Crochet Garden

Posted By Lisa on January 24, 2012

Inspiration Stole, Interweave Crochet Winter 2011

Hello everyone! In case you had not seen it, the Inspiration Stole is the latest addition to the my love of lace run It is amazing, since it is so long from the inception of an idea to the tangible photographed magazine in your hand- that once you look, all that excitement and glory surges.

When I started this stole, its actual beginning never came to fruition. I was working a small tedious stitch, and at the beginning, it seemed to be going well. However, as I worked on it more and more, it became very monotonous and I began to loathe it. Not sure what I was thinking, but it just tells me that sometimes, it just isn’t meant to be. I started to rip out, which proved to be quite an undertaking. With time not on my side, ceased the delicate task of ripping and began anew. This of course was after consulting Marcy (the Editor of Interweave Crochet). Thank goodness she has faith in me because she said follow your instinct. I was so worried with limited time, and a whole lace project to come up with pronto.

So alas, here it came to be, the Inspiration Stole!

Category: General Crochet | No Comments »
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Posted By Lisa on November 27, 2011

The Crochet Garden webstore is having a sale- everything is 35% off! For Crochet Garden on Etsy, use the code: cybermon11

Happy Shopping!!

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Posted By Lisa on April 27, 2011

Dahlia Shawl - Interweave Crochet, Spring 2011

First, the Crochet Garden now has its own official page on Facebook!! Many announcements (including tutorials like this one) will be announced there. Check out the Crochet Garden Facebook Page!

Since I started designing lace shawls, I have come across discussions on blocking. Now, I do not say this is the best and only way to block. I only say this is the way I do it. This is also for both crocheters and knitters alike. I pretty much learned blocking as a trial and error kind of thing, and I will discuss with you what worked for me and what didn’t, and why. I hope this helps you. Some of the points you may agree with and some not. Please let me know what you think as this will only help everyone and even me!

First, why is blocking so important? In some patterns it plays a large part in how the project turns out, namely, lace patterns. In some crocheted garments, it is mostly evening out, and if gauge is off a bit, to stretch out just a bit to the correct size, etc. But with lace, this is when your shawl comes alive. A little bit of magic happens. I have noticed when crocheters are making their first lace shawl, they are tempted to use a very tiny hook (due to the nature of the crochet beast – lace being so fine) or a large hook, because they are dismayed their work in progress is not looking like the finished project.

Dahlia Shawl- Blocked

Dahlia Shawl- Unblocked

As you see with the Dahlia Shawl; which was most recently published in Interweave Crochet, spring issue of 2011, look at the unblocked photo. Notice how bunched up the stitches are. It does not have that open airy feeling of the other photo. Closely look at the edging. The unblocked photo, the stitching looks so much thicker and dense, not as flowing and almost translucent as the blocked photo.

My List Blocking Items:

Towel

Tub/bin for soaking

Wool wash or scent (while soaking)

Spray Bottle

Yard Stick / long wood measuring stick

Measuring Tape

Regular pins

Blocking Wires

T-Pins

Step 1: Soak (All small photos can be clicked on for more detail)

Gently take a tub (you can even use your bathtub) or any container, and fill with water. I always use lukewarm to room temperature water. Gently place your lace into the tub with the water. Do not agitate your work. It could felt up on you. Gently press down the work in order to immerse it. You will see little bubbles come up, and that the air coming out of the yarn.

Some people recommend soaking for 15 mins to 30 mins. I always soak mine for an hour at the least. Usually, I give it a 4-5 hour soak- but mostly because something else taking my attention away (haha-  always more crocheting to be done )…

During this time, do not be tempted to stick your hand in and feel it. You really do not want to move it once it is in an soaking, especially if made of wool. The yarn is just so delicate and fragile, and you do not want to chance any tearing, or making weak spots in your work. Just let it be.

Step 2: Remove lace from tub- have towel ready.

Ok, next it is time to remove the shawl.  Be sure to have some towels ready. Gently remove (with 2 hands- my excuse was holding camera) from the tub and place within towel. I like to wrap up or roll up my lace within the towel. You do not want to wring or twist your work to get the water out! I simply role mine up without adding any friction, and then apply pressure to the rolled lace while enveloped by the towel.

Step 3: Unwrap and block

Insert blocking wires by weaving them in and out of stitchery every inch when there are not definitive outer points. If you do not have blocking wires, I would recommend getting them.  Do not skip reading this and Step 4, as it is still important. Blocking wires help with symmetry and getting that professional, extreme beautiful look. When there are definite points, like in the edging along the two sides where the bottom center is, then you will want to insert wire from front to back or from back to front at same place in each point. Always keep things consistent when blocking.If you do not have wires, then place regular pins, every inch, or at every point, and use a yard stick to make sure it is level/straight.

Step 4: Use T pins to straighten your wires.

This is the part where you spread the shawl out.

T pins are used to anchor your wires. You will need something sturdy to push them into. In this example, I used my bed. There is however a multitude of things you can use. The  most important thing is making sure it is strong, and you can pin into it without the pins moving. When I first started, I bought a ton of those rectangular pieces of Styrofoam.  They were not that practical and easy to work with, but they did the job until I discovered the bed. But now, I use mats. They are like those foam ABC mats that look like puzzle pieces for kids. They work beautifully. I will have to get a photo later of it (sorry).

One tip I can give, is that your work will be wet, and thus your bed soon will be as well. You may have to use the water bottle and spray it down some if it starts to dry out. If doing this on a mattress, or anything else really for that matter, put down some sort of waterproof barrier. For the bed, you can get one of those toddler bed covers that are waterproof. You can also use plain old garbage bags. Just cut them open to take advantage of the surface area. For my mats, I use a sheet. The mats are pretty good at taking dampness. I would put something over the waterproof barrier, only because the water from the bottom will pool there. I usually use a cotton sheet, which seems to work pretty well at giving me that level wetness I desire.

Anyway, you want to have as many T pins as needed to keep the wires straight. I have found these at my local store in the sewing section, as I did not get enough with my blocking wires kit. I also, depending on the pattern measure my distance between points. Now, there are some people who recommend folding the shawl in half along the vertical axis, lining up the edging from each side, and pining while folded. I have tried this and do not recommend it. This by the way was my second time blocking. The first time I tried the folding method, and it did not turn out well. I could not stretch out that center, and a vertical shading appeared right down the middle (you can see this in the photo).

If you think about it, this possibly could be prevented by having the wire inside the fold, held together with T pins, and then stretched out by the edging. But because of where the pressure points of stretching are, they will not be  the same near the center as they are in the Body, so I would still see this having a chance of happening. I find laying the whole shawl out prevents this entirely. I now use a meter stick to make sure the scallop on one side is level with the reflecting scallop on the other side of the shawl. And also, I use a tape measure to make sure the distance between points is the same.

There is hard blocking and soft blocking, and I suppose every kind of blocking in between. These are terms I refer to the types of this process as. There may be some technical term for it out there somewhere, but this works for me, and hopefully for you too. A hard blocking would be where you really stretch out the projects quite a bit from its initial measurements. I know quite a bit if subjective. But you will see how the lace relaxes. Stretch out all sides 1/4 of an inch. Not much happens right? That would be a soft blocking. Not much happen, or only a little happens. Many times a super soft blocking would be used to straighten out a garment to match the schematic perfectly.

Now keep stretching and stretching and stretching- magic happens. It really opens up a lot. I think this is where a common misconception occurs. I have seen many crocheters going up a lot in hook size as they are puzzled why their work is not looking like the finished piece. More on this later, with before and after photos to show the magic.

If your edging consists of scallops, or some sort of valleys or hills, always start out and work your way in. So first pin the outermost point that you can see. Then work your way toward the body of the shawl.

Step 5: Begin Pinning! This is where the fun, or maybe torture begins.

I usually have at least 2 containers of pins- I just never know how many I will need.

I like to use the long strong high quality pins. It just makes life so much easier- and well when I can spoil myself with little things, I indulge! Yeah I get excited seeing pins in the store. I especially like the little ones with the flowers on the head! Now, when you grasp a point, where you pin, is there it will stay. Here is a tip- and also will work with the T pins. When you go to pin, put the pin in at an angle away from the work. This will help keep wires in place, as well as the points where you want them to be.

Note: Wherever you pin, is how it will be. The work will relax some, but not much. So you want to be sure every point is even. If you get tired, take a break. Get a spray bottle and re-wet it later. Take your time, and do it as perfectly as you can- the results will be worth it. Every place you put a pin, that is where that specific point will be. Use the yard stick to check for symmetry and evenness. If you find while blocking – as this could take even 4 or 5 hours, that your shawl is drying out, keep the spray bottle going.

I allow my piece to dry for at least 24 hours. Sometimes it is hard to tell from the touch if it is still wet, because it does tend to be cool. Just do your best and unpin a little. If it retracts greatly, then it needs more time.

Before I brought up about a common error crocheters make is switching to a significantly larger hook. They often feel there is something wrong because their garment is not turning out like the finished picture. This is a whole new world- this blocking madness, or divinity I may call it. Something really magical happens when you mix fine yarn, wool  and blocking.

To make that fear subside- that your project is not going to turn out like it should, try this.

While you are working, take some Styrofoam, and pin it out some. I call this a “Dry Mock Pinning”. Take a look at the gauge in the pattern and pin it to the same gauge as listed. Most patterns give a blocked gauge. However, if only a pre-blocked gauge is given, then still do this. Take your measuring tape, and stretch it out to the point that it looks like the finished garment, or to when it suits your liking. Write this gauge down. When you go to block, this is what you will use, and this is how your shawl will look once blocked after being wet and pinned. If the gauge does not state if it is a pre-block gauge or after-block gauge, get in touch with the designer. In fact, I think for now on I am going to give both the pre-block and after-block gauge in my patterns. Now for some before and after photos:

Close-up of Edging Tip before and after:

More before and after:

More before and after:

When working your project, do not fret that it is not turning out like the finished project. Grab some Styrofoam, or even use your bed mattress, and grab some measuring tape, and do a dry mock blocking. See what it looks like. This is the magic of blocking. This is the sparkle of wool. This is the whole new world of lace.

Now go make some magic happen!

Category: General Crochet | 8 Comments »
Tags: blocking, blocking lace, blocking wires, Dahlia Shawl, how to block lace, Interweave Crochet Spring 2011, lace weight yarn, learn to block lace, T-pins

Posted By Lisa on April 21, 2011

Dahlia Shawl (Prototype) - Interweave Crochet, Spring 2011

I am so excited – as I am sure you all know, the Dahlia Shawl has finally made her entrance into the world. These snapshots I took right after blocking, to get the shawl straight into testing. So  while this is the complete blocked shawl, these are not necessarily the final staged photos

Unlike the Midsummer, this one does not have a striking definitive border. I wanted the body of the shawl to flow almost seamless into the edging, as if it were a gradient effect. While working on the edging, I think I ripped about 18 times, to redesign. Sometimes things come to me right away, and other times its a wrestle with the design beast within. However, this is mostly due to my insane need for perfection- side effect: the crazy look mad designer.

Each time, I uploaded another photo to my test team. How about this one? Do you like this one? This super need for approval from them thank goodness has not made their excitement wane. They are all still there, giving their opinions as thoughtful as always!

Here is a few snapshots of the edging in progress:

These, obviously did not make it into the final piece. While designing, I actually take my lace, and pin it out on styrofoam to get an idea of what it most likely will resemble. This closely resembles blocking, so I refer this as a “Quick Dry Block.” I then hold it up, photograph it, and then ask for opinions from the Crochet Garden testing team. You can also do this while working on a lace pattern- just to soothe that dance your mind does when wanting instant gratification.

This prototype was made using Jaggerspun Zephyr which is a 50/50 wool blend. This particular color is Lady Slipper, and I purchased it at Webs. (I love love love that place- I should really take out stock).

The final shawl, as shown in Interweave Crochet, Spring 2011 issue uses Manos del Uruguay Lace distributed by Fairmount Fibers.

For those on Ravelry- Here is the Dahlia Shawl Link On Ravelry!

Dahlia Shawl - Interweave Crochet, Spring 2011

Maybe tomorrow or this weekend, I will post the photos of the blocking process- I actually happened to take photos in each step, as this shawl was originally going to be on the Crochet Garden website, with a blocking tutorial. So keep an eye out on that, and you will see how this shawl and other really come to life.

Also, there are a couple more shawl lace patterns in the works!!

Category: General Crochet | 2 Comments »
Tags: blocking lace, blocking pins, crochet lace shawl, Dahlia Shawl, Interweave Crochet Spring 2011, Jaggerspun Zephyr, lace shawl, lace weight yarn, Lisa Naskrent, Manos del Uruguay Lace

Posted By Lisa on July 9, 2010

The Maia Shawl is now released. I had started this shawl so long ago, and then between surges of other shawl ideas and such, I finally finished this one. The edging took a few tries. The first couple, I would  work out, take a photo and show the testers, and would get yays or nays. Well, the third one was a charm- and it fit. It complements the body so well!

EDIT: I am editing this to let everyone know that Cerdeb of Ravelry has started a CAL for this shawl! Click here for Ravelry Maia CAL!

The yarn I used was called Jaggerspun Zephyr. It is 50% Merino and 50% Tussah Silk. While it has a low plush-factor (which is my term for billowy, stretchy, plushy), which is due to the silk, it lends itself well to this stitchery. It comes on a cone, so if you are thinking of getting it, at least where I got it from – Webs, so you will not need to worry about having to wind it on a ball winder using a swift. The yarn blocks incredibly well. So well, I purchased about 8 more cones of this yarn! (Shhh more shawls are on the loose). In the gallery of photos below, you will see photos before blocking, and then after. You will see, that it is normal for lace yarn to have the *crumpled* look, as I call it. It is bunched up.. and as usual, only has a small resemblance of the final piece.

The magic is in the blocking! I think of blocking like hairspray. Remember the 80s? I am an 80s child. I do not think my hair resembled anything like it did before an evening of hairspray And this is also where a little bit of art comes in. I know how lace behaves. So when designing, I will make little peaks and valleys, which will be my points I know I want to emphasize. After a good soak in lukewarm water, for say a couple hours, I gently take my shawl out, wrap it in a towel (never wring or make any friction – you may felt your work)! Unwrap it, and then stretch it out. Weave in wires along each side. That the work of setting the spine for the shawl. Now the detailed part of the work begins- pinning all of the points.

So you look at the before final, and say hey! I do not see the lovely fine points like I do in the final photos. That is because they are blocked out. That’s the hairspray. If you want a certain point to stick out, take a pink, stretch it out to where you want and pin it down. Do this do every single point (the pinning is hairspray)! Allow this to dry at least over night. (Note: Do not use *real* hairspray)! Once you take your pins off, you will see each point is where you pinned it- magic! It may be hard to grasp, until you have actually blocked a piece of lace yourself. If you look at the gallery photos of the shawl being blocked, you will see I first run 2 long wires along each side of the shawl. I then pin out each little peak, because I purposely want those to come to a point. You do not necessarily have to do this, but it sure makes it look gorgeous. Look closely at the before and after photos, and look where I placed my pins. Isn’t blocking amazing?

When I want to create an edging, I usually sketch it. I know what I want it to look like. See the nice fans in the edging? They have a convex shape. Same with the flowers in the innermost part of the body. They too are convex. I could have gone too with a convex like edging, but I wanted something that would stand out. So what I did, was used the little flower *spokes* like the innermost part of the body, placed them too in the edging, but made triangular scallops with them, and then made little sharp points in the trim. And voila, we have a striking ensemble of stitchery. Well, to my eye that is.

I do not yet have a stitch chart available for this pattern. But I will! I switched over programs, and am quickly trying to grasp the ways of the new program. As soon as this is done, there will be a chart available for this. If you purchased this pattern at the Crochet Garden, then all you will need to do is go into your account and download the pattern again. I will make an announcement here, as well as in a newsletter, so be sure you are subscribed!! If you purchased the pattern on Ravelry, you will receive a note saying there is an update available. If you purchased this pattern on Etsy, or through some other venue, be sure you are subscribed to the newsletter at the Crochet Garden. All you will then need to do is drop me a note with your receipt number, or whatever information you have from your purchase, and I will email you the updated pattern.

There is also now a Support Forum for the Maia Shawl, in case anyone runs into trouble, or wants to post their photos!

I really hope everyone enjoys this shawl!! Please let me know what you think. Also, I am on a lace binge – do you have a favorite lace yarn you like to use? Please do let me know about it, and I will see about getting my hands on it and create more designs in lace weight yarn! Thank you too, for the fantastic response to this shawl. I really hope it meets your expectations. If you find anything that would make my patterns or designs better, please, please do let me know. I design for all of you!

Category: Design | 10 Comments »
Tags: blocking, blocking pins, Jaggerspun Zephyr, lace shawl, lace weight shawl, lace weight yarn, Maia Shawl, wool silk blend

Posted By Lisa on July 8, 2010

Today I have released the Juliet Dress! When I started this set, I did not know what to expect. It started out plain, with no character… just a plain Jane. Little did I know that a beautiful Juliet was awaiting. And if you are planning on ordering it- here is a coupon for a dollar off! This will be good for a week (through July 15). Code: 3c290353b5

There are so many sizes! I actually started out with just child sizes. Then testers asked for baby sizes – that it was just too darling for the wee little ones too! And so this dress now spans 6 months to 10 years! All sizes are included in the pattern. The flowers’ center is a large button – isn’t it always fun to shop for notions? The sunhat brim uses a wire to give that Audrey Hepburn look.

Unlike many of my other dresses, this one uses a sport weight. I used Knit Picks Comfy Sport Yarn for this. Quicker to work up – and with so many sport weight yarns available, the color combos are endless. I could not be any  happier with the yarn choice.  The colors are Flamingo, Silver Sage, and Ivory. It looks like Silver Sage is about to be discontinued- so hurry and get it while you can! If you are not able to get the Silver Sage, I think the Honey Dew or even the Crème Brulee would make wonderful substitutions.

The yarn was great to work with- and even better machine washable! That means kid friendly. Sometimes cotton yarn gives me a dry feeling in my  hands, and then later I need to apply lotion. Working with the Comfy gave me no problems. It was very soft, and the drape is fantastic. Definitely a choice I will pick  again and again when I want a cool, breathable, practical yarn for a garment, or even an afghan!

PS – The Maia Shawl has been released! (The little sneak peak I gave you the other day). It is up on the website and available for purchase. It is not yet on Ravelry, at least at my time of writing this, but the Juliet Dress is up on Ravelry!

Category: Design, General Crochet | No Comments »
Tags: baby sundress, child sundress, cotton yarn, crochet sundress, Juliet Dress, Knit Picks Comfy Yarn, sport weight, sundress, sunhat, wide brim sunhat

Posted By Lisa on July 6, 2010

A while ago, I mentioned that I had been working on more lace shawls. Since the Dragonfly, and now the Midsummer Night’s Shawl… I will be releasing a new lace shawl, but on the Crochet Garden website. The only thing waiting, is a name. I am so pleased with how this came out! This is one of the numerous shawls I began working  on since my move. In a surge to feel and touch every lace out there available, and to really explore the properties of all the different fibers with crochet lace, this new shawl and yarn used met my expectation, and then some! I will be able to tell you more, as well as blocking photos I have, once I release. I really need to figure out a name, so that I can let this baby free! Hmm, Baby Free?

Category: Design, General Crochet | 6 Comments »
Tags: crochet lace shawl, dragonfly shawl, lace shawl, lace weight, lace weight yarn, laceweight, Midsummer Night's Shawl

Posted By Lisa on June 14, 2010

Interweave Crochet, Summer 2010

The cover! My first I am so exhilarated my Midsummer Night’s Shawl made the cover of the Summer issue of Interweave! I had no idea, no clue. I was also wondering when I sent it in, how it would fair. It would be up against the Dragonfly shawl. Not in the sense each one competing with one another.. But I always compare my work- what do I like about this one, and how is this compared to that one. What would I do differently… etc. When choosing what pattern to make, the decision is almost always from comparisons. In a sense, this shawl had a lot to live up to!  How would it do?

EDIT: CLICK here for the CAL thread on Ravelry!

Since the move, I kind of went into hibernation. However, during that time, I began an affair with lace weight yarn. I blame the Dragonfly It was as if it came to life, flew into my window, and sat upon my shoulder and commanded nothing but lace! My checkbook got a workout from lace orders I wanted to try every fiber, every brand…

Midsummer Night's Shawl, Malabrigo Yarn Lace

Midsummer Night's Shawl, Malabrigo Yarn Lace

Midsummer Night's Shawl, Malabrigo Yarn Lace

This affair revealed something else though –I have always had a fondness for lace, and this brought that love back to the surface.  Here is one result of this path I am exploring- The Midsummer Night’s Shawl!

Knit Picks Shadow Kettle Dyed, Altutide Kettle

Pattern Body: This is shawl simpler than the Dragonfly. It consists of a 4-row repeat. The stitch pattern is remarkably simple.

If you can make clusters, sc, and chains, you will have little, if any problem with this shawl. In fact, if you are an expert at crochet and have always wanted to try lace, this is a great way to start Once you have the pattern down, it is a nice project to work in front of the TV. No counting.

Construction: The construction works like the dragonfly. You begin with a miniature triangle smaller than the palm of your hand. You then work across in rows, from corner, to center tip, to next corner. Then turn, and work present corner, to center to tip next corner, and so on. So working as long / wide as you wish is doable.

Yarn: The model (the shawl in the magazine) for this pattern uses Malabrigo Yarn Lace (100% baby merino)  The color is #98 Taureg.

The prototype (the project sent in for consideration) I used Knit Picks Shadow Kettle Dyed yarn (100% merino wool), in color Altitude Kettle. Unfortunately, this is being discontinued, as I really love this color!

Prototype, Knit Picks Shadow Kettle Dyed: Altitude Kettle

Marcy Smith, the editor of Interweave, found the Malabrigo Yarn. Both are a lovely deep blue, and both have a very, very subtle changes in color depth – not enough to take away from the lace pattern, but just enough to enhance it.

For the past 6 months or so, I have been playing around with so many lace weight yarns, and getting a feel for the properties of each brand, each fiber. This has really helped cultivate my process when designing in lace, to really achieve what I want a design to become.

The Malabrigo yarn is very soft – definitely not an itchy wool. I have super sonic sensitive skin, and had no issues working with this lace. For example, some lace I have worked with it almost feels like I have a continuous feed of splinters infiltrating my skin when crocheting. With the Malabrigo – no problems of this kind whatsoever.

Before blocking

Before blocking

Before blocking

I would say the Malabrigo is a “sticky” yarn. Yes, I have my own little language and terms I associate in my mind to properties of lace. Sitcky, meaning, you have to be careful if you have to rip. It likes to stick to itself.

I would not say it is a nightmare if you need to rip out – perhaps somewhere in the middle ground. Some yarns, especially many those with fuzz and halos are hazardous to my mental well-being if I have to rip. Those yarns I just cut, and attach anew – and save insanity for those midnight hours of designing when I talk to the moon Some lace weight yarns, no problem ripping out.

With this, I would advise to rip slowly. Kind of like the sheep over the fence, the more you think about the more they all come over at once? Well, this, the more you pull, the more stitckies, and then, the ultimate stubborn knot. So just go slow, pull gently, and stop at the first indication of any struggle.

Blocking was beautiful. Thirty minute soak in a water bath and I began to pin. It kept its shape well, and did not relax anymore than any other lace yarn I have blocked with. Blocking is essential, as that is truly the magical part of lace shawls. I only wish I still have the model in my arms. Luckily, I still have the prototype!

I hope you enjoy making this shawl. And for those who were afraid of the Dragonfly, please give this one a try You are all on an adventure with me! Please do let me know if you make this, what you like, what you do not like. The more feedback I get, the better my designs will become for you!

If you have a favorite lace yarn you like to work with – let me know! I am hungry for more lace I want to design in every lace weight yarn there is available. Drop me a line too of your favorite colors in lace!

Thank you for sharing this magical time with me!

Also, want to make a note, another lady, Nicole, at Superior Creations, interviewed me. She posted my answers to her questions, and is having a Giveaway on her blog- a $25 gift certificate to the Crochet Garden! You can find it here: Superior Creations Blog. The Giveaway only goes until midnight Tuesday, so hurry!

Category: General Crochet | 22 Comments »
Tags: crochet lace, crochet lace shawl, Interweave Crochet Summer 2010, Knit Picks lace, lace weight, lace weight yarn, Malabrigo lace, Midsummer Night's Shawl

Posted By Lisa on May 22, 2010

Oh where have you been all my life… Hummus. All the things my mother never knew. Asparagus…. hummus… black bean chili.. No not all together- just all the new things I am trying and loving.

So on with it.. I have discovered hummus. For a while now, fire child has been eating it from the jar out of the supermarket.. Wild Garden brand or something like that. It looks good, I tried it, but it seemed to have to much lemon in it, or something. As my tonsils would cringe the first few bites- so a little too bold for me. But there was potential. So.. I went scouring through a bunch of recipes and experimented making hummus.  Doesn’t that photo look so yummy!?

Lots of celery- oh soo good. Nice crunch, and with hummus as a dip- super filling and so healthy. Kashi crackers are also to die for with this dip! I basically have been making a batch of beans a week, then turn them into hummus- and it is my impulse food in the fridge. Works magic when you need something and want it now!

I have this neat little food processor- it is only a 3 cups- so it works perfectly for me. First thing I do is soak a bag of chick peas (also known as garbanzo beans) over night. The next day, rinse them super well and put them in a pot. I bring the pot to boiling, then let the beans simmer for a couple of hours. I basically go by taste to know when they are done. They should be tender.

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My Hummus Recipe:

3 cups cooked chick peas

3 tbs of tahini

Parsley

2 garlic cloves

2 tsp of paprika

1-2 tsp cumin (try one, then taste, add more if needed)

1 tsp salt (add more to taste if needed)

1/3 cup water

1 tbs of olive oil

1/2 lemon, juiced (you can start with 1/2 of a lemon juiced and work your way up)

I take 3 cups of chickpeas, maybe just a tad less and put it into my food processor. Along with that I add parsley, I am a garlic lover, so I add on most days 2 cloves of garlic. Some days 4 Maybe one day I will be bold and go 6… yeah, I better stay away from people on those days!!

I add in about 3 tablespoons of Tahini. Tahini is a sesame seed paste- and it is oh so yummy. It is high in fat, but at least these are good fats. Each time I make this, I start off with the basic recipe above, and then fine tune it, with the salt, the cumin, garlic. Also, when you begin to blend- go in baby steps. Let it pulse a few times until you get it up to a roaring spin. Add water as you go, but not too much! You can always add water but you cannot take away! Though, you could add extra chick peas if need be.

The water is there to help give it a smoother consistency – or else it may be too thick and break your crackers. Just add as much as you like until it is how you prefer.I also like that with the water, I add less oil. My first batch, I added lots of oil- just to make it creamier.. and while it was good, it definitely was overboard! Maybe you can add more lemon juice- but for me, more than a half of a lemon is too much. So the water turned out to be a perfect addition.

Another thing you can try (I have not yet) is maybe some vegetable broth. It would give it a veggie taste, a little more depth of flavor. I will have to try this as I am now really liking this idea of making different flavors of hummus!

You really just add things a little bit at a time, and try as you go… Keep a paper and pencil of what you change, until you get your recipe down to the way you like it. And you do not have to have a 3-cup processor. Just measure out 3 cups! The leftover beans from the bag I either make soup with, or I put in the freezer for later. Or I just leave in the fridge for a few days and add to salads and such- or keep it at hand for an emergency when I run out of hummus.

This stuff so rocks with celery. It also makes a great spread. If you cannot give up your bagels, try hummus instead of cream cheese.

Now mind you, I am no expert on any of this.. I am just a crazy crochet lady who loves to learn and implement healthy foods in life… So take what I say with a grain of salt, and toss it out the window if need be! My taste buds can be pretty wild and cover wide ranges! And, I am a veggie nut… If you make this… let me know how it turns out!!!

Category: General Crochet | 3 Comments »
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Posted By Lisa on May 14, 2010

Well, since I quit smoking, I put on some weight. Time to lose it. I figured it out- I just need to put my mind to it and figure out my strategy instead of just winging it. Just like with quitting smoking.. I made an agenda, I had a plan, and I did it. If I can quit smoking, I can do anything.

So, here it goes, we are going to transform a body… My bod, that is.

What is my plan?

1. No fast food – No more. That goes for the kids as well as myself. We really did not eat it often, but, even those few times are bad enough. Each time I eat out, I feel tired…  sometimes even sluggish.

2. Plant some veggies – I think that is going to give me a little pride, to have some fresh produce, and know I grew it myself. I did buy some seeds (toooooo many seeds). But with all things small steps seem to work for me. So I am going to pick 5, and begin growing. Others I will save for next season.

3. Walk every day – Well at least try to. Last night, I took a walk around the neighborhood with fire child. Note to self: Do not walk right after dinner. I do know this walking each day will not last when the temp rises- as I very much dislike warm humid weather. But, I did get a family pass to the YMCA. So that is when we will be putting that to use. But if I make it goal to do some sort of walking each day, not only is it good for my physically.. I felt better mentally last night after we took our walk. And ire child- she did not walk, she ran, then stopped and waited for mom.. ran, stop, wait for mom. ran, ran back, ran forward, stop and wait for mom.

4. Pilates – I realized, over this past year or two, I have lost muscle mass. I think that was a key factor in gaining weight and just feeling out of shape. Makes sense. So, got some Pilates DVDs. I will keep you posted how it goes with them.

So, I have tried to diet in the past and it just never really worked. I would gain back – not because of the diet but because of going off the diet. I have really been thinking about this – I do not think there is one solution to lose weight. It is a combination of sensible eating and exercising. So I am going to try an experiment. I am simply going to eat more whole foods, avoid processed food (almost anything out of a box is processed).

Use only Olive oil – no butter if at all possible. ALWAYS keep a stash of ready to grab celery carrots etc in the fridge. One of my problems is I work so hard and so long, that when I am hungry, I want to eat “now.” That will help with impulses. Luckily, the kids both love fruits and veggies- as I really have always had an abundance of them.. but now, they will be in “ready to go form.”

I am not going to deprive myself. If I am hungry, and I am going to eat. I will keep you all posted on how this goes… post recipes I find.

Anyone have any good lentil recipes??

Tomorrow I will be posting about Hummus – I am so addicted.. What a good thing.

Category: General Crochet | 5 Comments »
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Posted By Lisa on May 11, 2010

It has been quite a while and I sort of fell out of the blogging loop. Well, time to get back and on top of things again. Some may know (if there is anyone still out there) that I moved last year. It was quite an undertaking. I am still in unpack mode, but at the end of it, and transitioning into the – Oh I need organization mode!

craft / work room

All I can say, is what a difference. We went from a small, (very small) place to a nice 3 bedroom (with 4th room in basement), 2 1/2 baths! It is wonderful. Water child and fire child both have their own room. Which, at the old place, there were only 2 bedrooms, and fire child and myself slept in the living room since the stairs were so treacherous for her anyway. It was so suffocating, with my mounds of yarn, fire child’s avalanche of toys, water child’s cloths, and on top of it, a 90 pound German shepherd!

I worked so hard… worked to keep my credit as best it could be. I did not think I would qualify – being a single parent, being self employed (crochet is what I do full time), during the recession. I feel relief. We have a great place to live, wonderful neighbors… It is amazing how living conditions can affect you. Not that mine were bad – they were stressful, having a galley kitchen that only 1 person could stand in.. and having to sleep on the couch- there is far worse out there. But I have to say, having space, it made such a difference. Not necessarily in my mood or anything like that, but it was like a little weight was lifted – I can breathe. And not only that- being able to decorate and paint, truly make it our own is what is amazing.

My room is going to be a certain shade of green… I wanted something calm. I also adore whitewash furniture, so eventually  that will go perfect. (I even have my own bathroom in my room!!!) Something else I wanted- all the bedrooms to be on the same floor, so I would be close to the kids. So all 3 bedrooms are upstairs. Fire child’s room right now is a shocking, bold, pink. It will soon be a lilac with floral murals and of course, with some added momma magic dust since she is the princess Water child is going with a deep burgundy-wine color. He has picked out black and white decor- very modern, clean lines. He also now has a queen size bed that fits his feet . I asked him has he been able to get used to not having his feet dangle off the edge of the bed- and happily, he says it is great! (He is now 6′3).

craft / work room

So, this spring or summer I will have lots of painting to do… I think I will hire the teen residents that sometimes make their way here and – stay here. I went with a no VOC paint for all of the rooms. Fire child’s is a low-VOC since he was very particular about the color. I will have to get before and after shots once we begin this great undertaking.

I also have a dishwasher – my first! And you know what is funny- I never use it. I still do dished by hand. But hey, I guess if I ever need it, at least I have the option! I also have central air conditioning. I have never had this before. The last couple of summers were excruciating at the old place- the window air conditioner kept blowing fuses on really hot days (when we needed it most) – and let’s just say, I should have bought stock in fans!

craft / work room

The basement is a finished basement (yay)! It is so neat to walk down there, and say wow, this is mine! Sometimes I am still in disbelief. It is such a change. In the basement, there are actually 2 rooms. One is the utility room, with the washer, dryer, tools, etc. I can put all the laundry in there and close the door!  The 4th room in the basement, it my craft room!!  It is small, but I am happy… I have a place to get somewhat organized. I will admit, I am a VERY scatterbrained disorganized person- but I can close the door! And at least I know if I need my swift, or I need a hook, it is in there!!

Well, speaking of work, time for me to get back to it. I will post more photos of the house, and before and afters as I DIY them. And more on crochet stuff soon! Thanks for sticking around, if you are still here during my move.

Category: General Crochet | 2 Comments »
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Posted By Lisa on October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween! Water Child decided not to dress, but is taking Fire Child out tonight for trick -o – treating!

I do not have a pattern for this yet, and am not sure if I will write it up (maybe I will), but here it is…

The “Flower Fairy!”

Top was crocheted (which I will eventually maybe write pattern for), in a size 3 thread using Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Cotton, and will be crocheted into a dress for underneath the tulle. Since I was crunched for time beginning this at the last minute (long story), I sewed a cream satin piece of fabric underneath into a skirt for her. What is nice, is that she can wear jeans underneath and be warm, and no one will know! The skirt, is tulle. Ribbon was purchased at the store.

Wings are also handmade. I used 16 gauge wire, but next time will go to a 14 gauge. Top wings have a knee-high sock, and bottom wings are made with a tulle covering, the darkest of the 3 colors used for the dress.

I then spray painted the top wings, and then hot-glued flowers to the bottom wings. The flower wand is a flower I picked up on clearance. Using a 20 gauge wite, I wrapped a ribbon in a spiral encasing the wire around to secure it, leaving random ribbons dangling down.

It was a fun mom-and-me project. Since Fire Child loves, (really) loves loves loves flowers, this is the perfect costume for her!

Later tonight I will be putting a butterfly tatoo high near her temple, and then face paint part of her forehead and high cheek with glitter paint and spirals

Category: Craft Projects, Family, General Crochet | 3 Comments »
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Posted By Lisa on August 24, 2009

Crocheted Gifts, Interweave Press 2009

Crocheted Gifts is out! I have been eagerly awaiting this publication! There are so many fabulous projects to choose from in this book! And of course, one of them, is mine – a collection of washcloths.

Simple, yet sleek… while both practical and heartwarming. Washcloths, not something you necessarily think about, but definitely something you use each day!

I wanted an all-way gift. The first thing that came to me was baskets…

The baby Basket.. filled with baby powder, a rubber ducky, safety pins, and pnk and blue handmade washcloths.

Crocheted Gifts, Organic Indulgence

The Zen Basket… Think spa.. So in, so modern, trendy.. zen. Basket of essential oils, naturals soaps and organic oh-so-soft washcloths gathered with strands of twine.

The Country Basket – apple and pear scented soap bars, mixed in with washcloths tied with big bows laid upon a gingham pattern cloth.

Crocheted Gifts, Organic Indulgence

The Teen Basket – Nail polish, loofahs… big colorful fruit-scented bath beads, emery boards, star and heart-shaped glycerin soaps and bright crocheted washcloths rolled up.

Her Basket – Her favorite moisturizer, a sleep mask, a CD of relaxing seascape melodies, and soothing soft handmade washcloths..

So many possibilities.. so many occasions to give, and so many reasons to just say hey, I am thinking of you. I really, really enjoyed designing these. Please let me know if you work them up!

There are other fabulous patterns in this book!! I also wanted to let you know about a Twitter Event for Crocheted Gifts, hosted by Kim Werker tomorrow August 25th, 1Pm to 2PM pacific time. Many designers will be there discussing the book, their inspirations for their designs.. You can ask any questions you have about the book too.

Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend But if you can make it, it will be a memorable time!

Category: General Crochet | 3 Comments »
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Posted By Lisa on August 13, 2009

Bustier Top - Interweave Crochet, Summer 2009

Weeeeee! So much in this current issue of Interweave Crochet, Summer 2009! First, we have the Bustier Top. I know it sounds cliche’ but man, I really loved designing this.

Here are a few helpful links to start us off: Bustier Top On Ravelry, Bustier Top available at Interweave Crochet.

How often do I design women’s garments? Not often enough after this. When I started designing crochet patterns, I mostly created baby items, due to fire child being an infant. I did long to create garments for the adult, but at that time, baby and tot items reigned.

It is now coming to be that she is growing older, and while I can still make things for her, I am feeling myself wanting to transition, or well not transition, but broaden my garment designing area.

So alas, we have the Bustier Top!

Bustier Top, back/side view

I wanted something feminine, but not something that screams I am a girl and then some! I wanted something that would be classy, but still be sexy. I wanted something to hide bra straps. Perhaps that is from me being your larger than the run of the mill bust sizes…But either way, for this my inclination was – no bra straps showing. They do have their place,  with the layering of camisoles and tanks that are abundant these days, (oh how I wish I could get away with that look), but for some reason, this one just said, “cover me, if just a little…”

Just like all of my baby tot wear, this garment works from the top down. It really, really is highly customizable too. And I think that can be a problem in the industry. Seeing a striking outfit, fitted on an hourglass model, and an apple shape works it up, only to be disappointed.

Bustier Top, back view

Some garments are only meant to be for a pear shape, or an hourglass shape. That may be due to the nature of the style of the outfit, or the way the instructions are written not allowing much room for customization, if any at all.

With the Bustier Top, I designed in such a way that all important that all of our shapely parts can be accodomated, from a small A cup, to a DD cup, from that slim straight hip figure to the curvacious Monroes out there.

Even more, there is really no increasing and decreasing. There is, in a sense, but not in the traditional way. The traditional way of working increases does occur when working from the should along the armhole. But for the busy, hip and waist shaping, there is no change in the number of sts, only in the size of the sts!

Bustier Top, on dress form

And since this piece works from the top down, it is easy to just try as you go. Basically, the sts change in size for shaping. Using more smaller sts (instead of the bigger sts) result in a smaller area. Just as a simple example, let’s say we have 50 sts all the way around (this is just figuratively here).

When shaping around the waist, someone with a small waist may work 20 small sts and 30 large sts, and someone with little curvature may work 5 small sts and 45 large sts. Someone with your average curves may work 10 small sts and 40 large sts. And then the distance one works the amount of large sts and small sts over can be cutomized as well – and this is very important when it comes to the bust. A larger bust will need more area to be covered.

Bustier Top, edging

The pattern of course gives guides as a baseline, but when it comes to customization – the floor is yours!

My favorite part, aside from the customization, is the edging. Oh, how you really will see how beautiful it is when you work it up. Without closeups in the magazine, it is hard for one to really see how it brings together the whole top to a final grand finale. I call it my closed floral lace stitching. I had a lot of testers work this top up and will see about getting some of their photos posted here! If you work this top up, please let me know how it goes!

I will write in later blog  posts about the other items of interest in this issue  – Rainbow Rolls and an article!

Category: Design, General Crochet, Pattern Release, Publications | 1 Comment »
Tags: Bustier Top, crochet camisole, crochet tank, crochet top, customizable crochet top, Interweave Crochet Summer 2009, lacy tank, top down, try on as you go

Posted By Lisa on March 27, 2009

Here are some ongoing coupons for the rest of March and throughout April! You can keep up to date (when I keep up to date) on coupons available through the Crochet Garden here.

Keep an eye out here for a very special coupon that will be coming. Special coupons will be limited in some special way (such as one day for use) – and may be very uber

Some April, March Coupons:

1. 10% off any order (no minimum) and no limit to number of uses throughout March and April and can be used on top of current sales! CODE: 10FORMARCHAPRIL
Good through April 30th, 2009

2. 20% off any order $20 or more! CODE: MARCH2020
NOTE: Limit 1 per customer. Good through March 31, 2009
Note: Keep an eye out here for April’s special coupon!

3. FREE Shipping any order through April! CODE: FREESHIPAPRIL
NOTE: This coupon can be used 3 times per customer! Good through April 30, 2009

Category: General Crochet | No Comments »
Tags: Crochet Garden Coupons

Posted By Lisa on March 26, 2009

2009 CLF Flamies Awards

On March 16th, the CLF (Crochet Liberation Front) held a crochet awards ceremony. Just like on TV the Oscars Basically, for a while people were allowed to nominate others for particular categories. Soon, weeks later, the voting ended. March 16th was the night Mary Beth Temple hosted live on Blog Talk Radio the winners, as well as speaking with the winners.

I was nominated for 2 categories. 1) Best Crochet Design For Adults 2008, and 2) Best Crochet Designer Children 2008.

To my amazement, I won Best Crochet Design For Adults 2008! And the lovely showstopper? The Dragonfly Shawl!

You can read all about the recap of the evening at the Crochet Liberation Front on Ravelry. You can also here Mary Beth Temple’s live broadcast of the award ceremony here. What a night it was. So many big names. So much talent. That was history. The first crochet award ceremonies in history.

I never, ever thought I would win. If you happen to listen to the podcast, I am on at the very very end. Unfortunately there was a malfunction, and a lot of people got dropped from air. Fortunately, I was one of the last to be on, so I am at the very very end Let’s say public speaking, or well, podcast speaking is not my expertise! Hah, when asked what issue my Dragonfly shawl was in from Interweave Crochet – “uh, ummm. Ummm.” Of course I knew it was the Winter 2008 issue!! I for the life of me could not get it out. That is Lisa public speaking for you.

Dragonfly Shawl

Now, I can teach a class crochet, I can talk about things to groups of people, when I have an agenda. My “thinking” part of the brain is thus paralyzed, so I just talk, no issues, no problems. Until I am conscious, that is, lol. Well, maybe I did not do too bad…

I cannot thank all those individuals who voted for the Dragonfly. The talent that night was overflowing. And there I was, up there, with those who are part of the new era of crochet, paving its new path.

THANK YOU! Really, a heartfelt thank you. I was sincerely not expecting this award.

Category: General Crochet | 4 Comments »
Tags: CLF, CLF Flamies Awards, Crochet liberation Front, dragonfly shawl

Posted By Lisa on March 25, 2009

I have the entire year to make good on my new resolution this year of blogging regularly!

I apologize.. bad bad me. Ok, enough apologizing.. We shall begin anew! April is the new New Year.

So what has been going on?

Well first, if you are on Twitter, you can find me on there as “CrochetGarden.” Seems I have been having more luck with the tweets than the blog, so we now have the tweets showing here on the blog

Second, I would like to announce my latest publications in the Spring issue of Interweave Crochet! I have 2 patterns in this issue. First, is Simply Bibs.

Isn’t this baby just a little ham?? They could not have picked a happier baby! These bibs were a blast to design, especially since I was working them up in Mission Falls 1824 Cotton. I had never worked with that yarn before, and lately I have been on a huge cotton kick.

MISSION FALLS 1824 COTTON

What really makes this yarn suitable for the bibs – machine washable and machine dry on gentle cycle. Although I did not wash and dry the bibs, I do plan to order myself some and experiment with it. Gotta love a new cotton to play wit as I please!

Before embroidery

I did not see any shedding while working with this yarn, nor any pilling.  I have had some cottons begin to pill almost immediately after working with them, and some even a few days down the line. This cotton yarn passed the pill test for at least a few weeks while it was in my hands. And did I mention soft? Some cottons tend to have some “stiffness.” Not Missions Falls 1824. Definitely worthy of being next to a baby’s skin.

What really makes or breaks a yarn for me is the colors. If the colors are not appealing, forget it, I am uninspired. That does not mean that I need the perfect color to come out with a great design! Nor does it mean I have to be inspired by yarn and thus color before I can design! What this means is that I am basically just as it says, uninspired. Non-passionate. Bored. I can make something out of drab, but it is so much more fun to make something from fun! Yes, a little redundant.

Look at the colors used in these bibs. Who would have thought the colors Chili (main color of bib) and Fog (Edging) would go together or even remotely complement one another? They rock. When I was given these colors, I was told to play and go with whatever worked. The Mission Falls colors are made to work with one another… sometimes in a logical-expected way, and other times in a completely non-expected, off the beaten path way… The first instance I saw the colors, it was a mad dash into 2 piles and voila, color scheme developed.

I have to say I am very pleased with my introduction to the Mission Falls 1824 cotton. Rich, classy colors that alone one would think like to be separate, but once together seem to have a natural affinity for one another.

ABC 123 ABC 123

Would I design with this yarn for the Crochet Garden website? Yes. What would you like to see? Drop me a line anytime..

I am thinking, wouldn’t overalls with big oversized pockets be perfect? Maybe with a bucket hat to match? Make sure you are signed up to get the Crochet Garden newsletter to keep up with developments and new patterns. I will keep you all updated as well once I experiment more, and wash and dry the yarn.

SNUGGLY HOODIE

Baby > Hoodie

There’s that darling little babe again, modeling my hoodie! Now mind you, the hoodie shown is sized to fit 18 mos.. But this little guy was too good to pass up modeling the hoodie as well. That smile more than makes up for the room left over

It seems hoodies are in, from tots to teens, to adults… I thought it would be so stylish, and perfect for spring and fall.. and maybe even summer evenings.

Two pockets make it perfect for tot to stash little toy cars in, or little crayons. This hoodie is unisex. While the pattern is written for boy, just make the buttonholes along the other panel for a girl

The yarn chosen for this project could not have been any better:

LORNA’S LACES SHEPHERD SOCK

Soft.  I could definitely make oodles of socks out of this yarn and my toes would be bathing in luxury – never deprived again..  Heck, I would use for every extremity – mittens, hats, the whole works.

For the hoodie, I used 2 strands of this held together throughout. I could have gone with single strand, but that would increase the time factor, and I felt a hoodie would be better suited with 2 strands of a sock weight (fingering) weight yarn.

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock

Lorna’s Laces are all hand-dyed yarns. Luxurious yarns, with a great price, especially for the quality.  Isn’t this blue mezmerizing? I mean, it has a wee bit of turquoise to it, bold but not bright, tropical-feel but you would not feel like a peacock in it…

Colors can be bold, striking, some leave you wanting to gaze longer. I think I spent a whole morning, just browsing at all of the colors. I think my favorite is “Edgewater.” Take look at Edgewater at Jimmy Beans Wool. Oh what to make with it? The contrast is perfect, right on. Enough to catch your eye, and the perfect tones to keep you looking.

I am thinking of a new lace shawl in some of these laces. Maybe a really nice sophisticated hat. Maybe one of those Canadian hats the teens are all going crazy for (they are here at least). Will need to ponder and browse more…

The yarn does have a bit of spring to it.. A tad bit of stretch, which I am sure is due to the 20% nylon content- making it very sock-happy…  I like these types of yarn that have a bit of give to them. Now to add Lorna’s Laces yarns to my notebook for possible patterns to design in!

_________

Well, time for me to get some work done… More on that soon. Other announcements to be made and other updates. Maybe even a couple sneak peaks… Soon, soon!

Category: General Crochet | 2 Comments »
Tags: baby, crochet, Interweave Crochet, Interweave Crochet Spring 2009, Lisa Naskrent, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Missions Falls 1824 Cotton, Simply Bibs, Snuggly Hoodie

Posted By Lisa on February 17, 2009

Well, so much for my New Year’s Resolution of blogging at least 3 times a week! Oh well.. I am still doing fairly well this year…  This was my first lapse. Need to work on that all or nothing mentality and blog, even if it is just a wee little bit!

So what caused my lapse? Well, me, of course, but what was the catalyst?

I had some tight deadlines. One was a garment (cannot say what ). Since I was working on it when it read literally about 40-50 degrees inside the house (landlord put up insulation, thank goodness), and so my tension changed, unfortunately without me realizing it. It tightened up, most likely from being so darn cold. I should have habitually checked my gauge while working, but you know what it is like when you get a rhythm and you just keep going.. especially if you are one where rarely your tension changes.

The finished size was off by about 1 – 2 inches, depending on how one measures. And of course, sometimes an inch discrepancy will occur, since even a gauge swatch, if off by even a millimeter, when working a larger project, such as a cardigan versus a small hat, that minuscule difference will have a bigger impact.

So anyway, I had a few options. I could block it and stretch it out some. But, since I knew myself, I knew that would not suffice. The crazy insane perfectionist I was said we needed to rip. I consulted the editors, and told them the dilemma, and send a few snapshots along with it.

Luckily, I was not banished from ever working with them again (hah), and they were pretty understanding. Ultimately, I decided for myself regardless of what their response would be that I would redo, no matter what. But I wanted to keep them updated of what was transpiring.

So… there I went and began anew. Because the gauge was off throughout the garment, I knew I had to start from the beginning. While working on this, I also had 2 more projects to work up for publication, but not only work them up, had yet to design them! Eeek.

In an odd sort of way, I work well under pressure. It gives me an excuse to not be lazy and get off my duff and get some work done. Sometimes, I just sit there, staring at the paper, which is not a bad thing.. I call it my “meditation-brainstorming.” It is relaxing, but productive at the same time. Yeah, an oxymoron.

Finished the garment.. Designed the other 2 projects. I am very proud of these designs.. And one, is different. You will be surprised, as it is a bit different. Actually, all 3 are different from my normal work, and I think they will be different in a very good way. You will see these projects sometime during the summer months

Ok, so this is short. Need to get some work done. Some upcoming posts, I will be introducing you to a good editor friend of mine who now designs, my nifty new printer, and some other fun things!

PS, Just also want to say, I am currently working on my taxes and bookkeeping from this past year. I have surpassed my earnings from the previous year. Although I am not sure yet by how much, doing this for the 4th or 5th year in a row, I now get an inkling of how I did as I tread through the paperwork. So we end this with a woohoo!

I leave you with a pic of Water Child when he was a little one… HAH I love this photo!!!

Water Child, now 15

Category: General Crochet | 1 Comment »
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Posted By Lisa on January 28, 2009

Local creamery, antibitoic & hormone free milk, and CHEAPER than the store brand milk!

Is this a crochet post? No. But, something about me, and maybe even you. It is my dirty little secret, and maybe yours too.

Everyone has one. Some more than one.. and some say they do not have a secret, but I bet they do…  I did mention my “dirty little secret” in a past post, very subtly, without any explanation or elaboration.

Anyway…. Since most of my social life (not all) is on the internet, or well  work-life:  talking with testers, fellow designers.. editors etc. Most have had no idea about the secret – thus is that of the internet world. We can be who we want, pretend to be who wish to be…

Most of you who have read my blog over the last few years, and the old blog before I moved here.. know that naturally, I am pretty health conscious. I still have weight to lose, but for the most part, I have always ate healthy.

I buy antibiotic & hormone free milk. Heartland Creamy is what we get- aren’t the glass bottles so cool? I get a buck fifty back on each when returning the bottle.. I have kept a few, so I filter water, then pour the water in a couple of bottles. There we go, no plastic leaking chemicals into my water stored in the fridge.

Teavana Tea

Even before the big green movement, I was big on greens, big on buying organic and local… my pancake mix has always been whole wheat. Though I drink lots of coffee, I drink lots of green tea, as well as my yerba mate. Gotta love the Yerba Mate, though I have to admit, I think I like the taste of green tea better. And you know what rocks?

Two years ago my sister and her now husband got me some tea.. This place is so awesome, you can even mix different varieties to get that perfect tea! These little tin cans are resuable too and can store future purchases of tea..

Check it out, there are even little flowers in this Rose Garden tea. MMMmmm… Check out the Teavana website, in case you do not have one in a town near you (like me).

Tea closeup

So anyway. How could someone be so healthy, yet have this dirty little secret? How could this person, who eats her veggies, is health conscious, almost neurotic to a point where she had a field day with her daughter’s preschool teachers for turning an eye to paint fumes infiltrating the building from another room, do anything that could definitely harm?

I am not sure. But life is full of oddities. Well what is this secret? Knowing Fire Child’s and Water Child’s teachers sometimes read this blog… knowing work-related friends and occasionally read here.. Is the reason why I have never mentioned.. nor ever felt a need to.

So what is this dirty little secret that I have been carrying around? I used to smoke.

Some may be mortified. Other may be like, “who cares.” Either way, it is subjective to each person if it really qualifies as a “dirty little secret,” and to me, it does. Some people will smoke to oblivion and blow the smoke right in your face and not give a hoot.. Some, do not bring attention to it and just a few people close to them know. Others hide it completely – closet smokers. I was in the middle.. I tried to only smoke when by myself, and only those select few people who either smoked themselves or that I felt at ease enough to smoke around and did not mind it.

I never ever thought I would be able to quit. I really didn’t. I was such a slave to them. Whenever I would go out, had to make sure I had a pack on me… Before I went to sleep, had to make sure I had some for the morning. If I had to go on a plane, my first thought was NOT would I crash (yes I have a tiny fear of planes), but rather, my first thought was, oh no how long would I have to go without a cigarette for.

Ah! How I polluted myself.

For the past couple of years, I had in my head that I wanted to quit before my birthday this past year (my bday was in December). Of course I put it off for as long as I could. For the last 4 years, I had wisdom teeth issues. To the point that I was taking advil on a daily basis, actually more like 3-times-daily basis. Finally, a dentist opened up that would accept my card, and scheduled an appt to have them looked at. He said 1 definitely needed to come out and would talk about the others later. I said fine. So the tooth extraction was set for Nov 18th.

I think I had the living kajeebers scared out of me, as people said NOT to smoke, it would cause dry socket. Well, I had a decision to make.. I decided that would be my quit day, as I could not smoke for 48 hrs. This was all on a whim. Had I not had that appt, I am not sure I would have really set a date.

From my mother's garden, that I will REALLY be able to smell this summer

I decided that to make it easier, I would use the patch. The last couple of times I tried to quit (which lasted for a day), I had horrible mood swings, to the point I was even scolding myself for something petty. That was my strongest withdrawal symptom – mood. Not cravings, not headaches, etc.. For me, it was my mood. No patience.. maybe it was psychological and I needed something to take it out on that I could not have a cigarette and so it just boiled up even more in my head.

So, the day arrived. I had my last cigarette before going in. Like, maybe 3 mins before going in. He takes my tooth out, packs it, out I go. In an instant, ALL of the pain I had in my moth was gone.. gone gone gone. My daily advil ritual ceased right then and there. I went home, and an hour or two later, put on the patch.

Could not believe it, no withdrawal, no no nothing. This is easy I thought.

Well, it did not last long. By the 5th day, I had to remove the patch. My bones (yes my bones) in my arms could not handle it. They ached.. to the point my arm would just dangle as it was too painful to even raise my hand. I guess joint or bone pain is a possible side affect, and my body did not take it in stride, at all.

So I took the patch off, but did not have a cigarette. There were no mood swings. There were some cravings. By the first month, most of those diminished. Now, only into the 3rd month, I never think about them. I never get the “oh I really want one.” No cravings. In fact, I cannot stand the smell of smoke now. I never ever ever thought I would be this way, as I was a smoker and I really liked my cigarettes

I know I will never smoke again. One of Water Child’s friend’s mother is a smoker, big time. I told him next time to bring a set of clothes here I can wash and keep for him when he comes over so he can change into.. because the stench just lingers, and lingers…

Yerba Mate Tea, check out those antioxidants!

Even in the store, in an instant, I can tell if someone is a smoker.. or was around smoke recently. The post office is the worse.. for some reason that place when a smoker walks in, the smell is intensified. No idea why.

I feel like a new person.. It is so different being able to go somewhere and not have to check to be sure I have my smokes. I feel clean. It is healthier for me. And though I never smoked indoors, I am sure it lingered on my clothes.. So it is healthier for Water & Fire Child.

I now feel like I can do anything. I even told my mom.. if she decided to quit, I would move in with her for a month to get her through it. I think she is seriously taking me up on that offer I hope she does.

Sorry so long winded.. It is  just such a big thing to me, that I actually did it. I really, really did it. And I know because I told  myself I would not announce it anywhere until I was 100% sure I was a quit done never smoke again.

Category: Family- Life, General Crochet, Health | 9 Comments »
Tags: going green, Heartland Creamery, Quit smoking, Teavana tea

Posted By Lisa on January 22, 2009

I do not think I ever mentioned, but Fire Child is a little artist. She loves to be creative – from playing with yarn, to painting oceans. (By the way, she turned 4 not too long ago). I remember one instance, at Christmas time, we were watching a tv special, a santa one, and she saw the reindeer flying. Although a totally different situation, still the same completely… She said “I need to go draw a reindeer!”  I watched her very adamantly get off the couch with a confirmed little gallop to her desk. A few moments later, a new masterpiece – a sleigh of reindeer.

A Butterfly

I saw myself.. I could be in the middle of dishes, and all of a sudden, see a design in the bubbly water, and jump to the living in my yellow rubber gloves and sketch out the picture in my mind – yellow gloves still there, little droplets of water span the paper – but my newest idea for a masterpiece…

So.. this new idea came to me, to involve my daughter…  Why not design a design together? Maybe it is crazy… but what better way to really create a memory, or even a design, than an icon of her present mindset?

Her drawings are so free… Sure, maybe not proportionate… Sure, maybe silly colors or little scribbles in unexpected places. But that is where the magic unfolds…  Her mind, unmolded, her eyes, visions unrestrained…  Completely undisturbed. I see her focus, but only so slightly… as her crayons move as swiftly as her mind, but with fluidity.

A Unicorn

Whether it be intarsia… or bobbins. So many ways to have color work play into an afghan… or onto anything really for that matter. Why not incorporate some of Fire Child’s art? I can see a little afghan with maybe large squares… each having a design within it… Or maybe a large afghan with a picture on it. Maybe, a little purse, with a butterfly cross stitched on it.

An Elephant

This line of patterns would be entitled “Child’s Play?” or maybe “Through A Child’s Eyes?” Now, wouldn’t it be neat… to maybe come up with some 12 X 12 squares… for charity purposes? I think I may just do that.. Come up with a couple of squares, with Fire Child’s designs incorporated into them..

Maybe one of her flowers… Maybe one of her puppies… Now I do not think that has been done before! And what a personal touch it would be to have that kind of square added to an afghan… What do you think?

Unicorn, with wings wearing a necklace, smelling a flower. Drawn on computer.

Yes.. we must think outside of the box.. Guess sometimes I fall off the box Sometimes it takes me a little while to get back. And yes, I can hear my brother saying “oh no.. here she goes with another idea…” But it is unique, is it not?? I think it would be incredible.. Of course with many ideas, there is always tweaking needed…

I think she would love it as well… I have a large bin that I keep each and every one of her “masterpieces” in. And each day, about 10 more are added, and some days, many many more…

What is so great, is that the drawings are perfect! It is the imperfections that make them perfect… And that is why they are so suitable to put on an afghan.. to put on a square.. to put on a tote or lapghan.. Each one has its own character, its own personality. I don’t know about you, but I would love to have something not machine generated… but something intrinsic, unique, and perfect from imperfectness – and what better than from the mind of a child?

Niters all!

Category: General Crochet | 3 Comments »
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