Yarn Resolutions for 2013

Several blogs I read are putting up "Year in Review" posts - sharing projects from the last 365. I think my biggest finish was the Beast-Ghan. It took first place in the State Fair and was quite an accomplishment due to the general size of the ... well.... beast.

I am not sure I'm ready to go digging through the remainder of my posts to try and figure out what is good to share again.

So what can I do... I can make resolutions!

I have never set resolutions before - not even for my regular life. I have lost weight (and gained weight) all without the help of some spoken promise on January 1. But this year, I am going to make some resolutions for my yarn life.

*takes a deep breath*

On a Winter's Day

(c) The Man: backyard lanterns (that probably need put away)

I feel somewhat obligated to make a last day of the year post. Many of the blogs I follow have been doing "round up" type posts, sharing images they have posted throughout the year - projects completed... projects in progress. Today for me has been slow and relaxing which is nothing to complain about.

Year of Projects 2: Update 15

Project Percentage Complete: 48%

Overall Percentage Complete: 35%

Number of Project Items: 98
Number of Added Items: 63
Total Items: 161

Total Completed Project Items: 47
Total Completed Items: 57

Building Traditions

I wholeheartedly believe families need tradition - things that they do that are special to each and every one in that family - to make them feel part of that family. They do not have to be major events nor do they need to be expensive - and this year, our family started a new tradition: handmade gifts.

We decided, about two months ago, to draw names. Each one of us pulled a name from the pile and that was the person we would make a gift for. Now - you could get that person more than one gift, you could get EVERYONE a gift if you wanted - but at least one gift for the person you drew had to be handmade. This is a continuation of something my dad's side of the family did at our family gathering - it was meant to keep things simple although I have to admit, some pretty funny gifts were made. Everyone really liked doing it and I hoped my family would too.

I was skeptical at first with how DC and Squirt would take it - would they take it seriously? Would they try their hardest?

What to do with Irish Wool...

(c) KerryWoollenMills.ie

A couple years ago my oldest, Rabbit, treated herself to a trip to Ireland as a gift for her college graduation.

On this trip, she brought me home a hank of yarn from Aran Sweater Market from Kerry Woollen Mills in Ireland. The color is "Raspberry Fleck" and seems to have come from Aran Sweater Market - while I do not know much about either of these locations, I do know I have some awesome wool from my oldest that needs to be crafted into something!

Christmas Giving

The Man wearing his Illini Orange and Blue Scarf

Tis the Season!

First and foremost, I want to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas (even if a day late) and a Happy New Year (which is not late at all).

This is a post to share all the items I gave for Christmas. I've been ITCHING to share them with you, no pun intended (wool... yarn... crochet... itch? *chuckles)

Crafting for Christmas

Squirt modeling the billed cap made on Christmas Eve

I think many fiber artists pick up yarn and hook/needle to create for the holidays. I'm not sure if your family is like mine or not - but homemade gifts are expected.

In light of both of those statements, I have no idea how many pick up their yarn on Christmas Eve ... I do.

Year of Projects 2: Update 14

Project Percentage Complete: 48%

Overall Percentage Complete: 35%

Number of Project Items: 98
Number of Added Items: 60
Total Items: 158

Total Completed Project Items: 47
Total Completed Items: 55

My Christmas Tree

My Christmas Tree is not a Christmas Tree of beauty and coordinating colors - in fact, it is quite the opposite.

Let me back up a wee bit - I do not like commercialized Christmas. Anyone who knows me well knows this. The idea that people run themselves straight in to debt to simply buy presents because they *have to* or people who decorate their houses like Clark Griswold - it all simply annoys me. I don't mind it overall as long as I know that those people are truly celebrating Christmas as it was meant - to celebrate the birth of our Lord Savior, Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary.

WIP Wednesday

*stretches arms*

A'right - wow, two posts in one week. Go me!

This post is reserved for WIP Wednesday, although I must admit - I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to post about. The projects I'm currently working on are kinda "secret" - especially the one I am going to go work on when I close the lid of my laptop.

So alas, what do I show you?

Year of Projects 2: Update 13

Project Percentage Complete: 48%

Overall Percentage Complete: 87%

Number of Project Items: 98
Number of Added Items: 60
Total Items: 158

Total Completed Project Items: 47
Total Completed Items: 52

Blog Maintenance

Having been away for quite a bit, I returned to many new functions within blogger - which is nice. Granted, I could migrate away from the disqus comment box; however, blogger has yet to allow replying to a customized theme - you can use replies as long as your theme is not modified - which mine is... which leaves me to continue using disqus. Its not a bad tool - I'd just like to have it as self-contained within blogger as possible.

Another change you will notice is that I have switched over to Google+. They offered some more functionality, which I really liked - I had a generic Google+ account so I edited it for use with my Crochet with Cris blog - so now I'm "Cris Crochets" over there. YAY. I did add the gadget for being able to +1 the blog (if you feel so inclined). You can also follow me on Google+ if you would like. I did not add the listing of my Google+ Followers simply because I have not put any of the followers gadgets on the blog and I figured its best not to start now. That right bar is awful full as it stands!

I did have the option of a translation gadget but honestly - I don't think all the posts would translate well, especially the patterns. What do you think? Should I add it anyway and hope for the best when people go to use it?

Hmmmm I think that's about all I changed today.

I do plan on trying to update/cleanup my Year of Projects posts. Other than a few items and a kabillion ruffle scarves, I think I have been sticking to my list rather closely - which is kinda odd for me.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday!
God Bless,
Cris

Holiday Entitlement?

the kiddos 'n me

This post is very much not crochet related although it does touch on crafting.... a little. Its a little bit more of a combination of a rant, confusion of modern society, and the idea of how people are raising their children with a sense of entitlement they really don't deserve.

Picking up the virtual pen...

I have lulled over the idea of writing another post on my forum to let everyone know that I am actually ok. I'm still here. I'm still crocheting... I did not, contrary to popular belief, fall off the face of the Earth.

But what have I been up to?

Year of Projects 2: Week 12

Project Percentage Complete: 44%

Overall Percentage Complete: 44%

Number of Project Items: 99
Number of Added Items:6
Total Items: 105

Total Completed Project Items: 44
Total Completed Items: 46

[Re]Creating Memories

I was 12 when this photo was taken. My brother, in worn out denim with dirt stains, was 16. His loyal Plott hound, Shadow was 4 (according to my mother's handwriting on the back of the photo).

Their relationship was a made-for-tv-movie about a boy and his dog.

The blanket in this photo had already seen so much use by this time - I don't even know exactly when he got it. It was faded, dingy, stained, and pilled.... and it was loved.

Year of Projects 2: Week 11

Project Percentage Complete: 42%

Overall Percentage Complete: 41%

Number of Project Items: 99
Number of Added Items: 5
Total Items: 104

Total Completed Project Items: 42
Total Completed Items: 43

Year of Projects 2: Week 8

Project Percentage Complete: 42%

Overall Percentage Complete: 41%

Number of Project Items: 99
Number of Added Items: 5
Total Items: 104

Total Completed Project Items: 42
Total Completed Items: 43

The State Fair

I promised a post showing different crafts at the State Fair - and here it is! I finally got some time to pull the pictures from my camera (yes, I still use a camera... I don't have a smart phone) and get them loaded to the computer. This will be a very image intense post so get ready!

Of course, the first picture is the beast-ghan with it's blue ribbon. The afghan above it looked like a log cabin type granny square and won third in the same category (crocheted in multiple pieces).

[Video] Surface Crocheting Down a Round Ripple

If you are looking to spruce up a round ripple, this can be an interesting technique for you. It's a little different than standard surface crochet simply because you have to accommodate for the height of various stitches. Please feel free to leave a comment or any questions you may have.

Year of Projects 2: Week 7

Project Percentage Complete: 41%

Overall Percentage Complete: 41%

Number of Project Items: 99
Number of Added Items: 4
Total Items: 103

Total Completed Project Items: 41
Total Completed Items: 42

Year of Projects 2: Week 6

Project Percentage Complete: 38%

Overall Percentage Complete: 37%

Number of Project Items: 105
Number of Added Items: 3
Total Items: 108

Total Completed Items: 40

Year of Projects 2: Week 5

Project Percentage Complete: 36%

Overall Percentage Complete: 36%

Number of Project Items: 105
Number of Added Items: 3
Total Items: 108

Total Completed Items: 39

Weekend Off

I have been pretty regular the last few weeks with posts; unfortunately, my internet is down at home so I'm posting this really quickly to let you know you will not see my YOP post on Sunday - I figure I was a day early last week, I can be a day late this week *smiles*

I will be going to the State Fair this weekend so I'll be able to get LOTS of pictures of the yummy yarn candy and share with you next week.

Other than that - I'll be spending a lot of my time this weekend behind the hook :)

God bless and have a great weekend!

Featured at Zazzle!

Readers - what a great day. I got this email in my inbox on the 8th letting me know that the tote "So Happy Together" was selected as one of the featured items at Zazzle.

How exciting!!!

http://www.zazzle.com/so_happy_together_tote_bag-149027953445175360?gl=z-238388085529954009

State Fair Results

I thought I would take a quick moment to let you all know that the beast-ghan won first place in its category! I took one item in one category and won. That is SO exciting for me!

Honestly, I didn't think I'd win because the sheer volume and the afghan category is pretty darn popular - especially the crocheted category. I did not win overall best crochet or knitted item, but that's ok! The woman who won actually had several items she won on so who knows how many total she brought to the fair. It gives me something to shoot for next year!

Year of Projects 2: Week 4

Project Percentage Complete: 34%

Overall Percentage Complete: 35%

Number of Project Items: 105
Number of Added Items:2
Total Items: 107

Total Completed Items: 37

Year of Projects 2: Week 3

Project Percentage Complete: 34%

Overall Percentage Complete: 34%

Number of Project Items: 105
Number of Added Items: 1
Total Items: 106

Total Completed Items: 36

Roly Poly Fish Heads

The Dead Fish Hat is done!

It is my second finish for the week and I'm pleased to be able to announce it with a post on FO Friday! (I get to participate yay!).

I have to admit that this was a really fun knit. I don't know if it was a combination of short rows then adding in color changes on a whim - THEN changing it up with adding in the fins and forming a tail - it was really a fun knit that didn't get boring at all. In fact - I had a moment where I wanted to work on it rather than the beast-ghan. I have never enjoyed knitting this much... of course, maybe its because I was finishing up crocheting that beast of a blanket.... maybe I was ready for something different.

Finding Comfort in Being Uncomfortable...

I am a serious education junky. I enjoy education and the entire process of learning - I like knowing... and I like figuring out how to know something.

Sounds weird but its true.

I started a new job path earlier this year, which is partially why I went MIA on this blog for a little. This job is 100% different than my previous job experiences. I welcome the challenge. I like change and tend to embrace doing something different - stepping outside my comfort zone.

I was a good girl (or: Thank the Stars its D-O-N-E)

After posting a few hours ago about how I didn't want to go weave in tails, I did take a trip to Wal-mart (where a single skein of yarn was purchased).... and then I came home and was a good girl.

I began weaving in my tails and the more I wove in, the more I kept going. It wasn't that I was super motivated - I did it because it was the right thing to do. I thought "oh, if I could just do 20 minutes" and then I noticed I only had a few areas with tails, so I kept going.

Bad Bad BAD big project person

I am sitting here with my belly full of a wonderful dinner compliments of the Man, knowing that I should be working on weaving in tails on the beast-ghan, but I can't help myself....

I keep thinking of the dead fish hat.

I have to admit, the fish hat has been a wonderful mistress on so many levels. A different yarn, different colors, such an easy knit... and different. Oh so different than the ocean of white now lovingly called "The Beast-Ghan."

I have plenty of excuses too.... like "I do better at weaving in tails when I have a movie in... the movie takes my mind off of it ... and since you are playing Battlefield 3... I just can't bring myself to weave in the tails" - yes.... I am using that one right now. The man is over there, trying to capture the flag for his team, and I'm whining about tails.

But I cannot work on the fish hat - my son, the recipient of the hat, is in the house. He'll see me working on it. He'll "know" what I've been doing.

....

I really should just go weave in the tails.

Year of Projects 2: Week 2

Project Percentage Complete: 32%

Overall Percentage Complete: 32%

Number of Project Items: 105
Number of Added Items: 0
Total Items: 105

Total Completed Items: 34

S'il vous plaît... dessine-moi un mouton

S'il vous plaît... dessine-moi un mouton

Translated as: if you would please.... draw me a sheep.

What is lost in the translation is The Little Prince asking for himself to be drawn as a sheep - which makes little difference to this blog (just something I remembered my French teacher talking about when we began to read this gem of a novella in French).

But then, you ask - "what in the world, Cris, does this have to do with crochet?"

Recently I was at a department picnic and asked to make a sweater, for some reason my mind went swimming back to my Junior year in high school, being lectured on the peculiarities and innocence of The Little Prince.

My Etsy Store (or: a rant about the way of the craft-shopping world)

A'right readers who have etsy stores - I have to ask you... how well do you do?

This is probably more of a rant than anything and perhaps has no place on this blog - but I really don't get it.

I have put things in my store on and off for well over 2 years and have only made a handful of sales, most of which is my dishcloth pattern booklet (3 patterns). My stats say I have sold 10 items... 9 of which are the pattern, 1 was a scarf.

Is there more to etsy than just listing your stuff? Do you have to drive people to your site? How in the world does a real crafter on etsy get noticed?

Contribute to the Whole

Those of you who have read my blog for a while know just how much I adore and value the friendships I have built through my local yarn group.

In the last month, I was brought in even further - I become part of the whole both figuratively and literally.

Year of Projects 2: Week 1

Project Percentage Complete: 30%

Overall Percentage Complete: 30%

Number of Project Items: 105
Number of Added Items: 0
Total Items: 105

Total Completed Items: 31

Year of Projects: Initial List

Project Percentage Complete: 0%

Overall Percentage Complete: 0%

Number of Project Items: 105
Number of Added Items: 0

Total Completed Items: 0

Total Items: 0

Crochet for Men eBook

How untimely can one person be? I'm not quite sure but I keep surprising myself each and every day *laughs* in the last 24 hours, I have thought of three different things I knew I wanted to blog about and never did... and they are things that are done and passed... but ya know, I'm going to share them anyway.

Today's post is something I was VERY excited about - I was featured in an ebook!

Grandma's Favorite with a Bit of Crochet

THIS PATTERN HAS MOVED

Please click on the link below to be taken directly to the pattern on the new site.

My apologies for any inconvenience.

http://iyarny.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/grandmas-favorite-with-a-bit-of-crochet/

Pattern Review: Yellow Puffs Baby Cocoon and Beret

This is a review for a pattern found inside the Leisure Arts book called "Dreamy Cocoons." This is not a pattern I can link to directly and I can only link to Amazon because it is a book you have to buy.

Here is a link to the pattern book on Amazon.

The pattern that I chose is called Yellow Puffs and starts on page 18. The pattern itself was meant for 0-3 month old babies and was suggested to be done in yellow. If you go to the Amazon link and look at the "back cover" image, you will see the yellow cocoon, which was the one I chose to do.

In the spirit of how well I've always followed patterns, I did it in pink with a dark pink trim.

Pattern Review: Rainbow Ripple Baby Blanket

Finished June 24, 2012 (c) Cris

This post is a review of the pattern Rainbow Ripple Baby Blanket created by Celeste Young. Celeste has made this pattern available through Ravelry so you must be a member to view the link.

Pattern Link: Rainbow Ripple Baby Blanket

I was faced with needing to make a gift for a baby shower. Now, I admit - I haven't gone to a baby shower in quite some time and the last one I went to, I was asked to paint a picture of a giraffe. But - that has no place in today's review.

As I fumbled around Ravelry looking for the perfect pattern, I found Celeste Young's Rainbow Ripple Baby Blanket pattern. It was free and the picture on the main pattern page was quite stunning.

Crocheting for Baby - part 2

Baby cocoon with matching beret

Well, dear readers, I finished off the baby gifts for my co-workers shower (which is the 26th, and I'm not posting this until after the 26th because I don't know if the Mrs. co-worker reads my blog... I believe she is aware of it though). But, I am typing this on the 24th. With 2 days to go, I finished all three pieces.

I tell ya - I was getting a little worried.

Christmas in... June?

I'm going to go a bit away from crochet today - although, I will say I was at Hobby Lobby looking for yarn and picking up a gift for a friend (something I needed to work on).

As I said, I was at Hobby Lobby. A friend and I were meeting to do a bit of a pass off (which I will discuss at a later date) of a project. The man and the kids went looking around and soon, I caught up with them.

And yes, those are really Christmas decorations.

In June.

Losing a Charitable Cause

I received an email notification just the other day from the Special Olympic Scarf project. For those of you who know me, you know I make scarves and send them off for this charity - I have done it a couple times and enjoy it. Scarves are one of my more favorite things to make and couple that with a good cause - and it is always an enjoyable crochet project.

I have to admit, I was excited when I saw the post because I thought I was going to find out the new colors... but that wasn't the case.

Sadly, this notification contained bad news for me (and apparently thousands of others) - there would be no 2013 scarf project. Apparently, the response was so great from the previous year that there is an abundance of scarves that will be reused for the 2013 Special Olympics.

I suppose the news isn't all bad though - there are that many people crafting for the cause. That many people care... so many in fact that in one year they gathered enough scarves to last two years.

But I still feel this place in my heart - a place that is now empty. This project was a guarantee for me, so I guess I need to replace it with another.

Do you have any favorite charities that specifically request scarves? Let me know in the comments!

To read the entire post, visit http://scarvesforspecialolympics.org/

Crocheting for Your (my) Man

A not so clear photo of the man and our son

We are all (mostly) crocheters here, right? I think its time we had a serious conversation... especially with Father's Day looming.

So let's be frank - it is harder than heck to crochet for a man.

What a baby can do...

A VERY old picture

My husband and I are done having children. We have raised three: two still in progress and one still showing up occassionally to eat and relax. My crafting usually revolves around charitable giving and gifts. I don't usually craft for myself outside of standard household items like washcloths, towel toppers, and apparently - clocks.

However, there is still something magical that happens to my crochet hooks when a baby is announced....

and boy do my hooks fly!

Crochet Mathematics: Clouds

wispy clouds adorn majestic mountains

Anyone who knows me knows that I enjoy painting landscapes - while there are a few topics I enjoy painting, clouds have always amazed me. Something so wispy and soft - something that when touched will disapate to a molecular level right before your very eyes.

I spent hours as a child laying in the grass looking up at the sky, wondering where they were going, how fast they were moving, and what they would look like when they got there. We played the "shapes game" ... I still play it - even when my children aren't around.

There is something magical about them....

and mathematical.

And even better.... they can be crocheted.

Adding Links

I don't know if this is news worthy or not for the blog, but I have decided that it may be of interest to a few. I have decided to go back and add links to common post types or my blog projects. Some people may be new to the series and rather than searching for the posts, they can use the previous post link to read the previous in the series or the Project Introduction link to take you back to the beginning to read them in order.

Right now I have added these links to the bottom of the project series 12 for 12 Charitable Crochet and my Remembering Grandma series. I am going to try to get them onto my Year of Projects series (and get that going again... can't believe I've missed so many!) and some of the older series that I have done like the ABCs of Crochet.

Hopefully you all will find some use in this and let me know if there is anything else I can do with this new functionality to my posts.

As always, thank you for reading
Cris

Charitable Crochet: 12 for 12 Post #7

Today is my scheduled post in the 12 for 12 Project set up by Kathryn over at Crochet Concupiscence. Click on the link if you are interested in reading more about the project.

The premise of the project is to make 12 separate donations, one to each of 12 different charitable organizations of your choice.

And this .....*queue Law and Order music* ..... is my update.

Overall Progress: 3 / 12 donations made. Read on for more details.

Remembering Grandma: Post 3

A conversation with one of my friends from yarn group reminded me that it has been a while since I dipped into the box my grandmother left for me just before she passed away. I decided that tonight would be a good night. The items I have selected tonight are moreso items to show how organized my grandmother is... which might explain my mother's passion for lists.... and my own.

Crochet Clock

I finally did it. A while back I decided I wanted to try and crochet a clock - and I finally did it.

I have been 100% focused on finishing my State Fair project (the infamous blanket of doom, which shall soon be photographed and featured in a blog post) and have not been doing much of anything else. That makes for boring posts, which I have been so easily forgetting to do... and I hope to change that soon.

Anywhoozles, back to the purpose of this post...

Painting Scarves

Finished: Plum's scarf on the left, mine is on the right

I am a firm believer in being creative and if possible, taking every opportunity possible to be creative with others. This is one of the main reasons that I love my yarn group (beyond the fact they are a completely awesome group of people). Today was one of those days that you can only hope to enjoy - a simple day with creative intent spent with wonderful friends.

Today - we painted silk scarves.

Now, I personally do not know who met this lady who teaches the class, but a time and location were set and we gathered to laugh, create, laugh, eat, and create some more.

I definitely wanted to take a little of my webspace to apologize for being pretty much absent for half a month. Work has been quite insane, but no one here really wants to hear about that. I think mostly because all of us, in some way, have something in our lives that keeps us very busy and sometimes away from crochet.

March 2012 Giveaway - Winner Announced

Year of Projects: Week 40

Project Percentage Complete: 80%

Overall Percentage Complete: 96%

Number of Project Items: 20
Number of Added Items: 184

Total Completed Items: 196

Total Items: 204

Last Day for the Giveaway!

Charitable Crochet: 12 for 12 Post #6

Today is my scheduled post in the 12 for 12 Project set up by Kathryn over at Crochet Concupiscence. Click on the link if you are interested in reading more about the project.

The premise of the project is to make 12 separate donations, one to each of 12 different charitable organizations of your choice.

And this .....*queue Law and Order music* ..... is my update.

Overall Progress: 1 / 12 donations made. Read on for more details.

Year of Projects: Week 39

Project Percentage Complete: 80%

Overall Percentage Complete: 96%

Number of Project Items: 20
Number of Added Items: 184

Total Completed Items: 196

Total Items: 204

Guest Post: St. Jude's Hospital

Those who follow my blog and YouTube channel should know that I have a contest going on right now. That contest is to post a blog entry or a video response with a story about charitable giving. The story can be about an organization, a certain situation, or anything really - as long as it is from the heart.

I was contacted by one of my YouTube followers who does not post videos and does not have a blog. While she was thankful I was having a contest, she could not participate. I didn't feel this was right considering this giveaway is to celebrate those who follow my channel or blog in some fashion.

I extended the offer to allow guest posting on my blog, and she accepted. Below is her entry to my March 2012 giveaway.

March 2012 Giveaway

Click "read more" for a summary of the giveaway rules covered in the video.

Year of Projects: Week 38

Project Percentage Complete: 80%

Overall Percentage Complete: 96%

Number of Project Items: 20
Number of Added Items: 181

Total Completed Items: 193

Total Items: 201

FO Friday: March 16, 2012

A video update showing the things I've recently made.

Interested in other FO Friday posts (mostly blog posts, I think), visit Tami's Amis blog and check out the Mr. Linky.

Violations

I have typed and retyped this message several times. I thought I had a good direction when I sat down and started to write, but it got too personal. I'm having difficulty addressing my thoughts in a politically correct manner - a way that won't offend anyone although there are plenty of people who will be offended, some of which may read this blog.

I think it is safe to start out saying that any person who crafts and is online knows, copyright infringement is a huge issue. People are constantly talking about it and trying to figure out what they can and cannot do. The internet makes sharing so much easier but we all know that sharing of printed patterns is also a violation. I personally have strong opinions on the matter.

WIP Wednesday: Mar 14, 2012

And here I am showing you what I have going on in the craft section of my life...

Pure Yarn Silliness

We genuinely like to have fun together - and that comes out when we are yarn shopping too!

Here is a quick video (intro is longer than the funny) of my son being completely silly while we were out yarn shopping last weekend.

Sorry about yesterday...

Just quick apology for not having a note accompany my Year of Projects post. Normally I have something WITH a fun picture but I was so wrapped up in enjoying the GORGEOUS weather yesterday I forgot completely about it!

I could go back and edit the post but what fun is that? I'll be sure to get something written next week!

Year of Projects: Week 37

Project Percentage Complete: 80%

Overall Percentage Complete: 96%

Number of Project Items: 20
Number of Added Items: 175

Total Completed Items: 187

Total Items: 195

Charitable Crochet: 12 for 12 Post #5

Today is my scheduled post in the 12 for 12 Project set up by Kathryn over at Crochet Concupiscence. Click on the link if you are interested in reading more about the project.

The premise of the project is to make 12 separate donations, one to each of 12 different charitable organizations of your choice.

And this .....*queue Law and Order music* ..... is my update.

Overall Progress: 1 / 12 donations made. Read on for more details.

[Mail] My Bumper Sticker Win!

I don't know if any of you saw or knew, but Crochet Concupiscence had a giveaway - and I'm one of the winners!

I open my package on camera, give my own babbling type review, and give out some information on the giveaway, including that it came from her sponsor, BuildASign.

political statement about women's sexual health made with crochet?

I stumbled across an article on The Examiner today... and I must admit, I'm a wee bit stunned and intrigued. I can't say this is a political stance I wish to make but I think it is noteworthy enough for a crocheter to make a comment.

Here is a link to the article: http://www.examiner.com/knitting-in-providence/congressmen-to-get-knit-and-crocheted-vaginas

Basically - the article is a summary of a call to arms that apparently happened on Ravelry. With all the talk of women's sex issues and reproductive rights/freedom, a knitter from Colorado decided to create for Congress - create vaginas, uteruses, and other female reproductive parts using yarn and send them to your local congressman with a rather blunt note, which I won't write here.

Needlepoint and Family

My daughter came to me yesterday asking to play dolls. While I appreciate a good game of barbies, I admit I have never been a girly girl. I know.. shocker, eh?

Anywhoozles, I got this crazy idea that she and I sit down and try doing some plastic canvas. I had wanted to pick it up again as a time filler (mostly because I need new placements and I dread buying cheap-o ones from walmart when I can whip something up myself) so I had some on hand. She said it would be fun and off we went.

Year of Projects: Week 36

Project Percentage Complete: 80%

Overall Percentage Complete: 96%

Number of Project Items: 20
Number of Added Items: 168

Total Completed Items: 180

Total Items: 188