Out With The Old...

It never fails to amaze me how quickly time passes. Without actually meaning to, I’ve taken the past couple of months off to enjoy time with my mother, who is spending the winter with me and my husband in Indiana, and getting ready for Christmas. My daughters, Tammy and Liz, and their families joined us this past week for a wonderful Christmas celebration. Although they have all returned home now, the memories we made together will remain for a long time to come.

With 2008 quickly coming to a close, I have high hopes for a bright and beautiful 2009!

Experimenting With Tunisian Crochet

I’m home again (at least for now)! I have several more trips coming up, so I'll be traveling off and on for the next couple of months.

The last few weeks have been hectic so I took a day off this week and made it an official play day. I spent the day experimenting with my Tunisian hooks and an assortment of stitch patterns, which I've been wanting to do for awhile.

I started with a Tunisian short-row dishcloth I found recently on Crafty Boy’s (Khebin Gibbons) Web site. At first glance, it appears a bit complicated, but it’s really easy and fun to crochet. The photo above shows my finished version of the dishcloth, which I made using Peaches & Cream worsted weight cotton yarn.

I followed the pattern exactly through the sc border around the outer edge. Then, because I wanted the dishcloth to be just a little larger, I added a mock shell border. You can find the pattern for the Tunisian Short-Row Dishcloth on Khebin's site at:

http://1craftyboy.wordpress.com/2007/12/27/tunisian-short-row-dishcloth/.

My simple instructions for the border are below. (Note: I used a crochet hook two sizes smaller than the afghan hook and a relaxed tension to work Rnd 2 of the edging to keep it from ruffling.)

EDGING
Rnd 1: Follow the instructions given in Khebin's pattern.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, dc) in same sc, sk 1 sc, *(sc, ch 2, dc) in next sc, sk 1 sc, rep from * around, join with a sl st in beg sc, fasten off.

I enjoyed making the first dishcloth so much that I made a second one, and will be adding it to my list of favorite dishcloths to make again in the future.

Favorite Fibers

As I mentioned in my last blog entry, I’ve been in Illinois for the past several weeks while my mother recuperated from an injury. She’s made great progress so I’ll be on my way home again in just a few days. I’ve enjoyed my stay, but it will be good to be home again.

Although most of the past few weeks have been spent in family-related activities, I did manage to finish a few designs including a doily and swatches for a baby afghan and an adult afghan. I also have a layette underway, but will finish that when I get home. In the meantime, I’m starting another doily, a floral this time.

Most of my designing career has been spent working with yarn. While I’ve always admired thread work, I found it difficult to work with for many years. About 10 years ago, I finally decided I was going to master it one way or another, and so I did. Since then, thread has become my favorite fiber to work with. When I am between projects or just looking for something fun to work on, I usually pick up a steel hook and a ball of thread to see what I can create with it…but I still love yarn, too!

So, if you have ever suffered the frustration of working with thread, I urge you to give it another try…and another…and another…until you feel comfortable with it. It’s really no more difficult to work with than yarn, just different. Once you get used to it, it’s easy to switch between the two.

Sangria Shawl

My Sangria Shawl is now being offered as a free download at the Coats & Clark Web site. If interested, you can get it here. Enjoy!

Playing In The Yarn

I finally completed all my deadlines, then found myself on the road again unexpectedly. I’m in Illinois once again spending some time with my mother who is recovering from an accident. Much to our delight, my eldest daughter, Tammy, was able to fly in from her home in Virginia to spend some time with us. We wish she didn’t have to fly home again tomorrow, but we’ve had a great week touching base and renewing family ties.

I’ve also been able to fit in some crochet time. I’m currently swatching some baby items and afghans and hope to have them sent off to a publisher sometime next week.

One thing I seem to have trouble finding time for is exploring new (and old) techniques. So, I packed a number of my favorite technique books, a wide assortment of specialty hooks and look forward to spending some time just playing with them. I'll be making a trip to the local Hobby Lobby this weekend for more yarn, so I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do with them.

Happy Fall!

My Newest Designs in the Fall 2008 Herrschners Yarn Catalog

On 8/1/08, I announced that my First Baby Blanket was published on pages 30-31 of the new Coats & Clark booklet, Crochet Made Easy. I was pleased to discover this afternoon that this afghan has also been made into a kit and is available through the Herrschner’s fall 2008 yarn catalog. You can view the catalog online at http://yarncollection.com/shop_by_Catalog.aspx?catalogpage=1. First Baby Blanket is on page 33.

Another of my designs, Sangria Shawl, has also been made into a kit and is available on page 14 of the same catalog. This is a great project if you need to create a wrap in a hurry. It's fun to stitch and works up quickly.

Also, check out Rose In Bloom, the afghan pictured on the cover, available on page 24. While I did not design this afghan, I DID stitch this one for photography purposes. I normally prefer more vibrant colors but was really pleased with the way this one turned out. It's very classy-looking when completed.

UPDATE 11/15/08
Several people have contacted me asking for help with the stitches in the Rose In Bloom afghan. Please understand that my only connection to this afghan is that I stitched it for Coats & Clark. For help with the pattern, please contact Coats & Clark directly. Thank you! :-)

Our Beloved Dog, Raven (1998-2008)

This month has been a busy one, full of looming deadlines and caring for our beloved dog, Raven, who has been ill for the past two weeks. Here is a photo of her laying beside me in my office a few years ago.

I’m halfway through the deadlines, for which I’m grateful. But I’m also happy to have work to keep me busy just now, to help keep my mind off Raven who, sadly, crossed the Rainbow Bridge today.

We will miss her dreadfully. She was with us for ten years which doesn’t seem nearly long enough. (Is it ever?) She brought us untold joy and lavish amounts of love. We’re thankful to have had her in our lives all these years.

Web Site is Back Up!

To my complete wonder and utter amazement, I successfully migrated my Web site a few minutes ago. It is now safely housed at its new host site. Yes, it really is slightly after 5:00 am and no, I haven't been to bed yet...but I'm on my way!

Yippee! I can now upload the site easily and can update it when needed. The "Happy Spring" greeting that was on the old site was starting to grate on my nerves, but then I haven't been able to get FTP access to the old site since sometime in late May. Can you tell I was dreading the move? Otherwise, I'd have moved it much sooner.

The site is a little messy because I decided to throw together a completely new one at the last minute, which was probably the last thing I should have done on short notice. But, it (mostly) works, and that's the main thing. The free patterns page is still under construction but I have all the files and will be working on that later today!

My Web Site is Down

My former Web host is working more quickly than I had anticipated. My Web site is now offline temporarily. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s back up!

Web Site Changes

All good things must come to an end (or so I’m told). I’ve had a lot of trouble uploading new content to my Web site at www.BrendaStratton.com over the last year since I changed Internet Service Providers. Now, things have deteriorated to the point that I’m going to move the site to a new host. I hope to accomplish this over the next week or so.

Since I’ve never moved an existing site before, I’m not quite sure what difficulties I may encounter. So, if you stop by my site in the near future and notice that things are wonky, bear with me and try back later. The address will remain the same, so you will still be able to find my site in the same place you always have once I get any bugs worked out.

After the domain transfer, my free patterns will return. I have several of the older ones ready to upload. The trick is getting the site moved to a host that will actually let me upload them.

Thanks for your patience!

A New Design Has Just Been Published

I’m happy to announce that my first project since returning to crochet design earlier this year has just been published. You’ll find it in the Coats & Clark booklet, Crochet Made Easy. The design I produced for this booklet is First Baby Blanket on pages 30-31. It is also shown on the back cover. It is a very simple design but that was the whole point since the book is focused on teaching people how to crochet.

This is only the first of several designs that I have placed over the past few months. Since some are still in the publication process and others are still on my hook, I’ll announce each as they become available.

Rejection Slips: We All Get Them!

Rejection slips are a fact of any writer's life and, whether you've realized it yet or not, writing crochet instructions is a form of technical writing.

Don't let rejection slips get you down. Also, don't let them discourage you from submitting again or define how you feel about yourself as a designer. Instead, use them as a tool to help you improve your work. When a project is returned to you with a rejection slip, take a critical look at it and do your best to evaluate it through the editor's eyes. If you see room for improvement, make corrections and resubmit the project to another editor. If I you feel that if is fine as is, send it on to another editor without changes.

Ideally, you will get a feel for what your editors want from you and, you’ll get better at taking that critical look at your designs before you send them out for the first submission. As you get better at working with the editors and they learn what they can expect from you, you will place your designs with more regularity.

As a former crochet editor of several nationally distributed crochet magazines, I can assure you that editors reject projects for many reasons that have nothing at all to do with the merits of your project. Why? There are several reasons. Editors usually work with themes. If you do your homework to find out what the editor's needs are for a book or an issue of a magazine, you've got a better chance of having your work accepted. There are also times when an editor may have already purchased a design that is similar to the one you just submitted so they have no need for another design of the same type. And sometimes, no matter how much an editor likes a project and wants to purchase it, there just isn’t room to get it into the publication.

To improve your chances for placement:

1. Consult the editorial calendar for a publication, and submit what the editor asks for. Follow the submission process exactly. If there is something about the process you do not understand, ask.

2. Be considerate of the people you are submitting to. Make sure your designs are neat, clean and free of contaminants (pet hair, cigarette smoke, etc.) Keep in mind that some of the people who will handle your work may be allergic to some or all of these things. (I know someone who is, and she suffers a great deal when people ignore this simple request.)

3. ALWAYS include a check for return postage when mailing a submission. If you don’t, your submission may not be returned to you.

Want to Help Launch a New Craft Forum?

Some friends have launched a new craft forum at Funcraftics. They asked me to moderate some of the forums, including crochet and knit, and of course I said yes! So come on over and check it out, and help us get some discussions going. We look forward to seeing you there!

Home Again

I’m finally home again. What started out to be a one-week visit turned into two. I had a great time re-connecting with family and friends, and was able to squeeze in a fair amount of work, as well.

That’s one thing I really appreciate about being a designer—the ability to do my job from anywhere. I was working on a project for a publisher when I left home, so I took it with me to finish it up. A few days after I arrived in Illinois, I received a cell phone call from a different publisher offering me another job. I accepted, and she overnighted the materials I would need to finish it. I’m about halfway through that project, and will spend a few days finishing it up while I settle back into my daily routine. I can’t tell you what the projects are, of course, but I’ll announce all of my newly published designs here once they are in print.

I was also able to get some work done on the free pattern I mentioned in the last entry, but I’m sure you’ll understand that the projects for the publishers take top priority. Keep checking—I’ll try to get the free pattern up soon!

On The Road Again...

My husband, Carl, and I are leaving in a couple of hours on a trip back home to Illinois to spend time with our family for the 4th of July holiday. I generally tend to over pack, so I made a conscious effort this time to travel light. I was doing ok, too, until it came time to pack my yarn and thread…

I tried, I really did. I intended to limit the yarn and fiber to just one bag, but it ended up taking two. Every time I tried to reduce the amount, I thought of “just one more” project I wanted to make or swatch while I was away.

I don’t feel too bad about it, though. The last time I made the trip, I threw in some yarn that I only had a vague notion of using. While I was gone, one of my publishers called and asked me to swatch something for them in that exact yarn brand and colorway. So, I was able to deliver what they wanted quickly which made them happy and ultimately made a sale for me.

Then there was the packing I did for our two dogs, Raven and Rosie, who usually go with us on long trips. Between their food, folding kennels and accessories, I think they have more luggage than I do!

On the drive to Illinois, I’m planning to finish a project I am designing for one of my publishers and which is due shortly. As soon as I have that done, I’ll be working on some free patterns. Be sure to check back to see what I come up with!

Red Heart Zoomy

If you haven’t yet tried Red Heart® Zoomy™, you’re in for a treat. I received a few skeins recently and immediately fell in love with it. It has the look of heather, has a nice sheen and is very soft. I haven’t decided what I’m going to make with it yet, but it would be great for hats, scarves, bags and more. The label states that this yarn should not be dry-cleaned. The manufacturer recommends hand-washing in cold water and drying flat, so you may want to keep your projects reasonably small to make laundering easier.

Zoomy is 70% acrylic, 20% wool and 10% nylon. Each skein is 3.5 oz, 83 yds and 100g. The suggested crochet hook size is M/13 with a stitch gauge of 2 ¾ sts = 1 inch. For the knitters among you, size 11 needles will produce a gauge of 11 sts = 4 inches.

The Pros & Cons of Designing

Like most other jobs, designing has both positive and negative aspects. Following are some things to consider if you're thinking of entering the world of crochet design.

Learning To Run A Business
If you don't already know how to run a business, you will need to learn. I won't go into it here because there are already a lot of books on the market that can explain the basics. But be aware that you will have to comply with federal, state and local laws. Be sure to check with the appropriate government agencies to see what you need to do to meet the requirements. If you don't know what questions to ask, ask the agencies to tell you what you need to do. A little research now can save you a lot of grief later.

Setting Your Own Schedule
Being your own boss means that you can set your own schedule, taking into consideration your needs and your family's. It is also one of the main reasons I became a designer. As a young mother, I wanted to contribute to the family income while being able to stay at home with my children. There is a lot to be said for being able to arrange your schedule the way that best suits you, but there is a certain amount of responsibility that comes with it, as well.

Earnings
If you're looking for a get-rich-quick job, this isn't it. What you earn is directly tied to the quality and volume of your work and how your designs fit into the needs of your editors. The more you are in tune with your editors, the more you will publish and the more you will earn. Do your homework and find out what the editors need, then do your best to fulfill them.

Flexibility
One great thing about having a job doing what you love to do is being able to express yourself through your work. However, if you wish to publish consistently, you will need to remain flexible and make compromises with your editors. Remember that they always have the last word in accepting–or rejecting!–your work. While your design may be lovely just as you designed it, the editor has the job of making it fit into his or her publication which generally revolves around a theme. If you are not willing to make the changes your editor asks, you may find that he or she has to move on to another designer. Don’t make the mistake of getting so emotionally attached to your designs that you can’t let go of them in order to do as the editor asks or to move on to the next design.

Erratic Pay Checks
Most likely, you won't be under contract to a publisher so you will be paid by the project rather than drawing a regular pay check.

Publishers in general have different points at which they issue checks. Some pay on acceptance, some on publication and others at certain points during the publication process. Keeping as many projects in submission as possible at any given time will help increase your chances for sales and minimize the gaps between checks.

Deadlines
Meeting your deadlines is one of the single, most important responsibilities you will have as a designer. Your editor will assign a deadline for you and if you don't meet it, you place the editor in an uncomfortable position. He or she must fill the space your design was assigned to, and if you don't meet the deadline, the editor has to make a last-minute scramble to find something to fill the space, which is often difficult to do. It may also make your editor think twice about contacting you to work up further designs.

Balance
Learn to balance your work with a healthy dose of play. It is harder to leave your job at the office when your office happens to be in your home. But, not allowing job responsibilities to overlap into family time will help you to be more relaxed and focused during normal working hours.

The First Steps: Getting Started in Crochet Design

People often ask me how I got started in the design business. Although it seems simple to me now, I was overwhelmed at the process in the beginning. There was little information available then, so I began studying the publications I wanted to design for hoping it would give me some insight into how I should proceed.

Today, this is still where I recommend that you start. Every designer's path to success is a little different, but if you have a talent for designing, are able to write clear instructions and have a good understanding of the publication you want to write for, you are well-equipped to begin the submission process.

Target the publication(s) you want to design for. Then, request an editorial calendar and designer guidelines. Study them thoroughly, and be sure to follow the instructions carefully when submitting your designs. Sometimes you can find editorial calendars and/or designer guidelines on the publisher's Web site. If not, ask that they be sent to you. You can usually find the contact information on the Web site or in the publication.

Obtain issues of the target publication. Study the writing style, and do your best to use the same terms and writing style in your own instructions. Also, pay attention to what types of designs the publication contains. Although it's fruitless to submit duplicates, or even near-duplicates, of projects the publication has already printed, get a feel for the type of designs the editor is looking for. Then, come up with your own unique design that fits into the general theme of that publication.

Never submit the same design to more than one editor at a time. Although this is allowed in some writing fields, most crochet editors I know will reject a design if they know that it is in submission to another editor, even if both editors work for the same company. While this may seem harsh, it’s crucial that the editor is able to depend on the availability of a design once it has been selected.

I’ll cover more in future blog entries, but this will give you a place to start.

Flowers From My Yard

I couldn't resist showing you the photos I took yesterday of some of the flowers in my yard.

I have three pink climbing rose bushes in my back yard that are a huge mass of color when in bloom which is generally the first week in June. They cover the back wall of a small building on the north side of my yard which was once used as a summer kitchen. The building is very small, but big enough to use for my craft studio. Because of the profusion of roses that grace the exterior of the building, I've dubbed it "Rose Cottage."

The yellow flower is from the tulip tree, also known as a yellow poplar, that grows just outside my back door. Until I moved to Indiana almost 6 years ago, I'd never seen this type of tulip tree. I'm originally from northwestern Illinois, and they do not grow there. We had a storm last night so my patio now has a carpet of yellow and orange petals, but the tree is still full of blooms.

A Career in Crochet Design: Is It For You?

If you love to crochet and you’re looking for a job that will allow you to work from home, becoming a crochet designer may be the answer you are looking for—or is it?

There are a variety of things that you’ll need to consider. As an experienced crochet designer and editor with more than 20 years of continuous involvement in the craft publishing industry, I’d like to share with you how the process works.

For that purpose, I am launching a series of short articles outlining my experience in the industry. As in any job, there are pros and cons to weigh, rules to follow, and a lot of hard work. But understand this—if you are dedicated to earning the title of crochet designer and willing to do what is required of you to get there, you, too, can attain success!

Planning Your Crochet Projects

Taking the time to carefully plan your project before you begin to crochet can make a big difference in the quality of the finished product.

First, read through your pattern, taking note of any special instructions. Then select quality yarn or thread in the correct weight for the project and time of year in a pleasing color palette. Quality does not necessarily mean expensive but, to be sure of your results, use a product that is known to stand up to daily wear and tear. Beware of the inexpensive, unknown bargain bin yarns that may turn out not to be such a bargain after all. Also, take care when using older yarn or crochet cotton. Outdated colors can cheapen your project, particularly when used for wearing apparel, accessories and home decor.

If you are making a fitted item or need to make sure that you don’t run out of yarn or thread, work a gauge swatch first. Once you’ve done so, launder it as you would the finished project. It will give you an idea of how the fiber will perform.

Embellishments can be the crowning jewels of your crochet project. Don’t omit them if your pattern calls for them. Select ribbon, buttons and other accessories with the same care and thought that you put into selecting your yarn or thread, and make sure that they are complementary to your project. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but avoid cheap, inappropriate or outdated materials which will detract from the finished look.

Always be sure to use good finishing techniques. Weave in all of the ends securely and with care. If there is hand-sewing involved, make sure your stitches are neat if they are meant to be seen. If they are not, make sure they are invisible. Nothing will spoil the look of a project more quickly than puckered seams or misplaced stitches, especially if they are worked in a contrasting color and will not blend into the background.

Go Green With Make-It-Yourself Market Bags!

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion amongst the members of several Internet crochet lists I belong to regarding the making and use of market bags. It seems that some retailers are considering cutting down on the number of bags they distribute when you make a purchase or possibly discontinuing them altogether. Instead, they are encouraging customers to make or purchase their own reusable bags.

Personally, I think this is a fantastic idea! It gives those of us who crochet, knit, weave, sew, etc., the opportunity to express ourselves with our own unique bags. But the biggest bonus is that it keeps the plastic bags out of our landfills and will no longer pose a threat to wildlife.

With today's prices spiraling upwards at an alarming rate, you can be kind to the environment while also being kind to your budget by making your market bags from scrap or recycled materials. One idea that particularly intrigues me is Marlo's market bag at Marlo's Crochet Corner. It is made from the same plastic bags that the retailers want to discontinue, but it can also be made from bread wrappers, trash bags and most other types of plastic bags. Search Marlo's free pattern index to find the bag pattern and a tutorial to show you how to cut the bags and assemble the plastic "yarn."

There are many other patterns available as well, or you can wing it and create your own. You could use leftover scraps of yarn or thread. (I like to make mine from three strands of crochet thread held together with a G crochet hook.) You might also use strips of fabric and a large hook or needles to stitch up an extra-sturdy bag in a jiffy.

But, don't stop there! Help your friends and family go green, too, by making extra bags as gifts. These bags are fun to make and use and work up fairly quickly. And, when you're not shopping, you can use them to carry needlework or your books to the library, or just about anything else you can think of. The possibilities are endless!

What I'm Doing Now

Yikes! I can hardly believe it's been so long since I posted last, but here's what happened.

I did go on the trip I mentioned in my last blog entry. The trip was great. I enjoyed visiting with my family and cuddling my grandbabies. But, there is always time for crochet! As usual, I packed a duffel bag full of yarn to take with me because I never know what fiber I'll want to play with next. It's a good thing I did because one of my publishers emailed and asked me if I could stitch an afghan for them. They wanted me to swatch it in specific colors which I just happened to have with me. Woo hoo! Thanks to also packing my digital camera, I was able to swatch, photograph and get it approved quickly. An overnight yarn order got the yarn to me in time to begin stitching it while I was still on vacation. It's a good thing, too, because the afghan took me a full month to complete, and I was able to finish it just under the deadline.

As soon as I submitted the afghan, the same publisher had two more design projects for me. I've just finished both of them, and now I'm off again to design four more projects from another publisher. So, the transition from being an editor back to being a freelance designer has been a very busy, interesting and fun time for me. I'm happy to be back!

Have Laptop, Will Travel!

I love my job. Working freelance gives me the flexibility to work when and where I wish, a luxury I didn’t have while working in the corporate publishing world. This is especially important to me since my husband travels a lot for his employer. I only have to answer to myself job-wise these days so it’s sometimes possible for me to tag along with him on his trips.

Such an opportunity has presented itself next week. He will be traveling to Illinois which is where we are both from originally and where most of our family still lives. He asked me if I would like to go along to spend some time with family, and of course I said yes! So, we’ll pack my office (which consists of my laptop, cell phone and a duffel bag full of yarn) our two dogs, Raven and Rosie, and hit the road on Tuesday morning.

Now, all I have to do is discipline myself so I get some work done while I’m gone. :)

Textured Crochet

Published by St. Martin’s Press, Textured Crochet by Helen Jordan is part of a new series of books called the “Stitch Collection.” The series is based on the success of the popular “Stitch Bible Series.”

Featuring 96 pages with more than 70 designs, this small book is jam-packed with stitch patterns and variations, charts, and full-color photos. Instructions are presented in both text format and symbol charts for ease of use. The paper over board covers and hidden spiral bindings allow the book to lie flat while you’re working, making it easier to follow along with the instructions.

Although this book is written using American terms, the reference section at the back of the book lists the corresponding British terms should you need to convert them. Also featured is an extensive list of abbreviations and symbols to make the patterns easier to read, no matter whether you are using the text or charted instructions. It’s a great little book that I am happy to add to my personal crochet library.

For more information on Textured Crochet, visit St. Martin's Web site.

A Yarnified Life

Have you checked out David Benjamin’s post at A Yarnified Life? David, "that yarny guy." features an alternate way of adding drape to your crochet fabric with big hooks, vertical construction and a variety of front and back loop stitches. For those of you interested in making crocheted garments, David’s method might be just what you’re looking for!

Gauge: A Crocheter’s Most Important Tool

I’m sure people get tired of me bringing up the subject of gauge. But I get a lot of questions about fit, and I think the information bears repeating.

I’ve heard a lot of arguments over the years from people who balk at working gauge swatches. Some people don’t like to do it. Some think it isn’t important. But, while it’s true that there are projects where gauge isn’t important, the fact remains that if you are working on a fitted project, you won’t get the proper size unless the gauge is correct.

It’s also important to check your gauge at regular intervals while you work. Many of us feel that we always crochet to gauge, but that’s not really true. Your mood plays a big part in how tight or how loose your gauge is at any given time. For instance, if you are happy and upbeat, your gauge will naturally differ from what it might be if you are nervous or upset.

There are ways to make the task more pleasant if making gauge swatches is a chore you dread. Challenge yourself to make each swatch in a specified size (4” x 4” or another size of your choosing) for each fitted project you crochet. When you have enough same-size swatches, put them together to make an afghan, shawl or other project you might enjoy.

Happy New Year 2008!

Since I’m not usually one to make New Year’s resolutions, I decided to make some New Year’s wishes for 2008, instead.

In 2008, I want to:

• Leave the corporate world (publishing)
• Return to freelance work
• Move back home to Illinois

I couldn’t have imagined when I made this list at the end of 2007 that the first two items on it would come true in the very first week of the new year. Things worked out in an unexpected way, though, and I am happy and excited to once again be working freelance on writing, editing and crochet design projects.

The third objective on my wish list will take a little more concentration and time, but I have all of 2008 to accomplish my goal. With the first two things out of the way, it helps clear the field to make moving back home a reality.

In the meantime, I’m hard at work re-establishing my freelance business. I’m currently working on some doily designs that I will be submitting for publication next week. Both are pineapple designs...simply because I enjoy working in thread and I wanted to do something I consider to be fun for my first projects.