Old Ladies Only? Addressing the Stereotype

A few months back, I was contacted by a male who thought I should be marketing crochet DVD's to little old ladies in nursing homes. That was his pitch.  It was a serious inquiry because he wanted to include some of his video work on the DVD as well. 


How old were you when you first learned how to crochet?  I was 20 when I learned.  I want to get rid of this "old lady" stereotype because anyone and everyone can crochet.  Being a former Army wife, crochet accompanied me around the world and became a friend who was there for me through all times.  As we share our knowledge, I want our next generations, both male and female to feel that they can do this at any point in their life.  Crochet is NOT just for "old ladies".


How to do you think the stereotype got started?

The silver lining...

I had "one of those days" today so instead of venting again, here are things that happened today that make me happy:

• T's case of "grandmatitis" seems to be wearing off.  We had a good night with minimal tantrums!
• I had a couple of students tell me they like having me as their teacher :)
• The myth project they presented today was awesome.  They're so creative!
• My awesome hubby took on some T duty this afternoon so I could get my grad work done that didn't get done last night.
• My grad work did not take as long as I anticipated!
• I beat my time on the mile by a minute-- almost died doing it but the point is I DID IT!
• I have some pretty awesome people at work that keep me sane.

March comes in like a lion...

And I hope it's out like a lamb.   I am over this month.  I am having issues at work, been sick, had the furnace break, had grad work up the wazzoo.  I am tired and would like a break.  Meanwhile I have ZERO sick days and will not get paid for one day already on the next paycheck.  Here's to a much brighter April!

Crochet Spring Rose

Crochet Spring Rose

If you are a beginner, you can find a playlist for the basic crochet stitches by clicking on this link.  Beginner Crochet Stitches

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Crochet Spring Rose

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand Version Crochet Spring Rose

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SC - Single Crochet
SL ST - Slip Stitch
TC -Triple Crochet

Materials
Size I/5.5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Row 1: Work 78 foundation single crochet or a chain of 79 with a single crochet in each chain.


Row 2: CH 1, * Work a Single Crochet , skip one stitch, work 5 HDC in the next stitch, skip a stitch, complete 5 times from* ,   * Work a Single Crochet in the next stitch, skip one stitch, work 5 DC in the next stitch, skip a stitch, complete 5 times from*,  * Work a Single Crochet in the next stitch, skip one stitch, work 5 TC in the next stitch, skip a stitch, continue across from* , work a single crochet in the last stitch, cut the yarn and secure.


Row 3:  Attach the new color yarn.  Work a series of back post half double crochet around each shell, slip stitch between.

Eighty!

WOo!  I reached 80 miles :)

CASAQUINHO PRINCESA PARA BEBÊ

Fiz meu primeiro casaquinho para bebê para um serzinho muito especial que vai chegar logo logo. É o Murilo, meu sobrinho-neto. Seja bem vindo meu pequeno, que o amor te espera. Irei fazer também os sapatinhos, a manta e a touca. Ficou um encanto.
A receita é da Prof, Elaine Tripiano e o vídeo é esse.

TOUCA COM POMPONS

A touca faz conjunto com o cachecol abaixo, se alguém desejar a receita me comunique que posto depois, pois preciso procura-la em em meio  a tantos papéis que precisam de organizaçao e arquivo. Minha proxima reforma, será um escritorio-ateliê aonde terá espaço suficiente pra tudo.

CACHECOL TRANÇADO EM TRICO, CROCHE E TUNISIANO

Fiz esse cachecol baseado no trançado abaixo, mas diferenciei fazendo 3 tiras em pontos, cores e texturas distintos. Ficou diferente.

Five Year Anniversary :)

Just posting photos... you'll get the idea ;)

Novelty Yarn - Choking Hazard - Not for use with children

I want to address a question that was just asked about novelty yarn and baby blankets on my Facebook page. The person asked if it would be a choking hazard.  Yes it is a choking hazard! 

Novelty yarn should not be used anywhere near a baby or toddler in any type of crochet item. Think about the result from fibers and invisible particles building up in the air passages of a newborn baby! In fact, novelty yarn should have a warning label, "Not for use in items intended for age 13 and below". I am not saying not to use it but use it responsibly on adult items.  

Count Your Blessings Tuesday on a Wednesday

Today I am grateful for:

• my upcoming 5 year anniversary :)
• a nice weekend with perfect weather and good health!
• my moon photo... I can't stop staring at it
• my date with Beeps-- long overdue and so nice!
• patience... I don't really have a lot but I'm grateful for every bit I can muster
• the family that C and I have created-- I feel that with all the dysfunctional examples that we have, we've come out unscathed.  I love the traditions and values that we are instilling in T
• play time outside.  I love watching T play outside and talking to our neighbors 

Super Moon!

I've wanted to take a picture of the moon like this for a LONG time.  Check off from bucket list ;)

This weekend...

Nobody will get sick, our heater won't break, it will not be cold and raining and I WILL enjoy it. I'm glad our weekend is not packed with plans other than a birthday party tomorrow and a photo shoot on Sunday.  What are YOUR weekend plans?

Count Your Blessings Tuesday

Today I am grateful for:

• LIFE-- it seems so trivial the things I am grateful for when others on the other side of the world are thankful to just find out their loved one is alive or to be able to drink clean water.  Click here to see how insignificant these things we have become when this is your reality.

...now on to the "trivial":

• C and his thoughtfulness :)  
• compliments and learning how to take them
• SUNSHINE at 6pm-- I come back alive in the Spring and Summer
• a little boy who will randomly tell me he loves me and will sometimes crawl into my lap for some cuddles-- how much longer will he do this for?
• finding out I have Monday off from class so I can work on the project--woo!
• friends that stick by me and understand that I have fallen off the face of the Earth because of my packed schedule... I promise to be back and have a life as soon as I am done with grad school!

Crochet TearDrop Earring

Crochet TearDrop Earring

If you are a beginner, you can find a playlist for the basic crochet stitches by clicking on this link.  Beginner Crochet Stitches

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Crochet TearDrop Earring

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand Version Crochet TearDrop Earring

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch

Materials
Size 10 Steel crochet hook
Size 10 Crochet Cotton
Tapestry Needle
26 Gauge wire
Assortment of tiny glass beads
Earring Findings


Rounded Needle Nose Pliers (Jewelry Pliers)
Scissors


Cut a length of wire, approximately 10 inches long.  Round one end of the wire, with your pliers so the beads do not come off.  Put the beads on your wire.  I put mine on in segments of 3 for a total of 36.  You can modify and create a bead pattern of your choice.  Once you get the 36 beads on the wire, turn the other end of the wire, leaving room between the beads to attach the crochet work.


NOTE:  Be careful not to twist your wire to much or it will break.


Attach the slip knot to the crochet hook.  Attach the thread to the work with a slip stitch.
Row 1: Work a single crochet, *chain 5, skip 3 beads, work a single crochet between the beads, chain 5, skip 3 beads, work a single crochet between the beads. Continue across from * repeating until  you get to the end. Skip the last three beads, work a single crochet. Chain 1, turn.
Row 2:  *Work 3 single crochet in the chain 5 loop, work a picot, chain 3, slip stitch in the same single crochet, work 3 more single crochet in the same loop. Work a slip stitch in the single crochet.  Continue across from *. When you get to the end, cut the thread and pull through.  Sew in all the tails.


Now you will take your loose wire ends, and insert each side through the center of the earring loop. Twist and secure, being careful not to twist to tight. Cut of any extra wire end. You can adjust your earring to many different shapes.

Random thoughts...

• I'm glad to be feeling better after laying in bed for two days
• I'm sad that my sick days are all gone
• I'm glad to have presented at my PD today and have it over with
• I'm disturbed by the state of my house after being out of commission for two days
• I need a time out sometimes... like a for real sitting in the corner to reflect on things time out
• I need grad school to be over so I can actually have a social life-- one where I can meet up with friends and not have to worry about all the extra crap that has to get done
• I'm happy to be working out again after my sick days
• I'm hopeful that by the summer I won't mind my bathing suit as much
• Giving up chocolate so far has not been a struggle.... however, I had a stomach bug for a couple of days and I'm sure that helped!
• I need a mani/pedi/wax stat
• I can't get Japan and all the destruction out of my mind (keeping them in my prayers)
• I am scared to go to work on Monday and find piles of work just waiting for me but in comparison to the above, not so bad

Happy Weekend!

Seventy! Woo!

70 miles!

Count Your Blessings Tuesday

It has been a while!  I need to remind myself today what I am grateful for... sometimes you need to list it to know!

Today I am grateful for:

• health.  I just had T and C sick recently and I'm glad to have them back in good health. 
• creativity in planning.  I've been planning some pretty fun lessons.  I just wish my students weren't "too cool" to get excited. 
• actually learning something new in grad class last night.
• my snuggle bug of a kid.  He's like Jekyll and Hyde lately throwing epic tantrums but then he'll offset that with major snuggles.  
• In-laws that come to the rescue at the last minute. 
• a trip to Florida coming soon!

Family Drama on Facebook

Seriously... is this a new thing? Lately there have been highly personal topics posted for the world to see.  WHY?:

• My sister posted on my brother's wall that he shouldn't be spending money on going to the aquarium.  (I believe he may have asked her for money prior to this).  He then deleted her comment and de-friended them.  My sister proceeded to post a status directed at my brother.  Uh, hello.... he blocked you, can't see it!
• C's Aunt posted on my wall that when C and I first got married she didn't think it was going to last.  Uh, thanks?  Just today she posted on C's cousin's wall this whole long thing ranting about her in-laws (the cousin's grandparents) and how she's never going to talk to them again.  People, this is PUBLIC SPACE!
• My brother messaged me saying "Hey!  What would you say if I killed myself today?"... he sent that message while I was away. I  came back to find that and him offline.  What the hell?  I called my mom because I don't have a way to reach him and it worried me.  My mom said that was in poor taste and to ignore it.  

Have you seen stuff like this?  Is it just my fam?  

Anniversary Plans

March 25th will mark 5 years that C and I have been married.  When we got married we decided we would really celebrate 5, 10, 15, etc.  Well, what do I want to do to celebrate our five years?  I want to paint our shutters, door and weather proof our deck.  I know, romantic, right?  The in-laws are taking the beast so it would be the perfect time to work together and get our house looking nice.  I would rather spend money on paint than on an outing for ourselves.  Plus, five years is the "wood" anniversary... shutters and decks are wood! We will go out to a nice dinner after all our hard work but that's it.  When did I become so practical?

This is the color we'll be painting the shutters and door-- cranapple!

Three Cheers

My to-do list, ATTACKED!:  

• finish grading stuff
• post grades in two places and turn them in by Tues (did it MONDAY! TAKE THAT!)
• go to class Mon (finished lab before class ended again)
• do grad work assignment due Wed (yeah... I'll get that done tomorrow)
• work on prof. dev. presentation (at least I know what I'm doing)
• work out  (I've been a beast at this...doing full body workout for 20 min then following it up with a mile or two on the treadmill.  Woo)
• plan for classes (got an awesome web scavenger hunt planned!)
• cook up some meals (something's got to give...but the week is not over!  I do have some meals planned!)
• donate stuff (will prob. do it this weekend-- stuff is in the car though!)