The Crochet Dude

I'm So Outta Here!

2006-09-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

All good things must come to an end, right? On that note I'd like to say farewell to Blogger. Despite its limitations, flaws, planned outages, unplanned outages, and the inability to put blog posts in categories like all the cool kids are doing, Blogger has been good to me. I wish it well. I hope it thrives. (Have you figured out where all this is headed?)

Yes, I finally got up the nerve and changed to a different blog service. I was able to import 30 of my latest entries to help make it a bit more seamless. Please come visit me here:

The Crochet Dude's New Blog
http://blog.thecrochetdude.com

See you there!

It Just Looks Like a Rope

2006-09-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

Here is an extreme close-up of the purse that I am working on for SCYC VI. It's the first of two for them. The coolest part of designing purses is that with the right combination of stitches they can defy gravity. This one definitely does that. I showed it to a friend of mine and she said "how the heck did you do that?". Music to my ears my friends.... I love this yarn too! The colors are soft and pretty and it has a strand of black wound through it. Very cool stuff.

Sleevation

Remember the Sirdar sweater that I've been working on for the past few weeks?

I finished the back piece while in Alaska (see previous post) and I started the sleeves last night.

I was watching Knitty Gritty the other day and knit goddess Annie was the guest designer and she demonstrated a very cool cast on. She called it a "cable cast on" and you end up with such a great rope-like edging! And you don't have to estimate how much yarn you need (I have run out of yarn more times casting on... very frustrating!) Thanks Annie!!

Homeward Bound

2006-09-19T12:37:00.000-05:00

The joys of travel. If I were in a bazillion dollar RV where I didn't have to pack and unpack every three days and the bathroom were all marble and the driver were also a gourmet chef and personal trainer it would be much more enjoyable... as it is:

Hard Workin' Man

2006-09-18T14:09:00.000-05:00

The design for SCYC VI is going well. I have it about 3/4 finished now and I'm pretty happy with it. All this considering I had to take a little business trip at the same time. I may or may not be at an undisclosed location in the desert southwest. Oh who am I kidding? I needed to recover from the Alaska trip. Whoever said that taking a cruise is relaxing needs to email me and tell me what the secret is.

I'm working I tells ya!!

I bet he's a crochet dude:

But just between you and me and my CPA? It's a business trip. Excuse me while I go back to work...

Saturday Sky - September 16

2006-09-16T16:46:00.000-05:00

I Miss The 2-hour Feeding Schedule

2006-09-15T13:58:00.000-05:00

To answer some of the questions that came up in the comment section, no I wasn't having plastic surgery to remove extra fingers. Yes this was just one vacation, not two back to back. And no I wasn't in rehab...just the opposite! Woohoo! Anywho, thank you to everyone that noticed I was missing; that touches me. Seriously.

Back to Work

I came home to this wonderful box of yarn! Super Cool Yarn Company VI had it waiting for me along with an order for one of my designs. How cool is that? And to top it off, I just found out they want another of the designs from all those swatches I sent out before vacay and the yarn is being shipped soon! Hot dang! Now if only it would dip below 90 degrees in Houston...

I can't wait to get started on this project! I've been given the freedom to use my imagination which is such a treat.

My Banana is Too Big!

And it caused the banana tree to snap in half while I was whale watching, or bear watching, or bald eagle watching, or most likely eating at one of the many many MANY buffets on board the ship.

I had contemplated harvesting the fruit before the trip and storing them in the fridge just to keep them safe while I was away. Then I thought what the hay, I'll just give them ten more days. I was very pleased to discover this morning that upon closer inspection they survived the fall!

And they are now in the ripening process. According to the research that I've done banana farmers are to pick the fruits whilst green, then let them ripen in a cool dark place. No problem! Half of my kitchen cabinets are empty anyways so they are happily resting, waiting to be consumed... Remind me to check on them once a while, mkay?

Alaskatude

2006-09-14T12:12:00.000-05:00

I'm back from vacation! Woo hoo! Alaska was amazing and I ended up taking 750 photos!! It's an amazing place to spend ten days! But also, aint it great to sleep in one's own bed again? My first night back from a trip though Chandler climbs all over me meowing and purring and making sure that I'm not going anywhere again anytime soon. So I'm running on about three hours sleep right now... all the photos are clickable:

First I was here:

Then here:

Which brought me to here:

Where I did a little this:

And saw some of this:

And did a whole lotta this:

I did this a few times:

Then I watched one of these:

And walked through some of these:

I even did a bit of this:

I earned some wings:

And then it all ended here:

Saturday Sky - September 2

2006-09-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

The view from the backyard...

Woof

2006-09-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

Last year right when hurricane Rita was heading directly for Houston I was contacted for the first time by a yarn company to do a boucle doggy sweater for one of their booklets "Precious Pets". I was very happy to see that it came out finally! Woo hoo, so this is officially my first (although others came out sooner) published design!

In fact, I created the design from my hotel room where I was riding out the storm (so it was at Universal Studios, Orlando...whatever). With one eye on Rita and the other on my bag-o-boucle I came up with this small doggie sweater. And hey, with the added pressure of thinking this was a turning point in my career (my first time working with a yarn company, we're talking big time, baby!)I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!

I've seen it at craft stores, and you can check it out here too:

Precious Pets

Public Service Announcement

2006-08-31T09:08:00.000-05:00

This goes out to all my peeps in the Houston area! By the end of this announcement y'all with either thank me or curse me. Either way....

I just received my newsletter from the LYS that is about a mile from my house (they were closer but moved to a bigger location last year which is good because I seriously do not need an LYS in walking distance. Seriously.) and they announced that they are having a major sale this weekend.

The sad part? I can't make it. I won't be able to indulge my need for stash. Here is a cut of what will be included:

This Labor Day Weekend, Sat. 9/2 and Sun. 9/3, all 100% cotton and 100% bamboo yarns will be on sale. In addition, many cotton blends and rayons will also be on sale. Finally, to make room for all the new fall additions, all clearance yarn sale-priced at $8.00 and above will be $4.00/ball, and all clearance yarn sale-priced below $8.00 will be $2.00/ball!!!!!!!!!! That means yarns like Classic Elite Tigress (originally $32/ball) or Rowan Plaid (originally $15+/ball) will be priced at waaay less than our cost!!!! You don't want to miss out on this sale opportunity!

We'll have close to 100 of our regularly-priced summer yarns on sale from names like Berroco, Classic Elite, Noro, Lily, OnLine, Alchemy, Colinette, Louisa Harding, Crystal Palace, Cascade, Needful, Araucania, Debbie Bliss, SWTrading, Garnstudio, Manos, Wool In The Woods, Skacel, Elsebeth Lavold, and Queensland.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend--since it's our 3rd anniversary, we'll have door prizes for gift certificates and yarn throughout the weekend.

Here is the location:

Yarns 2 Ewe, Inc.
518 Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77007

And their website:

www.yarns2ewe.com

*note: I am in no way affiliated with this yarn shop (except that they do carry some of my patterns booklets that may or may not be the ones you are looking for and perhaps you don't want to buy them online and also maybe you want to get both the booklets and the yarn at the same time because your aunt's birthday is Tuesday which you never forget and you won't be invited to Thanksgiving dinner if you do and putting together a little kit would keep you out of the doghouse this holiday season) I just wanted to give all y'all a heads up and since I can't make it to the sale, I can live vicariously through you.

On The Crochet Front

I shipped out the design that may or may not be a coral colored dress to its midwestern destination yesterday. It was due by Friday and I'm glued to the online tracking system to see where it is now. Apparently it's still in a sorting facility in Mesquite, TX. I think they should start attaching actual GPS tracking so I can follow my shipments in real time. I can think of a few other things I would attach GPS to, just for giggles.

Also, remember that stack of sketches/swatches that I was working on before I went to sunny downton Burbank California where I filmed three episodes of the show Uncommon Threads that may or may not begin airing in January? I shipped out a third of the stack yesterday as well because it needs to arrive at its New Englandish destination by Friday. Keep your hooks crossed. I really want to start working with this yarn company!

The other 2/3 of the submissions are going to to three magazines that have editorial deadlines over the next two weeks. They are all working on their spring/summer '07 issues right now and the challenge at hand is creating crochet designs that are great for the warmer months. Fun stuff!! Once I get all the submissions packed up and shipped out I can start designing my studio and finally make a trip to Ikea!! Woo hoo! The lingonberries are calling me....

Allison Thanks You

Well, actually, I want to thank everyone that has made Allison such a big success. This has instantly become my most popular pattern booklet to date. Y'all rock!!

Start Quicker - End Quicker

2006-08-29T16:10:00.000-05:00

I was walking through the hobby/craft store recently (big surprise, eh?) and as I looked for something totally unrelated I came across this little gem.

Isn't it too cool for school? I nearly tripped over myself doing an about face in the store. I've been using it for about a week now (I wanted to test it out first before blogging about it). Here are some features:

17 outside pockets
9 inside pockets
one zippered compartment on bottom (including a removable tray)
one 12" section to hold larger items

And look at the cool colors it comes in:

All this for under $20! What's great for me is that I can keep all my crochet/knit "tools" in it. I have my case of hooks, tapestry needles, scissors, hole punch, business cards, colored pencils & sharpener, sticky notes, etc, all in one place. Now I find that clean up at the end of the day is quicker because all I have to do is put each item back in their place. The next day I can start quicker because I don't have to gather up everything; it's all in one place! And if I want to take some work on a car trip I can keep everything contained easily, because...say it with me "it's all in one place"!!

*Note to those of you who are organized naturally: This may seem trivial and maybe not so exciting and perhaps even a bit silly, but seriously, finding something like this for those of us who are, let's say, organizationally challenged is nearly life changing. I'm just saying.

Fun for Everyone!

2006-08-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I found myself relaxing a bit more than usual and what does that tend to lead to? That's right, starting another project. Can you really have too many WIP's? I know I know, the answer is intellectually "yes" but spiritually "heck no!". This is a knitted pillow that I tried to make last year right after teaching myself to knit and for the life of me I couldn't figure out the center panel which after blocking will be eyelets. This weekend I started it again and worked on it casually and was able to finish it last night. Learnin' iz fun.

Eyelet pillow knit with Plymouth Encore Colorspun

Extreme Close-up Fun!

Today I find myself at the edge of the deadline. As in, get this finished and if you work hard and fast enough (keep it clean) then maybe just maybe you can overnight it to its final destination on time. Although I would never admit it publicly, I seem to work better under the pressure of a deadline. This is an extreme close up of an item that I'm making for a spring issue of one of the Super Cool Crochet Magazines (I can't remember if it's I or II, but I could use and IV of coffee right about now). Would I be revealing too much if I said it was a dress? (or maybe it's a toilet paper cozy, or a sock, you didn't hear it from me). Ooh, is that someone looking over your shoulder?

This may or may not be a dress....

Canine Fun!

On Friday I received the color proofs of the Men Who Knit book. I know I sound like a broken record but seriously, how cool is this? And, for your knitting/reading/displaying pleasure it can now be pre-ordered by clicking here:

Men Who Knit and the Dogs Who Love Them

Pre-ordering is fun!

Allison - a cross-body purse to crochet!

2006-08-24T17:59:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest pattern to be published:

Worsted weight cotton works up quickly into this cross-body purse. Cabled details on the front accent the tailored design of this little messenger bag, finished off with a handle of all cables.

Allison - a cross-body purse to Crochet!

Hot Stuff

2006-08-23T17:53:00.000-05:00

Lion Brand has offered up another of my patterns (sans designer credit...whatev) in their newsletter. These potholders are felted and are actually very easy to make. It's a great project for those that want to practice changing colors. Click the photo for the free pattern (registration required).

I enjoyed designing these because the Lion Wool is very nice to work with; it isn't itchy at all, and the colors stay very vivid after felting.

Things To Do

2006-08-22T08:52:00.000-05:00

As y'all know I'm not a big do-er of the meme thang. However, I saw this one at Imaginary Maggie's blog and found it intriguing. What I like is that I learned several cool things about someone that I've know for 137 years now. Perhaps you'll learn something about me too.

Life's to do list - Completed items are bolded

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain (I lived in Tahoe for several years)
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone (I'm seriously a hopeless romantic)
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it
09. Hugged a tree (they smell like vanilla sometimes)
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa (it was closed when I was there, but I would have!)
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg (does lettuce count?)
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (Mom and I would giggle in church quite often)
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen an eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 10 provinces or all 50 states (I'm only missing Alaska, Hawaii & New England)
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country (some of my best memories include this)
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign (a friend in college stole a "Please Pay Before Pumping" sign and put it on her bedroom door)
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow (I've tipped quite a few over, does that count?)
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites (in and around Italy, Greece, Mexico)
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie (just t.v. commercials, but there is still time...)
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest (I "won" dressed as Prince when I worked at a restaurant right after Purple Rain came out)
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Dead River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert" (Does the DIY Network count?)
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone (does certain people's marriages count?)
92. Buried one of your parents (I was orphaned at 32)
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently (English & Spanish)
95. Performed in aisles at Rocky Horror (Just saw it for the first time last year and that was on DVD)
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over (more than once)
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge (now that would be a big leash)
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery (does corrective laser surgery on my eyes count?)
104. Survived an illness that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray 110. Broken someone's heart 111. Helped an animal give birth (a guinnea pig)
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari (just in Maggie's party barn, does that count?)
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced (not on purpose)
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild – (mmmm. Morel Mushrooms!)
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet (just mice, rats, guinnea pigs, dogs & cats)
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi (as often as possible)
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach (ew!)
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes (Mom used to make tomato jam)
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read their books.
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (just fish, although my grandpa was a freelance butcher, but I don't think I got that gene)
137. Skipped all your school reunions (hearing through the grapevine that everyone's going to meet at a certain local bar doesn't make me want to travel 1,000 miles to attend. I'm just saying.)
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office (is 4-H vice president a public office?)
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream (I have thought more than once that I'm living IN a dream and that I could wake up at any moment).
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair 147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head (see #146) 149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life
151: Walked the streets of Pompeii then climbed Mt. Vesuvius (I added this one to the list because it was an incredible experience)

It Suits You

2006-08-21T13:32:00.000-05:00

I figured out over the weekend why I didn't have a suit in my closet to begin with! Shopping just about kicked my booty. I've been working from home for so many years now that all I have in my wardrobe are shorts & t-shirts! And now I have an event coming up for which I'll need a dark formal suit (or rent a cheesy tuxedo which I refuse to do) and this past weekend was my last chance to find it. After two trips to the Galleria in as many days I was able to find a black suit, white shirt, cufflinks, tie and belt. Whew, I'm glad that's over for a few more years...

Pattern Writing

It's truly like a foreign language it seems. I have this rather large project that is due very soon and I've been going over and over the pattern, and each time I look it over I realize that either something is missing, something is repeated, or something makes no sense whatsoever. After three somewhat intense hours of working on it this morning I'm putting it away for the day. I'm thinking that if I come back to it tomorrow morning that it will make more sense. Make sense?

Postcards on The Edge

Thank you to everyone who has dropped me a card or postcard over the last year. I enjoy receiving them very much!

Organized Weed-eating

2006-08-18T14:31:00.000-05:00

I've spent the last two days recovering from everything that has been going on over the last 8 weeks or so. Getting ready for the t.v. show along with the design deadlines that I had to meet before going to Cali have left things a bit, shall we say, untidy. Not dirty, because Mom taught me that dirt is unacceptable. Let's just say that I didn't learn any organizational skills from her though. We had to shuffle stuff on the kitchen table to the side to eat, and half of Mom's bed always had her reading material and curlers and bobby pins (etc!), but the curtains were washed monthly, the bathroom was always spotless and the kitchen was spic and span (as they say), and many hours of my youth were spent hearing "you aren't going to watch t.v. or go to bed until all the dishes are washed and put away". Anywho, the last two days have been spent filing files, and shredding old paperwork and dreaming of the day that I can have a full-time personal assistant.

Public Service Announcement

I just recently sent out my summer newsletter (you get that right? well, why the heck not? Boogie on over the my website and sign up!) Anywho, I'm getting a good amount of my friends who have AOL addresses returned as undeliverable. The messages says something about "we'd love to deliver your email but your friend hasn't logged into their new free AIM account". Soooo, if you have AOL, and you use it for newsletters such as mine, then perhaps you aren't getthing them if you haven't signed into a free AIM account. And that concludes the paragraph of this blog post that may sound like I know what I'm talking about, but I truly have no earthly clue what any of that means.

To Do This Weekend

Work on my Bitchin' Mittens
Buy a new suit
Mow, weed-eat, water
Stay cool (hopefully...)
Photograph Saturday's Sky
Sleep

Wowza

2006-08-17T15:23:00.000-05:00

Ever do something that you think is the right thing to do only to have it go terribly wrong and feel completely helpless and therefore hopeless? Google has taken over Blogger (hooray, Google=good Blogger=notsogood). I was one of the selected to switch my blogs over to the new Beta version of Blogger which includes some of the fun stuff one sees at the pay-for-blogging sites. Once switched over all was good, except Blogger no longer thought I had a blog, but supportively encouraged me to start one. Y'all, I've been holding my breath for about 24 hours pretending not to panic. Just this minute Blogger discovered that I do indeed have a blog and is allowing me to update. Whew!!

My Birthday Revisited

While in Lala-land last week, or Encino Adjacent as some call it, I was gifted by none other than Crazy Aunt Purl with this wonderful wooden hook, size "S". Isn't it super cool? Thank you Aunt Purl, you're so crazy!

It's Black, it's White, Shamon...

I received the B&W lasers for the Men Who Knit book. Um, hello? It's so exciting I can't stand it! I can barely talk about it. It's a book. A real-live book. And why haven't any of you told me I'm the co-author, and that the other author is knit-goddess, The Knitting Heretic herself, Annie Modesitt? Holy guacamole... if y'all were right here I'd make you pinch me. Seriously. Pinch me like I'm not wearing green undewear.

Almost Famous

2006-08-14T14:23:00.000-05:00

Days 1-3

I arrived in Burbank after nine hours travelling from Houston (I was routed through Salt Lake City), and I was asked to go directly to the studio for rehearsal. My friends Amie & Pam (who appeared on the show with me) were flown into LAX and arrived about an hour later. (You can read about the experience from their point of view by clicking on their names.)

On the set

Sound-proof doors. I was authorized to enter!

When the light's on, the magic is happening!

When I arrived I had my own dressing room, but alas there was another group that needed a room as well, so I got to bunk with Amie & Pam. No worries, it was an 80's flashback (see Amie's blog) and I enjoyed the atmosphere.

I would love to share the details of the experience, and I have a lot of photos but they all have items that we demonstrated and I hate to spoil the surprise! This is for season 2 of Uncommon Threads and they are tentatively scheduled to begin airing in January. Once I know the exact days that my three episodes aire I will let you know. Woo hoo!

Day 4

On the last day of shooting (Friday) Laurie picked me up from the studio and we headed deep into The Valley. My flight wasn't until Sunday so we had just a few limited hours to catch up. The first thing we needed to do was get some dinner.

So the obvious place to go? In & Out, of course!!

We took it back to Laurie's famous back patio, opened some cava and chatted until the wee hours of the morning.

The Sobakowa kept her laser eyes on us the entire time...

Day 5

Saturday morning (after about 3 hours sleep) we headed out to make the *coughShortDrivecough* to West Hollywood for the WeHo Stitch & Bitch that is held at the Farmer's Market. So. Much. Fun.

I love Laurie's Jeep in the summertime!

Traffic was light while I was there.

At the group, there were about eleventy seven people behind me when I took this photo but for some reason I didn't turn around to take more. I don't like to make people uncomfortable by taking too many photos. If you want to see more photos of the good times a la Southern California, check out Laurie's blog entry for today. Good stuff! She even has video!

Snakes On A Plane

2006-08-08T14:08:00.000-05:00

I received this wonderful handmade hook in the mail yesterday from Brian and Anne of Brainsbarn fame. Isn't it wonderful? It's made from Snakewood and is my favorite size - H! Woo hoo! I love it so much I'm taking it to sunny Burbank California tomorrow to use while on the set. (Did I tell you about the show I'm taping for DIY?) Anywho, I have two important deadlines right after I return from the trip so I'm planning to be crocheting the entire time I'm not needed in front of the camera.
*click for biggy view*

Flip Flops or Thong?

2006-08-07T14:26:00.000-05:00

I just got back from the post office where I overnighted a package of swatches to SCYC V (or is it VI? I can't keep track anymore. I need a decoder ring, or a personal assistant.) Anywho, keep yer hooks crossed that what I swatched is what they want. I need a personal assistant with a crystal ball.

New Free Pattern

I have uploaded a new design to my free patterns page: Glass Flip Flops!

Crochet these coasters in multiple colors and everyone will know which beverage is theirs! And since the coaster stays with the glass, you'll avoid rings on the furniture (as well as drips). These make great party favors too!

Click the image to the left to get the pattern now!

Saturday Sky - August 5

2006-08-05T12:01:00.000-05:00

I call this one "Partly Cloudy with Calico House"

Speedo or not to Speedo...

2006-08-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

I didn't get the stack of swatches shipped out because of the step outs for the show. The swatch deadline was self-imposed, giving me and the editors at the various places a few weeks extra time. I don't like to get the swatches to them the day before the editorial deadline because although it would seem that my folder would be very fresh in their mind as they enter the decision making meeting that decides the future of the elite designers that someday I hope to become a member of, but my current strategy is to get the folders to them a little earlier so that they fall in love with my design first, before even considering everyone elses. Has it worked? Perhaps. Only time will tell.

I just spoke with the wonderful producer (such energy!) and we talked about the temp of the studio and she assured me that sometimes it's cold. When I said I was going to bring mock turtlenecks, etc, she reminded me that the clothes need to be seasonless. (??) I said "oh of course" as if I knew what that meant. No white shoes? No speedos?

Show Me The Yarn

I received another box of yarn this afternoon. This is for swatching and has to be swatched, a proposal written and overnighted back on Monday. Some deadlines are tighter than others.

if only Chandler could crochet, or had opposable thumbs

Spreadable

2006-08-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

If I don't sit still today and just work on these step-outs I don't think I'll be able to get finished before going to LA. The studio is still in the middle of the "renovation" and I haven't been to Ikea yet, so I don't have a work surface. This particular project needs the yarn to be on a surface right next to the project or a) the tension goes wonky and b) Chandler freaks out and can't resist attacking. I'm going to have to take over the dining room again until these step-outs are finished. Can you believe I actually contemplated doing them the night before taping at the motel they are putting me up in? Hi, I come from Crazytown, USA.

Spread The Love

My friend Ruth who came to my trunk show a few weeks ago wanted some more of my business cards so she wouldn't have to give away the one I gave her. And also my sister pimps me out whenever possible at yarns stores, etc. So, I was thinking a great way to supply my pimps (that could be you, don't be shy) with business cards would to be to make them available as a PDF download. Just print out a sheet of them, cut them out (sounds like a great summer project for your cub scout or girl scout group) and take them wherever you go. Download now and spread the love:

The Crochet Dude Business Cards

7 Days, 6 nights

2006-08-02T09:58:00.000-05:00

As of this morning I have a stack of swatches in my new studio space that I need to get shipped out. The next step is to create the sketch of the idea, write up a description and cover letter to go with it. I have about 30 swatches to go to four different locations so I think the first thing I'll do is divide them into categories and go from there. My goal is to get them shipped out by this Friday so that I can totally focus on going to Lala-land.

Lala-land

Yes, next week is the taping of the DIY show. I thought about getting a haircut but since my barber has communication issues (and could possibly shave my head without my approval. It's very similar to Crazy Aunt Purl's relationship with her gardener.) I'm just going to creatively glue the hair into place with a clever cocktail of hair products (a talent developed during my high school years in the 80's). And despite the packet of info the producer sent me encouraging me to "treat myself to a manicure", I'm going to skip that too. C'mon, they'll be lucky if I don't say "fart" while taping. It's a dude thing.

I'm flying out to sunny Burbank, California and will spend two full days in the studio taping three episodes. I'm hoping they keep the studio freezing cold because I'm taking dark winter clothes with me to wear. I never figured out the key to losing 35 pounds in 7 days so now it's up to the magic of well-placed waistlines and clever color combinations to create the illusion of slimness. No wonder Oprah works out so much...

As Seen in the Backyard

I opened the blinds this morning in my bedroom and this is what I saw outside the window:
And since there were no lilies in that location last year I figured I should photograph them, in case they aren't there this afternoon. I like to prove that I'm nearly sane via digital photography.

Banana update

These just started blooming this week. They are a favorite with the migrating hummingbirds. Each fall a flock of hummingbirds stops in Houston for a two-week feeding frenzy then heads off on a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula where they spend the winter. If I were in charge of evolution (which I'm not, so don't worry too much about it) I would have these little birds land on top of a cruise ship departing Galveston Island and just relax for a few days until reaching the port of Cozumel. Wouldn't that be more fun?

R-e-s-p-e-c-t

2006-07-31T17:36:00.000-05:00

Since spending some QT with a few professional crochet designers a few weeks ago I realized that more than ever I need to approach my design career with the respect that it deserves, including taking time to recharge. For example I've been turning off my email around 6pm each night and paying attention to Cleo & Chandler, having a proper dinner at the dining room table, etc. Next came the guts to actually take weekends off from designing. That's not to say that I won't work until all hours or over the weekend to meet a deadline, because I have and I will. But not every weekend has an uber-strict deadline looming at the end of it and those are the times that it's good to stop. Rest. Recharge.

Over this past weekend I rested, took a little day trip outside of Houston, and I also started a new project (see photo above). It's the Anniversary Sweater from Knitty.com and I'm using a yarn from Malibrigo, a kettle dyed pure merino wool from Uruguay.

Sadly, I must reveal that I did not go to Ikea over the weekend as I had hoped. Maybe next weekend... I have a hankering for lingonberries...

Weekends Aside

That being said, here is a big box of yarn that I received for a project that I'm making for one of the crochet magazines. Isn't it cool? I must repeat myself here: one of the best perks is getting to crochet with all these great yarns, even if they are just borrowed! I'm pretty sure I can make this deadline without using weekend time. I wish I could tell you about the project, but alas, I'm a *coughprofessionalcough* and cannot divulge that info yet. Stick around though, I promise to let y'all know when the issue comes out.

Saturday Sky - July 29th

2006-07-29T19:08:00.000-05:00

I took a little road trip outside of Houston today and this is what the Saturday Sky looked like along the way:

Men At Work

2006-07-28T12:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was spent swatching and moving stuff. I swatched until I could swatch no more. Then I switched from swatching to the moving of the stuff. It took some time to de-wire everything from the stereo and t.v. then move it all, then rewire it all again. Every time I move the t.v. (a few times over the last five years) I swear that I'm going to make the wires all neat and bundled and put them in those tubes to make them disappear. But for some reason it's impossible. Must be a quantum thing. I gotta start watching the Nasa channel more. Which, btw, is a wonderful channel to watch if you need to relax and/or sleep deeply. There is nothing like watching the shuttle sit on the launch pad for four days without commerical breaks.

The t.v./stereo finally in the family room. Last night I was so comfortable laying on the sofa, watching The Daily Show, that I fell asleep and didn't wake up until after The Cobert Report. That's craziness folks!

This is the newly found space in the newly declared studio. The blank area on the left is where the t.v. once stood. The loveseat on the right is piled with the swatches that I've been working on. I wonder how busy it will be at Ikea tomorrow?

They're Stackable

To save space in a multi-feline household, The Crochet Dude(tm) recommends only having patent pending Stackable Kitties.

Monsoon?

2006-07-26T12:48:00.000-05:00

No, just a tropical "low" that is swirling in the Gulf of Mexico and has pretty much been dumping rain on Houston nonstop since yesterday morning. You know what that means, don't you? Crochet weather! It's fun to hunker down inside with all the curtains drawn and crochet all day! I've been concentrating on getting a bunch of swatches made up that I've had in my head for a few months. I want to have them all shipped out to the various mags & yarn companies before I head to LA to tape that certain show. Have I mentioned that yet?

Eleventy Hundred

That's the number of "step-outs" that I have to get ready for the taping. A step-out is the little segment of the piece that you are demonstrating on camera that is partially finished and ready to be worked on at that point of the show. I went over my segments with the producer the other day and highlighted the step outs that I need to make. And, just to be safe, they recommend that I make several of each step out in case they have to reshoot that step and I'll have an extra ready to go. One would think that one would start this right away. One would think.

Bugmatoes

I'm sorry I forgot to mention what type of bugs those are living on the tomato. Several commenters wondered what they were, a couple even knew what they were, and I wanted to verify that these are indeed "Assassin Bugs" or "Wheel Bugs". They are beneficial insects that eat lots of the non-beneficial insects in the garden. And since my garden is pesticide free it's important that I allow them to thrive (that's for those of you who suggested a quick and decisive attack on the critters).

Studio 2.0

I finally began the task of moving the t.v. out of my studio space and into the family room (now that the family room has furniture). When I first bought this house this room was always intended to be a proper studio. There were several renovations that took precedence though and my crochet has been neatly strung throughout the house. Once I get this room cleared out I'll be making a trip to Ikea (oh yeah!) and putting in lots of storage and functional work surfaces. The room itself is 10 X 17 so there is plenty of space. It's a bit ironical that the space that I use the most is the space that I'm renovating last. But hey, when my peeps are toes up in the guest bedroom they won't have to look at a pile of swatches or a nekkid dress form, right?

King of the Tomato

2006-07-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

I've spent the last two hours trying to catch up on emails (that's catch up, not catsup). Wow, it's amazing how far I can get behind on those in just a week or two! I think I'm going to have to start answering every single email immediately which I'm sure is what most *coughprofessionalscough* do. I have been prioritizing them where the most critical get answered immediately, then some get set aside for a day or two while I try to make my deadlines. The end result is usually having to dedicate three or fours hours one day just to catch up. Mmm, catsup...

Workin' For The Weekend

So I've been telling my peeps that I would be taking weekends off in order to pace myself and end up with at least a shred of my own sanity (quit snickering and you know who you are). However, what do you do when your latest design is sitting there half-finished right in front of you as you try to watch King Kong, but the design is beckoning you to keeping working on it, but there is a boat, and Skull Island, and a humongous ape, and don't even get me started on how that movie ended because y'all, why can't movies have a happy ending? Why? WHY??!!??!! Anywho, so I ended up spending a lot time this past weekend working on that design and it's almost finished, and guess what? I have more than a month before the actual deadline! Woo hoo!!!

Why I Can't Harvest My Tomato

Saturday Sky - July 22

2006-07-23T11:40:00.000-05:00

Last evening I took this photo of an approaching storm. Then I turned off the computer just to be safe. It's sunny this morning, but the Saturday Sky looked like this:

Scrappy Doo

2006-07-21T11:20:00.000-05:00

You've heard me mention my brother Don a few times. He's the one that is out in Nevada and has a home inspection company, remember? His new girlfriend is very into scrapbooking and together they put together a little scrapbook for me for my birthday. (I just got around to blogging about it. I wanted to devote an entire entry because it's really cool, and a very special thing to do for my birthday.) Thanks Don & Lynn!!

*click for biggy view*

This little montage shows me from right going clockwise: elementary school, jr. high school, and a senior photo

Apparently me and the cats, we go way back. I'm the one in the sailor cap.

That's me on the left, Don on the right (in both photos). He had come to Michigan for my high school graduation. The tag I'm wearing says "I Are A Graduate", O. S. I. R. In the bottom photo I had just returned from senior trip (to the Bahamas). Doesn't Don look trustworthy? Call him up, he'll inspect your house...

Several looks from the past. Remember, it was the 80's... acid wash jeans were in fashion back then! And despite the implications on the right, the wine drinking didn't come until much later...

And of course because getting this little gem of photos, most of which I had never seen, wasn't enough, they threw in this photo of my mom... whenever I see an image of her without warning it always feels like someone just punched me in the gut. Maybe it's her saying "don't even think of putting that on the Internet!"

Cleocatra and Chandler when they were just kittens. So. Dang. Cute.

Fade to Sepia

2006-07-20T14:05:00.000-05:00

I just spent multiple hours (I believe, but I didn't really time it, but y'all, this being a *coughprofessionalcough* is exhausting) on the phone with perhaps a certain producer in a certain studio in a certain city in southern california, and while we were going over all the details and she was all perky and happy and so thisisjustanothernormaldayinhollywood, I got that glazed looked come over my eyes and considered taking on a new health regimen that includes red wine, or chocolate, or both... Anywho, getting ready to tape multiple episodes of a half-hour craft show is a LOT of work, and I have a BAZILLION little steps to crochet, and a script to approve, and tell me how I can lose 35 pounds in 10 days please? I hope they use Oprah-cameras. I'm just saying.

Swatch On, Swatch Off

I finished up a large proposal and sent it off to Super Cool Yarn Co. V, (yes, that's V as in five) this morning. It took me about a day and a half to completely put it together. I implemented several aspects in the proposal that I learned last week, so we'll see how the response is. Hooks crossed!! I have another idea to swatch & propose for Super Cool Yarn Co. VI (are you keeping track of these? I'd better take notes so I don't get them mixed up). But that will all have to wait until I get all the little steps for the taping crocheted.

Twins!

In my spare time recently (I can't believe I just said that) I finished up another Bobbi Bear. Now it's on my newfangled electronic to-do list to put faces on them. I predict they will be finished by August 15th. I love how that photo looks like it was taken in the 70's and faded out. How long was that nap I took the other day?

Goo?

2006-07-19T13:02:00.000-05:00

This week has been spent implementing a lot of the ideas that I learned at the conference. I had dinner with my mentor (did I tell you about her?), attended an all day Professional Development Day, and took a class called "Turning Pro" (in that order) and there were several concepts that seemed to be consistently presented. You know, stuff like: be organized, present your work professionally, answer as many questions in your proposals as possible before they are even asked, etc. So my to-do list is now electronic and I have a few more spreadsheets that will help me track proposals, ideas, invoices, etc. It may seem obvious on an intellectual level, but on a practical level sometimes it's nice to have real pros tell you that it's a big part of their own success stories. I think I'm going to start renovating my studio soon. I need more storage and I have a pretty good idea now what types of work stations I need, and I definitely need a skylight!!

Swatch Watching

I spent the morning swatching some yarn that I was given in PA last week. As soon as I saw it I had a few ideas of what it could become and hey, I might as well get some swatches into the editors' hands while they still remember me, right? (Something about striking while the fire is hot, but that just sounds so violent, kind of like "The Crochet Dude San Andreas".) Which reminds me, I have to go to the office supply store this afternoon. I attended a session called "100 ways to drive an editor crazy" and, well, I need to make some corrections to how I go about presenting my ideas, there were a few things on that list that I have done. What can I say? I'm a puppy with big paws; sometimes I knock things over.... it's just part of the learning curve.

ChiaoGoo

Doesn't that sound like something you have to clean off the bottom of your shoe? It's actually a really cool hook that I got and I'm quickly falling in love with. I've been wanting a size L/11(8.00 mm) hook for a while and I got this one from Diva Knitting . It's very smooth and has a place for my thumb (a requirement for this dude if he wants to crochet quickly).

It's made from Chinese Moso bamboo, one of the largest and strongest babmoo species in the world and the hook is handcrafted. They also make knitting needles. Sweet. Phat. Crazy wicked stupid. (I'm getting so street it's starting to scare me.) The best part is that now I have a size "L" hook in my collection! Woo hoo!

Recovery

2006-07-18T10:01:00.000-05:00

I ended up taking a three-hour nap yesterday afternoon. I'm happy to report that the dark rings under my eyes have diminished and that today I feel pretty much back to normal. Normal energy-wise that is. Inspiration-wise I'm still flying pretty high. I can't really describe how it feels to have one's eyes opened to fresh ideas and directions. All I can suggest is to surround yourself with inspirational people and to be open to the direction that creativity has taken them. That's what the Crochet Guild of America has definitely done for me!

The Haul

I packed no extra room in my suitcase on purpose before going to the meeting last week. The last thing I needed to do was have a stash-enhancing experience whilst in PA (that goes for the belly too, but that's a whole-nutha-subject) but alas sometimes the best intentions are thrown out the window (if your room has a window, and not just mirrors because if you throw your intentions at a mirror they just bounce back, which I'm sure makes you think I've had wine at 10:00 am but it's just. Not. True.) Anywho, this is what I brought back with me (click for biggy view).

I do have to mention the two hanks that I purchased (on the left side of that photo). Do you ever walk along, minding your own business, and then something(s) just whacks you upside the head and you realize that you can't resist it? I call it the Borg Factor, because indeed, "resistance is futile". The Borg Factor hit me big time when I walked up to the booth in PA that had all these hanks of fiber, in the most incredible color combinations that I've ever seen. If I had had mucho dinero I would have bought much much MUCH more of this stuff and hung it on my walls as art. It's so soft, and so vivid and in such unexpected color combinations. Here are some detail photos (again, click to make them biggy, you won't regret it!)

Her booth was called "Create A Rainbow!" and her name is Christine (of Tochay's Farm Fibers & Yarn Emporium). She said it all started years ago with two sheep that she received for mother's day! No website to direct you to but she has a shop (by appointment) in Jonesville, Michigan, in case you are in that area. She also attends a lot of the fiber/sheep markets around the country.

Viking Attack

I was trying to show a non-knitter yesterday why the Norwegian Purl is the best thing since Risgrynsgrot and she got this glazed look in her eyes and I could just tell she was planning her escape. So of course instead of changing the subject or moving away from blocking the only exit I bumped up my own enthusiasm hoping that she would understand. Sort of like speaking english much louder to a non-english speaking person, thinking it will magically translate for them. Which happened at my highschool graduation party back in the 80's when the mom of a dutch exchange student was sitting outside at a picnic table with my mom who was talking so loudly that it scared the ducks away and just then a gust of wind came up and blew the plate of potato salad out of Mom's hand and right square in the face of the dutch lady which I'm sure was an answer to her prayers because indeed, that was her cue to skadoo. The oddest thing was that this nice lady spoke perfect english and Mom knew that but still couldn't stop herself from trying to be polite and speak clearly and LOUDLY. Bless her heart. She was such a kind woman.

Who Needs a Nap?

2006-07-17T13:23:00.000-05:00

Oh. So. Nice. To. Be. Home. I'm still exhausted even after a good night's sleep in my own bed. (Chandler was very happy to have me home. She likes to sleep next to my pillow with me. That may be TMI for some, but I'll take my chances. Cleo is a calico, I don't think her elevator goes all the way to the top floor, if you know what I'm saying...I seriously doubt she even noticed I was gone. I missed her though and I guess that's all that matters.)

Anywho, Friday through Sunday was crazy. Pandamonium y'all. So much so that I found myself many times without my camera, or so busy that the camera stayed in its case. But I'll do my best to describe what happened. Also, I'm so tired that I apologize in advance for the following rambling that most likely will include many a type-OH...

Friday

After breakfast it was a non-stop schmooze-fest. I met some more people in the industry and was able to show them some of my completed designs (like the twinset, Dawn, Julia, Jennifer, some of my vests and a peasant top) which allowed them to see not only the design but also the quality of my work. This is a professional industry and they want to see professional results, right? There was seam tugging, and stitch spreading, and they tried on the cardi from the twinset so they could see that it does indeed fit a bi-armed humanoid, etc. It seemed they liked what they saw, and I anticipate that I could get some work out of the experience.

I also helped out at the CGOA booth putting together afghans for Warm Up America. During the professional development day presentations there were piles and piles of yarn for us to make afghan squares:
Then the rest of the week anyone who wanted to could take a break and sit at the CGOA booth and help join some squares together. We were able to present Warm Up America with multiple completed ghans by the end of the conference!

In the afternoon the CGOA had its annual member meeting, then I had a class with Marty Miller (Look on page 28 of the September 2006 issue of Crochet! magazine...so. much. talent.) Anywho, the class was about foundation stitches (no need for a beginning chain! this has changed my life forever!) and also linked stitches (where you link the next stitch to the previous stitch changing the drape and look of the fabric. No more holes at the beginning of dc rows!). Marty did such a fantastic job helping us (hey, a 6pm to 9pm class on a Friday has to be a tough gig) and I learned so much more about crochet!!! If you ever have the chance to take a class with Marty don't miss it. It's a life altering experience!!

That evening. Well, what happens in King of Prussia stays in King of Prussia. I'm just saying.

Saturday

Wow, I took another incredible class, this one from a teacher called Beth Brown-Reinsel and we learned the Norwegian Purl, along with working with two colors of yarn utilizing the Norwegian Purl. What's this intriguing stitch you may ask? Well, any knitter knows that in order to do a purl stitch they have to bring the yarn forward and then to do a knit stitch they have to return the yarn to the back. Over thousands of stitches that a lot of extra movement! And the Norwegian Purl is worked leaving the yarn in the back! It's magic. It's scary even (well not really scary, but it's scary how easily we all learned it, but the key to that is dynamite....teachers...lol you thought I meant you knit with sticks of dynamite didn't you...anywho, I'm sleeped deprived so slide me some slack....) Between learning celtic cabling and now Norwegian Purling, I may have to start designing in knit too. But don't quote me on that just yet.

My friends Connie & Kevin drove down from Jersey with their adorable daughter Jerrah, and we met at noon and had lunch in the Knit & Crochet Cafe. It was so nice to spend some time with them (they once-upon-a-time lived in Houston and ever since they moved it's been so quiet around here). Jerrah (you've seen pictures of her. Search the archives, she's very cute) has grown so much it's amazing. They bought me this amazing birthday gift:

I've never worked with roving before, but Linda of Grafton Fibers (the booth where we found it) had a some samples of crochet items that had been felted and they were incredible. Connie also bought herself a handmade hook there too.

After spending a couple of hours with them, I had to excuse myself to do some more schmoozing, which I don't even know if that's a word or not, but in my noggin it sounds like it is. Anywho, then I had to go back to my room which was no longer Cleopatra's Tent because y'all. Too. Many. Mirrors. It's just too disturbing. So I ended up in a room ten floors down and while it didn't have more than just the one mirror over the sink, it also didn't have a plug so that I could power my laptop and I ended up using my manly muscles to pull the t.v. cabinet away from the wall and had to sacrifice the lamp for the laptop. Light is overrated anyways...) I got back to my room and changed for the evening's festivities which included the Chic Street Dinner and Fashion Show and Bra-vo Auction. (I tried my best to ignore all the crocheted brazzieres lined up in a row because I seriously blush very easily, and lets just say that one of the artists placed dark blue in an unfortunate location on each cup and I swear that it was looking at me and no matter where I stood it followed me. Don't you hate when that happens?)

The twinset didn't end up making her debut after all, but Dawn, Julia and Jennifer strutted their stuff on the runway and the crowd seemed to react positively. There were so many amazing examples of crochet and knit designs on the runway. What a great experience.

Here are some photos from those two days:











And this is what I looked like at the Philly airport waiting to board the plane:



I need a nap.

Classy! Flirty!

2006-07-14T08:45:00.000-05:00

I was in classes all day yesterday and I can honestly tell you that I have learned more about crochet and knit than I have learned in a long time. The CGOA and TKGA have done such a fantastic job putting this event together and it's an incredible resource for us! I can't imagine missing another one from now on! Well worth saving my pennies for!!!

Melissa DidItellyoushesmymentor Leapman taught Celtic Cabling in the morning session. And as I've told everyone (so I don't sound like a total stalker-dork) that I had signed up for this class looooong before I had even asked for a mentor, let alone be assigned Melissa Nowihavehercellphonenumber Leapman. And after a few hours of class (and immeasurable patience from the teacher) this is the celtic knot that I was able to complete:

At the end of the class Nicole introduced herself and let me know that she has completed all the squares for the Flying Afghan and is in the process of finishing the joining. Isn't that amazing! What a thrill to hear that. If I hadn't been wearing long sleeves I could have photographed goosebumps. But I was so I didn't. And, just in January she was only making afghans that were all double crochet stitch, and now she's completed the Flying Afghan? Oye, the competition's getting younger...

Then I met up with Tracy in line for lunch and we decided that a table for two was much more fun than two tables for one!

At lunch this was the table next to us. Notice how all the food is at one end of the table and the other end is left free for some knitting? I think there are some sweatshop laws being broken here...

After lunch I had a class called "Turning Pro" with someone I won't keep repeating her name but her initials are Melissa Ididntwearblacktoday Leapman. Her skirt was Flirty! Fun! Would make a great Sister/sister set! (That's an inside joke between me and my classmates and the teacher. It has something to do with the sample design proposal that we had to come up with on the spot and to which I proposed a naughty candy striper with matching knitted go-go boots that would be a great mother/daughter set...anywho...)

The evening was a great fun with a keynote speech by Carol Alexander (I made her hug me. I couldn't resist. She's just so huggable!) Then the market street preview with famous authors signing books, all the market was open, there were snacks and free wine (which is why I didn't take my camera) and lots of people having a LOT of fun. So much that I don't think I can even blog about it. You'll just have to attend next time!

I got back to my room (which happened to be the Cleopatra's Tent fantasy suite that they switched me to because of one reason or another and y'all, it had no window, and mirrors on every single surface and a king sized bed sunk into the floor with a big canopy and gold pillows and a nice stereo system and a jacuzzi tub and well, I was way too exhausted from the 18 hour day that I had just had to take photos. But you can picture it I'm sure. I'm in a normal room now which actually has a desk, and Internet access. And I don't have to turn off all the lights to put on my pajamas.) Now I'm on my way to help the CGOA booth join some charity squares, and then meet up with yarn company people, then the CGOA Annual Meeeting, then the "After Hours Lounge"......a place where the crochetiers and knitters can sit around and mingle without scheduled activities. This week is going way too fast.

Hob Nob

2006-07-12T18:52:00.000-05:00

I've been hobnobbing with the movers, the shakers, the powerful and the elite of the crochet world today at the CGOA Professional Development Day. I've been so starstruck but have tried to not embarrass myself. But, how can you not be when all the names that you see around the industry are on the tags of the people around you?

*all clickable*

I'm amazed at how much I learned today. There is so much to being a designer from how to submit a design proposal to how to protect your copyright. I'm so grateful there is an organization like the Crochet Guild of America that supports and promotes crochet and has experienced members that are willing to share their insights and experience. Such a generous spirit!!

I actually took a bazillion photos but didn't want to upset those that are on dial-up by including too many of them! Tomorrow I'm taking a celtic cabling class in the morning and a designer workshop in the afternoon. Woo hoo!

Forge, the Other Valley

2006-07-11T20:35:00.001-05:00

I woke up this morning in Houston. 8:ooam. I had pretty much packed everything that I needed for the week last night. Good thing I have a guest bed now; it's the perfect spot to lay out all the stuff then pack it up! For those of you being super observant you'll notice that I added a green six foot circular deep shag rug to the room, which has nothing to do with packing for the trip, but thought I would point it out nonetheless. After having eggs and salmon for breakfast (gotta get those Omega-3's!) I headed to the airport at 8am.

Not a pretty sight this early, eh? Granted I had just taken off half my clothes going through security. Wow, those people are thorough....

After arriving, checking in (which could be an entire blog entry, but I won't bore you with the details now) I warshed my face, brushed the fangs, and headed over to the agreed upon meeting point where I waited to meet my CGOA Professional Mentor. Have I told you that it's Melissa Freakin' Leapman? I'm tragically early so I got to sit in the lobby of the hotel for a few minutes where I saw a man at one end of the counter saying "I was given a smoking room and I wanted a non-smoking!" and a lady at the other end of the counter saying "I was given a non-smoking and I want a smoking room!" and watched them both be given the same answer "I'm sorry, we're sold out". If they had only been standing ten feet closer to each other they may have figured out a solution.

Anywho, dinner with Ms. Leapman was so. much. fun. We laughed, we cried, we shared, we ate, we may or may not have had some wine, okay we didn't cry, but we did laugh a lot. I brought her a bag of my designs, some purses, the twinset, etc. She looked over each one carefully and gave me very valuable feedback. Have you ever had the one person you admire the most in your industry actually literally physically look at your work? It's an amazing experience. Here is photographic proof that I'm not imagining the whole thing...

Forge, the Other Valley

2006-07-11T20:35:00.000-05:00

Cheesesteak

2006-07-10T08:48:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who left me birthday kudos as comments, sent them as emails, etc. Y'all really know how to make a dude feel special. I ended up having a great day that turned into a fantastic long weekend: just what the crochet doctor ordered! (so to speak, as there was no doctor involved especially not a crochet doctor which sounds vaguely like a new hip hop artist...anywho).

After breakfast at my favorite local New York style deli I toured the quilt exhibit at the museum. It's a fantastic exhibit that apparently is debuting here in Houston then will be going on tour later this fall. (See last Wednesdays blog entry for more details.)

Then lunch at Ikea. Is it weird that I really enjoy going to a furniture store to dine? I love their food there and although the meatballs are supurb, I also like to try the daily specials too. Thursday's was flounder stuffed with shrimp with a creamy sauce. Wowza! Ikea also produced this in my family room:

And this:

Which eventually turned into this in the guest bedroom:

After Ikea came the power nap. Ah, the power of the power nap. They don't happen often enough, but on one's birthday they are imperitive! After the power nap was the sushi dinner. All in all, it was a fantastic birthday! Thanks again!!!

Is Philly Ready?

I've been scurrying around all weekend getting read to head to the Summer Knit & Crochet Show in King of Prussia, PA this week. This is my first time at such a convention and I'm a bit nervous! I have a bazillion things to get finished before I can even think of going including but not limited to:

Finish and ship afghan to Herrschnerr's for afghan contest.
Weave in all the ends of the twinset, who will be making her debut at the Saturday night fashion show in PA.
Finish and send out design proposals to a certain Super Cool Crochet Magazine (II).
Print out multiple copies of my wholesale pattern catalog in case I run into anybody that may be interested.
Finish the step outs for one of the episodes that I will be filming for DIY next month.
Finish the homework for the celtic cabling class that I will be taking in PA (Melissa Leapman is teaching. Did I mention she's my official mentor? And that we are going to get together for dinner whilst there? Did I mention she's Melissa Leapman?)
Pick up dry cleaning, get a new watch battery, get a new camera battery, clear off the camera memory chip, arrange transportation to airport, write thank you notes for birthday gifts, etc.

I will have my computer with me and plan to blog during the week (be sure to say "hi" if you are at the show and we run into each other, well, say 'hi' after you say 'excuse me' which is only polite after you've run into someone; my mom taught me that, she also would accidentally say 'excuse me' if she bumped into the counter or a chair, which would make us all giggle hysterically to which she would always reply 'don't be disrespectful' which of course made us laugh even harder.) Anywho, what? Oh. I'll let all y'all know what's happening in the crochet & knit world, at least from my point of view. I plan to stand close to some movers and shakers in the industry and snap pictures of them...Drewparazzi-style.

*You can't pack if we don't move*

Saturday Sky - July 8th

2006-07-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

At least it's not raining!

Birthday Schmirthday

2006-07-06T08:15:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid birthdays seem so far apart, now they kind of sneak up on me. They don't bother me though, and it's an excuse to do anything I want without feeling guilty! (Well, not anything I want... sadly my life is still rated PG-13 y'all...)

The only bad part of having a birthday in July is that in elementery school my classmates would bring cupcakes or cookies on their birthday for the whole class, but I never got to do that. I did have one sensitive teacher (who must've had a summer birthday too) that chose a day at the end of the schoolyear and we celebrated the summer kids. I felt special. I don't think kids can even take food to school anymore, can they?

Sometimes a birthday cake should look like a giant hamburger, dontcha think?

*in case you were wondering, I was born in '67...you do the math...*

Irony, Thy Name Is Sunshine

2006-07-05T09:22:00.000-05:00

I had a working weekend. I have made some serious progress and met all my deadlines so far. I did have to ask for a bit of wiggle room on one teensy project and the editor was very kind enough to give me an extra day. It's amazing what a difference 24 little hours can make!!

I'm about three hours away from from finishing my entry for the 2007 Herrschnerr's Afghan contest. Any of my peeps entering? Once I get that finished I need to finish up a few design submissions and then weave in all the ends on the twinset then I'll be all ready for Pennsylvania. I told you about Pennsylvania, right?

Anywho, I'm working like a dawg because as some of you may or may not know tomorrow is my birfday and, well, I don't want to have to work on my birfday!! So far I have planned for the day a trip to the Fine Arts Museum to see an exhibit called Gee´s Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt which is a collection of quilts made by a group of African American women that were pretty much cut off from the mainstream because of the location of their town back in the 1930's and developed their own style of quilting as a result. It should prove fascinating. Also on the agenda is lunch at Ikea, a movie and then sushi for dinner.

Melon Smellin

I harvested a watermelon yesterday as part of the 4th of July celebration. Since it rained on and off most of the day (with occasional cloudbursts) watermelon in my kitchen was about as festive as it got. That and watching the fireworks on t.v. Anywho, this is the first watermelon to be harvested (some of you may or may not remember that I planted these from seed earlier this spring).

mmmmm....goooood.....

The irony of course is that it is perfectly sunny out right now. Let's hold that thought through tomorrow, shall we?

10:05 a.m. - now it's pouring rain again.
12:08 p.m. - now the sun is out again.
12:39 p.m. - now the sun is shining AND it's pouring rain.

Happy Independence Day!

2006-07-04T11:56:00.000-05:00

Saturday Sky - June 1st

2006-07-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

Dreary dreary dreary, that is the Houston sky this Saturday. And according to the weather report it is going to stay this way for about a week.

Designer Friends

2006-06-30T16:07:00.000-05:00

Three of my good friends who self-publish crochet patterns and I formed a group over at Lulu! I'm very excited! The members include Chris Simon, Amy O'Neill Houck and Kim Guzman (and The Crochet Dude...but I suppose that's obvious). Most crochetiers are familiar with some of their patterns I'm sure! Anywho, now we have a page where all our self-published pattern booklets are in one place for your viewing and consumer pleasure. Click here:

Self-published Crochet Designers

Now we need to come up with a cool button, eh?

Verification Complete

2006-06-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

It's official, the twinset does indeed fit a human being. It has been on Miss Thang for so long now, who, as we have established, has no arms or shoulders, and I was starting to worry that it would only fit alien creatures whose arms are situated differently, which totally reminds me of that jr. high joke where the punchline is "so I can go up to girls and tap them on the shoulder and say don't I know you?" but that's kind of off the point.

Anywho, yesterday my lovely neighbor (who does indeed have two shoulders located in the correct place for a human) tried the twinset on and it really looked great. It made me so happy! I don't often get to see real live 3-D people wearing my designs, so it was a real treat!

Several people asked where? when? how? and I'm happy to say that this twinset is for my line of patterns and will be available via Lulu.com this summer and via your LYS (hopefully) later winter early spring. Hey, if you want to help with buzz you could innocently ask your LYS "do you carry any patterns by Drew Emborsky, you know The Crochet Dude??" Plant those seeds, there's no harm in that, right? buzz buzzzzz

Call Your Local Cable Provider

Also yesterday I emailed the final steps of one of the projects that I will be demonstrating on the DIY Network in August. Did I tell you about that yet? It's for a new show called Uncommon Threads (which is debuting any day now) and they are starting to film the second season in August. (Which for you mathies out there it should be easy to figure out that my episodes won't be on t.v. until next year.) I can't tell you what I am demonstrating but let's just say that designing purses recently has been good for The Crochet Dude. I'm just saying.

Hunkeration

Today I have to (and I mean it) hunker down and finish a project that is due for Lark Books (I know I haven't told you about that) and it must be shipped tomorrow at the latest. Half the project has been finished and shipped and I believe they are using it to advertise said book in the trade catalogs (such an honor!) but the other half has to be finished today and shipped tomorrow. Do you think Miss Chandler would help me out?

Miss Thang

2006-06-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

I've taken to calling my dress form "Miss Thang", she's got quite the attitude. In fact these last few days when I go to take a photo of her in one of my creations she puts her hand on her hip and gives me "the look". What did she think she was going to do, be stuck in a closet somewhere? I don't think so! Her destiny was to be all over the Internet. Anywho, I've finished crocheting the twinset and now I have to wrangle my lovely neighbor into trying it on for me to see if it needs any tweakage. Miss Thang might have attitude, but she doesn't have arms.

Look At My Banana!

I was surprised to discover that my bananas are already setting fruit! This is the earliest ever since I bought this place three summers ago. Must be the banana food that I gave them back in February. That and the foot of rain we got in Houston two weekends ago.

*nutritious and delicious*

Almost here!

2006-06-26T09:45:00.000-05:00

The twinset is almost ready. I have the bottom of the cardigan to finish, then trim it all out and weave in all the ends! Woo hoo!!

I worked on the cardigan all weekend (along with mowing the yard and trimming the jungle that is the backyard, which is great because before Houston I lived in Dallas where I pretty much had to water anything 24/7 and pray to the green thumb gods that the plants may stay alive and then it was only if they were in the shade most of the day because in Dallas? It. Is. Hot. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm just saying.)

Hefty Hefty Hefty

I also got up the nerve over the weekend to read the email from the magazine editor that returned two of my finished designs once she had seen them in person. (And thank you so much to everyone that encouraged me last week; y'all really helped me a lot!!) As I suspected it was a nice email full of good suggestions and a lot of encouragement to continue designing (do you think she somehow knew that the future of The Crochet Dude(tm) was in her hands and that her email would have influenced the entire industry as we may someday know it?)

Anywho, there was an underlying theme that I saw in her comments (and that I've seen with one other editor I've worked with) in that there wasn't complete, clear, concise communication between us. How critical that is!! For example although my swatch and sketch and design proposal showed that all parts of said design were to be felted, she never thought certain parts were going to be and therefore the finished item didn't "fit" the way that she expected.

The problem of course was that I didn't clearly state "all parts felted" or "felted parts will be: a, b, c, & d". The swatch had a sample of parts a, b, c, & d, and they were all felted, but I didn't actually say it. So from now on when/if an editor wants to buy a design from me I am going to be very clear about each and every minute detail of what they are expecting. I think I'm even going to send them digital photos as I make progress to verify that what I am doing is what they are expecting. I just don't want to ever lose 120 hours of my life to a simple "I didn't think that part d was going to be felted" again, ya know?

*my bodyguards in training*

Saturday Sky

2006-06-25T18:02:00.000-05:00

Sandy (click button above) came up with this great concept to help brighten blogland on the weekends. It's called Saturday Sky. When I went outside to take a snapshot of the sky I realized that the majority of the sky around my house looks like the photo below! Next week I think I'll drive out of the 'hood to get the photo.

Julia - a self-lining purse to crochet

2006-06-23T08:46:00.000-05:00

Now available - the pattern to make this cabled purse:

A chunky flat-bottomed purse with cables all around that closes with a drawstring and has heart-shaped handles. The purse is self-lining so you don't have to sew one in, it's part of the pattern! Once you get all your stuff in the purse and it bulges just a bit then you can see the pink lining in between the giant cables. *cat not included*

Julia - a self-lining purse to crochet

I've Got Mail

2006-06-22T10:03:00.000-05:00

When I got off the plane the other day in Albuquerque I rented a car and drove directly to Village Wools, a fantastic yarn shop on the famous San Mateo Drive. If you are ever in the Albuquerque area I highly recommend stopping in, they pretty much have everything, including wonderful people to help you. I dropped off my new little calling card, (remember? it's a Chic on the Halfshell worked up in a yarn that they carry (in this case it was Artyarns Ultramerino 8 - wowza), the pattern printed up to give away, and a set of my business cards.) Pictured here from left to right are Cathlena, Franzi and Sandy. A special thanks to my friend Scout who hooked me up with this great yarn shop! (and who also dyes the most incredible yarns. Don't miss her line of "Hurricane Sock Yarn" with such colors as "Blue Roof", "Damn Debris", "Run Like Hell" and "Storm Surge"!)

Wimpy Wimpy Wimpy

So the day that SCCM1 emailed me saying that they couldn't use my finished designs after all (remember that? I call it Red Wine Wednesday now, although I can't remember if it really happened on a wednesday or not, but there was definitely red wine involved and if it were Tuesday it just wouldn't sound the same. Unless I called it Tepache Tuesday, which sounds more like a Fiesta ParTAY instead of a Pity Party, which is really what it turned out to be...anywho...) I emailed them that day (before the red wine) and asked for feedback because hey, there is obviously a lesson to be learned there! The lovely editor of the magazine (and I mean that, she's really a great person, she's famous, you've heard of her) emailed back a couple of weeks ago but I haven't had the nerve to open it. Isn't that silly? I went to art school so I've been critiqued a lot (it's what happens on a daily basis at art school) and I would like to think that I have a thick skin when it comes to hearing how I can improve. But for some reason that email sits in my inbox. What if it's good news? What if it's the editor saying "we've made a huge mistake, please forgive us, we want to dedicate an entire issue to The Crochet Dude!" Then again, it could be a polite "kid, get out of the business, what were you thinking?" Most likely it's somewhere in between... Meanwhile, I have one new message in my inbox.

Come Sail Away

2006-06-21T17:33:00.000-05:00

Here is an extreme closeup of one of the items that I designed for the DIY episode that I'm going to be on. Actually one of the episodes that I'm going to be on. There will be three. Did I tell you we're filming in August? Anywho, pretend that you can't figure out what it is and then I can play dumb in case the producers say I showed you too much. Those are glass beads and the yarn is Patons Grace mercerized cotton. But you didn't hear that from me.

Hippies and Artists and Aliens (oh my)

What does one do when one is in New Mexico? One visits UFO crash sites of course! Here I am near the four corners region of New Mexico ~~waiting for the mother ship to take me home~~ speculating the direction from whence the alien aircraft entered our atmosphere and made it's New Mexican debut. I got a pretty goofy sunburn on my legs in that outfit too. No photos will be released though.

Got Rain?

2006-06-20T09:11:00.000-05:00

Miss me? I was out of town for a few days and apparently while away it rained in Houston. It rained a LOT! Fortunately I took my time in searching for this house which included a careful study of the local flood plains. My place is situated at the very driest part of Houston (according to my research) with the least likelihood of flooding. This way I can just enjoy that midnight deluge and not worry that I will wake up with my house in a different location.

This is a self portrait in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Ore House having lunch over the weekend. I would love to live in Santa Fe someday! Lots of hippies, and artists, and history there.

The Crochet Dude THS

This morning while catching up on reading emails I discovered that all the materials for the DIY Network show that I'm taping in August (I told you about that, didn't I?) are due today. Today, as in today. So that means I have to hunker down and get busy! Luckily the producers are in L.A. so I have a two hour advantage! Woo hoo! Gotta love the earth's rotation. It also means that I get to go yarn shopping, a perk of the job that never gets old!!

Feeling Tencel?

2006-06-13T09:25:00.000-05:00

Hooray! The yarn to complete the twin set arrived! (Thank you to the lovely ladies of Yarntopia!) Now to hunker down and git-r-done! "Premiere" is made in Peru for Classic Elite Yarns. It is 50% pima cotton and 50% tencel, an environmentally friendly fiber that is just amazing. The colors are so rich and the drape and sheen are like nothing you've ever seen in cotton. It transforms cotton into nearly alpaca in softness and nearly silk in sheen/drape. Amazing. Click here to read more about tencel and other earth friendly fibers:

Earth Easy

The iPod Has Spoken

2006-06-12T11:10:00.000-05:00

Some of you may have noticed that I don't usually do the meme thing. Not that I don't enjoying reading others', because I really do. Then I saw this one on my friend Stephanie's blog and figured I'd at least try it, which didn't mean I had to post it, right? Well, it's spooky how much the iPod knows and fearing the wrath of the shuffle-gods I am sharing it with the rest of the world. Try not to read too much into the answers.

The way it works:
1. Put your iPod on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question.

How am I feeling today?
Stray Cat Strut, Stray Cats (this is interesting since I’m feeling blecky today. I guess stray cats don’t always feel that great, eh?)

Will I get far in life?
Draggin’ The Line, R.E.M. (I don’t even know what that means. I’m thinking it means far.)

How do my friends see me?
Estoy Agotado, Mana’ (translated: “I’m Exhausted” – is that how you see me?)

When will I get married?
Dame Tu Amor, Luis Miguel (translated: “Give Me Your Love” – and you know who you are…)

What is my best friend's theme song?
He Left A Lot To Be Desired, Ricochet (This reaaaally made me laugh!)

What is the story of my life?
I Can’t Put Out This Fire, Brooks N Dunn (And would I even want to?)

What was high school like?
Aint Goin’ Down till the Sun Comes Up, Garth Brooks (I had some fun. We’ll leave it at that.)

How am I going to get ahead in life?
Right Here Right Now, Fatboy Slim (This is what I’m actually trying to do, stay in the moment. It’s always a bit of a challenge for me, but I’m trying!)

What is the best thing about me?
Some Days You Gotta Dance, Dixie Chicks (I’m not afraid to put everything aside and just enjoy the day, afternoon, evening, etc.)

How is today going to be?
Wild Boys, Duran Duran (I wish I were strapped to a windmill being dunked simultaneously while singing. I’m just saying.)

What is in store for this weekend?
Let’s Go Crazy, Prince (Woo hoo, something to look forward to!)

What song describes my parents?
Jealous Lover, ABC (I can’t verify this since I’m an orphan now, but it wouldn’t surprise me.)

What song describes your grandparents?
Big Business, David Byrne (My grandpa ran the local dump and was also a freelance butcher, going from farm to farm killing animals for people. Such a legacy.)

How is my life going?
If That’s The Way You Want It, Brooks N Dunn (The operative word is “if”. LOL)

What song will they play at my funeral?
Fragile, Sting (Perhaps. Perhaps it will be “Relax”… we’ll see.)

How does the world see me?
Walking, David Byrne

Will I have a happy life?
Twist in my Sobriety, Liza Minelli with Pet Shop Boys (I can see that.)

What do my friends really think of me?
It’s Not Right But It’s Okay, Whitney Houston (ROFL)

Do people secretly lust after me?
Burning Bridges, Garth Brooks (I don’t know what this means…)

How can I make myself happy?
Drive Time, M People (Gotta go!)

What should I do with my life?
We Got The Beat, The Go-Go’s (I will do my best.)

Will I ever have children?
Making Flippy Floppy, Talking Heads (If anyone know what this means could you please explain it to me?)

What is some good advice for me?
Someone To Watch Over Me, Linda Ronstadt (I certainly hope so.)

What is my signature dancing song?
The Wanderer, U2 (Aint that the truth!!??)

What do I think my current theme song is?
Get Together, Madonna (If you know this song, you know how funny an answer this is!)

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
One Too Many Mornings, The Chemical Brothers (How come y’all never told me this?)

What type of men/women do you like?
This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody), Talking Heads

What kind of kisser are you?
Don’t Stop Believing, Olivia Newton-John

What's your style?
Turns The Love to Anger, Erasure

What kind of lover are you?
Are You Still Up?, Janet Jackson (While this is a bit embarrassing, I can’t argue with the all-knowing iPod, right?)

What would be playing on a first date?
Saturday Night, Bay City Rollers (I forgot I even had this cd.)

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
21^st Century Schizoid Man, King Crimson (Sigh.)

Tepache 101

2006-06-09T10:03:00.000-05:00

By request, here is my version of tepache, that wonderful summer beverage that hits the spot. It may or may not hit your spot, but it does indeed hit my spot, and I'm not saying that it does have alcohol when it's finished because it may or may not, and I cannot be responsible for any deeds actions or otherwise table dancing or bad crocheting that may result from imbibing said refreshment... Anywho, proceed at your own risk....

Ingredients:

One large fresh ripe pineapple
4 c brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks

Step One:

Cut the top and the skin off the pineapple. Discard the top. Core the pineapple, slice the good part and grill until it just starts to caramelize and serve on a burger with avocado, onions and tomato...wow, now that's a good burger. Where was I? Oh yeah, after eating the burger and pondering its goodness, take the pineapple skins and the core and put them all in a large pot with 4 qts of water. Cover pot and sit on your counter. (Sit the pot on the counter, you yourself do NOT have sit on the counter. I suppose you could sit on the counter if you want to, I leave that as optional.)

Wait one full week (no peeking).

Step Two:

Add brown sugar and cinnamon sticks (I like to break the cinammon into pieces). Mix well and cover pot.

Wait another full week (no peeking again). Your refreshing beverage should look something like this at the end of the week:

Step Three:

Scoop out all the big chunks of pineapple and discard. Strain the liquid into a pitcher:

At this point I check to see if it's sweet enough for me and I'll add a little more brown sugar if necessary. I recommend serving this chilled, it brings out the different flavors when it's cold.

Step Four:

Get into a comfortable position and enjoy the weekend!

Flying Afghan pattern now available

2006-06-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

I have received many emails over the past few months from people wanting the patterns for the Flying Afghan, but didn't get the pattern-a-day calendar that they were originally published in. So, for your pleasure, I have put together all the patterns for The Crochet Dude's Flying Afghan and made it available as a download or a 40 page full color booklet:

Click here: The Crochet Dude's Flying Afghan

What's He Drankin' Now?

The answer to yesterday's burning question "What's he drankin' now?" is "tepache" (pronounced tuhPAHchay), sometimes referred to as pineapple beer or pineapple cider. I learned to make tepache when I lived in Guadalajara back in the 90's and I made a LOT of it down there. It may or may not have an alcohol content which means I may or may not have drunk it. And since no one guess correctly I guess I'll just have to give myself a little treat...er, you know what I mean...anywho.

Cheaters Need Not Apply

2006-06-06T14:08:00.000-05:00

As I wait for the Classic Elite yarn to arrive to finish the twin set, I have been working on a project of which I cannot speak. Who knew there was such a dark and mysterious side to the crochet industry? Anywho, I was outside and took this photo of my neighbors' yards from my yard. I love this little neighborhood! It's like living in a small town but I'm only a few minutes from the city center!

Self Portrait Tuesday

Okay okay, so I don't really participate in that incredible blogventure called "Self Portrait Tuesday" but sometimes one can't resist the pressure. Soooo, here I am! Oh, and if are the first person to guess what I have in the glass that I may or may not have been drinking when I took this self-portrait, I may or may not send you a fantastic prize! Woo hoo!

(note: Imaginary Maggie and Great Basin Home Inspectors not eligible, nor anyone who asks them what is in the glass because, well, that's just cheating and cheaters never prosper...anywho...).

Go Karen, it's yer berfday!

2006-06-05T12:13:00.000-05:00

Well, not today, but it was recently so I took my friend Karen (remember her from last year's Yarn Safari? She's the one that tried to starve me to death by distracting me with a string of yarn shops and no food. You'll have to look in the archives...anywho) out to Katy to see Yarntopia, then we had a nice birthday lunch afterwards. A couple of months ago I attended Yarntopia's grand opening and happen to win a doorprize of a gift card. So, as part of Karen's birthday celebration she got to pick out whatever she wanted from the store (more on that below).

*clickable pics*

Here I am officially receiving my giftcard from Amy, one of the lovely owners of Yarntopia.

Apparently this has become my new calling card. I have done this for two yarn shops recently and it has been received well. I made up a model of the Chic on the Halfshell purse in a yarn that they carry, and I also reformatted the pattern on to one sheet like a handout to put with the purse. What's great is that this purse only uses one skein of most yarns so it's a great project to combine crochet and higher end yarns.

Karen chose some wonderful recycled silk Sari fiber. Isn't it wonderful? The colors are so rich and the texture is amazing.

Here is the entire haul. I didn't realize until just now that a few of the skeins of yarn are buried and can't be seen well. One of my favorites and I can't wait to start using is the Debbie Bliss Pure Silk. It's incredible!

I also ordered some more of the yarn that I need for the twin set. Can you believe I ran out with just a little bit left to do? Argh, how frustrating! Anywho, Amy ordered some while I was in her store and she is going to ship it to me this week (or next).

Julia's Debut

2006-06-01T14:46:00.000-05:00

Here are the first photos of my latest purse design, this one called "Julia". As you can see, it is Miss Chandler approved! This is the sister purse to the Jennifer that I showed a couple of weeks ago. I hope you like it! It's a chunky flat-bottomed purse with cables all around, and closes with a drawstring and has heart-shaped handles.

The purse is self-lining by which I mean that you don't have to sew in a lining, it's part of the pattern! Once you get all your stuff in the purse and it bulges just a bit then you can see the pink lining in between the giant cables. I'm hoping to have both Jennifer and Julia available sometime next week! Woo hoo!

This detail photo of the cables shows how I used two strands of different fibers in order to create a mottled effect.

Cat not included

Mucho Exito

2006-05-31T11:02:00.000-05:00

The trunk show/meet-n-greet was such good fun! I was able to meet lots of new people and also some that I "know" from cyber-space but hadn't met in real life. Thank you to everyone that showed up and made the event such a success!
Mary Charles was generous enough to allow me to use the entire classroom for my trunk show. If you look closely you can see a lot of my new designs as well as some classic Crochet Dude! I discovered very early in the day that there is a fine line between a poncho and a skirt (hey, I'm a dude...there is a learning curve). Anywho, lady after lady picked up the Pretty Pleats with Mango On Top poncho and held it up their waist saying "this is such a cute skirt!". I only disagreed twice then I realized that you know what? It is a cute skirt! We all agreed though that the Little Black Poncho would only work as a skirt on Paris Hilton... (use your imagination). The trunk show is still set up at Mary Charles Yarn Co. until tomorrow so if you'd like to stop in and see the designs in person feel free!

This is a shot of another room in the yarn shop. The store is the second floor of an old historic house very close to Rice University. The floors are all hardwood, and there are several different rooms with yarn in each one. Such a warm and friendly atmosphere!

Here I am with the lovely Mary Charles herself. She should be very proud of the fantastic shop she has set up (only open since last fall). I wish her much success!!

Meet N Greet

2006-05-26T17:09:00.000-05:00

I just confirmed with Mary Charles Yarn Co. that I will be appearing at their wonderful store tomorrow from 10am to 6pm to meet, greet, give free impromtu crochet lessons and also consultations (bring a project or pattern you are having trouble with and I'll help you sort it out). If you are in the Houston area please stop on by!

And the very best part is that all yarn and books are on sale! Woo hoo!!

I will also have a little "trunk show" set up and you'll be able to see in person the Spring & Summer Drew-strings, Dawn, Jennifer, Do Your Wooly Vest, Do Your Cottony Vest, Chic on the Halfshell, Crazy Aunt Purl Poncho, Pretty Pleats with Mango On Top Poncho, and a new purse that I'm about to go suck out of my brain and create this evening. I think I'll call it "Julia". Come be the first to see it!

Click here for a.. map to Mary Charles Yarn Co.

Idol Appearance

2006-05-25T08:02:00.000-05:00

I have this bad habit of not watching American Idol until the final episode. And then I have it on in the other room (I really can't handle two hours of bad singing) just sort of waiting for the winner to be announced. I suppose I'm afraid that I won't know the latest tidbit of pop culture, and although the water cooler only includes me and two cats, I still don't want to be that out of the loop. Taylor Hicks won, he kept yelling something I couldn't understand but the crowd responded to. It sounded like "Bobeedo" or somesuch. Do you think he's going to get a "Just For Men" endorsement deal now?

It Aint Easy for a Dude

Since the purpose of this blog is to journal the process of becoming a professional designer, not all of it is going to be pretty, right? Take yesterday for example. On one hand I received some very nice feedback on "Dawn" and a few people even bought the pattern. Woo hoo! On the other hand, two of the felted items that SCCM had me do last month for a January issue were ultimately deemed unusable and that they would be returning them. I suppose they imagined the items differently than how they turned out. They are pretty much exactly like the swatch/sketch from which they made the decision to have me produce the items and patterns. I can only conclude that when they looked at the swatch/sketch their own imagination filled in the details differently than mine did. It's like a whole new level of rejection though and hopefully I won't have to get accustomed to it as I develop. Having a swatch/sketch returned as "not what we are looking for" is very easy. Having the final item (that one has worked on round the clock for days and days) returned as "unusable" kinda feels like getting kicked in the guts.

That being said, I'm still pleased with how both of them turned out, so I definitely plan to publish them myself. Lemonade my friends. Lemonade.

Potential Appearance

A LYS here in Houston near Rice University is having a big sale this Saturday and the owner contacted me to see if I would make an appearance. Although it's not totally confirmed I'm pretty much planning on going at least for a for a few hours (once it's confirmed I will give times that I will be at the shop). I will be there to give impromptu basic crochet lessons, answer any crochet related questions that anyone has about a pattern or project, etc. I'm also going to set up a little trunk show of my designs. I have worked up Chic on the Halfshell in a yarn that they carry there (a wonderful Blue Sky Organic Cotton - wowza!) and created a one-page version of the pattern to give out for free. If you are in the Houston area come check out this little gem of a yarn shop and introduce yourself; I'd love to meet you! Here is her website with location info, etc: Mary Charles Yarn Co.

Dawn - A Purse to Crochet

2006-05-23T12:52:00.000-05:00

My sister Dawn (the one with the Mercedes, sauna and room for a pony) called to let me know that I must have been thinking of her when I designed this purse, since it is in her favorite color - purple! While I can't send her the prototype because I'm putting together a trunk show of all my designs (more on that later) I can name the pattern after her, right?! I'm so drunk with power I can't stand myself sometimes...

Now Available!

Just look how fancy I'm getting with the Photoshop. I cut this image out and even created a shadow on a background that is the same color as the yarn! Hotdiggitydawg!

Anywho...click here:

The Crochet Dude Presents...Dawn - A Purse To Crochet

Does This Blue Make My House Look Big?

2006-05-22T15:35:00.000-05:00

Perhaps you've heard me go on and on about the talented Dave Daniels of Cabin Cove fame? He is an amazing quilter, knitter, spinster, and dyer (is that even a word?) who has recently decided to share his wonderful colorways with the world. I ordered a skein of his incredible Peruvian merino wool dyed in his own Cabin Cove colorway. As seen in this photo, Miss Chandler approves! I hope you'll go to his blog and check out everything he is offering up. He has even debuted a colorway called "Miss Lulu" that perfectly matches his cat's pink ears and blue eyes. Amazing!

Dave Daniels Cabin Cove & Mercantile

The hank has 440 yards with a gauge of 7-8 stitches per inch on size 1 to 3 needles. Any idea how big of a project I could squeeze out of that? Is that enough for a pair of dude socks?

I Need A Weekend from my Weekend

I spent a LOT of the weekend painting the house. I was able to do two more walls out front. The trim needed a lot of repair and of course it was 95 degrees and 105% humididity...you'd think I'd be slimmer. Anywho, I also worked on the floor of the porch giving it two coats of porch paint. I didn't get a photo of that yet, because, well, it's not that exciting.

While I was around back taking photos of the compost pile (more on that at a later date) I noticed the wall where I had painted all the swatches of the first set of colors that almost became the house. My main concern was making the house look good against the greenness that is Houston. There are certain houses in the 'hood that honestly clash with the green. That must be disconcerting for the occupants, wouldn't you think?

I Won!

And, since I actually posted a blog entry you can conclude that I won the heartworm medication battle. And, amaze your friends and astonish your relatives by telling them that I also clipped the cats' claws and brushed their teeth for good measure! I bet they wish I had a job outside of the house...

Twins!

2006-05-19T14:40:00.000-05:00

I finished the shell yesterday for the twin set that I'm designing. It's a wonderful sage green made from Classic Elite yarns "Premiere" cotton blend. Love. This. Yarn. For the cardigan I needed to make the decision on color yesterday and finally settled on going a little bit lighter. This is of course with the intention of making the shell have a slimming effect, because darker colors recede. Anywho, I finished about half the cardigan a few minutes ago and thought I'd share a sneekpeek. I'm hoping to have the crocheting finished this weekend and photograph sometime next week (whilst editing the pattern).

Pursation

Thank you to everyone who has left such encouraging comments and also sent me private emails about my purse designs. I'm so happy that you like them!! I think I enjoy creating them because it reminds me of Legos. When I was a lil dude (around 7 or 8 years old) I would build little villages out of Legos and always liked the challenge of engineering each building. Purses require a similar approach. There is a LOT of ripping out along the way, but it's very cool when I figure it out how to make it work.

Day Three

Today is the day that I take control and win the heartworm medicine battle. I have removed the food bowl completely and when they get hungry enough, they will each this heartworm treat. If I don't blog Monday, you'll know who really won...

It's Stuck

2006-05-18T16:58:00.000-05:00

Ever get an idea stuck in yer head? Last night while watching Deal or No Deal (isn't Donna hot?!?!) I got the idea for this purse in my head. I made it out of cotton in two colors. I finished it up this afternoon after spending about four hours yarn shopping. Hey, a dude needs supplies, right? Anywho, I will be writing up the pattern soon. I found the yarn for the cardigan that I'm working on. It's the same color green but a few shades lighter, that way the shell will have even more of a slimming effect. Now if only PB&J would have the same effect.

Yesterday's List

I did everything on my list yesterday (and one more, I designed this purse here) except the heartworm medicine. I'm going to keep talking to Cleo & Chandler and somehow get them to think that taking the medicine is their idea. It's called "reverse psychology" and it works. Such a good dad...

Seven Things To Do Today

2006-05-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to get an earlier start each day and yesterday went very well. By 9am I had pretty much finished any emails, paperwork, etc that needed urgent attention. I had some work to do for HMB right away, then I was able to hunker down and crochet for a couple of hours. I'm still amazed at how much other stuff there is to do to become a designer besides actually designing. It is truly a business venture and shouldn't be thought of as otherwise. Professionalism, dedication, hours of work with no compensation, etc, are all part of the deal.

This close up is of a new sweater set that I am working for my pattern line. The yarn is a wonderful cotton blend that I do believe must have been invented for the sheer joy of crochetiers. It's soft, the stitch definition is wonderful, and the drape is just fantastic. More details when I have the pattern ready to be published.

One Step Closer

I'm getting closer and closer to having the front of the house painted. It's amazing how many details have to be taken care of and I now understand why it can be costly to have your house painted. The porch for example has the ceiling, the trim, the walls, the door, the metal upright thingies, and all that has to be done in the right order with the floor being last. It was fun powerwashing the floor because as the peeling paint stripped away I was able to see all the different colors that it has been over the last 70 years. Once the porch is finished I can finish off the front of the house, much to the happiness of my poor neighbors.

Today's Agenda

Ship out charity stuff
Ship out design submission to NYC
Crochet work for sweater set
Start writing up pattern for Jennifer purse
Finish assembling comfortghan
Mow back lawn
Attempt to give cats their heartworm pills

Not necessarily in that order

Hangleburger

2006-05-15T12:05:00.000-05:00

I was able to finish this purse over the weekend. It's going to be next pattern that I am going to publish via Lulu so keep yer eyes peeled! I've named it "Jennifer".

Photographing red is tricky. For the longest time I thought it was my old camera having red issues. I got this Olympus a few months ago and it had the same troubles. I'm learning little by little how to tweak photos via Photoshop so that the reds are true. This photo came out pretty close to the actual color. It's sort of a dark pink.

Calico House

I was also able to get another side of the house painted. It was H.O.T. that day too. The more I do the more I like the color. It's such a refreshing blue, especially compared to the drab of the grey. Not that grey isn't nice, because I do think it is, but it doesn't represent my personality (IMHO). Should I be embarrassed that neighbors cheer me on as they walk past? I'm sure they are placing bets on how long it's going to take me to finish...

Still Spring?

I thought that gladiolas blossomed in the spring, but apparently not this variety. This is the first stalk to blossom so far. They are leftovers from the previous owners and they appear to be multiplying. The gladiolas, not the previous owners, at least that I know of, maybe they are multiplying too? I guess that's none of my beeswax...

Warm Thanks

I would like to thank everyone who left such nice comments on yesterday's post. Mother's Day is a bit rough for me, and your kind words helped get me through the day. When I was a teen and Mom and I were out for coffee, sometimes she would look at the other customers' meals and lament that she wished she had the money to buy us hangleburgers (her nickname for hamburgers). So yesterday I went for a big juicy hangleburger and quietly gave thanks.

Dolores

2006-05-14T11:39:00.000-05:00

Although my mother Dolores passed away a few years ago today is a very special day for me. It's the day that I take a few extra moments and try to recognize all that she taught me, sacrificed for me, and did for me throughout the years.

My parents split up and she was suddonly a single mom when I was just four years old. And although a few of my older siblings had left home, there were still four of us left to care for. I really have no idea how she did it. How did she keep it all together so well? Now that I'm an adult I understand a bit of why she would stop at the coffee shop on the way home and rest after a long day's work, have a coffee and some quiet time before heading back to our house. When you're a child you don't understand. Now I do.

Why is it so easy as a teenager and young adult to go out with your friends and leave your mom at home? Probably because kids think that parents will always be there. That nothing could ever change that drastically; so they become very self-involved. If I could tell a teenager one thing about life it would be that times with family are to be cherished, because although moms shouldn't go away, sometimes they do. And getting them back sometimes doesn't happen.

And of course despite all my crazy moving around to different states and even other countries Mom was always there back home, answering every letter and phone call. What a priviledge it was to be able to call her up and ask her how to get a ketchup stain out of a shirt, or, what was Grandma's middle name again?

For a few of my adult years I lived in Michigan near Mom. We would go for coffee often. I'm getting an idea of what going for coffee meant to her as I realize just how hard she had to have worked just to keep food on the table. For me going for coffee meant I would have some quality time with her. I think it's the one thing I miss the most; going for coffee with Mom. Recently a family member was visiting and we went for coffee, and of course I had my hopes up that the experience would be special... but there we were in a coffee shop and I had my coffee and she had her six dollar mochafrappawhatever and it hit me that perhaps you really can't go back. My heart remembers those simple fifty-cent cups of coffee at a greasy spoon in Michigan, but now the world is having six dollar coffees that are hard to pronounce.

Dolores Emborsky

Happy mother's day Mom. Your little boy misses you.

Ask and ye shall receive....

2006-05-12T16:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I mentioned that I had no idea when/where the pattern for the suede purse would be published, and today it shows up!

The pattern is now available on the Lion Brand website. Click the photo to the left or click here: Crochet Purse

It's unfortunate that they don't give designer credit there, but it doesn't stop me from pointing out my designs, right? You could always go to this form on their website and tell them how much you like the purse and that perhaps it's the coolest pattern you have ever seen and that Drew Emborsky should get a promotion/raise/his own line of patterns, etc:

Lion Brand Feedback Form

Last Chance for Romance

Today is the final day of my anniversary sale! Don't miss out, collect them all, make your friends green with envy, unless they have them all too and then they wouldn't be envious or green, of course if they come from Mars they may or may not be green but seriously, do they even crochet on Mars and if not, why the heck not?

Click me, click me now!

Edit: the sale has concluded! Thank you to everyone that made it a success. And although the patterns are back to regular price, don't let that stop you from indulging. You deserve it!

Suede Assassination

2006-05-11T14:27:00.000-05:00

This morning first thing I made a list of the smaller projects that I have left stewing on the back burner while making the items for the magazines. There are a lot more than I realized and I have decided to focus entirely on one item at a time until it is finished. Usually I spread myself out some working a few hours on one project, then moving on and working a few hours on another project, and in this way avoid burning out or getting fatigued.

Today's project was a purse for my neighbor across the street. No, not the one that I can see from the piano room allegedly with or without binoculars. That would just be creepy for everyone. My house is on a corner lot so the across the street to which I am referring is actually across from my faux garage, and as you could see from the photo yesterday there is a bookcase directly in between me and this neighbor. That and my guest bedroom too. Anywho, I bartered modeling services for a suede purse. She is a college student and her mother is a real estate agent and they are just about the prettiest ladies I've seen in a long time. How lucky can one dude get? First Melissa Leapman as a mentor, and now models for neighbors that will trade posing for crocheted items? I'm so glad Saturn is no longer in Uranus. I'm just saying.

This is a purse that I designed for a yarn company back in December. I called about a week ago and asked them when/where the pattern would be published and they said they had no idea. I think it is in the archives for now. Sad, aint it? Such a nice purse and no way to share it with all y'all (did you know "all y'all" is the plural of "y'all"?).

Assassination

Here are few more examples of the now identified assassination nymphs (thanks everyone for helping me identify the little buggers). The adults look like dinosaurs to me (pics of those when these little dudes grow up). Good thing I have never handled one because thanks to the commenters on this lil' blog I have learned that they bite, hard, and hurt like nothing you've ever felt before. But they are beneficial insects and since I don't use chemicals in my garden I welcome their presence.

Just One More Day!!

Aftermath

2006-05-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday after blogging I turned on the British comedies on BBC in the guest bedroom (I don't have a t.v. in my bedroom because Oprah says you're not supposed to, and I know with my luck someday she'll be doing a show about crochet dudes in Houston that may or may not have tv's in their bedrooms and she'll show up with a camera crew and then won't I regret not listening to her and putting the tv in the guestbedroom? She'll go all Oprah on my butt...) Anywho, I thought I would just lay down for a minute and close my eyes. 3 1/2 hours later I woke up. I was apparently exhausted.

This is the aftermath of my recent deadlines. I took over the piano room because my router booster blew up in a thunderstorm earlier this year and in this room I get a pretty decent signal:

And this is what it's like to be inside my head for the last month. Just to my right is a window that looks out on the front lawn so I can look at flowers and the neighbors with my binoculars...ooops, did I say that out loud?

The End Is Near!

Not of the world, just for your chance to get my patterns at 20% off! Why wait until the last minute? Don't make me call Oprah....

Arcane?

2006-05-09T13:04:00.000-05:00

I actually had time to go grocery shopping this morning! Woo hoo!! I also had time to finish up some socks that I've been working on since before I went to Canada! It was my first try at knitting socks so just the fact that they actually fit makes me happy. I used Louet Gems Topaz wool and they came comfy and slouchy. I don't see myself wearing these inside shoes, but in the winter they will be great to wear around the crib, youknowhatimsayin'? Do people actually say "crib" anymore? I gotta watch MTV more.

Anywho... Here are the pics:

The UK Caint Git 'Nuff

A fellow Lulu author emailed me to let me know that the London Telegraph has mentioned my crocheted dishcloth patterns again! Woo hoo! Now what the heck does "arcane" mean?

Which reminds me, just a few more days left of the big anniversary sale! Don't wait and take the chance of all the books selling out. Well, so they don't really sell out because most people buy the download version, and even if you did buy the print version they actually print them on demand. But still, act now and I'll throw in a spoonful of extra good karma!

TGIM?

2006-05-08T15:18:00.000-05:00

I just this minute returned from the post office where I shipped off the final item to Interweave Crochet... er, I mean, Super Cool Crochet Magazine II. Okay okay, it's the second generation of Chic on the Halfshell. Remember I said that Chic was a prototype and that I submitted the next generation to a magazine? Interweave Crochet bought the design for their Fall 2006 issue. Can you believe that guacamole?

I also took along with me two other design proposals for two other magazines. Gotta work it, dude! Keep yer hooks crossed!

Sale Sale Sale

Thank you to everyone who has made the Anniversary Sale a success so far this week. If you are still wanting to get some of my patterns at 20% off the sale will continue until Friday!

I know I know, the pattern for Chic is free, but doesn't it look cool in this ad? And besides, you CAN download the pattern for Chic at the same place my patterns are for sale, so I think it's a legitimate use of a photograph.

Gardenation

Because I haven't had much time to do anything but work on those magazine projects the only other photos I have to share are from the yard. Houston had some pretty good rainstorms over the weekend and here are a few of the photos the morning after.

*click me and I'll get bigger*

These rings were around the trees in the front yard when I moved in but they didn't have any flowers at all, just dirt. I'm painting the house blue with white trim, so I'm sticking with flowers in the red color range. How patriotic!

This plant was a gift last year from my friends Kevin, Connie & Jerrah (I call them KevConJer, sounds very futuristic, duddn't it?) Anywho, it obviously likes the shady side yard because it has three blossoms at once right now. The pure white against the deep green is amazing.

Then of course there are these, the prettiest weeds I've ever seen. I call them weeds because no matter how hard I try to control them they pretty much take over any place in the yard that doesn't get too much sun. They are ornamental gingers and originate in Indonesia (from what I've been able to gather from the Internet). Most of them are around 8 feet tall and these bunches of blossoms are about 15".

First Anniversary of Pattern Line

2006-05-05T07:46:00.000-05:00

Today marks one year since launching "The Crochet Dude Presents..." pattern line! To celebrate I have marked down all my patterns 20% for one week only!!

Who knew last year on this day that a little pattern book called "Ten Crochet Dude Dishcloths" would end up being my top seller and would also be featured in publications such as The Sunday Telegraph in London as well as other papers in the US and Australia? And although it was voted via a national poll as one of the ten books least likely to be on any best seller list last summer, it has made me very proud!

I want to thank everyone that has supported my efforts to break into the design industry. Your feedback and encouragement have helped tremendously! And although I have such a long way to go to establish myself as a designer y'all have believed in me and that means so much. Thank you!!! Y'all rock!! Click here to be even more supportive:

The Crochet Dude Presents...

Almost there!

2006-05-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you very much to everyone that listened to the podcast and left me such encouraging comments. That means so much to me!! If you had trouble listening Jennifer has a help page on her site Craftsanity.com that may help you troubleshoot the issue.

And to all the new readers that have found my blog via the podcast I'd like to say "welcome" and I hope you'll stick around for a while!

SCCM I - almost finished!

I have two out of the three items for Super Cool Crochet Magazine-1 all boxed and ready to be shipped. The third one may or may not get shipped today (last day to send it at a reasonable rate. Designers pay their own shipping and so going a tad slower saves some moolah.) If I have to I will send it 2-day or even overnight if that's what it takes. There is still a chance it will be finished today. Hooks crossed!

I will be very glad when I start blogging about projects that I can show you photos of. It's a lot more fun for me!

Mentor is not just a mint...

I received word from the CGOA professional mentor committee. Apparently Crazy Aunt Purl's horoscope for May is scarily accurate. She predicts very good things for Cancerians this month and so far it's working out that way! Remember how I very flippantly and without expectation said that I wondered if Melissa Leapman were available to be my mentor? Was the Universe listening? Does someone at CGOA really read my blog (or my mind...scary!)? I found out yesterday that indeed the uber-successful, uber-talented Leapman has agreed to mentor me. I'm still in shock and very VERY worried I'm going to make donkey's butt out of myself whilst communicating with her.

kitty butt

I really am shy....

2006-05-02T10:14:00.000-05:00

And to prove it I will share the link to the podcast that was, um, podcasted last night. The lovely Jennifer of Craftsanity fame called last week and we talk for a little bit, which she recorded for her podcast. I was hoping she would edit out all the naughty bits but she didn't. Oh well... to listen to it the necessary links are on her site:

CraftSanity.com

Oh So Close

2006-05-01T15:01:00.000-05:00

I got so much finished over the weekend! Woo hoo! The largest project (used 20 skeins of Lamb's Pride wool) was finished yesterday afternoon. Have you ever been driving along in fog and then suddenly you have driven out of it and it's sunny? (and you don't feel like your guts are going to turn inside out anymore?) That's exactly how I felt when I did the finishing touches to this project. Now I can almost feel free to go into my front yard because every time I do anymore at least one neighbor looks at my half painted house and says "when are you going to finish that?". When it happened yesterday I just told her that I'm going for a calico effect. She thinks I was joking.

The yarn that I have been waiting for to finish the very last project arrived about ten minutes ago. It's a pigtail yarn from Caron called "Fling". I'm not sure if it's on the market yet, but it sure is cool.

Nature Calls

And to illustrate the nature of the biz, although I am up to my dudestrils in projects that have to be shipped out this week, I had to take the time to finalize and ship some proposals to other magazines for consideration. Two different mags had submission deadlines this week and I don't think they would hold up their decisions because The Crochet Dude is busy. So, to the backburner goes the wool, and to the front burner comes the mohair. I'm just sayin...

Podcastion

As I said last week a podcast interview that I did a couple of weeks ago should be published today. (Does one publish a podcast? or does one broadcast a podcast? or is "podcast" itself a verb?) Anywho, I just checked and it's not done podcasted yet, but as soon as it is I will let y'all know.

What Am I?

Can you identify this insect? Friend or foe?

Several Reasons to Buzz

2006-04-28T14:29:00.000-05:00

This morning I hauled out all the remaining projects that are due. Most of them need to be shipped Tuesday, and that includes one that I have yet to receive the yarn for. It's Friday and if it doesn't arrive today, it may or may not arrive Monday. There ain't enough coffee to get me through this weekend, y'all, I'll be needing a fibermiracle (or something stronger than coffee). I do feel good about the stage that all the other projects are at. I don't see any compelling reason they won't be finished on time. Luckily it's supposed to be rainy all weekend so I won't be distracted by yard/home improvement projects.

Say Hello To My Little Friends

This morning I found this little dude (again, could be a dudette, I'm not sure how to tell with insects) drinking the hummingbird water. If you look closely you can see there are a few more little friends getting hopped on sugarwater. Don't they know that sugar is the enemy? Or is potato the enemy? I can never keep it straight. I was so close to buying "The Peanut Butter Diet" book the other day. Peanut butter at every meal and still lose weight? Now that's a miracle!

And I found another little treasure this morning. Yep, it's the first watermelon on the vine. In fact I found six of them, but the others were camera shy. Anywho, although disappointingly for Crazy Aunt Purl they won't be square, I can't wait to see them develop! This is the first time I've actually had watermelons grow for me!

Don't Hide Yer Hogwarts

I found a crochetier that has created a fantastic reproduction of Hogwart's Castle from the Harry Potter series. It's an amazing example of when talent and patience come together to create something incredible. Check it out here:

Beck's Blog

Have a great weekend everyone! My big podcast debut is on Monday!

Buh-bye Baby!

2006-04-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

I shipped out all the baby items (whoops, did I tell you they were all baby items?) to SCYC IV this morning. Whew!! Another deadline met. I can't express what a relief it is to send stuff OUT! I have several more deadlines to meet over the next 6 days and I'd better get crackin'. I'm on the verge of feeling like I may not make one or two of them, but I doubt I'll let that happen. I'm not at the point in my career where deadlines are cheefully held up for me....yet! (I've heard rumors that there does come a time when press dates are sometimes held up if the right designer asks for a few extra days.)

Speaking of Upgrades

I just received my acceptance letter from the Crochet Guild of America, letting me know that my membership has been upgraded to Associate Professional! Woo hoo HOO! A full Professional membership requires two years of work experience in the industry and well, I don't have that yet. So they have a program where you start as an Associate Professional and it allows you to participate with the full professionals and learn from them. Heck, they even assign you a one-on-one mentor if you want!! Do you think Melissa Leapmanis available?

If you haven't joined the CGOA click here and check it out!

Science or Madness?

2006-04-26T15:27:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day that I can work on projects for SCYC IV. Tomorrow they have to be overnighted to the northeast somewhere to be put on display at a fiber market. Cross yer hooks that they like what I send them; this could lead to a steady work flow with this new company! Today and tonight you'll find me weaving in ends and playing with my Scunci... (er, so to speak).

Anywho...

Museum Souvenir

The other day I mentioned that I went to the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see The Body Works exhibit. After any exhibit you exit into the gift shop, right? So there I am looking at tshirts with my new skinless friends on them and this is what I ended up coming home with:

It's an actual scientific beaker with the anatomical symbol for "caffeine", isn't that cool? I feel so smart as I drink out of it. Click on the pic if you want to get a better look-see.

Dudessembly!

2006-04-25T18:13:00.000-05:00

I added another free pattern to my free patterns page. This is one is a joining method for 12" afghan squares. I have used it on many comfortghans and have received many emails requesting the pattern. Check it out by clicking on the link in the sidebar that says "Free Patterns" or by clicking the cover pic here.

It's Growing!

The garden is really taking off. This little montage (love you Photoshop) shows the progress of some potted plants that I have in the courtyard outside the family room. The tomatoes and watermelons were grown from seed. What a miracle that is! And they are both from heirloom seeds so the fruit should tastier than a typical genetically modified fruit.

*clickable image*

About four weeks of growth

And just this afternoon I found this little dude (perhaps a dudette, how can you tell?) going straight for the watermelon vine. Luckily I was able to intercept and take him to the back 40.

One down, eleventy seven to go!

2006-04-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

I just shipped off the three projects that SCYC I had hired me to do over the weekend. They were felted intarsia, so you can imagine the amount of math that included! I do my charts with Excel and it makes it a bit easier. One of the reasons I like working with Excel is that I can make mathematical calculations off to the side of the chart and leave them there for reference. Then once the chart is finished I can copy/paste it into Photoshop and save it as a .jpg or whatever is appropriate.

Scunci, how do I love thee?

After a veggie snack I finished blocking a project for SCCM I. Let's just say I discovered the joy that is called Scunci. And a basketball. That's all I'm saying.

Skinless but not Boneless

Saturday morning I went to the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see the exhibit called Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds. It's possible you've seen it too, or at least heard about it. They have several versions of the exhibit throughout the country. Anywho, I won't go into too much detail (it's a family blog, dontcha know). It's where they took some formerly alive people and plasticized them so that you can see what the bod looks like on the inside, you know, when one is on a skinless horse or playing cards with one's skinless formerly alive friends. Ask my siblings, I pass out at the thought of blood, but this was fascinating!! Click here if you're curious (remember: it's real bodies so be ready):

Body Worlds

Sign Here... and Here...

I received the contract from SCCM II for the item that they will be using in their fall issue. How amazing to see it all in writing!! Right there in black and beige!! (they have nice letterhead). I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel called April, especially since I've begun to send out completed items. Getting this contract in the mail represents getting even closer!!

Barbaric Yet Refreshing

2006-04-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

This morning a storm came through Houston right around 7am-ish. I had on the tele watching my favorite channel (The Weather Channel) - there, I said it, my favorite t.v. channel is The Weather Channel and I'm not ashamed!! They have Local On The 8's, and Storm Stories... Anywho the little red ticker on the bottom of the screen said "widespread power outages possible in Houston". I got out my super cool voodoo candle courtesy of Crazy Aunt Purl and the moment I lit the candle (after placing it in the middle of the stove where it is safe, and fire resistant) lightening struck right outside the window and the house went dark.

Losing one's power is kinda fun. It can be romantic, adventurous, a change of pace, etc. I like these type of unscheduled events in my life because I can pretend that I'm Indiana Jones (whoops, did I say that out loud?). Here are several reasons losing one's power is NOT fun:

Although your entire street is out of power it is only YOUR side of the street. So looking out the windows you can see people getting ready to face the day using lights. And air conditioning. And their socks match.
The humidity in your little microworld is 103% and it's only going higher.
The power stays off for four hours because apparently out of 70,000 customers without power, your little halfside of the street isn't a high priority in getting it turned back on.
The forecast high (last you knew before they took away your weather channel with one little bolt of lightening) is in the 90's.
You have to crochet 19 items by lunchtime and they are all made out of wool.

Fortunately the power did come back on at about 10 to noon which gave me plenty of time to eat something and comb my hair and answer the phone. The phone? Is he just babbling again. Um, hello, didn't I tell you I was being interviewed for a podcast today? And because I'm naturally shy and do not like to talk about myself (it could happen) the interview only lasted two hours. The reporter promised she would edit out all the ~~naughty~~ boring bits. I'll let you know when it is published.

Losing the power for a few hours was indeed barbaric. I couldn't check my email, or open the fridge, or check my socks to see if they matched (at least until the sun came up). But it was also refreshing. I opened some windows when the rain stopped and sat in the family room to work. The house was completely silent; no humming of the fridge, no iPod of the music, no t.v. of the daytime shows. Just quiet. I could actually hear the birds singing, and the squirrels as they scurried across the fence, etc. It was nice, refreshing even. Even without my Local on the 8's.

Twenty Fo Mo Hours Please

2006-04-20T14:02:00.000-05:00

Last night right after the Daily Show I was drifting off to sleep calculating how much I needed to finish crocheting per day in order to meet the eight deadlines that are coming up FAST. Then I ended up dreaming about being on a cruise ship that was having trouble negotiating some big waves. I'm sure it was the ad for Poseidon that I had seen earlier in the evening that prompted the dream. I've taken a couple of cruises in the past and I plan to take more in the future so I will NOT be going to see THAT movie. Ain't no way. Movie images get totally burned into my memory and they do. not. go. away. On the last cruise I was on Cptn. Shlockenburgenbocken quipped "I'm not really sure why the ship doesn't tip over"...I would have given him what for if I hadn't been hanging out with Charo on the Lido Deck...

Anwho, what? Oh yeah, here is another extreme closeup of one of the projects that I'm working on. Again with the wool (do you see a theme here?) and there are actually other colors that will be mixed in but I haven't gotten to them yet(!).

Another box of yarn arrived today. These projects are due by next Wednesday so that means they have to be crocheted and have the patterns written and everything shipped by Monday. Nice colors dontcha think? Again with the wool, trend watchers.

Cuisine Setting

I discovered the cuisine setting on my camera. I'm not sure what the camera does when it's about to photograph food, but it seems to work! Breakfast anyone?

Mulberry Wool

2006-04-19T16:47:00.000-05:00

Here is some more texture for you. This is an item that will be included in a crochet magazine this fall. The prototype that I did came out nice and obviously caught the editor's attention, but the way it is working up with the provided yarn is fantastic. I couldn't be happier with the look of the final piece!

Latest Blossomings

The elephant ears that magically appeared in my compost pile over the winter, and that I then transplanted in January (and let me tell you, they were NOT happy!) have decided that it's not so bad in their new spots. The are both blossoming. I hadn't seen elephant ears blossom before and sure hope it doesn't mean they are going to kick the bucket on me now!

Yarn: Diva Style

Cheryl of Diva Knitting fame has bought ad space right here on this lil ole blog! Woo hoo!! Thanks so much Miss Thang! Anywho, see that link just to your right that says "Diva Knitting" I double dawg dare ya to click on it. Go head, her yarns are amazing!! (And no, I didn't get any free yarn to make me say that!)

New Free Pattern, etc.

2006-04-18T14:30:00.000-05:00

I have just finished uploading a new pattern to my free patterns page. This purse works great for taking jewelry with you on vacation! On the inside are six little pockets so that you can separate your jewelry that doesn't play well together. This way you can prevent scratches, tangles, calling the jewelry police, etc. At the very least you'll avoid being on Dr. Phil and having your jewelry threaten you with a fireplace poker and then trying to destroy your house when you are at the grocery store...

Anywho...click here:

The Crochet Dude's Travel Jewelry Purse to Crochet

Buy Stock in Senseo

2006-04-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

I think I've pretty much done everything that I can do with the yarn that I received from SCYC IV. They needed as many items finished for a textile market that is coming up and, well, I ran out of yarn so that's how many they are getting. I'm hoping they'll be happy though and that they will hire me again in the future!

SCCM I

This is how the Lion Brand Bolero looks when it is felted. It really is amazing how the colors look together. It almost has a granite look to it. This item will be published in January I believe.

SCYC I

Super Cool Yarn Co. I called this morning and asked me to do three more designs, oh, and they need them ASAP! I said "yes" for various reasons that range from desire to need to shame and actually come around full circle to desire again. There was one little voice in my head that was saying "someday you may have to turn down work because dude, you can only do so much", but it's not time yet. What a day that will be though!!

SCCM II

I've been working all morning on the item that will be in the Fall 2006 issue of Super Cool Crochet Magazine II. It's working out great and even better than the swatch that I had originally sent them (they are going with a much more expensive yarn and, well, you get what you pay for, eh?). I'll post a photo of the texture soon.

Gratuitous Cat Photo

The first thing I see each morning when I wake up.

Textursaurus

2006-04-14T11:25:00.000-05:00

It's still not clear, and I think it's on a publisher to publisher basis, but I don't think I can show you the actual items that I'm currently designing. However, I can show you the texture, right? Here is are two of the items using the DK weight yarn from SCYC IV. It's so nice and I'm actually enjoying using a size D hook. Before you know it I'll be working with thread....

This other one is again worked up with the DK weight but in the round. I like working in the round, but it's tricky sometimes. It's especially tricky when you are writing a pattern in multiple sizes. I'm hoping this one turns out the way it's supposed to!!

Candy-gram
No, it wasn't a candygram or a land shark for that matter, but the Fed/Ex person with another box of yarn. This time from Lion Brand. Bolero is 100% wool made in Italy and felts wonderfully! It's a thick-and-thin roving style yarn that works up quickly and the colors are amazing.

Is That a Sheep In Your Package?

2006-04-13T15:29:00.000-05:00

Another box of yarn arrived for some felted projects that will be in Super Cool Crochet Magazine I. I looooove Brown Sheep Yarn, and this Lambs Pride is terrific to work with. It's 85% wool and 15% Mohair and felts wonderfully! One thing though, as I've started to work up the design I realize that I didn't ask for enough yardage. Seriously, I'm about a third short and I'm still contemplating what to do. The people at Brown Sheep are terrific, very cheerful and eager to supply the yarn, but it's also my first time working with them and I don't want to call them back and say

Funny story, you know all that yarn you sent, um... *nervous snicker* I need a third more and btw, could you match the dye lot that to the yarn that you already shipped?

No, I'll make this work somehow with what I have. Oye.

I also received the email from Fed/Ex last night saying that Super Cool Crochet Magazine II has shipped the yarn for the project they want me to do. The tracking info says that it weighs two pounds. Doesn't that sound pretty heavy for some yarn? I'm hoping it means that they decided to have me do two of the projects that I submitted instead of just one.

I have been submitting an average of five design ideas per issue to several different magazines for over a year now, and I literally have a file box to contain all the rejection notices. This is the first time that anyone has shown interest in my stuff. Soooo, I never ever ever expected for SCCM I to buy four of the five design proposals that I sent them!! And at the same time for SCCM II to buy one (possibly two) of my designs. And at the same to have SCYC IV send me a huge box of yarn and say "get as many designs to us by April 28th", etc. I'm not complaining, I'm just a bit skeered!!! I wish I didn't sleep. Seriously. And they say that Senseo only takes thirty seconds but that doesn't include the filling up of the water tank, the putting in the coffee pods, and the minute it takes to heat the water before you can even push the "I NEED COFFEE NOW" button. That's an eternity in caffeine addiction time.

I'm just saying.

The Garden State

The first fruits of the season have ripened! These strawberries were plants that I put in last year and they did so-so, but this year they are producing like crazy. I believe strawberries do best their second year so you have to plant some each year to get continuous crops. But don't quote me on that.

And because I like to avoid chemical pesticides, I released 1500 of my newest garden friends. Hopefully they are eating and procreating like crazy. I also have a cocoon of praying mantis out there but they haven't hatched yet. I bet you can't wait for that photo, eh?

Yarntopia

2006-04-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

Saturday afternoon I found myself in Yarntopia....literally. Sheryl and Amy have at last opened their incredible yarn shop in Katy (just outside of Houston). I have been anticipating this new yarn store for months now, and I was not disappointed at all. To paraphrase a recent commenter: "they had me at Fleece Artist"...

*all photos are clickable*

Your lovely hostesses at Yarntopia

The yarns are arranged by weight! What a fantastic way to shop!!

Not only do they carry Fleece Artist, FA actually created a wonderful set of yarns using Yarntopia's colorway. Appropriately named "Yarntopia"!

Do you think Sheryl and Amy would come over and help me organize my studio? Or should I just move in here?

Self portrait in front of the kettle-dyed goodness.

Such a good name for a great yarn shop!!

Here are a few of the yarns they carry: Rowan, Louisa Harding, Fleece Artist , Handmaiden by Fleece Artist, Malabrigo, Mango Moon, Tilli Tomas , Debbie Bliss, Araucania, Noro, Nashua, Classic Elite, Berroco, Cascade, GGH/Muench, Plymouth, Crystal Palace, and Mission Falls.

If you want to see more visit the website or Sheryl and Amy's blog. Better yet, boogy on over if you are in the area for some tactile therapy!

NKOTB

2006-04-10T15:31:00.000-05:00

There is a new Super Cool Yarn Co. and I'm calling it IV. Not IV, as in, I'm so busy I need an IV of either Starbuck's or Tim Horton's in my arm. No it's IV as in one after III. I just received this box of wonderful yarns that aren't even on the market yet. This yarn company I predict, based on the quality of the different yarns they sent me, is going to be hot. Now the task at hand is to transform this fiber goodness into five baby garments and a baby blanket in the next week or so. I love pressure, don't you?

Spring Springeth Forth

I whipped up one of my daisy purses at lunch time today for my friend Imaginary Maggie. She is going to give this to her granddaughter for Easter. I just shipped it this afternoon so I hope it makes in on time! (I know it will, the post office is uber-reliable.)

And before you say "dude, that looks a bit lopsided" rest assured that it's just not the greatest pic. Maggie I'm sure will testify to it's symmetry when it arrives.

If you want to whip one up at lunch yourself here is the pattern:

Daisy Purse

Super Cool Crochet Magazine(s)

I've heard from two different crochet magazines recently that some of my design submissions have been accepted! That is a total of five designs accepted in the last six weeks! Woo hoo hooo! I guess getting something published in a magazine can be crossed off my list of goals for this year!!

Yarn has arrived for just one of the designs, but I'm currently making arrangements to get the rest of the yarn here toot sweet. Some of the finished items are due May 10th!! Hear that? That's my Senseo machine whirring happily in the background...

Got Jimbo?

2006-04-07T14:12:00.000-05:00

If you don't have one of Jimbo's handcarved hooks, you are missing out on a real treat. I received my custom hook recently and I can't express just how much I love it. He even made it it nice and long (over 8 inches) to fit in my manly hand...

Here is part of his story in his own words:

Years ago my sis and I lived on a ranch up in the mountains of northern Washington State. We both loved the place dearly and were heart broken when our dad became ill and the place had to be sold. Since then it's been my life's dream to get the place back. Dreams do come true, and a few years back I was able to buy 30 acres of the ranch back.

What's that to do with crochet? Well back in the olden days my sis and I used to play around an old apple tree (shown in photo to the left) on a slope behind our cabin. Now years later, the cabin is gone but the tree is still there. Also, my sis lives in California and isn't really well enough to come back home much, so on birthdays and other occasions that warrant a gift, I try to make her something that originated from the ranch. I've done picture frames from shingles salvaged from the cabin, tealight candle holders from small aspens that grow on the ranch, and finally, crochet hooks from dead branches donated by the old apple tree.

Well, the crochet hooks turned out to be really special because every time she uses them, she's holding a sacred little piece of the ranch, in addition to something I made with my hands. But it has turned out to be more than just a nostalgic sort of thing... the hooks really work well. So I made more and found that other folks (who aren't quite so biased) marvel at their feel.

For me it is amazing to be part of this story by crocheting with one of Jimbo's hooks. Yes, the craftmanship is amazing, but I feel Jimbo's spirit is even more amazing and I hope he fulfills his dream!!

If you want to know more he blogs about the progress here:

Jimbo's Front Porch

Up The Nose and On The Grill

2006-04-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

I know this particular picture isn't truly crochet related, but c'mon, isn't this the funniest thing you've ever seen? Doesn't it make you want to run right down to CVS and buy a Neti Pot? What the heck is a neti pot, and why would one want one? And would one really dress this nicely, fresh from the beauty salon, just to put one of these up one's nose? It must be fun because she looks so darned happy! Actually she looks like she's trying to seduce me. (I gotta get out more)

Who You Callin' Chicken?

Here is what actual poultry looks like on the grill. Don't get me wrong, nothing is yummier than crocheted turkey hot off the grill (kids, please don't try that at home, it's not for real). Anywho, last night I put together the rotissarie for the grill and cooked me a chicken. This is what it looked like after about five minutes. Turns out cooking chicken at 700 degrees is too hot. Who knew?

(you may have to click the play button twice if the first time through is a bit choppy)

Shameless Knitting for Cat Lovers

2006-04-05T13:10:00.000-05:00

First the shameless:

I'm very sad to say that I'm quickly losing my standing in the Crochet Top Site List. I have to call on you, my dear wonderful bestest friends a dude could ever have to click that button at the end of this paragraph or over there on the right and vote for me (pretty pretty please with hot fudge on top). It's free, and fun, and although you won't win anything you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that I will sleep tonight, and not in a shiraz induced type of sleep, but the kind of sleep that comes from knowing that one has one's peeps watching out for one.... (one likes one's run on sentences... too much coffee once again...)

Top Site List

Now the knitting:

I've finally made some progress on the Cameo Easy Aran Cable Unisex Pullover that I started at the end of January. For more info on the yarn, etc, check the blog entry from that date.

Detail of the sweater. You can actually see the cables, etc, in real life, but they are a bugger to photograph, eh? (see I speak Canadian now, eh?) Oh my stars...

I'm almost to the point of beginning the shaping. How exciting is that?

And for cat lovers:

Why I get a little homesick every time I travel...

Oh Canada.....

2006-04-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

As some of you may or may not have noticed, I've been away for a few days. I took off, eh? to the great white north... beauty, eh?

Anywho, I got back last night from a five (or so) day trip to Canada. I started in Toronto where I met up with Sherri, of Stashaholic fame. We went yarn shopping with a few Toronto hookers... old joke I know, but still makes me snicker if used creatively.. Sherri and I took the train the next day to Kingston where we met up with some more hookers (see how creatively I used that?) and spent the weekend there. Sherri taught a tunisian crochet class at the local yarn shop on Saturday. It was fun learning something new!

All images are clickable!!

The Stash Stallion

Learning Tunisian Crochet in Kingston

The tunisian toolbelt I made in class

Handing out HMB squares (thanks y'all)

Mmmm, gotta love that cake!

Trying Timbits for the first time!

Selfportrait at dinner

Knitting my first sock

Beauty, eh?

Janette & Ann at Wool-Tyme in Kingston

Selfportrait, helping Sherri & Peggy with dinner

"Hand over the yarn and no one gets hurt!"

Stashaholic, Coffeeholic, Pirkaholic

Liz, Giselle, Angela, Sherri, Sue
Sushi dinner in Toronto

And of course, the loot...

One of Pirk's scrumbles... amazing! I am so honored she would give me one of her creations. Check out her site to see what amazing stuff she creates!

Angela gave me this wonderful Alpaca. I may just keep it on the shelf in my studio for touch therapy!

This is an incredible yarn that I got at Wool-Tyme in Kingston. I bought enough to make a sweater. More on that later!

I didn't buy any of this, but they sure had a lot of it. I wondered what a shag rug would look like if it were on a spool. I didn't buy this, btw, although I was tempted.

This Fleece Artist merino wool is incredible.

And this Mohair/Silk blend is amazing too. Hand dyed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Check out the Fleece Artist website.

Well shoot...

While in Canada I found out that there were a few little type-OHs in the Drew-string Purse pattern booklet. Never fear! Just email me your Lulu receipt and I will send you the corrected PDF. If you are planning to buy the booklet rest assured that the current version available is the corrected one.

Now I have to go mow the lawn. Apparently it's been warm and humid in Houston (go figger) and the grass grew about six inches while I was gone! Woo hoo!

Drew-string Purses Published!!

2006-03-28T15:01:00.000-06:00

I'm so happy to announce that my latest designs Two Drew-string Purses for Spring & Summer are now available! In this booklet you will get the patterns for both Spring Drew-string and Summer Drew-string!

Thank you to everyone that has been encouraging me on this project. I love the name that y'all came up with!! Enjoy!

Two Drew-string Purses for Spring & Summer!