The Perfect Autumn Ensemble

Greetings Friends!  The weekend is upon us and I'm thrilled to have two projects to share with you!  Recently  I asked for your help picking my next project.  I was surprised when the voting ended in a tie.  Making an executive decision (because here is the only place I have that power) I decided on the Little Wing Shawlette.  Mainly because I wanted to use the Amazing yarn that I bought months ago.  Happily it feels as if this pattern by Andee Graves from Two Hands Healing was written just for this yarn! Another pleasant discovery was having enough yarn left over to make a matching set of wrist warmers.  I made them using one of my favorite patterns - Chevron Lace Wrist Warmers by Karen at Colour in a Simple Life. 
Together these pieces make the perfect autumn ensemble, and I love the way they so easily coordinate with my favorite denim jacket.

When I started Crochet Nirvana it was mainly a way for me to chronicle my work.  I had no idea that it would connect me to so many talented people.  I also didn't know that there is such a large community of crafters and how accessible, helpful and supportive they are.  Before I started blogging, I got the majority of my patterns from books and magazines.  Occasionally I would use the internet and print something from Crochet Pattern Central (as was the case with my wrist warmers).  The designers who wrote these patterns were strangers to me and the idea of actually communicating with them was just silly!  Oh how things have changed! Now I know that designers are out there and they want to hear from us!  They want to help if we get stuck and see what we made with their pattern when we're done! They have blogs, Facebook, and Ravelry pages.  Some are fortunate enough to do it full time, and others have jobs that have nothing to do with yarn.  It turns out they're a lot like me!

How does this relate to today's post? Well, let me tell you. Before I begin any project I always go to Ravelry and see what other people who have made the item have to say.  In fact if there are too many negative comments I won't even bother!  I also check out the materials used, because I never seem to have the yarn that's called for. If it looks like most people have been successful I give it a go.  Such was the case with Little Wing.  Several folks commented about the foundation. I gave it a try as written, but when it didn't work I used a regular Fsc like they suggested and it worked perfectly. Problem averted!  Next I ran into trouble at Row 2.  I couldn't figure out how to make the transition for the point.  I looked at other people's notes and pictures and while some had mentioned having trouble, no one told me how they fixed it.  I was thinking I might have to find another pattern.  Instead I decided to contact the designer - Andee. It was late, I was frustrated, and I fear my message was long and rambling.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  The next day with a fresh coffee and fresh perspective I tried Row 2 again.  Success!! And what else? A response from Andee who was more than willing to help me out.  How cool is that? I made a beautiful wrap, and I made a new friend!

Here's a closer look at the details of Little Wing

But what about Karen and the wrist warmers?  Like I said, I originally printed her pattern off the internet, and  I had no idea that I would ever run into her again. Then one day on Facebook someone shared a picture of a happy, bright square that caught my eye. I followed the link and ended up at Karen's blog.  Reading through (because it's well done and she has fabulous pictures!) I was totally surprised when I saw the pattern for my very favorite wrist warmers on her sidebar.  What a small world!  I started following Karen, and of course had to let her know how I had found her and how much I loved the pattern.  I was even fortunate enough to receive a complimentary copy of her Granny's Gone Dotty pattern.  Again I say,  how cool is that?

We hear so many negative things about the internet and social networking.  As the mother of a teenager I am always fearful of who my son will come in contact with and what kinds of things he might see while browsing the web.  But then there is the other side.  Where we have access to the inspiring work of thousands of people.   Where we offer encouragement and teach each other the things we know.  Where a stranger is willing to help when asked.  Where a gift is offered as thanks for a kind word.  Where we can laugh, learn, create and share in a community we've created.  Sitting at the dining room table in fuzzy slippers and messy hair I have found my (crochet) Nirvana. 

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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 "Voice"

The human voice is as diverse as a finger print, but so much easier to recognize. It doesn't even have to be a particularly interesting or unique voice for me to know who it belongs to with out seeing them.  At work people often call to renew their books.  I'm always surprised by how distinct their voices are and how many I recognize with out even thinking about it.
I never thought that my voice was very unique.  But once many years ago the phone rang.  I answered. "Hello?"  The person asked for someone - Jim, John, Joe -  someone who didn't live at my house.  "Sorry" I said, "wrong number".  And then they said, "Robin?  Is that you?  This is Cindy, remember we met a few months ago at my brother- in-laws house?  I knew I recognized your voice!!"
What?? Are you kidding?
We live in a small town, and the likely hood of calling someone that you know does exist, but it's a pretty slim margin.   This was in the days way before cell phones when we all had the same exchange and you only had to dial 5 numbers to connect your call (really dating myself here!)
Anyway, after that call I knew the voice that I had thought was plain and ordinary really was unique after all!

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Today I'll be linking up with these lovely ladies and their awesome blogs. I hope you'll take the time to see what they have to offer!
 
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 part of Blogtoberfest 2012.
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