Finally.. it is released… Lara’s Heirloom Garter is now available, and includes both a keep garter and one for tossing Thank you everyone for your patience, and thank you to all of my testers that tested this… And a final thank you to Nadine, whose daughter modeled her garter!

Keep checking the site.. there is going to be a lot more releases coming out soon!!!

Niters all

Well, when I drop from the face of my blog, it is usually because I have deadline(s) approaching. And this was definitely that!

I spent the last couple of weeks, nonstop working on a project for a magazine. This pattern will be a labor of love, for those who choose to embark upon it… I am very proud of it, but sort of nervous at the same time. It is quite intricate, and definitely not one to be done while watching tv Anyway, more on that, when it comes out.. I will be sure to tell all about it.

But PHEW, it is done and out the door. I am now just fine tuning and editing it as testers finish it up… What a relief it is, when a pattern is completed.

On another note.. I wrote in my previous entry, of trying to help Kim Werker, the editor of Interweave Crochet, get an interview with Joss Whedan. I am happy to say, that contact I got through my cousin so far has panned out, and the formal interview request is now being passed on to Joss Whedan’s assistant. So! Let’s cross fingers and hope this goes through.

As for the garter, that will be coming out VERY soon… I am now just awaiting photos. The testing for it is now complete. So keep an eye out, as I know many have been inquiring about it.

I like to blog and show photos of work that people have from my patterns. This is something new that came in today. Thank you to Deborah for this lovely photo of the Summer Daisy Sundress, that was in this year’s summer issue of Interweave Crochet. It turned out beautiful!…. And I love, love love pink… Please send in a photo if you happen to get one of the little girl trying it on!

Well… time for me to go work on some LONG neglected patterns that I have slated for release.. keep an eye out here, and on the website. They will be coming in piecemeal as they finalize… There will be quite a few patterns!!!

See ya all- thanks for putting up with my sparseness

“Uh… who?” Some of you may ask…

Reference: This is the original Crochet Me post that this blog post is referring to:
Calling Geek Crafters: We Want To Interview Joss Whedon and We Need Your Help!
________________ _____________

Joss Whedon, the mastermind behind the X-Men, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel.. etc! Well, Kim Werker, the brilliant editor of the astute magazine Interweave Crochet and founder of Crochet Me online magazine has created a surge through the web within the crochet world in an effort to interview this creative genius.

Here is a clip from her original blog post in this plight to secure an interview with this esteemed creative soul:

“See, Joss Whedon is a wicked creative guy, and he entertains us. And last week, in a tongue-in-cheek response to an interview question on the Wired blog, he practically begged for a crochet publication to interview him*. And CrochetMe.com simply must be that pub. Why? A bulleted list will tell you…”

Read the Crochet Me Blog Post On Joss Wheden to read more.

And the clever, witty Kim Werker will not let this go and I quote from the first lines of a subsequent blog post:

“I’m so not letting this Whedoncraft thing go. So to add some fuel to the fire, I made myself a Jayne hat last night (crocheted, of course, which isn’t so true to the knitted original but sure is true to trying to catch Joss Whedon’s attention so he’ll grant us an interview)“

So, get the pattern to Make Your Own Jayne Cobb Hat here by Kim Werker! I have a feeling the crochet world will be rocking with this hat pattern. Make it, blog it, pass the link around…!

In addition, if you have anything craft Whedon-related, a link, photo, anything of sorts, post it in the original blog post on the Crochet Me blog site. There is already a lot of hype in the comments section- posts on numerous items Whedon-inspired from washcloths, to crocheted Jayne dolls, to tree ornaments. If you have not checked all of this out yet, what ya waiting for? I kid you not, this is only the beginning. With Kim’s tenacity, this drive will not wane- only because of her intrinsic, genuine desire to interview Joss.

So what have I done to play my part? I have a cousin who is a comic artist. I should say a very talented one at that. (Hi Alex!). Maybe if I am lucky he will send me some of his work to post here I am pretty sure my cousin went to Comic Con, as he always goes.. Anyway, maybe my cousin Alex can lead the way to Joss! I will keep you all posted on what I find out. In the meantime, get over to crochetme.com site!

I have had quite a few emails from testers unable to connect to the testing board. Just to let you know, we had a webserver reboot. Things should hopefully be up soon and am working with support

I got a summer cold so have been resting the last couple days, but will keep on top of this and hopefully have the testing board up soon!

Well, it has been a crazy week… just one of those times with one thing after another… Found out more of my patterns are being distributed around the internet again.. more on that later though… one of these “distributors” will wow you…

Before I began crocheting, I worked in a group home for physically and mentally disabled adults. Tonight I received a call that one of the patients/consumers passed away.  Anyway, I cannot say too much due to HIPPA and confidentiality and the like, but what I can say is that this was a great person. What was really interesting, was someone found 2 bibles in this individual’s room, one stacked on the other, with marked passages about entering into the Kingdom.. That is not the interesting part, but what kind of sent a chill down my spine, was that this individual could not read.

Anyway, I really try to keep this crochet oriented with a few bits and pieces of my everyday life, and well this was one of those little bits of pieces, that unexpectedly impacted me.

So anyway, on to other things…  For those anxiously awaiting and for those emailing me, I am hoping to have the garter released next week sometime. That is not definitive, but I am going to try and make that the goal.  I also will be working feverishly on more deadlines. One thankfully is being sent off tomorrow, so that is done and can be scratched off the long-awaited to do list. “YAY!”

So, I am still working on the design of one of them.. and am hoping, and crossing fingers it all comes together, and in enough time for the deadline. This is definitely going to be a challenge. I have been working on and off on this one particular design for a couple of months, but something just was never right about it. Sometimes it would get tucked back away… sometimes entirely ripped… sometimes stared at so long and hard- maybe I wished it would melt into oblivion. I loved it, yet at the same time it needed something..  So much so that I always refrained from giving sneak peaks of it. But now, it is slated for publication, thus no sneak peaks…

And, since I accepted this challenge, I must, must follow through and I now have to figure out what the missing piece is… in time for the deadline. “Sending vibes out to the missing piece….”

I will keep you posted as I progress through this. Tomorrow is Day 1 which I will begin from scratch from the beginning.

Niters all

I was doing so good blogging like every other day or so.. please forgive me! I went into crazy design mode It just kept going and would not cease.

Ok.. so first!~ A sneak peak at a cable scarf…

This would be another set of hats, scarves and mittens, like the Rugged Mountain collection:

What do you think of this stitch pattern? Is the texture unique and appealing, or is it a “what the heck is that??” kind of thing?

I have been debating of doing perhaps a third set of Rugged Mountain sets, but doing them in a sport weight, unlike a worsted weight like the first set and this set that I am currently working on.

I also have a very darling little thread dress in testing Maybe… a sneak peak on that later. It has been so long since I have designed any dresses in thread, let alone anything at all (except for the garter for my sister).. And on that note……….

Update on Lara’s Heirloom Garter!

For those who are waiting it, it is almost done with testing. One of my testers is working it up, and has a daughter that will be modeling. I just need to get out the blue pearls and the silver cross in the mail to her.. which will be going out tomorrow. So, as soon as she is finished embellishing it, it will be ready for sale :)I plan to have a quick testing on the “toss” garter that will go with the set. So keep on a lookout! If you are not on the newsletter, be sure to get in on it. You can check your profile at the Crochet Garden website, and somewhere there will be a box to check mark to receive it. That way you will know the moment it is ready. But I will also be making the announcement here.. so you can keep checking back at this blog!

More On my last published pattern book:

Hats, Scarves and Mittens For The Family

Available through Annie’s Attic

Ok… So a few posts ago I talked about this pattern booklet that came out through Annie’s Attic. I have some photos of the prototypes I would like to share!

All of these come in sizes from toddler to adult. Sizes are as follows: Toddler (2-4), Child (5-7), Tween (8-12), Women’s, and Men’s. If you work any of these up, I would love to see photos!

Well, time to get back to work More to come soon!

When one goes to Annie’s Attic, he or she can click on the “coming soon” link. Well, they have put up a pattern book of what is soon to come - Think Pink, Crochet For the Cure!

This book’s theme is for Breast Cancer Awareness. On the cover, you will see 4 designs. The one in the lower right (the vase with the pink ribbons and flowers) is mine

Just from the cover, one can see this book is going to rock.. I love both of the pink hats..I am going to have make both of them on the cover for myself to wear.. and even though I am not one to wear pins, I know MANY who do and will go crazy over making them for everyone…

I am also happy to say I have 3 patterns in this book! I am unsure if at this point I am allowed to say what the others are, so I will have to keep it hush for now..

For every book sold, a portion of the proceeds go for research. Be sure to pick up a copy.. you will get some lovely patterns, and you will be helping others as well.

I wanted them to be unique, but also somehow reach into people. I kept thinking and brainstorming.. and this vase idea came to me. It would be wonderful for teachers to have on their desks, secretaries as well. They are so quick to make, and would make a nice addition to any shelf or table… You could even decorate the vase, get some glue, paints, maybe glitter.. get the kids involved to make them as gifts (crafting is always fun!)

You can grab any little bud vase (you can actually use any small vase shaped in any way).. and then fill it with sand, or marbles (if the opening is big enough), etc. Then take wire flowers, and poke them into the vase. Then work the pink ribbon pattern (in the book, of course), and assemble.. and voila, a beautiful centerpiece for your table, or a wonderful gift for that special person….

You know what would be neat in the cooler months? Take a vase, fill it with beans and then insert a baggie of spices, then put on the pink ribbons.. and what do you have? Pink Ribbon soup vase? I think I need some Zzzs… but then, maybe I am on to something?

Time to hit dreamland Have a lovely Happy Tuesday in the morn!

Anyway.. I cannot wait for this book to come out!

My newest booklet of patterns is out! Hats, Scarves and Mittens For The Family through Annie’s Attic!

Oh I am so thrilled with this! The family looks incredible… the photography is phenomenal.. that little guy steals the show though!

Look at those baby blues on that little guy! So adorable… Here is another one of the photos on the inside of the other set not shown on the front:

Looks like this is ready and available for purchase! To see more of the photos on the inside, go to the the pattern page here, and then click on “view more photos.”

Thank you to one of my Moderators- Sarah for spotting this publication for me…! This is the Granny Afghan I made and it looks like it ended up in the hands of Mary Maxim!

What I really like about this afghan is the border.. brings out the colors in the flowers. I had a lot of fun designing it- and it was my first time designing an afghan of square motifs. Looks like they are selling it as a kit. You can see it here: Baby Granny Blanket 

Garter Update:

I really did not think that this garter would have been such a hit.

So guess what is in testing?? This garter! So to all of you who have written me, this pattern will be released I cannot give a time, but I know one of my testers is about finished with the testing.. so only a few more to go, and then I will rephotograph the one I have remade since I made a few minor changes. Nothing drastic, just a few small details from the original. So keep on the lookout for it. Any suggestions for a name? Let me hear ‘em if you have any! Post them here, or email me.

Do you think I should make this into a set? What other kinds of patterns (wedding type) are you seeking? I was thinking maybe a ring bearer pillow… maybe a little purse? Let me know your thoughts!

More to come soon!….

The wedding was beautiful.. My sister looked beautiful.. Too bad I “forgot my camera” at my parents house when I went to the wedding. Later, I realized, it was with me, just at the bottom of the bag!!! Note to self, buy camera bag. That shall be going on my wishlist!

As for the dilemma with my top, I have to give major thanks to Lara’s (the bride) hair/ makeup lady, Ryan. Ryan was a life saver. She went to the bridal shop, found a different top that had the back raised enough to hopefully allow a bra. Unfortunately, it was strapless, but  by that time, I did not care and was desperate. She got the  first pink one in the set of top photos:

It worked In addition to getting me the top.. she got me 3 bras- and wow.. I never knew such contraptions existed! She brought it to me, in a perfect size, and geesh, there were more parts to this thing than to my kids’ lego sets! It had extenders, clear straps, adjustable straps, ways to make it criss cross, over the shoulder, use as a strapless.. the whole works!!  She did warn me, once it is on, it will be staying on.. and wow was she right.. had to have my mom help getting it off, crazy, but wow… talk about a lift.. Ryan was a magician. I kid you not…

When the dress was sort of slightly showing the bra, out Ryan pulled some double sided tape, that sticks to the bra, then sticks to the dress… I sort of whimpered about one side being a bit bigger than the other.. and what did she pull out of her magic bag? Some sort of plastic baggy blown up thing that you can sit in your bra to have some sort of balance. Can I say wow? I dared peeking in her bag to see what other goodies she had, but most likely they would end up being beyond my grasp..

anyway before I go into any more detail for those readers that may be squeamish.. THANK You RYAN for coming to my rescue!!

Here are a few snapshots though that I got of the rehearsal and the morning getting ready

Here is my grandma (the one who taught me sc and dc) with my daughter:

And here she is with my son (yes, he is quite tall, surpassed me at age 10! And lookie! His hair has grown back!)

Here is the phenomenal priest. He is from Kilimanjaro in Africa. He was amazing.. For a moment, I wasn’t sure where I was.. His words were so wise, and so uplifting. At the reception, he amazed me further. He sung an African song, and I cannot remember the name of it, but I was taken away. The moment he began singing, everyone at the reception began clapping to the music as each one was carried away… I wish the song lasted longer as I was captivated.

Later at the reception, he sat down and chatted with me for a bit, and I told him how in awe I was at his song, and how interested I am in learning about other cultures. He told me if I ever come to Africa, he would be my guide. So now, I need to email him (I got his email and address in Africa) and find out what that song was and learn more about it.

It is kind of neat, learning about other cultures and practices. I remember when I was a kid, maybe 6 or 7, and I would beg my parents every time we went to Wisconsin Dells to take me to the Indian Ceremonial.. I just could not get enough of it.

I do know they had a videographer.. So I will need to get permission from the taping people to see if I could post him singing that song on my blog Keep checking back, because I assure you, that is something you do NOT want to miss!

Tada.. here is the bride, getting ready that morning- and that is Ryan, doing her hair.

And here is the little flower girl and ring bearer at the rehearsal They were playing some ‘jammin tunes!

And lastly, here is another shocker (something is always new when I go to Chitown)… They now have TVs at the gas pumps! Err, yes, if you did not know that.. you can now watch TV, hah! I was blown away.. my mom was laughing her head off at me, but I tell ya, I just could not believe it.. So I guess it is their way to get your mind off of how much $$$ is going into the tank… Here is my mom by the TV (?!? TVs at the gas pumps!)

I will keep you all posted on that song from the priest.. and more publication stuff to tell you about that is coming out and that has already come out!

My sister is getting married this weekend, for those that have not read previous posts. The entire wedding is handmade, pretty much. Everything from the Bridal Shower invitations, to her wedding dress… I totally jumped right in and volunteered to make her garter. I would have also liked to have made my daughter’s flower girl dress, but they got one for her. I wish I had thought of it earlier, as I am sure I would have been able to make one…

Anyway, I had been working on this garter for a while and just was not satisfied. Yesterday I finally came up with an idea and it just kept going and going, and going. It is going to be a Catholic wedding, and they are very devout Catholics, so I somehow wanted to incorporate this.

I attached a sterling silver cross to the garter, with 2 bows on each side. In the center of each bow is a light blue swarovski pearl. Each pearl signifies one of them, with the cross between uniting them. This cross can then later be removed, and used for their first child’s baptism. Then the garter and cross can be passed down as a tradition. I really hope she likes it

I have not made this into a pattern, though I could, if there is enough demand. Or, maybe I could write a pattern up similar to this one. Hah, I kind of want to keep this for myself!!

I got the dress in for my sister’s wedding (which is next weekend) and tried the dress on. My sister chose a particular color, and they were all mix and match separates. Unfortunately for this color, it was very limited in the kinds of tops one could choose, at least for my body style. All sleeveless. (My arms are definitely not state of the art). You could choose spaghetti straps, or halter straps etc. I chose halter straps, they were thicker, and I hoped would provide for more coverage.

Looks like all the tops are backless (could not see the backs online in the preview- they only showed front.. silly if you ask me)… I am quite busty, and after nursing my daughter, I still have NOT gone back to pre-nursing size… I think they are here to stay, which is not such a bad thing.. but for this dress… it is a bad thing. I ordered a size 16. I normally wear a 14, (which is also what I wear in jeans, and is also I always wear an XL/1X in tops). My sister is up in Chicago, so I had to order..

Welp, can we say squished pancakes? This is a nightmare. On top of it, it is a Catholic wedding (that means l.o.n.g. wedding). When I first saw the dresses, I saw one bolero that I could have possibly got, but eh, it was to me, not very flattering, so I opted not to get it. It just looked like 70’s airplane wings ready to take off. Well, maybe not.

So, since I had to order, could not try it on before ordering.. I did not want to go too big, so figured one size up (16) from a 14 that I regularly wear. I do not know if it is this style, but the top is very constricting.

Here is what I had to choose from:

Here were my choices:

I chose second from the last (the center red one). Looks like the most coverage, and maybe the possibility of being able to wear a bra…

Nopers.

Now mind you, I was really pleased we were able to choose something, maybe have an outfit or something we “could” wear again. And they ARE beautiful tops and quite a choosing..! Unfortunately, all of these styles, just were not working with my body.

Getting worried about the dress and my arms in dire need of some attention, and the possible bra situation… I asked my sister if I could make something to wear… So, I have um, 5 days to design myself something, in plus size that will cover me, yet not make me stick out from the rest. Sigh. Wish I were a size 2. Well, no, which I were a size 8, I think that is a nice size

I could just make a stole.. I do have plenty of size 10 thread. Bolero? Shrug (I really do not like shrugs). Have NO idea how I will even be able to fit a bra in a space that a molecule cannot even fit into. I have been online all weekend, looking for something that may work, but the back of this dress is so low cut, not even a strapless will do… Backless?!? Is there such a thing in my size? Something tells me the forces of gravity will more than happily intervene with that.

Stole may also give me some coverage in the belly area.. if I wrap it around myself a few times and mummify myself. Maybe there is a bra with a clear back strap? Wonder…
This is going to be one interesting challenge for me to figure out by Friday. Please send any thoughts your way or suggestions… post em here.. email, this is going to be quite, quite interesting.

I’m just going to chop off the straps of a bra and the back and super glue the cups to the dress . They definitely will not be going anywhere! (So much for the accuracy of my previous post of me being the Prophet Soul… : “No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way…”)

You are at the right place (maybe?)… Playing around with templates so you may be seeing things

Every so often, I like taking these little quizes.. here is one of them… I would have to say that I think it is right on. Except for the last part about not necessarily being a doer.. I am quite the doer, an impulsive one at that… So, now, the bigger question is… Any single bright stars or dreaming souls out there??

If you take the quiz, let me know what you get!

What Kind Of Soul Are You Quiz
You Are a Prophet Soul

You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone.

Selfless and kind, you have great faith in people.

Sometimes this faith can lead to disappointment in the long run.

No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way.

You are a good interpreter, very sensitive, intuitive, caring, and gentle.

Concerned about the world, you are good at predicting people’s feelings.

A seeker of wisdom, you are a life long learner looking for purpose and meaning.

You are a great thinker and communicator, but not necessarily a doer.

Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind Of Soul Are You Quiz

I love Enya, especially Orinoco Flow.. Anytime I see a photo of water, or boats, that song just echoes in the back… I think I have all of Enya CDs. So soothing, so relaxing, and it just plain puts me in a darn good mood!

This photo was sent in to me by Shannon. She worked up the Chimes Of The Sea pattern (overalls for boys and girls). He looks like he is ready to go on an adventure across the sea! I thought she used black and white for the colors, and told her I would have never of thought of that color combination.. but actually, she used navy blue. (Need to get a new monitor one of these days!!). Turned out incredibly adorable, yet “manly,” and the setting right by the river just captured a little story of this little guy… Ahoy! Thank you Shannon for sending this in to me!

Summer Daisy Sundress

Is now released in the summer of 2008 issue of Interweave Crochet!

Summer Daisy Sundress On Ravelry 

(Cover of this issue- I LOVE that shawl!)

Summer Daisy Sundress:

I had a lot of fun designing this dress. For a while now, I had a dress sketched that would begin at the top with little flower motifs, and then work down into the front and back panel, and then work from there in the rnd from the waist down.

Originally, I had an eyelet rnd right below the motifs on each panel. But I decided to scrap that, as the idea came to me of an embellished ribbon. Weaving this embellished ribbon through the eyelets was just not working. Some of the flowers of the ribbon would end up behind a post of a st, and just look all wonky and out of shape. I liked this idea more, not only because my little string of ribbon daisies did not look all crinkled in any old way, but that it gives a lot of versatility to the crocheter when choosing an embellished ribbon.

I then debated- should I have the ribbon below the motifs, or right above the waist? To be different, I chose right below the motifs, since so many patterns (including my own) have the “eyelet” portion at the waist.

What is also nice, is that since this dress works from the top down, the length is highly customizable! Babies and tots come in so many shapes and sizes, so this works out great. I also decided to go with ties at the shoulders… This not only makes it customizable, but very versatile.. She can wear this all year round, whether as a jumper in the spring and fall with a little tee or shirt beneath, and as a sundress in the hot humid days of summer.

My favorite part of this dress is the little scalloped daisies at the bottom.. The “pleated illusion” just sets the tone for the eye wandering down to these dainty little flowers at the bottom.

This issue of Interweave Crochet is fantastic! There are so many wonderful patterns… First, my favorite, is the Flirty ’30s Tank Top! By Mary Beth Temple.

I am so in love with this top, and the bigger sizes took me in… Up to a size 50 bust! With the dainty scalloped straps with a ribbon woven through, and just the sheer drape of it, this tank is totally my style, and it will actually end up being the first garment I ever make for myself I will show photos when I get it done. I think what closed it hands down of me making this was Mary Beth Temple’s suggestion of wearing a little top beneath! (ya!) Now the waiting game for this issue to arrive in my mailbox!

I love Sir Stephen, The Bunny.. I want to make him for myself.. so cute! I also love the Queen Anne’s Lace Blouse, another garment exactly my style. What was neat is that they had this special include a section on babies! (Hence, the bunny) But also, Ellen Gormley has a baby dress in there, Baby Blues… and there is the Just Enough Blanket. There are so many great patterns in this issue.. but then Interweave does rock Be sure to get your hands on an issue if you have not already subscribed!

I have been getting photos in my email from a customer, Cindy, of something very unique and different. She has combined 3 of my dress patterns into one to create her very own christening gown.

I love to receive photos of my patterns being worked… Always makes me smile to know people are enjoying my creations. But this one made my jaw drop…

Here are some photos of what she has done. She took The yoke and overlay from the Princess Of Twilight pattern, the sleeves from the Fairytale Keepsake Dress, and then finally, the body from the Seaside Fairy Sundress pattern and combined them all into one. She also added in some unique beading into the yoke overlay- absolutely exquisite!

Here is a link to her post on her blog: After One More Row

Pretty neat, isn’t it? I think it is turning out absolutely beautiful, and I cannot wait to see the final finished results, and on the little darling!! Her stitches are remarkable, and this will definitely become an heirloom to pass down!

On another note.. the blog has gone through a face lift. I am not so sure I am crazy about the colors, but I think they may grow on me. It is definitely more simple than my last template… I do like this one a lot more. What do you think??

I think giving this blog an updated theme will also encourage me to blog more. It is just a matter of spacing out time for things, and this is one place that has been neglected. I think I have figured out a way to do this, with my schedule and (hah or lack thereof) … I have so many things to write about.. So when something comes to mind, I have a little notebook.. then I will make a goal (a certain # of times a week to blog) and choose one of my topics I have jotted down. We shall see how well this works

Have a happy Sunday all!

Well, I do not know about you, but this day kind of makes me sad… and like any other human, I take the issue at hand and relate it somehow to my life… It makes me worried, to think about my son, how my uncles and father were all in the war, drafted at that… but thankfully, all survived, one in a body cast, another with a broken limb, but all alive. My son is now growing into a man, and it makes me think about his future.

Anyway, I have been so neglecting this blog lately, I need to stop that. Someone needs to give me a “blog call,” instead of a wake up call.. “Lisa… today is blog day!”

It isn’t that I do not enjoy blogging.. it is a matter of finding the time. I am naturally very scatterbrained and have a zillion things going on in once.. not sure if that keeps me going in deeper to my little world of chaos, or if it hinders my production in certain areas, namely, the blog and the laundry…

Ack.. putting laundry and blogging on the same level. Nope, they both just end up “somewhere down there.”

This past weekend, I went up to Chitown (Chicago) for my sister’s bridal shower. She  will be getting married in June- I am a bridesmaid. I just got the dress in the mail the other day… (I am really scared it won’t fit!) So it sits there, hanging in the bathroom, awaiting me to try it on… I will let you know when I do. Cross your fingers that it fits!

Anyway… my mom had rented a hall for my sister’s bridal shower… Here, they are, with my sister coming in through the door.. Kind of funny, she knew she was having the shower (it was not a surprise), but she still had that “Oh wow surprised look” which I though was really cool, because my mom I am sure savored every moment of it, despite knowing it was not truly a surprise.. But that is my mom, she will make a moment out of anything, and cherish it and break into tears..

Ok, so here they are, with my sister entering in…

This was also neat… my mother made a collage for my sister, growing up.. and made little notes beside each photo…

Here are some flowers from my mother’s garden:

Sorry it is a little blurry… But so beautiful..

Well, time to go make lunch, and get some laundry going… I will write back soon Someone just needs to kick me in the hiney and tell me blogtime!

Have a wonderful day!

Ok, first before I get to Kim, first let me give some updates.

A past commenter asked how my dog was and how the last pathology report was. Sadly, it did come back cancerous, but of a different kind. This one was a Sarcoma, a form of skin cancer. But, on a good note, she is more back to herself than she has ever been. I took her a couple of weeks to get a checkup and to have a close look for anything coming back- and so far we are in the clear! She is now back to her normal self. Although the result of cancer is something I did NOT want to hear.. it is I guess the lesser of two evils, in that if it was the first recurring, it may have most likely been worse, as it would mean it was a very aggressive cancer. But since it was of a different type, that made it a better chance for her. And well, so far she is back to her old self, sleeping on her back, waking me at 5 AM to go potty, singing to me when I sing, err well howl (when she howls that is).

Ok, another update and oh I have so many more but those will be in posts to come. Today I just finished up another project for another publication. It always feels so good when something is finally complete. Just when you think something will be a small project, the perfectionist kicks in and of course draws it out to be a mass craze of does this need that, should I do this, oh, another idea, and so on and so forth. But it is now complete, and it will be coming out this fall. Although, I may be going to CGOA this summer and may be sporting it there!

Ok, so I know I have been a bit neglectful of this blog.. and will get to more crochet in future posts, but KIM caught me off guard… So here I am, thinking tonight after having this project complete, I should blog. It has been too long, and if I even have ANY readers left, I must spark some sort of something to keep them hanging around. And so first I go and check my long list of comments, err well spammed comments. Then I see a name I recognize.. Kim Aller..

Let me tell you about Kim… You wouldn’t know it - but she is crazy (in a good way- I love ya girl!)… We had so many good times.. We have been friends, oh goodness.. what was it 6th grade??

Check out her comment on my last post… she even remember when I taught her to crochet. Though, I think when I taught her I only knew plain sc and dc, so taught her to make a dc afghan, and I remember her whipping out those dc sts like mad…

Let me tell you about a couple of my fondness memories.. And well, it just may tell you a little more about me than you wanted to know!! So… we were about, oh I think it was 16 or so? Maybe 17? Hmm, trying to think.. She is about 8 months younger than me.. and she was able to drive, so I think we were around that age.. anyway.. I was working at Hardees. (That incidentally was my first job ever). And, that year they were having really super cheap flights… So, I walked over to her house- she lived a few blocks away and I practically broke down the door and I ran up to her room past her mom and said “KIM! Airfare is super cheap! Let’s go on a vacation!” She was looking at the paper, I think, or something I had with printed airfares… And I said let’s go to California!! And she is like “Yeah!” (Yeah, you all are nodding you head thinking I AM the crazy one, not Kim…ha!)

So, she asks her mom, and they say yes, and my parents say yes. So proudly we call up the travel agent… We are like, how long should we go for? Kim is like, hmm I dunno? And I say, how about a month? She is like “yeah!” So… we booked a flight to go out to San Diego California, for a month. Yep….

We had a few months to save up and figured this would be so cool and perfect. So we get there… and wow.. .we could take the trolley to the Body Shop! We were obsessed, literally with the Body Shop. All those bath beads and scented soaps.. (By the way, Kim, you know I found one of those soaps in a box in the basement just a week ago.. it was a mango one and still smells)…

Welp, we blew a LOT of our money that first day.. So the next day, what do you want to do? Wanna go to the Body Shop? Yeah! So off we go

Well, by the end of the trip, the last couple weeks maybe? Maybe the last week? We were eating bologne we got from a corner store and stored in our ice canister in the room… We also hit a little Chinese restaurant that was just a block away.. that place was so good, still remember their fried noodles.

Each summer after that, for maybe 3 years, we went to California.. we had a blast… I guess I will not mention the time we ended up in Tijuana and ended up with lost shoes, walking along gravel roads… trying to figure out how to get back to the USA!

Sometime, I will have to dig out those California pictures and post a few here.. what great memories!!! Sometimes I look back and think are ONLY reason for going to California was to go and hit the Body Shop.

So Kim mentioned in her comment in my last post she has a baby boy Jonathan.. Congrats Kim!!!

So, though cliche, a little walk down memory lane… sometime I will have to tell you all more stories of our adventures..

Goodnight all.. time to get some work done and hopefully some ZZzzzzzs.

I have been so super busy, it has been insane. So sorry for such a long time in between posts here. I updated the website, that was a task in itself. It is so nice, I think, and now there are automatic downloads, so no need to wait for patterns to be emailed. What also is neat, is that patterns now will be held in one’s account, rather than being sent a link. So many times I get the “I did not get my pattern”- due to spam blockers, wrong email address, limit on number of files with attachments, etc.

So far, the response to the new site update has been a thumbs up! Everyone seems to like it, and they like the automatic downloads. Another thing I am hearing a lot of feedback on is that people like having patterns stored in their account. So in case a computer crashes or they lose a pattern, they can download it again.

Be sure when you register, that you hit the newsletter box at the bottom of the registration screen! That is how people will receive special coupon codes and other goodies!

Sorry so short, but a little something is better than nothing, right? I have so many things to blog about, and will be doing so soon! Hopefully tomorrow!

You know.. I was born on a Tuesday. So was my son… They say Tuesday’s baby is full of grace..

When I first began designing, I really had no idea what I was doing, and dove in blind. Now, with the last 3 years behind me (this year, I think will be my 4th?) I have learned so much. I think also getting published, during that 6 mos of nonstop working up patterns for publication companies, I learned much much more. There are so many different ways to write up patterns, and now, after reviewing my old style, and then all the styles of each company (each has their own guidelines), I now can say I have found my own little voice of style of writing. I do not know if that makes sense, but I now have a good sense, even during the designing process, of how one little detail change could have a minor affect on a pattern outcome, but a big impact on the length and complexity of the written word.

For example, I like to make my buttonholes within the pattern as I go, not afterwards making a buttonband. Well, because I work my patterns from the top down, and with a no seam sewing style, it pays to have an odd number of rows between each buttonhole. So let’s say I am working the panel with the buttonholes. And Let’s say I have a buttonhole on Row 2. The buttonhole let’s say is at the end of the row. So, if I have a buttonhole on Row 6 (3 rows in between, an odd number), I can simply say repeat Row 2. If my buttonhole is on Row 3, I would put another say on Row 7 (that leaves 3 rows in between, an odd number), which again would save space and complexity. Now let’s say I have a buttonhole on Row 2 (the initial example), and I decided to have one every 5 rows, so the next one would occur on Row 7. What happens? I have to write a new row, because we are working on the other side, the buttonhole would have to be at the beginning of the row in order to not end up on the side of the panel that contains the underarm! That means a whole instruction written up.

So then, I would have:

Row 1: “instructions”

Row 2: “instructions, at end work button hole”

Rows 3-5: Rep Row 1.

Rows 6-13: Rep Rows 2-5 twice.

Not having an odd number of rows between each button hole row would yield:

Row 1: “instructions”

Row 2: “instructions, at end work button hole”

Rows 3-5: Rep Row 1.

Row 6: “work button hole, instructions”

Rows 7-9: Rep Row 1.

Rows 10-13: Rep Rows 2-5.

So, the second version added 2 rows. Not that big of a deal, but that could domino affect with the more complex a pattern is…. and this is the bare bones… In different situations, such as when you have arm shaping on some rows, and no arm shaping on other rows, you could end up writing out each and every line individually, which would make for a much longer pattern than it would need to be.

And then, take into consideration sizes! Armholes are different for different sizes, so one will have more rows in a larger size than a smaller size. What to do with the button holes? Well, we want all sizes to have the buttons on odd numbered rows or even numbered rows. Just think, if we didn’t. Try sketching out. Draw (stick drawings- remember I’m no artist). Use graph paper if you can. And make oh say 15 rows for one size and 19 rows for another size. Then “plot” out where your buttons will be. Then think, where you place the button holes, and how they will affect the pattern text.

So when designing, I tend to think ahead of how what I am doing will affect the write up. And then I evaluate, would it be that big of an impact to say, do an increase here, or a buttonhole there, yada yada, for sake of making the pattern shorter? Will it have a negative impact on the output of the project? If no, then I work the pattern to have the writing be as simple to follow as possible, and as short as possible, without sacrificing clarity.

So, a lot of these little things I have picked up along the way as I learn more and more. I have a little hand side spiral notebook, that I keep all these little “ureka” moments in… Then when I am starting to design a pattern, and begin working it up, I am mentally working forward and backwards at the same time. Are you exhausted yet? lol, maybe I think too much? Anyway, I thought I would share one of my quirks when designing. Maybe I am doing everything not backwards and forwards, but inside out! Maybe there are easier ways, but the logic is all the same.. or well, the desired outcome is all the same.

Now, this is only one way of designing a pattern- from the top down using panels.. which is my primary way of designing, without seam sewing. There are so many other ways, and this technique would not really even apply. Some patterns are designed to be worked sideways… Some from the top down, but each piece is made separately then sewn together. Some work the button hole band after the garment is made.. But, I do believe thinking ahead, and how the design will affect the text, can be beneficial to any designer when designing.

Time for dinner!