Classes

The winter schedule for my favorite yarn store should be out shortly and I'm teaching four classes, the monthly CBAM (crochet block-a-month), plus two rounds of beginning crochet. I love teaching beginners - get 'em early, addict 'em fast!

Snow Bobble Hat - Tuesday, January 8, 6-9 pm
Planning a trip to snow country – or to the blustery beach in January? This cute hat will keep head and ears toasty warm. The pattern is for a child’s hat but is easily customized for adults. Working in the round, you’ll learn to make bobbles (much easier than in knitting!), crochet in the front and back loops, and more. For this class you need to know basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain, single and double crochet). Skill level: Advanced Beginner. (similar to the one pictured.)

Crocheted Socks - Tuesday, February 26 & March 4, 6-9 pm
Take advantage of all the beautiful new sock yarns and join us for a crocheted sock class. These custom fit, in-your-shoe socks are crocheted in the round. You’ll learn about shaped toes, heels, gussets and more. With a few tricks and a little practice, we’ll have you making socks in no time. No prior sock making experience is necessary, but you need to know basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain, single and double crochet). Skill level: Advanced Beginner.

Entrelac Scarf – Tuesday, April 1, 6-9 pm
Crochet and entrelac - together? You bet! Entrelac is a technique used to create a diamond pattern resembling basket-woven strips of fabric. You’ll learn this easily mastered process while making a multi-colored scarf that can be felted if desired. Knowledge of Tunisian crochet is helpful but not required for the class. You need to know basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain, single and double crochet). Skill level: Advanced Beginner.

Perfect Spring Shawl – Tuesday, April 29, 6-9 pm
Be prepared for those chilly spring and summer evenings with this easy to crochet wrap. The Perfect Spring Shawl sits lightly on the shoulders and tapers slightly at the edges for a touch of elegance. The pattern is easily adjustable for a shawl that fits you perfectly. For this class you need to know basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain, single and double crochet). Skill level: Beginner.

Crochet Block-a-Month - 3rd Tuesday of each month, beginning January 15, 6-9 pm. We'll do a variety of squares, concentrating on cables and popcorns and bobbles, oh my!

Beginning Crochet
1 - Tuesday, January 22, 29, and February 5, 6-9 pm
2 - Saturday, February 16, 23, and March 1, 4-6 pm

I think I'm going to be busy!

Random Tagging

Tag - I'm it. I was tagged by April with the 8 Random Things thingee.

Here’s the deal: Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.

1. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the carols and lights and decorations. Not so much the shopping and commercialism. My second favorite holiday? July 4th. **Love** fireworks.

2. I love taking classes. Sunday I'm taking a needle felting class with Jane Davis. Tomorrow night I've got a rigid heddle weaving class. I don't have a rigid heddle loom; I wonder if it's significantly different from my floor/table loom? If I love RH weaving, Dick will have an easy Christmas - he'll know exactly what to get me.

3. I used to be deathly afraid of dogs, especially big dogs, but it just went away about 5 years ago. When I was in high school, a friend's German shepherd tried to take my nose off. He missed, but not by much. Most dogs I meet these days are friendly and I enjoy them. No interest in getting a dog though - my kitties would not be amused.

4. Grandchildren are the best. Spoil 'em and send 'em home. Just wish they all lived closer.

5. I like clutter. Anyone who has seen my craft room (or my old office) is nodding in agreement. It just makes me more comfortable.

6. I also like having multiple projects going at one time. And I love Ravelry because I can organize all my projects and stash and books and future projects - and more. Thank you Jess and Casey!

7. I love Project Runway and Top Chef. Couldn't wait for the new season to begin. And it's all Rachel's fault - she's the one that got me hooked on both.

8. My top 'must-see' destinations are Antarctica, Russia and China. I love traveling, especially to places with a lot of history like London and Paris. Love coming home even more.

Ok, I'm tagging Wenona, Cheryl, Rachel, Becky, Tanya, and Kimberly. I'm looking forward to your randomness.

Every Girl Needs A Pony

Dick and I found this adorable rocking pony while out shopping today - and couldn't resist giving it to Addison as soon as we got back to the house. Mom will put it away tonight until Christmas, but we got to see how much Addy loved her first pony. As soon as she gets off, she gives the pony kisses and pets his nose. I think it's true love. Rachel decided Addy needed a white bobble hat so I made another one last night. The yarn is smaller so the hat is a little tight, but it should stretch out. I hope they don't loose her in a snow storm!

Tech specs: Lion Brand Baby Soft in Baby White Pompadour using a "G" hook.

Play Day

Rachel and John went shopping today (finally! I didn't think we'd ever get them out of the house so we could have Addy all to ourselves) so we had a play day.

Addy's decided that Grandpa is lots of fun. He makes silly noises and funny faces and she giggles like crazy. Addy loves standing on her head grabbing Grandpa's mouth, and playing 'Where's Addy?". Peek-a-boo! Addy also discovered my crochet hooks and yarn. After watching me work for awhile, she asked to try crocheting and got right to work. She was fascinated and played with them for over half an hour, switching hooks so she could get just the look she wanted. My own little yarnie. I'm so proud!

Happy Turkey Day!

While the rest of us slept in this morning, Rachel and Tanya did a 5K walk, getting a jump start on all the calories we put away at Addy's Aunt Chris and Uncle Joe's house. The food and company were wonderful. Addy got bored with the football game, so she and Mom read a book before lunch. A quick nap back home and Addy was raring to go. She's almost figured out how to make her walker toy go forward; she's much better at going backwards. Last night she stood up behind it and took 4 or 5 steps over to Mom. Rachel and John don't know what they're in for once she starts walking!

Addy was kind enough to model her latest hat. This one was fast and easy - it took me an hour and twenty minutes to finish, including weaving in the ends. The red and white bobble hat is still my favorite, but doesn't Addy look stunning in purple?


Tech specs: Yarn is Caron Simply Soft Baby (100% acrylic) in Sweet Orchid; I used almost exactly one skein. Hook size "H". Pattern is The Basic Helmet from Serendipity Crochet.

Happy Addy Day!

Addy and brother, Colton, celebrated their birthdays together today. Addy turned one and Colton turned 18 last Friday. On her big day, Addy went shopping with Grandpa in her new hat, practiced for tomorrow's big game -

Touchdown! Go, Packers! (just kidding, Dad) -

opened presents - played with her new toys - and had her first birthday cake.

Hmmm, what's this? It feels kinda funny, Mom. Maybe I should try a bite. Hey, this is pretty good! And it's all for me!! I swear I will eat all the cake, and nothing but the cake. But Mom, I only made a little mess.

Happy first birthday, Addison!

Zero to 3" Overnight

Look what we woke up to this morning - it was snowing when we went to bed last night. We woke up to about 3" of the white stuff and it's still coming down. Looks like a white turkey day for us this year. We spent yesterday afternoon with Addison. Rachel picked her up from Grandpa Jim's and dropped her off with us during her lunch break. Addy wasn't sure about us at first, but she figured out pretty quickly that we're push-overs.

Addy is a paparazzi's dream. She loves cameras and poses, looking straight into the lens, whenever one comes near her. She can be half asleep, all comfy on daddy's lap, but as soon as she hears the camera turn on - she's wide awake and watching. The only way to get a 'candid' shot is to distract her - turning her upside down usually works.

Addy was kind enough to model the two hats I made her. The froggy hat looks even better upside-down and backwards. And I love the bobble hat - I hadn't yet finished the ear flaps and ties when I took this photo. Isn't she the cutest? This is my take on the Child's Helmet Hat from 24-Hour Crochet Projects. The first try, made according to the pattern, ended up in the trash. I like my version better.

And did you notice that Addy isn't looking at the camera? We had two cameras going - she decided mom was the one who needed watching.

This Is Why I Work From Home*

So the cats have someplace warm to nap.

* 3 hours a week x $$/hour = Yarn Money!

Treasure Trove

I love going to flea markets, especially the one in Ventura. I've found some incredible things there, including my beloved Bekki, an unused, fully-functional Ashford Traveler spinning wheel for just $65. We occasionally go to the Rose Bowl flea market, but the prices are usually higher and I don't find as many things I can't live without.

Today's favorite find was this casserole dish - I love the fluid lines and the steam vent in her mouth. No chips or cracks, and the dirt from its days as a planter was easily removed. A bargain at $15.

Sandy spotted this gem but decided she didn't want it. It's hand-painted and the turkey (chicken? The painted tail looks turkey-ish to me; this is now my Thanksgiving egg plate) comes off to reveal a little yellow bowl - great for olives or pickles. $9.00, marked down from $20 because there's a little chip on the red comb.

A lovely crocheted apron for a whopping $3. It's in great shape except for a little discoloration in one spot. It reminds me of the "dress" aprons from the 50's and 60's. It's probably of more recent vintage but it's still cool.

Dick found some old tools and calipers that he wanted and we also bought two Edison records. Dick has a small collection of these, and a player to play them, so I try to buy unique ones when I find them. These are both in good shape, still have their lids, and the songs listed on the container are what is actually on the record - which is rare. I've seen these go for $20 or more; our two were $8 each. The day's most unusual find? OK, the most unusual find that actually came home with us? A spinning wheel - just the wheel, nothing else. The metal and wood are in good shape, just in need of a good cleaning. Dick plans to build a functional spinning wheel around this. No need to reinvent the wheel, right? (sorry; I couldn't resist.) A $10 treasure. I spotted three spinning wheels today, but none came home with me. One was a great wheel that looked to be in excellent shape; I'd love to have one, but they are just too big to fit in this house. Another was a traditional wheel with a metal treadle, probably from the early 1800's, also in good shape. This style just doesn't appeal to me as much as castle wheels and the $280 price tag was a little much. The last was a castle wheel with a lever on the front so you could push the treadle with your hand rather than using your foot. It was only $65 and I was tempted - but it was in sad shape, with thick black paint covering every surface. It will have to be someone else's treasure.

Yesterday we went to a sale by Ojai glass artist, Teal Rowe. We have a couple of her pieces that we love - including a glass paint brush (scroll down) - and added two more to our collection. Dick chose this teal bowl - I couldn't get a good photo; it's much prettier in person.

I picked out this yellow vase - I love the fluid lines and swirls of color. So pretty.