Yarn Obsession

Leatherwraps

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Stormy Gail Baker

Meet Stormy. She has a lovely little shop on Etsy called Leather Wraps where you can find different color leather wrapped in silver. You can also find jasper, faux pearls and lizard. The items are truly lovely and any piece would be a beautiful addition to a jewelry collection. As you get to know Stormy, I think you'll be inclined to see her work.

Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique? My Name is Stormy Gail Baker. The truth is I was born on a stormy, windy night and that's how I got my name. I'm from Louisiana and I LOVE IT! The best thing about it is the FOOD and the beautiful southern charm of the people.

What was the first item you ever made for your shop? That would be my Ocean Turquoise Jasper Five Leather Wrap Bracelet.

How long have you been independently selling your items? I've had my shop since January 2011 while I was working full-time as a fertility nurse. I recently moved to a beautiful, historic small town, managing my Etsy Shop full-time and loving it!

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be? I would definitely have Music! I love Enya-A Day Without Rain. Go figure with a girl named Stormy! :)

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting? So far, it would be Montana. The beauty is Phenomenal!

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do? In short, GIVE!

You can find Stormy online:
Twitter
Etsy

Stormy is also offering 10% off your total purchase with the code "YARNOBSESION10" for 10% off in her shop.

Olivia's Butterfly - Pattern Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Sometime in December I discovered the "Olivia's Butterfly" pattern on Ravelry. I think it was around the time I decided I wanted to give my "designing" brain a break and work on some ready-written patterns instead.

When I saw this ubber-cute pattern I decided it looked easy enough and fun enough to do, plus I needed a new hat for my baby girl. Olivia's Butterfly was perfect! You can find Valerie's pattern on her blog Vallieskids. Not only did I enjoy making this hat, it was so easy to follow her directions. The pattern was well written and a breeze to do.

I sat down to make one, but ended up making 4 - 5 hats for various people and busting my stash to a nice degree. Will I make more? Yes!!! I have a few more kids and ladies in my life who would love this hat. . . I also made one for myself, which is not something I do often.

Go check out the pattern for yourself, I'm sure you'll be excited to see it is easy, fun and very cute!

Here are some photos of the others I did. . . my daughter modeling them for me.

Workout Wednesday - Walking

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Image courtesy of "Walk for Healthy Bodies"

Here we are already into the fourth installment of this plan! I am still very excited about it and loving the small changes I'm begining to experience. What about you? Have you started to make small changes? Are you seeing any progress? If not, don't worry, the main thing is to keep doing it and being consistent in your efforts.

Last week I told you about changing my habits with water(link to post). I let you know that my goal was to increase my intake to ensure that I was getting enough fluids every day because of the health benefit. This week we're talking about walking. I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of exercising. I've managed to do it in the past for various reasons, but it's never been able to stick for me. However, I realize that the sedentary lifestyle I'm leading will cause me to "age" faster than I would like so I'm willing to do something about it. After having my baby girl last year I purchased a pair of "Shape-ups" that I blogged about briefly. Ever since then I haven't mentioned anything so I've decided I should let you know what's happening. My shape-ups have been getting a ton of wear inside the house and at work. That's it. I haven't done anything in the way of getting out and really putting them to work. However, I can say they helped tone some muscles that had gotten very litte use during my pregnancy.

So now what's the plan? Well, since I'm now documenting and setting goals that depend on me getting up and doing something, I suppose I need to put my shoes to much better use. In reasearching walking I found that it's one of the best things you can do for yourself because it's one of those things that can easily be done by almost anyone. Getting a short walk in your day can help improve your heart health, your penchant for diabetes, your cholesterol health etc. I don't like to exercise, but I actually love to walk so I'm going to start there and see where it leads.

My goal is to start walking about 10 minutes every morning either before I leave for work or mid-morning to get away from my desk. Because this is something new to my schedule I need to figure out what time slot will work best, however, I want to make sure that I get at least 10 minutes worth of walking in per day for the next two weeks. Once I get the pattern down I will increase by 5 minutes per two weeks until I am walking at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. I know it's a short time slot, but I don't want to overwhelm myself with a goal that become ominous! This goal gets me going slow and easy and I think it will work well for me.

Here are some articles you can read on the benefits of walking:
- Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health
- Benefits of Walking
- Health Benefits of Walking

If you are just joining the conversation, here are some previous articles:
- Getting Started
- Goals
- Water

What's your plan for a healthier 2012? Next week: Progress Report

Sports Club LA / Boston Final Batch. . .

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

As you know I've had a consignment with the Sports Club LA / Boston this past season. It's gone extremely well and I'm excited that all the pieces were sold. At the end of December I got another request but was unable to fulfill due to family holiday obligations. I thought that would be it since the holidays would be over when I returned from vacation. Not so! I was excited to get a request about a week and a half ago for more pieces so I worked hard and these are the pieces that are now available in the shop! I'm thinking this may be the final batch, but if I get another request, I'm ready and able. . .

Amber Chunky Fashion Shawl, Collar, Hood in Charcoal

Amber Chunky Fashion Shawl, Collar, Hood in Brown

Slouchy Crochet hat in Beige, Black and Charcoal

Exclusive Neckwarmers in Charcoal, Beige and Cream

Family Weekend Plymouth, MA

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

My husband and I decided that we'd like to take small local trips as often as possible begining this year and beyond. Last weekend we took our first family trip down to Plymouth, MA. We stayed at the John Carver Inn & Spa which is located in the heart of historical Plymouth, MA. It was about an hour and a half drive down which was nothing compared to our 32-hour drive to the Midwest in December. We arrived at about 1:30 in the afternoon which is an hour and a half before allowed check-in, but since our room was ready we were able to check-in as soon as we arrived.

We'd told our son that we were going to a hotel with a pool so we knew the first thing we had to do was get to the pool. As soon as we dropped our bags in the room everyone got into bathing suits and we headed to the very family friendly pool with the replica of Plymouth Rock and The Mayflower II.

Most of the afternoon was spent in the pool then we headed over to the Hearth n Kettle restaurant for dinner. We'd all had a pretty long day so it was no surprise that everyone fell asleep right around 9:30 pm. The next morning the boys took a quick trip back to the pool while the ladies slept in. Although we did have the opportunity to take a look at the historical district, with the temps right around 16 degrees that morning we decided it would be best to return to Plymouth "in-season" in order to truly enjoy the sights.

Here are a few pics from our "get-away".

Arrival at the hotel

Ready for the pool!

Baby girl's first time in a pool

Plymouth Rock

Mayflower II Replica

For the record, I did not bring any yarn, hooks or my laptop and my husband, who is a screenwriter, did not bring his laptop either. . . we decided it would be a "no-work" kindda weekend!

Maldonado

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Omar Maldonado

On Etsy we have the ability to mark items to our "favorites" as we see fit. You can mark an item from a shop or the whole shop, it's up to you. Every weekday I usually go through my favorite items and make that shop / artist my "Artist of the Day". At times, I am so moved by what is in the shop, I ask for an interview. Sometimes I don't hear anything back, sometimes I get turned down, and sometimes, I get very luck you have the honor of presenting you with an amazing new artist!!

Omar Maldonado is no exception! He creates beautifully simple jewelry that just makes you want to sigh. His pieces are colorful and classy and just perfect for almost any occasion. Omar himself is a very nice person. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique?
My name is Omar, I live in the city of Santa Fe, Argentina. It is a city where many students come from the rest of the country, and is the provincial capital of the state. I live very near a large river, the region is very fertile and moist, ideal for farming. My house is the perfect place for me, I love my studio and share good times with my friends, many of whom are also artists and craftsmen.

Colorful Bubbles Sterling Silver Pendant

What was the first item you ever made for your shop?
Actually, there were several products, but I remember the most successful work, from the beginning, was a necklace of colorful bubbles.

How long have you been independently selling your items?
I have been doing this work for 10 years and have always been independent. I am the one who designs the products and then builds and sells them. I make everything work and I like it just that way.

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be?
Choosing a CD would be very difficult for me, because I like meeting new music all the time. I would take any book by Jorge Luis Borges

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting?
The place I've traveled and I liked is Valparaiso, Chile. I like it because it is a city that is located in a mountainous area that has a slope overlooking the sea. Their houses are colorful, there are many art and design shops which generate ongoing activities related to culture. I will very soon return to Valparaiso, after more than two years away.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I think there is always the possibility of failing at something, but my work seems very nice and I really enjoy doing it, I think it's very easy for me to beat me every day and get better at what I do. years of experience of any craft are very helpful when you want to do your best.

Omar is offering the coupon code "YARNOBSESSION" for 15% off to readers of this profile!

You can find Omar online:
blog
flickr
twitter

Peacock Crochet Neckwarmer - Pattern Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

It's Thursday and it's my 9th wedding anniversary so I'm feeling a bit like I want to give something away. Why? Because it's Thursday and it's my 9th wedding anniversary and I'm so looking forward to another 9 years!!

This is the Peacock Crochet Neckwarmer that I have listed in the Etsy Shop and on Ravelry. It's a quick fun and easy project that delivers BIG in the stylish department and I want to give away a few patterns.

If you think you'd like to add this pattern to your library just follow the instructions and Good Luck! The more entries there are, the more patterns I'll give away. . . 1 for every 10 entries so tell your crocheting friends to come by and enter as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Workout Wednesday - Water

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of Ids Water

In my ongoing effort to get healthier this year I decided to start with one small step and build from there.

Water.

Our bodies need water for all its processes and yet we don’t usually get enough. We’ve all heard it said that we need at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water each day but do we know what that means? I’d venture to say I thought it meant I’d never get enough water because 8 glasses of water a day seems overwhelming. Besides, why would we need that much? Turns out we lose water in so various ways, some we don’t really think of like breathing, so we need to replenish every day. So I did a bit of research to see what benefits I’d get and if this 8 8-ounce glass thing was true!

What I found
In doing research on the subject there was so much to absorb I decided to focus on what it would mean for me personally (I will provide links to relevant websites at the end of this post). Since I am an average woman, it seemed logical to go with the suggestions for that demographic. Now, keep in mind our needs vary depending on our activity, where we live and what we eat, so we all have different needs. In assessing my situation I found that if I drank 2 – 3 bottles of water a day, coupled with eating more fruits and vegetables, I could get my daily requirement. What’s that, well “average” women actually need about 9 8-ounce glasses of “fluid” a day and men need closer to 13! However, all fluids count! Some more than others, so if you drink two bottles of water and have two glasses of juice you’re ¾ of the way there for your day. If you’ve eaten fruits and vegetables you’ve probably gotten enough fluids for the day.

courtesy of Sustainable Footprint

What I’m doing
After doing the research I took my first step and started drinking at least 2 16-ounce bottles of water a day (equal to 4 glasses). Before this I wasn’t drinking much water and as I look back I can see some days when I didn’t get many fluids at all. Because the goal is to be healthier, those two bottles of water are going to make a difference. As I develop a new habit of getting enough fluids I’m more aware of what those fluids contain. So I drink more water and tea and less soda and juice only because I also want to reduce my excess sugar intake. . . more on that later.

Here are some useful links to articles that can help you develop a water/fluid plan that works for your lifestyle.

Mayo Clinic: Water-How much should you drink every day?
Freedrinkingwater.com: The Importance of Water and Your Health
Water Cure: You're not sick, you're thirsty

How much fluid intake do you get each day? Have your habits changed? Tell me what you think in a comment or email.

If you missed the previous posts in this Workout Wednesday series you can catch up here:
- Getting Started
- Goals

Next week: Walking

Learn to Crochet - The Double Foundation Chain

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

The double foundation chain (also called the "double base chain" or "Japanese Foundation Row") is anotehr way to begin a crochet project. One of the great benefits of the double foundation chain is that is gives your crocheted piece greater elasticity than a straight chain. Because of that elasticity this is a great way to start a hat that is being worked from the brim up or for a sleeve.

Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to quickly decide if you'd like to use a chain or a double foundation chain in your project. You'll also know how to do it when you encounter a pattern that asks for this type of foundation row.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Do you have a stitch you're currently struggling with or would like to learn? Let me know, maybe I can get a video done to help. This year there'll be advanced stitches, complete projects and more coming from my YouTube Channel so make sure to subscribe to get the very latest on what's happening!

Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929 - 1968

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Kathleen Young

Had he lived Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have celebrated his 83rd birthday yesterday. Instead he was cut down at the age of 39 in 1968. I was born in 1968 which means I am already past the age he will forever remain in our minds. As I think about that, I wonder if my life is living up to the legacy that he and others like him envisioned. Am I sending the right vibration through the Universe? Am I facing each day with the thought that I don’t have to tear another down in order to build myself up? Am I treating everyone with respect regardless of color, religion, creed, sexual orientation or all those other small things that we can easily use to prejudice ourselves against one another? Am I teaching my children that the content of one’s heart is far more important than the color of their skin? Am I living to my greatest potential?

As I ponder those thoughts I am humbled by the lives that came before me, and were torn away too soon. I am moved to do better, because in each of our lives, the better we do the stronger the vibration of love and peace will grow.

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!!

Le Boudoir Noir

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

I met Martha on Twitter. I'm not sure if she found me or I found her, what's important is that we found each other! Her lovely Etsy shop is Le Boudoir Noir. It's filled with beautiful jewelry and accessories for men and women alike. I love her pieces because they are not timid, they tell their story boldly! It is my pleasure to bring you this conversation with Martha and introduce you to Le Boudoir Noir!

Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique?
I am best known at Etsy as Martha C. from le Boudoir Noir, but it's great to have the opportunity to say something more about me. I was born in a small, beautiful town in Northern Greece, spent my childhood in Canada but for the largest part of my life I live in Athens, Greece --a place unique and vibrant with the most delightful light in the world.

Sold! Verdigris Patina Corset

What was the first item you ever made for your shop?
My first item is also my favorite one. It's the Verdigris Patina Corset Pleated Cuff. The courses in metalsmithing that I attended years ago helped me tremendously to create it as it requires a very demanding techniques and it's a time consuming process. I am very excited with its special patina and when I sold it a few days ago I found it rather hard to let it go. Now I am in the process of making another one.

How long have you been independently selling your items?
Though I have been designing and making jewelry for several years, a shop was not exactly an option I had seriously considered. Actually, it was my friends and acquaintances that encouraged me to go ahead and turn my hobby into a business. Someone suggested Etsy, and I thought I could actually give it a try. So, I started listing my items on Etsy a couple of months ago and I officially launched Le Boudoir Noir in November. My first sale was made on the first day of November, and my first customer was Elly -who enjoys a lifetime 10% discount for that reason. I am very sentimental and proud about this...

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be?
Oscar Wilde's complete works would be just fine for the author's timeless and genious spirit. If I were to take a cd with me, I would take Pink Martini's second album titled Hang On Little Tomato...

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting?
I have traveller a lot from France to Cuba and from Morocco to India. However when it comes to the most interesting place, I would choose Donousa, hands down! This enchanting island, part of the Little Cyclades has magical golden sandy beaches and warm, hospitable people. Everytime I go there, I feel like a castaway in Paradise!

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I never let the fear of failure stop me from following my dreams. Failure is part of life and offers great lessons for success. So, if you ask me what I would like to accomplish more than anything else, it would be a peaceful re-distribution of wealth, so that there is no child around the world suffering from hunger.

Peace and happiness to all!

You can find Martha online:
Twitter
Facebook Business Page
Facebook Friend Page

For the readers of this blog Martha is offering 10% off your next purchase from LeBoudoirNoir and an automatic subscription to their newsletter. Please don't forget to fill in the coupon code SEDIE10 at check-out, which is valid until 15 March 2012 and can not be used in combination with other offers and discounts.

Horrible Bosses - Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, during preparations for the holidays, my hubby and I sat down to watch this movie. I needed to watch something that would still allow me to work on crochet projects and he needed something that would take him away from "work", which at the time was grading papers for the end of the semester.

I'd seen a few previews but they didn't entice me to run out and see the movie, so when my hubby said Horrible Bosses was our "Netflix" pick of the week, I at least knew I could crochet.

We, my "film snob" hubby and I, were very pleasantly surprised when we found ourselves laughing out loud at some of the scenes. The dialogue was funny, the actors were fun and the movie did a few unexpected things in the plot. Although the film is filled with some of my favorites (Jason Bateman, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx) I wasn't sure it would be one I'd watch. I am thankful that I was not only wrong, but that I was also still able to get some crochet done even while laughing out loud. Good movie to see when you just need a "break".

I rate this movie:

Workout Wednesday - Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Last week I introduced you to the idea of getting healthy in 2012! Not focusing on weight, but on being a healthy and energetic body. This week it's all about goals! When I made the decision it wasn't a resolution but a goal, and in order to acheive I need to know where I am so that I can determine where I want to be aka my "goal"! As I mentioned last week, it's about gaining healthy habits and making changes that will get my body fit, strong and healthy. If that means losing weight, a little or a lot, for you, then make sure to include a weight goal in your plan. For me, it's about looking at myself in the mirror and recognizing the body I now have as mine. It's also about keeping up with my two young children!
My plan consists of a few areas:
- Fitness / Exercise
- Diet
- Energy / Strength

I want to change eating habits that will work in conjunction with an exercise routine and get my body fit, energetic and happy! That's it! Below are the numbers I'm starting with and the goals I want to attain. I am not giving myself a date for all these things to happen, because being healthy is an ongoing process. When I reach the goals, the next step will be to maintain them. I'm starting in 2012, but this should go far beyond that!

Early 2010 I read a book called "One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way" it was all about taking the smallest step in the direction you want to go, being consistent and watching how you reach your goal. I plan on re-reading that book in the next couple of weeks to remind myself that I hold the ability to make the needed changes in my life. I don't have to start everything all at once, I just need to start and be consistent.

My stats are:
- Bust: 34
- Waist: 30
- Hips: 37.5
- Weight: 122

My goals are:
- Bust: 34
- Waist: 25
- Hips: 35
- Weight: Between 115 & 120 lbs.

As you can see, for me it's more about losing inches than weight. In order to do that, I really need to focus my attention on those areas I want to change with targeted exercise. I've determined that since this is my program, I am free to add to it as I go. I'm also free to alter it (in the positive only) as needed when necessary, so don't be surprised when you see changes. There are no hard and fast rules, there is only moving forward, and as long as I am doing that, it's all good.

I'm starting with one small step. . . Next Week: Water

If you missed last week's post, here is a link back Workout Wednesday - Getting Started

Learn to Crochet - The Finger Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

When working in the round, sometimes a pattern will ask that you begin with the "Finger Wrap". The most common reason this method is used is to ensure the hole in the center is completely closed. The finger wrap is great for hats, bowls, coasters etc. Whatever you're working in the round that calls for a minimal center hole is a perfect candidate for starting with the finger wrap.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Do you have a stitch you're currently struggling with or would like to learn? Let me know, maybe I can get a video done to help. This year there'll be more advanced stitches, complete projects and more coming from my YouTube Channel so make sure to subscribe to get the very latest on what's happening!

Chunky Crochet Slouchy Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

In September I wrote about Yarn Obsession making its debut at The Sports Club LA/Boston. The holiday season was good and I sold quite a few pieces there. Last week I got a message from my contact saying, I only have one more item left, please send whatever you can. No problem!! So, this weekend I made a few of these cute hats along with a few other things (I will share later) to send out.

This hat is great because it's warm, stylish and fun! I've made them for my son, my nieces and I have some stashed away for later. . . . If you're looking for a fun, quick weekend project to make for a loved one, you can find the pattern in my Etsy Shop or in my Ravelry Store as an instant download. Wherever you choose to get it, it's a fun project that you'll enjoy making over and over again!

Antidotum

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Last year I stumbled somehow upon the most gorgeous shop! As I browsed through there wasn't one thing in the shop that didn't make me green with envy. I decided I had to give this shop some exposure so I contacted Alina about Antidotum to see if she would like to have a profile done. As you can see her answer was yes! So, it is my honor to share with you this most beautiful of shops and the very sweet Alina.

About myself:
I am an architect, interior designer, graphic artist and most recently a designer and creator of silver jewelry. I create original and unique jewelry which is often considered controversial, but it’s my passion to experiment with form and material.

In my art projects I look for contrast, cussedness and a playful wink. These are very modern designs, far from classical canon. Maybe because of that, they are not for everyone; but for sure, for those who in surrounding goods are looking for hilarious ones, causing a smile. And to those who have a bit of courage and broad-mindedness for new and uncommon products and ideas.

About my favorite items:
Felt Bracelet - it combines softness and colorfulness of felt with austerity and requirements of silver clasp. Combination of these, so different in every aspect, materials are a big challenge, both in aesthetic and technological aspect, however, it was great fun and a huge satisfaction to find an attractive and effective solution.

Favorite book:
Only one? Well, that's a really hard choice…for sure ”Mathematics of Nina Gluckstein” is one of the books I appreciate the most, but, of course there are many, many more.

Food
Hm…. I don’t pay too much attention to food, but if I were supposed to choose something for dinner it probably would be an Italian dish.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
As a matter of fact I’ve already made that decision. I’ve established a private school of design and manufacturing jewelry, though I wasn’t sure about it’s future. The school has been successfully developed and from the very first moment up till now has been bringing me great satisfaction, as well as to to the teachers and students.

Alina is offering 10% off on any purchase using promotional code: PROMOBLOG712

You will also find her online:
Website
Website
Website
Facebook

Book Review - Crochet Stitch Bible

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

From time to time I like to throw in a review of something I've read or seen along my way. Today it's a book "The Crochet Stitch Bible" by Betty Barnden. I purchased this book several years ago because I wanted a reference book to help me learn new crochet stitches. I picked this particular book because I liked the format and the color images. However, as many of us do, after purchasing the book it collected dust for a few years before being pulled from its place of rest and placed back into active duty.

I like this book. I like that it has photos in various colors of stitches that I need to learn. I like that each page holds one or maybe two stitches but it doesn’t get confusing as to which stitch you’re working on. I like that the book is separated into sections so if you’re looking for a lace stitch it’s clear where you need to go. Overall, I like this book. However, the one thing I think could have been done differently is the wording. As I’ve been reading patterns for awhile and I’m also teaching and studying to be a certified crochet teacher, I find I get very frustrated with the “non-standard” way in which the stitches are written out. I’ve found myself re-writing the stitch pattern sometimes, just so I can get a clear understanding of what needs to be done.

I’ve used this book extensively in the past couple of years, but I still get very frustrated with the way in which it is written so although I like this book and the information it provides I don’t love this book. I’m always looking for one that’s a bit better and more standard in its abbreviations, groupings and syntax. If you are new to crochet, this book may not be your best option because the language may be confusing.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Do you own this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear what you think of the book especially if you disagree with my opinion.

Workout Wednesday - Getting Started!

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Ernestine Shepherd: 70+ years old

It's a new year and we all have things we've decided to do for the year. We usually call them "resolutions" but they tend to last about a month and then fall slowly by the wayside. I don't usually make resolutions. What I do is edit and re-write goals for the year. What's the difference? Well the difference is very slight. A Goal is an end or achievement whereas a resolution is a intent. In my world, intent does not always get you to the achievement of a task. So, after considering for a long time what goals I wanted to map out for the next few months (I don't do the year, it's too long and seems too overwhelming) I decided I needed to Get Fit!

In April of 2011 I had a baby girl who is a pure blessing to our family, but who also changed my body to one that is unrecognizable to me. Not drastically different, but I have no real clue what my actual size is or what will now look good on my person. In 2011 I also dedicated a lot of time to crochet. Not a very "active" craft, but one that has brought me tons of satisfaction. Knowing that crochet will continue to take up a lot of my time and that if I don't allow myself to get to know my body I will always be in the dark about my size, my goal in 2012 is to get "Tone, Fit and Healthy"! I am not focusing on losing weight although it may be a by-product of my activity, but on putting more movement into my days and allowing my body to stretch and tighten as needed so that I can feel good through my days and know that I'm doing some good for myself.

I've heard that the best way to stay accountable is to tell someone, so, I'm letting you know what I'm doing, asking you to join me and and let's keep each other accoutable! I have a board on Pinterest called "Get Moving" where I've pinned several websites that give pointers in different ways to target the parts of your body you'd like to work on. I'll be using quite a bit of that information and any more that I come across along the journey.

Now, goal isn't really a goal unless there is an actual destination. Every Wednesday I will write about the journey, maybe include some images of me (before / after. . . still in negotiations) and anything that I'm doing to reach the goal. Today is an introduction, next week I will post my current numbers as well as the goals I want to attain for each area of "improvement".

I'd love for you to join me! Write a blog post about your goal and share it in the comments or simply leave a comment letting me know you'll be following along. If you'd rather send me an email, you can do that too. I would just love to know who is on this journey with me and cheer you on as I will also need some cheering.

2012 is a new year and a new opportunity to Get Moving! It's not about the weight you lose, but about the health and energy you gain. Food, exercise and activities are all a part of the healthy lifestyle that we should all choose to live. Let's GET MOVING together!!

Learn to Crochet - In the Front Loop or Back Loop Only

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Creating a crochet stitch in the front or back loop only of a stitch is used for various reasons. Once you get the hang of seeing the stitches and where you need to put your hook, you're on your way! This video can be found at my YouTube channel along with all the other videos I've showcased here on the blog.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Do you have a stitch you're currently struggling with or would like to learn? Let me know, maybe I can get a video done to help.

This year there'll be more advanced stitches, complete projects and more coming from my YouTube Channel so make sure to subscribe so you get the very latest on what's happening!

Happy Kwanzaa - Imani - Happy New Year!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Imani - Faith

To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

May this new year be filled with love, peae and prosperity for you and yours!!

Happy Kwanzaa - Kuumba

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Kuumba - Creativity

To do as much as we can, in the way we can in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Happy Kwanzaa - Nia

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Nia - Purpose

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Happy Kwanzaa - Ujamaa

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics

To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together

Happy Kwanzaa - Ujima

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Ujima - Collective Work & Responsibility

To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Happy Kwanzaa - Kujichagulia

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Kujichagulia - Self-Determination

To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves