Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

Valerie Sherman, Grant Recipient "Granted tne Fiber Art Now Yarn Bombing Grant in early 2021, Valerie Sherman envisions her yarn-bombing installation in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago as an opportunity for residents to engage as a community and show their pride. Bronzeville, in South Chicago, is a hitorically black neighborhood that is undergoing a renasissance and gaining recognition for its regrowth and renewal." (Fiber Art Now magazine) She is embarking on a project that will involve other crocheters and knitters for a yarn bombing collaboration; and the grant will help her purchase yarn for he local crafters to make pieces for the installation. It is important that the community feels that this is truly their project," say Sherman.  When Valerie moved to the South Loop of Chicago in 2018, she began noticing "squiggly" bike racks around her neighborhood. As a crocheter since childhood, she couldn't help but think that crochet could add a touch ...

Many thanks to Katy (DZKat on Ravelry) for telling me about this art project!  Ann Morton, the artist behind Violet Protest Violet Project is a public engagement, reaching across 50 states, organized by artist AnnMorton and funded by donations and Phoenix Art Museum.  I am particularly interested in the art that is inspired by the concept of the Violet Project because I have belonged to Braver Angels for over a year. Through the frequent debates and lectures on controversial subjects, Braver Anels "brings Reds, Blues and Others together to talk, listen and understand." There, I have been learning new ways to achieve civil discourse with people whose views may be opposed to my own whether they be "red" or "blue." So, I am looking forward to getting started on the 5 squares I have committed to Violet Project; and hopefully more as time permits. Phoenix New Times Robrt L. Pela ; January 20, 2020 “Ann Morton thinks of herself as a contemporary artist who ...

For many years, B. J. has sent me a lovely and meaningful Christmas gift. After receiving this year's gorgeous installment to the collection, I got to thinking... My usual thank-you note just does not suffice after all these years; I have to do more. Because I love to blog, why not share my love for B.J. here! 2020 Knitted Hat We've known each other for 26 years, and met at the first Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) conference in Chicago. The friendship has endured all these years because of our common passion for thread crochet, bead crochet, crochet in general, and our love of working together for CGOA. Academically, BJ earned degrees in psychology from the U of Illinois, Chicago and photography from Columbia College. When we met, she had just retired as a financial officer and production manager at the ABA Press (the official publishing company of the American Bar Association) in the area of publications.  One year I was the lucky recipient of "Taste of the ABA," a ...

I am grateful : -for my health. I have stayed Covid-free all these months by following the science: mask or double mask, glove, isolation. #IwearbecauseIcare -that the new vaccine that is being administered today. I will wait patiently for those most in need to get theirs. -for my Covid pup, Bobby, who is so cute even when he is naughty! Naughty Nice -that my older daughter & family could spend this month in Florida, even though I miss them a lot! -for Zoom so I can keep in touch. Zoom cookie-baking -that "Darth" (Vader), the fish I am pet-sitting, is  still swimming after 3 weeks! -that my younger daughter lives nearby too. We are a small happy family! -that I found mincemeat, after searching 4 stores, for my annual fruitcake gifts! Walmart came through for me, and again today, with rum extract to use for eggnog fudge! Thanks Google! -that our Indianapolis weather has not been so bad. I am still taking daily walks; and it is even better when the sun is shining!  -for my ...

 Some of you may remember my friend from Boston, Sue, who doesn't crochet but comes to CGOA conferences with her sister to hang out with me! She called me recently to share a fantastic story. Her cousin, Sarah, who established M.M. LaFleur, received a request from RBG herself to make a jabot in the style of company's upscale designs! 

Used  with permission ~ Suzann Thompson: What to Do in a Democracy ; quilting, fabric, crocheted doilies Every citizen is a voter! NOW is the time to register to vote, if you haven't already, for the 2020 election! You can find everything you need to know about registering and voting requirements in any state, absentee ballots, early voting dates, election dates and deadlines, ballot return options and more at the Us Vote Foundation . 2019:   Suzann and friends registering voters at a festival "in the wild" in Texas Suzann Thompson is a prolific crochet and  quilt artist who combines the two in her mixed-media quilts. Until the Covid-19 pandemic hit, she was exhibiting " Celebrate Doilies " throughout her home state of Texas.  Since the 2008 election season, I have become a more involved voter. Now, more than ever, I have been very concerned that every citizen who wants to vote have a chance to do so and exercise their right as a US citizen. Recently I was honor...

They say that "having expectations only brings disappointment." I lean toward being a "glass half full" type of person, but in this instance, my expectation about taking my girls to Normandy France in 2021 has been put on hold. I won't say that I am devastated because I have hope that we will be able to go some time in the future. I'd say I am more embarrassed with our country's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, leading us to the worst numbers in the world; and currently we are banned from traveling to Europe!