A Future Etsy Artist!

Zachary's Valentine Painting!

The Creation of a Pattern!

                                The Creation of a Pattern

For those of us who Crochet or Knit, we are dependent on the many patterns we may use. Often we may find these patterns in books sold in a Yarn shop; online searches; or we may purchase a pattern from one of the many talented Pattern designers on Etsy (a source of all handmade items). It wasn't until I read one of the many threads in the "CrochetOriginals Team" about all what is involved in creating a pattern - I was quite impressed and had no idea of all the creativity that goes into the process from start to finish, that I wanted to share all that goes into the creation of these very intriquite patterns, we so often take advantage of. The artistic talent of these designers are similar to any artist who is about to design a work of art such as painting, jewelry designing, glass work, etc.

Crochetgal.Chevron Blanket Pattern

This is Crochetgal's  thought process in just how she creates her patterns from start to finish: "Publishing patterns takes a lot of time and effort. First you have to come up with the idea. Then you start making the first prototype of the item, writing down each step along the way". Once the prototype is done, then its time to revise it and write those notes into a format that someone else can actually read. Scratches on paper really don't help at all. After Crochetgal has all the basics worked out; then its time for the pattern to be tested. This is done by "testers" (who she hires and pays extremely well), and in turn gets some very well tested patterns. After all the testing is done, and the final photo shots are done, the completed work is then assembled with everything, along with any diagrams that might be needed. At this point you can either self publish or send the pattern to various magazines for publication.




Crochetgal. Shawl or Wrap Pattern

One of Crochetgal's goals for this year is to expand her shop, http://crochetgal.etsy.com
 more hooks cand needles as well as at least one other line of yarn. I have chosen three patterns from her shop, which I know you will all find very intriquing and will want to try.

Crochetgal.Ruffled Scarf Pattern

With my curiosity brewing, I also asked Sandy whose shop is:  http://SandyshCapeCodOriginals.etsy.com, what process inspires her patterns. Her response was, "Sometimes an idea pops into my mind's eye, and sometimes I have customers and friends ask me to design something because they can't find the pattern anywhere. Once she has a specific idea in her mind, she then looks for various types of yarns and colors to help work out the design.

SandysCapeCodOriginal.Legwarmers.Hat Pattern

According to Sandy this is when she usually starts writing, trying to think how I want the finished item to look, then as I work on the actual stitches making various changes along the way. Once finished with the pattern, Sandy then trys to get product shots of the items. "I sometimes put the pattern aside and then in a few days go back and make it again and I catch a lot of the mistakes that way". Sometimes she will have people to test the patterns. Depending on what she is creating the pattern for; "if it is for my own website, then I might ask someone; but if it is for a publisher, then I don't ask anyone". Another part of the process is having people with.different skill levels to work a specific pattern so she could see how easy the pattern is to read; and sometime to see if a beginner can actually make the item.




SandysCapeCodOriginal.Christmas Ornament Cocoon Pattern

 I am sure both Crochetgal and Sandy can attest that another hard part of designing a pattern is using wording so that people will understand and having them know what they want them to do in the way of stitches, assembling the finished pieces, etc. Sandy has included some videos with her patterns, as it is just easier to show a video rather than try to put some of the techniques into words. As she says, "Technology today has made pattern writing a lot easier".

SandysCapeCodOriginal.Crochet Animal Farm Pattern

Sandy is also in the process of opening another shop: http://SandysCapeCodOriginals.com
You can purchase any of these (as well as other) patterns from these shops, or any shop online, they can be emailed to you in a Pdf format, or mailed directly to you.

If you are interested in trying to create a pattern of your own, one can find the (USA) industry standards for patterns at www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards.html along with the designer guidelines. I have chosen three patterns from each shop, which I know you will all find very intriquing and will want to try. I hope this helps you better understand the artistry that goes into each pattern that we often use.

A Tribute to John Lennon

ATribute to John Lennon

I think in my lifetime there stands three moments in which time stood still; one of those moments that becomes indelible in our minds and our souls. I am sure we can all remember exactly what we were doing that exact second when we heard the words: “Our President, John F Kennedy has been shot”; “John Lennon has just been shot in front of the Dakota, and died on the way to the hospital”; and the incident that changed the world, hearing “A plane has just hit the Twin Towers” – the day of Sept 11. It is these three tragedies that caused within me a fear, heartbreak, numbness that I will always carry with me.

Today, December 8th, marks the 30th Anniversary of that tragic evening when John Lennon, returning from a late night of recording, was gunned down in front of his home, The Dakota, with his bloodied glasses and a copy of his just released album Double Fantasy, which he had just signed for “a fan”, laying next to him. How ironic that all he ever wanted was Peace, as he sang “Give Peace a Chance”; or “Imagine” asking us to “Imagine there's no heaven, no hell below us, above us only sky, Imagine all the people living for today…” – it was all he ever asked for, only to be destroyed against all that he was asking us to believe in.

Born in Liverpool, England, on October 9, 1940 during a German attack with air sirens all around, everything had grounded to a standstill almost destroying most of Liverpool that night. It wasn’t long after that that John took up the guitar to fill the void of loneliness in his life. Although we always think of John Lennon as the fighter and the rebel of the Beatles, within, he was truly shy and very self-conscious. Never really wanting the fame that brought him to us and which ultimately took him away from us. In New York he found the quietness he was seeking, and where he retired from writing and performing; living the sheltered, peaceful life he was always seeking. It was only 3 months before his death, that a renewal of life took over and he start recording his first album in years “Double Fantasy” – I always thought it ironical as I listened to that album over and over that day, that the main song was “Starting Over” singing… “Our life together is so precious, our love still special…it’s just like Starting Over again”. It is almost like he had a premonition of what was to come.

In an interview just weeks before his meeting with John Chapman, John Lennon spoke these words: “You know..give peace a chance, not shoot people for peace. All we need is love – it’s damned hard, but I really believe it. Were not the first to say “Imagine no countries, or give peace a chance, passing it on from generation to generation”…”I’ve never claimed divinity. I’ve never claimed purity of soul. I’ve never claimed to have the answer to life. I can only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can, but only as honestly as I can – no more – no less”.

“You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one – I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” May he find the peace and tranquility in the heaven he was seeking all his life.

**I highly recommend anyone who is a true John Lennon fan, read Philip Norman’s book, “John Lennon, The Life” – you will learn the truth behind the man we all looked to for a peaceful world.

Christmas Traditions and Sales

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Traditions are always important especially during the Christmas/Holiday season!
For as long as I can remember - Thanksgiving Day started my mother getting up at 6am to start cleaning the very large turkey; preparing it so it could get in the oven and cook for the next 8 hours! In the meantime my grandmother would be preparing the stuffing, which I always had to help myself to as she was making it. Of course, while the adults were in the kitchen - my sister and I could be found fixated on watching the Thanksgiving Day parade down Fifth Ave (NY) - but it wasn't until the finale when Santa appears in his sleigh to the delight of all the children, myself as well - that the Christmas season was officially started! The following Monday was the lighting of the 70' Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, that one would begin their shopping. Right across the street from Rockefeller Center (30 Rock to those watch the show) was Saks Fifth Ave. A trip to Christmas land in the City would not be complete without viewing the magical windows at Saks. In the 50+ years that I have been going down their - they have ceased to amaze me the creativity to detail in ; their "Storyland" windows.
Once I started my own family - this tradition has continued. Waiting ever so patiently for the awaiting of Santa at the end of the Thanksgving Parade which meant - it is officially the "Christmas Season". And then of course a visit to view the tree at Rockefeller Center.
Like I said at the beginning - Traditions are always important. I refuse to be taken in by the advertisements on TV, sales starting in Sept, and now the many ads and sales on the internet offering major sales (for the past few months) - I do not shop or take advantage of the consumer sales until Santa arrives at the end of the Parade and it is officially the Christmas season. For those that don't understand this yearly traditions from days past - I suggest you watch the "original" "Miracle on 34th St" which features Natalie Wood as the little girl who questions the miracles of Christmas. It has been showcased every year on Thanksgiving Day!

So in this Tradition, I will be offering sales in both shops (15% off any item) once Santa stands in his sleigh at the end of the Parade to announce the beginning of the Christmas season. Even with all the Sales, Music, Decorations, Christmas movies, etc- let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas.

Something to Think About

Today a friend from Etsy wrote on her blog that many times things just seem to get to much. We tend to overload ourselves and then find it is time to clean house (so to speak).


These are my thoughts about life when things seem to overwhelm us:

There are many times in our lives when we have days when we feel like we just don't fit in. Life seems to much - we revolve around in circles only to wind up where we left off. You are right - we are not computers where we can just push a "delete" button - we are people with feelings, a heart, a soul. People who have friends and family that will always be there for us are what is important.  Often we discover that there are those who take too much of our time and space for their own . If cleaning house and remembering those who are important in our lives, and reach out to them, we will succeed in a more positive light.

Lamby make his Stage Debut!

The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf!

My little Lamb from my shop : http://MagdaleneKnits.etsy.com , makes his first stage debut in the “Trial of the Big Bad Wolf”. Sponsored by the Montclair, NJ, Playhouse.  In the play, the Wolf – for the first time in Nursery Rhyme history is put on trial for all his atrocities – that being, chasing Little Red Riding Hood through the woods and finally eating her grandmother; blowing down the houses of the Three Little Pigs in the hope of catching them for a good meal; the ‘Boy who Cried Wolf’; to his every waking moment of trying to capture the innocent little sheep in many of the Mother Goose’s tales. Well, enough is enough, and the various characters have decided to fight back and put “Mr. Wolf” on trial.

There at the trial you can see many of his offended characters sitting in the Gallery waiting to testify! One of which is Mrs. Shepherd, played by my daughter Kelly, holding her Baby Lamb (in his debut role!) sitting in the Courtroom Gallery, while admonishing the little shepherd who should have been watching the Baby Lamb.

The Christmas Pageant



Nativity Scene



Although most of you know me through my Crochet and Jewelry shops here on Etsy; once December starts, and we are all thinking of what Christmas items to put in our shops, I am busy getting ready for our annual Christmas Pageant in our Parish. I started the Pageant about 20 years ago, and it is still something I truly look forward to each year. Although I get much joy out of participating in putting the Pageant together, it is the children that make each year just a little different and a lot more enjoyable. It is also rewarding to see my daughter, Kelly, who was still in elementary school when I started the Pageant, as our Director for the past few years.

Baby Jesus

Mary

We usually begin the planning in early December, and as always, every parent wants their child to be the star of the show! Once all the main characters are chosen (Mary, Joseph, The Wisemen, Angels, Shepherds, etc.), without any hurt feelings or comments from some parents; the practices begin. Once all the parts are assigned, I then have the job of making sure each child has their costume and that it fits. This year for the first time, our little angels were only 3 and 4 yrs of age, which meant a lot of alterations! Once all the costumes are given out, my daughter takes over as Director. Somehow she has a special way with these little children; and by the end of the first practice miraculously they all seem to know their parts and when to be on stage.

The Little Angels

The older children get the main parts, which gives the younger children an incentive to look forward to each year. In fact, little Zachary (my grandson) graduated from playing "Baby Jesus" last year to a little "toddling" Shepherd (while drinking his bottle)! I should mention that our youngest participant this year was not quite 4 weeks old, playing the "Infant Jesus." We also have a wonderful Children's Choir who do all the singing throughout the play. As with any play, once the children put on their various costumes, their whole demeanor changes. They suddenly assume the role they are portraying. A lot of credit goes not just to the Director, but to the small group of parents who dedicate themselves each year working on the Pageant. It is this team work that makes our Pageant so successful. The success is well noted as the Narrators (children from grades 5-7) begin to tell the story of the Nativity, and you look at the smiles on the faces of each parent.



Little Shepherds



Zachary, as the tiny Shepherd

Although our little angels, who I said were only 3 and 4 years old, completely steal the show; the other children are so professional, while they kneel so reverently as they portray, Mary and Joseph, from the time they are approached by the Angel Gabriel, to the birth of Jesus, and the arrival of The Three Wisemen. The final scene is the little Drummer Boy’s who walk so very slowly down the center aisle playing their drums while the choir sings ‘The Little Drummer Boy,". The most adorable thing is not only watching them, but watching the little angels singing their hearts out – “pa rum pum pum pum”. I could continue talking about the beauty of our little children in the Pageant, but the pictures tell it all.

The Little Drummer Boy's

A Tribute to John Lennon

I think in my lifetime there stands three moments in which time stood still; one of those moments that becomes indelible in our minds and our souls. I am sure we can all remember exactly what we were doing that exact second when we heard the words: “Our President, John F Kennedy has been shot”; “John Lennon has just been shot in front of the Dakota, and died on the way to the hospital”; and the incident that changed the world, hearing “A plane has just hit the Twin Towers” – the day of Sept 11. It is these three tragedies that caused within me a fear, heartbreak, numbness that I will always carry with me.

Today, December 8th, marks the 30th Anniversary of that tragic evening when John Lennon, returning from a late night of recording, was gunned down in front of his home, The Dakota, with his bloodied glasses and a copy of his just released album Double Fantasy, which he had just signed for “a fan”, laying next to him. How ironic that all he ever wanted was Peace, as he sang “Give Peace a Chance”; or “Imagine” asking us to “Imagine there's no heaven, no hell below us, above us only sky, Imagine all the people living for today…” – it was all he ever asked for, only to be destroyed against all that he was asking us to believe in.

Born in Liverpool, England, on October 9, 1940 during a German attack with air sirens all around, everything had grounded to a standstill almost destroying most of Liverpool that night. It wasn’t long after that that John took up the guitar to fill the void of loneliness in his life. Although we always think of John Lennon as the fighter and the rebel of the Beatles, within, he was truly shy and very self-conscious. Never really wanting the fame that brought him to us and which ultimately took him away from us. In New York he found the quietness he was seeking, and where he retired from writing and performing; living the sheltered, peaceful life he was always seeking. It was only 3 months before his death, that a renewal of life took over and he start recording his first album in years “Double Fantasy” – I always thought it ironical as I listened to that album over and over that day, that the main song was “Starting Over” singing… “Our life together is so precious, our love still special…it’s just like Starting Over again”. It is almost like he had a premonition of what was to come.

In an interview just weeks before his meeting with John Chapman, John Lennon spoke these words: “You know..give peace a chance, not shoot people for peace. All we need is love – it’s damned hard, but I really believe it. Were not the first to say “Imagine no countries, or give peace a chance, passing it on from generation to generation”…”I’ve never claimed divinity. I’ve never claimed purity of soul. I’ve never claimed to have the answer to life. I can only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can, but only as honestly as I can – no more – no less”.


“You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one – I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” May he find the peace and tranquility in the heaven he was seeking all his life.





Daisy Photo by YankeeGirl.etsy.com

 

 **I highly recommend anyone who is a true John Lennon fan, read Philip Norman’s book, “John Lennon, The Life” – you will learn the truth behind the man we all looked to for a peaceful world. The book is one of my treasured Christmas gifts from my boys last Christmas.