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Showing posts from 2016

Let Me Introduce Madam Walker

It's been a busy week, filled with getting tasks done and making real progress. Today my calendar reminded me that I had set aside time to take in a cultural event. Since moving to Indiana last December, I've been very intrigued  with the state's Bicentennial. There are so many interesting programs exhibits and activities revolving around the celebration, that I am trying to take in as many as possible. It has the added benefit of helping me get to know my way around and to discover interesting restaurants too "Freetown Village is a living history museum with the mussion to educate thep ublic about African American lives and culture in Indiana through living history, exhibits, allied programs, and the colletion and preservation of artifacts." Today Freetown was presenting the Madame Walker Story created and presented by a special character to bring this history to life. Volunteers Preserving the Legacy of Madame Walker The early life and legacy of Madame W

What Puts a Smile on Your Face?

They say that if an object held in your hand brings you joy, then hang on to it! I've been focusing on finding joy as a part of my grieving process after Alan's death on July 1. ILiving in a new town in a new state has given me ample opportunity to get out there and look around. There is no shortage of art and culture in Indianapolis and it is the Bi-Centennial year of the state so there are extra-special things to see. Looking back on the last few weeks, it seems I'vebeen quite busy. A photo-essay about some of the things that brought me joy seemed a better idea than the minute details. Outside Gallery 116 Two sparkly friends came to visit & comfort  Debbie Watson's glass art I dshed off to Florida to get food for the soul from Sista Cin. At Isla Morada Lime does Something for me! Our favorite restaurant when we lived in Coral Springs (1977-85) Had to have their famous Key Lime Pie! The wine was just an after-thought! L

My Crown is Still Tilted, but I'm Back on the Throne!

First let me begin by saying that I've missed being perched up on the throne watching the crochet world evolve and sharing it weekly with you.  All I can say is life and death got in the way! A long and progressive disease, Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), got the best of my husband, my King;  and he died on July 1, 2016. If you want to know the details of this horrible and debilitating disease, you can find it online. If, after you read about it, you wish to contribute to the research to find a cure for this rare disease, thank you! I've been faithfully committed to this blog since May of 2007; crochet is life to me. It is not my nature to let "life get in the way" of my weekly blog posts: but since my last post on May 5, 2016, I have not had the energy or the time to keep up with it. Although I am a public figure in the crochet world, I am also a private person. You have not read here or on Facebook about this 10-year journey Alan and I were on. Explaining

Book Review: 3 Skeins or Less ~ Modern Baby Crochet

Book Review: 3 Skeins or Less ~ Modern Baby Crochet  by Sharon Zientara I have admired the design skills of Sharon ever since I reviewed her first book, It Girl Crochet . In her newest book and the latest in Interweave's 3 Skeins of Less Series , she has assembled a group of designers, many of whom we've come to depend on their creations to both please and make us smile! Additionally, all of the eighteen patterns within the book can be made in either 1, 2, or 3 skeins of yarn. Each of these 18 adorable designs are an opportunity for the reader to hone crochet skills. Interesting techniques in each pattern provide practice in tiny, less intimidating projects. Cameron Blanket Beautifully clear and colorful photographs capture some adorable child models; I have to believe that the crochet they are wearing only enhances their beauty! Spike the Hedgehog Hat These talented designers have gone all out to provide some very useful learning experiences for the cr

Book Review: Crocheted Abode A La Mode by Twinkie Chan

Twinkie Chan has the sense of humor and knack for executing realistic-looking "food" just for fun and also for useful items. I thoroughly enjoyed her first book,  Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies . I adore my radish boa and my 6-year-old granddaughter insists that her mother wear the pizza scarf when they go out for pizza! She has dedicated her newest book, Crocheted Abode A La Mode , to keeping the home cozy and "yummy"with 20 food-themed crochet patterns that transform the adorable style of amigurumi to useful items for the house. Admittedly, I am probably not fun-loving enough to appreciate Twinkie's creative spirit when it come to MY home decor. I don't have a strong need to transform my living space into something "delicious." However, if you are like me, try applying some of your own creativity to these patterns. Rather than used as a toiletpaper cozy, any child would love a crocheted birthday cake that becomes an annual tradition at

Book Review: Vintage Modern Crochet by Robyn Chachula

Robyn Chachula is the "Wonder Woman of Crochet Design!" Not only has she appeared regularly as a crochet expert on the PBS show, Knit & Crochet Now , and continued to create pattern books that inspire her fans; but she has also created two children in the last few years! A modern young designer, Robyn also has great admiration for the traditional fine thread motifs that would surely have been showpieces in her grandmother's home. Her talent lies in her ability to use classic stitch patterns that date back to the 1850s while transforming them to trending fashion!. Zandstraat Jewelry by Robyn Chachula Together with some of the most innovative crochet designers in the crochet world, her passion for breathing new life into classic stitch techniques inspires her team. Crochet is a vibrant art form, and the compelling use of vintage techniques in the book gives the reader designs in which they can look fabulous yet not out-dated! Carefree Pullover by