5 Ribbons, 4 entries
Went to the Alameda County Fair yesterday. Boy, was I pleased and surprised that my entries did so well! Just busting my buttons here. Penny says I'm going to be hard to live with, but I've won ribbons before (see the pout).
Ok, here's the rundown. Bread & Butter pickles, 3rd place (white ribbon).
Awesome Blossom Hat from Jean Leinhauser's book 100 Crochet Projects, 2nd place (red ribbon). The Stained Glass Afghan won Blue again! And---drum roll, please---the Bees & Hive filet got not only a Blue ribbon, but a Judge's Special Award for fair theme. Yea! And I almost didn't enter it becuz I found an error as I was packing it to take to the fair grounds. However, I'm sure most people looking at it can't figure out what is so special about it. It is folded so you can't see any of the bees and it's laying flat in a case and you can hardly even see the hive.
There are pics in the County Fairs 2007 album. However, I forgot to load a pic of the beehive laid out so you can see it, but will do that tonite when I get home.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Jamil's going to Japan
Jamil is a young man I know that has gone out of his way, many times, to keep my computer up to speed. He helped me buy this machine about 4 or 5 years ago, has spent countless hours completely erasing the hard drive on the old one so I could resell it. He has answered all my questions on how to set up a blog, made me cheat sheets so I could do things myself before the new blogger templates. In fact, he just upgraded my memory (computer, of course) so I would be all set while he is gone. No hope for my memory. Not even Jamil can make it work any better.
He works for Hitachi and they are sending him to Japan for a year. I can't pretend to know what he's doing, but it does have to do with computers and some kind of science. It's a promotion for him and he will get all kinds of good training while he's gone.
To show him just a small appreciation for the things he's done for me, I crocheted this cap and scarf for him. Thought it suited him, as he is professional and trendy (no grunge here). The set is made with a new yarn to me, Caron S
imp
ly Soft Shadows. It is soft, but not limp like the Simply Soft Brites. It has one strand of basic color, in this case, navy blue. Then another strand that changes gradually from one shade to another. I really like it, and will probably use it again for another project.
imply Soft Shadows. It is soft, but not limp like the Simply Soft Brites. It has one strand of basic color, in this case, navy blue. Then another strand that changes gradually from one shade to another. I really like it, and will probably use it again for another project. Tuesday, June 12, 2007
CGOA
When my friend Margaret was here in May, we discussed joining CGOA and attending the conference in Oakland in Sept. She lives in Florida, so it's a bit of a trip for her. Well, she is making arrangements to come back here so we can do that. But, she has been up to more than making travel arrangements!
The other day I got an email from CGOA with a Gift Membership from, guess who? Now, I was going to do that, but she beat me to it. Then an envelope arrived from CGOA and in it was the prettiest little membership pin. Think I'll wear it when I go the guild meeting Saturday.
Now, to pick out which classes to take at the conference. Not being independently wealthy, must choose carefully. Can only afford a couple this year, if I want to have anything left over for yarn. The 2 I'm leaning toward right this minute are Crochet Lite, instructor Karen Klemp on Sat, and Crochet with Wire, Nancie Wiseman on Thurs. I have Nancie's book, but haven't done anything with it yet. And the Crochet Lite looks interesting cuz I seem to be into making wearables right now, but most of the patterns call for ww yarn and that just seems to be too bulky and stiff. I have been doing some experimenting w/lighter weight yarns, but why reinvent the wheel if someone has already done it for me.
When my friend Margaret was here in May, we discussed joining CGOA and attending the conference in Oakland in Sept. She lives in Florida, so it's a bit of a trip for her. Well, she is making arrangements to come back here so we can do that. But, she has been up to more than making travel arrangements!
The other day I got an email from CGOA with a Gift Membership from, guess who? Now, I was going to do that, but she beat me to it. Then an envelope arrived from CGOA and in it was the prettiest little membership pin. Think I'll wear it when I go the guild meeting Saturday.
Now, to pick out which classes to take at the conference. Not being independently wealthy, must choose carefully. Can only afford a couple this year, if I want to have anything left over for yarn. The 2 I'm leaning toward right this minute are Crochet Lite, instructor Karen Klemp on Sat, and Crochet with Wire, Nancie Wiseman on Thurs. I have Nancie's book, but haven't done anything with it yet. And the Crochet Lite looks interesting cuz I seem to be into making wearables right now, but most of the patterns call for ww yarn and that just seems to be too bulky and stiff. I have been doing some experimenting w/lighter weight yarns, but why reinvent the wheel if someone has already done it for me.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Contra Costa County Fair
Well, the fair season is in full swing. We went to the CCC fair yesterday. I entered an afghan that will eventually end up in Penny's TV room, along with a doily that I made for the tall boy in my bedroom. After much nagging, Penny entered a cross stitch Indian that she made for me for Xmas last year.
The CCC fair is very small, but we had a really great day. We looked at the animals, ate Polish sausage corn dogs, drank strawberry lemonade, watched people. Finally, had to go see the exhibits. As soon as were in the building, we split up looking for our entries. I think we found them at about the same time.
Much to Penny's surprise & delight, she has a 1st place Blue Ribbon on her cross stitch. She just didn't think it was all that great, no matter what anyone told her. Like most of us, she makes her needlework for love for the ones she loves.
My first thought was kinda disappointment that my afghan didn't win anything. Then Penny said unless there is another Cay from Hayward entered here, you also have a Blue Ribbon. The way the tag was attached, it looked like it belonged with another entry and I didn't even notice it.
But I did notice the big rosette & Yellow Ribbon on my doily. It took Best of Division. WooHoo!! I've never won one of those before. In fact, I was so excited about that I didn't notice the Blue Ribbon on it.
So, 3 entries, 4 awards! Not bad for not entering any county fairs for several years, and Penny's first ever fair.
Now she is really excited about the rest of the season.
You can see the pics in the album County Fairs 2007.
Well, the fair season is in full swing. We went to the CCC fair yesterday. I entered an afghan that will eventually end up in Penny's TV room, along with a doily that I made for the tall boy in my bedroom. After much nagging, Penny entered a cross stitch Indian that she made for me for Xmas last year.
The CCC fair is very small, but we had a really great day. We looked at the animals, ate Polish sausage corn dogs, drank strawberry lemonade, watched people. Finally, had to go see the exhibits. As soon as were in the building, we split up looking for our entries. I think we found them at about the same time.
Much to Penny's surprise & delight, she has a 1st place Blue Ribbon on her cross stitch. She just didn't think it was all that great, no matter what anyone told her. Like most of us, she makes her needlework for love for the ones she loves.
My first thought was kinda disappointment that my afghan didn't win anything. Then Penny said unless there is another Cay from Hayward entered here, you also have a Blue Ribbon. The way the tag was attached, it looked like it belonged with another entry and I didn't even notice it.
But I did notice the big rosette & Yellow Ribbon on my doily. It took Best of Division. WooHoo!! I've never won one of those before. In fact, I was so excited about that I didn't notice the Blue Ribbon on it.
So, 3 entries, 4 awards! Not bad for not entering any county fairs for several years, and Penny's first ever fair.
Now she is really excited about the rest of the season.
You can see the pics in the album County Fairs 2007.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
This N That
The filet is about 2/3 done. On row 82 of 110. Of course, it then needs a border which sometimes takes longer than the project. If you want to see a picture in progress, Anita took one at the Crochet Soiree in Oakland last Saturday, and has it posted on Crochet Partners. Take a look at the other work done there. A couple of beautiful afghans.
A couple of posts ago I was inventing a tool for working with these graphs, then discovered someone already did it for me. Check this out. http://www.marilyns.com/detail.cfm?ID=532 Well, I found this at Joann's and I can't believe what a difference it has made in how fast I can work across a row. Yea! But, it is short, so I have ordered the longer one. I have never ordered from this place before, so not sure how long it may take to receive.
Margaret was here from last Thursday til Monday morning. Really hated dropping her off at the airport on my way to work.. But we had a great time while she was here! Mostly visited and searched thru crochet patterns, showed off what we're doing and what we want to do. She started a doily for her grandmothers dining room table that she and her sister have in their home. I started a summer sling tote in Sugar and Cream. Went to the Crochet Soiree on Sat and then to Antioch to drop off fair entries for the Contra Costa County Fair which opens on 5/31. We have been friends for so long that we have seen each other at our absolute best and worst. It is so comforting to know that I have friends like this.
One of my biggest pet peeves right now is the yarn that is available in the stores. We were in Michaels & WalMart over the weekend and the yarn available would make you think winter in Alaska, not summer in California. Heavy, wool. The only sportweight yarn to be found is baby yarn or Microspun. I have nothing against baby yarn for babies, but I don't particularly like those colors for me.
I am probably noticing this most right now as I am in search of s/w yarn for a project. Bless the Cp'rs who helped me out. Sherri in So Cal sent some RH sport weight acryclic, Peter gave me Lily elite, Margaret brought Cool Crochet from FL, I bought Microspun and have some Lustersheen left over from another project. Now to swatch, swatch, swatch, and figure out which of the above yarns are best for this project. Then I will get online and order what I need.
I just added a list of some of my favorite authors to the side panel of my blog. If you're looking for a good book, check them out.
The filet is about 2/3 done. On row 82 of 110. Of course, it then needs a border which sometimes takes longer than the project. If you want to see a picture in progress, Anita took one at the Crochet Soiree in Oakland last Saturday, and has it posted on Crochet Partners. Take a look at the other work done there. A couple of beautiful afghans.
A couple of posts ago I was inventing a tool for working with these graphs, then discovered someone already did it for me. Check this out. http://www.marilyns.com/detail.cfm?ID=532 Well, I found this at Joann's and I can't believe what a difference it has made in how fast I can work across a row. Yea! But, it is short, so I have ordered the longer one. I have never ordered from this place before, so not sure how long it may take to receive.
Margaret was here from last Thursday til Monday morning. Really hated dropping her off at the airport on my way to work.. But we had a great time while she was here! Mostly visited and searched thru crochet patterns, showed off what we're doing and what we want to do. She started a doily for her grandmothers dining room table that she and her sister have in their home. I started a summer sling tote in Sugar and Cream. Went to the Crochet Soiree on Sat and then to Antioch to drop off fair entries for the Contra Costa County Fair which opens on 5/31. We have been friends for so long that we have seen each other at our absolute best and worst. It is so comforting to know that I have friends like this.
One of my biggest pet peeves right now is the yarn that is available in the stores. We were in Michaels & WalMart over the weekend and the yarn available would make you think winter in Alaska, not summer in California. Heavy, wool. The only sportweight yarn to be found is baby yarn or Microspun. I have nothing against baby yarn for babies, but I don't particularly like those colors for me.
I am probably noticing this most right now as I am in search of s/w yarn for a project. Bless the Cp'rs who helped me out. Sherri in So Cal sent some RH sport weight acryclic, Peter gave me Lily elite, Margaret brought Cool Crochet from FL, I bought Microspun and have some Lustersheen left over from another project. Now to swatch, swatch, swatch, and figure out which of the above yarns are best for this project. Then I will get online and order what I need.
I just added a list of some of my favorite authors to the side panel of my blog. If you're looking for a good book, check them out.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Graph Markers
I am working on a filet pattern that has 301 stitches across and is 110 rows high. Very easy to get confused where you are. I am currently using a metal board with a magnet strip to help me stay on track with the rows. Penny taught me a trick about using it the other night. She came in to see what I was mumbling about, and I explained that the magnet covered up the row just done, and you kind of build off previous rows. She looked at me like I was a complete idiot and then said, put the marker above the row you are working on. Duh! So that seems to be working ok, but I got lost somewhere on the way across the row. It doesn't help that you work one row right to left and the next left to right. So last night I frogged about 10 rows (that's over 3000 stitches) and I still haven't found my mistake.
I had tried using a hi-liter to keep track of where I was but I was spending more time marking than crocheting.One of my CP's suggested using something like a magnetic needle that you can push along as you go, but needles are round and would probably move too much. But it got me thinking!
So this evening I came up with the perfect solution, but have no idea how to do it. Take a clear plastic ruler (so you can see all the rows) make a channel in the center, insert a small arrow that you can move along as you work. When you get to the end of the row, move the ruler up a row, reverse the arrow and you're off and running. Now if I just knew someone who works in plastics.
I am working on a filet pattern that has 301 stitches across and is 110 rows high. Very easy to get confused where you are. I am currently using a metal board with a magnet strip to help me stay on track with the rows. Penny taught me a trick about using it the other night. She came in to see what I was mumbling about, and I explained that the magnet covered up the row just done, and you kind of build off previous rows. She looked at me like I was a complete idiot and then said, put the marker above the row you are working on. Duh! So that seems to be working ok, but I got lost somewhere on the way across the row. It doesn't help that you work one row right to left and the next left to right. So last night I frogged about 10 rows (that's over 3000 stitches) and I still haven't found my mistake.
I had tried using a hi-liter to keep track of where I was but I was spending more time marking than crocheting.One of my CP's suggested using something like a magnetic needle that you can push along as you go, but needles are round and would probably move too much. But it got me thinking!
So this evening I came up with the perfect solution, but have no idea how to do it. Take a clear plastic ruler (so you can see all the rows) make a channel in the center, insert a small arrow that you can move along as you work. When you get to the end of the row, move the ruler up a row, reverse the arrow and you're off and running. Now if I just knew someone who works in plastics.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Recent Doings
I just finished the afghan I plan to put in the fair circuit this summer. I think it turned out really nice. It will eventually live in Penny's media room so the colors are shades of purple. Took a picture, but couldn't get it to upload from the camera to the computer, so will have to try again. Maybe I need new batteries in the camera. Who knows!
I bought some yarn for the Diamond Patch sweater that I'm trying to convert from knit to crochet. It is Tofutsies sock yarn. More $ per skein than I usually pay for yarn, but this is a special project. The color is varigated aqua, lime, purple and white. Wrong yarn for this project! The design of the diamond is totally lost in the busyness of the yarn.
So, I have ordered another sweater pattern from Karp Styles for this yarn, cuz I really like the yarn. But now I have to find yarn for the Diamond Patch.
There is an article at Annie's Attic today about converting knit to crochet, and they are not exaggerating about it taking patience and being trial and error. I guess eventually I will get this sweater on the road. Don't think it will be difficult once I work out all these little problems. Just very time consuming.
So, while I am waiting for patterns, and yarn inspiration, I started a filet doily last night. It is bumblebees with a beehive and am doing it in sz 20 thread and 10 hook. Starts with a chain of 304 and is 110 rows. I did get the 1st 3 rows done last night. My goal is to have it finished in time to enter in the Alameda County fair, so have about 1 month to get it done.
I just finished the afghan I plan to put in the fair circuit this summer. I think it turned out really nice. It will eventually live in Penny's media room so the colors are shades of purple. Took a picture, but couldn't get it to upload from the camera to the computer, so will have to try again. Maybe I need new batteries in the camera. Who knows!
I bought some yarn for the Diamond Patch sweater that I'm trying to convert from knit to crochet. It is Tofutsies sock yarn. More $ per skein than I usually pay for yarn, but this is a special project. The color is varigated aqua, lime, purple and white. Wrong yarn for this project! The design of the diamond is totally lost in the busyness of the yarn.
So, I have ordered another sweater pattern from Karp Styles for this yarn, cuz I really like the yarn. But now I have to find yarn for the Diamond Patch.
There is an article at Annie's Attic today about converting knit to crochet, and they are not exaggerating about it taking patience and being trial and error. I guess eventually I will get this sweater on the road. Don't think it will be difficult once I work out all these little problems. Just very time consuming.
So, while I am waiting for patterns, and yarn inspiration, I started a filet doily last night. It is bumblebees with a beehive and am doing it in sz 20 thread and 10 hook. Starts with a chain of 304 and is 110 rows. I did get the 1st 3 rows done last night. My goal is to have it finished in time to enter in the Alameda County fair, so have about 1 month to get it done.
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