2012 New Years Resolutions

At the beginning of 2011 I resolved to "finish up my crochet projects that are currently in various stages of completion." The project that I really had in mind was a table cloth that I started sometime in the 1980s. YIKES. I still have the partially completed table cloth, I still have the pattern, I still have the thread, and it still is not finished.

So this year, I'm not going to resolve to complete that project. In 2011 I designed yoga socks and a wrap for my sister and I designed a baby afghan for my great great niece.  All of these gifts were given, however, the pattern instructions are still on spreadsheets and in notebooks.  So my 2012 New Years resolution is to get these 3 patterns typed and self published or published in a crochet magazine.  I think this may be a resolution that I might actually complete. Wish me luck.

Oh, and I resolve to lose weight and to get into shape, because I resolve to do that every year too!

Professional Application to CGOA

Today I am completing the application process for Professional Status with the Crochet Guild of America CGOA.

Professional Status is for "someone who has been working professionally (derives some of all income from this work) in the crochet field for at least 2 years" (http://www.crochet.org/)

I have been an "Associate Member" since I took early retirement from teaching in 2009. Since that time I have devoted a considerable amount of time to the art of crochet and honing my crochet skills.

As proof of qualification I have included several documents with the application to show that I derive some income from crochet. These documents include a business card, a copy of my pattern from Quick and Easy Crochet Magazine, my State Tax Certificate, an invoice from a Ravelry sale, and a copy from my blog page advertising crochet lessons.

I'll let you  know when and if the committee approves my application.

Yahoo Groups

If you like to converse with like-minded crochets artists, but time and distance are an issue you might explore “Yahoo Groups”.

I belong to several online groups which I have listed below. The short descriptions are taking right from the groups’ descriptions.  

If you decide to sign up for a group, I suggest you select  the “digest” format.  that way your inbox won’t be inundated with individual group updates.

Just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/ and search for groups, or you can even start your own group.

Crochet Guild of America Professional Members. . You must be a paid member of the Crochet Guild of America, and have Professional Member status to belong to this group. The membership of this group is made up of many different crochet professionals including, but not limited to: EDITORS, PUBLISHERS, MANUFACTURERS, DESIGNERS, CONTRACT CROCHETERS, CROCHET PRODUCERS, AND YARN REPRESENTATIVES. All aspects of CROCHET may be discussed on this list

Crochet Partners is a very large group with over 6000 members. Crochet Partners is for crocheters worldwide. Their skill levels range from beginners to professional designers and publishers. Members love to share their thoughts, comments and knowledge about crochet with others, and believe that there is no such thing as a dumb question!

Knitting with a crochet hook    This group is using 2 different ways to do conventional knitting using tools that have crochet hooks on them.

Known in Asia as "Magic Needles" these have been called "Amazing Needles" in the US. Recently the term "Knooking" has become popular.

This has been a focused discussion group knitting_with_crochethook on Yahoo since 2004 currently with over 700 members, with files and links to help you get started.

Publish Crochet was created for Crochet Designers to learn from and discuss the business side of the industry. Appropriate topics include: general business aspects such as sales,
accounting, self-publishing, marketing and Copyright.

This list is not appropriate for those needing help with crochet techniques.

Tunisian Crochet. Whether you call it Tunisian, Tricot or Afghan Stitch, you've found the right place!  This group is all about Tunisian crochet and has a lot of files to share.

Have fun exploring Yahoo Groups

Free Knook

Hey Everyone, for a chance to win a Free Knook or IPad go to Leisure Arts. 

I've seen the Knook and I've watched the videos, but I haven't purchased it yet. So many things to try, so little time.  The finished product is supposed to look like knitting but you use a crochet hook.  Very Interesting.

I've seen the Knook at Hobby Lobby, and Walmart. I'm sure it is sold other places too.  I need to buy one, just to learn the new technique.

Anyway, I digress. Here is the link to the contest.  Good luck

Enter the Contest

Angry Birds

Angry Birds is a fun game that is available through your mobile device app store.  If you don't know what or who Angry Birds are, just ask your children or grandchildren because they will know. 

I came across a video by the Crochet Geek that shows you how to crochet the Angry Birds.  These would be a big hit for any person that plays the game.  Check it out.

Angry Birds

How to Fasten Off

I was just reading in another discussion list today about how to fasten off a project.  Some crocheters make a "knot".  This is a no no in crochet.

If you are considering the CGOA Masters Program, you need to fasten off your swatches correctly or they will be rejected and you will be disappointed.

Here is a great little video on how to fasten off that I found on You Tube that shows the correct way to fasten off. No further knotting is required.

How to Fasten Off

Kathy's Infinity Scarf

I made this scarf for my sister for Christmas. This shade of green is one of her favorites so when I saw the yarn, Patons Lace Sequin,  at my local Hobby Lobby I knew I had to get it for her. The color is a lovely peridot.

You can find the pattern in my Ravelry Store. The really neat thing about this scarf is the number of ways it can be worn, either in loop fashion, or twisted for a cowl, or hooded cowl.

That's all for today. I need to finish up my online classes. Later today Walt and I are flying to Utah to enjoy Thanksgiving with our  family there.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.