Chain Necklace

Chain, Chain, Chain

Knitter's Journey

This is a kit I picked up at the Knit & Crochet Show in Minneapolis. The picture is a little dark, but it is made with silver wire and purple beads. Right now I'm not sure I like crocheting with wire. The whole process was very tedious and I am such a perfectionist that I wanted all the chains to be the same. The advice I was given was not to fight it and let the crochet hook do the work. That's what I tried to do. The only change I made was to twist the strands (I made four) before attaching the clasp. It is a pretty necklace and one I will wear, I just doubt if I'll make another one anytime soon.

Projects in Progress

This is the start of my very first attempt to design a garment. I want to make a cotton lace top that fits loosely so a tank top can be worn underneath, or it could be worn as a vest during the colder months.

So far I have a swatch completed. It is made from size 10 mercerized cotton. Yes, it will take a lot of thread and will take some time and it uses a small steel hook. I don't mind. Many of my very first projects were doilies and Barbie-doll-type clothes. The next step is to block the swatch for the gauge. Then the sizing charts, graph paper, and a calculator will take over my work area.

Wish me luck!

What I Am Reading

Still reading Saving Fish From Drowning, by Amy Tan. I haven't gotten very far this week. Our Americans think they are guests of a primitive village, while the village people think one of the Americans is a god re-incarnated--I think.

Other Stuff

There isn't a whole lot going on in my area of the country. The weather is beautiful for late August and the pollen count is very high. I did find out some of my health issues are due to allergies, so the better part of the weekend has been spent trying to get rid of as much dust and pet dander as I can. This is turning in to a very difficult job, especially with two dogs who spend a lot of time in the house. If I can keep them out of the bedroom, I can at least have a pet dander/dust free place to sleep.

I am slowly getting more items up at DinaMarieCrochet. Come on over and check it out. I am still offering 10% off. Use BLOGGER01 for the coupon code. Once I get everything in, I just may have to have a bigger sale.

Have a good week!

The Chiton Pullover

Chiton Pullover

Designed by Melissa Wehrie

Knitscene Winter/Spring 2011

Made with Reynolds Cricket

This simple pullover is very simple and I absolutely love it! The directions are clear and easy to follow and, most important, it fits just like it is supposed to fit. Even though the temperature is still a little warm, cooler days will be here soon. I can wear this now as is and in the fall I can layer it with a long sleeve t-shirt.

Projects in Progress

I don't have anything in progress now as I just finished up all my projects (for now). See below for more information.

What I Am Reading

Here is an update on Saving Fish From Drowning, by Amy Tan. I am really enjoying this book, although it is taking me some time to read. Not because it is difficult, but I just haven't had much time. I did get a sense of the explanation of the title. On page 162 of my edition the phrase is explained as a Burmese phrase of the Buddhist belief in not killing animals. (Warning. this is a long quote, but I feel it is needed.):

"...They (Burmese fishermen) scoop up the fish and bring them to shore. They say they are saving fish from drowning. Unfortunately...the fish do not recover.

"...Did these people actually believe they were doing a good deed? Why, they had no intention of saving anything! Look at those fish. They were gasping for oxygen, and the sellers who squatted nearby, smoking their cheroots, hardly possessed the caring demeanor of emergency doctors or hospice workers. 'It's horrible,' she said at last. 'It's worse than if they just killed them outright rather than justifying it as an act of kindness.'

"'No worse than what we do in other countries,' Dwight said.

"'...Saving people for their own good'".

I am at the point were something bad may be happening to the travelers. Their tour guide is definitely missing.

Other Stuff

I do apologize for not blogging for the last couple of weeks. I have been more than a little under the weather. My health is getting better. If I would slow down, I'm sure I would feel a lot better.

I have also been getting ready for the local arts fair, which was yesterday. I am a little disappointed with the fair. Not the fair itself. The day was perfect for an outdoor event and, considering this was only the third year for this particular event and the number of booths doubled from last year, the event was well organized. My disappointment was that not many people were buying. I know the economy is not good, and after talking to experienced vendors, I don't feel as bad since they are having the same problems. People are looking, but not buying. My very sweet neighbors in the booth next to me advised me not to give up. Many thanks to my friends who stopped by to offer their support. I am truly blessed.

I did learn a lot from my first time out as a vendor--I need bigger tables! Some displays would also be nice. I have a year to get more things ready and to find a bargain on tables and displays.

My Etsy shop is a little empty right now, but it will be back to full soon. Give me a week or two as I am also going to make some updates with the store.

Finally, as you may have heard, we had a horrible tragedy at our Indiana State Fair when the wind from a storm toppled the stage for a concert. Many people were injured and so far, six people lost their lives. My husband's cousin is one of the seriously injured and she is still in an induced coma. Please keep her and all the victims and their families in your hearts as we work through this terrible disaster.

Have a good week!

Knit and Crochet Show

There isn't much to report for this week. We got back last night from spending five days in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the Summer Knit and Crochet Show sponsored by CGOA and TKGA.

This conference was awesome! I met some new friends and attended three classes. I learned from Joan Davis how to properly take measurements and consider the different types of ease when choosing the size of garment to make. Also from Joan Davis, I took a class in crochet camisoles that fit. My last class was a fun bead crochet class (see picture above), Double Helix Crochet Necklace & Bracelet, taught by Darla Fanton. I spent way too much money at the vendors market.

Now I'm home and need to go back to work tomorrow so I can start saving up for the next conference in 2012. I also need to figure out when I'm going to have time to implement some great ideas for designing and to use up the yarn I came home with.

Have a good week!