Morning After

The morning after the end of a conference is a bittersweet time. You are glad to be home with your loved ones and sleeping in your own bed. But you are also wishing the sharing and camaraderie  with others who share your same passion could have gone on and on.

I had such a good time at the CGOA crochet conference that even though it feels so good to be curled up in my work space with all my things around me, I am definitely missing the companionship of all my fellow crocheters. Discussing, Sharing, Inspiring each other. Those things are so empowering. 

Today will be spent organizing my thoughts and ideas. Getting ready to meet the new challenges and

opportunities the show has brought me.

 

I wish I could list the name of all the wonderful people that made the conference so memorable and enjoyable. But I do need to get something done today. That list would be incredibly long.

 

I have already added two more great new ideas to the OH MY! I wish I had more time or 2 more hands so I can work on this and everything else I need to do list. Actually make that 3 great new ideas I just haven't added the last one to the post yet...... Do you have list like that?  I have so much on that list that I truly didn't need to add any more. But I guess it would be worse if there was nothing on my new ideas list and ran out of ideas. Don't worry I am safe on that account at this moment, my stack of sketches and ideas keeps growing and growing and growing.

 

I am posting a picture of one of the items I got to show off at the fashion show on Friday night.

Professional model I will never be, but it was fun.  Andee Graves and her crew did a fantastic job making us feel good about ourselves and showing off our creations. Thank you.

This is my Filet's Night Out Shrug

Back view 

It is so fun to get to share my passion for thread, my love affair with filet and the beauty of beads in this piece.

 

Good intentions

 

After stating my good intentions of posting more often, what happens but I need to take time to move to a new computer. Actually 2 new computers. It wasn't planned that way it just sort of happened.

I had promised myself a new more powerful tablet when I finished the large project that has dominated my work for over a year.

So when I mailed it off we went and found me a nice tablet that I think will last me a long time.

No sooner did we get it all set up and going strong then my primary computer started doing some really weird stuff. Marv tried several things to try and forestall it's demise. But to no avail. I was having to reboot at least 4 times a day and it was getting worse.

So off we go again to pick out a new computer.

I must admit I love what I got.

Going to be spoiled by the large touchscreen.

Windows 8 and I are getting along well so far.

I was able to get all but one of the programs I love off of my old machine.

Several that wouldn't run on Windows 7, which made me stick with my antiquated system as long as I did. So I am thrilled.

  

Crochet wise I have been a busy girl and finished the shrug I wanted to get done before convention mid July. I am really pleased with how it turned out. Can hardly wait to wear it.

Now I have only two things I want to finish before time to leave. Both very doable. In fact if I get off my new toy here and get busy I will have one of them done by tomorrow night.

Just wanted to share this lovely sunrise over the Superstitions I got to enjoy the other morning.

Some days it just takes my breath away

My garden cages are working and I actually have a baby eggplant to share with you.

Well actually there are now about 7 or 8 of them out there on the vine.

Hope you are ready for eggplant parmesan  my dear!

The clouds against the superstitions. A little closer view

And only because I can't resist a flower.

Isn't nature wonderful!!!

New to me

My day is always made a tad bit more cheerful when I get a box of new threads. Yesterday I had a box arrive just before we were susposed to head over to the library. Marv just shook his head and asked me to let me know when I would be through fondling my new acquisitions so we could go get new reading material. He was smiling though as he watched me. He does know me so well.

We did finally make it to the library.

Tempting, tempting, tempting :)

This is a new thread to me and I was thrilled with the colors. So nice to find some of the colors I love so much and are hard to find. As you can see some has already jumped on my hook. Now I need to figure out a place to store this new find until I can get it used up. And if it's as nice as it seems, there will be more coming my way. Don't worry there is always room for new thread, I will find someplace for it.

My last project was totally delivered today, sent off the patterns via email and the project reached them this morning so my hook is now free to do as I desire for the moment.What great feeling!

I have a couple things I want to get done before convention. Should have no problems meeting that goal.

Starting to get excited about the show. I have so much fun sharing time with fellow crocheters. Everyone seems to have a wonderful time.

The other day I looked out my window to our back patio and there was a whole flock of quail. But it wasn't just a flock, but a family of them. Rather large family with mom and dad trying to keep everyone going in the same direction. Quite the group.  The picture isn't the greatest as I took it through the window as I didn't want to disturb them. There were so many I couldn't get them all into one shot.  

Called them the Lunch crowd.

Dad is on the table overseeing the picnic

And of course I can't resist a flower picture

You know me!

Off to crochet now!

The magic

I know it has been forever since I did a blog post. I just felt like I was repeating myself too much. But after a lot of thought I decided it didn't really matter as it's really a record and sharing of how I am feeling at a given time. So Like it or not, I am back.

  Yesterday afternoon as I picked up my hook to work on a new piece I couldn't suppress the sense of wonder I get when I am creating. To me it is magic how we take a piece of string and with only a hook we create something new that didn't really exist before. When it turns out beautiful it's even better. I don't think I will ever lose this sense of awe and wonder. I have been crocheting for a very long time and it still hits me when I look at what I am doing.

  To catch up a bit I have been working very hard on some projects I can't talk about. Bummer, as I love sharing what I am doing. One of the biggest down sides of my career is just that. I can't shout out lookie at what I just did. Sigh.........

 I sent out the last one with a deadline for a while as I have plans to learn how to chart my designs this summer. And I knew I needed time to learn this new skill. So for a bit I am free to crochet what tickles my fancy at a more relaxed pace as I take the time to focus mainly on the new computer skill of charting. Wish me luck as I will need it.

 But I have 5 motifs sitting here waiting to be my guinea pig so to speak.

At the the beggining of the month I had a shawl design come out in Interweave Crochet Summer issue. Get to really brag here as it was on the cover.

check it out

here

Here is shot of it I took

And since I really do love roses here is one I captured on a trip here recently up into the mountains.

Well I hope to be writing a whole lot more now that I decided that life is full of repeats. Just look at how many repeats we do in our crochet and it's still beautiful and full of magic for me.

Catching up with myself

“You cannot find peace by avoiding life.”
― Virginia Woolf

The last few weeks have been just crazy. Seems like there was something demanding my attention constantly.

The saga of the vehicle is finally over and we have a new to us truck. We had bought one but it couldn't pass smog and that's a must down here. So we had to start over. But Marv is happy and we actually ended up with a newer vehicle with less miles and a couple years left on the warranty. 

But all that took time. Searching is never easy. We did manage to keep our sense of humor about the whole thing.

I have been working steadily to get a couple deadlines out. Managed to get everything done in a timely manner. Feels good to have a little less stress at the moment. Though I did agree to a new project. But since it's a thread project and I can play a bit with it. I couldn't resist. My soft spot is thread crochet. 

One thing we did finish up last night were our taxes. They had been waiting on me to finish my prep work. Hate that part of it every year.

I am an designer not a bookkeeper. So my records aren't the greatest. But it is finally done and we don't have to pay. Yeah!

I was impressed as this was my best year yet.

Feel like I might make it as a designer yet.

I did get to see one my design come out this week. Rather proud how this one turned out.

 http://redheart.com/free-patterns/bridal-shrug

So go check it out. It is a free pattern from Redheart.

Here is another picture of it. Looks better on a real person but I don't have a model handy and I hate to have my picture taken these days.

The wrinkles and sags are too depressing.

We did go for a hike Easter Sunday.

The flowers were fabulous.

Me and my camera were going nuts. Will have more pictures later.

Though these came from my own back yard. I do try and remember to look around me everyday and appreciate what I do have.

These are one of my favorite wild flowers, They are a member of the Mallow family and they are so striking this year.

And one more shot of the flowers from my back yard. These are actually a wild flower and might be considered a weed. But I love the blossoms and anything that blooms to me is a friend.

Well I need to go let my hook out to play.

Which translates to I have work to do.

Post blog tour recap

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.”
― George Lucas

Yesterday was phenomenal. I thank each and everyone who came and visited me on this blog. I hope you enjoyed the post and the pattern.

The only problem I had was trimming down what I wanted to say. It was so hard choosing what to put on that one page.

There were so many aspect of crocheting I could have talked about. So many pictures I wanted to share. So many people I wanted to acknowledge. But it would have been a book so I had to choose. Not an easy task.

I thought about raving about thread crochet. Anyone who knows me knows it's my passion. I love the finer threads and the pieces you can create with it.

My Wreath of Roses Doily

I thought about raving about Irish Crochet. again one of my favorite forms of crochet. It influences my work and ideas immensely.

         

 My Irish Crochet Collar done in size 80 thread

I thought about writing about my creative process. I may do that one next year. 

I thought about writing about what I am seeing in the crochet world these days. 

I thought about posting about my accomplishments. But decided it was a day about crochet and not me.  

I thought about writing about my collection of antique crochet patterns and hooks.

I thought about acknowledging all the great people that have been so supportive of my endeavors. This one I decided that there was no way I could list everyone without accidentally forgetting someone and making them feel less than they are. So I chose not to go that route. You all know who you are and you reside in my heart as special souls I am honored to have known or know. 

I don't have a picture of a hug to put here or I would........... 

So as you can see all those posts everyone has written just didn't happen. They had to put a lot of time and thought into what they wanted to present. I think everyone did a great job.

Tomorrow I will go back to writing about my daily life with crochet updates, hiking pictures and whatever strikes my fancy. But today needed to be a recap of yesterdays wonderful experience.

Finallly my day on the tour

“Every success I have ever had or will have in the future comes not solely
from my own ambition and hard work, but also from those that have encouraged,
supported and challenged me. Success is never, ever a one person job.”
― T.S. Tate

Today is my day on the Crochetville  Tour Through Crochet County  to celebrate National Crochet Month. I have been impatiently waiting for my turn to shout out my love of  crochet. This month has been incredible with all the great blog posts by so many wonderful talented designers and crochet professionals. I feel very humble to be numbered among them. Thank you Crochetville for putting this together. I have enjoyed the tour and checking out everyone's posts. Hope you have been reading along all month like I have.

You will find a free pattern of mine at the end of this post. I do hope you enjoy it. It was hard deciding what pattern to share. Thought about a thread pattern, But I chose one that would appeal to the largest number of people. My doilies are my passion but I do realize not everyone wants to make a doily. So I decided this little headband would be fun to share. So you will find my Poppin Popcorn headband in it's entirety below.

If you are a crochet lover and you aren't a member yet you might want to join and support the CGOA. Crochet Guild Of America. The organization is proud to support and promote crochet everywhere. I have been a Professional member for years and it has been very supportive of me and my endeavers. The CGOA published my very first pattern the Autumn Splendor shawl in their CGOA Pattern line.

They made me feel like I could really become a designer. Which encouraged me to spread my wings and fly......

There is the Masters program that helps you refine and recognize your skills. The Mentor program if you want to pursue becoming a professional. My mentee Lori Carlson is sharing my day here so go visit her here . Education and promotion at the Knit and Crochet shows twice a year.

If you want to challenge yourself you can enter the CGOA Design contest they put on each year. I love the challenge myself and have won in the past.

Oh and the Knit and Crochet Shows are a great place to hook up with fellow crochet lovers. I have made many friends in the few that I have been able to attend so far. I will be at both this year and can hardly wait to see my friends and make new ones.

The tour has also promoted and supported the charity Project Night Night.  Be sure to check them out here and add your support through a crocheted item or a donation.

But before you pick up your hook grab your yarn and delve in to the Poppin Popcorn headband pattern I thought you might like to read about what crochet means to me and how I learned. It has been such a large part of my life for a long time.

When other kids were pouring over comic books I was drooling over the crochet books packed in a box in our attic. The beauty that was on those pages entranced me and teased me. A sirens call I had to answer. There were balls of thread and tiny little hooks to tempt me also in the same box. I did not know until years later they were my grandmothers books and hooks. Oh the beautiful doily patterns that whispered to me. Make me, make me..... The temptation was too great, I had to try it. Word of experience do not try and teach yourself how to crochet with a size 13 hook and size 50 thread. Not likely to happen. I did try and I was very frustrated. Being left handed didn't help either as all the pictures in the books were for a right handed crocheters. At eight years old it is a bit hard to translate that sort of thing by one's self. But I still drooled over the pictures of the wonderful things that hook could help me make if I just mastered the little bugger.

It was a year or so later that my aunt Haydee came to visit with her crochet bag in tote. My eyes got big and I siddled up to stand next to her in rapt attention. Not only was she making that hook do what she wanted. She was left handed just like me....... I think she realized I might like to learn to crochet when the drool landed in her lap. Well long story short.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Haydee!

The gift you gave me that day has lasted me a life time.  

Years ago I wrote a poem about crochet in my life. I am going share it with you today as it sums it up well I think.

*******************************************

I Found my Crochet Hook

When I was young and fresh,

I found my crochet hook.

When I needed some quiet and time to think,

I found my crochet hook.

When first married and had more time than money,

I found my crochet hook.

When the military sent us far from home, with no friends or family close by,

I found my crochet hook.

When the kids where arriving and needed some clothes,

I found my crochet hook.

When they wanted a toy or the doll to be dressed,

I found my crochet hook.

When the house needed decorated with just the right touch,

I found my crochet hook.

When I was tired and grumpy and needed to hide,

I found my crochet hook.

When proms came and we needed the shawl and a clutch,

I found my crochet hook.

When weddings came and it was time to dress up,

I found my crochet hook.

When the nest is empty and have hours to fill,

I found my crochet hook.

When a gift was needed and the budget wouldn't stretch,

I found my crochet hook.

When I couldn't sleep and the night seemed to press,

I found my crochet hook.

When the grandchildren appeared and need to be spoiled,

I found my crochet hook.

When I needed some quiet and time to think,

I found my crochet hook.

So as I go through life, in good times and bad,

 the one thing I have always been thankful for was,

I found my crochet hook.

Kathryn A White,

Again Thank You Aunt Haydee

Thanks to you I have mastered that little bugger.

 And now that I have bored you with the longest post I have ever written. Here is your reward for your perseverance and patience.

The Poppin Popcorn Headband

Poppin Popcorn Headband

Designed By  Kathryn A White

Skill Level   Moderate

Materials 

Yarn: Baby Soft

Hook:  F/3.75mm

Misc: Tapestry needle

Button 1 and 1/4 inch or 1 and 3/8 inch

Gauge: 8 and 1/2 rows = 3 inches

15 sts = 3 inches

Size: sm fits a head circumference of 22 inches.

Adding 1 inch per each size up.

Recommended that you want a snug fit.

Width is 3 and 3/4 inches.

Special Stitches

Popcorn Stitch  = do the required number of dc in one st/or sp, as indicated, remove hook from loop, insert hook into top of the first stitch in the group, catch the lp and pull through. To have the popcorn face the front of the work insert hook from front to back. To have the popcorn face the backside of the work insert the hook back to front. 

fpdc = front post double crochet: done in this manner. Make a dc with the thread caught up around the post of the st on the rnd/row before by reaching through from the front of the st on the rnd/row before instead of into the top of the stitch. Complete as a normal dc,

bpdc = back post double crochet: done in this manner. Make a dc with the thread caught up around the post of the st on the rnd/row before by reaching through from the back of the st on the rnd/row before instead of into the top of the stitch. Complete as a normal dc,

Poppin Popcorn Headband

Row 1: Ch 21, turn, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch st across. < Counting the 3 skipped chs at the beg of row as 1 dc, 19 dc >

Row 2: ch 2, turn, ( fpdc in next dc, bpdc in next dc, ) 8 times, fpdc in next dc, dc in next dc,

Row 3: ch 2, turn,  ( bpdc in next fpdc, fpdc in next bpdc, ) 8 times, bpdc in next fpdc, dc in 2nd ch of ch 2 at beg of previous row,

Row 4: ch 2, turn, ( fpdc in next bpdc, bpdc in next fpdc ) 8 times, fpdc in next bpdc, dc in 2nd ch of ch 2 at beg of  previous row,

Row 5: repeat row 3,

Row 6: ch 2, turn, fpdc in next bpdc, fpdc in next fpdc, dc in next bpdc, 4 dc in next fpdc, remove hook from loop, insert hook from the front top into of the first stitch in the group, [ popcorn stitch made ] catch the lp and pull through. dc in next bpdc, fpdc in next fpdc, fpdc in next bpdc, dc in next fpdc, popcorn st in next bpdc, dc in next fpdc, fpdc in next bpdc, fpdc in next fpdc, dc in next bpdc, popcorn st in next fpdc, dc in next bpdc, fpdc in next fpdc, fpdc, in next bpdc, dc in 2nd ch of ch 2 at beg of  previous row,  This is the right side of your headband.

Row 7: ch 2, turn, bpdc in next 2 fpdc, dc in next dc, popcorn st in next popcorn st, [ on wrong side rows insert your hook from the back to the front to catch up the lp  this will have all your popcorn stitches facing the same way ]( dc in next dc, bpdc in next 2 fpdc, dc in next dc, popcorn st in next popcorn st, dc in next dc, ) 2 times, bpdc in next 2 fpdc, dc in 2nd ch of ch 2 at beg of  previous row,

Row 8: ch 2, turn, fpdc in next 2 bpdc, dc in next dc, popcorn st in next popcorn st, [ on right side rows insert your hook from the front to the back to catch up the lp this will have all your popcorn stitches facing the same way ] ( dc in next dc, fpdc in next 2 bpdc, dc in next dc, popcorn st in next popcorn st, dc in next dc, ) 2 times, bpdc in next 2 fpdc, dc in 2nd ch of ch 2 at beg of  previous row,

Repeat row 7 and 8 until you have  19 ( 20)  { 21 }  inches total ending with row 8.

End Ribbing

Row 1: ch 2, turn, fpdc in next fpdc, bpdc in next fpdc, fpdc in next dc, bpdc around top of popcorn st, fpdc in next dc, bpdc in next fpdc, fpdc in next fpdc, bpdc in next dc, fpdc around top of popcorn st, bpdc in next dc, fpdc in next fpdc, bpdc in next fpdc, fpdc in next dc, bpdc around top of popcorn st, fpdc in next dc, bpdc in next fpdc, fpdc in next fpdc, dc in 2nd ch of ch 2 at beg of  previous row,

Row 2: ch 2, turn,  ( bpdc in next fpdc, fpdc in next bpdc, ) 8 times, bpdc in next fpdc, dc in 2nd ch of ch 2 at beg of previous row,

Row 3: ch 2, turn, ( fpdc in next bpdc, bpdc in next fpdc ) 8 times, fpdc in next bpdc, dc in 2nd ch of ch 2 at beg of  previous row,

Row 4-5: repeat row 2 and 3 sequentially End off leaving a 15 inch tail,

Assembly

Holding wrong sides together using the 15 inch tail sew the 2 ends together matching stitch to stitch.

Once ends are sewn together, then weave the needle and yarn through the stitches back across. Gently pull the yarn until the joining gathers up to the tightness you desire. Lock in with a couple tiny stitches at the end.  Sew button into center of gathered joining.   

Created and Designed By

Kathryn A White

May be duplicated for private use, But not for resale

March 5th 2013

Never boring around here. Trip, Blog tour and Car woes.

“We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world”
― Helen Keller

We finally got to spend our weekend up at Dead Horse State Park this last weekend. We were supposed to go the weekend before. But ended up car shopping.

Actually we ended up combining business and pleasure this time as we picked up the car we had bought as they were supposed to do some work on it. ( Will go into that later ) 

So we actually had a vehicle with us to go see some of the sites in the area besides the motor home.

We enjoyed ourselves immensely. Though we were a couple weeks to early for the wild flowers up this high. My luck this year. We did see a lot of birds though. I managed to get a few good shots.

The Blue Herons were abundant around the lagoon and not camera shy like some places I have been.

Captured this fellow checking us out

I am trying to perfect catching birds in flight.

This guy cooperated with me and gave me my first decent shot.

Above the lagoon an Osprey was playing on the thermals. What an awesome sight.

At the ruins at Tuzgoot this little White crown was our guide.

We also went to Montezuma's Castle.

The ruins there are quite impressive.

And I did manage to find a few wildflowers.

Unfortunately we will be going back up there tomorrow and returning the vehicle we purchased. They didn't fix something they were supposed to and how they by passed the problem gave us some real concerns as to their trustworthiness. So we get to start car shopping again. If you note a lack of enthusiasm here you are right. We thought we were done. But there are some things you just can't live with.

On a brighter note.

Tomorrow two of my good friends will have their days on the

Tour through Crochet Country.

If you not familiar with what's going on there check it out 

tourthroughcrochetcountry

Susan Lowman here and Michele Maks Here . 

Be sure to go visit their blogs tomorrow.

Remember I have my day on Thursday and I have a free pattern I will be posting that day. I am such an impatient person and this waiting for my turn has been sooo hard.

I have enjoyed the posts by everyone else and I have read each and everyone.  

I get to share my day with my mentee Lori Carlson.

We are both thread lovers.

And it's only Wednesday

“True life is lived when tiny changes occur.”
― Leo Tolstoy

Been quite the week and it's only Wednesday.

Monday we got a call about our car which was in the shop yet again. They finally decided to total the poor thing.

They tried straightening the frame more than once and it still wasn't right so they finally called it a loss and put us out of our misery.

This has been a part of our life since the middle of last July when we were hit by a young man making an improper left turn. Turned right into us in the intersection.

So my good intentions of writing nice breezy crochet blogs this week went right out the window.

We started shopping immediately as we only had a limited time for the rental car they were providing us. So in a whirlwind we searched high and low for the right vehicle to replace the Forerunner.

We did feel that the car had protected us in the accident so decided another Toyota was a good candidate. We finally found one we both agreed upon. It's a Toyota Tacoma crew cab pickup. 4 wheel drive, 2007. Marv says he will haul dirt and bricks for me as I need them for my yard projects. I must admit it will be easier to do that with a truck than a SUV.

To make matters worse I got a nasty cold. So I wasn't the most comfortable while we were searching. Alright I will confess Marv was super patient with his irritable cranky wife. The poor salesmen really didn't stand a chance. It's hard to be cheerful,and smiley when you feel like the..... well I can't think of anything polite to say so you will have to use your imagination. Especially doing something you don't really like doing in the first place. It did have the advantage of they did leave us to ourselves after I snarled at them a time or two. 

I did manage to find a little time to work on my projects. Probably the only thing that kept our marriage from falling apart here. Marv has learned though over the years. If I get too stressed hand the lady a hook and set her in a quiet place and leave her alone....

I do have some bragging rights to share. I had intended to share a post about this on Monday.

I have two patterns in the Spring issue of Interweave. One is my Promenade Shawl, the other is my Promise necklace. I have to round up a picture of the necklace. But I do have a couple pictures of the shawl.  

My Promenade shawl resting before it left my house.

Promenade shawl

I was doing a photo shoot today and I had a very serious director.

Not much gets by Elsie.

And finally to make my day better I thought I would add a bright spot.

Hopefully the rest of the week will get better and better.

I am off to crochet and veg the rest of the evening.

Weeks catch up

“I've got nothing to do today but smile.”
― Simon and Garfunkel

 

I know I am so bad about keeping up with my writing here. Seems like the days just slip through my fingers.

The weekend was a kick here. We went to the Renaissance Fair on Saturday. I went in costume. I got to wear my head piece that I designed as part of my costume. I got lots of great comments on it.

It's always fun to show off your crochet. Even more fun when it's something you have designed.

Tuesday was Prescott and the Crochet meeting. Always a great day. Love spending time sharing my passion with these great ladies.

The rest of this week so far has been dealing with the Toyota. Yes it still isn't right. The accident was in July and we are still having issues with it. Seems the frame is bent. Now they are trying to decide what to do about it. It took them long enough to take us seriously that it just wasn't driving right. Very frustrating for Marv that they just wouldn't hear what he was saying. It will be nice to get this resolved. Either fixed or replaced. But we don't feel we have to drive a substandard vehicle when it wasn't before the accident. 

Other than all that my hook has been flying. Trying to get some of these designs done and ready to ship out. Though I am going to have to do most of last weekend work. Just wasn't right and I really worry about not putting my best work forward. If I don't feel good about it, it doesn't go. I would rather redo that settle for my 2nd best work.

Well here are some pictures of the Renaissance Fair. Will post more tomorrow.

Me in my full costume. Tried to keep it simple and comfortable

Okay Marv caught me playing around

I go to the Renaissance Fair and what do I take pictures of?

Flowers.

I can't seem to help myself.

This gentleman was part of the shows warm up. He was charming a couple kids here.

And only a fiber artist would take pictures of the wool in the raw.

This ewe was kind enough to pose nicely for me.