Metro Yarn Crawl 2017

I can't believe another Metro Yarn Crawl has come and gone!  We actually made it to 8 stores this year, but we still didn't make it to the store in Occoquan.

Nina, Mary, and I did the Maryland stores on the first Friday of the crawl, visiting Second Story Knits to pick up our totes (and some yarn of course).

We headed to Knit Locally's new location in Gaithersburg, where I scored some beautiful red yarn and a shawl pin.  They have such luxurious yarns there, this is definitely for a project for ME!

Our last stop was at Woolwinders on the way home.  Just like last year, it was a rainy, cold day, so what better to do than visit yarn shops and buy yarn!  Actually, this year, even though it may not seem like it, I tried to concentrate on getting new gadgets that would help in using up my yarn.  I will let this one speak for itself :-)

On the second Friday of the crawl (rainy and cold again!), Mary and I headed to Virginia.  It was a real adventure out to Leesburg to visit Finch Knitting and Sewing Studio.  It was worth the trip!  Such a great store, and you'll be seeing my new gadget from there in another post.  But here's a taste of the amazing vibe and decor.

Then off to Red Fox Yarns, where Uniquities used to be.  The new shop is delightful, with an emphasis on baby yarns and reasonable prices!  And you can't help but stumble upon a cute little stuffed fox everywhere you turn :-)

Our last stop was Nature's Yarns, where I scored a Della Q organizer for my knitting needles (haven't actually organized those needles yet, so no pix).  Love that store; it's definitely a place where you could sit and spend an afternoon so comfortably...

On Saturday, I bribed the hubby to driving me to Old Town Alexandria for a quick stop at fibre space, and I walked on Sunday to Looped Yarn Works (for the locals, that's about 3 miles!).  Another awesome Metro Yarn Crawl!

Corner-to-Corner Baby Blanket

I do love the crochet and knit demonstrations on Facebook!  A few weeks ago, I came across a wonderful technique demonstrated by the Crochet Crowd called the Corner-to-Corner Afghan Project. 

It showed up right in time because I recently found out that a friend of mine is expecting baby number 2!  This one's going to be a boy (the first baby is a girl, and she got this baby blanket and still carries it around :-), and the nursery theme is safari.  So, off to A.C. Moore I went before Blizzard 2016 (now, yarnies, don't judge!  Acrylic yarns these days are pretty decent, and, for a baby, the wash-ability and allergy-free nature of the yarn is key) and found "Camouflage" by Red Heart (that's another thing, there were no safari-like or camouflage yarns at fibre space or Looped).

It did not take long to get to this point with this worsted weight yarn and an H hook:

I ended up having 18 "boxes" across and 22 for the length.  I probably should have tried to have 24, but I was running out of yarn (the main body took just one skein) and didn't want to chance it.

Now, I'm putting on a double crochet black border and am thinking about experimenting with adding a row of beige/camel in there too.  I'll be posting a better photo of the final project soon (she's coming to visit at the beginning of February!) with more details if you want to give it a try as well.

Tulips

Yes, the tulips are finally blooming, even though the weather here in DC has been cold and then hot and now back to quite brisk again (but at least sunny).

And, speaking of tulips, CrochetAddict has added my Tulip Kindle Cover to her Thursday's Handmade Love blog feature!  She's got some really sweet tulip spring patterns featured on her blog, so check out the whole collection.

And one of my squares for the Looped Blanket Project is done!

I've almost finished getting all of the knit and crochet squares finalized for the blanket and will be featuring each square and its designer in blog posts during the Metro Yarn Crawl.  I'm hoping to team up with

The Block Project

The whole Looped Yarn Works family is joining together to get ready for the Metro Yarn Crawl, and each of us is creating a crochet or knit block (12 inches by 12 inches) to showcase the beautiful new yarn by Quince and Co that is exclusively carried by the store.  I'll be posting pictures of all the squares as we get closer to the start of the crawl and letting you know how you can get the patterns if you are not local.

Still working up some other new spring patterns, but it's just too soon to do a reveal ;-)  But, right now, the spring cleaning fever has hit me, and the Goodwill truck is coming to my building on April 27th, so I've got lots of cleaning and organizing to do by then!  My treat will be to get to organize my stash, but I don't get to play with yarn til I get all the paperwork in order, so...

What Yarn to Choose, Part 2

I really need to clean out my stash, I have waaaay too much yarn.  Shocking news, I know.  I was listening to DC Unraveled, the podcast of Looped Yarn Works, and Jessica was helping Colleen go through her yarn stash and match up yarns with potential projects.  Oh, I so badly need that!  But, first, I think I really need to figure out what I have and how much of it before I can figure out projects to do.  Though, knowing me, I had better figure out a few projects I want to make so that when the Metro Yarn Crawl gets here in April, I will at least buy yarn that matches with a project instead of just randomly buy yarn as I have been doing the last few years (crazy, I know!).  Oh, you ask "Phyllis, why are you buying more yarn when you already have so much?"  Now, what kind of question is that?!  It would be like asking a cat not to chase a mouse :-)

And, I'm still trying to learn more about yarn properties and how to properly match up projects and yarns.  I came across this great article by The Knitting Harpy that I thought I would share, though her starting point is that she knows what project she wants to make and is trying to figure out what kind of yarn to use.  She's got a pretty good system for narrowing down her choices.

And, speaking of podcasts, I'm still toying with the idea of starting one.  Sometimes I think it would be easier to just start talking about a topic than typing it out like this.  I could combine it with the blog by posting notes here to accompany the audio.  What do you all think?!

The Renwick Handi-Hour

My, my, what busy times we are living in!  But sometimes you just have to put it all aside and have some fun!  I got my chance last Thursday night at the Renwick Gallery.  Such a beautiful and interesting museum, across from the White House, that is part of the Smithsonian Institute.  Well, they have been having these happy hours where they offer crafting materials, live music, and, hee, hee, craft beers!  All in one of the huge exhibit rooms upstairs.  I saw people making the loveliest tile coasters, felt flowers and cup cozies.  Janie from Looped Yarn Works and I were there to demonstrate knitting and crocheting.

Aren't we cute?!  We had such a great time!  I really want to send out a special shout-out to April who stopped by to show us these beautiful pop-top bags that she's been making.

So, if you are in the DC area on Valentine's Day, sign up for the next Handi-Hour!

WWKIP in DC!

Saturday was World Wide Knit in Public Day, and here in DC, it took place at the Textile Museum, which is near to Looped Yarn Works in the Dupont Circle section of town.  It was a pretty hot day, but some brave souls gathered in the garden:

while another group of us took advantage of the beautiful inside space set aside for us:

Many thanks to Lynne for the great photography!  My pitiful pictures taken with my Blackberry just weren't cutting it.  Oh, but I'm breathing a sigh of relief -- the hubby found my camera, and it is safely back in my possession :-)

Chevron Crochet Tote Bag

Ah, my latest creation is done and posted on my Ravelry page!  The Chevron Crochet Tote Bag is really a fun project and a great way for a beginner to practice the double crochet stitch without getting bored!  And, except for the color changes, it worked all in one piece.

I made this project as a sample for Looped Yarn Works since they stock Berroco's Weekend Chunky yarn, but ended up making one to keep for myself :-)  I also love the handles -- I got them on http://www.fabric.com/, but they're made by Cindy's Button Company, a home-grown business in Idaho.

Now, which project idea to get started on next?!?!

Meltdown

Thankfully, not my own, but, again, my computer graphics card had one.  Unlike a year and a half ago, when it would have cost $300 to replace it in my laptop, this time I was able to get up and running again after only $35 (a new card from California off of eBay for the computer tower I bought after the last meltdown).  Last night was spent backing up all of my data (yes, I know, bad Phyllis for not already doing that on a regular and consistent basis).  But, you know, unexpected meltdowns can be a blessing in disguise.  I used the time to finish the Tunisian scarf project, to start on a pillow project, teach a class at Looped Yarn Works and to read my favorite business magazines Entrepreneur and Inc.  I would highly recommend both of them, especially when I'm feeling discouraged about how slowly things seem to be going for my business.  I get a lot of inspiration from the articles and learn about a lot of different (and often free) services that are available for entrepreneurs out there, even small ones.  I also remind myself that, if I were able to spend all of my time working on my business, it would be a lot different than the few hours here and there that I am able to devote to it.  We all make choices (even if it feels like the choices are made for us), and I feel that the trick to it is to accept those choices and work them to your advantage the best you can or, frankly, make new choices.  Whining is not an option!

One tool that I'm currently embracing is http://www.evernote.com/.  I'm one of those people who comes across a website or a product, jots down the information on a scrap of paper or tears out the article or advertisement, etc., then ends up with a pile of papers that I'm paralyzed to do anything about, and seriously, how useful is the information if it's lost in a pile (but I can't possibly throw out that pile for fear of losing something important)?!  Sound familiar?!  Now, with evernote, my dream is that I can jot down a thought, copy a website address that I want to go back to, etc., and centralized it all in one space that's accessible on whatever device I'm using.  I'm in the process of setting up different "notebooks" on the site to organize and file away information.  I haven't fully explored all the possibilities yet or input all the scraps of paper ;-)  but there's potential here!  I'm not a paid spokesperson, I just hope that my experiences, good and bad, can be of help to you, and I'll keep you posted about how that pile is coming.

Ok, now, speaking of piles of paper...

Losing Your Mojo?!

So, the hoopla of New Year's is fading, and you're realizing that some of your resolutions are as well!  Well, don't despair, just shift your perspective a bit.  I really found Jones Loflin's and Todd Musig's book "Juggling Elephants" really helpful.  Their premise is that life is like a circus (I know, doesn't sound that original, but be patient ;-) and you are the ringmaster.  But, the ringmaster cannot be in all three rings at the same time, so you need to focus on starting a quality act in each ring, then allowing 2 of the 3 rings to take a back seat while you concentrate on 1 of the rings, then shift around, just like the ringmaster at a circus!  For example, I have hardly been in the computer ring this month -- the blog, the website, the FB page, etc., all need some attention, but the only way I was going to be able to produce some quality samples for Looped Yarn Works (and hence some new wonderful patterns!) was to focus almost exclusively on them.  Now, the trick is to shift back to the computer before things get too stale there.  (And, I have to admit, the family/friends ring has been getting a lot of attention lately too, but that's really what it's all about now, isn't it?!)  I really like their "3 D" technique as well -- Delegate, Delete, Delay -- for when I am feeling overwhelmed. Question how any task you choose to undertake will help you accomplish your purpose. Take greater accountability for what you do-and don't do.



Ok, your action item today is to figure out your three most important rings and which one you want to concentrate on this week.  Check out the authors' website and blog for more words of wisdom and pick up a copy of the book here!

September Round-Up

So, the September Round-Up on FaveCrafts has been posted -- who inspired you to be an artist?  why do you create?  For some responses, including mine, go to this link:  http://www.favecraftsblog.com/monthly-craft-question-who-inspired-you-to-become-an-artist-why-do-you-create/

Whew, so I just taught my first class over at Looped Yarn Works!  It's a two session introduction to crochet, and I think it went well.  The "classroom" at Looped makes it so easy to give students individualized attention around this comfortable table.  There's just such a great vibe in both rooms :-)  I've got a Tunisian Crochet class coming up in November, and Amigurumi Crochet in December.  I'm thinking about adding some more classes, so if anyone's got any requests, just let me know!!

Ok, back to unearthing myself from piles of paper!  Happy Columbus Day!

Pollie

So, Ollie the Octopus now has a big sister named Pollie!  During the grand opening of Looped Yarn Works last Thursday, I figured it was time to revamp the amigurumi octopus to take advantage of this fabulous Cascade Classic 100 percent mercerized cotton yarn that the shop is stocking.  Here are the results:

Pollie and Olllie are both available on Ravelry.

Ah, I have to say, Looped is such a fabulous place!  It was just so comfortable sitting in their beautiful "living room" and crocheting!  I'm so looking forward to teaching there -- please check out their class schedule at http://www.loopedyarnworks.com/.

Now, figuring out the next project...

Kitschy Stitch in Rehoboth

Ah, back home again...  Nice, but I miss the ocean lapping around my feet :-(

But, it was a great vacation, and here is a big shout out to Allison and her beautiful Kitschy Stitch in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  It's located on 75 Lake Avenue, and it's just a wonderous place.  Lots of space, lots of yarns and accessories, and lots of comfortable atmosphere.  I was sad that I could only visit once and missed the Sit and Stitch on Monday morning, but I did bring home some yarnie goodies (I'll post before and after pictures in an upcoming post).

Check out Allison's blog at http://www.kitschystitch.blogspot.com/ and plan a visit!

Ok, speaking of fabulous local yarn stores, Looped Yarn Works is having its official Grand Opening starting today, and I'll be stopping by to provide crochet support :-)  Come on by!!

Where Has the Summer Gone?!

It's really hard to believe that tomorrow is September 1st.  And, even though it's still pretty hot out there still, there really is a different feel in the air.  That "back to school" feeling, even if you don't have any kids around.

And, the baby duckie -- well, he's not such a baby anymore and will probably be flying away soon.

And I am, as always, spreading myself too thin.  Have I sewn on the pom poms?  No.  But, my strategy is to wait til the other poms arrive, then sew them all on at the same time (at least that's what I'm telling myself :-).  Thursday, I'm hoping to stop by Looped Yarn Works because, of course, I must frolic among the new fall yarns!  And breathe in the yarny air and actually begin to figure out a schedule of beginner crochet classes!  I'm looking forward to teaching crochet again, and it'll be so convenient.  I think I might offer Tunisian Crochet classes again too.  I was just ahead of my time a year ago when I offered the class -- I've been noticing a lot more articles, books and patterns with Tunisian Crochet coming out recently.  It really is a fun technique to try, but we'll see...

Alright, as I'm known to say, stay tuned!  Let me leave you with a philosophical thought:  what you don't like and can change, you should change; what you don't like and can't change, you should learn to accept. 

It's Coming!

A beautiful new yarn store in Dupont Circle!  It's called Looped Yarn Works, and you can read all about it on their website at http://www.loopedyarnworks.com/.  I will start teaching there in the fall :-)

Clownie is also coming, but the pom poms are turning out to be very challenging.  Even got some gadgets to help in creating the pom poms (instead of having to resort to cardboard), but they are still not coming out round and fluffy :-(  Back to the drawing board tomorrow.