tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18985062515542409452023-11-15T10:27:01.528-08:00Little Bird CrochetPaige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-2552664126781370022011-01-12T13:04:00.000-08:002011-01-12T13:04:23.967-08:00Creativity ProjectThere is/was this copy + paste status update going around Facebook about making something handmade for people, the first five people to comment. I thought this was a great idea and had been looking for a project to help me stay inspired creatively throughout the year. So I copied and pasted and, to my surprise, got a lot of good response.<br />
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Sadly, a lot of people commented saying that they weren't creative, or couldn't make anything. I like to think everyone can make something, sure some people are more creative than others, but there are enough instructions and ideas out there to get anyone started. Anyway, I was just really excited about this so I let these people slide. (this time!)<br />
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I ended up with 12 people - one for each month of the year. Fellow yarn-crafters may be thinking, this seems like a lot to add to the (somehow always) infinite list of projects to be completed/started. And maybe it is. It might turn out to have been a crazy idea, but I guess we'll see.<br />
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I decided to write down the names on pieces of paper, and just draw them at random. Or have co-workers/whoever I can find at the office do it.<br />
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I've already started on my projects for the first person I drew and <i>plan </i>on having them in the mail before month-end.<br />
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I'm can't explain how excited I am about this! I just thought I'd share a little about it, to document my progress and hopefully inspire someone else to be creative. Maybe not on this scale just yet, but to at least get started. :)Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-2986689553064276462011-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:002011-01-12T12:36:49.248-08:00The Great Knitting DebateI've been thinking a lot lately about learning to knit. But I'm trying to decide, should I learn because it's useful and I can make new things? Or, should I not learn because I can make new things and have that many more "to be made" ideas floating around?<br />
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Well some lovely person bought me the knitting needles I had on my amazon wish list for Christmas, and today my sister (who I learned to crochet with) told me one of her new years goals was to learn to knit with me. Hm!<br />
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Either way, here are some patterns I'd love to try... someday... when k1p1 means anything to me. (Found through Ravelry)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/ttwcreative/5116483/IMG_2075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/ttwcreative/5116483/IMG_2075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/trish-woodson">Trish Woodson</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohmystars.net/craft/gallery/k-buttony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ohmystars.net/craft/gallery/k-buttony.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by <a href="http://ohmystars.net/">Ohmystars</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/images2/mer5-shrug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/images2/mer5-shrug2.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from <a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/merino5-shrug.html">Crystal Place yarns</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cozy!Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-58060437067640398852010-12-30T11:48:00.000-08:002010-12-30T11:51:49.184-08:00The Neverending Headband Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TRzbCDE5JcI/AAAAAAAANPY/pLZ5p8ji6VY/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+12302010+21836+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TRzbCDE5JcI/AAAAAAAANPY/pLZ5p8ji6VY/s320/Fullscreen+capture+12302010+21836+PM.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>A month or two ago (oops) a friend from work asked me if i could re-create this for her. Without thinking I said I would try it. <i>How hard could it be?</i>, I thought. How hard, indeed!<br />
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I didn't get started on it until after the crap-i-forgot-to-start-on-Christmas-gifts-before-thanksgiving rush, so by that time I was already feeling bad about the amount of time that had passed. Once I was working on it I kept having the problem that i would measure it (to my own head) after a couple of rows and it would be fine, actually it was too long and would overlap, but every time I was <b>almost done </b>with it would have somehow shrunk down and ended up being too short. I hard to frog it -- not once, but <b>five or six</b> times!<br />
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To make it worse, my sister, after seeing that I finished (she knew how many times I'd started over) said, "So, did you write down what you did?" <b>D'oh.</b> The friend I made it for is out of town, but when she's back in the office I plan on borrowing from her long enough to write it down and turn it into my very first written pattern.<br />
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Anyway, after all that I was really happy with how it turned out, and quite proud that I could recreate something by looking at it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TRzh3Lt3zUI/AAAAAAAANPs/XrnQ-K4uans/s1600/5306926837_2f1ca2b339_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TRzh3Lt3zUI/AAAAAAAANPs/XrnQ-K4uans/s320/5306926837_2f1ca2b339_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The yarn is Patons Angora Bamboo (soooo soft!) in Low Tide.Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-41168039488977006342010-12-29T09:12:00.000-08:002010-12-29T09:16:45.724-08:00happy new year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/3158472560_d13d3a9456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/3158472560_d13d3a9456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/legalnonresident/">legalnonresident</a></i></span></div><br />
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Just wanted to say... see you next year!<br />
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Here's a post on <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip to my Lou</a> that I just loved... So many pretty calendars, how will I choose??<br />
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<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/12/28/2011-free-printable-calendars/">Printable 2011 Calendars</a>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-15357533311164664782010-12-17T11:24:00.000-08:002010-12-17T11:24:57.127-08:00Another NeedlecraftI admit that the last thing I need is another "work in progress" pile in my craft corner, but <b>come on, </b>who wouldn't love this??<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/files/images/store/ultimatekitsplash3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sublimestitching.com/files/images/store/ultimatekitsplash3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/ultimatekit.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">click here to buy</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My oldest sister did cross-stitch (I know it's not exactly the same) when she was younger, I'm sure she would have liked to have some more modern designs like this to work with (she's just stylish like that!) So, yes, I think this is pretty great.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(as heard about on the <a href="http://indiebizchicks.com/wp/">indie biz chicks</a> podcast)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a great weekend!</div>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-5216307500497558042010-12-15T12:55:00.000-08:002010-12-15T12:55:30.343-08:00crochet basics: starting chainOh my! I've been really busy this past week. Too busy. So for now I'll leave you with a video a made, I thought a video might be more helpful than pictures in this case. (All it's missing is some metal background music, don't you think?)<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/littlebirdcrochet#p/a/u/0/nLT9cK2h7Gw">Starting Chains</a><br />
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<b>A few quick tips about starting chains:</b><br />
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<ul><li>Abbreviated in patterns as "ch" and followed by a number</li>
<li>If you have trouble with your work twisting once you start, try making your chain with a size bigger hook than you plan on using for the project</li>
<li>Remember to count your chains correctly! I made a ch 10 in the video</li>
<li>If you're making up your own pattern, chain 3 extra for double crochets, 2 for half-double and 1 for single</li>
<li>Also important if you're making your own pattern, remember that your chain will stretch once it has stitches in it</li>
</ul><div>That's it for now, I hope you enjoy the video!</div>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-49618178643535677422010-12-10T12:58:00.000-08:002010-12-10T13:12:03.244-08:00crochet basics: slip knots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKSJxAwOwI/AAAAAAAANMM/h3cy-4PdRoU/s1600/IMG_2261+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKSJxAwOwI/AAAAAAAANMM/h3cy-4PdRoU/s320/IMG_2261+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hello! This is my first post in the 101 series. I'm going to talk about the basics of crocheting. Perhaps you've crocheted in the past and are picking it up again, or you may be a knitter who sees crochet patterns they'd love to try (I'm the opposite!) or maybe you're looking for a new hobby and you're just getting started.<br />
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Whichever your path, let me start with some words of encouragement: You can do it! Really, though, crochet can seem intimidating at first, the patterns are written in a crazy-looking, foreign language, the are all the different hooks and yarn, and watching someone else crochet kind of makes your head hurt (how do they do it so fast?).<br />
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Believe me when I say, if you stick it out, crochet is an extremely rewarding hobby. You can make so many things... for yourself, for gifts. Practical things, cute things... (but you knew that already!) So stay positive and know that no one gets crochet right the first time they try, you <i>will </i>make mistakes, and you <i>will</i> have to tear up things you've made. (hopefully not at midnight the night before you needed something to be complete.) But with a little practice, you'll do just fine.<br />
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<b>Slip knots</b><br />
Almost every project will start with a slip knot. (The only alternative I can think of is an <a href="http://www.crochetme.com/forums/t/28917.aspx">adjustable ring</a> or "magic ring" used for pulling a circular opening tight) As with a lot of things in crochet, there are many ways of reaching similar results, so you just have to figure out what works best for you. This is how I make a slip knot:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKSeDIWWYI/AAAAAAAANMQ/Rmtuatosr7o/s1600/IMG_2264+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKSeDIWWYI/AAAAAAAANMQ/Rmtuatosr7o/s320/IMG_2264+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">first of all, you'll need your yarn and hook</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKSoM6iTVI/AAAAAAAANMU/_BdUCZucrGM/s1600/IMG_2266+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKSoM6iTVI/AAAAAAAANMU/_BdUCZucrGM/s320/IMG_2266+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hold both the "tail" and ball ends of the yarn in one hand, and a part of it in the other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKSys4OEFI/AAAAAAAANMY/mSYiFXuBUDM/s1600/IMG_2267+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKSys4OEFI/AAAAAAAANMY/mSYiFXuBUDM/s320/IMG_2267+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cross it over itself once</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKS6LxPmGI/AAAAAAAANMc/yndvkwMZQjk/s1600/IMG_2268+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKS6LxPmGI/AAAAAAAANMc/yndvkwMZQjk/s320/IMG_2268+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and twice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKS_X8cdqI/AAAAAAAANMg/TkzP9spdUDo/s1600/IMG_2269+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKS_X8cdqI/AAAAAAAANMg/TkzP9spdUDo/s320/IMG_2269+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">grab the "tail" end with two fingers of one hand to pull it tight, then cross the loop you made over the ball end of the yarn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKTVvSbj9I/AAAAAAAANMk/TenzCFjmleI/s1600/IMG_2270+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKTVvSbj9I/AAAAAAAANMk/TenzCFjmleI/s320/IMG_2270+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pull the ball end of the yarn up through the loop</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKTjJBMKJI/AAAAAAAANMo/YPz_UcICdPw/s1600/IMG_2271+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKTjJBMKJI/AAAAAAAANMo/YPz_UcICdPw/s320/IMG_2271+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pull both end the same way while you hold the loop to tighten</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKTrBkDaKI/AAAAAAAANMs/DiufBa9dLGY/s1600/IMG_2272+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKTrBkDaKI/AAAAAAAANMs/DiufBa9dLGY/s320/IMG_2272+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">put the yarn on your hook</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKTw-cxkEI/AAAAAAAANMw/rCcjIP5n92Q/s1600/IMG_2273+-+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TQKTw-cxkEI/AAAAAAAANMw/rCcjIP5n92Q/s320/IMG_2273+-+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pull it tight (but loose enough to still move) by pulling the ball end</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There you have it. What did you think? Do you make your knots a different way? Let me know!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the next basics post I'll talk about making your starting chain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(The hook I'm using is a Clover brand size I/9 and the yarn is Lion Brand Cotton-Ease)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-9840909408113055342010-12-08T13:01:00.000-08:002010-12-10T13:10:49.168-08:00new start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TP_0gmzxDMI/AAAAAAAANLc/9XSquSjq53Q/s1600/2520204811_77b1cd22d7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/TP_0gmzxDMI/AAAAAAAANLc/9XSquSjq53Q/s400/2520204811_77b1cd22d7_b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephaniekac/">stephaniekac</a></span></i></div><br />
Well, I think that was a long enough break, don't you?<br />
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I really enjoyed teaching my crochet classes at the beginning of this year. We had a lot of fun and learned new things. We decided to take the summer off since so many people were going to be out-of-town or busy with other things. I'm hoping to start something again next year, but it will probably be something more like a crochet club (those exist, right?) that meets once a week to hang out and stay motivated on projects.<br />
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As for this blog, a bit of brainstorming and requests from friends gave me an idea... I think I'll be using it mainly to post tutorials, crochet lessons and helpful hints. Being left-handed, I plan to do most of them that way, but I may enlist the help of my (other-handed) sister too, she just doesn't know it yet.<br />
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So I hope you'll like what I have to share and if you have any specific questions or requests for me, I'll be happy to take them! Just post a comment here or send me an email. I'm here to help!Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-41553003774262042162010-02-24T08:02:00.000-08:002010-02-24T08:14:01.943-08:00Taking a break...<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">A break from posting about crochet-related stuff. My beginner classes start this weekend as does my spring cleaning. (early, I know) So in order to concentrate more on those things (and to take one thing off my to-do list) I'll just be posting about what I'm actually doing. Makes sense, right? :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So check back as I plan to update about my spring cleaning progress. With inspiration from </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://uinclutterer.com/">Unclutterer</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://simplemom.net/">Simple Mom</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> and Erin Doland of Unclutterer's </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Unclutter-Your-Life-One-Week/dp/143915046X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267027571&sr=8-1">book</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> I'm going to start this Saturday the 27th and try to be finished in four weeks. (I have </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >a lot</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> of stuff)</span></span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wish me luck!</span></span>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-20558846822131626562010-02-12T08:03:00.000-08:002010-02-12T08:12:14.446-08:00AbsenceSorry for my lack of uhh... everything lately. January was a busy month planning for my mother's 60th birthday party and in our family February is THE month for birthdays with a new baby due on the 25th! (Not me -- my oldest sister!) Anyway, I promise to come back with something interesting soon and to do a Valentine's Sunday update on my WIPs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the meantime, here are some interesting links:</span><br /><br />A custom apple that I made got mentioned in a <a href="http://sewbeans.blogspot.com/2010/02/more-than-hill-of-beans-loops-and-purls.html">blog post</a> by a nice lady name Jill. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=297741848349">Schedules for my upcoming classes</a> - if you're in the Greensboro area<br /><br /><a href="http://tasramar.com/2010/01/how-to-unclutter-your-life-in-one-week-video-series-part-1/">A lady puts <span style="font-style: italic;">Unclutter Your Life in One Week</span> to the test</a> - look out! it made me want to run home and organize my closet!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianpf.com/how-to-use-evernote-creative-uses/">An article about creative uses for Evernote </a>- I just started using it this week, we'll seePaige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-26399560571350346522010-01-24T12:22:00.000-08:002010-01-24T12:41:42.589-08:00WIP SundayOr, work in progress. I thought I would take today to write about (almost) all of my WIPs and then check back once a week to see how I'm doing. Aside from these "in progress" I have what feels like a million other things in queue that I just haven't started yet. Whew! Here they are...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1ystgTaJwI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/qO0DV3qdjlo/s1600-h/Recently+Updated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1ystgTaJwI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/qO0DV3qdjlo/s320/Recently+Updated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430405148467406594" border="0" /></a>Top row L-R: a lion amigurumi for a birthday present made from Ana Paula Rimoli's <span style="font-style: italic;">Amigurmi World</span>, a neck-warmer of my own invention for my Etsy shop, a thermal scarf for myself from a Lion Brand pattern made with super-soft Wool Ease<br /><br />Bottom row L-R: a newborn hat for which I have the pattern and yarn, but haven't started, my finished <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/01/28/crochet-heart-garland/">heart garland</a> from the pattern I saw at Skip to my Lou, and some Cotton Ease I picked out for a custom phone holder/case/cozy/thing that I still haven't decided what to call it.<br /><br />So there you have it - hopefully all of these things will be done by next week!Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-48763912474432051242010-01-22T12:44:00.000-08:002010-01-22T13:05:13.192-08:00The Yarn Bowl...Yesterday I came across an item on Etsy and it is made from my favorite ingredients... cuteness and practicality! While the folks at <a href="http://unclutterer.com/">Unclutterer</a> might consider this a <a href="http://unclutterer.com/category/unitasker-wednesday/">Unitasker</a>, I wouldn't mind having one at all.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1oQQYT9_GI/AAAAAAAAKlY/R3rKQtchA1M/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.117809069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1oQQYT9_GI/AAAAAAAAKlY/R3rKQtchA1M/s320/il_fullxfull.117809069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429670174338710626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39056188">Yarn Bowl by soaringstudios</a></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you have done any knitting or crocheting yourself, you know that it's hard to keep up with that ball (or skein) of yarn while you're working. I usually set mine on the floor or my lap, and yet, always gets away from me eventually. I don't know who came up with the idea originally, but I thought it was particularly smart.<br /><br />Now if you're into being 'green' (or just thrifty) I could see making this from a saved plastic tub and covering it with some pretty scrap-booking or wrapping paper. Well, I know what I'm doing when I get home. :)<br /></div></div>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-27821004998228852702010-01-21T09:05:00.000-08:002010-01-21T09:18:28.761-08:00Valentine's Crafts<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">On a recent visit to Joann's Fabrics, my eyes glazed over with the rows of shiny, new Valentine's Day decorations. Looking looking looking... knowing, though, that I wasn't going to spend any money on said items (overpriced, made in China, mass-produced - stop me anytime - stuff that it is<span style="font-family:arial;">) And while I was hoping to</span> find time for some V Day crafts, but hadn't specifically been looking.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So here is something I just saw this morning on <a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip To My Lou</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, a blog I started reading only yesterday. It's a very cute Valentine's Day wreath which I am seriously considering making.<br /><br />She says in her post that she only spent $1.99 on the fabric from Hobby Lobby, but I'm brainstorming on what I have at home to see if I can make it for my favorite price... $0.00. We'll see!<br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1iLmTthHII/AAAAAAAAKlM/1pAwm-3P1Ng/s1600-h/BurlapHeartWreath.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1iLmTthHII/AAAAAAAAKlM/1pAwm-3P1Ng/s320/BurlapHeartWreath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429242841037610114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Maybe I can make up for the fact that I never put up the Christmas wreath... oops!</span><br /></span></span></span>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-3776768969668657352010-01-20T13:05:00.001-08:002010-01-20T13:24:36.747-08:00Crocheting for Charity<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Lately I've been reading about </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/pg.fcgi?page=charityConnectionTemplate.html">various charities</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> that accept donations of crocheted (usually knit and quilted too) items. Not that I have all the extra time in the world to make whatever I want, but I like the idea of being to help others with a craft.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1d0MHtuPnI/AAAAAAAAKk8/kpHuLud4L3k/s1600-h/4001658435_2e93fdfd8b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1d0MHtuPnI/AAAAAAAAKk8/kpHuLud4L3k/s320/4001658435_2e93fdfd8b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428935627396497010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;font-size:78%;" >photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virginiazuluaga/">Virginia Zuluaga</a></span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">So today I emailed the contact person for the Greensboro chapter of </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://projectlinus.org/">Project Linus</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> to see what they need and how one would go about donating.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is just me, but I also love the idea of giving so anonymously, I get frustrated with people who insist on getting credit for their giving. Anyway, I'm really excited about it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Have you ever crafted for charity before? What was your experience like?</span></span>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-55961301098661653042010-01-18T09:43:00.000-08:002010-01-18T09:51:31.500-08:00Tissue Holder<span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >So I know this isn't really "fiber craft" related, but, oh well! I saw these on Martha Stewart this morning, and although they don't really serve a purpose, they're incredibly cute! (Great use for <a href="http://littlebirdcrochet.blogspot.com/2010/01/eco-felt.html">that eco felt</a>, don't you thin<span style="font-family: arial;">k?)</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Added bonus: it's no-sew</span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1Sek5pw83I/AAAAAAAAKk0/Xo5cjDI3mhY/s1600-h/5074_011810_tissuepouch_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N2fnvFr6Noo/S1Sek5pw83I/AAAAAAAAKk0/Xo5cjDI3mhY/s320/5074_011810_tissuepouch_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428137807676765042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/tissue-pouch">instructions</a></span><br /></div><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11px;" ><br /><br /></span>Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-59435728237172316422010-01-08T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-08T09:11:04.326-08:00Eco FeltI love <a href="http://www.feltorama.com/Recycled-Eco-Felt-28-Color-Bundle-p/fes018.htm">this felt</a>! I'm not sure how yet, but I know I need to buy it and use it!<br /><br />Hoping to get some pictures taken of a Valentine-ish neck-warmer I made. I know it has lots of potential to be cheesy and tacky, but it really isn't, I promise!Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-37378846184843339992010-01-07T12:16:00.000-08:002010-01-07T12:23:06.148-08:00Ahh Afghans<a href="http://www.crochettoday.com/crochet-patterns/ocean-waves-throw">There is an afghan</a> in an issue of <a href="http://www.crochettoday.com/">Crochet Today!</a> that I've had my eye on for a while, mostly because it's made with all of my favorite colors, but also because, so far, I have yet to complete an afghan for us to have at our house. The great thing about it, it's made with <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd28157">Red Heart Super Saver</a>, which, while not the softest, most luxurious thing in the world, is relatively cheap. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahh</span> well, these things will have to wait.<br /><br />In the mean time, I'm really excited about the cell phone cases (... sleeves? cozies? holders? what are they?) that I've been making. I made the first one for my husband and he got two requests that same day from friends wanting one. Crocheting something that men (guys) actually want - that makes me feel accomplished!<br /><br />Bye now.Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898506251554240945.post-76174734741549665392010-01-07T07:11:00.001-08:002010-01-07T07:11:54.086-08:00Hello! I started this blog to write about my adventures in crocheting and crafting in general. Enjoy!Paige Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16903260023472383409noreply@blogger.com0