HomebodyCrochet on Etsy

little gray cells

2011-10-17T08:07:00.002-04:00

i am bringing myself around to working on some designs to use up scrap yarn and leftovers from other projects. i am working on finishing an outstanding project and gearing up for november 17th craft fair...and i am looking forward to making some lovely projects already thought out...

i really hope next year is better than 2011.

long summer

2011-07-23T09:06:00.002-04:00

i haven't even thought about crochet- well, that's not entirely true because i have thought about it :) all summer...much has been going on and i intend to get back going when i have some time to breathe...

i still have a couple of unfinished projects and plenty of ideas for new ones- and i am going to make myself a craft space in my basement- so plans are plenty and time is not...

finished and for sale

2011-04-19T22:20:00.002-04:00

ending my hiatus

2010-09-04T20:11:00.002-04:00

i picked up a crochet hook for the first time since the spring :) it has been a long hot summer and i am back to working full time and managing everything else on top- so, crochet has taken a back seat. but, with the coming of cooler weather, i will not have the yard work to contend with so, i will have time to devote to crochet. plus, i have the maine-endwell craft fair in november- i need to have one more piece for it-- to make me happy that is :)

happy labor day weekend fellow americans- i am so happy that summer is winding down- i am beaming.... :)

new projects

2010-04-13T09:25:00.002-04:00

i went and bought more yarn yesterday- and i have a half dozen projects outlined in my head- it is amazing that creativity returns when the doldrums clear :) i started an amigurumi pig- it seems pretty straightforward- so i will post when i finish it. basically single crochet worked in a round and the appendages done separately and attached after stuffing. hope it turns out cute....

crochet-knit

2010-04-09T15:11:00.006-04:00

this is the second type of crochet i learned as a kid- the first being a granny square. it is a hybrid of crochet and knitting and you need a two hook hook- so to speak :) i have a set of needles that were made for me out of wooden dowels- and if you are handy- i would recommend this over the steel needles that are sold. while i like the the fact that the hooks are joined with the plastic thread in the middle- for smaller projects, what i have found is that the hook heads are too rounded. for this stitch, you really need a super pointed hook in order to pick up the stitches.

anyhoo, i think i have finally decided on a project for the leftover holiday yarn. now, i have had this yarn since the early 1990's and back then, i snatched up any yarn that was on sale- and for some reason variegateds were popular. i finally used up baby yarn i had around from that era too- let's just say acrylic yarns last forever :) it's tough to tell from the yarn i am using, but this stitch is really good for reversible patterns. i made my friend a twin size afghan years ago- cream on one side and rose on the other. easy to pick two colors and run with them. this stitch is fairly easy to switch colors in order to make a multi color on one side and solid on the other or whatever.

if anyone is interested, i can post a how to- let me know.

sand and sun

2010-04-02T13:21:00.005-04:00

i am slowly getting back to crocheting- i have not felt terribly creative and i don't think you can force these things and get a good result. so, i am thinking southwestish colors in terra cotta colors and browns and whatnot- afghan and matching pillow. i also need to get a few smaller notions made up and check into some craft fairs this season- at least i hope it will get my card out there.... anyhoo, happy spring :)

doldrums slowly clearing

2010-03-17T11:31:00.001-04:00

i have not felt creative of late- but i hope to get my head cleared and get started on several projects i have already lined up... soon....

quick update

2010-02-15T18:37:00.000-05:00

i haven't crocheted lately as life has a way of getting in the way of the best laid plans- of mice and men :) i have some ideas in the works though- i have a few amigurami patterns set aside; i have yarn for at least 3 projects waiting, and i intend on making some eco friendly flower vases out of milk cartons, recycled glass jars--- and some eco friendly yarn to be purchased. i would use reclaimed yarn but i don't know how that works selling things. nowadays, you pretty much have to label everything- what it's made of and where it came from. my reclaimed yarn is a mish mash of acrylics from the last 20 years or so- so, i'll keep that for my own use :)

hope the winter hasn't been too difficult for everyone- apparently, we have had some snow or ice in almost all 50 states this winter... hawaii lucked out :) anyhoo, i will update as i start some projects- and van morrison is waiting patiently for me to put him in the cd player.......

thoughts?

2010-02-05T15:15:00.001-05:00

i am toying with the idea of a 3 column blog- would that be less confusing or more? easier to read the stuff on the side? or less so? any feedback is welcomed...

winter doldrums

2010-02-03T10:36:00.002-05:00

i have not started any projects as of yet- but i am leaning towards amigurumi for craft fairs. perhaps i can get more business cards circulated that way. i have to regroup because winter is kicking my butt. i have no get-up-and-go and my sinuses have been lousy on top of that. i have gotten some garden planning done though- and i need to resume looking for a part time job. sigh. spring where are you? ..........

hearts-- and flowers?

2010-01-17T15:28:00.003-05:00

another one done

2010-01-17T13:29:00.002-05:00

i finished the hearts throw- and will post pics as soon as i take some. i am waiting for the throw to dry so i can give it a once over. i used fabri-tac to glue the hearts onto the squares and frankly, i wanted to see if any fell off :) i really have no idea what's in the fabri-tac so, i googled it. it lead me to something that i think is pretty beneficial for all--- the usda household products database. yep. i imagine you could probably enter anything in there and find out what's in it and how to dispose of it- and what it could do to you.

or, maybe you're better off not knowing :) anyhoo, pics later and posting on etsy. have 2 projects lined up to begin soon- yellows and browns and golds and whatnot. should be cool....

and, apparently, fabri-tac is mostly acetone- at least 75%

finished the ribbon throw

2010-01-11T12:55:00.009-05:00

the fabritac wasn't bad to work with- in fact, i am trying it out on yarn now- yarn on yarn instead of fabric. we'll see but i have my fingers crossed as i don't want to have to hand sew hearts on squares. i don't particularly like hand sewing- although i do enjoy crewel. weird i guess. anyhoo, i am going to share a couple of holiday gifts i got this year that i think will be helpful- in addition to the record keeping book i also received:

so, the holidays are almost over...

2009-12-26T15:51:00.007-05:00

i really had wanted to finish a couple of projects by yuletime- but that didn't happen. i didn't feel like it and what's the sense in having a hobby if it becomes a chore? that's probably why i have only sold one thing on etsy :) anyhoo, i have begun to weave the ribbon on the victorian and i have all of the squares done on the heart throw- i just have to start putting things together. but, the inlaws come next week :)

the strips went together quite easily- and weaving the ribbon is fairly simple. i am using fabric glue to secure the ribbon and if it works well- i may try it on another project where i am supposed to sew yarn to yarn. we'll see. i'll keep ya posted.

my suggestion if you ever weave yarn- leave it on the spool until you are done weaving. it has made my life easier as i can adjust the end lengths and i don't have much waste.

and here are a few pics that show why i launder each and every piece before i send it.....

another week rolls 'round

2009-12-01T10:16:00.001-05:00

i am currently half way through the hearts throw and the victorian holiday throw. i will post pictures soon- i have almost one full strip on the victorian throw done- it's enough for a teaser :)

'only the good' friday

2009-11-20T15:45:00.002-05:00

hard to believe another friday has rolled around :) and this is the friday before our thanksgiving here in america. i want to take a moment to be thankful for the folks who read my blog and appreciate the time and energy it takes to create what i do. and i am thankful that there are so many creative folks out there with immense talent. thank you for making the world a bit more beautiful.

i have the heartsy throw well under way and i am working the victorian throw- the foundation for it. i lost track of time this week- but i did manage to send out the sunflower throw to its new owner. :) i will be working and keeping pictures up as best i can as i go along. thanks again to everyone who has helped me on the path to success. :)

yeah!!!!

2009-11-13T10:02:00.002-05:00

i have made my first sale on etsy- and i am thrilled :) the sunflowers throw has a new home and it will make way for newer projects that i will be working on. thanks again!!!

and for everyone out there reading- take a peek at my etsy shop- good stuff happening there :)

new, new, new

2009-11-12T14:01:00.003-05:00

i am new to the world of etsy and selling online- and i am sure that there are many folks who are buyers who are new to it also- so i thought i would research a bit and put some info out there. i went into the etsy forums and many of the sellers and buyers there are so helpful- i put very good info on the sidebar. i know it helped me know what i was looking for and how.

so, 2009 is winding down and it's time for me to start thinking about projects for 2010- i have a half dozen or so i am mulling around in my mind- and i actually have yarn for like 3 of them. i really want to get using some eco friendly yarns- by that i mean natural fibers as opposed to the plastics. the projects are going to have to be small ones- as those yarns tend to be way more expensive. so, it will be newer territory for me this upcoming year :) i still have acrylic yarn to use up- so, expect to see some interesting stitches soon :)

i am currently working on a throw with colors i normally don't pick for myself- i really love blues :) in case you couldn't tell. so, here are some of the squares i am working at- the heartsy throw...

etsy day

2009-11-09T10:45:00.001-05:00

i think that i am going to have to set aside one day a week to go through the ideas that i get in my email from etsy. i have to buckle down and really get promoting my site- time to strike while the iron is hot! during holiday season :) i really should be less lax about updating the pictures and promoting my wares. i have never been good at sales. when i was in school, my mom ended up buying a bunch of the crap we had to sell. the candy bars were pretty good :)

monday, monday

2009-11-09T08:45:00.001-05:00

the official start of my week- i need to regroup and get myself back together. the holidays are around the corner, and although we don't go all out, i have packages to ready and menus to prepare. plus, i want to get working on the hearts throw i am working on- and plan projects for 2010. i hope to have the hearts throw ready for february :) it should be pretty- pinks, purples, burgundies- and a welcome change from blue and white :) will have pics up after i clean up from the craft fair debacle :)

something in the air

2009-11-08T16:25:00.001-05:00

the craft show was a bust- but i don't feel badly because i wasn't the only one. lookie lous instead of buyatrons. so, i wasted 6 hours and and an entry fee today. sigh. but, the good news is- i still have stock for the holidays- because although i have 2 projects in the works- i am not that fast :) take a peek at my etsy shop- i added the retro ripple to the arsenal. namaste.

hoping for some luck

2009-11-07T18:38:00.002-05:00

i would like to at least sell one item- as it will pay for my entry into the craft fair. i wouldn't mind moving most of my stuff to make room for the new. it's hard to say good bye to my projects though- they have been a part of my life for a long time now :) it's almost like they are part of the family. but, if you are in the endwell, ny area tomorrow from 10a-4p- come by the craft fair at the maine-endwell high school on farm-to-market road in endwell. i'll be there with fingers crossed :)

gearing up

2009-11-02T20:28:00.001-05:00

and starting to get ready for the november 8th craft fair at maine-endwell high school. it supports the after prom party for seniors. it is from 10a to 4p for anyone in the area who is interested. i am getting labels and etc. together and making sure i have enough of everything. it's my first craft fair and i am a wee nervous but excited. i hope i sell at least one thing so i can pay for my entry into the fair :)

scrapped the sampler

2009-11-01T14:56:00.002-05:00

i wasn't feeling the front and back post stitches. not my favorite to work although i do like the way that they look- just too many blocks where i didn't enjoy working. i find that unless i am enthusiastic about the project- it simply sits there forever until i rip it out and start again. my husband laughs about the piles of what he calls 'spaghetti yarn' after i make a mistake or start a project over. i often have the spaghetti yarn piles :)

so, i am ripping the sampler out- only had about half dozen squares- and i decided to make a striped reversible throw. the second style of crochet i ever learned was way back in the early 1980's- crochenit. now, it's a fad that is catching on but back in the day- it was unique and i made my friend kim a cream and rose afghan for her bed. i doubt i would work a project larger than a twin bed in the crochenit only because the weight of the project makes my tendonitis flare up.

so, i will keep posting about where i am and- i hope to have some pics up this week about the 3 projects i have started right now. the maine-endwell craft fair is november 8th at the high school- 10a-4p. that's where i'll be if you are in this neck of the woods- come on over :)

ocean waves

2009-10-30T15:12:00.001-04:00

also affectionately known as the 'retro ripple'- yep, it's done. working on a sampler right now. not enamored but it's helping me clean up some leftover yarns. also working on a heart throw in pinks, purples and raspberry tones. have not posted the ripple on etsy yet- this is the preview :)

retro ripple is done

2009-10-29T16:30:00.000-04:00

will have pics up soon....

uh oh

2009-10-26T20:00:00.000-04:00

mmmm.... i think i crocheted two extra rows of one color on the retro ripple :) guess my head isn't quite back in the game yet. the craft fair is november 8th- and not this weekend i was pleased to rediscover. i really have to get my act together at some point or it will be the holiday season and i will be screwed :)

october reflections

2009-10-23T17:47:00.001-04:00

i have spent the last few days in reflection- attempting to parse and catalog feelings, memories and emotions. yeah, that's all :) i really think that our ability to store lifelong memories is one of the traits that makes us uniquely human. many higher cognitive mammals have memories and they have the ability to communicate with sophistication but humans have taken it that one step further.

so, i have been trying to reconcile past, present and future and it's a daunting task. where i am now is being weighed against where i came from and i have been looking towards the future with a bit of trepidation for some time. reconnecting with friends from the past; researching my ancestry; looking at what i have now, and interacting with my family- has been a bit taxing. probably why i got sick and one reason it is lingering.

as i scrolled through my high school choir site and looked at faces that don't match one hundred percent with my memories, it brought home for me that irritating piece of buddhism that i constantly fight- the world and life is in constant change. sigh. chatting with folks i knew well 15 years ago and seeing where their lives took them drove that point home. and here i am- working on contentment within my own life and trying to make a soothing ebb and flow with past and present.

so, life is good but i am still processing how to articulate the synthesis i am experiencing. i suppose i could go all stream of consciousness but i know i have never been a big fan :) so, enjoy the weekend- i will be working on the retro ripple :)

technobabble

2009-10-19T20:35:00.000-04:00

nothing earth shaking this week- i am on the mend from what has been arguably the worst head cold ever. been thinking a bit about technology- as i have had a mixed bag of experiences with it. i have always marveled at the power of the internet to connect people. many of us progressive bloggers used it effectively to agitate for change in the '06 and '08 elections and there are still activists out there fighting for global human rights for all. the blogs opened up a whole new way to communicate with people in your own neck of the woods- and meet folks from around the globe. exciting to say the least. i have met so many cool people from a variety of nations and many fine americans who have worked for change.

there is no doubt that the blogs have morphed into the social site juggernauts- facebook and myspace. i marvel at the fact that i can find folks i haven't spoken to in years and talk to them in real time via chat or simply give them a 'poke' to let them know i am around. i joined facebook to help promote my online etsy site in order to sell my craft items and in the space of a week, i have connected to folks from my high school years; my college years and beyond... as well as many of my blog buddies. i am still wrapping my mind around that. modern technology has plugged us in and connected us in ways that used to be simply local.

on the other hand, modern conveniences aren't always convenient. while i am chatting with my buddies on facebook, there are folks there mining for information- from homeland security to cyberthieves. computerization has also taken the ease of gathering certain kinds of information away- not all of the world is technosavvy and not every demographic can navigate pressing 800 buttons on a phone in order to get basic information about accounts, etc.. i really cannot imagine my mom attempting to contact social security or the bank- you get routed around to a call center where you have to repeat everthing you just pressed buttons for. it also makes life easier for professional hackers....

so, it's with trepidation that i embrace technology. will it make us more or less human? who knows? but it's here to stay and evolve.

only the good friday

2009-10-16T09:09:00.003-04:00

mmm... light dusting of snow here last night- i have a feeling it's going to be a cold winter. i am on the mend so, i will have to jump back into the groove with both feet. but not today :) i am thankful that this week is over- but the good thing is- i got to bond with friends over at facebook. i am not a big fan of the government having access to personal info and using facebook as a trolling place- but at this late stage of the game, if they don't have my info or every other americans'- you would have to be a hermit.

so, that's where i have been- feel free to click on the badge on the sidebar and come on over. i intend to get back to crocheting next week- i still have a brand new van morrison cd i haven't listened to and i have to prepare for my craft fair at the end of the month. i have to thank my husband (not for making me sick in the first place :) for making me tea and sandwiches and soup this week and for understanding the fact that he had to buy his lunch all week. :)

don't forget to stop by shelly's to get more info on only the good fridays. namaste.

sigh

2009-10-14T15:20:00.002-04:00

looks like it will be at least next week before i can get back to crocheting. i have arguably the worst head cold ever. i feel like crap. more later....

only the good fridays

2009-10-09T08:44:00.002-04:00

it has been awhile since i have been around- i have been busy playing cafe world on facebook :) the good news is- mr. betmo is on the mend and i am getting my car fixed today- fingers crossed. it has been a long week and i am looking forward to the weekend to regroup. i think i will take the weekend and get back into crochet mode as i have a craft fair coming up the first sunday in november. i have to get prepared for it. hope everyone is keeping healthy and gearing up for the holiday season :) and yes, i said it. if you are a crafter, you can't wait until the last minute to think about the yuletide season. ho ho ho.... and all that....

feel free to leave a link to your good friday post in the comments if you want. enjoy the weekend- and as always, stop by shelley's for more info.

van morrison and retro ripple

2009-10-08T16:41:00.002-04:00

i have not been crocheting lately. nope. autumn has caught up with us here in the betmo household and my husband has had a horrible cold. so, i have been cooking and vaporizing and medicating mr. betmo while running over to the fam's and helping my mother navigate the ridiculousness that is applying for social security. i did get a new van morrison cd that i have not opened yet- so, it's like a surprise waiting for me. perhaps this weekend...... stay tuned.......

rainy days and mondays

2009-09-28T08:57:00.002-04:00

i have been particularly bad about being online these days. we have had damp, chilly weather here in the greater binghamton area and today is no exception. supposed to get showers and hail and whatnot. tends to settle in my chest and make me not feel like doing much at all although i did a couple of half hearted rows on the retro ripple. mainly watched football yesterday with a fire in the fireplace and mr. betmo. he wasn't in the fireplace ;)

hope to get jump started again on some projects. not selling anything at etsy. perhaps i should spend another $8 and highlight and item. i am thinking at this point i will let some of the projects deactivate and see what i sell in real life at the craft fair. i will reactivate then. anyhoo, i have much to do and not much ambition to do it. i have a feeling this week will be a struggle.

good lord! it's friday!

2009-09-25T08:17:00.001-04:00

this week went by a bit fast for me. i lost track of what day it was :) but, it's time for only the good friday. mmmm..... i can't complain- my life is good overall. as long as i pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist, i pretty much have the perfect life :) therein lies the rub doesn't it?

anyhoo, i got an updated library card this week and have taken out books on my heritage. my father's mother was a part of the seneca nation and i am hoping to find out about the 5 nations. it saddened me to know that many ancient artifacts were lost during a 1911 fire at the museum in albany but for now, the books survive. much of the work done on the history of the 'iroquois' nations was done in the early twentieth century which is commendable. but, the Haudenosaunee, 'people of the longhouse,' were long gone as a power by then. the european invasion wiped them out through war and greed. it's the same tired story of greed and betrayal- the haudenosaunee assisted the british against the french in the 'french and indian wars' and sided with the americans in the revolution and were repaid by having their land taken from them in various 'treaties.'

the books i took out were written in a time period that was- oh, let's say not politically correct- so, that in and of itself is interesting. these were folks who were sympathetic to the five nations and the way they presented them was, well, ethnocentric to say the least. since they are library books, i can't write in them as i do in my books- i call it active reading ;)- so, i have to do things the old fashioned way and take notes. something i haven't done since college. should be fun.

reading thoreau at bedtime. he is a hoot! i don't know that he and i would have gotten on famously- he was a bit theatrical and melodramatic with a flair for sarcasm ;) but we would have had pleasant conversation about nature and gardening and politics. he didn't care much for the state or for conventional thinkers. so, life is full. haven't really been working on the retro ripple this week although i said i would. haven't been in the mood. it was 80 degrees and muggy one day. no good for crochet.

don't forget to take a peek at shelly's- and if you want, feel free to leave a linky to your post in the comments.

another week rolls 'round

2009-09-22T08:39:00.002-04:00

gearing up for a craft fair in november- november 8th- and i am a wee nervous. i have never done a live craft fair before. i have to go and lay in some supplies- boxes, tissue paper, etc. i hope i can sell a few things- i need the room to add more :) the retro ripple is coming along. i am about halfway through and i have the next several projects sketched out in my mind. i have enough to do through the holidays that's for sure :)

check it out

2009-09-18T18:20:00.001-04:00

found another great photographer- photosbylinda on etsy

if you love nature and landscapes and whatnot- they are simply breathtaking

new projects

2009-09-18T09:49:00.002-04:00

i am a goodly way into the ripple- and so i decided to start another project. i like to have 2 or 3 going at the same time so i don't get bored :) i try to pick different stitches and designs to work on simultaneously and so i picked a square project. this one is granny square with hearts design and is in colors i don't normally work with- lavenders, raspberries, burgundies. i hope it goes well...

i also wanted to use up some rogue yarn i have lying around in a bag. folks often gave me yarn that they didn't want that had been hanging around in their closet in a bag. so, now, i am attempting to find a home for each and every skein. not an easy task- so i picked a sampler 'ghan. i like some of the stitches better than others but it's only one square per type of stitch- so, i'll be ok :)

as always, i will post pictures when i have enough done to make it look good :)

of autumn days and old friends

2009-09-16T11:20:00.005-04:00

ooh- there is a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to change here in upstate new york. the farmer's almanac says first frost will be on or around october 13th- we'll see. hubby and i have lived in our home almost a year and a half- and for two summers- i have been visited by a friend on our back deck- mr. six legged spider. spiders don't have long life spans so i thought i'd better grab a picture as this will probably be our last summer together. he hangs out on the screen and on the table on the deck.

i am currently working on a project i affectionately call the 'retro ripple.' i had never tried a ripple pattern but i can see why they are popular- they work up fast and look nice- and are warm... it is big enough to cover my lap at this point. it was the increasing and decreasing that initially threw me off- in this case- 3 extra stitches at the top of the wave and taking away 3 at the bottom. but, after ripping out 5 rows and having a pile of what mr. betmo calls 'spaghetti yarn,' i got the hang of it :) will keep you posted....

tooling around on etsy

2009-09-12T17:52:00.001-04:00

i found this amazing artist on etsy- her art is breathtaking- check her out:

anide photography

sorted out new projects

2009-09-12T17:06:00.002-04:00

i have a craft fair coming up in november- and i decided to do a couple of 'quick' projects. i started what i am affectionately calling a 'retro ripple' and a sampler throw. i am taking the time to learn some new stitches- i had never done a ripple. i never have been great at increasing and decreasing :) it's actually kind of fun. i can see the draw to crocheting the ripples. the sampler is just that- different squares of different stitches put together- i'll do pictures as i get something to show.

otherwise, quiet rainy day here in upstate new york. us open is in rain delay so we are watching a replay of a jimmy connors in the 1991 semifinals of the us open. mmmm... i think he wins :) hubby and i will celebrate our 12th anniversary tommorrow- my how time flies... :)

only the good friday

2009-09-11T10:28:00.006-04:00

the blue ice throw is done! i called it 'the throw that never ended' because every time i thought i was done adding border- there was another round. but it was definitely worth it :) i started this throw because i wanted to try making strips instead of squares. i liked it. the popcorn stitches i profiled below add texture but they also create warmth. this throw is solid! nice and dense- heavy to hold in warmth.

the pillow was supposed to be a snowflake throw with matching pillow but the stitch style- one with post stitches- was tough for me. i figured them out but the way i needed to move my wrist made my tendonitis flare up and there was no way i was going to make 100+ squares in that stitch. i compromised and made enough for the pillow :) i am happy with the results.

please drop by my etsy shop and take a closer look :)

international shipping

2009-09-09T18:31:00.003-04:00

i added international shipping options to my etsy shop. i may have to tweak numbers here and there but that's basically how much it is to ship through the usps. i decided to go usps because i simply don't know enough about the import laws of other countries. for example, canadians can be charged a brokerage fee for something shipped fedex. so, at least i know that won't happen. i am keeping my fingers crossed that things will work out ok.

feel free to leave comments about shipping- especially if you are not american. i could use info and feedback. thanks.

joining and popcorn stitches

2009-09-09T08:08:00.014-04:00

there are many different ways to join squares or strips or whatever shape- together. i will be right up front and say- i don't care for whipstitch. yes, it makes a flat seam, but it just isn't as sturdy as other methods. i can't gauge the right amount of yarn and it's too much like sewing. ok for small squares- not so much strips. generally, i attach squares into a strip and then attach the strips. in this latest project- i just made strips. in this particular instance, i joined the strips using the slip stitch. pretty basic stitch but it holds firmly- and this is a heavy, warm throw.

i learned a new technique with this project too- the popcorn stitch. it's really nice to add texture to a piece and i think i am going to name this project 'snowballs' because that's what the popcorn stitches remind me of :) it isn't a difficult technique but it is a bit time consuming.

basically, what you are doing is making 5 double crochets in one stitch and taking your hook out of the loop- putting it through the first double crochet and then in the loop and bring the loop through the first double crochet. voila`! a popcorn!

a little bit about me

2009-09-08T15:27:00.005-04:00

i realize that this blog is new- and so, folks who stop over here don't know much, if anything, about me- betmo who crochets. :) so, a little bit about me is in order. i am a blogger. i cut my teeth in the political arena and my initial blog has been around since march, 2006. i learned much from writing there and i met many wonderful folks- who i keep in contact with to this day. later in 2006, i started a poetry and arts blog where i carved out a wee niche for the beauty in life- as i was wading hip deep in muck over at the political blog. i accepted a few invites to be a co-blogger at other blogs and i do keep up a once weekly presence at a couple of them. i haven't been online much these days- and let's face it- the world scene right now is rather bleak.

i am a stay-at-home wife and have been for almost 4 years. i manage the house and take care of 'the estate' ;) and i also help my sister care for my mom who lives with her. most days i spend part of my day over there. i am an avid reader and i love a good mystery. i am at goodreads but i admit i haven't done much there other than post my books- it's the time thing. summer is a busy season and it has been for me- although, at this point, i do not have much to show for it.

i attempted my hand at gardening this season- as i have a green thumb and have had success at container gardening when hubby and i lived in our apartment. well, i am from upstate new york, and as news reports have said- not a good year for gardening. too wet and cool for most anything to get going- and i have been battling all kinds of fungi and mildew all season. i currently have harvested about a pound of potatoes, one cucumber and 5 helpings of lettuce. i had a bit of garlic come and i currently have 4 tomatoes the size of quarters on the vine. not looking good. i am an environmentalist who composts and does not treat the suburban lawn with pesticides. hubby and i have lived in our new home just over a year- and i am sure the neighbors on either side hate me. i let the dandelions grow and the lawn get over 3 inches before i cut it. both are good for the lawn.

i already spoke a bit about the crochet in the first post- but i have been crocheting in various capacities since i was about 8 or 9 years old. i started with the basic granny square and went from there to crochenit. i have all handmade wooden hooks made from 2 sizes of dowel. i only know the afghan too- but intend to learn other uses for the crochetnit. anyhoo, i decided to launch myself into business because i have a talent for reading patterns and for making nice, even stitches :) i like to think i have an eye for color too- but that's immodest ;) my eventual plan is to learn a variety of stitches and to design my own patterns.

i only make one of any project i complete because i have mastered that project. i like to move on to new patterns and new colors and to continue learning- so, i don't do custom as a general rule. never say never- but i do like novel. some of the pillows were originally going to be throws but i didn't care to continue making the pattern- so i abbreviated it. why waste yarn and stitches?

i am currently working on finishing up a winter project and i have started a ripple pattern because i have never tried one. and, increases and decreases give me a bit of a fit. what better way to iron out both issues? pictures soon....

only the good friday

2009-09-04T13:16:00.000-04:00

today is one of those perfect late summer days- not too hot but plenty of sunshine. i am still not operating at 100% and my husband is telling me to take tomorrow off- which i just might do. my sister is on a more regular schedule at work- so it's a wee less stressful for her in that regard- so that's good. i am working to finish another project and have started another- which is actually quite fun for me- as i am learning another stitch.

overall life is good. have not been paying much mind to the world these days- the die has been cast and i am living each day as if it was mine alone. i regret i haven't been making the rounds as much as i would like- i do miss my blog buddies :) perhaps when summer is over and folks move it back inside- we can all get together and catch up.

don't forget to drop by shelly's for 'only the good' friday info- and post. thornie and spadoman may or may not have a post up- but check them out for good posts anyway. as always, if you want to leave a link to your post in the comments- feel free.

autumn is around the corner

2009-09-04T08:37:00.000-04:00

morning fog here for the last week and it has started getting really chilly here in upstate new york. it's a shame really because the veggies in my garden just started to grow- as the constant rain has let up. i intend to spend my winter contingency planning for next year's garden-- and crocheting of course :)

i decided to do a local craft fair near my house- in november- to get my feet wet. i have no idea how to display my wares on an 8 by 8 table and 2 chairs- but i have a couple of months to think about it. :) i also want to set aside some time to really dig into promoting etsy. it has been kind of hit or miss over the summer and i haven't been able to tool around etsy to see other folks' work- or promote my shop.

anyhoo, labor day weekend here in america- which means the last backyard bbq's of the summer and the kiddies head back to school next week. which means nothing to me as the shrieking eels across the street aren't school aged. sigh.

new projects

2009-09-03T07:55:00.002-04:00

i have started a blue and white ripple style throw that i am calling 'ocean waves' and i have a feeling it will go quickly. i always wanted to try a classic ripple stitch and decided to just for for it. i have done all kinds of squares and recently, strips, so it just seemed time. i will take some pics soon of the progress on both of the current projects. haven't decided the third to start yet.

stroller blanket

2009-09-01T08:55:00.000-04:00

i posted the eco friendly stroller blanket on etsy- blue ice holiday throw is more than half done- perhaps in time for the holidays ;)

shipping

2009-08-31T20:44:00.000-04:00

i intend to look at international shipping soon. i want to compare costs and services between the shipping moguls before i determine how much shipping costs will be. i have zero idea and i haven't had the time really to research. right now, shipping is included within the united states but that may change also. we'll see.

finished another project

2009-08-28T18:23:00.001-04:00

i really enjoyed this particular project because i got to try out eco ways yarn by red heart. the shell stitch pattern was also new to me and actually quite fun to work. this pattern can be enlarged to make a full sized throw or blanket quite easily- but i opted for the stroller blanket size. the yarn is made with 30% recycled plastic made into polyester- and while that sounds rough- the yarn is quite soft and has a delicate sheen to it. quite lovely. i haven't listed this blanket yet on etsy but i will do so next week.

Finished!

2009-08-23T19:21:00.000-04:00

one out the three done!

juggling projects

2009-08-17T16:55:00.000-04:00

i am currently working on 3 projects in various stages of completion. 2 i am very close to finishing- a baby blanket in log cabin style with pastels and a blue and white throw perfect for holiday/winter decor. i have a stroller blanket about half done and i hope to wind things up by the end of the month.

but it's too darn hot! i enjoy listening to jazz while crocheting and i have a favorite local station here in the binghamton, ny area- 92.5 FM. anyhoo, the holiday blanket is a combination of single, double and popcorn stitch crochet. the log cabin style block blanket is single crochet only with multiple color changes- which can be a wee tricky sometimes. i like to mix up the construction of the projects too- so, we have a block design with individual blocks being sewn together to make the blanket; the strip design where individual strips are made in the round and then sewn together; and the stroller blanket is continuous- i just pick up the hook and go!

hopefully, i will be able to put some more projects in the queue for the holiday season :)

dog days of summer

2009-08-13T15:32:00.000-04:00

whew! after a long cool summer so far here in upstate new york- august has roared in like an.... oven! we are in for a long couple of weeks i think. once september gets here- it's usually warm without the humidity and thunderstorms.

i am working on finishing up a few projects so that i can begin new ones- i like to keep 2 or 3 going so i don't get bored. i have an opportunity to sell a few things at a local street festival in a couple of weeks- so, in the meantime, i will be working on some business cards to hand out.

i started working with red heart eco ways yarn and so far, i like it. my only complaint is that it only comes in small amounts. 4 oz. balls. i am anxious to try the bamboo wool blend soon. perhaps for my next project...

dilemma

2009-08-08T13:42:00.000-04:00

i am not a business person. i really don't have the patience or tolerance for the marketing stuff. i understand the need for it- i mean how do folks know you are selling something if you don't tell them? as some know, i recently started a shop on etsy.com- my shop's link is on the sidebar. and i really hate hawking wares. i really enjoy making things- not so much what feels so foreign to me. my husband asked me what my demographic was- and i was and am stymied. i have no idea.

people who are looking to buy a cozy blanket for home and hearth? folks who need a baby shower or new home or wedding gift? isn't that pretty much everyone? and he said no- many folks go to target and get a fleece for the couch or walmart and get a crib blanket. it's cheaper. and that got the wheels turning.

i have no idea how to market myself to the folks who believe in value; believe in handmade; believe in passing down a blanket made by grandma and hanging on to it as a link to where we came from; believe in investing in something that lasts and doesn't change with the whim of fads. how would i market that? where do i market that?

is there even a market for that?

i like to believe so. i want to believe that someone somewhere in america still believes that we don't have to shop, shop, shop for cheap crap that doesn't last. i want to believe that somewhere someone wants to return to the days where folks recognized value and craftsmanship and not just price. i just don't understand demographics and where to find them.

ideas?

where has the summer gone?

2009-08-08T11:21:00.000-04:00

anyone else feel like the summer has flown by? i realize we still have nice weather ahead but realistically, the holidays are around the corner- especially with outstanding projects in the works. i am currently working on 3- with a fourth to be started and (hopefully) finished for the holiday season. i am still learning the ropes over at etsy and i truly hope to get into the groove by the holiday rush. i am also looking to have a weekly or daily feature here- haven't quite decided yet as i don't have my schedule down pat as of right now. my two helpers have been a wee lazy this summer- isaac and sophie have enjoyed the cooler than average temperatures this season.

they are the reason that i wash every project upon completion and store them in breathable under the bed bags.

on my newest project, i am trying out red heart yarn's 'eco ways' yarn. it's made with recycled plastics and they have come out with a fabulous line of new, trendy colors. so far, i am impressed. the yarn is very soft and easy to work with and the few rows i have completed- look fantastic

who knew i crocheted?

2009-07-30T19:36:00.000-04:00

for years, i crocheted strictly for family and i really kept it to basic stitches i knew. and i really do enjoy the feel of the rhythm when the yarn is weaving in and out of the pattern and forming the stitches. it's kind of hypnotic actually. i ran out of family who needed or wanted more crochet from me- so i thought- 'why not venture into selling my wares?' it would be win-win because i would get to make nice things and learn different stitches- and somebody somewhere would have something handmade and love it.

i found out about etsy.com recently from two separate sources and decided to check it out. i found that it was a pretty perfect fit. it is free to join in order to buy or sell and i don't have to worry about how i can accommodate folks who want to pay by credit card. nice. so, please drop by etsy and check out the really endless array of goods and services that are there. truly, you will find a gift or household decor item that fits any bill.

and, while you are there, take a peek at my place- homebody crochet.