New Project

I started a new project last night.  No, it was not that elusive design that seems to be rattling around in the ole noggin.  I did dream about it again last night and at one point woke up and said to my sleeping husband "ahhh that's how it works."  He mumbled, adjusted his sleep apnea mask and rolled over.  What help is he?? I could have told him the entire plan stitch by stitch and he would not remember it later.  I seem to have digressed. I bought a pattern; crochet wrap vest. Yes that is really what they named it. I love the fact that I am not the only one who seems to really struggle with naming a pattern after I have designed it.  Yes I guess it is a crochet wrap vest sort of thingy.  It is a Plymouth Yarn Design Studio pattern.  We just got it in at Yarn Harbor and after about 30 minuets of wandering the store and pulling lots of yarn in different colorways out I actually decided to just get the pattern because I have yarn I bought last month that no longer wants to become the pattern I thought it did.  I must say, Jean had quite a look of surprise on her face when I finally said, "I have yarn in my stash for this." Now, mind you she was not so surprised I had the yarn but that I was going to actually use it!  I made good progress on it last night.  Sometimes it is nice to just blindly follow a pattern and not be trying to figure out what has to come next.  I also think, doing other patterns helps designers to learn new ways of constructing a piece.  So for now, I will follow the instructions as written.  To be quite honest, I can not promise the finished result will turnout exactly like the photo, but that is part of why we do what we do!  So far, the first 30 rows are done.  I am doing it in Queensland Rustic Tweed.

Haunted by new designs

         I woke up this morning with a new design buzzing around my mind, just on the edge of consciousness.  I often dream my way through things.  My subconscious works through things while I am sleeping.  Back in the days when I was working in retail, I would often wake up with an idea of how to redo a display or feature something new we got in.  The problem was I would often wake up really tired because it felt like I had worked all night on the project.  Then I would get up go to work and have to spend all day doing the same thing.  I swore I was doing the same work twice.
          Lately it is design ideas that are rattling around in the ole' subconscious.  I will wake up and have to get things down in my notebook before I forget how they went together or they will be just on the edge of my memory.  That really sucks when it happens!!  That is where I found myself this morning.  Michael left for school bright and early and the boy child went to work out at the Y, I was all alone in a quiet house. That does not seem to happen much.  It was wonderful!!  After everyone left I went back to sleep and had a very colorful dream about fiber.  I was making something that I knew would change history!! I just know it.  I just can't seem to remember what it was.  I tried to lay there for a little longer hoping the inspiration would return but it did not and I had to get up and start my day.  I have sketched a few rough ideas, but I know that "perfect" design is there I just have to wait for it to surface.  Maybe I should take a nap today and try to work out the rest of the details..........

SOCK!!!! Do you have Single Sock Syndrome??

I have been on a sock frenzy this last week.  I have completed 3 different socks.  Ok so I have a touch of single sock syndrome. It is a real syndrome out there that affects millions of knitters and crocheters. I actually heard that Jerry Lewis is not going to participate in the MDA telethon this year, not because of his health but because he is gearing up to do a SSS telethon!  There are millions of orphan handmade socks out there and they do not have a voice. They need a spokesperson who can get the message out.

cobblestone sock in Patons Stretch sock

Lacy sock in Plymouth Yarns
Socketta Limited.  This one is not
quite finished, but you can see my
lovely pedicure from last week!!

I have 2 feet and 3 socks right now, that works for me. Think of the combinations! I am set for weeks.  Who in their right mind wears socks that match anyway??  My son is outraged that I continue to start a new one before making the mate. Now, I do not understand his outrage because he NEVER wears matching socks, Just because they are all white and come out of the same bag does not mean they match.  He told me he is going to try to find me a one legged person to donate my single socks.  One of these days I will get around to it.  Maybe I can be the spokes person for the telethon. I will keep you informed on the latest news of this terrible syndrome that afflicts millions of people.  I am seriously considering petitioning the  Board of Psychiatrics to have Single Sock Syndrome entered into the DSMR!             

Cuff down sock 

Yarn Bombing: What is it?

Yarn Bombing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yarn Bombing, Yarn Storming, Guerrilla Knitting, or Graffiti Knitting, is all a type of street art or fiber graffiti that employs colorful displays of knit or crochet cloth rather than paint or chalk. The practice is believed to have originated in the U.S. with Texas knitters trying to find a creative way to use their leftover and unfinished knitting projects, but it has since spread worldwide. The start of this movement has been attributed to Magda Sayeg, 37, from Houston, who says she first got the idea in 2005 when she covered the door handle of her boutique with a custom made cozy. The movement has been said to be "changing the face of craft" as stitchers are more and more frequently being viewed as fibre artists rather than amateurs or vandals. Joann Matvichuk of Lethbridge, Alberta invented International Yarnbombing Day, which was first observed on June 11, 2011

Now I know what it is; why do I care?

Let’s put Yarn Harbor in Duluth MN on the yarn bombing map!!

Yarn Harbor wants your help to yarn bomb the blue fence that runs the length of the sidewalk outside our window. We need people to knit and crochet “sleeves” to fit over the spokes and rails of the fence, as well as flowers, bugs, leaves, vines, etc, to decorate the entire length of the fence. We will have yarn available for you to use or this is a great way for you to use up all those its and bits of your stash. We will also have some easy patterns available.

We will collect pieces the months of September and October. We will begin assembling everything on the fence at the October, Friday night PJ Party and continue all weekend. If you are able to help by making a few sleeves for us or some bugs and flowers we would be very grateful. If you have no interest in doing one of those but would still like to participate please stop in during that weekend and help us sew some of the pieces on to the fence.

"ME" DAY!!

Yesterday I had 7 massage clients.  It was a great day but a rather long one.  I started at 10 am and ended at 10 pm.  So today I am deeming today a "ME" day.  I have a hour long massage, manicure and pedicure scheduled for myself.  I am not ashamed to tell you I am taking this day for myself.  People who are in the care giving field have to maintain their own health or they will have nothing to give to others. When was the last time you took some time to take care of yourself?  No this will not turn into an ad for Dynamic Massage.  We all need to take a few minutes to ourselves once in a while. Go for a walk, read a book, dance, sing, draw, write, get a massage, do what ever you like to do and do not feel guilty about taking the time or money to do it!! My biggest question of the day will be, what color do I choose for my nails????

Fall Changes.......

Fall brings about many changes.  In our household, it means school is starting again for Michael.  For those who need a brief updating I will give you the Readers Digest version of the last year. Michael (darling husband) worked in the transportation industry for just over 20 years and last September his company downsized and he was layed-off.  He started back to school at a local Technical College in January of this year.  He is going to be the computer geek he was always meant to be!! I knew at some point he would.  He had a few reservations about going back but he has been top of his class. The kids think it is great he is going back, Chris, (the boy child) really enjoys asking him, "Dad, before you turn on the Xbox, is all your homework done?" Not so sure how long that will last however.  Cassie, (the girl child) bought him a bottle of top shelf scotch to celebrate.  She also told him no drinking it on a school night.  When I tell people I am sleeping with a college student, she does however look at me and roll her eye and say "MOM! Really?" in that tone that only an offended 22 year old can get.
I think we got him all set up for school, new pens and notebooks, even though I found this really great pink glittery one he refused to take. HMMPH.  If you have seen the new back to school Target ads, and I suggest you do, they are great! One of them says you will need lots of glitter, I was only trying to help. I would not want him to stand out and the other kids make fun of him. I also suggested I get him some juice boxes and fruit cups, he also declined. I'm just trying to be helpful!!  He has a pretty heavy class schedule and it has only been one day but, it seems he will have quite a bit of homework to do as well.  I know he will handle the pressure just fine but my main concern; does this means I will have to cook more often???  I got quite spoiled over the summer when he was home everyday.
Michael's favorite Target ad
My Favorite Target ad
Chris's Favorite Target ad

New Calendar!

Interweave Crochet 2011 Calendar

I just got a great deal on a calendar, yes I do know it is August and the year is more than half over. But the calendar I got has information I will use for a long time.  I got the 2011 Interweave Crochet Calendar!! It has 12 fantastic motif patterns in it. I already have an idea what I want to do with one of them!  As I develop the idea and it becomes more of a reality I will "keep you posted". (ahh, yes that was a bad pun!)

BTW: I mailed out my entry for the CGOA design contest today.  I can't tell you what it is till after the contest but I will post photos then. The judging of the competition will take place in Greensboro NC at the next ChainLink event in September. I unfortunately can not attend this event but I will be represented.

As I write this post I have one eye glued to CNN watching the updates about the earthquake in Virginia.  My thoughts and prayers go out to anyone injured or affected by this event.

The package came!!

I got my package from the yarn company; who shall not be named yet.  It arrived via UPS on Wednesday, when the driver was leaving, I told him I had   to tweet that it came and he just laughed at me, oh well.  So I ripped opened my box, I had a little trouble with the tape and I thought I was going to have to chew through it but finally I got to the contents and it was beautiful yarn! I was very excited to start working on my project immediately, the only problem was I still had several massage clients scheduled. Like a good girl I out it away and  I waited till I got home that evening and after dinner I started working on it. I finally forced myself to put it down at midnight, I only had a few rows to go to complete it but I really had to go to bed.  I finished it last night and have it ready to ship back.  I can show you the box but that is all till later. Stay tuned.......................................

CGOA Saturday cont....

Saturday after I got done with my fabulous class with Lily I went to present my designs. I met with Bobbie Matela, Design Production Manager at Coats & Clark.  She looked over my designs and like a few of them.  I cannot say what until I know if she will actually purchase them or pass on them.  It is kind of a waiting game.  I then met with Carol Alexander, Executive Editor for Crochet! and Crochet World Magazines.  she also liked some of my designs and they will go for further review.  I presented 8 designs and currently have 1 sold and 7 still under review. Not bad for my first time out!!  I did not have the opportunity to talk at that time, but later I spoke with Cari Clement, director of fashion and design at Caron Yarn.

 After banquet was the fashion show. It was great to see some of the designs in person. Photos are wonderful but they often do not do a piece justice.

These are the last of my photos from the conference.

 

CGOA Saturday

Jo'Elle with Lily Chin at the banquet

My weekend of blues was great but now I have to get back to crochet work! Saturday morning of the conference I had a fantastic class with Lily Chin.  It was called Tips & tricks for crochet.  I learned lots of little things that will help me be a better crocheter.  She also has a book by the same name, we just happen to carry it at Yarn Harbor.  We also carry her book Tips and Tricks for knitters.  She was lots of fun to learn from.  I also had the opportunity to sit next to her at the banquet dinner on Saturday night. She remembered my name, and told me the blue hair helped!  See it pays to be unique!  Lily's earrings in this photo are great big buttons.

Lily's Book

Exciting News!!!

I received a very exciting email over the weekend!!!  I can not share much of the details with you but I can tell you this >>>>>>>>> I sold my first pattern!!!! 

Doing cartwheels around the room!! OK maybe not actual ones cuz I might break something, 

(and yes I mean me not the room).

The yarn I need to make it in will be arriving on my doorstep any moment.  waiting.......waiting...... waiting........ I am patiently waiting........................... can you hear me tapping my foot????
(I am sitting at my desk, watching out the door, I promise not to pounce on the mail man when he comes off the elevator!) Hold on.......... False alarm. <insert sad face here>  The mail man came but he only brought me bills. Its alright I still love my mailman. Tomorrow is another day! It WILL be here tomorrow!  The yarn I get to use will not be out on the market for a few months so I get to test it out with my design.  OK, that is all I can tell you about it.   As soon as I get the go-ahead from the yarn company I will tell you alllllllll about it and send you to look at their site!

Weekend of the Blues!!

Bayfront Blues Festival 2011 is done and gone.  It was a wonderful weekend mostly in the sun.  Friday night it started to rain and even with our rain ponchos we got soaked.  We had to leave before the end because my bare feet had absorbed as much water as they could hold.  My sandals were still squishy on Saturday morning. I will give you a quick photo overview of our weekend.

Super Chikan &amp;amp; the Fighting Cocks
Yes that is a chicken guitar he is playing!
"Somebody shoot that thang!"

CJ Chenier &amp;amp; The Red Hot Louisiana Band
They had a great Zydeco flavor.
 I love the washboard sound!! 

Joe Louis Walker
Fantastic guitar player!!

Here I am Friday with my yarn in my lap.
I swatched a piece and decided it needed
a bigger hook so I ripped it all out and rewound
the ball to start over.

Big Head Todd &amp;amp; The Monsters
Yes that is a rain coat in front of me.
It poured!!! and I only got a few photos before
the camera was to wet to work and then we left for the night.

Blues Caravan 2011 Girls with Guitars
Dani Wilde She is called
 The British  Phenom

Blues Caravan 2011 Girls with Guitars
Cassie Taylor with her
Bad-Ass Girl Attitude

Blues Caravan 2011 Girls with Guitars
Samantha Fish, known as Guitar Barbie
This girl can really rock!!

Devon Allman's Honeytribe
He is the son of Greg Allman and sounds much like dear old dad.
He has that great gravelly voice and can make that guitar sing!!
He threw a guitar pick into the crowd, I got it!
It will be added to my growing collection!

Lil' Ed &amp;amp; the Blues Imperials
He is about 5 feet tall but can belt
out sound from the bottom of his feet.

Tommy Castro
He closed out the night with a rockin' show!
He came off stage and performed right in front of us!!

Tommy Castro brought Lil' Ed on stage with him at the end of the show.
I thought Lil' Ed was gonna burst, he was smiling so big.

Tucker Jensen played bass with Trent Romans
in the tent on Sunday.  What is it about Bass players
and that bad-ass attitude?

Mick Sterling &amp;amp; The Irresistibles
He may not be as young as he used to be but he
still can climb up on the speakers to perform!

Michael, sittin by my side!

My friend Meg!
Listening to great music and knitting!!

Hey we actually had a photo taken of us this year!
I usually forget till its too late and dark out.
Thanks Meg!!!

Commander Cody
Still puts on a great stage show!

Here I am on day 3, My project is almost complete!
  Just have to weave in ends, and take it home to block!

Beverly McCellan
She was a runner up on "The Voice"
She came and performed with Vicci Martinez.
She played guitar, keyboards, drums, this girls really ROCKS!!!!

Beverly, Joe Thornton,Vicci Martinez

Vicci Martinez
She was a runner up on "The Voice"
She was little but could really belt it out!!

Vicci Martinez

It was a long weekend.  You had to catch a nap when and where you could.