Crochet Inspiration

so darn cute

Never have enough dishcloths!  No tutorial for this, but I really like the pattern

I'll have to figure out what it is someday!

Love the colors!

Crochet Symbols

Can you follow crochet symbols?  

I have not mastered that yet.  I printed out a chart from www.craftyarncouncil.com and I'm bound and determined to learn how to follow these patterns.  My biggest reason for learning is all the great patterns on pinterest that only have a symbol chart to follow.  I have found that very frustrating and decided it's not their fault..I need to learn how to read the symbols!  Teaching an 'ole dog new tricks may not be to easy....but I believe we need to learn something new every day to keep our brains exercised and healthy just like our bodies.  So here I go. 

Click on the link above it you would like to print out the chart as well.

Arts and Crafts

It feels like I've read a million words or more on blogging; what and what not to do...one article that has bothered me since reading it, basically said that if you blog about arts and crafts you shouldn't say you blog about arts and crafts, instead you should use the phrase Artisan Entrepreneur, not that I have anything against fancy names, but, la-de-da shut the door and give me a crown!  Forgive me if I shun the vernacular of the day, I AM a DIY arts and crafts person, always have been and always will be and I'm proud of it.  

So, now that I have that off my chest and have finally decided I'm going to stop trying to be what someone else says I should be, it's time to get on with things.

After all these years I am finally going to take a class in running an Arts and Crafts business.  I've been doing this for decades and have never consulted an expert on how to manage the business end of what I do.  I believe the biggest challenge we all face in this line of work is how to price the items we create.  Crochet, knit, quilts, hand-made jewelry, whatever you create, takes time, energy, thought and there are expenses involved (sometimes, a lot of expenses) and that elusive component...creative talent.  If we are to sell our creations at a fair price to everyone, we have to include every facet.  At least that's what I think.  This is a struggle with each item I create and I don't think I've ever gotten it right.  I believe I price too low because the majority of the people I have sold to are friends and I don't want them to spend too much.  But, is that fair to me and all the time I have put into an item?

I am looking forward to this class; it starts August 21st, on-line through
Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, and runs 6 weeks

Week One

*finding your own niche
*choosing a business name

Week Two

*work space options
*setting up the workspace

Week Three

*creating a marketing strategy
*pricing

Week Four

*how to be a salesperson
*getting your crafts to the marketplace

Week Five

*selling retail
*craft shows

Week Six

*setting up for a successful craft show
*teaching your craft

I'm very excited to take these classes and so happy they are on-line.  I suppose it seems a bit backwards to be taking classes now for what I've been doing for decades; but I think it's cool and will re-ignite my passion for my crafts and hopefully help me sell a few more.  Can't believe I'll be taking quizzes, doing projects and taking a final!  It's been a long time since I've done that...I'll let you know how it goes.

Netflix, Granddaughters and Getting off My Butt

Netflix

Ok, my husband and I have pretty much turned into home bodies as we have "matured".  I can remember the times when we were on the go non-stop, family, friends, neighbors, business, school activities and just plain fun took us away from home a majority of the time.  

Of course we lived in Southern California at the time with a wealth of entertainment at our fingertips, the weather alone kept us outside a great deal of the time.

Now we live in the Kansas City area and are empty nesters, with the notable exception of our 4-pawed children, and spend many evenings in front of the TV.  I always have a craft going (or am being totally frustrated by Candy Crush!) and Bob is usually reading as well, but the TV is on.  We have become great fans of Netflix, in fact I don't know how we would live without it.  On Wednesday we finished the entire "West Wing" series; 7 seasons of fantastic characters, dialogue and story lines.  

So Thursday we looked at each other and said, what now?  Sad but true, we were feeling a tremendous let down!  Well, we muddled through that evening with "America's Got Talent" and some 

baseball for Bob (I was reading) and now we have discovered "Orange is the new Black" produced by Netflix- we find it witty, engaging, and totally entertaining.  

So if we "have" to watch TV, at least it's worth watching!

Granddaughters

We have 2 and a half granddaughters. I say half because our son and his lady fair will not be married until next year so I guess technically I can't claim Lexi as my granddaughter.....yet.  The two oldest are teenagers and what fun to watch them becoming charming, talented, intelligent and of course beautiful young women.  They actually let me friend them on Facebook and one on them has a fascinating Pinterest account.  Unfortunately both of these girls live far away , one in Canada and the other in Michigan, and we only get to see them a couple times of year if we are lucky. 

We have missed so much but with social media we feel as if we can "see" them more often and be apart of what's going on day-to-day.   

Now the little one (actually 10 years old) lives close by and hopefully as we get to know each other better there will some fantastic Grandma/Granddaughter adventures in store for us.

 I know we already share a love of Monster High Dolls and she loved the headband I crocheted for her (wore it to school the next day!) so I think we are off to a good start.  

While I would love to have all 3 of them just around the corner, I will be happy with the precious moments that we do have together and build a lifetime of memories with those bits and pieces of gold.

Getting off my Butt

The few regular followers that I have, have obviously noticed that I lack consistency in actually publishing posts.  Start, stop, start, stop....what is my problem?  

Well I am bound and determined to make this work, I enjoy it too much for it to be a failure.  I have several projects in the works and a series of corresponding posts. 

I also firmly believe if you do something enough times it becomes an automatic part of your daily routine.  So I guess I'm asking you to stick with me, even if you have only enjoyed one little thing you have seen here at Laughing Cat Creates.  I am making a promise to you and myself  that I will be more involved and much more active on this blog.  Stay tuned!

Sunday Thoughts to Ponder...A Journey...

I recently reconnected with a high school buddy through Facebook.  In our conversations I said that I didn't post too many personal things on FB as I questioned whether anyone would really want to read what I had to say...was I smart enough, witty enough, informed enough...etc.  Her response was, "Helen, at our age we should be able to say whatever we want and not worry what others think."  That one little sentence has been replaying and replaying in my mind ever since...

As I wrote in an earlier blog, I have struggled with exactly what I want this blog to be.  I know if I am not true to myself,  readers will see through the BS and pretense and not care to follow.  I also know I run the risk of alienating folks if I keep changing but....if the shoe doesn't fit.....

Sometime in my mid-30's my mother's DNA kicked in and I started gaining weight.  And after being diagnosed and treated for Graves Disease, I gained even more weight and have struggled ever since to get it under control.  My family watched my mother deteriorate as she aged, as she gained more and more weight...the diabetes, heart trouble, back surgery and eventual Dementia.  It was painful to watch and left an indelible scar in my brain and on my soul and I do not want to be that person.

So here I am, overweight, high blood pressure, pre-diabetic, filled with arthritis, high cholesterol and in my opinion spinning out of control.  I KNOW what I need to do, no question, I am smart enough to realize the consequences of not making my health my number one priority.

I've done Weight Watchers, South Beach, Atkins and even went to a weight clinic.  They all work, but you have to keep following the plan and that is where I run into trouble.  It's someone's birthday at the office, or somebody brought in left over goodies from the weekend, samples at the grocery store, not having the healthy stuff on hand, being bored, being sad, being happy....being out of control.

So it's time to begin a journey and I think the best way for me to succeed is to share it with others.  I cannot be a successful business owner/blogger if I am not a successfully healthy human being.  The two do not mesh....it may work for awhile, but one or the other will break.

I am not a particularly athletic person, but I do enjoy being outside walking and working on my container garden; I have practiced a bit of yoga and Tai Chi.  I think these are excellent places to start my journey: with small steps, adding/expanding a bit each week or so until I feel comfortable again in my own skin, and not ashamed at what I have let myself become.

Sun Salutation is a great way to start the day.  I did 4 sequences this morning.

Well, I don't know if I'm at this point yet; BUT, a I had very similar advice before my double knee replacement surgery and it was so appropriate and made a HUGE impact on my recovery.  I need to adopt this attitude right now and apply it to my whole life.

Now, for the eating part of this equation.  I felt most comfortable and had the most lasting success with South Beach.  Getting through the first 3-4 days of no simple carbs and no sugar is quite difficult, but I did it and felt increasing better each day I followed the plan.  The biggest element to being successful is having the right food on hand at all times and never letting myself get so hungry that I would eat the table if I could fit it in my mouth-believe me I have felt this way at times!

Adopting a healthy eating plan and sticking to it may seem simple to many people.  Trust me, it is not.  Like any other addiction, food/eating incorrectly does not have an easy "fix" (pardon the pun).  It takes planning, small steps and a positive attitude....and it can't be done cold turkey.  We do need food to survive, damn, it would be much easier if we didn't.

So, how does all of this tie together, you may ask...when I started this blog I  had every intention of making it all about "physical creativity"...crochet, knitting, sewing, gardening, journaling with snippets of items that I sell sprinkled in along the way.  But ALL of life involves creativity and I feel I must also share how I create a healthier life, and in turn continue to grow my "hands-on" creative life.  And my high school friend?  I'm going to tell it like I see it, the good, the bad, the ugly and most importantly, the successful, the positive, the healthy...creating on the wings on serendipity, one day, one step at a time.

Wordless Wednesday

Two-Word Tuesday

Crochet Instructions (part one)

My grandmother taught me to crochet, it's a memory I will cherish all my life.  I can still remember sitting on the couch or on the floor watching her with her crochet thread and small sized metal crochet hook, mesmerized by how quickly she created beautiful row after row for a table cloth, bedspread or edging for pillows, tea towels, dresser scarves and handkerchiefs.  

As most beginners do, I worked on single crochet over and over...until I crocheted a chain several feet long.  And then the thrill of learning how to turn and do a second row.  I have no idea how much left over yarn I used up practicing, making mile long rectangles!

I'm including some printed instructions for beginning crochet.  The most important thing to remember is consistency in tension, getting the stitches to be as uniform as possible. 

Practice, practice, practice.  I will share more crochet tips in future posts.

Where Do I Begin?

I have a birthday coming up this week...let's say I'm fairly certain I've already lived the first half of my life.  And that's ok, it's what I do with the rest that intrigues me...

I have a lot of dreams, desires and hope for tomorrow and all the tomorrows I may enjoy.  There are a few things I wish I had done differently, but at this point it doesn't really matter.  I'm here and I'm ready to write several more chapters.

I figure it's never too late to be healthier and more fit so I have embarked on a wellness program.  I've been stumbling a bit, but I will continue, taking little steps along the way that will eventually add up to a whole lot of improvement.

My family is my number one priority.  Always has been and always will be.  They are the reason I get up each day and more forward with plans to better myself.  I owe them the best me I can be.  Without their love and support I would lost.

I love to craft.  I love to write.  I love music. I love Mother Nature. I would not know how to get from morning to night without visiting with the "creative" me for a few hours.  It is how I breathe.  Some may find it odd that I would take on developing a home business at my age, I should be retiring in a few years.  No, I don't think so.  I feel that my best work is still to come and I long to dive into it head first.  Work continues on my craft room/space and I am constantly finding new ways to use the talents my DNA has given me.  My crochet, knitting, sewing, journaling, jewelry design & scrapbooking will travel with me until my last breathe.  The music in me accompanies and soothes with every step I take.  And words, oh my, words never cease to amaze, confound and delight me as they tumble across the page expressing my innermost thoughts, dreams, desires and hopes as well as the demons, 

the fears and the failures.

Turning 63 may be daunting to some.  To me, it's just the beginning of a long and wondrous journey.  My hand is outstretched in friendship; I hope you will journey with me from time to time.

Something New

For years I have used the same old crochet hooks and knitting needles, all metal or plastic, some of them the very needles or hooks my Mom and Grandmother had!  A few months ago I could not find my "G" crochet hook so I went to Jo Ann Fabric and Crafts  to get a new one.  And I discovered something new.  I saw these hooks with much wider handles and thought, 

hm-m-m that looks interesting.  

Well I got one, and now I have 3.

I can hardly believe what a difference it makes using this hook when I crochet.  

My grip is much more relaxed and my hand does not tire as quickly...and oh how my thumb used to hurt.  It will still hurt if I crochet for hours, but I get a lot more stitches in than I ever did using the narrow hooks.  I plan on replacing every hook I have with this much more ergonomic design.

Another thing I discovered is bamboo knitting needles.  They are extremely light which translates into more knitting before my hands tire, they are very smooth and the yarn glides nicely on and off the needle.  I have started replacing my knitting needles as well.

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!  I've certainly learned a few and plan on learning a few more before I'm done.

Take care...

Two Word Tuesday

Mug Cozy

While I do not drink coffee, I do love a nice warm cut of tea.  I had never made any mug cozies until a friend told me she needed some for a Christmas present and would rather buy them from me than give her money to a stranger.  Well, naturally I could not refuse a request like that, now could I?  So, I pulled up Pinterest and Ravelry, found some really cute patterns (free by the way), went through my stash of yarn, picked out the right crochet hook and away I went!

I had just the right mug to use for display! Yes, I had to add a couple of my favorite crocheted flowers.

Doesn't look like much until you put it on the mug!

Thank goodness I collect buttons!

I love the buttons

Now that I found out just how many people love having a cozy for their mugs you can bet I've added it to my repertoire of hand made items to sell!  Hey I can recognize a good thing when I see it!

Where Do I Begin

Ok, I admit, I am not the neatest person in the world...in fact when it comes to my projects, I can be downright messy and out-of-control.  I need my own space, where I can dream and create at will, not worrying about how it looks, someplace that I can shut the door and keep the rest of the world from knowing my messy little secret.

Well, I do believe I  have found that space.  Our son's bedroom.  As many people growing up do, he has had a bit of trouble finding his path in life, so he has lived in this room off and on for several  years.  We all feel that he is on his way now with a lovely woman and her two children in his life, a home of their own, his own business and part time job and he is HAPPY.

I have learned a thing or two in this life and I know plans can be altered and life can change in a heartbeat; but, I feel that my little family is headed in the right direction and I can now claim this space as my own (always knowing it can be altered if necessary!).

Now, where do I begin?  The room is a hodgepodge of his stuff not yet moved/stored and things we (no, that would I) have put in there to get out of the way.

I promise the bed used to be made but  the dog has claimed it as his own!

See, Achilles was not happy I was in his space

We have found a new home for the bed (I really didn't want it to just go to the dump), which means Achilles will get his own special doggie bed under my work table...can't forget the doggie!  It is my hope that in a few weeks I will be able to display my sanctuary and will finally be able to crochet, knit, scrapbook, journal, sew, paint and just dream to my heart's content.

Two-Word Tuesday

Flowered Headband


I want to thank writing.com for inspiring my Two-Word Tuesday.  I have been following them on Facebook for a short time and that is where I got the idea for my Tuesday "theme".

I have been have a blast making flowered headbands for little girls.  It's a pretty easy crochet stitch for the headband available from ammee's idea book #7 - Crochet Bouquet-Fabulous Flowers!  And the flower was a freebie from JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store (you'll find a copy below)

Several friends and co-workers shared these headbands with daughters and granddaughters for Easter.  It is so rewarding to know that other people appreciate the work you do

I have matched the yarn of the flower to that of the headband and then edged the flower with a coordinating metallic yarn.  The metallic edging really brings the flower to life, don't you agree?

Large flower

Headbands with large flower

Pattern for Crochet Rose

Supplies & Tools

1 pkg Lion Brand Bonbons mini skeins (I have used other yarns as well for the flower)

Crochet hook G-6: Exact gauge is not necessary

Large-eyed blunt needle

DIRECTIONS:

Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses.  Diameter approx 2" (2.5", 3.5").  When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

Each flower is made from a long strip of shells.  The strip is rolled into a spiral, then lower edges are sewn together to form the base of the flower.  The upper edges form the petals.

To change color, work last st of old color to last yo.  YO with new color and draw through all loops to complete st.  Fasten off old color.

ONE-COLOR FLOWER:

Ch 17 (35,53)

Row 1:  Dc in 5th ch from hook (first V-made) *ch 1, skip next ch, (dc, ch1, dc) in next ch (V-st made); rep from across - 7 (16, 25) V-sts at the end of this row.

Row 2:  Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn, 5 dc in ch-1 sp of first V-st (first shell made), *sc in next ch-1 sp (between V-sts), 6 dc in ch-1 sp of next V-st (shell made); rep from * across, working last shell in the turning ch-sp - 7 (16, 25) shells at the end of this row.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

TWO COLOR FLOWER:

Work rows 1 & 2 the same as above.  Attach color 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across.

Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.

Until next time

-Helen

Crochet Flowers

As much as I enjoy crocheting scarves, shawls, afghans and the like, I think one of my most favorite items to crochet are flowers.  I think they so much in the way of finishing an item.  I've had a ton of fun creating "posie toes".  Since flip flops are a guilty pleasure of most women all over the world, I thought why not fancy them up a bit.

Finding patterns for crochet and knit flowers is really easy these day, all you have to do is log into Pinterest.  There's a whole bouquet of them sure to help you embellish your own hand made creations.  Of course, you can always purchase the directions, like I did for this particular flower, unfortunately for me, Pinterest was not around when I was looking for just the right flip flop topper, but that's fine, there's never enough flowers for me!  And I bet this one is also on Pinterest now!

How Can I Give Back?

When I started thinking about blogging my focus was on needle crafts, art journaling, scrapbooking, gardening and a few thoughts on life in general tossed in every now and then.  It seems as though the thoughts on life are presently taking all of my energy...  

Our family is going through a difficult time with the extreme illness of my sister, Jerrette.  She was diagnosed five years ago at the University of Michigan with a rare tumor, a pancreatic endocrine neoplasm.  Her first treatments were radiation therapy at the University of Michigan.  And she did pretty good for about 3 years; then the disease reared its ugly head and began its slow, unceasing destruction of Jerrette's body.  The past 6 months have been nothing short of a night mare for her and her devoted husband Dan, their daughter Kelly and son Dan Jr.  Loosing a sibling is no easy feat.  My other sister, Onna and I are constantly trying to figure out what we can do to help and possibly ease the burden for the immediate family, knowing full well there is nothing we can do.  As in so many, many cases, cancer is going to win this battle.  We grieve for them and we grieve for ourselves...our loss is devastating.

Jerrette, Onna & Me (Helen) many, many years ago at Kelly's wedding

When I found out that Jacquie Fisher of BlogKC was putting together a group to "give back Kansas City" I knew immediately I wanted to be a part and I knew exactly how I wanted to give back.  With so many lives touched by cancer as well as other catastrophic illnesses; we as caregivers are always searching for outside help and comfort.  Turning Point, in Kansas City is one organization devoted entirely to the support, education, and comfort of those faced with debilitating and often times life ending diseases.  When she was able, my sister attended the Monday morning support group, restorative yoga (I was able to attend with her) and we also took part in many of the educational workshops.  I had an earlier connection to Turning Point when my husband, who is a cancer survivor, was part of one of the very early support groups lead by Moira Mulhern, Phd.  We have never forgotten her kindness, generosity of spirit and her gentle ways.  When Jerrette was diagnosed we encouraged her to seek out the support available at Turning Point.  She did and has made several, good friends and found comfort in their camaraderie.

One of the ways I am giving back is by knitting and crocheting adult & child chemo hats and prayer shawls for Turning Point to give to those in need.  It doesn't seem like enough to me; but, I don't know how to cure cancer, I can only do the little things that might help ease someone else's pain and suffering even in the smallest way.

If you would like to help out, please click the link for Turning Point.

This post is part of a blog hop of Kansas City bloggers looking to give back to the residents of the Greater Kansas City area.  We all hope that you will share the information contained in these blogs and help out in any way you can.  The kindness of strangers goes much further than any of us can ever measure.  Your loving thoughts and well wishes do make a difference.   Thank you from all of us and Happy Holidays.

To learn about other Kansas City charities and how you can make the season brighter for others, visit these great blogs:

Everyday Truth --- Bear Hugs

it's me, debcb! --- Safehome

Back to Allen --- The Children's Place

Whatcha Makin Now --- Wayside Waifs

Soleful Suitcases --- KC Rescue Mission

Wayward Dogs --- Midwest Adopt-a-Bull

Sarah Scoop --- Toys for Tots

Laughing Cat Creations --- Turning Point

Blogchickabowow --- Jewish Family Services

Healthnut Foodie --- Veronica's Voice

Raising the Barrs --- Hillcrest Transitional Housing

KC Edventures --- Salvation Army

The Happy Family Movement --- Rose Brooks Women's Center

Inspiration?

Inspiration, where does it come from and more importantly, where the hell does it go?  Boy it's great when the ideas come rushing in like a flood; but, when you reach the desert it can make you wonder if you've ever had a creative moment in your life.  My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was maybe 6 or 7; my mom taught me to knit and sew at the same time.  Both of them have always been an inspiration to me and sometimes all I have to do is think of the times spent with them, watching, practicing and attempting to make my work look like anything close to theirs.  And then there are those times when nothing makes the needles fly and I simply have to leave what I am doing and come back to it at a later time when the creative spark is fully ignited.

Something that has been helping lately is recalling and revisiting in photos the amazing trip that my husband, Bob and I were able to take this past August.  Bob's brother Sean and his wife Jane invited us to their home on Pender Island in British Columbia, Canada.  Above is the view from the back patio and actually from every window along the back of their home.  They designed the home to take advantage of this amazing view.

All around the house beautiful flowers, plants and trees greeted us every day as we would make our way around the island.  Most every day we took the boat out to view Pender from the Gulf or to make our way to one of the other islands nearby.  Probably the best day we had was boating over to the Farmers Market on Saltspring.  The food, flowers, crafts and musicians were amazing.  I don't think it is something I will ever forget.  And on our way back to Pender we stopped at the spot where we had dropped a trap earlier in the day to pick up our fresh crab for dinner.  It doesn't get much better than that.

A tree native to the area, the Arbutus was all over the island.  The bark is a cinnamon color but when wet turns almost lime green.  Amazing.  Wish I could grow one here in Kansas.

Just looking at these pictures reminds me what a wonderful world we live in and how fortunate I have been to visit and enjoy this picturesque part of the Pacific Northwest.  And whenever I end up in the desert of lost inspiration, all I have to do is pull up these photos and know that if I wait a minute or two the road to creativity will present itself and I will be on my way once again.

I hope that you have something that feeds your creative soul and makes it bloom!