Mama's Bolero

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while now, you know that (years ago!) I promised my mom that I would make her a vest.  I had grand plans to design and crochet this vest using this lovely varigated yarn that she had chosen on a trip to AC Moore because she wanted something thick and washable for the winter months.  Well, you can imagine the guilt I've been feeling in not working on that project, especially after she had the stroke.  But, I have redeemed myself!  She decided not too long ago (thankfully she is doing better and better, albeit slowly) that, instead of a vest (and we'll come back to that project because I still have the yarn...), she would like a bolero of sorts -- something short with short sleeves, in a neutral color, with a pink flower. 

So, first things first, I decided to knit the bolero because I came across this simple pattern that I figured I could adapt.  Then, I found this beautiful Rowan softknit cotton yarn that was so easy to work with.  I had gotten some during the 2013 Yarn Crawl and was able to find a 10-ball pack through Deramores, not realizing I was ordering from the U.K. (the site was in dollars and free shipping so I still did well and didn't have to wait too long)!  Plus, it was so cool to get a package from across the pond :-)

I can't remember where I found the flower pattern, but it's just a simple rose crochet pattern that's done in two rows then wrapped around from center outward.

And here's the finished results!!

I'll be posting better pix later, but just so glad that the project is done and Mom likes her bolero!  And a big shout out to my friend Holly for fixing one of the raglan increases when I somehow managed to either drop or add a stitch (I really couldn't figure out what the heck I had done, but I knew it didn't look right).

What's in a Name?

Ah, finally, the end of a very busy week.  Though, now I am trapped inside, trying to catch up on things that didn't get done during the week, on this beautiful day.  Well, I'll probably sneak outside a little later to catch some rays and fresh air.

So, I don't have too much to report at this point.  I'm working on a necklace to go with the golden bangle.  I still have to finish Mom's Vest (yes, I know, I know...) and I've got tons of ideas swimming through my head, but a lack of time and energy.  Yes, the energy is lacking because it's all been going into trying to get the 101 Crochet Tips book done!  I'm happy with my progress on it so far, but it feels like there's still a lot to do.

But, let me leave you with another entrepreneurial thought before I go:  What's in a Name?  I know, a rose smells as sweet no matter what you call it, but you need to think about a good name for your business, one that will make sense to your potential customers or at least grow to make sense.  I chose Many Creative Gifts because I wanted to leave room for other items besides just crocheted ones.  I liked the play on words too (my many gifts in terms of creativity as well as the many potential gift items I hope to be able to offer customers).  You, however, might want to pick a more descriptive name if you are sure that you want to concentrate on one type of product or service.  Back to our example of rhinestone widgets -- you might want to go with "Rhinestone Widgets" if it's not already taken.  Or to personalize, you might want to say "Phyllis's Rhinestone Widgets".  Some people just use their own personal name as the name of a business (doesn't seem to have hurt Martha Stewart or Jonathan Adler!).

It's not like you can't change your business name later, but to avoid losing time, money and creating market confusion, spend the time up front to choose a business name that you think captures the essence of your business and what it has to offer (and will have in the future).  Oh, and another really important thing, do NOT search for availability of names on domain name services until you are ready to act -- if you search for a name and then a day or two later, go back to register it, it will most likely be gone!  Computer programs are set up and ready to purchase searched names, and then, they are more than glad to sell you your desired name, for a premium of course!

Ok, back to work for me (or is it time for that outside break yet?!)

The Treadmill is Speeding Up!

Ever feel like you are running in place, not getting anywhere?!  Ha, everyday, right!  I think my angst is coming from having really hunkered down to do the taxes this weekend.  Still not done, but I've got it all organized and anticipate putting the final touches and final checks on our returns and my mom's this week and getting them out, whew!

But, on a happier note, I also took a little break this morning from tax land and created a fun flower.  I'll post pix on the next post.  I'm still trying to think of a fun spring project to make use of the April yarn club offering, but I should have that whipped up by the April 15th shipment date.  And, yes, another side of the Mom Vest is done, now to tackle the back.  She gave me some fun big gold buttons that she liked from another jacket that's long gone now to use for the vest, so that's spurring me on to make the final push to finish that project.

For a techie update, as you will recall, I've been trying to figure out how to upload files to my web hosting service (check, I think...) and then make downloads available to you all (not checked off just yet).  But, I think I found a website that might help with this -- "The Blog Doctor" seems to have a lot of stuff on his site, but ironically, it takes a long time to load and all the information is pretty overwhelming.  More to come on this topic!

Today's Thought:  101 Crochet Tips in 101 Days -- the challenge is on, visit Phyllis the Crochet Guru as she works to meet it head on!  http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/

So Tired...

This has been such a slow moving week in many ways, but at least it is finally Thursday.  I just need to make it to Saturday :-)

I did get the Easter project done!  I was in the hardware store last weekend and saw this really cool nylon twine in all sorts of bright colors.  I'd say it's probably DK weight (about 11-12 wpi), and I bought a spool of hot pink.  Here are the results!

The pattern is available on my designer page on Ravelry and hopefully soon on FaveCrafts.

This weekend, the plan is to regroup, get mom's vest finally done, and design the pattern for the upcoming Yarn Club shipment!

Today's Thought:  Food Rule # 33 -- Eat some foods that have been predigested by bacteria or fungi.  Ok, that just sounds too funky, but the point really is to add some fermented foods to your diet, like yogurt, soy sauce, and sour dough bread (for those of you with more exotic tastes, sauerkraut and kimchi count too).  These foods are good sources of B12 vitamins, which you can't get from plants, and probiotics that improve digestion and the immune system.  We've been adding a scoop of plain nonfat yogurt to our plates at dinner time and have been using it instead of sour cream.

The Countdown Begins

Well, actually two of them -- tonight's radio show and taxes!  I really need to worry about both of them today.  In the mean time, I guess as an avoidance mechanism, I keep trying to recreate the gluten-free bread I made for mom.  I'm hoping the problem has been bad yeast because it keeps falling and getting dense in the cooling phase :-(  I am going to stop experimenting (I've been trying different flours to see if I can correct some of the taste issues from last time) and just try to recreate the original bread that came out fluffy.

Other than that, I've been enjoying the amazing weather we've been having the last few days here in DC -- sunshine and 70 degree temperatures!  Though last night, instead of working on either priority project (see above) or mom's vest (I know, I know...), I came up with crocheted chair leg socks!  I had seen a feature in Daily Candy about an Etsy seller selling knitted socks for chairs.  "How clever" I thought, then saw that she was charging $20 for a set of 4.  That seemed a little steep to me, especially since they are knitted and not crocheted (because I always think that knitters have it easier than we do ;-)  I also figured many people would just want instructions on how to do it themselves, and sure enough, I saw a posting on Ravelry seeking a crocheted version.  So, I whipped out both round and square leg versions and posted the pattern on Ravelry!   http://www.ravelry.com/designers/phyllis-serbes  check it out!

Today's Thought:  Please tune in tonight at 7 PM EDT or listen to the archived episode of http://www.favecraftsradio.com/.  I will be talking about "mind, body, spirit, ... and crochet!"

Blogging Blues

Dah, I still can't get the blog posts to automatically feed to my Facebook fan page!  Well, nothing like a challenge to drive you crazy...

I'm happy to report that it drove me to work on mom's vest :-)  The right side is almost done, and as soon as that is fixed just right, I know the back and left side will fall into place so to speak.  Of course, I'm going end up finishing this vest just in time for spring, but I think she wanted it for wearing around the house anyway, so with air conditioning kicking in soon, I hope it will still be useful for her.

I've got some new tips up on the http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/ site as well -- some new advanced stitches to check out!  I think I'm getting close to being able to put together a book of tips.  I really want to make it different than some of the other tip books coming out these days (I have to say, Lily Chin's new book and "The Crochet Answer Book" are excellent), so any suggestions would be most welcome.

Ok, I gotta go get ready for the day ahead -- please visit and fan my "new" Many Creative Gifts fan page, and more new news will be coming from me soon.

Today's Thought:  Food Rule # 43 -- Have a glass of wine with dinner.  Mr. Pollan immediately says that it is not a magic bullet but that there is a growing body of evidence that moderate amounts of alcohol, especially red wine, have health benefits and is partially the explanation for why the French and Mediterranean diets are so considered so good for you.  Its positive effects on heart health especially are touted.  He recommends no more than 2 drinks per day for a man, 1 for a woman.  We certainly have had fun implementing this rule!  We don't do it every night because, often, we've got more things to do before bedtime, but especially those nights where we are trying to implement the Rules, a little vino with dinner does the trick!

Facebook Follies

So, tomorrow is the webinar that I signed up for that is supposed to teach me how to create a proper Facebook page for MCG.  As much as I am liking FB less and less (I mean, every time I start to get used to their changes, they go and change everything again!), all the small business marketing tips I read say that you've just got to be on Facebook.  Ok, so I will give it a try...

Other than that, it's been a quiet week in terms of getting much done that's worth reporting to you about.  I did purchase all sorts of gluten-free flours today at the organic market down the street, so I'm gearing up to try out some bread experiments.  Mom's vest continues to languish, but this weekend, I can feel a breakthrough coming (at least I'm hoping so!)

Today's Thought:  Buckwheat is not wheat!  Buckwheat groats are actually fruit seeds that are related to rhubarb and sorrel.  They are high in manganese, magnesium, and dietary fiber, which all help with lowering high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugars.  More detailed information about the health benefits of buckwheat can be found at http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=11

Yikes, It's Sunday Afternoon!

So, you ever feel like you're running as fast and hard as you can, but you're not getting anywhere?!  Sigh, that's how my weekend has been so far.  I think I've gotten some cleaning and organizing done, but have I got that much to show for it?  Is mom's vest finished?  Is my paperwork done?  I'm sure you know where I'm going with this...

I keep telling myself "bite size pieces Phyllis", but I'm not always good at listening, even to myself ;-)  But, at least I've made it onto the internet to post and I'll see how productive I can be (while still running around and getting some laundry done).

I did want to tell you about an interesting site I came across http://www.craftgawker.com/  It's got really beautiful craft items, art, photography, just amazing things on it.  I don't think the pictures of my items are good enough yet for this site, but one can aspire :-)

Today's Thought:  Food Rule # 37 -- The Whiter the Bread, the Sooner You'll be Dead.  Well, that's a downer, but the point is that white flour really isn't any different for you than sugar.  It lacks in fiber, any of the Vitamin B complexes, and healthy fats.  Eating whole grains is definitely the way to go.  How have we been implementing this rule?  We dusted off the bread machine that I got years ago when it was the rage and have fired it up, using our own natural ingredients.  Alternatively, we haven't bought bread that comes in a plastic bag in a long time -- we go straight to the bakery section in the grocery and pick out a freshly baked whole grain loaf.

Radio Show

I'm so excited -- I have been asked to be a guest on BlogTalkRadio!  My segment will be on Sunday, March 21st at 7 PM Eastern time (I think I have a 10-12 minute segment during the hour, then I can also participate in a roundtable discussion at the end).  Of course, I will send out the link and more information as we get closer, but I think it's going to be fun.

I guess that's been what I've been working on the last few days.  I think I've got my topic all worked out, but I need to do a little more research into a part of it.  It really made me face the fact that I've just got to do something about building my "Fan Page" on Facebook, so I actually signed up for a webinar that's supposed to walk you through how to properly set it up, etc.  I think the timing's all going to work out pretty well :-)  Whew!

So, I do have a confession -- Mom's Vest is still sitting there.  But, this weekend, I can feel that it's going to come together, and if I promise you all some pictures, then I had better follow through!!

Today's Thought:  I remember growing up that my mom always used Pyrex to store our leftovers and other foods in.  I'm so glad she did now that all this research and information is coming out about some of the bad effects of so much exposure to plastics.  So, I've gone old school and ordered a whole bunch of Pyrex recently from Amazon.  Their prices are great (almost half of what I was seeing in stores), and they arrived safely.

Snowtastrophy!

Or Snowmaggedon, or Snowpocalyps -- pick your preferred name, but any way you look at it, we've had A LOT of snow.  It definitely is different from the storm in December; this one is much denser, icier, just more, more, more.  Went walking around a bit, and it's getting colder too, which is definitely not going to help the icy parts.  But, it is all very beautiful...

It's been a good crochet day, Mom's Vest now has a back to it and one side.  I'm hoping to get the other side done tonight, then it's time for her to try it on again. 

I've also been doing a little bit of online shopping.  I have to chuckle when I think about how hesitant I was to shop at Amazon when they first got started, I mean, seriously, they were collecting information about me, how shocking.  Now, heck, I let them keep my credit card numbers on file so I can one-click order!  Besides a couple of new crochet books and some Pyrex glass containers (I'm really try to eliminate using plastic as much as possible), the really exciting purchase I made was a USB microphone that's supposed to be appropriate for podcasting -- I think I am going to take the plunge!

Today's Thought:  Food Rule # 26 - Drink the Spinach Water.  Mr. Pollan explains that the water in which fresh vegetables are cooked is rich in vitamins and other vegetable compounds, so you should keep that water to use in making soups and sauces.  So, I kept the water in which I cooked a bunch of beets and actually drank it straight!  I have to say, maybe it's psychological to an extent, but I always feel better after taking a swig or two of the beet water ;-)

Let It SNOW!

Argh, I'm feeling like I'm back in upstate New York but without the clean-up!  We've had so much snow here in DC, and it's beautiful and all, but really, people around here can't handle it, and I'm starting to get cabin fever.  Another big snow is predicted for this weekend, so most likely, another weekend of postponing errands.  Well, the upside definitely has been the chance to snuggle up and crochet!  Full steam ahead with Mom's Vest, that project remains numero uno priority.  I've also got another heart pattern that I've been doublechecking and hopefully will have out in time for Valentine's Day; otherwise, I'll make you all wait til next year ;-)

Nothing on the techie front to report either, though I'm still determined to get my actual website up and running.  It has slid in priority, though, since I've been discovering ways to make the blog more interactive and have really been concentrating on developing the crochet tips content.  I'm still toying with getting a podcast going as well, but believe me, you don't want to hear my voice right now with the lingering congestion!  So, we'll see...  baby steps!!

Today's Thought:  Food Rule # 58 -- Do all of your eating at a table.  And, no, a desk doesn't count.  Mr. Pollan rightly points out that, when we eat while we're working or driving or watching TV, we tend to eat mindlessly and without attention.  So, we end up eating much more than if we were at the dining room table without distractions.  So, last night, dinner was served at the dining room table, with no TV or radio on in the background.  As a result, we had a nice meal and good conversation (we talked about how in the world humans ever discovered how to make bread!)

Last Day for Joining Yarn Club!

If you want in on the Yarn Club, order before midnight EST tomorrow February 1st!  I'll need to shut down subscriptions then in order to know how many packages to prepare by mid-February, the first shipment.

Wow, hard to believe it's almost February!  Mom's vest is coming along nicely (one side done, now on the back panel) and I've got a couple of other projects in the works.  I actually broke out the sewing machine yesterday to come up with some linings for 2 crocheted handbags I just finished, but now, I think I need to hand sew them into place, so that still awaits.  Tonight, my plan is to add some tips to http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/, then work on Mom's Vest while watching the Pro Bowl :-)

Today's Thought:  Food Rule # 56:  limit your snacks to unprocessed plant foods.  Thanks to my husband, he came up with a delicious and satisfying snack yesterday -- slices of green peppers with a little bit of cottage cheese and blueberries.  He seasoned each one with a little bit of pepper as well.   Mmmm, mmmmm!

Mom's Vest

Ok, I've had a set back, but I've also found the silver lining!  Seems when I get into a crocheting groove and pick up speed, I start to crochet more tightly.  So, the segment that started out 45 - 46 inches across was 42" by the time I got it to 9 1/2 inches tall!  Needless to say, I had to do some "frogging" back to about 4 1/2 inches tall.  No worries, as I got caught up on episodes of "Being Erica" last night, I'm back at 8 inches tall, and I posted 2 new tips on http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/ :-)

Today is going to have to be laundry, paperwork, and visiting day.  But, while I watch the political shows this morning, hopefully that last inch and a half will get done. 

Today's Thought:  Already having a hard time keeping your New Year's resolution to get efficient and organized?  You might want to check into the time management and to-do list organization templates that can be found at http://lifehacker.com/5435879/get-things-done-with-the-middle-way-method

A Book Recommendation

But, first, an update on Mom's vest -- it's coming along!  I've really gotten into a groove with it, and right now, I'm on the straight body part of it, so not much thinking involved, whew ;-)  Stay tuned!

The book recommendation:  so, the other day, I had a Border Books coupon, so whenever I score one of their really good ones (meaning, at least 25% off), I head over to the crafts section to see what's new or what I haven't yet picked up (one of these days, I really need to do an inventory so that I won't rebuy the same book!).  I saw a book I've been wanting:  The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert.  It's wonderful.  The pictures are really clear and well taken to show off the stitches and projects in there, plus she's added schematics as well.  And Ms. Hubert really has put some stitch patterns in there that I haven't seen in other books.  It's a great book for beginners too because she's got a lot of the basics laid out and clear, understandable instructions.  And, frankly, no offense to Borders, but even with the coupon, it's cheaper at Amazon!  So, here's the link, enjoy!

Today's Thought:  We had a coupon ('natch!), so we actually placed an order with Omaha Steaks!  I couldn't believe that it actually got here still frozen like a rock in its own cooler with dry ice.  We got a variety pack, and even though the marinade for the salmon was a little too salty, everything was really tasty and seemed quite good quality.  Now, of course, we are getting emails with special offers in them every day practically, but I think I will order from them again, the convenience and quality are worth it.

So Many Ideas, So Little Time!

Oh, have I got ideas!  Just thought of a poncho design that I'd love to be working on.  But, as you will recall, Mom's vest is numero uno project.  I have gotten a start on it.  I talked to her this morning about what kind of stitch pattern she wants (flowers, waves, bobbles, etc.), and she said "surprise me."  Great, that's helpful.  But, I gently probed more, and I think bobbles are going to be the way to go.  I'm using a varigated yarn, so I'm thinking the bobbles (they're small ones, not the big poofy ones) will highlight nicely the transitions in yarn shades.  Well, we'll see ...

Other than that, I've got three days ahead of me, during which I've got to systematically and methodically knock out some house cleaning and organizing, tons of paperwork, laundry, and Mom's vest.  Yikes, I'm getting tired just thinking about it.  Mmmm, maybe a nap is in order first ;-)

Today's Thought:  Stay tuned for this month's newsletter -- sign up to the left for emailings of blog posts and our once-a-month newsletter!

Only a Few Days Left...

Prices go up on the Yarn Club for Crocheters on the 15th, so sign up now for your full or half membership!  Thanks to those of you who have already let us know that you're in; the rest of you, jump on the yarnie bandwagon :-)

I got my yarn shipment yesterday from Yarn Love and am looking forward to starting the little girl's sweater project.  But, first, I must start my mom's vest.  Thank goodness that's what she wants!  A few years ago (yes, years), she asked me to make her a sweater.  She had found a pattern that she liked, we went to the store to buy the yarn that she wanted, I crocheted all of the pieces (front, back, arms), and then, poof.  Nothing, nada, never finished.  I just have never been able to make myself put the pieces together!  Ayeeeee, I've lived in shame and guilt over this for a couple of years, though I discovered over the weekend that Mom forgot all about it!  I will redeem myself with the vest -- it is going to be my own design (so not too many pieces), I'll use the yarn that she's already picked out, and no arms to attach!  I really do think it was the fear of attaching arms that led to my downfall (because you know, if everything's not the right size, it's not going to fit together properly).  Anyway, now that I've confessed my past debacle and my redemption project, I'm hopeful this vest will get whipped out in no time.

Ok, speaking of starting a redemption project, that's tonight's task :-)

Today's Thought:  For great management tips and insights, check out http://www.strategicserendipity.blogspot.com/ and sign up for the daily tweets, they're great motivators!