you could possibly want and to enjoy your crocheting.
Happy New Year
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, Joyous Kwaanza
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Night Before Christmas for Crocheters
Twas the Night before Christmas (for crocheters
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!"
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