I HAVE MOVED

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See you over there!

TurquoizBlue

Halloween Elegance

Can holiday-themed garments and accessories be elegant? I have seen beautiful everyday sweaters, scarves, etc. to be worn for various holidays, but I'm thinking more about themed items like scarves with Santa faces, pumpkin hats, and the infamous holiday sweaters that are blinged-out with paraphernalia for whatever holiday is occurring.

I have to confess that I abhor holiday sweaters. I itch just looking at them. In fact, me and few friends find pics of them and post them at each other. "Girl, this is YOU." "Okay, well then THIS is you!" LOL! If holiday sweaters are your thing, don't take offense, they just aren't for me.

So, I've been thinking about making something for Halloween that I could actually wear and not feel like a big kid. That meant no bats, pumpkins, black cats, etc. I have had an idea since this time last year. Made a few sketches. Did a few swatches.

I think I may have come up with something that I really like. We shall see.

1972

I am so obsessed with making old school photos on http://www.yearbookyourself.com/. Somebody who shall remain unnamed really thought the photo I'm using as my Ravatar was the real deal, which would mean I was in high school in 1964. I know I'm a grandmother, but 1964??? I look like I should have been marching with Dr. King. Ha! LOL!

1964

In Cro News: Crocheter Detained Because of Drawing in Her Sketchbook

photo of SUV wearing "Homeland Security Blanket"

This is beyond bizarre.

Keene artist had hard time getting back into US
Keene artist struggles to get back into US
By LOHR McKINSTRY
Staff Writer CNHI News Service

KEENE VALLEY -- Keene Valley resident Jerilea Zempel was detained at the
U.S. border this summer because she had a drawing of a sport-utility vehicle in
her sketchbook.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers told Zempel they suspected her
of copyright infringement.She was released after more than an hour in custody at
the Houlton, Maine, port of entry from New Brunswick, Canada.

Her release came only after she persuaded border guards she was an artist
doing a project that involved a crocheted SUV as a statement against America's
dependence on oil and love for big vehicles.

continued . . .

Crochet Commuter Chronicles: Stylin' and Stitchin'

Someone gave me this photo, and I love it! I would sit next to him everyday on the train. Not only is he crocheting while commuting, but he's doing it while sporting his crochet ensemble. He is truly repping for crochet.

GROWL!

cheetah print for Spoonflower fabric

I received my first order of custom fabric from Spoonflower last month. There are some things I'll tweek for my next order, but I was very pleased with it. I originally wanted to use it for a specific project that combined sewing and crochet, but I missed the deadline. So I'm undecided what to do with it. One fabric was a simple stripe and the other is a cheetah print with a turquoise background. It is from a painting I did a few years ago. Spoonflower is a printer of fabrics that are custom designed. The company is still in the beta phase so there is a waiting list for new customers.

You can see both my fabrics on the Spoonflowering Episode 8 video on the Spoonflower blog. First one is the turquoiz cheetah print and the second is the turquoiz/red stripe shown later in the video. :D

International Crochet Day Debut: Blusa Queen

Here she is! International Crochet Day was the perfect day to finally show Blusa Queen online and in public. I wore her to work and received some nice compliments. I was happy to say that today is International Crochet Day. "Is there really such a thing?" Yes. Yes, it sure is. Next year the holiday should be even more known if the current buzz continues.

I quickly took this in the morning before work. I'll take some more pictures later and be back with some commentary about what adaptations I made to the original pattern and other observations.

2nd Annual International Crochet Day

The second annual International Crochet Day is this Friday, September 12, 2008. Crocheters around the globe are asked to find a way to participate and show your crochet to the world. You can read Jimbo's blog to learn more about this holiday. Spread the word.

I already CIP (crochet in public) almost daily so I'm already repping for crochet on that tip. I'm going to wear something crochet to work on Friday. In fact, I'm going to debut BLUSA QUEEN. I know she's long past due. She has actually been completed for a while now, but I haven't felt up to pictures.

In other crochet news, I spotted eight crochet items in the current issue of Belle Armoire, plus some crocheted lace in one of the articles.

eta: Make that NINE crochet items. There is a really cute crochet sweater shown with one of the ruffled skirts.