The Craft Quotient

Give a Girl a Journal

2016-02-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

My favourite creative living coach, Jamie Ridler of www.jamieridlerstudios.ca has launched an initiative around what has been a constant in my life: journaling.

Her program is called Give a Girl a Journal. The idea is that if we provide young girls with their very own journal to write, draw - be creative in, a means of expressing themselves that's just for them, the possibilities for what it can bring to their lives, is endless.

I have kept a journal since I was about ten, I think. My first was a yellowish-coloured, small hardcover book, with the dates marked off and a few lines for each. It was probably meant more as a date book, but I used it to record happenings in my life. An early entry read, in very awkward printing, "I got two teef pulled today".

I started writing more consistently in middle school when adolescence is waning and new thoughts and emotions appear, and the teenage years take hold. I started in exercise books that I made pretty covers for out of wrapping paper. I moved on to a variety of different, more attractive journals that are so enticing in the store. I occasionally still buy one of these books to add to my collection. But my favourite go-to now is a Moleskine large, hard-covered lined journal. I think the paper quality is not quite as good as it used to be, but it still takes gel pen well and it doesn't try to be anything else other than a place for my thoughts and emotions.

I've had some health struggles in my life, including now, where my journal has helped me stay on course. Depression has been one of those factors, and keeping a journal has been an important tool to help me through it. I haven't been much for re-reading old entries, but now I think it's time to start revisiting the work of my life, and see the lessons I have learned.

If you would like to spread some do-good and be a part of this program, please visit Jamie's site at giveagirlajournal.com to either sponsor a girl to receive a journal, or nominate someone you know who would benefit. Give a girl a journal, inspire possibility. The program launches on today, Sunday, February 14th.

#giveagirlajournal

New project on the hook: Convergence Top

2015-07-26T14:08:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to make The Convergence Top for a couple of years now. It's a modern looking item and would be a good addition to my wardrobe. And it's crocheted!

The pattern is from Interweave Crochet.

My favourite local yarn store, Pudding Yarn was having its annual Stampede Sale, so the Noro was on sale. Yippee!

I didn't manage to get the colourway that was used in Interweave's photo, but I like the one I did choose.

I did start the pattern right away. However, I seem to be having trouble with gauge and sizing. My swatch turns out perfectly, but when I go to make the size that I think I would need, it seems HUGE.

Luckily there is an article in the new Simply Crochet, currently my favourite magazine for new patterns, about sizing garments. I will let you know how I progress!

My first online sale!!

2015-07-26T11:54:00.001-06:00

I was very excited this week to learn I had made a sale in my long standing Etsy shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/thecraftquotient

I went ahead a few years ago, and got a banner up and made some steps towards policies, pricing, shipping etc. I photographed a few things, but I only renewed items a couple of times after posting. Then in the winter this year, I decided to try again, but didn't post any corresponding blog posts nor did I do much advertising/social media.

So I was thrilled, in the midst of a more stressful week, that somewhere, someone had found my shop and liked what they saw.

I had a lot of fun packaging up the items and getting them ready for shipment to their new owner.

It's a small accomplishment, but it lets me know that I should keep on with this hobby business of mine. It's a good feeling.

On Happiness

2014-03-20T17:23:00.003-06:00

It's the first day of Spring, and also the International Day of Happiness! Lots to celebrate.

Winter, even though it's being really stubborn, will eventually wane and Spring will arrive. We have had glimpses of what's to come, a week or so ago, so we can hold on to those warm memories until Spring really IS here.

And a whole day dedicated to being happy. As someone who has dealt with depression for long periods of time, I know that finding happy can be very challenging. So if you haven't already, list three things you're grateful for right now, smile even if you don't feel like it, find something funny to make you laugh. Hug someone you like or love.

Here's a video from Jamie Ridler at openthedoor.ca, someone who always makes me smile:

Keep smiling and be happy!

Knit Your Own Cat

2012-03-29T16:44:00.003-06:00

This is such a good idea on so many levels. Since I am allergic to animals, a knitted cat might do the trick. Unfortunately, I only crochet. Knit Your Own Cat by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne

The Hunger Games

2012-03-28T16:32:00.000-06:00

Hunger Games inspired necklace by ArtCity2011 on Etsy.com

I am right in there with they hype for the Hunger Games. I am currently looking for a job so I needed a novel that was engaging, but not too taxing. When that kind of reading is in order, I turn to Young Adult fiction. This one does not disappoint.

The subject matter initially seems really dark, and rather surprising considering its target audience. However, I got over that part fast and was readily swept up in the page-turning plot.

I'm really curious about this new type of genre where 'reality' is set within a fiction. You will have to read the book to know what I mean. Television shows are starting to explore this. I can't stand much reality tv, but I like it when it's fictional. I also think a good discussion could be started on how the book relates to our global climate, but its more fun to look at all of the items on Etsy that were created with the Hunger Games in mind.

I'm off to read a little more of Catching Fire, the second novel in the series.

I am frustrated today

2011-09-25T18:41:00.003-06:00

I was reading through that last post of mine. It seems that when I make any kind of declaration - especially public, I crumble under the pressure and avoid the said declaration at all costs. I have been working on plenty of projects, although a lot of them have been personal. Nothing wrong with that of course, it's just not moving me forward towards my personal/professional goals. I do have a lot of projects that are ready to go for the shop, but I am stalling on the pictures. I need to take some good pictures. I am capable of taking good pictures, but I haven't done a lot of product photography. I spend a lot of time - way too much time - worrying about outcome, instead of JUST DOING. Which is a big thing in art isn't it?
I am hoping to find some more courage through Stephanie Levy's Creative Courage e-course. I am feeling rather stuck and I am hoping for a little loosening of my reins. Putting some paint on paper may help. I am hoping my blog doesn't turn into a place for me to whine about being stuck. Because that would be pretty boring.

So I've decided

2011-02-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

I needed a new name for my lackadaisical blog, as well as a shop name. I liked Craft Interrupted a lot, but someone else is using that name and now selling too, before I got my act together.
Oh well. Although funny, in my case it had slightly negative connotations. I'm more determined to make a go of this now. I've been laid off from my job, and I'm so fed up of putting a lot into a place and still not really being rewarded in the end. It's time to REALLY make a go of it on my own.
So hopefully, you'll be seeing a lot more from me.

Monday nights.

2010-06-07T22:42:00.005-06:00

I usually have very big plans that are full of productivity for my Monday nights. Of course, after the first day back at work, after a weekend, well let's just say that the couch - or in my case, an IKEA Poang, looks a lot more enticing.
I have managed to do a little bit of each main item on my main Monday list though. So that's a start. Mainly, I'm writing a post!! This is truly exciting. (Maybe not for you, but certainly for me). I was inspired by Kristin Roach over at Craft Leftovers to make a blog plan. I am not actually going to share it with you in case I decide to change it. But Craft Interrupted is going to see a lot more posts I think.
It's been a slightly hellish year so far. Lots of emotional roller coasters. I need to focus more on what's important to me personally and I've decided that finding inspiration from stuff people make and creating my own stuff is definitely high on that list. And I really do want to have a blog. I just shouldn't be worried about what I'm actually posting, so much.
I'm hoping to talk about books, works-in-progress, recipes I've tried, stuff I'm thinking of trying, etc. WE'LL SEE. I am interrupted after all.

Craft Interrupted indeed

2010-02-09T22:48:00.002-07:00

I feel like I haven't done anything crafty lately. Although, that isn't entirely true, because I was at a Stampin' Up party recently and made a whole bunch of delightful kids' cards. But I haven't felt like touching my crochet.
I have been really interested in picking up the art journaling more. The process really fascinates me. I am catching the 'Teesha bug' which iHanna turned me on to. I've been working on one spread for about a year and a half. Craft Interrupted indeed! I need to do some more backgrounds, so I can go right into collage without thinking about it. Backgrounds require some preparation though. You have to pack up the laptop, clear a space, get your paints out, etc. What can I say. Tiredness gets the better of me sometimes. Procrastination. Abundance.
I think I'm moving towards a craftier life though. I always wanted to do more art and craft projects when I was younger. But I put them off always for crazy, perfectionist reasons. I am a much happier person for delving into stuff, even if it's not perfect. The art is the hardest. Art, I was told, was never my strong suit. But I still love it. Laying colour down on paper is deeply satisfying.
I am going to try and get in the habit of writing more. From there, maybe I'll start posting pictures. One small step at a time. Rather than perfect from the get go.

Christmas Presies - now that its March

2009-03-13T21:16:00.013-06:00

So I am going to make a concerted effort to update my blog much more regularly, because, well, its time. There is lots I have to learn still - like how to take a more appealing photo of the things I make, for posting. I am constantly wowed by the quality of photos by craft bloggers around the web.
I managed to get organized this Christmas, and get a few presents made. Thanks to Planet June, I bought some cute patterns. The figgy pudding is actually free, although its good to support a fellow crafter. :-)

And darn it, I think I saved the file too small. Bear with me as I sort all this out. Anyway, the kids loved these little guys and I do too. I would like to make a whole slew of them.

The figgy pudding was a big hit. I added a thread loop to the top, so it could be hung on the Christmas tree.

Sorry its a little blurry. As I said - got to get used to taking close-ups of my projects. Here's a picture of all the pudding parts, ready to be assembled:

I had lots of fun doing these projects, but truth be told, I was sewing most of the day on the 24th. The best part though, was when my youngest nephew came in to 'help' me with my projects. I gave him a crochet hook to play with and a ball of wool. He informed me that the hook was actually a 'wooler' and that's what I was to call it. And the ball of wool - well. Later his mother must have spent a good 45 minutes untangling it. So much fun. Good memories.

Daisy

2008-09-01T10:53:00.000-06:00

Daisy, originally uploaded by Charme Hawksmoor.

Well, it's been absolutely ages since I truly posted new material. What with a new job, a new life, a new town...I have been rather busy with doing other things and keeping my head on straight.
I made this sweet crochet mouse in about an hour. It's about two inches long. And as my caption says, I made it for a new friend who was leaving the office.
The pattern is from Planet June and I plan to make a few of these little critters for my nieces and nephews. They are so easy, and so fun! I have lots of other projects in the works that I have to write about.
One new thing is my very own sewing machine!! YAY! I have been wanting one for years. On the coldest, yuckiest day of the summer yesterday, I managed to complete three projects! I think I've got the bug.

New Year's 'Resolutions' off to a slow start

2008-01-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

Now that it's January 17th, I am finally getting around to posting what I wrote on the eve of the end of the old year. Here it goes:

The last few years, I have decided not to make any distinct New Year's resolutions.
Mostly because I was finding that in years past, if I made resolutions and didn't stick to them, then it would just depress me. I had to let go of self-expectations becasue the consequences were too great. I was too depressed in general.

In recent years, I have worked hard at changing my way of thinking and also learned to be much gentler with myself (thanks so much to yoga practice and philosophy). This has helped me enormously in my pursuit of happiness.

But this year, I am coming up with a few reloutions, goals, changes in the way I live, whatever you want to call it.
After reading Hanna's inspiring post and also with the help of Mae (discovered through Hanna) I have come with a few goals that I will actively persue. I know enough about myself now that if my resolutions don't happen, I won't beat myself up about not completing them - just come up with new ways to work on some of the goals. But most importantly, be happy.
My New Year's Resolutions are - not necessarily in order (some of these are borrowed):

1) Consume and spend wisely
2) Improve health with yoga and smarter eating habits
3) Relish in compassion and patience

The documenting blogger (Mae) suggests 8 for the year 2008, plus add one for good luck - I really like this idea. I am still working on it though. But I have to do a journal entry first in order to come up with my 9. I am going to keep the 3 for sure though.

I am feeling fairly optimistic, though, about the New Year. This is a nice change.
I just thought of one that I thought of a couple of weeks ago. I want to improve my penmanship. I am sick of having messy handwriting. So:

4) Improve penmanship
5) connect with loved ones far away through (handwritten) correspondence.

Of course, I want to spend a lot more time on craft. And, I want to spend a lot more time blogging about it too. I am SO inspired by all the bloggers I read consistently and constantly. Truly talented people. Since I moved to Calgary, I am a member of the Garrison Stitch and Bitch Club, which has increased my crochet output greatly. I am going to post some pictures of completed...and not completed projects soon!

What I really want to start doing though is visual journaling or art journaling. I think I am a little terrified of this. I can literally spend hours looking at all the spreads on Flickr. I have books, and plan to order more, on the subject. But still, I do not create! I am trying not to collect too many art supplies, because I have more than enough. I just need to DO!

Good news is, that I now have the use of a scanner. Joy! I love scanners. It will make the blogging thing easier. I wonder what it would look like if I scanned a crochet project?

Anyway. That's all for now.

Crochet of Yore

2007-11-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

Child's Sweater, originally uploaded by Ellensy.

I made this project several years ago. It was originally supposed to be for me niece, but by the time I got done, it didn't fit her. Apparently the sleeves are really tight for anyone but a new baby...hmm. I am still working on 'clothing' items in crochet.
I am finishing up a summer bag at the moment. After that, I am going to do a few smaller projects so I can try some new techniques, and it won't take me forever to do. I plan to make felted potholders and then lacy/holey half gloves after that.
I need to challenge myself a bit rather than making stuff in single and double crochet all the time. Of course, my shaping skills need lots of work...
I have joined a 'Stich 'N Bitch' club though, which is very motivating. I even started working on my Vintage Stripe Blanket again, which is fun to do, and so easy while watching TV.

I do want to get to be a regular blogger...something I will have to work on.

More pictures:

Magazine Madness

2007-06-14T19:44:00.000-06:00

Magazine Madness, originally uploaded by Notebook Addict.

So, I am moving. Which is a good thing. I am going to try it out in Calgary for a while.
I have big conundrum though. I LOVE magazines. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. I keep thinking that I will go through all of them and cut out the articles, recipes and pictures I want to keep.
Now I know that I need to get rid of a lot of these glorious books so that I have less to store, but how do I decide?
How do I figure out which magazines will not provide me with future inspiration? I see such beautiful collage work on Flickr that I also want to create.
And magazine cutouts are useful for this.
I suppose there will always be more to come...

0703blanket0206b

2007-04-29T21:22:00.000-06:00

0703blanket0206b, originally uploaded by Notebook Addict.

This is my vintage stripe blanket. I haven't worked on it much lately, but hopefully it gets a lot larger. Right now it would only cover the last foot of a bed.

ATC Junk Swap

2007-03-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

I made my first ATCs before Christmas for a swap run by www.swap-bot.com The theme was to use cardboard that you would normally recycle (hopefully), such as tissue boxes, cereal boxes, under kinds of boxes, etc.

For my first two ATCs, I used a tissue box, some decoupage clips and a pop-out punch.

For my second two, a cereal box was involved, some rubber stamps and some scrap printed paper.

Projects on the go...

2007-03-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have a few crochet projects on the go right now. I decided to take a few pics, after seeing so many other pics on the web, of the same sort of thing.

Lake Louise, Alberta

2006-12-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

I went to see some family out in Calgary, this September. On one of the days, we hiked up to a tea house on Lake Louise. I don't have the name of it right now, but it was very beautiful to be in the mountains.

Sushi for lunch

2006-11-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

My lunch.

My sister's lunch.

My Mum's lunch.

I took these at YoYo's last May when my oldest sister and I took my Mum for her birthday lunch. I liked how they turned out, so I decided to post them.

The Visual Journal

2006-10-20T10:49:00.000-06:00

I have been reading alot about creating visual journals, illustrated art books and the like. I have been obsessed with this for the last several weeks. I have been reading about it (like I said), going to Flickr everyday to see if there are new posts, buying different types of notebooks, repurposing notebooks that I originally bought for something else, buying art supplies...but I haven't done any actual journalling. But MAN, am I prepared! I already have tons of old magazines, so I don't need any collage cut-outs...I will just cut up some old mags.
I have been writing more in my regular journal lately, which is a good sign. I feel less stressed when I do that. I used to write all the time, but at some point I stopped cold turkey due to unforseen circumstances. However...getting back to it, which I am very happy about. I am using a lot of ellipses in this post.
I have a friend coming to visit this weekend, so I doubt I will be journaling much this weekend...but she's of the same ilk, so you never know.
Happy craftinG!

Slowly but Surely

2006-10-11T11:04:00.000-06:00

I think I have finally figured out what I want to do with this blog. I am going to write about the pursuit of all my various projects, and my successes and failures with them. Now, initially I was thinking strictly craft projects, but that's too limiting for my 'Scanner' personality. I will include photography and writing projects too. I am trying to make a living in this world as an artist...initially I started in journalism, and I would like to go back to this. I write the odd freelance article for a magazine, here and there.
I should really get myself a digital camera so that I can post photos more regularly. Here and on my website.
Perhaps this new direction for the blog will help me post more regularly.
Ciao.

It's been a long time...

2006-06-22T12:58:00.000-06:00

I was really into the blogging thing for, uh, a few days. Which seems to be the way of things lately for me. I am absolutely 100% passionate about something, and I am going to do this, this and this and then...fffttt. Wha' happened? Anyway...back to blogging. I have been looking at a lot of different blogs over the past couple of weeks, getting a feel for what a blog is all about. There are some really stellar photo blogs out there.
I would like to get into posting photos, but as of yet, I am not digital, so the process is very slow.
My weekend looks like its booking up, which is good, considering the nice hot summer weather.
I need to spend some time swimming this summer...that would be good.

Bleh

2006-06-02T08:40:00.000-06:00

I have got a really bad cold. I am never sick like this. I hate it. I can't wait till its over.
Bleh.

My whitewater days are over

2006-05-31T09:52:00.000-06:00

Today I put my pretty pink kayak up for sale. It's a very sad day.