Vera's Crafty Blog

Good Morning!

2013-05-01T07:26:14-04:00

What's Crafty?

It has occured to me that one of the reasons I don't blog as much is that when I am not knitting or crocheting, then I have nothing to blog about. This was especially problematic last year when I wasn't doing either.

I have done posts--mostly gone on rants--about current events. I also review books and movies from time to time, but mostly, I'm all thumbs when I have nothing to say about my fiber crafts.

Anyway, I shouldn't limit my definition of crafty to just what falls off my hooks and needles--although fiber art will always take center stage.

I recently found, pretty much by accident, that I love to curate photos for my (almost) daily Good Morning post on my Facebook page. I find that a pretty, intriguing, or whimsical photo is a good way to get the day going.

Orgin Unknown

I think it may have gotten started with this one from Pawel Papis Photography. It jumped out at me. I love all the pinks and the composition.

Here's another by Papis that I'm digging.

Autumn Envy

Autumn doesn't come to Charleston, SC that heavy, so I get "Autumn Envy, and I adore some good fall foliage.

Karma Camellias

Sharing photos makes me realize how much I love flowers and camellias are some of my favorites. These are two from The Southeastern Camellia Society's page. The yellow one is especially breathtaking.

Sure Shots

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is just down the road from me, and I feel lucky to live so near such beauty. These next three are my own. I'm a poor photographer, but it's hard to take a bad picture there.

Peace, Love, and Understanding

These photos gives me a peaceful easy feeling. The last one is of the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston Can't remember where I got any of them from.

Rubber Ducky, You're The One

This makes me smile and feeds my Anglophilla. From the This is Great Britian page.

Up, Up, and Away!

I love balloon photos. Sometimes, I share them on Fridays. Here's one I found on Pinterest.

Take it away, May...

And Good Morning to you!

BTW, I am working on a sock.

Last Dance

2013-04-28T14:12:38-04:00

Looks Like I Made It!~~4KCBWDAY7

Day Seven (Sunday April 28th): Looking Forward
One year from now, when the 5th Knitting & Crochet Blog Week rolls around, where do you hope your crafting will have taken you to? What new skills, projects and experiences do you hope you might have conquered or tried?

This could be anything from mastering a technique (broomstick lace, entrelac, etc), trying a new yarn or skill, or a long term wish to crochet only from your stash, or knit every stitch in one of the Harmony Guides. Maybe you have no desire or plans for your craft at all, no new element of knitting or crochet that you dream of mastering, in which case write about why that might be. In a year's time participants will be asked to look back to see if they achieved any goals, no matter how general, and see which house conquered the art of looking forward.

The seven posts that I did for this Knitting and Crocheting Blog Week more than tripled the number of posts I did last year, so I already feel good about that accomplishment if nothing else.

I also learned how to do charts--well sort of--and I discovered that the cameras will not break if I do a vlog.

I don't have a real knitting or crocheting goal except to do more of it, and to tell you more about it, gentle readers, as well as other little germs and gems I pick up along the way.

Last Dance

Earlier this month, I wrote about, Knit, my LYS closing down. While Saturday May 4th is the last day, yesterday, was little get together of sorts with food, drink, fellowship, and commerce.

This paella was off the chain, and I probably drank just a little too much sangria.

Kat, Mollie, and Pam enjoying the sunshine, and good eats.

Matthew, his wife Ritarsha, and Pam having a laugh.

Beth of (A Bolt from Beth) passing along some her incredible knowledge to Matthew and his daughter.

Connie with some "Connie Green" Koigu and Gloria.

I snatched up just a few more patterns. Really like the Knitting Pure and Simple ones.

The last two Addi Swing crochet hooks. I don't use sizes B and C much, but what the heck?

Some square double pointed needles by Kollage, and some Artyarns Supermerino (Color 137) for some Thujas which are already in progress.

And some Claudia's Handpainted sock yarn in colorway John B. I'm thinking of the Turkish Bed Socks for it. Despite what I said about shifting to neutral tones, I still love my handknit socks bright and noticiable for the most part.

I had to get a souvenir too.

While yesterday was fun, I couldn't help but think that that will most likely be the last time I go to Knit. Although the store is emptying out, and I'm buying the one of the laptops, there's still a nice selection of yarn. I want to end things like they ended yesterday. Next Saturday will be too sad.

I'll still have my yarn and there's a super cute shop in nearby Summerville that's expanding, and there's most of all, my Knitsibs.

I don't make friends easily in real life, and the Knisibs have been that to me. Our Saturdays at the shop were not for the slow, easily offended, or faint of heart, but they were the best of times. Sometimes, I felt like the poor, unsuccessful one when I hear about their more fabulous lives and adventures, but I also felt that in the scheme of things, that didn't matter. Knitting opened up real friendships with people that I would have never met under any other circumstances.

Their encouragement is one of the reasons I got back to blogging because I trust them when the they tell me that they like my blog and look forward to reading it. I had a bad time at the end of last year and got off track, but I'm slowly putting things back together and blogging is part of the process.

Thanks guys. Group hug.

Love to Love You, Donna

I was stunned when I heard about Donna Summer's death last year. I didn't know she was sick, and was angry at myself or not keeping up as I should.

Donna, along with Judi Dench and Meryl Streep, is one of my Goddesses*. Disco never died for me, largely because I loved her music so; wish I could hit that last long note in McArthur Park ,and found her in interviews to be an intelligent and talented person.

I did see her a while back in Myrtle Beach, got to meet her briefly, and secured an autograph, but she remains imprinted in my heart as one of the best.

Fabulous glasses n'est-ce pas?

So, here's to you, Donna and Knit. Some people may find it funny that I grieve for a celebrity I didn't know and a yarn store, but both touch my heart and my heart touches back.

So, let's dance tonight.

*Not in the Charlie Sheen way, of course, but because they are women I respect and admire.

Go Go Gadget Girl! 4KCBWDAY6

2013-04-27T06:32:22-04:00

Day Six (Saturday April 27th): A Tool To Covet

Write about your favourite knitting or crochet (or spinning, etc) tool. It can either be a tool directly involved in your craft (knitting needles or crochet hook) or something that makes your craft more pleasurable – be it a special lamp, or stitch markers.

Is it an item that you would recommend to others, and if so for which applications/tasks do you think it is most suited. Conversely, do you have a tool/accessory that you regret buying? Why does it not work for you?

In nine--yes nine--years of blogging, I may I have repeated stories, but never reprinted a post, but I cannot say it better than a 2011 post that was inspired by Knitting and Crochet Week. Pretty much everything stands.

I've done some minor editing (ABE--Always Be Editing), and my updates are in bold.

Take it away, ghost of Vera past...

***

I'm Just "Tool" Sensitive

I love the entire process of knitting and crocheting--scouting for patterns, caressing yarn, being smoothed by the click of needles and the pull of the hook, and of course, showing off my creations.

I'm also a bit of a gadget girl.

There's nothing like the marriage of a good pattern, yarn, and accessories. I love it when it all comes together.

Needles, hooks, gauges, bags, counters, boards, pads, pins, tape; I'm all about a good notion. Like Alton Brown is to cooking, I am to my needlework. The tool must be right.

If it isn't just right, I feel a bit like the hypersensitive heroine of The Princess and the Pea *(Please see the story at the end of the post), and get irritated and struggle.

On the other hand, a good accessory can make working on a project a joy forever.

Hang 'Em High

When possible, I prefer to work with circular needles, and Addi Turbos have been favorites from the beginning. However, they can be a pain to organize and store, and I'm glad that I got The Circular Solution from Patternworks early in my knitting life.

When I need a needle, I can just grab and go.

Now if my straights and double points looked so good.

[I have since attached one of my beloved needle gauges to it so I can keep things on track.]

Measure It

I was so out of sorts when I misplaced my needle and hook gauge from Nancy's Knit Knacks that I went out and brought another one as soon as possible, only t0 find the first one.

Bonus: I've got two.

I feel the same way about my Gauge Wizard ruler magnifier. I haven't lost it, but I just want another one around, just in case.

Who says taking measurements have to be boring? Not my friend.

Dōmo arigatō, Mr. Roboto.

The Secret

You can never be too rich, thin, or have too many stitch markers. My Namaste Buddy is kinda sweet too.

[I got this one from a sock club selection from The Loopy Ewe. I also have a green one that I brought beforehand. Now there's a Better Buddy case, and I want one in pink. They are great.]

The same goes for Chibis. I had such a difficult time with keeping tapestry needles before. Well, I still misplace Chibis, but they are so much easier to find than needles, and cuteness does count.

Fixer Upper

Another early in my knitting life purchase is my dentist tool from Patternworks. The small hook is wonderful for picking up dropped stitches and the pick has gotten me out of a lot of jams.

Again, I covet a second one.

Bag Lady

My array of knitting bags is best saved for a future post [I really must get to that], but these Namaste Oh Snap! pouches are great! They make things easy to carry everything for an individual project and transport from bag to bag. I like that I can see the contents of the bag and so does the TSA.

[In case you are wondering, the project is the He Said/She Said Cowl from Chic Knits]

Cipering Along

I have plain, circular, kacha kacha, bracelet, and even electric row counters, and they all come in handy depending on the project, but here is my go to way to keep up with patterns.

Yes, the self-proclaimed "Gadget Girl" goes analog, but this works best for me...

It works even better if it is a Hello Kitty notebook.

Remember, cuteness counts.

*Patrick is very sensitive to even the smallest speck of dust in the bed, and I've spent too way many nights being woken up so that he can shake out of some near invisible force was irritating him. Thus, I dubbed him, "The Princess and the Pea" to quizzical glances. This went on for years. One day, we spoke about it and I told him the fairy tale, and I realized that he thought I was calling him "The Princess and the Pee" all these years.

Glad we cleared that one up.

Ah, marriage.

***

Thanks for the Earworm

You're welcome!

Girl on Film~~4KCBWDAY5

2013-04-26T07:35:36-04:00

Day Five (Friday April 26th): Something A Bit Different
It’s the annual challenge to blog in a way different to how you normally blog. You may choose to create a podcast, or vlog, create a wordless post or write in verse. You've already stretched your wings with an infographic, now it's time to freestyle. You can post on any topic you like, but be sure to post in a style different from your usual blog presentation. There's not too much guidance for this one simply because the more varied the posts are on this day, the wider the sources of information for other bloggers will be. Bonus points if you manage to work your house animal in somehow.

No Makeup, No Script, No Problem

I knew immediately that I wanted to do a vlog or video blog. Thought it woud be nice for those who have never seen or heard me to do so. I never used the camera that I have on the computer, and was a little intimidated by it, but it turned out to be easy to use.

After a tiny bit of practice, I recorded this lightly planned stream-of consiouness chat on Wednesday night in one sitting. I did the annotations last night.

Take it away, me!

Overall it was a lot of fun, so I may do another vlog in the future. I'm really learning a lot this week!

In hindsight I probably should have fixed up more and been better prepared, but I suppose I wanted to give you my version of cinéma vérité. I'm shocked that I went over nine minutes. Patrick thought it was funny and a good first effort, but I said too many ummmms.

Hope you like it.

Tomorrow: A Tool to Covet

Shifting to Neutral~~ 4KCBWDAY4

2013-04-25T00:12:24-04:00

Knitting and Crocheting Blog Week Day 4~~ Color Review

What are your favourite colors for knitted or crocheted projects. Have a think about what colors you seem to favour when yarn shopping and crafting.

Only after writing this part of your post should you then actually look to see what colors you have used in your projects. Make a quick tally of what colours you have used in your projects over the past year and compare it to the colors you have written about. Compare this, in turn, to the colors that are most dominant in your yarn stash – do they correlate?

Now think back to your house animal - do the colors you have chosen relate to your animal in anyway - if you are in the house of peacock, for example, are your projects often multicolored and bright?

What's Your Favorite Color, Baby?

I often close blog posts with a video. It's about time to start with one.

Let's rock!

I don't think I have a favorite color, I tend to shift pallets.

Hello Colors!

There was a time that gravitated towards pinks, bright blues and berries. Here are some of my yarn purchases from some years ago.

First, some caveats...

Yes, I should have made something with these yarns by now.
No, you cannot have the Wollmeise! The yarn at approximately 1 o'clock.
I do plan to make the Just Ribbing Socks with the Apple Pie Laine (blue) yarn and Broadripple socks with the Cascade Fixation (the pink yarn in the center)
This is just a small sample of my yarn stash. I actually have enough start my own store. Please don't call Hoarders.

It got to the point that my knitsibs and the owner of the LYS would set aside yarn for me in a my Hello Kitty pallet.

Still Life: Brown Girl in a Brown Sweater

The Vera Sweater changed all that. I was enchanted by her from the moment I saw her, but was baffled as to a color for her. I felt a bright color would be garish, but I didn't want white or cream. The LYS owner suggested brown, but I was all like, "A brown girl in a brown sweater won't work." She mentioned that my skin tone has a red (or perhaps yellow, I'm unsure) cast, and the color would compliment.

I trusted her, and knitted one of my favorite sweaters brown.

Here she is blocking.

...And here I am modeling. How now brown...Okay, you get the point.

I adore this sweater so. In fact, I wore her to work yesterday, but what the it did was give me permission to wear neutrals. I still like loud colors for socks and hats, but I'm into earth colors now.

Witness some recent yarn purchase.

Seriously, don't call Hoarders.

Now, I'm all, "Earth mama--no drama."

By the way, I kind of dislike yellow and black together--with apologies to the House of Bee.

Still buzzing, though.

InfoMation Please! 4KCBWDAY3

2013-04-24T07:31:11-04:00

The Trouble With Day 3

There are many ways of conveying information on a blog; text and images being the two most widely used. Many infographics combine both these elements to provide a visual way of presenting text information.

Make your own infographic (no fancy imaging software needed, you can draw it on paper and photograph it if you want) to convey any element of your craft(s). It can be just for fun or a thoroughly researched presentation of an idea/finding.

I'll admit, I was less than thrilled when I read today's topic for the first time. I can riff on my projects and music and Shakespeare and such, but my fingers get tongue tied at the mere mention of graphics. I had no idea what to make a graph about or even how.

I refused to let either deter me. I love infographics, even have a Pinterest board dedicated to them. Now I have a post title.

Now, for an infographic subject. I would be nice to do something on all the yarn I have and needles I have, but I didn't have the stamina to dig through all that. Busy bee that I am, I didn't feel like gathering all my UFOs either.

Ravelry to the Rescue!

I've been a Ravelry member since 2007, and I'm generally good about putting my projects on the site, and I currently have 190 of them, so I decided to make an infographic based on my Ravelry projects. If you are a Ravelry member, you can see my project page.

A Method for Her Madness

Then I thought about looking for a quick and easy was to make a graph. I know that the instructions said that I could make something on paper and photograph it, and while that method has its charms, I wanted something something better looking than my artwork, so googled about and came up with infogr.am. It's free and and easy to use.

Knitting v. Crocheting Projects

Here's the relationship between the number of knitting versus the number of crocheting projects that I have placed on Ravelry. You can move your cursor on the graphic for the numbers.

Projects on Ravelry--Knitted v. CrochetedWelcome to Pro! | Infographics

Zoons! I knew I had more knitting projects, but I have knitted more than I thought. I really do love knitting and crocheting equally, I promise.

Here's what I have for categories of projects that I have placed on Ravelry. Can you guess what I make the most of?

Projects on RavelryWelcome to Pro! | Infographics

Hats, of course!

I'd like to make more gloves and mittens. I did make some during my BR (before Ravelry) days. I hadn't realized that I've made so many scarves and cowls. Naturally, I have a fairly big number of UFOs, but that's kind of the way I roll.

What a fun and insightful excerise to see my own data graphically. Nice to have a new tool as well. That's what these blogging challenges are all about.

Note: After looking at the blog, I noticed that the graphs are too big to fit the column, and I don't have enough skills to fix it quickly. If you can, please let me know.

Tomorrow: Color Review

The Secret Life of a Doily

2013-04-23T08:00:29-04:00

Knitting and Crocheting Blog Week~~A Mascot Project~~4KCBWDAY2

Your task today is to either think of or research a project that embodies that house/animal. It could be a knitting or crochet pattern – either of the animal itself or something that makes you think of the qualities of that house.

Alternatively it could be a type or colour of yarn, or a single button. Whatever you choose, decide upon a project and blog about how and why it relates to your house/creature.

What in the hive is a bee to do?

I decided to buzz about around Ravelry and found this.

It's the Busy Bees Doily by Elizabeth Hiddleson from the May,1988 issue of Decorative Crochet.

Ah! doilies! I love them so. The thin thread and the steel needles. They are so pretty, just works of art all. I've been through my bouts of doilimania--here, here, and here. Perhaps it is time to do a new one.

While I have a small collection of old Decorative Crochet and Magic Crochet magazines (with a Crochet Fantasy thrown in for good measure), I didn't have this one, so I brought a copy on Etsy.

...And I dug up some size 2o DMC Cebelia an a size 8 (1.5 mm) steel needle. The pattern calls for a size 7 (1.65mm) with size 10 thread, so I want to go smaller. Naturally, I want and cannot find a 9 (1.4 mm), so I'll buy one. Perhaps, I'll stick with the 8.

Thanks already to the blog week for the inspiration!

To "B" or not to "B"

Today is William Shakespeare's 449 birthday and Talk Like Shakespeare Day, so to that purpose, I put this post on the Holy City Shakespeare page. In the voice of Sir Patrick Stewart, of course.

Lords and ladies, all good greetings be upon you and your house this fair morn. 'Tis a noble enterprise (and devoutly to be wished) to have on this occasion, a celebration of the day when one known to us as the Bard emerged glorious (not untimely ripped) from his beauteous mother's womb some 22 score and 9 years ago.

Therefore and anon, let us rejoice by enunciating the lexicon as to the manner born!

Gentle people, I bid you adieu.

Since I can't get Sir Patrick to record my Shakespearean birthday message, here's a video that ties "Bs" and the Bard together.

Zoons!

Tomorrow: An Infographic