Additional fuel for my short attention span is my love of books.  Pattern books to be specific.  Not only do I receive terrific titles in the mail for review, but working at the library I can not resist browsing the catalog and borrowing anything - make that everything - that strikes my fancy! That's where I came across this quick and interesting project. In One-Skein Wonders; 101 Yarn-Shop Favorites I found Knitted Coasters with Charms.  I thought that it would be a great way to combine John's beading with my knitting.

This is just a peek at one of the many projects that's been keeping me busy.  I've been doing a whole lot of crafting, and not very much blogging.  Time to get back in swing!  I used to wonder what I was going to write about, not any more! I've got plenty of finished projects, works in progress plus don't forget the books to review and giveaway.  I think you're going to be seeing a lot of me!

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!

I am so excited to announce that our Etsy shop is now officially open!  If you've been reading the blog then you know that we've been working on this for a while.  And let me tell you it's been work!  I really had no idea what is involved in opening up a shop.  It's a lot like when I started the blog.  Learn as you go.  Be patient and flexible.  If somethings works - keep doing it and if it doesn't, change it!

Our shop is called Nirvana Designs and it's development has been a somewhat organic process.  I learned how to crochet, started writing about it and the blog was born.  I took up knitting and wrote about that.  As I learn things I like to share them with you.  It's a way for me to record my experiences and hopefully lend a hand to you along the way.  My husband ties flies for fishing.  It's small, precise work.  One day I admired the beaded earrings a patron at the library was wearing.  It turns out her daughter made them. I thought we can do that!  And so we did. With John's amazing dexterity and my creative motivation we began making earrings.  Then came stitch markers. And more jewelry.  It's fun and a terrific way for us to share a hobby. We didn't set out to sell anything, but since we've pretty much saturated our friends and family with gifts and we're not ready to stop making things a Etsy shopped sounds like the obvious next step.

For nearly a year we have been refining our techniques, searching for raw materials and slowly building our inventory.  The past month I've been doing product photography and learning about Etsy.  Believe me there is a lot to learn!  Thankfully there are plenty of books available and more importantly, the site is designed for people just like us. 

Now after more that 1000 pictures and many hours on the computer we are happy to welcome you to our grand opening.  We're hopeful that you'll take a look at what we've been busy making.  To break the ice, we're offering 50% off your first purchase.  Use the coupon code: WELCOME at checkout.  Initially we're only listing our stitch markers.  The jewelery collection is coming next and eventually I hope to offer a selection of knit and crochet pieces.

We're having a great time with our new project and we're looking forward to learning, growing and finding our place in the world of Etsy boutiques!  Drop in for a browse and maybe even treat yourself to a little something! 

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

Hi there!

One of the things that I really enjoy about crochet is learning new things.  So when the folks at Annie's Catalog contacted me a few months ago and asked if I was interested in reviewing one of their on-line classes I jumped at the opportunity!  If you're not familiar with Annie's they're a cornerstone in the crafting industry.  Their first catalogs were mailed to homes in 1975 and crafter's have been turning to them for patterns, supplies and instruction since.

There are on-line classes for crochet, knitting, card & paper crafts, quilting, sewing and beading & jewelry.  In each category you'll find several different topics to choose from.  The classes range in price from $19.95 to $24.95.  Once you pay for your class, it's yours forever.  You can access it as many times as you want, anytime you want.  I chose Crocheting with Beads.  It's something that I've been wanting to try and this was the perfect opportunity. 

The class includes the video instruction which is broken down in segments for each technique and project.  It has a total running time of just over an hour. There is a downloadable /  printable PDF file that contains the pattern for each of the projects.  There is something called "My Notebook" which allows you to record your own notes as your watching and practicing.  I used this are to keep track of what yarn and hook I was using and what kind of beads I chose.  I also used it to note the projects I liked the most and the things that I had trouble with.  There is also a place to "Ask the Instructor" with several FAQs that get immediate responses.  I did ask a question that wasn't on the list.  Later the same day I received an email letting me know that Ellen had answered my question!  I logged back into my class and sure enough there was my response!  That's pretty cool.  Overall the course is easy to access and I had no trouble navigating through it or downloading my patterns.

Now, let me tell you about the class.  First of all, it's very well done.  The audio and video are clear, the instructor, Ellen Gormley, is easy to listen to and does a great job showing you what to do and how to do it.  Like many of you, I've watched plenty of videos on YouTube and while the intention may be good, the end result often leaves a lot to be desired and you can never be sure of what you're going to get.  I feel confident that all of the videos in Annie's series are the same caliber as this one. 

In this class there are 6 projects.  Ellen shows you how to make each one of them from beginning to end.  Each one uses a new beading skill.  Every skill is demonstrated step by step using heavier yarn and large pony beads.  By practicing with the bigger beads you can really get the hang of it before switching to the smaller beads the pattern calls for. In addition to beading, other techniques like joining motifs as you go, making button holes and using jewelry notions are also covered in detail.

So what did I make? After watching the video all the way through, I decided that I was going to try to make the beaded bracelet which is basically a tube with a bead in every stitch.   It's the second project in the class and Ellen made it look so easy!!  Actually, the technique itself wasn't too bad with the pony beads - but I know myself well enough to realize that I needed to start with a different project.  No sense in getting frustrated right off the bat.  Next I decided to try the beaded scarf.  This is the third lesson.  Again the technique was easy to pick up.  I really liked that I could start and stop as much as I wanted.  After making one pattern repeat with the pony beads I got started on my scarf.  I didn't have the yarn the pattern called for so I made do with what I had on hand.  This was much easier going!  The hardest part (most tedious?) part was stringing the beads.  Mainly because I didn't have the right tools.  I think with the proper weight yarn and beading needle it would be much faster.  I haven't finished the scarf, but after completing about 2 dozen rows I was ready to try something else.  Not because I didn't like it, but because I wanted to actually finish something to show you!!

Which brings me to my final project - the Wristlet Clutch.  How cute is this?!  This is actually the first project in the class and as it turns out the one that I should have started with!  It's a small project and if you want you can use pony beads like I did.  We have a big pile of these wonderfully fun skull beads.  John has been making stitch markers with them, but I was able to grab a few in order to make my bag.

As with my previous class experience, this technique was a snap to master.  Ellen shows you how to do everything from making the handle and the button hole to creating the button itself!  I made this little beauty in two afternoons and everything about it was fun and easy.

The best part was putting it to use! I often ride my bike to the country store and I always have to make sure I have pockets.  Not any more!!  Now I just slip my little bag over my wrist and I'm good to go!

There are 3 more projects that I haven't tried yet.  The beaded shawlette uses the "hooked on" technique.  I'm looking forward to seeing the difference between pre-stringing them vs. adding them as you go.  I feel confident that I'll be able to follow other patterns that include beading, especially knowing that I have my class available to me if I need a quick refresher.

In case you're wondering, Annie's hasn't paid me for my endorsement. I was given the class in exchange for my honest review.  That's it.  Happily this is a fun and informative program that I feel good about recommending.  Especially if you take advantage of the coupon code they gave me to share with you!  Just click here and you can take 50% off any of their on-line classes.  Now that is a great deal.  Unfortunately, the code expires soon so you have to act fast.  The good thing is once you pay for it you can watch it whenever you want - so even if you don't have time right now, it will be ready for when you do.

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