Greetings and Salutations Friends!  This week has been all about my awesome Slouching Towards Tassels Cap by Denise at Voie de Vie.  It seems that it was with me no matter what I was doing:  making stitch markers with John; participating in the JAL for Accessories: Autumne 2012 (Denise's new ebook where you'll find this pattern); hunkered down to wait out hurricane Sandy (with a good book, homemade spicy Hermits and a cup of chamomile); or looking for journaling inspiration.  We were inseparable, and even though I only worked on it a little bit each evening it took less than a week to finish.

I wish that the lighting had been better for my ta-dah pictures so you could see just how great it looks.  Red is difficult to photograph, and these shots don't show you how rich the color is.  2 big "cakes" of this mystery wool were given to me last year, and I've been waiting to find a project for them.  I think this one is perfect.  I'm drawn to the tassels which I think give the cap a playful look that is fun in a grown up sort of way.  Don't get me wrong, I love pom-poms, but sometimes you need something that you can wear with your "good" coat on those cold winter days! 

I always like to make coordinating pieces when I can, and since I have plenty of yarn left I set to work on a pair of mitts.  The fingerless kind that have the little hood attached so you can keep warm while you're walking, but still grab your keys or use your phone when you need to.  I've tried to explain them to my husband, but he remains convinced that topless mittens are just plain silly!  It must just be a guy thing, because all my girlfriends love them!

In addition to my fiber offerings, I like to participate in Five Minute Friday over at Lisa-Jo Baker's place. It's writing in the raw and if you've never done it, why don't you give it a try? It's really easy - you just:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat on this week's prompt with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking - then post it just as it is!
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

Here's what happened when I spent five minutes writing on the prompt "Roots"

I once had a very wise teacher.  She would talk and tell me things that at the time didn't seem to have much to do with the subject at hand.  But later, when I was alone doing the dishes, or talking with my husband I would remember what she had said.  And I would think about it.  And then I would ponder some more.  And without even realizing it an idea had formed, a problem was solved, a decision was made. 

And when I share my revelation with her she tells me that she is a gardener.  With the land and with the mind she plants seeds.  Small and seeming insignificant.  And then it is up to me to grow them.  I nurture them and they grown.  They strengthen and develop roots.  And they will reach deeply into the core.  To provide me with sustenance.  For the body and for the spirit.  My wise teacher never pushed anything on me.  She offered me seeds, and left the rest up to me.

Today I'll be sharing my post with this lovely group of ladies.  Each has a terrific link party that will surely introduce you to all kinds of creative goodness!  Please stop by, and feel free to add your latest project.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings Friends and Welcome!  I hope this Halloween finds all of you enjoying more treats than tricks!  Mother Nature is doing her best to keep us on our toes.  We were fortunate here in north central Massachusetts to be spared from the brutality of hurricane Sandy.  It was wet and windy, but nothing like our neighbors to the south had to endure.  Our wishes and prayers for all of you who were affected for a quick and safe recovery.

Do any of you journal?  I've kept a journal of some sort since I was a teenager.  Over the years I've used all kinds: spiral notebooks, composition books (a fave), special books with fancy covers and decorated paper, day planners and even locking diaries.  The content has changed as often as the books.  It's been poetry and short stories, ramblings of the unrequited love every young girl feels, a record of my pregnancy, and often just a catch all for how my day has been. 

Recently my journals are including more crafting and art leading me towards mixed media journaling. I've never been able to get into scrap booking, but the idea of including tactile bits and pieces of my day along with words and drawings (or doodling!) is really appealing.  My new interest is reflected in my reading materials this week. Raw Art Journaling, The Journal Junkies Workshop, Artist's Journal Workshop and the Sketchbook Challenge all have something to offer. Lessons on technique and suggestions for entries are the most helpful as I find new ways to express the creative spirit inside me.

I'm also using my journal to plan and record the progress of my projects.  It's really different from the things I write here or the information on a Rav project page.  It's less formal and gives me the opportunity to be messy and make mistakes!  It can also be very solitary and private.  Quite the opposite of what you'll find should you decide to join a CAL!

There are other reasons too.  They are great for blogging about.  Sometimes there are prizes. If you loose your motivation you can always count on the group to get you going again.  Timelines (if there are any) help keep you focused.  Did I mention all the friends you'll make? If you don't have a crochet or knitting club in your area, joining an a-long is like being a member of a virtual club.

Currently I'm participating in two CALs.  Both are being hosted by talented, creative women who I've come to know through their blogs.  Denise from Voie de Vie has recently published her first ebook of patterns titled Accessories: Autumne 2012.  I was lucky enough to win a copy, so of course when Denise announced a JAL (join-a-long) I had to jump right in!  Her Ravelry group is here, and you'll find all the information to get a copy of her book or to join us making one of the lovely projects she's designed.  I'm making the Slouching Towards Tassels hat in a rich red wool (that's it in the picture with my journal and books).

Marie from Underground Crafter is not only a great writer (she is the queen of interviews and (craft) book reviews), she is also an experienced teacher.  Her talents shine in The Ripple Mania CAL which actually feels more like a (free!) class than a CAL.  Each week Marie is providing us with a detailed lesson. What's great is how much information there is, and how easy it is to use.  So far we've learned about choosing colors and the basics of the ripple.  The flexibility of this CAL is fantastic, because we get to pick what we want to make and what  technique we want to use.  If your interested in this crochet technique you definitely should come over and take a look.  You'll find everything right here at her Ravelry group.

When I decided to join Marie's CAL I didn't know what I was going to make, I only knew that I wanted to use the yarn that I had leftover from the Granny Square Project.  Searching patterns on Ravelry I found this -

Is this totally awesome? I think that this might be the perfect use for all of those squares that I made while I was learning about granny, don't you?  I've been struggling to come up with something to do with them, and the Groovyghan seems to be ideal!  I haven't got it all figured out yet, but I'm on my way!

Wednesday is a busy day and there's always lots to see.  I'm joining these lovely ladies and all the other talented crafters who share their projects.  Stop by for a dose of inspiration, you won't be disappointed!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Today's post is the final for Blogtoberfest 2012. Wow!!
It's not too late to visit other participating bloggers.  Click the graphic and see what you've been missing!
Also, keep watch for my summary of the event - coming soon!!

This picture was taken by our 16 year old son Seth.  Why am I including it?  Because he loves photography, this is the first picture that he's ever had published, and most importantly because I'm a proud momma!  Yes, it's only our local paper, but everyone has to start somewhere!!

No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.
Ansel Adams

Greetings my friends and welcome!  As I'm writing on this early October morning the sun has yet to rise, and what the day has in store is yet to be revealed. I'm certain of one thing.  Fall has arrived in New England and with it the splendor of colors so rich and intense they simply take my breath away! The changing leaves are harbingers of the cold weather that will soon embrace us.  What better way to prepare for the winter than by making a new wool hat in a deep rich autumn red?

But how to pick a pattern? Last week I was fortunate to receive a "hot off the press" copy of the new e-Book, Accessories: Autumne 2012 from Denise at Voie de Vie. The Slouching Towards Tassels Cap caught my eye and seems like an excellent choice. An added bonus is a JAL over at Denise's group on Ravelry.  Happiness all around!!

As you can see, I've only just begun.  My observations so far: I like that the ribbing is worked flat and then joined (it makes the fpdc and bpdc much easier!); and I haven't worked with a "rough" wool like this for a while.  I forgot how different it is from the "smooth" finishes I've been spending so much time with. It's not a bad thing, it just takes a different type of action to pull loops through.

The soft peachy piece is the Marlo Cardigan that I started a few weeks (okay a month) ago.  I'm a few inches from finished with the back panel.  It's a beautiful fabric and I think it's going to be a nice sweater.  Fit is my real concern.  My experience is so limited with garments, that I really don't know what to do other than measure and follow the pattern.  We'll see.

John has been putting in some time making stitch markers this week.  That's what the bit of sparkle on the red yarn is.  He's refined his technique and they're coming out very nicely.  Right now we're continuing to build quality stock.  Our hope is to do a bit of the craft fair circuit next year as well as to open an Etsy shop. But that's a story for another day!

Wednesday is book day, and you know how much I love books!  This month I'm celebrating the Halloween season by reading (and listening to) titles of a spooky, supernatural nature!  I just finished the book that's reviewed today and am poised to begin Crewel (Crewel World) by Gennifer Albin.  This is YA title that was suggested to me by my coworker (the other Robin at our small library!) because of it's ties to weaving and fibers being worked together to form something new and different.  It's quite a way outside of my normal reading choices, but seems appropriate and in keeping with my October theme.  Time will tell, and I'll be sure to let you know!

The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
Thomas Dunne Books
January 18, 2011; 320 Pages

"My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawkesmith, and my age is three hundred and eighty-four years.  Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins...."

In the spring of 1628 young Bess Hawkesmith learns that decisions made in desperation carry consequences that last a life-time, even if that means forever.  The plague has taken the lives of her father, brother and sister.  When Bess falls ill her mother does the only thing she can to save her daughter.  She turns to the warlock Gideon Masters, and makes a deal that will cost her her life. Once known as a talented healer she is accused of witchcraft by townsfolk who refuse to believe that Bess' miraculous recovery was the result of her skills alone.  Unable to deny the accusation she meets her fate on the Hanging Tree, but not before making Bess promise that she will seek protection from the only one with the power to save her - Gideon.  Under his guidance  Bess learns to master the Craft, awakening powers she didn't know she had while also making her immortal.  When the people of town turn their aggressions on Bess she realizes that she must escape - from the Hanging Tree and from Gideon and a his dangerous black magic.  She couldn't know that he will persue her through time, determined to possess her and the power they could produce together.

In present day England Elizabeth finds herself settled into a quite life. Alone she tends her gardens, and sells herbs and oils at the local market. Her solitary life is abruptly disrupted when a teenage girl called Tegan begins hanging around.  Against her instincts Elizabeth takes pleasure in her company and her perceptive nature.   Soon she begins teaching the ways of the hedge witch.  Tegan is an eager pupil, and Elizabeth uses tales of long ago to school her in what it's like to be a witch, and how she came to be who she is today.  But what of Gideon? Has he finally given up or is he just patiently waiting for an opportunity to capture Elizabeth and make her his own??

It seemed fitting to read a book about witches this Halloween.  I was drawn into this story right off the bat, although I did struggle a bit with the prologue.  I filled it away with the hopes that it would make sense by end (it did, mostly...).  There was an easy flow between the past and present as I got to know Elizabeth and Tegan.  The stories from the past were interesting little vignettes that were unique on their own, but fit together to create a picture of who present day Elizabeth really is.  There is a fair amount of "magic speak" that was foreign to me.  Even thought I didn't understand the exact language (or words) I was able to glean enough of their meaning from the context.  I suppose that's to be expected in a book about witches and magic.  There are scenes of pretty graphic violence and the descriptions of some of the evil elements and even Gideon himself are quite vivid, resulting in some intense imagery.   I can imagine the special effects for a movie version would be very frightening indeed!

I moved quickly through the book and in no time found myself nearing the end.  I had in mind how I thought things might turn out, and I saw the potential for a variety of scenarios.  And while I won't tell you how it all ended, I will tell you that I was disappointed.  I felt gypped.  It almost seems like Ms. Brackston just wanted to be done, and went with the most cliche ending while of course leaving plenty of threads that could be picked up in a sequel.

In summary I'd say it was a good book with some interesting bits of history mixed with a few different relationships, dappled with magic and wrapped up with a predictable bow.  Not bad for a seasonal selection, but I won't be going out of my way to read book two should it appear!

Wednesdays are a busy day for sharing projects and making new friends!  I'll be linking up with this lovely group of ladies.  Each one has something uniquely wonderful to offer.  I hope that you'll stop in for a visit, and feel free to join the fun!

One great advantage to joining late is you have the benefit of all the modifications and helpful hints that those who started before you share! Right away I took advantage of a suggested modification.  I decided to go with the circular design instead of following the directions and getting a more ovular shape.

I was off to a great start.  And then summer came on full blast!  It was hazy, hot and humid day after day. Even with the air conditioning I had a hard time getting any work done on Juliana. I wasn't discouraged.  I kept her in a basket by my chair and every once in a while I'd pull her out and work a few stitches.  By the end of July I had finished the main body and the mesh section.  It's about this time that I was contemplating adding beads to the finished edge.  I've never done crochet bead work, and this pattern really lends itself to this kind of accent.  I even went so far as to ask your opinion on color (blue won).

I don't think I even picked her up in August!  It was just too darn hot.  With September came the promise of fall.  I always find myself energized after Labor Day.  It reminds me of "back to school" and all the excitement the new year holds.  The cooler mornings motivated me to get this project finished.  The final rows went quickly.  I knew that the beads would look terrific, but I decided not to do them.  As much as I enjoyed this pattern, I'd had enough and I'm ready to move on to something new.

I am really pleased with the way my Juliana Wrap came out.  It's larger than I anticipated - and than the pattern implies.  I used a sport weight yarn.  I image if I used something smaller it would have turned out more like the picture.  I brought her to work yesterday and my lovely co-worker Kelsey was kind enough to model for me.  (Thanks Kelsey!!)  This is her in front of the large print books.  The round table was the perfect size to hold Juliana! Just look at how even the stitches are and how defined the work is - all without blocking!  I used acrylic yarn.  I know that there are those of you who can't imagine it, but I think this is a perfect place for it.  It drapes easily and since you can just toss it in the washer the bright winter white will stay crisp and clean!

This morning I added the final finishing touch - the tassels.  I wasn't sure about them at first (they're just pinned on here).  Once I tried them out I decided they should stay.  They hang nicely and really seem to help keep it in place when you throw it over your shoulder.

And so that ends the tale of the Crocheted Juliana Wrap.  It took a little longer than it should have.  Foul weather hindered the progress and the desire to finish trumped the longing to try something new.   I'm not sure where she'll go from here, a present perhaps? We'll see.  As for me, I'll be linking up with these wonderful blogs and heading out in search of my next project!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings Friends!  Granny square fever continues to burn! Each week I find myself amazed and surprised by the variety of patterns and color combinations waiting to be discovered.  And speaking of discoveries... We just got this nifty book at the library, and after a quick glance I knew I needed a closer look.  In The Crafter's Devotional Barbara R. Call has done a great job of compiling a diverse collection of crafty inspiration in a variety of mediums.  Each day of the week has a category and there are lots of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.  I'm particularly taken with the journaling prompts and button art.  Ask for it at your library and give it a browse - I bet you'll find something that tickles your fancy!

Here is the lovely Juliana.  Finally we've had a break in the weather, and with the cooler temperatures I've been able to pick her up again.  Last night I finished the final row of the mesh section - hooray! I'm really pleased with the amount of fullness and body that is developing. There are a hand full of SC rows and then the edging. I'm hoping to use beads for the first time to add a bit of sparkl . I've narrowed it down to  the aqua, clear, white or opalescent. What do you think? I'd also love any advice about bead work, since I have no idea what I'm doing!

This week I started reading Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.  This is book two in the All Souls Trilogy. It's crazy, but I've been waiting with great anticipation for this to come out. Last year a friend recommended A Discovery of Witches, a book I had been avoiding because as a rule I'm not into vampires or witches. But she usually doesn't steer me wrong and can be quite persuasive. I'm so glad that I listened! I was completely drawn into this story and found myself reading into the wee hours just to find out what happens next. Fingers crossed that book two is worth the wait!

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
Viking Penguin
April 5, 2005; 335 pages

I don’t usually do this, but today I’m going to rely on the inside book cover to tell you what this book is about…

"…Now in her luminous new novel, Kidd has woven a transcendent tale… Inside the church of a Benedictine monastery on Egret Island, just off the coast of South Carolina, resides a beautiful and mysterious chair ornately carved with mermaids and dedicated to a saint who, legend claims, was a mermaid before her conversion.

When Jessie is summoned home to the island to cope with her eccentric mother’s seemingly inexplicable act of violence, she is living a conventional life with her husband Hugh. Jessie loves Hugh, but once there, she finds herself drawn to Brother Thomas a monk who is soon to take his final vows.

Few novels explore the lush, unknown region of the feminine soul where the thin line between the spiritual and the erotic exists. Where does the yearning for a soul-mate come from? How does a woman find the place of self-belonging in herself."

So here’s the thing. There are parts of this book that are beautifully written. There are luminous moments as the cover promises, but the relationship between the main characters just doesn’t make sense to me. Jessie and Brother Thomas, two mature adults see each other one dark night in the woods and it’s love at first sight – what? They spend a few months sneaking off for hanky panky in the sand and without hesitation declare their undying love for each other. But when Jessie’s mom goes off the deep end it becomes clear that Brother Thomas isn’t going to be the one to help her deal with the problems. 

There are some great characters on the island, and a dog that is a celebrity in his own right. It’s clear that Jessie is struggling in her relationships with Hugh, her mother, and her daughter as well as with the death of her father when she was a child. She is sad and confused and has a lot of “issues” to work out.

As I’m writing this I’m thinking, okay I guess I get it. But that’s not what I thought while I was reading. Then I thought, they’re not in love, they’re in lust – you don’t really expect me to believe they’re going to live happily ever after do you? Maybe Kidd wanted me to react that way. Maybe she was trying to show how confused, distraught people behave in erratic, unreasonable ways?

I suppose this is one of the reasons that I love books. They make me think.  And there’s something to be said for a book that elicits this kind of a response from me! Do I recommend this one, honestly I’m not sure! I’d say if a book about relationships, family, trauma and figuring out who you are and where you’re going is you’re thing than give it a try. And please, let me know what you think.  If none of that stuff interests you than it’d be best to steer clear.

So my friends, that does it for me today.  As usual, I'll be linking up with these terrific bloggers. It's always a treat to meander about the web, meeting new folks, and seeing what everyone is up to.  I hope you'll join me!

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Have you ever participated in an "a-long"? My Sweet Eleanor is part of a Crochet-a-Long (CAL), and I'm having such a great time. There's a group called Crochet Shoulder Wrappers over on Ravelry, and they are just the nicest bunch of people. They do amazing work, offer a tremendous amount of encouragement, and are so willing to help you succeed.  Every month there are 3 new projects to choose from plus threads  to share patterns, to show off your work, just for designers - all kinds of things.  This is where I found my Juliana wrap.  She was the CAL for June. I'm getting close to finishing, and may even have done it if a new month hadn't started.  Because of course I had to take a look, and that's where I found Sweet Eleanor.

This group is my first experience with an "a-long", and I'm glad I decided to join. I find the pattern tips, modifications and explanations are excellent resources. I imagine if I had started this on my own I would have become frustrated and thrown in the towel. Instead I'm making swift progress. I also like comradery  and fun we have cheering each other on. Whether you take part or just visit there's a lot of good stuff happening!

And what would Wednesday be without a little book chat? Yesterday I started The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. She also wrote The Secret life of Bees which I haven't read, but I did adore the movie. This book seems to have hooked me right from the start. Her words evoke images and feelings that give me moments of pause yet keep me turning the pages. I look forward to exploring all it has to offer.

Full Blast by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes
St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks
April 10, 2004; 344pages

I’m tossing this one in for Janet Evanovich fans. It’s an earlier work (Stephanie Plum was only up to “To the Nines” when this came out.) that’s part of a series she wrote with Charlotte Hughes.  The residents of Beaumont, South Carolina are a diverse and wacky bunch, just the kind of folks you expect from Evanovich. There’s a dog named Fleas, a car named Muffin, a hunky millionaire, a cute, spunky newspaper owner with a coffee and sugar habit, a lingerie shop run by a librarian (haha!), aphrodisiac brownies, a psychic who writes an advice column, a beauty queen, and a former professional wrestler who happens to be the mayor - just to name a few. With a population like this there’s never a dull moment, especially when someone starts offing women who seem to be connected to ads placed in the papers personals section.

Many years ago I read another book in this series so when I came across this one I figured, why not? It’s what I expected. Lots of quick banter, eye rolling and exasperated sighs. Some hanky-panky, a little arguing, and people rallying together to help each other.  It’s not her best, but since it had been a while it felt fresh enough that I was able to enjoy it. I’d say don’t go out of your way to find it, but if you happen upon it give it a try. Who knows? It just might tickle your funny bone!

Well friends, that's all for me today. It's be terrific having you here. I'll be linking up with my crafty pals who always have lots to share. I love clicking around and soaking in all the creative goodness - you never know what you'll find.

Thanks for stopping by.
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

This week I joined a CAL over at the Crochet Shoulder Wrappers on Ravelry. What a terrific group this is!  I just couldn't resist the Sweet Eleanore Scarf that is on tap for August. You may recognize the yarn I'm using. It's from the stash and it was going to be socks. Since that never happened, I decided to use it for this funky little wrap. I can't get enough of them. The Juliana Mod is also from a CSW CAL.  I stalled a bit in the sweltering heat, but I worked on her during the opening ceremonies and I can see the end is near! If you've never done a CAL/KAL I really encourage you to give it a try. I've gotten excellent tips and pattern explanations from the group, and they're all so nice!

Button Holed, by Kylie Logan
Berkley Prime Crime Publishing, NY
September 6, 2011; 288 Pages

Welcome to the Button Box, a specialty shop located in a converted brownstone in the New Town section of Chicago.  Josie Giancola, the young proprietor is quickly establishing herself as one of the country’s leading experts on all things buttons. She has invested her life savings in opening the Button Box and it looks as if her dreams are about to come true.  Hollywood starlet Kate (the Great) Franciscus has picked Josie to find her custom buttons for her wedding gown. This could be the client who puts Josie and her shop on the map.

Imagine her surprise (horror!) when she finds Kate the Great dead in her shop and an antique button hook looks like it’s the weapon. Now it’s up to Josie and Homicide Detective Nevin Riley to figure out who ended the career of America’s sweetheart right before her royal wedding to Prince Roland of Ruritania.

I picked up this paperback while I was packing. I don’t usually read them, but the buttons on the cover caught my eye, and I’m a sucker for a catchy cover. I was hesitant though, because my recent experience with this kind of book has been less than stellar. By this kind I mean mysteries in which the protagonist is the owner of a craft/specialty shop. There are many about knitters, quilters, foodies and the like, but this is the first about buttons.

This book is the first in a new series by Kylie Logan, and I think she really hit the mark. Josie is funny, spunky, smart and human. She’s believable and I could feel her love and obsession for the buttons she has dedicated her life to.  In addition to Josie, there is a terrific cast of characters at play. Some are specific to this story, but others – like Nevin the hunky detective; her sexy, unreliable con-artist ex-husband Kaz; and Stan Marzcak, her fatherly neighbor who’s a retired Chicago police officer are sure to show up again.

Here’s why I liked it: The book moves quickly, and the dialog is smooth and often funny.  There are twists and turns as Josie tries to put the pieces together to figure out who the killer is even though he’s doing his best to stop her. She finds herself in a variety of situations that I can actually imagine happening. And here’s the best part – I never knew who the killer was until the final pages! That is a big plus for me.

When I closed this book I had a smile on my face. It was entertaining. The author was always a step or two ahead of me keeping me anxious to find out what happens next.  I like Josie and the other people in her life. She reminds me a bit of the early Stephanie Plum, the heroine of the Janet Evanovich series. (The movie version of One for the Money was released earlier this year, and  Notorious  Nineteen is due out in November of 2012.) If you’re a fan of Stephanie and her gang, I’d say there’s a good chance you’ll be hooked by this one!

Now that I've had a chance to tell you about my projects, I'll be heading out to link up and visit with my friends on their blogs. These are  diverse, creative and interesting groups and I always find something that takes my breath away. I'm sure you will too!

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

CAL - I've thought about joining on several occasions but I never seem to be in the right place at the right time.  Today that all changed! While strolling along on the blog-avard I happened upon the folks at Lion Brand who were telling me all about the latest CAL set to begin next week. Huh. Imagine that.  I'm just about finished with my Chevron Lace Cardigan and although I don't "need" another project I thought, why not?  It looks like a great little shrug and I bet its fun to crochet with a whole bunch of other people.  I read through the pattern (looks easy), the initial post and the comments.  Everyone was so positive and enthusiastic.  What could be better??  How about if they have a Ravelry group? Well of course they do!  So I went right ahead and joined in there too! I figure with all this support I'm bound to keep on track!  Plus, if I run into any trouble I'm sure there will be plenty of folks willing to help me out. (Crochet and knitting people are just so nice!) Now that I've gone ahead and made this commitment to myself I better get moving, and finish up that sweater!  I'm not sure what I'm going to do for yarn.  I know that I won't use the glittery yarn the shrug is named for.  I'm not much of a glittery kinda gal!  I do have quite a bit of Baby Sport in plain old white which actually might be nice.  I have several white pullovers and they all get lots of wear.  I'm sure a sweet wee shrug in white will as well. Don't you think?

On another note, I made lots changes to the blog over the past few days. I'm working hard to create an environment that feels friendly, casual and comfortable.  I want to be easy to read, and fun without getting carried away.  I changed my logo design (thanks to Picasa) making the whole thing a bit softer . I mean it's Crochet Nirvana for goodness sake - that shouldn't be cold and harsh! I've decided to go with the grayish background (instead of white), again for the warmth. I'd probably choose a different color if I could, but I haven't figured out how to do that yet!  Happily after much trail and error with the CSS code I was able to change the font in the menu bar, increase the width of the whole page and adjust the size of the header!!  I'm quite proud of that part since I have zero experience with code of any kind!  Overall I'm pleased with the way we're looking today.  Now if I can just stop futzing with it and get down to some crochet I'll be all set! 

Until next time Happy Weekend!
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!