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2/8/10 5:54 P

I have a brother living in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area and will be visiting hime soon. Looking forward to "stopping" by!!!!

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2/8/10 9:56 A

We make our home near Conroe which is where the Gallery is located. We are about 12 miles South of Conroe. Houston is 27 miles South of us.
I'd love to shar the Saturday market with you, and show you through the Gallery. We are quite a drive from Lubbock, though.

Glad to be an inspiration to anyone. Such grand warm fuzzies.

Jean

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2/7/10 3:30 P

Thank you Nancy. Great ideas. Yes you can make all kinds of things on the looms. In my class I have regular kniters and crocheters. They say the looms are easier on the hands and shoulders.

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2/7/10 1:28 P

Congratulations, Jean! I'm happy for you that everything went so well.
BTW, where in Texas are you? Since my sister and hubby and my Mom will soon be moving to the Lubbock area, we'll be heading to TX a couple of times a year, and I'd love to be able to stop in to the Gallery and meet you.

DARLENETAIG, I have a friend who has a loom, so I asked her about free patterns. Wow! I had no idea there was so much variety as what she repled to me. But here are a couple of suggestions from her: "Bond America (who makes some of the looms) has a web site and sends email once a month with patterns in it. The other one is Da Looms that has patterns but they are not necessarily compatible with the Provo Craft looms (Knifty Knitter) (www.provocraft.com) which are what the craft stores sell. You can also do a search for Provo Craft looms. I have a whole file of Bond America patterns. Most of them are for the Ultimate Knitting Machine but they do have others. Do a YouTube search for them also and people will give you instruction on how to use the various looms. That is how I figured out the long ones."
Hope all this is a start of help for you.
Nancy

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2/7/10 9:36 A

WOW!!! sounds like a great day! Love it!!! Wish I could by there. I've decided to start accumulating my crafts (instead of giving them away as soon as they're finished) and joining some of the craft sales in our area next year. We'll see what happens. You're a motivator supreme!!!

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2/7/10 8:38 A

Nancy
Thanks for your kind word with the goodie. Yesterday was a tremendous kick-off for our Saturday AM Market, "S. am M." We had 22 vendors, and 400 visitors to our market. The sales were good enough to encourage our vendors to come back smiling with more product next Saturday. The couple with the tapestry bags and bird feeders sold $320.00 of stuff. They are ecstatic as no other market has ever been so fruitful for them. An artist who is closing her gallery in a nearby town did well beyond her expectations, too. All vendors had sales, and sold more than their rent for their space. The weather cooperated with sunshine and temperatures in the low 60's. We had a wonderful time and were exceptionally happy with our first attempt.

The Gallery's fine arts show, "Go Texan" featuring Western art had a packed house, too. A beautiful painting received attention from a lawyer who said he will think about it, and return. When paintings are over $1,000.00, that is a typical response. It often leads to the sale of that item, so that was grand, too. We featured work from The Woodlands Art League and those artists were gracious in their praise for the h'orderves, wine, and opportunity to exhibit their work in such a lovely setting. So the whole day was filled with compliments and warm fuzzies.

May God grant each of you special blessings today. See you in church.

Jean

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2/6/10 11:25 A

Thought I would let all know I found a beautiful afghan called wind chimes to do.Thanks again for the information.They are all good sites.

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2/6/10 9:58 A

Hi All,
I have started loom knitting. Since I could never conquer using needles. Does anyone know of any free patterns sites for looming???
So far I have made hats, scarves, ponchos for the grands and kitchen scrubbies. I love it.
Thanks

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2/6/10 8:31 A

Jean, I wish I were there. You and my sister would get along just fine. She's helping to remodel her church and has been up there several times this week cooking and sweeping up after the contractors. And just as happy as a lark!
What is a kitchen scrubbie...is it crocheted out of yarn?I'm a recycler and think it might work to take apart old bath scrubbies/sponges and work them into work scrubbies for floors, etc.
On the vintage site I found several quickie items to make and plan on using them for stocking stuffers.
Started a new painting...and am still working on Granma's quilt. Good way to pass the snowy days away. Keep the needles clicking!!!

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2/6/10 8:04 A

Morning
I am 73 and lots of friends cannot keep up with me either. Life is what we make of it. I substituted two days this week and am up for 4 days this next week [Spanish teacher decided to teach her own classes on Monday]. God has blessed me with comfortable health so far, and I want to honor what I have been given.

We got up at 5:00AM. DH has gone into Conroe to get the Saturday morning market set up. The parks and recreation department are putting up the canopy tents , tables, chairs, and blockades to keep folks from using the parking lot as a parking lot. Our resident artist was to move in his giant rig to fix his Bar-B-Q at 6:00AM. So I think DH got there before John. Maybe not though as John is an early, early riser. He opens the Gallery before dawn each morning and puts the coffee on. DH does not drink coffee, but several of our artists stop in regularly to enjoy a cup. We bought black cups and had them engraved with the Gallery letterhead -- which has become our logo. The Gallery has become a great gathering place for artists to share ideas, tips and techniques. They all learn from each other.

Today is huge. I cannot sit here and visit as much as I'd like to.

I have to tell you The birds and squirrels have returned since I put out sunflower seeds. The birds are singing to me right now. The first time I filled the feeder, the squirrels emptied the big one in an hour. Now they are back to their regular feeding patterns. They do not have so many trees to hide and chase in, so Kiwi can see them more easily. He joins in their fun barking like a mad man. So funny.

Hugs for everyone. It is supposed to climb into the high 50's or low 60's today. I hope so. The vendors and I will be outside all day -- except we are using the restroom in the Gallery. It will be our warming spot when necessary.
Many blessing wished for all of you. Jean

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2/5/10 8:47 P

Thank you for the information. I have some patterns but get tired of making the same thing. YOU are all

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2/5/10 4:19 P

I crochet kitchen scrubbies and kitchen washrags that match.

Jem

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2/5/10 2:13 P

The two I've seen most recently are:

www.lionbrand.com
www.craftown.com

And if you browse around this one:

www.freevintageknitting.com

...you'll find quite a few crochet patterns. This is the site that was mentioned on here the other day, but it's not just knitting. :-)

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2/5/10 12:46 P

Hi, I have been looking through the posts here and most have to do with knitting. I am a crocheter. Anyone have a free site I can go to to get patterns for hats, blankets and such. Any advise would be appreciated.

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2/5/10 12:03 P

My 72 yr old sister is retired for 2 years and I can't keep up with her....Life is what you make it!!!

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2/4/10 5:41 P

You just have to be patient until you can retire - and m'self, I think those people who say retirement must be boring... why, they just don't have enough hobbies, lol...

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2/4/10 3:32 P

Why do we have to work when we should be home doing crafty things?!!!!

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2/4/10 7:36 A

Off to teach 5th grade science today
Jean

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2/4/10 1:19 A

Thank you for the input. A 6 stitch moss or seed it will be. I ripped it out this afternoon. The weather forecast for this weekend is snow, LOTS of snow, possibly 1 to 2 feet!!! I'll have plenty of time to work the scarf.

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2/3/10 4:21 P

Love the border look you refer to Yiddle. I thought the moss and seed were the same too.

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2/3/10 11:22 A

I think a 6 stitch border will keep it from curling up. If you start and end with your border stitch, it will give the scarf a unified look. Isn't moss and seed stitch the same idea? Is moss a two stitch of K followed by 2 stitch of P pattern where seed stitch is one K and one P stitch pattern? Either idea should give you the look you are after.

Jean

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2/3/10 11:02 A

So, I've worked a few inches of a 4 stitch diagonal rib. The pattern works well except I am not happy with the edge. I'd like it to have a more even appearance. I'm going to rip it out and add a border.

Any ideas? Will a 4 stitch moss or seed stitch work?
I was thinking I'd knit the first and last 4 or 5 rows of the scarf in the same pattern as the border.

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2/2/10 9:49 P

Has anyway had any experience with a diagonal rib scarf? I'm thinking of using that pattern to make the scarf for my daughter's BF. I prefer reversible scarves and I'm hoping that pattern should do nicely.

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2/2/10 8:09 P

Wrapping up a fall colored scarf in the crazy chenille yarn. Whew....that was fast. Haven't had time to explore my box of threads again...so who knows what I'll find there. Keep the needles clicking!!!

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2/2/10 9:00 A

Yes, we all appreciate "Free"
Jean

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2/2/10 3:24 A

Thank you, Tatter & Yiddle (sounds like a vaudeville team, lol...) - I will check out the site today and see what I can find. It's already got one of my favorite words - FREE! :-)

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2/1/10 10:16 P

www.freevintageknitting.com/
Here is the link to Vintage Knitting Patterns.

Good Luck.

Jean

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2/1/10 7:41 P

I love to crochet. Thanks for the info.

Jem

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2/1/10 6:56 P

I found a site that you all probably know well. Vintage knitting patterns (free). It has men's scarves and a whole lot more.

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2/1/10 1:45 P

Man's scarf: I would use the garter stitch for 6 or so rows, and then keep 5 or 6 stitches at each edge of the scarf in garter stitch, but after the edges of garter stitch, I would use stockinette stitching for the center portion. It will lay flat without curling, but be smooth on one side.

I don't care for the finished look of just garter stitch. That is the problem with my Moebeus scarf -- all garter stitch.

Jean

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2/1/10 8:02 A

I am hoping to get in some knitting this afternoon. It's snowing like crazy here in Montana. We've had more snow this year than we've had for many years! Love to look at it, play in it, just not drive on it!! Will be leaving for work in a few minutes. I will be relieved in 3 hrs when I get back home and can enjoy my walk to the Y for pilates!
Have a great day all! Ritarose

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2/1/10 3:23 A

Let me know what you come up with, ANCLady - hubby's best friend has asked me the same thing. He just got a new, very tony winter coat. It doesn't have a hood and he doesn't like hats, so he thought a scarf was the way to go - and specifically asked that it be 'something tailored, more masculine looking than your typical winter scarf.' I thought stripes were pretty much unisex, at least depending on the colors used, but mebbe not, lol... I'm down to a heather-type charcoal in a soft yarn, but it'd be more fun for me if it was a bit beyond garter stitch. :-)

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1/31/10 9:45 P

The cowl will have to wait. Daughter's BF requested a 'man's' scarf. I'll spend tonight looking for a 'masculine' pattern, whatever that might be.

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1/31/10 3:00 P

My mother and I crochet kitchen towels for all occasions. Even if I don't have the energy to all-out decorate for a holiday, as long as I have a holiday towel hanging from my stove I feel festive! Some holidays are more difficult to find than others, and my mom makes towels for everyone who visits at Christmas. My tip--when a towel wears thin or becomes too worn or faded they are still useful in the garage and garden. Hook the towel to your belt as you would to a cabinet or your stove and you can wipe your hands at any time! Hubbies love them,too!

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1/31/10 11:47 A

Texas is 35 degrees, too. It was nippy coming out of church.

We return to the Gallery today because there is a matinee today of the "Elvis Presley" performance at the Crighton Theater 4 doors from us. That show has done very well, and the theater patrons really love it.

We had 100 visitors in the Gallery. The major art pieces did not go out last night, but last time we featured these three artists, a man came back a few days later and bought a landscape from our resident artist. So art does not always sell at the moment of first exposure. Sales may still come from last night's show -- time will tell.

I sold hand knitted socks, knitted "chemo" fun fur hats, two other knitted ski caps, and the scarf I created at the class I posted photos from. So folks will buy items under $100.00 on impulse, but not art. It was a good crowd, and people are finding us and the quality of art we show. All that is good.

Sunday blessings wished for all of you.

All is well

Jean

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1/30/10 5:30 P

Cowls. Now there's an idea. Too much snow today to go out but maybe tomorrow I'll head to Michael's and pick up some nice soft yarn for a cowl. Thanks ladies!

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1/30/10 4:56 P

Found a stash of yarn I'd forgotten about. Now on to hats, mittens, scarves, and of course, more socks. Clickity click!!!!

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1/30/10 3:46 P

Aw-w-w-w-
I hope that was because you already have too much sock yarn at home.
Jean

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1/30/10 3:34 P

My DH and I went to JoAnn Fabrics today...I confess that I drooled on (but did not buy) some sock yarn.

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1/30/10 2:17 P

Hi again.

Almost past lunch time. No I do not "forget to eat."

Today in the middle of all this Gallery business, I took a couple of hours out to organize my yarn alcove. What a chore. I had let it get completely out of control. It is inviting once again, and should help me actually enjoy looking through my skeins of yarn.

Jean

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1/30/10 9:11 A

Morning all
It is downright cold here in Texas with a temperature of 38 degrees. We are "enjoying" another cold snap.

Gallery "How Wee 3 See" show tonight. There is a performance at the downtown Conroe Crighton theater, so folks will be out our way. We did well without a theater performance Jan 16th, and this is a second showing for the same artists. We'll see how this goes. We have marvelous H'orderves provided free by the local Villa Italia restaurant that promotes us, as we promote her. She has four of our art pieces hanging in her restaurant, and we hand out menus and specials that she offers. Her New Year's Eve dinner was $99.00 each person, and her Valentines dinner is $69.00 each person. She has great live entertainment, and a wealthy following who enjoy her pampering.

Have a marvelous weekend. Kiwi needs his walk this morning.

Jean

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1/29/10 8:56 P

Socks are fun. I love them. You only need to concentrate at the heel, and toe. The rest is routine and a lot of fun to see the pattern emerge if you are using he variegated yarn.

Have a great time. The first pair may take longer, but pretty soon you sill be just whipping them out.

Jean

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1/29/10 7:37 P

Finished the first dorm sock. Love how fast it goes. have one chenille scarf finished and have started the second and am quilting on my grandmother's quilt. I don't have enough hours in the day to work on everything I want to do. Anyone else like this??? keep the needles clicking!!!

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1/29/10 10:59 A

Azure, the worst that happens is you either wear them yourself for around-the-house sox, or you put them in a drawer where they never see the light of day - but it's still a great learning experience! (Said she who never tackled them either, lol...)

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1/29/10 10:40 A

I'm gonna start knitting my first pair of socks. I've been a knitter for a while, but have never done socks. They scare me... here goes!

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1/29/10 9:43 A

I have a soft yummy pink cowl -- and a photo of it in my SP album. Delicious soft yarn is important for a cowl. Who would enjoy a scratchy neck? Not us.

Jean

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1/29/10 3:16 A

Been working on a cowl... not very big. Soft green yarn. Has two cables. About another 6 inches to go. :) THERAPY!

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1/29/10 2:26 A

Well, I'm halfway through my 3rd scarf and ready to tackle a slightly bigger project. Does anyone have any ideas for a relatively quick project? I'm pretty good with shaping but I really suck at sewing pieces together and blocking. I'll get there. One project at a time...

Welcome Rita, nice to meet you.

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1/28/10 7:44 A

Greetings all! I just stumbled onto this Getting fit over 50 and loved reading your knitting msgs! I have been knitting for years but am not very good at tackling projects that require shaping! I have a book out from the library about knitting one stitch below. I love how the technique produces a beautiful vertical line.

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1/28/10 6:33 A

Never give up trying something new!!! I never thought about circulars for 2 socks at once, Jean, but it makes sense. I'll definitely try it when I get current projects under control. Keep the needles clicking and the yarn weaving, darlin's!!!

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1/28/10 3:29 A

I think I will have to stick to squares 'n' scarves - I can do some pretty good patterns (stitches) within a regular size, but once I get into irregular sizes (like socks!) I'm lost. I'm much the same with crochet: my mother used to sit in front of the TV and crochet lacey doilies and tablecloth motifs, but working with thread (and practically invisible hooks) was too much for me! Anybody in this forum ever do sheep-to-shawl? :-) p.s. And no, I didn't, I just never met anyone who had actually participated in it.

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1/27/10 10:48 P

Great to read all these posts. I love to knit.

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1/27/10 10:34 P

For cold weather folks I think the convertible mittens are essential for playing with the iPod Touch, and iPod phones outdoors in the finger freezing climates.

In Texas we can mange year round without such protection, but still find those mittens cute.

Jean

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1/27/10 8:38 P

All this discussion is interesting. I managed my convertible mittens by dividing all the stitches on four needles and knitting with the 5th. I quickly got the hang of it for the hand, but the individual fingers took some getting used to. LOL

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1/27/10 8:02 P

Casey
Yes it makes sense that the longer cable keeps the knitting from bunching up. I use TWO circular needles of the same size to knit socks. It is just easier to handle the small amount of stitches for socks on two needles. Not even a short cable would allow you to get down to 8 stitches on the needle when you are decreasing for the toes. I use two circular needles to knit stocking hats, too when I get down to decreasing stitches because it is hard to manage the needle when there are so few stitches left.

I bought a book that showed knitting socks with two circular needles. I had too much trouble with stitches falling off the ends of double pointed needles. I watched a gal in a knit shop in Washington [on vacation] knit two socks at a time on ONE circular needle with an extremely long cable. i found that method on the internet, too. I prefer two circular needles, though.

Jean

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1/27/10 6:48 P

I'm almost done with the first of a pair of "dorm' socks. Once you get used to handling more that 2 knitting needles it's as easy as plain knitting. You can do this. I love working large items on circulars, but socks and gloves 'feel' better on the 4 - set. Keep Sparkin'!!!

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1/27/10 9:39 A

Jean,

Now that you mention it, the only time I successfully worked on A sock (yes, just the one!) was when I was making a Christmas stocking and I used a circular needle. It has a relatively short 'cable' so it worked since the stocking was fairly good-sized in diameter. I haven't bought any new knitting tools in quite a while, so I don't know if now they make circular needles with smallish needle sizes and short links? because to make regular-size socks I would think most circular needles are too big and the linking cables too long. One of my cousins knitted an afghan using a circular needle with a very long 'cable' - she knitted it as if the needles were separate, working back and forth, but she said the plastic cable made it much easier to work without everything bunching up onto the needle (if that makes sense, lol...).

Kasey

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1/27/10 9:25 A

Kasey
I use circular needles to knit socks bc I had trouble with stitches falling off. Capping the ends was a great solution for your cables. Way to go.

jean

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1/27/10 3:11 A

I've never done mittens or socks - everytime I try to work with more than two needles, I suddenly become all thumbs and everything sort of falls apart. I can do cables, but I tend to 'cap' the cable needles to make sure stitches don't slip off!

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1/26/10 9:47 P

I just finished my 1st pr of convertible mittens (gloves with 1/2 fingers and a top to pull over bare fingers). They look nice and I'm encouraged to try something else I've never done before: a pr of socks. But that will have to wait until we get back home from this trip!

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1/26/10 8:25 P

Jean...you put me to shame!!! Love your Spark!!! I just finished the first chenille scarf...Looks good!!! Now on to another one. Will be a nice gift next year. Finishing ornaments and a couple of quilts and just staying busy. Think of you all often. Keep Sparkin'!!!

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1/26/10 10:38 A

Rushing to get out of here and to the Gallery

I have worked for two hours on the computer for the Gallery and now am going to meet a new artist and arrange for the food for this Saturday evening's event. i am so far behind.

Hugs for everyone.

You know I thrive on being busy, but still I am a tad over whelmed right now.

Jean

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1/25/10 9:13 P

I haven't crocheted in a long time. I used to do dresses for dolls. I think they were like 14 or 15 inch dolls. I don't remember. I have a bride doll that sits in my living room that I did the dress for years ago. I don't see very well anymore , but ya know I think I would like to make Bride dolls for each one of my (girl) grandchildren. I have 3 grandgirls and 2 great grandgirls. That way they would each have something that I made for them. That should keep me busy and not snacking for awhile.
Thanks to you all for the motivation to get back into something that I have always loved to do.

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1/25/10 7:00 P

Seaglassqueen....just make it up as you go. The tail could start as a cone and then decrease/ inrrease to make the body. Use sparkly green or blue yarn for the tail and peach or whatever for the flesh. the hair might be yellow ribbon 'yarn' and the arms sewn on. The idea is to visualize and experiment. I think I'll try to make one...you 'sparked' my interest.
I've almost finished the first of the chenille scarves and it's actually kindof pretty...so into the Christmas bin it goes. Love it!!!
I'm starting on a little dog coat for my new pup who's the length of a toothbrush. Quick and easy and maybe it will stop shivering!
Keep those needles clicking and those fingers nimble sparkies.

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1/25/10 4:19 P

Anun said "Yarn sure got expensive somewhere along the way" and I can't argue with that. I positively hover near the bargain bins at the local yarn stores. Now you see why I work mainly on squares and scarves, lol...

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1/25/10 3:05 P

I'm hoping I'm on a roll. I finished the black boucle scarf last night and started another with a ball of the same yarn in tan. I'm trying to use the yarn I have laying around before I head out and make a purchase. Yarn sure got expensive somewhere along the way but the quality of the yarn definitely affects the quality of the garment.

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1/25/10 11:04 A

Believe me, it will be a blessing to work my way back to a "normal" life style -- whatever that is now.

Of course, I will miss her, but that is to be expected.

Jean

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1/25/10 10:40 A

If you make something of any 'size' - like an afghan or a good-sized shawl - it's great in cold weather to keep your legs warm! :-)

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1/25/10 9:42 A

I always have a crochet project going on. It's how most of my christmas presents get made.

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1/25/10 9:09 A

Does anyone have a pattern to crochet a mermaid?

Edited by: SEAGLASSQUEEN at: 1/25/2010 (15:42)

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1/25/10 6:16 A

I always wished i learned to knit and crochet like my mom did. I guess its never too late

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1/25/10 3:40 A

I can identify with that, Jean: sometimes it's great to have company - and almost equally great when they go home, lol...

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1/24/10 10:21 P

All is well.

Great weekend with German guest in San Antonio.

She returns to Berlin tomorrow [Monday]. I'll do my best to find "normal" once again.

Jean

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1/24/10 4:12 P

That's exactly what inspired me to dig out and dust off my needles!

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1/24/10 10:20 A

Maybe it's been mentioned on here before, but the main reason I like knitting or crocheting in front of the TV is it keeps my hands busy - which means I'm not eating something! My projects aren't all that complicated (just scarves or granny squares or some such) so I can keep up with the program, and I can feel good about multitasking too, lol...

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1/24/10 8:45 A

HooRay for you!!! Way to go!!! I'm making a scarf out of the horrible chenille yarn and it feels good when it's worked up, Surprising how the most unruly things turn out well in the end. Keep those needles sparkin' folks!!!

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1/23/10 2:26 P

I did it! I finally finished the gray scarf I was knitting for my daughter. I'm working on a long, black scarf in boucle now. I'm hoping a few easy, relatively quick projects will break my dry spell.

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1/23/10 11:26 A

It's not difficult to learn. I'm definitely not an artsy craftsy kind of person, but I do enjoy sitting down and working on an afghan or granny squares while I'm watching TV or on break at work.

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1/23/10 10:49 A

I am going to learn!

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1/22/10 10:23 P

It's easier than knitting since you only use one tool...the crochet hook. My industrious friend picked it up and was creating actual usable objects within a few days. Find a mentor, a book, a CD...whatever it takes...and remember, there's always something new to learn. Keep Sparkin'!!!

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1/22/10 3:49 P

how difficult is it to learn to crochet?

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1/22/10 3:00 P

For the phone....I'm registering 'just in case"
You wouldn't believe how well my 'new to crochet' friend is doing. She just finished an Easter bunny for one of her daughters and has tackled a colorful afghan today.WOW!!!!!
I'm still working on sock variations and dish rags. Easy and soothing.
For the weird yarn, # 16 bamboo knitting needles turned out to be the only tool size that would not twist the thread into knots, and it still looks thick. Love the experience!!!

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1/22/10 2:49 P

www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.a
sp

Actually, cell phone providers are not going to be releasing numbers any time soon and FCC regulations already block most telemarketing calls to cells. It's illegal to place a call to a cell phone using an auto-dialer and that's what most telemarketers use. Still, it won't hurt to register your phone if you want to, it's just not necessary. If you are receiving calls from telemarketers, you might want to contact your provider and see if they can help.

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1/22/10 10:31 A

To my U.S. Friends:

This is real. I took care of my cell phones this morning.

----------------------

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month. REMINDER..... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS. To prevent this, call the following number: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list.

You must call from the cell phone you want blocked.

---------------------

Jean

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1/21/10 11:41 A

Good bye to the German friend and it's good to hear she enjoyed herself. Still knitting!!!! keep Sparkin', ya'll!!!

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1/21/10 11:30 A

All is well now. We made some phone calls to get the rules on her weight limits and the duty required for her purchases.

jean

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1/20/10 3:07 P

Thanks for missing me.

Our Berlin guest, Gundula, packs and repacks her stuff. I really do not see how on earth she can get all her stuff home again. Every time we visit yet another place or store, she buys more. Things are so much more affordable here than in Germany and she feels like everything is a supreme bargain. We are traveling this weekend and I do not know what more she will add to her purchases. She came with a great deal of cash and is spending her birthday and Christmas money on things she truly will enjoy. Every purchase is supposed to help her "remember" the U.S., Texas and us. I am sure she will have to pay for excess weight when she flies home again. She is having the time of her life. Her husband and teen-age children are concerned she will not return home, but she loves them dearly and cannot wait to show them all her treasures and the things she has picked up for them.

It has been "Hollywood, Disney and a fairy tale" all wrapped up in one for her. It is fun to see our world through her eyes.

Jean

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1/19/10 4:24 P

Good to hear from you Jean!!!! Yes our fingers are still working!!! I have finished several projects and started several. Love the afghan you display.
The yarn I talked about is ridiculously difficult to work with...the chenile...it knots and hangs and refuses to be crafted...regardless of the needle size. I'll have to think about it and figure out how to conquer it. Love the tote bag idea. A friend is using the 2 liter bottles to store yarn in and loving it. Have a great night and keep Sparkin'!!!

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1/19/10 2:39 P

I am starting a new tote bag today, going to give it as RAOK. It is called Pockets-A-Plenty Crochet Bag. It holds 4 skeins of yarn, has a pocket for a book, scissors and hooks. and a what-not pocket besides. I think it will be a nice addition to someone's stash. I am also making a stitchmarker case to match if I have enough yarn leftover.

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