A Garden of Life, A Walk of Crochet

This blog is moving.. You can see the new blog at:

http://www.crochetgarden.com/crochetblog

Soon, this page will be unaccessible, so bookmark the new page when you get there!

My dear neglected blog…

I can only say there is just not enough time in the day. My “to do” list seems to never lessen. But, that is what makes life fun and interesting.

I am quite tired, but after changing the theme for this blog it keeps looking at me as if saying “write to me!” So, alas here I am in the wee hours of the night.

So, what is new… there are too many things to catch up on so I shall just start fresh. I would like to say though Happy New Year to all.. or well, a belated one at that.

I haven’t had much time to design… only a few patterns in the past few months. Betweeen the kids, housework, cooking, running errands, I get about 1 hour of designing time a day. That happens during Olivia’s naptime. By the time she goes to sleep I am so exhausted that my brain just wants to rest.. so then I just crochet on designs that require no brain movement- don’t you just love those types of crochet projects- where you can just sit and watch a movie and crochet mindlessly?

Well.. on that note, I have taken a new look at my patterns. It seems every month I learn something new. No, not a new stitch, or a new idea- those happen all the time. But I learn something about crochet. For example, not having to worry about limiting my patterns to a certain length due to printing constraints, I am free to “roam.” I have the ability to try new things- be sort of “risky.” In the beginning, my patterns were quite long. Of course, most of that was due to photos, lots of details, while using a top-down approach to my style. Well, I now have a new rule added to my patterns… Without sacrificing the output, downsize.

Whaaa??

Basically, a recent swatching exercise (more on that later), made me realize I had several types of one basic stitch. Sure, sometimes it enhances a pattern. More likely though it just creates more “jibberish.” There is a time, when a stitch modified several times has its place- such as the purpose for shaping… but whenever possible, I should stick with one version.

I now see why pattern companies condense. Sure 99% of the reasoning is due to space limitations. But now I see another reason, clarity. Can I create patterns that are intricate, yet deceptively simple? Yes… and that is where this new “ureka” comes in to play. These little “rules” or guidelines I am creating for myself keep churning out better and better patterns. The older ones are not bad… they are just creations at different stages of my pattern designing AND writing levels. One can create the most beautiful garment.. but it is the pattern writing style that will make a truly remarkable pattern. Why have so many stitches, if all are not essential? I call this “cleaning up the pattern.” Sure, this line of reasoning most likely seems simplistic.. but to me, it was quite a relevation in my writing instincts.

Another thing I have discovered is less is sometimes more. Details are critical to patterns. But that is where one must be careful of redundancy. So what I do, is write down what I want to say. I then reword it several ways. From that, I choose the most precise AND clear way of saying it. Note, that was an “and” and not an “or.” I truly feel that there should be two skill levels given to patterns to give a final skill level.

First, a skill lvl as to stitches involved, pattern intricacy, shaping, etc all the things that if one were to take several patterns, all written in the same manner, and one would be far more difficult than another, based on these elements of “crochet” alone.

Second, a skill lvl associated with the pattern writing. Whaa? 75% of confusion when working up a pattern is due to lack of detail, or the writer not being clear enough- for whatever reason. For example, all patterns written for beginners (NOTE: that was “patterns written for beginners,” not necessarily a “beginner pattern), should have all math worked out. They should not have a “rep from * around.” Patterns written for beginners should have “Rep from * 3 times more.” A pattern written for an advanced crocheter can say “rep for left by reversing right.” A pattern for beginners should have the dc stitch written out in its entirety, where a pattern written for an intermediate would not need it.

Is this all making any sense? Well if it does, I will continue on. If it doesn’t, then obviously I am not being clear enough and I have most likely in your mind just contradicted myself- but then, if you truly did not understand, you would not realize I did indeed contradict myself and only I would know Now that most likely has just confused you If you are still with me.. I move on..

Ok! So… I have come to the conlusion that all patterns of advanced level should at minimum be written for intermediate. All patterns for beginners should obviously be written for a beginner. All Intermediate patterns should at the least be written for “easy.”

So who decides what type of writing style is in an “easy” format vs. an “advanced format.” Well, that is subjective to a degree. That is also where crochet skill lvl comes in. All these elements come into play as to how “easy” a pattern is. First, there is the crochet mechanics, as mentioned above- shaping, intricacy, fiber (yes type of fiber- many feel thread is more tedious and thus difficult than say a worsted weight), stitch (cables can be more difficult than say a simple sc), etc. Second, there is the writing style (which we have yet to determine what exact writing constitutes a pattern written in easy format vs intermediate format etc.). Third, there is user experience. You would expect the newly prmoted burger boy who began on the register 3 days ago to shift supervisor, right? (yes, there is a hardees in my far back employment history). Sure, he may have the ability to count the tills, count the safe, tally receipts yada yada, but until he builds a solid foundation of the ins and outs of the place will not be your supervisor to help relieve your workload. So, back to what I was actually saying before this simple anaology… it comes down to 3 things for pattern level.

1) crochet mechanics of pattern
2) pattern writing style
3) crochet experience of user (not the designer, those that will be following the pattern)

So… now we go to #2. I have been thinking about this for quite a while. After talking with numerous customers and my testers, a LOT of frustration from crocheters they say is “not understanding the pattern.” If someone sat next to you and showed you how to physically do something, most likely you would understand and be able to imitate. Like in crochet- those that have taught, it is much easier to show someone how to work a stitch than tell them how to do it over the phone. Well, with pattern designing, this luxury is absent - to a degree. Yes, there are still photos and diagrams, but nothing is better than having it shown right in front of you. So, with that, I, as a designer, must somehow capture that lost ability. And that is where communication in what you want to user to do comes in. All patterns, regardless of difficulty, should be, in my opinion, be written AT least for Easy-Intermediate.

So, now we are back to my number 2 again (#2 = pattern writing style). What constitutes a pattern instruction to be labeled as being in an intermediate format than say an advanced format? You most likely are saying well that should be pretty simple to figure out. Welp, if it were, there would not be so many people frustrated with so many patterns! Or well, it could also be that this new Writing Level idea of mine has never been implemented or used. But, I am now going to devise - as I have already started, a little “book” of sorts. There will be 4 categories. 1) Beginner 2) Easy 3) Intermediate 4) Advanced

I am also soon going to be labeling my patterns with 2 skill levels with a complete description of what each skill level is comprised of. One will be the Crochet Skill Level and the second will be the Pattern Writing Level.

Wouldn’t it be useful, say, if you are on the border of being level easy and wanting to venture into intermediate, to have both of these skill lvls on the pattern you are about to purchase?

One at this skill level would most likely opt for a crochet level of intermediate with a pattern writing level of Easy. Then they know they can count on all counts in instructions, they can count on there being instructions worded in such a way that are tailored to a crocheter of “easy” skill level by today’s standards, yet not so far out of grasp.

What else would this system do? Well, if anything it would also give an idea to those who are advanced of what they can expect.. there are many pluses to this. That is also where designer instinct will come in. A good deisgner will have a feeling on what patterns should be written in an Easy format vs an intermediate format.

Yes, this is just another idea of the thoughts swarming in my head as usual. Lately, my ideas have been a whirlwind… should see my notebook of ideas and sketches for patterns.. and oh my.. the swatches! Well.. maybe I will leave all that design talk for another day.. I am quite tired. I have so much more to say and other “ureka” moments I have had as of late on the subject of crochet… maybe next time.. if there is anyone still out there that reads this silly blog. Niters world.

Gobble gobble day is here.. where did the time go? Thanksgiving here already? Eek.. it hasn’t been that long since I have posted here, has it?? Well one of these days I will get better with this.. but this time I have some valid reasons for my absence.. which I will get to later down in the post…

First…back near the end of September.. I threw a surprise party for Olivia and Jonathan. I orignally was going to have Olivia’s birthday on her actual real birthday, which was a Sunday at the end of October, but my brother and his wife said they were planning their son’s baptism that day. So.. since I was planning a surprise party for Jonathan at the end of September, I figured I would make it easier on all the family to combine them. Well, somehow my secret stuck and Jonathan was quite surprised. Olivia has a blast, opening presents just tearing through everything. I figured, it was his 13th birthday, and that is a biggie in my book.. they both had a wonderful time and so many people made it… here are some photos!

This photo is of Jonathan, holding Olivia, and my cousin’s twin boys- they are both a year old.

And guess who else made it.. my first nephew!!! He is now as of this post about 4 months old, so he was about 2 months in this photo.. It is as if Connor is looking into Jonathan’s eyes saying “you are like a big brother to me”.. oh, such a sweet sweet photo:

And now, here is the proud daddy (my brother Davis, with Connor, the newest addition to the family:

Oh and here is me (bad pic of me as usual!) with Olivia and Connor:

And now, for the lovely parents, my mom and dad..

Oh it was such a lovely party… So many people there, and Jonathan and Olivia just in heaven. Also, Jonathan’s friend Jacob came with us.. so that was nice to have the extra company in the car along the way (hah more to keep Miss Olivia occupied !).

More updating! What esle has happened… Have you heard about the Wii?? Well, my son had been saving up for it… a couple days before it was slated to come out, I see on tv people in New York and other big cities had already begun camping out.. (eek!) I called Game Stop and of course all their pre orders had sold out within minutes.. It seemed in order to get one, Jonathan would have to camp out… We have a Walmart that is open 24 hours, so the 19th at midnight it would be for sale. So, on the 17th I call to find out if per chance a line had started. Thankfully not, and I would not allow Jonathan to camp out overnight anyway. So the next morning, the 18th, a very cold day too mind you, Jonathan got all dressed in layers and at 8 AM we headed to Walmart. Gave him some money and told him I would be back in an hour after I had Olivia settled to get him some warm chocolate and some breakfast and a chair. He felt how cold it was and asked me to bring him a big blanket. There were already 5 people in line. Walmart and most other stores would be getting 20 of these systems or less. So, it seemed he had a good chance to get one.

Couldn’t believe it though.. these guys already there were professional campers!! They had tents, a space heater in the tent, laptops with movies playing, canisters of food, a hot plate.. the works!! And there was my poor kid, no chair to even sit on >< So, I get home and get Olivia settled.. I get some Hardees for breakfast (I love the 2 for 2.22 deal!) and well, it didn't seem right to get just get food for Jonathan, so I ordered some for the other people in line. They were mostly guys in their 20s.. So, despite my tight budget, I figure if anything it will break the ice there, and Jonathan will feel more comfortable. Who knows.. maybe they would share their space heater with him since it was awfully cold. Well, rather than purchase a lawn chair, I grab his computer chair out of the kitchen and haul it into the car.. I grab my nice big comforter.. Off to Hardees I went, and then off to Walmart... I start yelling "breakfast! Who wants some Hardees??" And a couple guys politely, but shyly said no thank you. I could tell though they were a big interested.. and I said "Oh come on, you cannot expect me to eat 10 breakfast sandwiches! I bought these for all of you!" And then a guy said are you serious? And another said I will take one.. before one knew it they were diving for them I left the cell phone with Jonathan and later called him.. he said it did indeed break the ice..

So around 11 AM a couple of his friends from class came to stand in line... so that helped pass the time.. Up until about 4 PM I was there every hour or so checking on him and making sure he was warm.. but I could tell after his friends arrived, mom was no longer needed >< Here are a few snapshots (notice the big tent!)

And the final result:

So now, I have not seen Jonathan hardly at all..everyone wants him over at their place since he has 2 controllers… Just the other night, Tuesday, they had a big party, went to the movies and out for pizza and stayed up at this one kid’s house playing the Wii.. My baby is growing up >< Thank goodness though he is one of those kids that gives me spontanous hugs, and always remembers me.

So, that was the Wii craze.. Now... we back up some. In past posts I think I mentioned my neighbor.. She was anorexic a few years ago, and I am unsure what she is officially diagnosed with, but do know she is on disability and has some psychiatric illnesses. When she is on her medicine, she is fine, normal like every person. One could not even tell there is anything amiss. But when she is off of her medication, she tends to refer to herself as "we", takes on a new name, shows signs of paranoia etc. She also tends to ramble, with different accents. Well, I think around December, maybe January she went off her medicine. I could tell easily just by the way she was acting.

She was seeing this guy from Sept- till about december.. And I am thinking she went off of it since it tends to cause weight gain. Plus she was staying over at his house so much that she never went in for refills. Over time, she took on her new name... sometimes she would open the door for me, but definitely no one else. The landlord came to her and she told him she owned the house, no rent was due. She thought he was someone trying to break in. That was the only time she opened the door to someone aside from me, and I think it was because she was expecting pizza.. Oh yes, she always opened the door to the pizza man.

Well, she had no job, bounced checks so her account was closed, and thus no money because there was nowhere for her disability checks to be desposited into since the bank closed her account. I had her over almost every day to eat.. All other days she would order pizza. About May.. I noticed her tummy getting bigger.. and thought for a moment she was pregnant. I told her mother this but her mother said no way... So, for months, she kept getting bigger. August, I began calling people. I called the hospital, the place where she used to get counseling, some hotlines, etc if there was anything anyone could do. Everytime was a dead end. If she was no in danger to herself or others then there was nothing that could be done.

Every opportunity I had , I made food for her and had her over to eat... Her mother said maybe she was stuffing her clothes.. My gut told me otherwise. Well, the last time she saw her boyfriend was around December. So, I figured if anything, she would be due, if she was pregnant, the latest September. Everytime I went up north to family I was so worried I would not be there. She was not on speaking terms with any of her family whatsoever. During the summer, the terrible dog days of July.. I went to her mother and put my foot down and said she needs her electricity turned on. (Since she felt she owned the house, she stopped paying all her utilities thus eveyrhting was turned off and she had been without electricity for over a month). I told her mother I defintely think she is pregnant and she needs electricity.. this heat is horrid and she no way to keep any food cold..

So her I drove her mother to the place to turn the electricity on (her mother doesn't drive, and neither does she). Within 20 minutes of the electricity being turned on, on the air conditioning went! I knew she had to be so hot in there, with her windows and doors all barricaded shut, and the awful humidity of the midwest.

Well, September came and went... I began to deduce that maybe she just carries weight in her tummy, because that is deinfitely how her mother carries her weight.. she also was 32 almost 33, so, metabolism is probably changing etc.

Well.. one day in Mid October... I decide to run out for groceries. I come back and Jonathan helps me unload. I soon see a firetruck pull up to the house and then an ambulance. A big husky driver walks up to me and asks me what is going on.. I said I don't know, you tell me?

And then it hit me.......................

I opened my neighbor's door, and there she was, blood and everything, with a baby.

.
.
.

She had just delivered... Baby wasn't crying, even she herself never screamed or anything... I was out for groceries but had only been gone an hour at most.. more like 40 minutes. She had a boy, incdiently.. So the ambulance takes her away to deliver the placenta etc...

I soon went to the hospital and the baby was in the nursery. They told me someone was in there speaking to her and that they needed to talk to me. I had been the only one my neighor would talk with for the past year.. So, I talk to the patient advocate... and then the nurses, and the doctor.. I asked if she had seen the baby yet and they said no. >< So I wait and then talk to more people.. and then take some photos of the baby. I brought my camera (yes camera goes with me about anywhere). Oh incidently, I did call her mother before I had left for the hospital to tell her what happened. So I go into the room, and she is in there watching country music, alone. No family had been there, no friends. I went down to the gift shop and bought her a "its a boy" balloon and a few other treats. This is supposed to be a special time for a mother, so I do not know if I hurt the situation or if I was helping.. but I did everything I could to try and make it a special day for her and to be there for her.

Luckily, the baby was healthy. 6 lbs and 4 oz and 20.25 inches. The doctor suspected she was a few weeks overdue by the length of the fingernails and other things... which explains why she most likely should have delivered in September. Anyway, while in the room, she talked a little about the country music on the TV, and asked about her dog. I told her I would take care of the dog etc. She hadn't mentioned the baby. I finally brought it up and asked if she held the baby yet, and she said no... I then pulled out my camera and asked her if she wanted me to get some pictures of her on this special day and she was quite happy and said yes but that first she needed to touch up her makeup...

I then told her I took pictures of the baby and then asked her if she wanted to see them. She said yes.. She had seemed so detached, so "unaware" or unconcerned at the events taking place. I turned the power on the camera and flipped through the photos I took of her baby. She tried hiding it, but I saw a tear roll down her eye. She knew she had a baby >< She was just so lost, and so scared. and didn't know how to say it...

And that was when I no longer regretted getting her the balloon, and taking photos. I know she could not care for a baby at this time, but one day she will look back on this day, and hopefully will remember it as a beautiful day.. because everytime a new being comes into the world, it is indeed a special day.

Well, the hospital had her evaulated and she was transferred to a psychiatric hospital. The social worker could not find any family to take the baby. Her twin brother and his wife have a toddler already, and said no. Her older sister works a lot and said no, and her mother, reaching 70 was unable to due to her own work schedule and age. So, the baby went into foster care.

A couple weeks later I drove an hour and a half to pick her up from the hospital, since there was no one else who would. The entire 2 weeks in the hospital I spoke to her daily and I was the only one that she would sign a release for to be spoken to about her conditions etc. So finally she was back to normal, her medicine levels were stable and she was discharged.

She wants to keep the baby. Right now she has visitation with her son once a week for an hour, but that recently has changed to 2 hours, supervised. In a way, it is sad. Well, the whole situation is sad, but in how they first looked at her. She felt like she was treated as if she had done something wrong. There are some parents are not fit, and abuse or neglect their children, but here is a mother with illness. She is not one of those that the department of children and families normally deals with.. yet they treated her as if she was one of them. It seems they are being better to her now. She has another court date on Monday.. they say it could take as long as 9 months for the decision if she is allowed to keep her baby, or even longer.. or shorter..

I gave her all of Olivia's baby things, so when they do come to the house- they see it more "baby friendly." Soon I will get the crib from upstairs and bring that into her place. She has been eating dinner over every night, and even had Thanksgiving dinner with us today... I hope things work out for the best, whatever is indeed best for her, and for her baby Noah..

My neighbor did say I have permissions to tell her story, and has read this and gave me permissions to post photos of baby Noah... Please send special wishes for this very special baby, Noah.

So.. now onto crochet! I have had so many projects in testing it has been crazy… With everything going on, the kids, and holidays fast approaching, there has been not much time for anything else. I am thinking I will be planning a launch for early next week.. maybe Tuesday or Wednesday. I was hoping to plan this week, but since I will be out of town for a couple days, I felt it better to wait..

What is on the launch agenda? Well.. something for women/ladies!! I think they are going to be a hit… It is a set of devine, gorgeous, Beautiful scarves! Here is a sneak peak of one of the lovelies from this set.. but you will have to wait until launch to see all 4!

I may just launch that pattern set first and then others later next week.. Please let me know what you think of it! All 4 have the same theme… beautiful, lacy, very very classy… Those are definitely ready to go, so it just a matter of meputting up the paypal buttons and the photos.. Also will be launching a few things for babies/toddlers… Again, something else I believe will be another big hit!

I have had so many ideas come to me lately.. I just cannot keep up with them. Soon, also I will have something for men which I plan to begin designing on Monday and working on another design which is in testing for kids ages 4 and up… I also soon will be coming out with the long awaited Cabled Baby Cardigan. That began last year, and then went through a revision and restesting again this year. I really would like to have the set completed.. so hopefully that will be part of this coming launch.

Now that I am starting to really build up this business of patterns, the website again much go through another updating. Things will be easier to find and navigate. The last launch had a new addition to the site- the Crochet Garden Gallery. Basically, it is full of albums of photos for each pattern set.. my finished photos (larger photos than shown on the sale page), plus photo results of testers and customers. It is organized, with each album pertaining to a pattern.

So, be prepared for a few more changes (for the better) on the site..

I will write more later… time to do some crocheting, maybe even relax in a bath. I am so exhausted. Keep an eye out for the new launch and cross fingers they go up next week!!

Well, a little while back I was in a purse/tote swap on Crochetville. At first I was going to do something with yarn… I had so many ideas coming and sewwping me away.. At one point in Walmart I looked in my cart at everything and thought I need to decide.. well.. it came down to size 20 thread. Yep.. what was I thinking? Could I swing it? Well.. I wasn’t sure but I had this neat little idea.. I wanted something alluring, and classy… a touch of sexiness that every woman has within.. something that just yelled “adore me.” And well here are the results of what I came up with for my partner CrochetRN:

With that said… and happy with the results.. I am going to start working on some women’s clothing for the spring at some point. I would also like to make the Sweet Lacy cardigan set in a woman’s size as well.. due to much demand!

This next launch will be primarily a baby launch… there will be something in there for kids.. but ooh I can’t wait! This launch is going to be spectacular!! Unfortunately, it has to wait until I get back from being out of town.

It isn’t much; I do not want to give too much away.. but here is a little something:

.

So… with the pics in my last post.. this one in particular:

It was quite funny.. I took her out to the park.. savoring the last days of summer… We got the “wishing well” as I call it… big fountain of water… and hah she eyes it a little, then being the little spider she is, tries climbing onto the cement ledge… well, I keep taking her down and then she begins to strip with her little voice that means “bathtime!” And of course, my little darling who does not keep her opinions to herself, nor her lungs at non-vibrating decibels, kept voicing her demand to take a bath…So, I pick her up, screaming tantrums and all, trying to soothe her down.. and head back to the car.. it was quite a scene, but the evening ended nicely with a trip to Dairy Queen with a little tike size dallop of white ice cream for her and a Mocha MooLatte for a sweating mama! Hmmm… for some reason, Moo and sweating and mama do not seem to go together nicely…

So Jonathan has written his first song. He is lead singer in his band and plays backup guitar. He was lead, but his friends said to make it fair another should be lead guitar… These are the days to remember.. these moments with the kids I read the new virtually everyday, and it just saddens me.. For example, this spinach E Coli problem. It is so scary that one day everything is fine, and then something, you would never expect could change your life or the life of a loved one forever. Maybe I take these things too seriously.. most likely a part of my deep empathetic nature, but it just saddens me all these things.. why do I continue to read? I don’t know..

So.. on my testing board, I have started something new! We now have points! What is this?? Well, at the Crochet Garden Testing Board testers can now earn points.. from posts, to completing projects, to helping out other etc. And with these points, they can purchase patterns, and other neat little things in the Tester’s Store! So… stop on by if you want to become a tester for the Crochet Garden. I still have a lot to sort out for it.. but it is going to be a lot of fun I think.

Also.. with the new upcoming launch.. the tester/customer result photo pages will be undergoing a change. It is really neat, and will be very professional looking and will only be the beginning of a new face lift on the Crochet Garden site. I am so greatful for everyone’s patience as I get all my ducks in a row on this site. It is hard, learning and coding at the same time.. all the while designing and taking care of the kids.. So.. remember! When you do not see me here or just see little posts here and there, I am most likely spending time with what is most important- my children.. or doing something you love to see.. designing patterns.. or doing something I detest… my laundry ><

Yes, I lost myself again and slacked on the blogging.. one of these days I will get it down to keep up with this. Just think this though: When you see a long period between posts- it could very well be that I am working diligently on new designs!!

Well, between designing, laundry, Jonathan starting school, Jonathan joining a band, my dear Olivia, cleaning house yada yada… It seems by the end of the day there is no time for me to blog! So, I apologize to my dear readers (if there are any hah) that blogging always seems to take the back burner… Maybe what I should do is make a goal to blog at least once a week, no matter how small the entry is. I think that is an attainable goal. For some reason, I have always been an all or nothing kind of person… If I do not have a lot to blog about and enough time to do it, I skip it and move on to what is more important… Same thing in school when I was younger… everything had to be given 110%…. I really need to change that mentality that I can take little steps with things. So.. this will be a little entry- but tis something!

So.. I spent a lot of time with my daughter the other day. I took her out on the porch - she only had a diaper on but it was so warm, and she just loves the outdoors. Then I took her to the park. She loved the swings, but only up until the point chlidren yelling and running around caught her eye. Well, let me tell you my little darling is not shy. She demanded to be taken out of the swing, and then promptly joined in with the 7 and 8 yr old running around, laughing and playing.

Here are some pictures I took that day:

First one I just love. All are sweet, but she just has the perfect expression…

So… crochet wise… I have been working on some things for babies!! And oh they are SO beautiful. I wanted to make a launch this week, but I think I am going to put it off until next week. Reason being, a few things are still being tested, but I am also going to be out of town for a couple days and would much rather have a launch when I return thanright before I go.

Oh and what is it you ask that will be launching! Tis a surprise.. but, will definitely be worth the wait! Well.. shall write again soon Small steps!

Greetings! Yes, I slacked a bit this time on updating. I have been super busy working on a new upcoming launch. All that site revamping and then dealing with my pattern distribution has put me a month behind- so yes I have been the crazed woman walking around with crochet hooks in her hair in lieu of pencils, burning coffee (yes, one can burn coffee) with a mount of laundry threatening to take over my sanity.

Ok, so first things first… my bounty hunter pages has had success. I have discovered many pattern distributors, and those seeking my patterns. So, a little detective work and I am figuring out who is who. Many of these distributors were actual customers… So what to do with this list of names and email addresses? Well, first they will go the lawyer. I do not want to really say too much until I have all the legalities sorted out… But I do have other options as well, or in addition to. Can someone please tell me…just one thing… why would a customer spend $55 on patterns, then hand them out like candy? Yes, one customer spent about that much and then gave them away. Quite interesting all the things I have been finding out, and it is quite disheartening and sad >< First, I am not out to slander people and create chaos. I just want respect for my creativity, my time I spend into the midnight hours designing, the 15 minutes I squeeze in while my daughter is napping right back to work... Put yourself in my shoes. I just want respect, and that respect encompasses saying to yourself, this woman created something from her heart with many long hours, fueled by her passion to build something for others to enjoy and cherish, and I cannot find it in my heart to disrespect her by passing around her patterns..

Now, it is flattering that my patterns are highly sought... and it does make me feel that wow, I am actually doing it- I am living my dream! But please, help me earn enough to one day buy a house for my kids... enough to take my kids on a vacation... enough so I can maybe one day hire a housekeeper for a day to deal with my laundry! Please, I am not out to cause anyone distress or slander anyone, I just want to build this dream, and the only way I can is with you- my customers are my foundation, without you all, there would be nothing to stand on. You are living this dream with me and one way you can help is - your respect of my work.

Ok... so on to other things! Jonathan has been so happy with his new guitar.. and here he is jamming away - he ripped open that box and went to work!

Now I need to sign him up for guitar lessons.. He is so eager to learn everything he can. Today I got his Testing scores- for the standardized tests schools do nationally. Theses tests give results in % in comparison to all other children of the same grade level nationally. So, if a child scores 55%, he/she scored 55% higher than all other students nationally. And drumroll………………………………………. scored 93% !!!!! I am so proud of him. I also got his school schedule, and they have put him in Honors English and Honors Reading. I look at him and just smile. My son is going to do something great one day, he really is. Not only is he smart, he is caring, warm, and just a very soulful person.

So… I am a month behind on crochet, so the past couple weeks has been a mad crocheting spree. Here is another sneak peak of something soon to come out:

What else is in the works.. well the Rugged Mountain Mittens are wrapping up testing! Yes, finally.. and perfect timing for winter! They should be out by latest next week and up for sale. Here is a sneak peak at one of the mittens:

I would show you the entire collection, but you will have to wait! But I promise, they will be out real soon! The thing I really do not like about most mitten patterns out there, is that the thumb sticks straight out to the side, or looks, oh what is the word… looks just strange. But with these, the thumb positioned not directly perpendicular to the side, but angled to portrude upright like your thumb normally is, toward the palm. Just like off the shelves of a store. Everyone will ask you where they were purchased- and I guarantee people will be in disbelief when told they were handmade. They definitely have the rugged look… very classy and distinguished.

As one may have noticed, I am not too fond of novelty yarns. I prefer plain fibers which I can manipulate into a grand piece of work. While some people prefer fun fur, nubby yarns, chunky textured yarn, I prefer to mold the yarn, rather than having the fibers mold something for me. It merely a matter of personal taste.

I also have been thinking lately.. where am I taking my crochet to? Just like in any part of life, one must find his/her voice.. whether it is there writing voice, there voice speaking through the colors and composition of a painting, or the voice in a piano song.. or even to other walks of life.. everything has a voice… a style. One salepersons style in contrast to another… one teacher’s style of teaching.. Well, I think I already have my crochet voice. I think when people see a pattern, or read my descriptions.. they can say yes, that is a crochet garden pattern… and that is what makes the world so diversified and beautiful.. all these voices together creating a symphony of life.

So, I have been thinking about this, how do I want to continue developing my crochet voice? But then why restrain myself? I often worried that my patterns were too different, or too unique…

For example, when I make up my own stitches.. are people taken back by that? I don’t know. But I can’t stop and conform… For a while there I have been catching myself- why do I try and restrain myself I now ask… Well I could go into some analytical thoughts and hypotheses on this in regards to human nature.. but what it comes down to, is that I should continue doing what I am doing… let my ideas keep coming and just keep singing my crochet.

So… yeah I think I rambled off on another realm of my warped crochet mind.. but eh, who knows.. maybe someone finds my little experts of garble interesting? Lie to me So.. what is next on the crochet agenda… I am hoping to have a pattern launch early next week. However, I am not giving a date because this is all dependent on the testers. 3 of the 4 projects I am wanting to launch will be finished in the next day or so. One of them *may* be a bit longer which may go into next week, but then maybe I will just launch the 3 and leave the other for the next launch.

Hmm.. why, does my to do list keep growing despite completing things? Oh… it will one day come where I can hire someone to take care of the site, take care of the taxes.. and I can just sit in a corner and design to no end…

By the way.. a really cute movie I saw the other night with the kids: “The Parent Trap.” It is not a new movie.. but hah made me cry Go rent it and watch it with the kids- it is great!

Goodnight world.. see you in the daylight..

First.. I want to thank all of my wonderful testers and customers who are contributing to the dream of the Crochet Garden! Without you, the Crochet Garden would be moot. And thank you to all the WONDERFUL emails of praise I receive! They keep me grinning

Now… with the territory comes with copyright infringement. AKA… distributing my patterns in any form through any venue etc. What shall I do? Yes, it is discouraging… but it shant stop the crochet beast within…

Now.. this isn’t anything new to the designing world. But in case you did not know, copyrights are put forth for a reason. Read them.

One may think “Oh, well they can just sell the same pattern over and over and make a killing!” No one will notice 5 bucks here.. 5 bucks there…

Ok.. So.. let’s do some math. What is poverty level? I don’t know let me go look.

Ok.. for Chicago, IL, 2 children… poverty level is $18850.

Ok let’s divide that up by 52 weeks in a year. That comes to oh… about $362.50 a week. Ok, let base that on a 5 day work week Mon - Fri. Per day that would come to about $72.50 a day.

Now let’s see.. my patterns are on average $5.00 a piece. No let’s be generous.. how about $6.00 a piece. How many patterns do I need to sell daily to achieve the poverty level? About 14.5 patterns.

Ok… So now we have all the math figured out.

Ok.. I began Ebay August 8th 2005 and have approximately 530 feedback (that is for combined sales too). Now of course there are those that do not leave feedback.. so of course there is some room for error. Some of that is compensated by some of those sales were for personal things, including zillion of coupons (you know, those vendors that sell coupons for a nickel a piece).

Alrighty moving along here.. So approximately 1 year I have been doing this. 530 with 52 weeks in a year which would make 260 work days. 530/260 = 2 patterns a day.

Ok… so we have 2 patterns a day from ebay which boasts a huge amount of people from all walks. My other venue of sales? The Crochet Garden website. Ok.. so now that I have let you into that aspect of the business.

This last launch mind you- it had been almost 2 months since new patterns were out.

No… I am not asking for sympathy. No.. I am not asking for a pity party. In fact- I would detest that. I just want to enlighten you to how it is for many designers.

Ok.. So, you make 40 grand a year? How many patterns would you need to sell a day to achieve that? You can do the math this time… don’t forget about timie to deal with 40 emails a day, pattern questions, editing your photos, working on your site, pattern testers, designing time… dealing with all the bounced patterns… editing… etc etc etc…

Now that brings me to another point. Let’s forget the 18.5 grand a year. You are the designer… you just thought of this grand idea for something. You never knew you had it in you… you are so proud and are just beaming. So you decide to sell your masterpiece (whatever it may be). Yes yes this takes you back to the school age days of “put yourself in ‘Mary’s shoes’”… Well do that. Someone now takes your idea, your pattern and distributes it. All your work…

In my little humble opinion, those that engage in pattern distribution lack class. So one of you distributors may be reading this and saying “oh my poor me I lack class.” Well.. just as the saying goes.. one day something of yours will be taken. It may not be in the same form. It may not be in the same way.. but something will be taken. Just think about that before you go and hand off that pattern.

Yes, 5 or 6 bucks to me means a lot. It adds up… as the same for you, it adds up. Would you walk into a supermarket and take an apple? Hah who knows maybe you would… It is the same thing.. just an analogy. We are now in the day and age of technology… no longer are there people right beside you to catch you red handed. And not to mention the ignorance of those “sharing” patterns. And I do not mean that in a bad way… We all learn something new each day. You may be one of the ones reading this that had no idea the degree that what is being done is blatant theft. Did you know once a work is created, it is automatically copyrighted by the author? Well.. I am not going to get into copyright laws etc here, but many people out there did not at least realize this basic fact.

Maybe you are on disability, or a senior and are on a fixed income. Have you ever thought of emailing the designer and explaining your circumstance and perhaps asking for a discount if you order let’s say 5 patterns? Don’t knock it until you have tried it. Designers are not out to make a killing… well yeah that would be nice I would have to admit.. but our motives are sincere. We are doing something we love and at the same time trying to build something out of it.

Well.. it all goes with the territory of designing.. whether it is writing a story, making a song, or designing a pattern. You (as a creator) have 2 options. 1) Stop designing/creating 2) Don’t dwell, but think up better ways to minimize pattern distribution and do not forget about those people who do buy your patterns and genuinely appreciate them and your efforts as a designer.

Just like the real world, this is just another part of it. So what can we do? Let’s band toigether and put our thinking caps on… I have devised some interesting ways of “thwarting” would be distributors. Maybe many of them have learned a lot by this blog post… Maybe some not.

I am going to start up a board.. solely for designers- where we can collaberate… discuss these issues. Two is better than one and so on. Yes, we may be competing for sales, we may be designers in the same areas.. but where we all are equal is at the level where we all seek to protect our works. What do you all think about that? I have some good ideas (surprise surprise)… and would love to share and collaborate.

One of these ideas is my “Bounty Hunter” page: Bounty Hunters.

What if we were to expand on this? My idea is this.. a page where all designers with a site can post their web address, and their “reward.” It would be free of course for everyone… A designer would have full control of his/her own area. I believe word would spread like wildfire about it- who wouldn’t want a reward? And what is nice is that it is also confidential. You can post here or email me at lisa@crochetgarden.com.

It would be independent of the Crochet Garden. (Have its own domain www.sitename.com). Me or someone would makea button for it, and we could all put it on our sites that we participate in this “bounty hunter” guild of sorts. I would just be merely maintaining and hosting the list.

I have many other ideas… but I think best of all will be that forum where we can all share our thoughts. I do not want to go into much detail here (why let those that disregard copyrights have a step above us?). Let me know what you think.

And if you are one of the designers out there whose patterns have been stolen, copied, distributed etc… don’t stop designing. There are so many out there that do appreciate and respect what you do. Together I really believe we can make a difference!

Well.. I am now offically the mother of a teen as of July 27th! Jonathan turned 13!

He is also 6′1 and in a 13 1/2 size men shoe.. surpassed me in height when he was 10. So.. I asked him where he wanted to eat- and he chose Subway.. although if we had an Olive Garden that would have been his first choice.

When we walked in, I asked the girl if they had any “birthday” specials just for the heck of it.. and no she said. While asking me what I wanted on my sub, she kept looking up at Jonathan… Jonathan was busy looking at the menu and all I could hear in the back of my mind was… “No no.. not girls yet!” And being a female myself.. I could just tell those “looks” she was giving him… So finally after much effort… she asked him how old he was… Jonathan replied with a strong firm 13! I think she hacked up a lung. No, not literally seeing as we were about to eat and she was making our sandwiches… She said, “I thought you were my age!” I am assuming she was most likely around 17…. She was in high school, and obviously old enough to work.. and my little “big” baby Jonathan is only to be going into 8th grade….

So.. we ate and then we stopped by the guitar store. Jonathan has been wanting a guitar for a few years now.. and for his birthday I told him he could get one. So he tried a few out… luckily with tax refund check and having all the bills paid.. I am finally able to afford him one It felt so good, to watch him looking at all of them, playing a few, listening to the guy there mumble off a bunch of guitar verbage entirely foreign to me.. You know, incidently.. Jonathan is a singer.. He has been in choir for a few years now.. been in some competitions with his school.. and just loves it… his favorite band is Greenday… needless to say I know every word by heart of every song

We did not get a guitar that day… I told him it was best to think about what exactly he wanted rather than act on impulse. So.. today he has been reading up on guitars and brand etc .. I promise you a pic when he does finally settle on one!

Nothing new crochet wise… I am working on my current project which has been in testing over a month. It did come to an abrupt stop on my end when I had to deal with some issues regarding distribution of my patterns… I had to revamp every pattern.. well, not revamp, but add many different types of security measures to do the best I can to minimize this type of thing in the future…

One of the things (you) may not be aware of are the Crochet Garden Bounty Hunters. Yes yes.. true Bounty Hunters for the Crochet Garden! Yes.. I have fallen off my rocker.. but an ingenuis idea I believe it to be! Basically.. one will receive a reward for the information pertaining to unauthorized distribution of my patterns… You can read up more on it at the link.

Then came the face-lift of the site.. that took a few weeks of non-stop coding… yes my keyboard is still in tact despite major effort of controlling bouts of insanity.. So now all is done and I can get back to designing. So.. now it is catch up time to get the project currently in testing completed… I have a few more “summer” projects to write up and get into testing and then begin on fall items. I am now a month behind due to all these unexpected “happenings..” But things will be back in motion soon. I do however go back up North in about 3 weeks for my cousin’s twins first birthday…

So, my plans include a set of Rugged Mountain mittens… and Rugged Mountain afghans to finally complete the entire Rugged Mountian collection of hats and scarves. I really need to get moving on those! Please send some fast crocheting vibes! I also have plans for some nice sweaters and cardigans… and then something else, which I can’t say just yet.. Ah! Why tease you ask?! Well.. just to keep you on your toes that I have a couple neat ideas in the works

So.. first.. will be 4 more thread projects… and then.. I will be redoing a few things on this:
and then reopening testing on this for a second wave. It is in sizes 0-12 mos.. but my plans also include to make larger sizes… and what is great that this cardigan is just as much suited for a boy as well as a girl.

I also have some pattern ideas in the works for men and boys moreso.. hopefully.. to get more patterns in for them. And then also for toddlers a few ideas.. a couple cute but very boyish projects… I will keep you all posted as I progress and get through the end of summer items. We shall see though how fast things go… over the next couple weeks I will be working on reorganizing/cleaning the house while working on the tail end of these projects I am behind on.. and then it will be straight to the fall/winter items. Now.. we all know me and my plans… so who knows what will happen.. I could win the lotto and be then crocheting in France! (Jonathan wants to go to France ).

On another note.. a while back I got ROAKd .. or rather, Olivia got Roakd with a sock monkey… What is tha you ask? What is a sock monkey? Well… all I can say is that this sock monkey has gained acceptance into Olivia’s animal kingdom of stuffed animals: here she is petting her dear sock monkey:

So sweet patting it ever so gently just like her dolls

I also received a ROAK today of an order for 2 of my patterns! Thank you dear sweer Roakr! I love - just love to see a sale when I open my email! Not that I have any doubts with how far this business will go.. but it is so sweet to see someone think about me and know how much each and every sale of a pattern means.

I truly plan to go all the way with this endeavor. My heart is 100% in it… and I am naturally a go-getter.. and I always dive into things with complete effort, being the perfectionist I am.. and then that coupled with my intrinsic surge of motivation with all that I do, and every aspect of everything I do…

I remember in school.. writing papers.. they only had to be like 2 pages in grade school.. yep.. teachers looked frightened when I would walk up… handing in my papers to them, their hands would rock fall to the floor with how long mine were

In my Immunology class in high school… I remember we had to write reports on many of the major parts of the body… what did I do? I hand drew each and every one.. ever so carefully labelling every part… and then of course adding my novel of written word… not to mention the hours I would spend on 1 word to have the sentence flow smoothly.

Over-achiever… perfectionist… competetive…. (shh not wacky)… ok so maybe a little wacky.. but then, if I weren’t a little wacky, how interesting and unique would my crochet patterns really be? Yes.. maybe it is just me rationlaizing my strange ways…

Goodnight all

Well.. finally made the trip up North. My sister’s graduation party from Marquette University- so the whole family practically was there for that! And the other reason was to see my new nephew. Well.. I planned to go to the party etc and visit with my parents.. and then see my brother and his new baby on the way back to go home. So.. on my way going home.. I decided to stop at the Hobby Lobby (drool). My hometown only has Walmart and a small local yarn store. So.. after browsing for an hour, it was time to get on the road to David’s (my brother). I go out to the car.. and egawds.. the car wouldn’t start. I figured it was the battery since I had problems this past week before I left with the car dying and needing a jump.

So.. I called my dad and thank goodness dad to the rescue! He came.. opened the hood.. and after scolding me for having no wiper fluid… went and bought me a battery. He then went and bought me a new battery.. and then treated me and the kids to lunch… So then David called me while out with lunch with my dad.. and said that he and Heidi had baby’s pedatrician appointment and then had things to do! It would take me an hour and 15 minutes to get there and thus I would miss them So.. in 2 weeks I go up there again so I will see my new nephew then

Now for pictures!! It was such a wonderful party and I am so proud of my sister graduating.. Here she is! The graduate! Drumroll………………!

.

Now.. I am sure you have seen the launch of the new additions to the site.. Well, on the Tiny Blossoms page, there is a photo of a preemie. That is my cousin’s son Lucas, one of the two twins she had that were preemies. And here he is now this past weekend:
. Now that woman holding him is my grandmother on my father’s side. And SHE is the one that taught me to crochet! Just look how Lucas is gazing into her eyes…

And here is Both Lucas and his brother in their seats ready to go home from the party:
(Lucas is the first one, and Jacob is the second one).:
.
Don’t they have just the most beautiful baby blues you have ever seen?

Now.. speaking of babies … my cousin Adam and his wife Renee’ on my dad’s side had their baby. She is about 4 weeks old.. and her name is Ashley.. doesn’t she look just like an angel?

And here is her daddy (my cousin Adam) holding her:

And incidently.. here is my grandmother (the one that taught me to crochet and her son (my uncle- my dad’s brother)) (confused yet?!?)

And here.. is Olivia’s first hug to another wee one: (Here she is giving Lucas a sweet hug)

And then, are the kids together:

Jonathan was mostly hiding out the whole time.. but here is a quick pic I got of him! He is so handsome.. turning out to be such a wonderful young man..

And incidently.. he is now 6′1 “, size 13 1/2 men size shoe… and will be 13 this Thursday! A teenager.. where have the years gone?!

My grandmother (on my mother’s side) brought Olivia a tricycle! She LOVED it ! She wasn’t on it very long because she and her adventurous spirit wanted to run all over the lawn.. but here she is trying it out:
.

Later that evening.. we were all outside, my parents and the kids.. and Olivia just wanted to keep running around.. Everyone was tired. but good ol grandpa to the rescue again! He gently took her by the hand being ever careful that she wouldn’t fall and well.. actually I think she took HIM for a walk.. around and around they went all around the lawn for a half hour… here is a sweet memory that will be cherished:

Isn’t that just precious? I am thinking of blowing that up and editing it and framing it in a collage . Eventhough it is their backs. just something about it.. I think you can really see the bond between them captured in this photo… His hand, ready to catch her, or just there as guidance…

So… on to crochet! What is new? Oh lots… The site face-lift is finally done.. for the time being anyway. I think it is now even more easy on the eyes… it still needs some work.. a lot is beyond my grasp as I learn more about coding websites… but I think it is a good start! I coded so long for the past 2 weeks.. I have been in major crochet withdrawal. Every night my fingers ached so bad from so much typing.. but it was well worth it. I learned so much and I do think the results are good.. but then who knows you all may be *coughing* “it’s terrible!” hah….

So… with all this coding.. the patterns I had in testing kind of went on the back burner.. so this week it will be back to business getting those ready and fixed up. With this new site revamp.. I added an extension. Tiny Blossoms! This will consist of patterns only for preemies.. and all free. So every so often I will add a pattern to it and slowly build it up over time. Right now I have the Precious Preemie Cap pattern available. And here is a photo of it:

.
I think it turned out beautiful..

Also with this site revamp I am launching 3 patterns. First is the Sierra Trails Afghan:
.
It is nice and thick.. with a unique combination of stitches I made up. I was experimenting.. and wanted somethign different. I know in at least my family most men want things that are close-stitched.. not “holey” or in the least bit frilly or lacy… So I was on a quest to make another afghan akin to my Afghan Of The Sandman. And 20 minutes later came the stitching for the Sierra Trails… and I think the name suits it perfectly.. it really does look like sierra trails, doesn’t it? And the eding.. another twist on a stitch to make it very unique and maintaining that “manly” look and feel to it. The edging finishes it off perfectly.. with the vertical stitching through the afghan.. and then with ridges of stitching surrounding it.. I think it turned out better than I ever planned it to be.. and oh..it is so thick and just so classy looking.. a definite Crochet Garden pattern.

Next is the “Chimes Of The Sea” overalls. These have been done with testing for quite a long time.. but seeing how I like to launch things with a few patterns at a time it never got launched until now. I wanted osmething different.. so I thought, why not cross stitching? I never cross - stitched before. But how hard could it be? So my usual self I dove in… and one word of advice.. there is no such thing as a neat eraser in “frogging” cross stitching. I had to cut out each and everyone of those squares individually each time I decided to change. Another word of advice, start with graph paper. I should really take my own advice but since I don’t the only thing I can do is put it out there for you. My dad is right, I do have a mind of my own..so much that I have a mind of my own from myself! But then.. can one have a mind of her own from herself? *ponders* ok.. I see you rolling your eyes at me.. I shall not think about this now.

Another thing… when making one fish and wanting another fish… do not come up with the genius idea of taking your graph paper and turning it upside down to make a new fish. What you come up with is some odd species of a cross between an octopus and who knows what… evidence here (bib portion of the pink overalls so cautiously partially covered up):

Well.. after much snipping.. I decided why am I making another fish? Ther eis already a fish on the leg! So.. I brainstorm and aha- a seahorse. Perfect… I would love to have a seahorse on my overalls- but then me wearing a pair of crocheted overalls would turn the seahorse into a bloated puffer fish…

ok.. so, here is what finally became of the poor unplanned octopus concoction:

What is really neat about this set is the versatility in creativity from the crocheter. The white waves you see, can be made into anything one desires. One tester turned those waves into clouds and cross stitched a helicopter on! You MUST see the Chimes Of The Sea Tester Results. They are truly unique and so adorable. Each tester took her overalls and turned into something with that personal touch.

Next is the Icy Cascades dress. I think it turned out absolutely stunning… I took simple stitches and turned them into - well I don’t know what I turned them into but the combination made this dress look liek a breathtaking cascade of ice crystals. Here are a couple shots of the dress in the making:

You can see how it all slowly came together. First, the skirt portion then the edging. I can guarantee you this combination has never been done in crochet before. I really wanted something graceful. I wasn’t wanting poofy-frilly for it.. but something unique but full of elegance and grace. I think I succeeded. Here is the final outcome:

So.. what is on the agenda next? Well.. must catch up on forum edits on a new project in the works in testing. This project took on a path of its own and turned into something magnificent! It is definitely of heirloom quality, highly unique and oh… very captivating. Here is a tiny little peak of a swatch:

Please send quick vibes that this ensemble gets completed in testing soon!

With this site revamp.. I also added a Support Forum! Basically, this will be where I post pattern corrections (if any) and where customers and the like can come ask questions, make suggestions, discuss the patterns etc. So, please stop by and register! My testers and myself are ready and eager to help out. Now, of course we do try our best to make the patterns as error-free and as concise as possible.. but we are human.. I think this is going to be a wonderful addition to the site.. yes- another one of my ideas storming through has finally come to life!

I really hope the changes in the site are to your liking. When you get a chance, stop by and check it out.

Well, time for me to sleep… goodnight world, and happy crocheting!

Where’d you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it’s been forever
that you’ve been gone
Where’d you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it’s been forever
that you’ve been gone
Please
Come back home …

Yes… this is my new favorite artist and song… Fort Minor: Where’d You Go / with Holly Brooks. I don’t normally like “rap” but this song was so unlike normal rap you hear… I have to get this song on CD~! Maybe for Christmas Those are some of the lyrics.. and if you want to hear a clip of the song.. you can hear it here- her voice is just beautiful.. and those are lyrics she sings in the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYbHBWQLpQY&search=D-minor Now.. the beginning is some people talking. The video has a lot of meaning.. Her voice is truly an angel singing.

Oh .. what? You thought “Where you go” was where did I go? Hmm… yes… bad me I neglected this blog terribly. I am finally concluding the catch-up game with everything… So.. this blog will soon be in some serious make up time!

So what is new? First things first.. the website http://www.crochetgarden.com has been undergoing a facelift. I am planning to launch it next week. There are a few added extensions… and one in particular I am very proud of.. I want so badly to say what it is! But.. alas.. you shall have to wait along with me for Tuesday to arrive! At least, that is the date I am planning to launch.. and (shhh launch a couple patterns as well!).

Ok.. update pics of the kids!:

Here is Olivia fallen asleep.. can you tell she and her toys have taken over the living room?

Here is jt growing up too fast on me:

Ok.. now here are a few pics I was taking when olivia was modeling the Sweet Miss Lacy Cardigan Set.. only she had to have this big pink hat on I think the pictures turned out so lovely and yes- can you tell she is a diva?

and alas.. here is Olivia.. back at easter, painting her first egg all by herself

And once again… I went out and Olivia chose some things for her hair.. well when we got home she ripped open this pack and insisted I put every single one in her hair!

So.. kids are doing great.. Jonathan has choir camp this summer… everyone was in shock. Last year he was a soprano.. this year he was a real low baritone. His voice did a complete turn around! Oh he is growing up too fast! Anyway- his school won a choir competition.. then Jonathan and his little group of friends also placed first! He loves singing.. and really wants a guitar… A few of his friends have a band and he wants to be in it. This week, Thursday to be exact he will be 13

Onto other news…. I am an Auntie! Yes, my brother and his wife had their first child … Conner David is now here.. 7 lbs 9 oz and 21.5 inches! Tomorrow I will be going up to see my first and new nephew!! I will be taking along my camera so be ready for some pics!

Ok on to more crochet news.. 2 patterns will be coming out this next week. It has been almost 2 months since I have launched any patterns. I have just been so busy… Spending lots of time with the kids.. and then also the past couple weeks the website has been taking quite a good chunk of time getting it ready to show its new face along with the new patterns.

I only have 2 other designs in the works.. but are not even into testing. After I get back from visiting family, I will be launching the new site and then hopefully the rest of the week catch up on the testing board.. and then finish designing these new projects.

Also.. on another note… the Crochet Garden Support Forum is now up! Yes.. all my customers and such can go for pattern support. Thank goodness my testers are helping me out with this.. They are fantabulous! So if you have any questions or (*cringe*) find an error… bring it on over and we shall get it straightened out!

Anyway.. I will be putting much effort into updating here more often.. even if they are just little entries. So much time with the kids.. then laundy.. then kids.. then dishes.. then kids.. then oh yes, designing.. and the blog seems to take the brunt on the backburner..

Goodnight all