Cinematic Orchestra - The Man With The Movie Camera

This is one of the first songs that I ever heard by The Cinematic Orchestra years ago...I think it's still my favorite. But then again, I have so many favorites by this band, they're really one of the very best and one that I would LOVE to see live.

I had a call from a very nice lady today who lives in New Jersey. Her daughter bought one of my crochet patterns, but doesn't crochet, so she was making it for her daughter and had a question. She explained when I first spoke to her last week that she was 89 years old, she didn't have a computer, so the only way I could help her was to talk to her. She was so sweet and gave me such compliments on my pattern and how her opinion of the style, stitch, etc. (Kelechi beanie). It was really fun to talk to her.

I've been thinking about submission(s) for Vanna's Crochet Contest this year. I think for sure I'm going with a purse idea that's floating around in my head. Still trying to put it together in my head before attempting right now. And the fact I'm so behind on my mother's Christmas gift she requested last year. I'm getting a little worried. I'm only about 90 squares in, and I have ALOT more to go. At least I'm joining as I go and the ends are weaved in. There is going to have to be a CROCHETING MARATHON for a few days in order to get that one done by Christmas.

Gerald's Game (again)

Just thought I'd throw in a random, non-crochet related blog post. I'm reading Gerald's Game again. This was the first Stephen King novel I ever read, about 15 years ago. I then found it on clearance at a Hollywood Video when they were getting rid of all of their audiobooks, so I couldn't leave it in there. That had to have been over ten years ago, and they're actual cassette tapes! I dusted them off and decided to go on this psychological rollercoaster ride one more time and I'm almost done. This still remains one of King's best (out of the few that I've read) in my opinion. It's just making me want to revisit my other favorites now.

Akudo Fingerless Gloves

I had an Etsy customer purchase the Akudo Toque last week in gray to match a pair of handknit gloves that she purchased from another seller on Etsy. I have yet to create a pair of fingerless gloves, and it got me to thinking what the Akudo fingerless gloves would look like if they existed. The stitch pattern used on the Akudo pieces is perfect for fingerless gloves, and it sort of has a hand knit look about it, not to mention how warm they would be. I experimented a little and came up with something I'm really happy with. I can't wait to start wearing mine.

I don't think I have ever posted a picture of the Akudo neckwarmer...here it is.

Kaima Convertible Shrug

I’m finishing up the writing portion of my most recent designs, the Kaima Convertible Shrug (thanks again Jane for allowing me to use your fabulous photos). Testing for this is coming to a close as well, should be getting the final comments in a day or so. I’ve worked this pattern three times, just finished the last a few hours ago. This was the first time that I had 3 patterns being tested simultaneously, so I’ve felt very busy in the last few weeks. Very inspired as well…anticipating the changing of the seasons. Fall being my favorite. There are a few other designs that have at least made it to my notebook, so perhaps there will be a few new additions to the collection.

Akudo Slouchy Toque Hat

I've been extremely busy lately...but always manage to get some crocheting in, especially this time of year. This is the Akudo Slouchy Toque Hat which is nearing the end of the testing process now. I'm thinking that a complimenting neckwarmer is needed to finish this off. I don't usually work on so many projects at once...there's another separate project that is nearly done being written up that I hope to start having tested by next weekend also, and yet another garment that's waiting also partially written that I need to revisit. The fall weather will be upon us in weeks, although it hasn't felt like this extreme heat will be relenting any time soon. This item will be a great one to give as gifts, especially for those who live in cold climates, this hat will be warm and snuggly.

Parcels

How often do you get a (pleasant) surprise in the mail? I happen to be a HUGE fan of parcels, and admit that I like ordering things for myself online so that it feels like I'm getting a little present in the mail. I even try to order more than one thing at a time so that when they arrive, I'm not quite sure what it is that I'm opening. Anyways, I did happen to get an ACTUAL surprise on the 8th. I ordered some rayon boucle cone yarn online from a seller I've been using for years. I was looking for a specific yarn that I was sure I wouldn't be able to find again and had just used the last of my own. When it arrived in the mail, not only was it a perfect match, but she had put an extra cone of the yarn in the box as well! That made my day, almost as much as the second package that arrived that day. I was only expecting one package, and my husband was also expecting one. So to my surprise, he tells me they are BOTH for me. I open it and realize it's the hat I submitted to the Vanna White Knit & Crochet Contest. I'd already gone to the site and didn't see my name or my project anywhere as one of the big prize winners. So why had they contacted me to send in the hat, right? Well, they returned the hat along with a few goodies, I HAD actually been a finalist and won a prize which included a Michael's gift card. When I entered the contest it was almost too late and I thought maybe it was a design contest rather than the use of Vanna's yarn. Anyone could have submitted the hat using my pattern. But it was one of my best sellers so I submitted it anyway. I'm not a total loser after all I guess. I'm planning on entering the contest next time, hopefully I'll be more prepared and have a really creative entry.

Emume Bolero - Cropped Version

Finally done with the Emume (ee-moo-may...meaning "Celebration or festivity" in Igbo) bolero pattern. The photo is of the cropped length which is included in the pattern along with lots of pictures. This is the first time I tried testing on Ravelry through the free pattern testers group I recently joined: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/free-pattern-testers. I love how organized this group was and immediately joined. I received such good feedback from my 5 testers and each of them has linked their Ravelry project page to the pattern which is available now on Ravelry and through my Etsy shop. My mother's birthday is on Friday and I think I'm giving her one with one of William's handmade buttons on it. I'll definitely be using this group again to test my next shrug pattern, which is completed, although the pattern is not written out yet. I'm taking a few days off work to relax so I'm hoping to have it written out soon and get the testing process under way.