Twisted Fibers Burrow

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Isaiah 9:2 & 6

2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

2 Wassails - Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic

2008-12-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

Wassail - Alcoholic

Ingredients:
6 cups ale OR port wine
1 cup sugar
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of ginger
pinch of cloves
pinch of nutmeg
6 eggs, beaten
4 roasted apples

Heat ale in a saucepan. Add sugar and spices, bring to a boil. Remove from heat and gradually add a small amount of hot ale mixture to the beaten eggs. Return to saucepan and cook until somewhat thickened. Place apples in a heat-proof punch bowl and pour hot liquid over.

Wassail - Non-Alcoholic

Ingredients:
4 cups apple juice
2 cups cranberry juice
2 whole cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1 tablespoon allspice

Heat juices. Tie spices in cheesecloth and add spice bag to heated juices and leave for about 10 minutes. Remove spice bag and serve.

Pattern Picks - Sampler Blocks Baby Blanket

2008-12-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

N.Y. Yarns has up a pattern called Cotton Crochet Sampler Blocks Baby Blanket. It's a very pretty combination of sampler squares and though they have it made in several colors I think it would look very good in one color that accentuates the textures of the samples as well.

Pattern Picks - Santa Baby Hat

2008-12-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Caron has a really cute Santa Baby Hat pattern. Looks warm and definitely in the holiday style.

Charity Spotlight - Operation Toasty Toes

2008-12-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

Operation Toasty Toes makes handmade knitted and crocheted slippers, dickeys, headbands, helmets (a.k.a. ski masks), watch caps and wristlets (a.k.a. fingerless mitts). These items are mailed to the Armed Forces stationed overseas. You have to use their patterns only but it's a nice way to support the troops. Click the link to find a chapter near you.

Pattern Picks - Blushing Grannies Afghan

2008-12-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

Coats has up a really nice project called Blushing Grannies Afghan. This is done in color faded rows of granny squares done in blush shades but I think it would just as nicely in the favorite color fades of your choice. I think it's a very elegant way to do a granny square afghan. Check it out.

Loopy Thread

2008-12-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

The 33rd episode of getting loopy features Kathryn White speaking on thread crochet. She talks about her various accomplishments and about the classes on Crochetville. She shares her love of the intricacies of thread and hook. It's not often that thread crochet gets top billing in anything. She does a great job representing her favorite form of crochet. She also has a real cool Crochet N Beads Etsy Shop.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

NOTE: There are no Getting Loopy shows 12/22 and 12/29 because of the holidays but will be back January5.

Pattern Picks - Nooks 'n Crannies Square

2008-12-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

I wanted to highlight Sally Ives Nooks 'n Crannies Square. I'm not a big grannies fan but this one I think is very pretty. I like the circular motif inside the square.

Pattern Picks - Scruby Bumpy Face Cloth

2008-12-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hey folks. Now I'm not much for making face cloths and that sort of thing usually but you may want to head over to Craft Leftovers and take a look at their Crocheted Scruby Bumpy Face Cloth. The bumpy texture is supposed to help with exfoliation but I have to say I think the stitch itself works up really pretty and I like it. So go take a look and remember folks, someone worked to put the pattern together so if you download the free pattern a thank you isn't to much to pay in return.

Creamy Corn And Broccoli Chowder

2008-12-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

Creamy Corn And Broccoli Chowder

Ingredients:
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion chopped
1 clove garlic finely chopped
3 tbsp all purpose flour
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp tarragon
3 cups vegetable broth
3 cups broccoli chopped
2 cups corn kernels
1 cup half and half OR any kind of milk

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat and cook onion and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Add in the flour and pepper stirring constantly for another minute then stir in tarragon, broth, broccoli and corn. Turn heat to high and bring up to the boil then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes stirring occasionally, veggies should be tender. Stir in half and half and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through but do not boil.

Makes 4 servings

Pattern Picks - Diamond Hat & Scarf

2008-12-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Crochet World magazine's featured pattern is the lovely Diamond Hat & Scarf. Almost anyone will love this chic and stylish hat and scarf set. You could even crochet it in school colors. It features puff stitch diamonds so you can learn how to puff stitch if you don't already know. Warning: This is a PDF document pattern.

Pattern Picks - Colorful Carryall

2008-12-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

If you need a great gift idea for a friend who crochets Talking Crochet's Colorful Carryall is a great solution. This handy little case, as you can see, is perfectly styled to hold a generous set of crochet hooks. However, it can have other uses, too. For example, it could hold coupons for shopping, cards or money. You could insert bills, sorted by denomination, through the different post-stitch bands, and arrange your credit and bank cards in the bands as well. Naturally you could make the colors to suit your own taste

Tutorial Picks - Tunisian Reverse Stitch

2008-12-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Wonder How To has a little video up on how to create the Tunisian reverse stitch. The hook is inserted in back through the middle of the vertical bars and out the back side. Worked into a project it may help to reduce some of that curl up you get on a Tunisian project at the corners. Go take a look and learn How To.

Pattern Picks - Button Ornaments

2008-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

Taking Crochet's Button Ornaments are fun and easy to make, and they're a great way to use up some of those beautiful leftover buttons in your sewing box. You can decorate the ornaments with additional trims, such as ribbon and bead string, as shown, or add your own choice of embellishments.

Pattern Picks - Angel Bells

2008-12-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

There is no Getting Loopy today but instead we have these adorable little Angel Bells, they immediately made me think of that well-known line from the classic holiday movie, It's a Wonderful Life: "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings." These little angels will add such a charming touch to your Christmas decorations.

Crock Pot Chicken With Mushroom Wine Sauce

2008-11-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

Crock Pot Chicken With Mushroom Wine Sauce

Ingredients
1 10.75oz. can condensed cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup onion minced
1 tsp dried parsley
¼ cup white wine
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp milk [any kind]
½ cup mushrooms sliced
½ tsp black pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

Mix together the soup, onion, parsley, wine, garlic powder, milk, mushrooms and pepper. Place chicken in the crock pot, covering with the soup mixture and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours, OR on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.

Makes 4 servings

Pattern Picks - Snowflake Garland

2008-11-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

Coats has up a really cute pattern I wanted to let you all know about. It's a crocheted Snowflake Garland. Now I'm not a very Christmasy person mainly because of the over commercialization but I think this is really adorable. You could decorate your windows or your tree with it. I was also thinking if you have some white plastic shopping bags you want to use up you could make this garland out of plarn and even decorate some of your outdoor shrubbery. Now how is that for versatile and inspirational?

Lion Newsletter 4th for Nov

2008-11-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

The 4th Lion newsletter for November is out. It features the introduction of 100% Cashmere from the new LB Collection. The free patterns include Fast, Easy Gifts to Make on a Budget but still coming out slightly heavy on the knitting side. I have to say that even though there are only 3 free crochet patterns as opposed to 5 knit patterns the crochet ones offered really do rock. The free patterns are as follows. Crochet: Driving Gloves, Ruffle Scarf & Graphic Squares Afghan. Knit: Easy Knit Mitten, Aran Cable Scarf, Hooded Knitted Sweater, Thigh High Socks & Lover's Knot Afghan. If you follow the Lola cartoon there are links to Amigurumi Turkey, Felted Fall Wreath & Cornucopia and Fruit however these patterns were given in a previous newsletter. If you missed those this is a good chance to get them. There is a link to their kids newsletter which shows how to Learn to Make Your Own Amigurumi. For the kit sale of the week you can get 50% Off their Knit Stained Glass Hat & Scarf pattern. The Trim of the Week crocheted Lattice Fringe

Happy Thanksgiving!

Outdoor Fiber Inspiration

2008-11-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

Kingdom Of Style has a really cool and inspirational post up about a fiber terrific movement of Crocheted and knitted graffiti. I find this strangely attractive. Covered trees, statues and even a deserted gas station. I especially like the trees. Talk about tree hugging. What could be cooler than some crochet love for your tree? Pretty darn cool I say and it sure beats painted names all over everything. Now you probably don't want to use your most expensive hand spun but wouldn't just a little covering somewhere with some of your scrap yarn be something? What do you think?

Crochet & Knit Harmony

2008-11-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Curbly has up a very keen post about her friend that made a blanket of knit circles with crochet edges that were crocheted together. Get some inspiration and feel the luv of Crochet and knit joined together in harmony when you read about Joy's Circles of Blankety Goodness.

Loopy Wrapped

2008-11-24T19:35:00.000-08:00

Getting Loopy number 31 hosts Kristin Omdahl talking about her Wrapped In Crochet Book. Sorry this is a quickie but I'm up to my ears in moving duties. Please keep supporting Loopy in my absence.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Crochet! January 2009

2008-11-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

I just got my January issue of Crochet! and I've had a bit of time to page through before posting my comments. This is just a review through Rabbit9's eyes and not meant as any criticism to unpicked items. I'm just highlighting the patterns and articles that especially appeal to me.

Articles:
Elegant Hooks: Crochet With Comfort: This is a little review of Elegant Hooks made by Al and Bella Bourassa for people that have join or muscle pain that makes it hard to hold a regular hook. You get one handle and the hook part is interchangeable coming in a set of 6 plus an accessory bag and a few replacement O-rings. You can also get additional hooks separately.

Secrets for Seaming Success: Several methods of joining pieces are discussed here. A very beneficial article for both beginner and advanced crocheters including pictures so you can see what they are doing as well as text descriptions.

Crocheting Socks That Fit: Need I say again that socks in crochet rock? Ok well they do so there and if you are having trouble getting yours to fit right this article is one you need to read. It goes through how to measure and how to adjust by shoe size. If you want to make the kind of socks you can wear in your shoes & fit to your actual feet and legs check this article out.

Patterns:
Threads of Compassion Scarf by Bendy Carter: Not only is the scarf lovely but it can be donated to the charity Threads of Compassion which provides scarves for the victims of sexual violence.

Striped-Yoke Top by Melissa Leapmin: This is a very pretty sweater that I think would look good on almost any body type. Depending on the yarn you choose and what you wear it with I think it could go from casual to slightly dressy.

Mens Hooded Cardigan by Treva McCain: A simple but still elegant cardigan for the men in your life. Yes, that's right, men. So for all you out there wanting to crochet something your man might actually wear I suggest you check this pattern out.

Zigzag Rib & Small Slanted Shells by Annie's Attic: This is a continued series. What's not to love about learning a new stitch you might be able to use in making up your own patterns. These two stitches are both very pretty in their own way Zigzag Rib has an almost basket weave look. Small Slanted Shells has almost a vertical bullion look to it. Sorry but that's the closest I can get to a description. You just have to see this one to really appreciate it.

Fair Isle & Easy Breezy Socks by Janet Rehfeldt: As you know I so dig crochet socks. For so long I could only find knitted patterns and I knew there must be a way to crochet them. Actual socks not the slipper things. This article has 2, count 'em 2 patterns to choose from. I say why choose, make both and Show that cool socks can be crocheted too, not just knit.

Continental Cable Scarf by Peter Franzi: Ok you scarf makers get your hook out because this one rocks. I'm not a huge fan of post stitches. Normally I think it's an attempt to make the look of knit cables in crochet but it doesn't quite work for me. This pattern however has a much better look than most crochet "cables" to me. It is very classy and I have to give all kinds of props to Peter. I'm also personally glad to see more men getting into crochet.

Black & white Hat & Solid Hat by Sharon Mann: For me hats rank even higher than socks and these two are beauties. Rounded hats with brims. The B & W has a very elegant stripe and buckle that I think is just beautiful and the solid is a fun pattern with a flower with the stem going around as the band. I think it would make a great summer sun hat.

Sampler Shawl by Kim Guzman: The name says it all. Large pattern squares and solid squares teamed up with a beautiful scalloped edging to make this really beautiful shawl. Definitely a must do for someone special on your gift list.

Letter-Baby Jacket by Brandee Fondren: This is really cute and classic version of a letterman jacket for a child. This would be great if you are looking for a pattern for young boys. The sizes are for 6 to 24 months.

Those are my personal hot picks for this issue but there are many more that I did not mention. My congrats to every designer in the issue for their patterns and pushing through to make crochet fun and fashionable.

Pomegranate Apple Crisp

2008-11-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

Pomegranate Apple Crisp

Ingredients:
4 medium apples peeled cored and sliced
½ pomegranate seeds - skin and light colored membrane removed so it's just the seeds
½ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup all purpose flour
½ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter melted

Preheat the oven to 375o F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Mix together the apples, pomegranate seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly into the baking dish. Stir together the oats, flour and sugar and rub in the butter between your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs then sprinkle over the top of the fruit. Bake for 45 minutes or until the apples are soft.

Makes 8 servings

Hot/Cold Roll & Embroidery

2008-11-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

I improvised this design of a hot/cold roll as a gift for a friend. It's crocheted in a simple shell stitch and filled with sterilized cherry stones. I used Bernat Satin in colorway jade and an H hook. As the name implies it can be put in the refrigerator to be used cold or heated in the microwave to be used hot. The embroidery I did by hand on a handkerchief to wrap the roll in and tied with a ribbon for gifting in place of wrapping paper. Eco friendly and beautiful if I do say so myself.

Lion Newsletter 3rd for Nov

2008-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

The 3rd Lion newsletter for November is out. It features a lot of knitting including a new knit-along, wrist warmers and knit trim. The free patterns include washcloths to crochet & knit. For the kit sale of the week you can get 50% Off their Crochet Hazelnut Scarf pattern. You can also share your story and your tips with others about how crocheting and/or knitting helps you deal with stress. Definitely another issue more geared to knit than crochet but what they do offer isn't bad.

Charity Spotlight - The Mother Bear Project

2008-11-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

I'm posting today about The Mother Bear Project. This seems a worthwhile charity to crochet for but I will bring to your notice that they only accept there bear patterns and you have to pay for the pattern but they do crochet as well as knit so if you want to pay a few dollars for their bear pattern and make a difference it's a good cause.

The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.

Pattern Picks - Pineapple Shawl

2008-11-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

Caron Yarns has up a very pretty pattern for a Pineapple Shawl. They have it made with their NatureSpun™ but it's not heavy. It's a very beautiful lacy and open pattern. It would be a nice pattern for those thinking of spring, like me.

My Finished Cockscomb Doily

2008-11-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

This was a free pattern from Annie's Attic back in September and I've been working on finishing it. I did have to frog and re-do a bit. I did end up altering the pattern slightly. I left out the front post stitches on the round before last because I didn't like the way it looked as a personal preference. I also left off the last row because I have been making it as a gift and I just didn't have the time, I needed to get it mailed out and personally I thought it looked good as it is.

Pattern Picks - 2 from NY Yarns

2008-11-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

This is a quickie because I'm hurrying but I wanted to post something. Just a heads up, these are both PDF documents.

Action Crocheted Hat & Scarf For Kids Designed By Katherine Eng

Crochet Hooded Scarf Designed By Katherine Eng

Loopy Double Stitch

2008-11-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

This 30th Getting Loopy show features the Simmons Sisters, Erika and Monika talking about their book Double Stitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista. You can check out the designs in the book here on their blog or sign up to receive Double Stitch news and updates by adding your name to their e-mail list. These ladies are really something else in crochet. After all not everyone has Macy's select their collection, gets awarded the Style Makers and Rule Breakers award by Fashion Group International, and has the Chicago Sun-Times call you "The Divas Next Door". Go give a listen and see why these ladies deserve so much credit for their cutting edge work.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Hearty Roasted Squash Soup

2008-11-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hearty Roasted Squash Soup

Ingredients:
1½ lb. butternut squash halved and seeded
1 acorn squash halved and seeded
½ small spaghetti squash halved and seeded
3 tbsp butter
1 large onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger root minced
1 tsp curry powder
2 tart green apples peeled cored and chopped
2/3 cup sherry
5 cups vegetable broth
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper or to taste

Preheat oven to 400o F.
Place the squash, cut side down, on baking sheets and roast for 45 minutes, or until flesh is soft. Scoop out the flesh into a large bowl. In a pot over medium heat melt the butter and saute the onion, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in the garlic, ginger and curry powder and cook 1 minute then add the apples and sherry and simmer for 10 minutes, or until apples soften. Puree batches of the squash flesh and broth in a food processor or blender and transfer to a large soup pot. Puree the apple mixture and stir into pureed squash. Heat over medium heat and season with black pepper and cayenne, to taste.

Makes 6 servings

Pattern Picks - Sangria Shawl

2008-11-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today's pattern spotlight beams down on Coats And Clark's Sangria Shawl. Very pretty and I'm almost drunk just on that gorgeous color. I think this would make a great shawl to wrap up in during the nippy winter season or a really great gift for that always cold person on your holiday gift list. You know the one...Me! Ha ha, just kidding.

Lion Newsletter 2nd for Nov

2008-11-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Lion newsletter for November is out and I'm sorry to say it's a little disappointing for the crocheter in my opinion. The focus this time is on scarves which if fine, But, take a look at the difference between the knit patterns which have some style and flare and the crochet ones which to me seem a little boring and basic with the styles chosen. Sorry but I don't really need a pattern to DC back and forth rows in the width of a scarf. No there is nothing wrong with beginner patterns. I'm all for more people learning to crochet. I just don't see an evenness in the presentation of style in this issue. To me it says look at the knitting, cables, ribs, waves, BAM! Oh yeah and here's some simple ones for you crocheters. I'm not feeling the luv for the hook. On the plus side If you follow the link for the Lola cartoon you will find 3 more patterns. The Crochet Luxury Hood has some real potential if you don't mind working with fun-fur. For the knitters there is the Furry Pillbox Hat & Santa Hats. The kit sale of the week is 50% off the Knit Wild & Woolly Hat & Scarf Set. The trim of the Week is the crocheted Soft Center trim. Go take a look and let me know what you think.

David Nifong

2008-11-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

JournalNow did a very inspirational story about David Nifong called Blanketing the Babies. David has crocheted dozens of blankets and hats for charity. Not only is he an inspiration to all of us who participate in the fiber arts but he is a shout out to all those men out there that don't think real men crochet. He's done a wonderful thing to contribute to a worthy cause. Now go read his story.

A Rabbit9 Update For Nov

2008-11-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

I wont ask for them but if anyone wishes to pray for me I'd appreciate it. As some of you might know I have a disability. I have been praying to get into disability housing for some time. The lists are so long especially with all the budget cuts so it's a long wait that shouldn't be in the richest country as people call us. The Lord finally answered my prayers and one became available. Money will be tight for a while though I'm still grateful to get it. I have no family in the state so I'm not sure yet how I'm going to move to the next county where it is. I've been calling a lot of disabled info places and hopefully I can get something sorted out. I admit it's a little quick as I have to be moved by December which is going to make the holidays suck just a little more. I'm trying to look at it as a new start that hopefully will be for the best in the end. It's still a blessing for me and I will trust in the Lord for the rest while doing what I can do. I just wanted to let you all know if I'm not around so much that's why. I wont be blogging after the move until I get set up and if I can afford it. Once things settle I hope to meet any crochet people in the area. I'll probably make another post before I pack the comp but it's a heads up so folks know I haven't just disappeared. I really appreciate every one of you that have followed my blog and supported my first pattern. I'll be doing all I can to get back soon. Keep those hooks going and my prayers remain for each of you that the Lords great plan for you will be revealed in His good time.
Rabbit9

Charity Spotlight - Newborns in Need

2008-11-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

Newborns in Need is a Cristian charity that provides several services. Among those is providing afghans, blankets, hats and booties and many other basic essential baby items. Anyone looking to crochet charity items could do worse than check out their site, find a local chapter and get started if you feel you agree with what they are doing.

Pattern Picks - John's Favorite Bucket Hat

2008-11-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

Next in my Pattern Picks series. This one is a really great pattern by The Purl Bee. For those who have trouble finding great patterns for guys [and who doesn't?] go check out John's Favorite Bucket Hat. A cool and functional pattern for the man/men in your life. Definitely a great addition to you Christmas Crochet gift list.

Loopy Blueprint

2008-11-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

Loopy Monday is again upon us and thank goodness for it. This 29th Getting Loopy show features Robyn Chachula talking about her way cool book Blueprint Crochet. Robyn has designed for yarn companies, had patterns published in loads of faboo crochet magazines, she's got several very good books out besides this one and has appeared on Knit and Crochet Today on PBS which was the feature of last weeks Getting Loopy. Basically like many other of the crochet designers I don't know when she sleeps but we thank her for all she does. Seriously you have to go hear this one. Power to the granny square!!!!! See now you would get that if you hear the show. ;-)

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Pattern Picks - Interweave Crochet 5 Free

2008-11-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

Saturday Bonus Post

Just in time for the holidays the folks at Interweave Crochet put together a free e-book of 5 gift patterns. Patterns include: Toujours Hat by Kim Werker, In a Jiffy Juggling Balls by Toni Rexroat, Peppermint Hat & Scarf by Marilyn Murphy, Green Market Bag by Laura Rintala, and Charlie Brown Baby Cardigan by Kat Pullen. Yes you have to register on Interweave but that is free too so go sign up. I don't know if it's a limited time offer or not so go soon and don't miss out.

Pumpkin Carrot Casserole

2008-11-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Carrot Casserole

Ingredients:
8 medium carrots fully cooked and mashed
1 29 oz can pumpkin
4 tbsp brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 tbsp butter melted
2 tbsp rum (optional)
1 16 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce

Preheat oven to 375^o F and grease a casserole dish.
Mix together the mashed carrots and pumpkin until blended. In a separate dish mix together the brown sugar, salt, pepper, butter and rum. Mix that into the carrot and pumpkin mixture until completely blended and then fold in the cranberry sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Makes 8 servings

Lion Newsletter 1st for Nov

2008-11-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

The 1st Lion newsletter for November is out and the Halloween fun has begun. In this issue you will find the Grace Scarf, amigurumi patterns for a Crochet Tom Turkey, a Crochet Cornucopia and a Crochet Wreath of felted leaves. There are also Afghans to Make in 6 Hours or Less, 2 are Crochet and 2 are the K word for those that run that bent. You can also get over 50% Off the current Kit which is also the K word but Rabbit9 does have fiber love for all that love us back so I'm mentioning the Knit Ermine Wrap. The trim this week is Knit Bobbles but you can also check the site for crochet trims so we are not left out. My personal pick is the amigurumi items. Very cute. Go look.

Warning - Pork Danger

2008-11-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

Can you say EWWW! Be careful out there and spread the word. It may be Seattle now but with factory farming things like this wont take long to spread.

Tests find drug-resistant bacteria in store-bought pork

Pattern Picks - Easy Winter Throw

2008-11-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

Inspired from yesterdays Loopy guests I'm spotlighting a very nice throw pattern from the Crochet Today site called Easy Winter Throw. Lovely simple warmth that anyone would love to curl up with to read a good book or enjoy a hot mug of cocoa. They also have a few other free patterns on that link so take a look around and find something that appeals to you.

Contest - Naturally Baby

2008-11-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

Want to win up to $300? Got a hook and know how to use it? Then today's post is so for you. Boogie on over to Caron Yarns Naturally Baby Contest. Not only do you get a chance to win but they will donate money to benefit Project Linus so even if you don't win you still are doing something great for a child that needs it. That makes you a winner in my book every time. This is also open to knitters so if your fiber art runs that bent feel free to take a look.

Project Linus is a national non-profit organization with a two-fold mission: First, to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers". Second, it is the Project Linus mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Creat A Better World - VOTE!!

2008-11-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

If you come to this blog you are probably a crafty person. Today is your chance to create something big. A better world. Do I really believe that? Yes! We have something in this country that some countries don't have. A chance to voice our choice. There are a lot of big issues this year and I'm sure you know what they are so I wont get into all that. This is your chance to voice who you think can create a better world for us all. No it will never be a perfect world or a perfect system but why throw away a chance to perhaps be taking a step to a better direction. All we can do is take one day at a time, one choice at a time. Every choice you have made in your life has helped to create the person you are today. You can choose to change anything you don't like about yourself or your life but you need to take a moment to make the choice and be committed to take one step after the next. This is our chance to say what direction we think our country's next step should be. My vote choice is obvious and I encourage others to check out Ralph Nader but even if that isn't what you think is right then get out there and say what you think. If you throw away your choice you have no right to complain and in my view you are no better than those leading our country in the wrong direction. Doing nothing is a choice to let what you think is wrong continue to go on. Maybe your choice wont win but trying to make a difference matters. Use your voice for choice! And don't forget to take your hook, those lines may be long.
VOTE!
[Nader] ;-)
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In an effort to reward those who vote on Nov. 4, Starbucks is pouring free coffee. Their ad (airing on YouTube and at their website) makes it clear. Come in on Nov. 4th, say, “I voted,” and grab your tall coffee, no money required. It's a simple gimmick to get people to vote. I think there's a bit more to it than that, however.
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That's right, I'm not to proud to bribe you with free coffee if it gets you off your tail even if it's icky Starbucks coffee. No offense I'm just a tea Rabbit9.
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People Fighting Back - Vote Nader
Because there ARE more than 2 choices!

Ralph has campaigned in all 50 states. Check out the AP story
Ralph Nader for President 2008 - Official YouTube Channel
The Trail Of Broken Promises By Matt Gonzalez
Ralph Nader has appeared in a Third Party debate at the City Club of Cleveland. C-Span taped the City Club of Cleveland debate and the City Club will live stream the event on their website.

Loopy K.C. Today

2008-11-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Yeah!!! It's Loopy Monday again and this 28th Getting Loopy show featured Candi Jensen designer and Brett Bara Editor of Crochet Today magazine speaking about the new 2nd season of Knit And Crochet Today, that fabulous show for fiber loving people on PBS. You can find out if the show is playing near you by either the K&CT show link page or the PBS link page. Season 1 was really great and I'm really looking forward to this new season. How about you? The show was really great and they talked about everything from the TV show to the magazine, managing stash or the lack of it. Just boodles and boodles of stuff both funny and informative.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Cheesy Pumpkin Casserole

2008-11-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

Cheesy Pumpkin Casserole

Ingredients:
1 2lb. pumpkin
1 large onion finely chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp white pepper
2 eggs
¾ cup milk [any kind]
¾ cup ricotta cheese

Preheat the oven to 375o F and grease a baking dish.
Cut pumpkin in half, and remove seeds and cut into ¼ inch thick slices. Peel slices, and place pumpkin slices into a bowl. Toss with onion and melted butter, and season with cumin and white pepper. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Beat eggs with milk and cheese then pour mixture over pumpkin in baking dish and continue baking for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Makes 6 servings

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12

Happy Halloween Everyone.

Slipper Boots

2008-10-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

I made these Slipper Boots from a pattern in Simple Slippers In Crochet using an F hook and Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Chelsea Twist colorway. I had to do a little math with this one since I have small feet but I am happy with them and I like the warmer boot style for winter when it’s cooler. These are very comfy. I also doubled the sole so they would have more cushion. Besides that I love the colors in this yarn. They are purple with red and green twisted in.

Corner Bookmark

2008-10-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Looking through the library they didn’t have much in the way of crochet books but one I looked at was Crochet: Fantastic Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Pillows and More By Jane Davis. It’s meant to be a children/teens book but I liked the corner bookmark. I don’t remember if that’s what it’s called in the book since I just jotted it down quickly because I didn’t want to check out the book for one small pattern. I did change the pattern slightly but not much.I used a size 7 steel hook and size 10 pink crochet thread that I had lurking in my stash. I will be giving it to a close friend of mine who loves pink for the holidays. It's meant to fit over a few pages on the corner of a book as you see in the picture here.

Warning - Candy, Coffee & Milk Tea Recall

2008-10-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make my readers aware of a story I read today which involves mainly a candy recall but also mentions coffee & milk tea products. I especially wanted to note this story because of the Halloween season and those with children that will be getting candy from trick or treating or parties. Please take care, read the story and be informed on what is coming into your home.

Story Link:
Melamine-Tainted Candy Recall

Pattern Picks - Mummy Halloween Treat Bag

2008-10-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

In honor of our Loopy Dude this Pattern Pick is the spook-tacular I Want My Mummy Halloween treat bag from Drew Emborsky "The Crochet Dude". Just the thing for your ghosts and goblins to collect their Halloween treats in this year so grab your hooks and get wrapped up in this wickedly fun project. Thanks Drew!

Loopy Dude

2008-10-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's Loopy Monday dude, but not just any dude. Tonight's 27th Getting Loopy show featured Drew Emborsky "The Crochet Dude" talking about his book The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys along with his many other patterns. Drew is living proof that real men can and do crochet! The ladies are not alone. So men give a listen and take up your hooks with pride. Apart from all that Drew is just plain fun and warm hearted and that comes across in this show. We have asked and asked publishers for real clothes for real people and not some French runway show stuff no one can wear put on real looking models. Well this book has it! No it's not just scarves and hats. Real guys wearing real crochet items that real guys would want so run over, listen to the show and go get yourself a copy of the book. Lets let those publisers know that real is what we want and real is what we will support.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Squash and Pinto Beans

2008-10-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

Squash and Pinto Beans

Ingredients
¼ cup vegetable broth
½ cup onion chopped
hot sauce to taste
2 garlic cloves minced
1 cup yellow squash sliced ½ inch thick
1 cup zucchini sliced ½ inch thick
½ cup corn kernels
1 16oz. can pinto beans drained
1 14.5oz. can diced tomatoes un-drained
3 fresh thyme sprigs
4 servings cooked brown rice

Heat broth in a large pan over medium high heat. Add onion, hot sauce, and garlic and saute 2 minutes then stir in squash and zucchini and saute 2 more minutes. Add corn, beans, tomatoes and their liquid, and thyme.
Cover and reduce heat, simmering 10 minutes.
Discard thyme. Serve over cooked rice.

Makes 4 Servings

Green Halloween

2008-10-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Now and then good old Seattle kicks up a movement can be really proud of even though I'm not a WA native. Green Halloween is such a movement and now they are going nation-wide. I think this little blurb from their page sums it up really great and I hope you will go over and take a look for yourself, for our children and for our one and only planet which has sustained us all these many years and could use a bit of help now in return.

We hope that Green Halloween will inspire YOU to think outside the candy-box. We are dedicated to offering fun, healthy, affordable, not-too-time consuming ideas that will support your goal of creating a Halloween that is happy and healthy for your kids and the planet we all share.

Pattern Picks - Basket Liners

2008-10-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Curbly has some suggestions on Crocheting Basket Liners. I think that though it's not a specific pattern since basket sizes and shapes vary it still has some good advice on how to make a good crocheted liner. Check it out for yourself and see what you think.

Pattern Picks - Crocheted Ring Bracelet

2008-10-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

Diane over at craft stylish has a very nice little tutorial on How to Make a Crocheted Ring Bracelet. The directions are clear with lots of pictures and I thought there would make nice stocking stuffer gifts for teen and tween girls this holiday season.

Charity Spotlight - Make A Cap

2008-10-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Another new feature here at TFB will be crocheting for charity. I want to spotlight some worthy causes especially now that we are coming closer to the season of giving. The only thing that makes the over commercialized holiday bearable for me is to remember the true meaning of the season. The birth of Jesus and the wise men coming with gifts, not a list of give me that needed to be checked twice. Of course you must all do what is right for yourselves but if you would like to make some gifts for charity I hope you will find at least one of the causes I will be posting over time a worthy one. That said I post my first crochet charity spotlight.

Save The Children is running a Make A Cap campaign. Now though it is called Knit One Save One, they also accept crocheted caps. I will quote here from their own site and you can take a look for yourself if you wish to participate.

By keeping a baby warm, your cap can save a life. Just download our Action Kit and you’ll get a variety of easy patterns for knitters or crocheters, as well as instructions for writing a letter to the new President.

Loopy Rwanda & Caron Yarns

2008-10-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

Tonight's 26th Getting Loopy show featured Cari Clements talking about her job as design director of Caron Yarns. Cari also talked about her work with Rwanda Knits, and their Auctions [mark the dates: October 16-26, 2008]. There will some new yarns coming out and some discontinued. Which ones? I'm not going to tell you. You're just going to have to go listen, so there. ;-) Seriously this 45 minutes flies by. It's so interesting just to hear about how they came to pick Rwanda and what the women there have gone through. Amazing! Even if you're not a crocheter just go listen and then go look at the Auction items. Ever wonder where those samples go that you see pictured in pattern books and magazines? Well some of them are there straight from the designers own stash! 50% of the final auction price will also be tax deductible plus you are helping a great cause. What more can you want? No you can not have free yarn! ;-)

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

2008-10-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Walla Walla Sweet Onion Quiche

Ingredients:
3 tbsp butter
1 large walla walla sweet onion diced
½ cup sour cream
1 12oz. can evaporated milk
1 packet dry leek soup mix
3 eggs
1½ cup monterey jack cheese shredded
1 9 inch deep dish frozen pie crust

Preheat oven to 375o F.
Saute butter and onion, cooking until lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and whisk in sour cream then slowly whisk in evaporated milk. Whisk in dry soup mix until completely incorporated then whisk in eggs. Mix in the shredded cheese until blended. Line a pie dish with the unbaked pie crust and pour mixture carefully into it. Place pie on a cookie sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes.

Makes 8 servings

Happy Green Carnival Rabbit9

2008-10-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

Woooooooooo! Guess what guess what!! I got picked to be in Carnival of Green Crafts #7. My pattern for a Plarn Grocery Bag is featured in this issue along with several very other cool crafts. I'm really happy and flattered that my bag has been so popular. I've had 178 people get my pattern so far and I believe this honor may push it over the top of 200. I never guessed my simple pattern would be so wanted. It really is an honor to me since it's the first crochet pattern I made up and wrote down as I was doing it and tried to remember to take pictures for the pdf as I was going at key points. It was a real experience for me to have so many people appreciate my work. It's truly a blessing to me. I'm so grateful to God and to everyone that requested the pattern download. Thank you all so much and thank you also to Carnival of Green Crafts #7 for their recognition.

Pet Yarn Chic

2008-10-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

You worked a long day and now it's time to settle down and relax. You have your crochet together, a good movie on and a nice cup of tea. You're set. You sit down into your favorite chair and within minutes you realize you're wearing a blanket that never saw a hook belonging to you or anyone else. Yup, your favorite pet has shed enough hair to make you look like a wookie with one sit down. What is a crocheter to do? Of course you love your pet to no end. No way you are going to do without that sweet fluffy face! However it's time for fluffy and duke to start earning their share and adding to the coffers of your stash instead of your laundry and housekeeping. So you say yeah Rabbit9, I can dig that but where are you going with this? What do I do, hook up my dog to my ball winder? Well, yes and no. It's time to tame the shed. Gather up the hair and go check out Pet Yarn Chic. They can take all the brushed shed [no clipped hair] and make it into yarn. At last you can make a sweater that you can actually take off and put on at will. Costs are on the page but I think after the initial set up this would be worth it if you have a heavy shedding or multiple animal[s]. You need to brush your animals anyway for their health and your housekeeping anyway so why not fatten your stash in reward for all your work at the same time? Take a look and see if it's worth it for you.

It’s absolutely easy … and fun,too! When you join Pet Yarn Chic you begin the process of regularly gathering and saving your pet’s shed or groomed fur and hair for your homespun yarn. We supply you, or your pet groomers, with a starter kit of hair collection instructions and shipping labels. As you send us your collected pet hair, we hand-spin it into yarn, and mail the finished yarn back to you. We will continue to spin your pet hair into yarn for as long as you like…whether it’s for one project…or for many projects to come.

Pattern Picks - Chic Crochet Cloche & Scarf

2008-10-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Continuing in my spotlight on other blogs and pattern post I just had to throw a little light on this scarf and hat pattern and thought it was just beautiful and right on time for the fall weather. Well done to Coats for their Chic Crochet Cloche & Scarf pattern.

Manuf®actured

2008-10-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Museum of Contemporary Craft page has up a really keen display called Manuf®actured: The conspicuous transformation of everyday objects and that's just what it is. The exhibit has several really killer crafty displays that are really inspirational such as art made from: re-crafted cardboard and polystyrene, sculptured lipsticks, hair that's been manipulated in every way imaginable, incredible intricate lace doilies, cut out container sculptures, mosaic-ed marker caps & thread spools, Marcel Wanders Knotted Chair, Hexagon wallpapers and the pièce de résistance [IMO] of the show Crochet Cube table. Holy cow! If you can't get inspired by that then I just don't know what. That cube is just too cool for words and I want one in the worst way. :-D Go check it out.

Pattern Picks - Indian Corn

2008-10-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

I've decided to add a new feature to my little blog world. I occasionally come across some nice patterns on the net and I've decided to share some of those links with all of you. There will be some from yarn sites and I will also feature some blogs. There are tons of patterns out there as you know and this is just a sampling of things that happen to appeal to me. If you have a pattern on your blog or don't have a blog but want to share a pattern you know of feel free to comment in to me.

So without further ado Create! blog and the Indian Corn crochet pattern. These are just so adorable and are just perfect for your autumn decor. You may want to also check out the other recent posts of The Cutest Pumpkin Out There (And How To Make It!) & Crochet Halloween 2008 which highlights some of the Etsy shop Halloween items. Well done Create! !

Loopy Passion 4 Fashion

2008-10-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

Yes it's Loopy Monday once again. Due to some technical difficulties Dora was a little late so we got to hear from ZoomieJr, a frequent flier in the chats and also Doris Chan dropped in for a few to tell us some of her late breaking news. Dora Ohrenstein did show up though as tonight's 25th Getting Loopy show featured her new book The Crochet Insiders Passion 4 Fashion and her work with Stitch Cooperative, indie pattern distribution by and for designers.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Rabbit9's Zucchini Bread

2008-10-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Rabbit9's Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
½ cup butter softened
2 eggs
1¾ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup finely grated raw and unpeeled zucchini
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350° F and grease a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl cream sugar and butter together. Beat in eggs. Combine flour, salt, baking soda and nutmeg. Stir half the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Add the zucchini and the rest of the flour mixture and blend well. Stir in walnuts and vanilla until completely mixed.
Pour into greased pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan for about 5 minutes then move to a wire rack and finish cooling.

Small Town Living

2008-10-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Small Town Living is a free pdf magazine and the October - November issue is out. I've been reading these for some time and it is appropriately named. It often has simple living tips and craft related articles. Some of my favorite articles from this issue are as follows.

Small Town Business Basics by Rich Musgrave
Which is some thoughts on how to make and keep your business more profitable.

Not Your Grandmother’s Aprons by Bev Frankeny
Is a pretty cool article about the old fashioned type of aprons, you know, actually functional. It also has some links included for pattern resource so you sewers might want to check it out.

Homemade Cheese by: Kristina Ecker
Real cool article for anyone that has had an interest in how to make simple mozzarella at home. Yummy.

The Art of Rescuing Vintage Textiles by LuAnn Smith, Artisan
Now we are getting into the crafty stuff. If you either have some vintage fabric or want some this is a must read in this issue. They also have some resource links.

Frugal Living 33 Ways to Save and Stretch Your Dollars
Self explanatory and who couldn't use and extra money saving tip these days.

To get your issue follow the link above and click on the picture to download the pdf. Back issues are also available on that page and some of those are very good too like the August - September issue witch has an article on spinning fiber.

Lion Newsletter

2008-10-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

The 1st Lion newsletter for October is out and the Halloween fun has begun. In this issue you will find Halloween candy bags & amigurumi candy corn, loom-knit slippers, over 70% off easy scarf kits, the trim of the week is crochet slip fringe and if you click the link for the Lola cartoon there are some extra links for a candy corn felted treat bag, amigurumi lollipops & amigurumi roll candy. Lots of cute things to get your spooky started.

Adventures In Frogging

2008-10-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

With all love and respect to the tech editors that have to run through patterns and make sure they are correct, sort out the math and what not. I know it's a tough job but I just have to interject a wee rant here.

Now with a free pattern grabbed off the net by someone not used to writing a pattern one might expect some mistakes. However! When I drop cash I expect the patterns have been gone over enough that it should be reasonably easy to sort out the pattern and get it complete with a relative amount of ease. Lately I found several errors in a publication and I felt a little teeny bit annoyed after paying for this.

Now I will grant you we are all human and I'm not going to name names but deal with the party privately. Nothing is perfect. That said don't we have some right when paying for a pattern[s] to be able to make them without having to rewrite the pattern to try to get something that actually works?

One of the patterns with a mistake was a hat that was just a math nightmare. Increases and decreases just didn't match up with the end totals at all. This threw everything off because there were certain turns and joins that didn't line up properly to be able to complete the pattern. I frogged it over and over and tried to get it to work out. The last round of frogging lead me to actually sit down and try to rewrite the pattern so I could actually make the hat. It was at that point that this rant post started to form. I thought to my self what in the world am I doing?

I just paid for a pattern that I have to write! I really didn't know if I should laugh or cry. Now I don't spend money on published patterns and books often because I'm on a really tight budget right now. I felt really frustrated. I felt I just spent money that was scrimped for a treat on something that was nearly useless. Yes I'm experienced enough that I probably can sit down and sort it out in the end but that's not the point. I put it aside for now and perhaps at some point I will take it out when the frustration has passed and do just that. I guess I'm just disappointed that my "treat" ended up being more of a headache than anything else.

What in the world could have happened? How could something with so many errors come through from editing to publishing? Did the editor have any crochet experience at all? I may never know the answers but I really hope the industry does their very best to improve. In the current economy who can afford to toss good money at a luxury item [yes I consider pattern books a luxury item as compared to necessities like food and rent] that isn't going to be usable? Not many.

Has something like this happened to you? Have you ever been frustrated with a pattern or book? Post a comment and share your story. Thank you readers if you're still with me after all that. I feel a bit better now. Okay, where's my hook. ;-)

3 White Mice

2008-10-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

These are my 3 white mice made from KristieMN's, Little Mouse pattern, from Crochetville. The pattern is very easy to follow. Thank you Kristie. There are some slight variations from the pattern in that I used size 10 crochet thread and a size 7 hook. I also opted to embroider the mouse eyes instead of using beads as well as the nose. I think they are very sweet. The coin in the photo is a U.S. half dollar piece that I included for a size reference.

Loopy Kids

2008-10-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

I scream, you scream we all scream for Loopy Monday. Tonight's 24th Getting Loopy show featured Phyllise Sandford and Sharon Mann talking about crochet for kids in their book Crochet Kid Stuff. It has 20 fun projects to make for for boys and girls. How do two people from Las Vagas and New York collaborate on a crochet book? The same way they handled the G.L. interview, teamwork and lots of phone calls. Phyllise and Sharon, who both have a background in art, fielded questions on their book and for those of you with the for legged kids there was a discussion on sweaters for dogs as well. How do you size those furry pal sweaters anyway? Tune in and listen. Lots of fun in this show and great info from these two talented ladies.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Note: The dog coats mentioned are not in the kids book but there is info in the G.L. show on where to get them so go listen. Just wanted to be clear on that.

Fall Festival Virtual Arts & Crafts Show Opens

2008-10-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

The first-ever Fall Festival Virtual Arts & Crafts Show opens today and runs to to Nov. 7th and it is run by American Craft Guide. Whether you're getting a head start on your holiday shopping or doing some casual browsing, we know you'll find lots of great handmade merchandise made right here in America! Be sure to check out each of the exhibitor's booths to find show specials and discounts!

Interesterified Oil

2008-10-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

I came across this little tidbit of information and thought it would be interesting to share with you how the food industry is making changes but not necessarily in our best interest. One more reason to eat local, cook your own food and move into a healthier diet.

Q: What are interesterified oils? Are they less harmful than trans fats?

A: The food industry is phasing out artery-clogging trans fat, found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils used in cookies, crackers and other processed foods. As an alternative, some companies are using interesterified oils, vegetable oils chemically altered to provide the properties of partially hydrogenated oils without the trans fat. More research is needed to determine the effect of interesterified oils on health. However, a recent study published in Nutrition and Metabolism suggests that they may lower HDL "good" cholesterol and raise blood sugar, increasing the risks for coronary artery disease and diabetes. For now, play it safe. Read labels, and avoid partially hydrogenated and interesterified oils. Choose foods made with canola, safflower, corn, olive and other unprocessed vegetable oils.

Source: Suzanne Havala Hobbs, DrPH, RD, clinical assistant professor, department of health policy and administration, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

My oil of choice is olive usually but hey, I'm Italian, it may be genetic. Never the less, it's tasty and as oils go pretty darn good for you. Now what you really want to know. What are you cooking with that olive oil Rabbit9? Here my friends is the tasty answer I'm sharing with you. This tasty soup is adapted it from Vegetarian cookbook by Linda Fraser. Thanks so much to her for a warm health soup to go with our crisp fall weather. As always, feel free to improvise. If you don't like white beans, try black. A bean is a bean and they all have something good for you so don't stress it.

White Bean Soup

Ingredients:
1½ cups dried cannellini or other white beans
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
3 medium tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups boiling water
ground black pepper
Olive oil, to serve

Pick over the beans carefully, discarding any stones or other particles. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to ensure that they are clean. Soak in a large bowl of cold water overnight. Drain the beans and place them in a large saucepan of water, bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Drain. Return the beans to the pan, cover with cold water and bring to a boil again. Add the bay leaf and simmer for 1-2 hours or until the beans are tender. Drain again. Remove the bay leaf.
Puree about three-quarters of the beans in a food processor or blender, adding a little water if necessary, to create a smooth paste.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Stir in the onion and cook until it softens. Add the carrot and celery, and cook for 5 minutes more.
Stir in the tomatoes, garlic and thyme. Cook 6-8 minutes more, stirring often.
Pour in the boiling water. Stir in the beans and the bean puree. Season with pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve in individual soup bowls, sprinkled with a little olive oil.

Makes 6 servings

Creativity & Spinning and Weaving Week

2008-10-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

I was reading a recent article in The New York Times called We’ll Fill This Space, but First a Nap. I want to first quote a piece of it so you know what I'm talking about.

Dr. Ellenbogen’s research at Harvard indicates that if an incubation period includes sleep, people are 33 percent more likely to infer connections among distantly related ideas, and yet, as he puts it, these performance enhancements exist “completely beneath the radar screen.” In other words, people are more creative after sleep, but they don’t know it.

Now I have to say I can't agree more. When you are so tired from running and doing for everyone including you it just saps your creativity. There have been a few times where after a good solid sleep I was able to sort out a problem I was having with a pattern or been able to come up with something new.

I encourage you to get some good sleep and boost your creativity. You never know what gorgeous designs await when you wake. Yes, it's simple and it's something you probably know already but when is the last time you really acted on it?

Now for all you spinners and weavers out there. Boogie on over to the Handweavers Guild of America for lots of ideas to celebrate Spinning and Weaving Week [Oct 4th to the 10th]. Just click the picture below to get there. Look for the same picture on the linked page and click it to get their free pdf download of the poster size for you club or group to help spread the word.

Project Interests

2008-10-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their own little niche. Sometimes we gravitate more to one type of project or another. For me I notice I've made a lot of hats and little things for my nieces. Which isn't to say I don't like other things to. I tend to do more practice projects like the "ears" project I just finished. I just like having the use of something. Sure there have been doilies too just because I thought the pattern was pretty. So I wonder what my readers think. Where do your interests lie? Lets find out. If there is a category you feel I've left out or would just like to tell me more about the crochet projects you love, please feel free to use the comments section.
Note: Sorry for the gap but it has something to do with the page layout and I can't change it. Please scroll down and take the poll

free polls at easy-poll What types of crochet projects interest you the most.
	Accessories/Hats/Socks/Bags
	Afghans/Blankets
	Amigurumi/Toys
	Clothing/Children
	Clothing/Men
	Clothing/Teen
	Clothing/Women
	HouseholdDecorative/Doilies
	HouseholdUsable/Dishcloth/PotHolder
	Pets

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Interweave Crochet Survey

2008-10-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Interweave Crochet is running a survey. Now I have to say right off that I.C. is a really great crochet magazine. They are one of the two magazines I actually put down money to subscribe to. They are up on the cutting edge and it's not just doilies and afghans [though I also dig doilies and afghans]. Now I.C. love aside I have to say I have a few pet peeves.

To get the free crochet patterns I have to join up to get the knitting newsletter. Say what??? Now I can knit very basic stuff and I have no bad feeling toward knitters. BUT! I am a crocheter and I'm a little tired of being asked to step to the back of the bus. They have I.C. so why not have an I.C. newsletter to go with it so we can opt to get a newsletter that actually goes toward our interest.

I was also sent the info on taking the I.K. survey and the information that weather or not you did the knitting survey you could get a free download of a knitting pattern. No such offer was made for the crocheters. No this is not a whinge about not getting free stuff. It's the principle of the thing. There are more crocheters than knitters out there so why are we at not at least getting equal time?

I encourage all of you to go out and fill out the crochet survey and let I.C. know that we are just as important as the knitters. We need some love too and we will not be quiet any longer. Raise up your hooks and your voices. Be heard and take a stand for your crochet WORK. Yes it's just as much work as knitting. Lets stand up for our designers who can't make a living wage by doing what they love unless they have so much going I don't know how they keep their schedule straight let alone have a life, family and raise kids.

Now some of you may think this is an off sprout of Monday's CLF show on Loopy. Well yes and no. I have been tired for a long time that it's always knit and crochet at whatever places have both. As though crochet is an after though. Well it's not. It takes skill and work and so on just like knitting does. The CLF show just reminded me that I need to speak up on this once again. We need to make our stand and get the love we deserve. We have hooks, we’re not afraid to use ‘em and you will be assim….that is…woven in. Yeah! ;-)

"The deadly Hydra now is the hydra of Equality. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity is the three-fanged serpent."
Lawrence, D. H.

Healed Ears

2008-09-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

My first idea for fixing up my headphones [see previous blog post] tanked big time. To be honest I wasn't to sure about that one anyway. So I moved right along to idea two. I sorted out what stitch to use and a basic pattern plan. Then it was just a matter of having time to work on it. I sat down a few times to get it done and it seemed to flow pretty well. After choosing my stitch I crocheted a width that would accommodate the size of the headphone speaker. Then I continued on rows until it fit around my head. I doubled that so I would have a layer for each side of the headphone, joining in back. I crocheted the long sides together, placing the headphones in the right spots and when that was complete I stitched carefully on each side of each headphone so that they wouldn't shift around inside. Now instead of having to go out to buy a new set I have a working headphone set and a stylin' headband at the same time.

On a side note I want to wish a happy Rosh Hashanah to those participating in that spiritual holiday.

Loopy Liberation

2008-09-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

Yes folks it's Loopy Monday once again. Tonight's 23nd Getting Loopy show featured Laurie Wheeler from Crochet Liberation Front talking about the power of crochet and the new book. Monty Python meets crochet. The book has a flying pig on it and has 36 patterns and 13 articles. There's thread, there's yarn, there's lingerie, there's all sorts of stuff so just go listen, and buy, and join the Ravelry group!

This was a really fun show so give a listen if you do nothing else. Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Cod And Herb Vegetable Foil Packets

2008-09-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

We had some nice cod on sale at the market yesterday so here is what I made today. Cod is a solid but not very fishy tasting fish. Give it a try and feel free to improvise. Sorry I don't have any pictures on this one. I forgot to take one before it disappeared.

Cod And Herb Vegetable Foil Packets

Ingredients:
1 medium zucchini halved lengthwise and thin sliced
1 fennel bulb, halved, cored, and thin sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1small onion, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1 tsp dried thyme
¼ cup dry white wine or dry white vermouth
1 tsp black pepper
4 boneless, skinless cod fillets
4 tbsp unsalted butter

Adjust the oven rack to the lowest position and heat the oven to 450° F.
Combine zucchini, fennel, garlic, onions, basil, thyme, wine, and pepper in bowl and mix well.
Lay four long pieces of foil on the work surface. Place 1 fillet on lower half of each piece of foil and top each fillet with ¼ of vegetable mixture and 1 tbsp butter. Fold foil over fish and vegetables and crimp edges together to form 4 packets.
Arrange packets in single layer on baking pan and cook until vegetables are tender and fish is just cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer packets to individual plates. Open packets carefully to avoid steam burns and enjoy.

Makes 4 servings

Crochet! November 2008

2008-09-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

I just got my November issue of Crochet! yesterday and I've had a bit of time to page through before posting my comments. As with my post on I.C. this is just a review through Rabbit9's eyes and not meant as any criticism to unpicked items. I'm just highlighting the patterns and articles that especially appeal to me.

Articles:
Caron Launches Exciting New Yarn Line: This is a little review of the new "Naturally Caron" yarns Country, a wool microfiber blend & SPA.

Insider Shaping Secrets: As mentioned in past posts shaping is a weak point for me so I really want to read this article carefully and hopefully I can improve.

Patterns:
Flower of the Month Pins by Jane Brown: The series continues and though I'm not a very fru-fru kind of girl I really like the two presented in this months issue.

Granule Stitch & Staggered Diamonds by Annie's Attic: This is also a continued series. What's not to love about learning a new stitch you might be able to use in making up your own patterns. These two stitches are both very pretty in their own way Granule is a close weave stitch and Staggered Diamonds is more open. Something for everyone.

Winter White Car Coat by Melissa Leapmin: This is a very lovely long coat, about knee length. It's really beautiful. This is a big project & I would try it but I already have something similar made by my mother.

Camo Socks by Julie Farmer: I so dig crochet socks. For so long I could only find knitted patterns and I knew there must be a way to crochet them. Actual socks not the slipper things. These are a typical short woman's length sock and blue camo but you could choose a different yarn if you wanted.

Double Take by Kim Guzman: This is a slipper pattern, options for men or woman. Nice, simple and would make a good slipper sock. Mainly I like the way they used buttons on the men's pattern.

Sienna Jacket by Candi Jensen: This is really pretty to me and a very classic styling. I may try it at some point but as I mentioned I'm not so great with shaping on garments.

Great Stocking Stuffers by Bendy Carter, Darla Sims, Barbara Worn-Wurtz, Lori Zeller: These are little amigurumi animals [elephant, octopus & pig], Very very cute so if you're into amigurumi check 'em out.

Beaded Bag Necklace by Barbara Worn-Wurtz: Very cute little bag necklace that would be very customizable with different beads.

Those are my personal hot picks for this issue and my congrats to every designer in the issue for their patterns and pushing through to make crochet fun and fashionable.

Corinthian Lively Up Hat

2008-09-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Lively Up Hat from Get Your Crochet On! made in Corinthian Homespun to go with the Corinthian Jacket I recently made. [see previous blog post] It was an easy enough pattern but I did have to adjust for sizing since I wasn't using the recommended yarn. I chose the brim option but I did alter her brim suggestion a little to get the look I wanted. Thank you to my lovely model since it was impossible to get a decent pic of it on my own head. It does look a bit better on me though. ;-)

Broken Ears

2008-09-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know how they got on the floor. Usually I'm a pretty tidy rabbit. They must have fallen off the table when I didn't see it. Stuff happens and I stepped on my headphones accidentally. Crunch! They are the kind where the plastic bit goes around the back of your head so glue didn't work because every time I spread them to get them on it snaps again.

So I took the foam bits off and unscrewed them [see photo] so I could take off the broken plastic part. I put them back together and now I have two still working ear speakers. Rabbit ingenuity to the rescue. I'm working out a plan to crochet a suitable alternative to get them to stay on my head. I'll start that right after I finish the hat I'm working on. I hope to get hat pictures up with a post on that project in the next day or so. Wish me luck on my headphone project. I may need it.

Interweave Crochet Fall 2008

2008-09-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

I just got my fall issue of I.C. yesterday and I wanted a bit of time to page through before posting my comments.

I want to start by saying all the patterns are lovely. I just want to highlight the patterns and articles that especially appeal to me.

Articles:
There is an interview with Robyn Chachula that I'm really looking forward to. I've heard her before on G.L. and her patterns are really beautiful so I'm looking forward to reading about what she has to say in this issue.

There is an article that seems to be the start of a series on garment construction, this being part 1: seaming. Now this has particular appeal to me because to be honest I have trouble with making crocheted garments. I hate doing any sort of shaping because it takes me no end of frogging to get it right so I'm looking forward to this series and I may even make notes.

Patterns:
Oxford Town Tote: Lisa Naskrent. This is a beautiful bag and if I didn't have so many already I might make it. However if I need a gift at some point it would be a pattern I'd consider. It's very simple but with some lovely bits of fancy on the strap and edges.

Austen Lace Muffler: Robyn Chachula. Now to me this pattern is ultra yummy. I love the look of the layered ruffles and I am in no way a girly girl. This is just pretty and classic looking to me and it is going to get made. I love nice neck mufflers because I get cold easily and they keep the winter damp out of the top of my coat. This one rocks. [told ya Robyn is good]

Sweet Lorraine Lace Throw: Doris Chan. Beautiful beautiful. Not only is the blanket lovely but there is a picture of part of the pattern made into a scarf. It's pretty, and lacy in a feminine way without being girly girl. There will be Christmas gifts.

Those are my personal hot picks for this issue and my congrats to every designer in the issue for their patterns and pushing through to make crochet just as up to date and fashionable as knitting ever was, and in my humble Rabbit9 opinion, even more so.

Loopy Editing

2008-09-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yes folks it's Loopy Monday once again. Tonight's 22nd Getting Loopy show featured Susan Lowman who spoke about technical editing and contract crocheting.

What is tech editing, what is contract crocheting and what is the difference between the two? How do you become one or the other? Get some answers to all these questions and more by checking out the show. The show was really great as always and very informative. Hop on over and check out the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Crock Pot Beef & Cabbage Stew

2008-09-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yes this is a craft blog for the most part but the way I came up cooking is a craft. Now that doesn't necessarily mean fancy gourmet meals. It does mean cooking with and as an expression of love. It means making food that's good for you and nutritious. You have to eat anyway so why not make it something you are going to enjoy. Sure those little box means are handy once in a while and I've relied on them sometimes to but when is the last time you could really say that microwaved frozen thing was really something enjoyed? Now I have to say I'm a hard core fan of my crock pot. Sure I want tasty healthy food but standing over a hot pot isn't exactly something I'm always up for. Making your own life easier is also part of the craft. To that end I will sometimes post recipes here though not all of them will be for the crock pot. That said I've always seen recipes as sort of a suggestion and not a hard and fast law. For example in this recipe if you don't like black beans then use a bean you like. If you don't have or like quinoa then try some rice instead or maybe some barley. If you don't like beef, try some ground turkey or a vegetarian substitute. Make it something you will like and use what's on hand. Lets go to the kitchen shall we? :-)

Crock Pot Beef & Cabbage Stew

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
2 15oz cans black beans
1 10oz can diced tomatoes with juice
1 14.5oz can Italian style diced tomatoes with juice
8oz frozen corn
1 medium onion chopped
2 cups water
1 16oz package coleslaw mix
1 tsp mint
1 tsp sage
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp black pepper

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water

In a large pot over medium heat, cook beef until brown drain.
Add meat beans, tomatoes with juice, corn, onion, water, coleslaw mix, mint, sage, oregano & pepper to the crock pot and cook on high for 6 hours OR low for 8 hours
Rinse quinoa in cold water, boil water. When boiling add quinoa and simmer 20 to 30 minuets until done. You can do this step ahead if you want to.
When the stew is about a half hour from done mix in the cooked quinoa and finish cooking.

Serves about 8

Heritage Square Realized

2008-09-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned my grandmother is the one that taught me to crochet as a young girl [around 7]. She taught me using thread because that was mainly what she used and maybe that's also how she was taught. A few days ago I had decided to try to figure out a pattern for piece I have that she made but that had never been written down.

There was definitely a bit of trial and error here as the piece is cotton and been washed quite a few times since it's making so the stitches weren't always clear as rows seemed to have blended a little. After a few tries and frogging I finally got a square that resembled her's.

Having a workable pattern I decided I'm crazy enough to work the squares in 3 plies of ombre embroidery floss [that's half of a hank strand which is 6 ply] and a size 9 steel hook. Now I may be crazy but I'm not totally insane. ;-) So I decided to keep it down to a small block of 6 squares in the primary and secondary shades. I may use it for a book mark or perhaps under a small figurine. I present to you my heritage square block. Thank you Nana.

Corinthian Jacket

2008-09-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

This project is my Corinthian Jacket from Crochet! July 2008 printed in the magazine as the Blue Skies Jacket. I made it for me in size medium using a J hook [6.0 mm] and Lion Brand Homespun yarn in Corinthian colorway [about 3 skeins]. I mainly followed the pattern with some slight modifications using Lion’s Homespun instead of the recommended Moda Dea Metro bulky. Both yarns are (5) bulky weight. I lengthened the sleeves to half arm, 4 additional rows of DC and then the same shell edge as pattern. I also added 4 SC rows to the bottom edge like the neck edging before the patterns shell row. I really love the Corinthian colors that reflect falls changing leaves to me and the bulky yarn is just the right weight for a fall jacket. Not to heavy or light. I know some people don't like working with Homespun but I think it gets a bad rap. It's very soft, it's warm and it washes well. A lot of people seem to find it difficult because it splits if it gets caught wrong on your hook. I recommend using a metal hook because they are smooth and slide easier than some of the plastic hooks which can have seams from the injection molding process. I also recommend being aware of how you turn your hook when working. If you keep the hook turned completely downward when pulling your yarn over through loops you wont get that splitting. If it's angled the hook may catch in the yarn and make it more difficult to pull through. The following is my jacket with the changes mentioned and the original picture of the pattern design from Crochet!

I'd also like to thank my friend T for giving me a hand with the pictures. Thanks T!

Happy Birthday To Me And a Surprise Gift

2008-09-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted my first original pattern using plarn [plastic bag yarn]. The pattern was for a Plarn Grocery Bag made of recycled plastic grocery sacks into a reusable bag that looks like a paper bag. My inspiration was just trying to make something practical for myself. I wanted to start using my own bags when I found out about that big plastic bag island that is floating around the ocean and killing animals. I looked at some other patterns on line but they didn't look to me that they would hold much for a full grocery trip. [no offense to anyone's pattern] I wanted something the size of a normal paper bag so I made one.

I don't know exactly how many bags it took. I didn't count because I used up my whole stash and then started raiding other peoples. If I had to guess I'd say maybe close to 100. It took a real lot and I had to cut out sections where bags got ripped and work with what I had left. It also is a much bigger bag than others I've seen. As you can see by the picture I put it next to a regular paper bag so you can see it really is that size.

Finished bag size is about 14"wide X 7 ½"deep X 15 ½"high

The handles are adjustable to carry short/doubled or long for over the shoulder carry. I cut a piece of stiff cardboard to put in the bottom of my bag and I found that was enough to reinforce it. The plastic itself is pretty thick and sturdy once it's crocheted but the cardboard helps with any sagging if you carry any heavy items like juice bottles and so on.

The response to the bag was amazing. Definitely more than I expected. To me it had become a big plastic rectangle as it took some time to get the pattern right and the occasional back track. I guess I was not the only one looking for a bigger sized plarn bag. I had over 50 requests for the pattern and even now that blows me away. I want to thank everyone at Ravelry and Crochetville that was so kind with their comments and that was interested in my bag. However, being sort of new to some of this on line stuff I had no idea how to get the pattern on line and linkable so I mailed them out and my dial up connection groaned incessantly.

However I know there are folks out there that just don't want to give out their e-mail so for all you lurkers out there that are needing some Plarn Grocery Bag luv too I think I have an answer. After some rooting around on how to do this stuff I think I have figured out how to get a link situated. The PDF file is 5+MB and instructions for making Plarn are also included in the tutorial. Anyone that just wants to make a comment on the project is welcome to do that and a comment is appreciated if you are going to download the pattern.

I have to say I had a bad experience before with someone trying to pass off one of my patterns as theirs so this is a little leap of faith for me. We're using the honor system here so please be kind and follow the disclaimer.

Standard Rabbit9 Disclaimer for pattern use:

My pattern is free for personal use.
Do not sell my pattern.
Do not sell bags made with my pattern.
Do not pass my pattern off as your own.
Do not post my pattern on your page.
Do not post my pattern on any group pages.
Do not direct link to the PDF file.
Please DO Post a link back to Twisted Fibers Burrow or my Ravelry page if you want to share the pattern.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for, except for those that read the back of the book first, ;-) [crosses paws and hopes the link works]

Rabbit9's Plarn Grocery Bag Tutorial

Loopy Humanity Updated

2008-09-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
I wanted to post the update link for those that gave to SaveLorisHouse.com Thanks to everyone that opened their heart and gave, spread the word or both. Crafts people have the softest most giving hearts and I want to thank all of you for taking the time to care for a fellow human being. A short quote from the update is as follows.

Due to your generosity over $7,500 was raised via the blog-a-thon, and combined with personal donations from many of the members of ASJA (the American Society of Journalists and Authors), and a grant from WEAF (the Writer's Emergency Assistance Fund, a non-profit organization that helps writers in dire need), foreclosure was avoided for now.

Thank you. Apart from that, tomorrows a big day. Stay tuned for tomorrows surprise!

All Those Bits

2008-09-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

Recently as I've been trying to catch up with any unfinished projects I've noticed a tidy pile of small yarn balls accumulating in my stash bin. Those little leftovers that mount up after finishing a project that are never enough to make a full anything. Personally I'm convinced this is what started Amigurumi. Dozens of cute little baby animals and dolls born just trying to use up all those end bits that you never really know what to do with.

Enter Laughing Purple Goldfish Designs and her scathingly brilliant Crazy Yarn idea. Ash she puts it.

I took all my bits and bobs of leftover yarns which have been accumulating. I then cut them into assorted lengths (no greater than six metres) then mixed them all up and knotted them together randomly. No fancy knotting technique, just leaving a tail of about an inch or so. Regardless of fibre type and thickness. There's cottons, acrylics, wools, novelty yarn, and every possible blend in between. All mixed in together.

And if you follow the link you will see the lovely bag she made with he crazy yarn. I don't know about you but I'm all inspired. I just may take a scissors to those wating bits in my bin and just see what I come up with after I get my current WIPs done. Thank you Purple Goldfish.

Loopy Charity

2008-09-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

One of the things that makes Monday bearable is the weekly podcast Getting Loopy over at Blog Talk Radio. Even with my sometimes snails pace dial up I have not missed an episode even if I have to grab it off the archive. I really enjoy hearing what the guests views of crochet are and what they are doing in their corner of the world. If you haven't heard it I urge you to hop your tail on over there and give a listen.

Past Guests:
Amy O Neil Houck, Dee Stanziano, Doris Chan, Carrie Sullivan, Jess And Casey Founders of Ravelry, Carol Ventura, Julie Amstrng Holetz, Dora Ohrenstein, Kim Werker, Robyn Chachula, Jacqueline from SOAK, Nicky Epstein, 1 hour Live from Chain Link, Dee Stanziano, Lily Chin, Gwen Bakely-Kinsler, Margaret Hubert, Edie Eckman, Kim Kotary, Kim Guzma & Bendy Carter.

If all the names don't ring a bell you probably know one of their books or whatever area of crochet they are involved in. If you don't the shows are a great way to learn about them.

Tonight's 21st show featured Erica Lombardo, Lucy B Kenedy & Meg Eckman [Edie's daughter] [Sorry if I misspelled any of the 3 names. I guessed a bit as it wasn't listed in the show notes] and their work with a charity crochet project over at Duke University to help patient waiting for treatment to learn crochet, knitting or drawing. Links for donations and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar] The show was really great and I applaud these ladies in their project. I think it's a very worthy endeavor.

Heritage Square

2008-09-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

I still have a sleeve to go on the sweater I'm working on but I decided a small break would be okay. More to the point I felt pulled to something else. A specific something. As some of you may know, my grandmother is the one that taught me to crochet as a young girl. It was one of the gifts she gave to me. I still am thankful to her for it. I have a small table covering that she did made up of a square pattern she used to do in thread crochet. It reminds me of her every time I go by it and see it. There is no written version of the pattern. Last night I just felt pulled not to loose this pattern that feels to me so much a part of her and therefore a part of me. So I sat there on the floor late last night looking at the squares and trying to sort out some sort of pattern for it. I think I have something but I will have to work it out on the hook and see if it comes out as it should.

Now I love when I come across one of those old vintage books. Seeing the old patterns. Thinking of who made up that pattern and just what was their inspiration for it? This brings to mind, to me at least, how many patterns not written down have fallen by the wayside. Lost forever. Where is your heritage square (circle, pattern, etc.)? How many patterns get lost because we are so used to seeing them or that they are simple stitches that we might have come think of them as nothing special. What was left to you in a bedspread, a tablecloth or even a dish cloth? What treasures lie undiscovered in that dusty old attic trunk you haven't opened in years? I encourage you to take a peek. Maybe try to reproduce them. Even if it's not exactly the same wouldn't it be worth it to hold on to that precious piece of family history? What if you just did that one square and incorporated it into a remembrance page in a scrap book to be passed on down generations with the written pattern for the future crocheter in your family that you may never meet. What if you just invented one little square of your own? What gift will you pass?

I can't wait to hear and see your stories and I hope you will share them with me in comments or perhaps a link to your blog with your own story.

Loopy Humanity.

2008-09-12T19:36:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone.
A sad story has come to light. Many of you crocheters may know Mary Beth T. who has hosted many a wonderful Getting Loopy shows on blog talk radio. If you are a crocheter and haven't listened I encourage you to. That is not the point of this posting. A friend of Mary Beth is in a seriously bad health situation. I excerpt from her blog here as she tells it better than I can.

Lori Hall Steele is a gifted professional freelance writer with over 3,000 articles to her name. She is a 44-year-old single mother of seven-year-old Jack. And she is suffering from an unholy combination of Lyme disease and ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and is days away from foreclosure. Stuck in a hospital room, attached to a machine that is helping her breathe, there isn't much she can do about it - but we can.
This is not an urban legend or an internet scam - this is someone whose work I know and respect, and the horror of her situation gives me chills.
If you have a dollar to spare, please visit Save Lori's House and make a PayPal donation. Any amount, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated, and put to immediate good use.

I have had Lyme's myself and I can tell you it was no picnic. I suffered with complications of a health problem of my own and though I don't have ALS my heart goes out to this woman and her family. I have a serious rant about the medical insurance/system in the USA and this is one reason why. I wont delve into the rant except to say that something like this shouldn't happen to anyone. Facing the worst of health is not the time you should have to worry about money and make choices between health care or every day living bills. Though I dont know Lori myself I have known many others that have faced hard situations and choices like this. I write about this to help spread the word to anyone that can and wants to help. I ask only that you look into your own heart and do what you think is best for you to do. To Lori I wish the best and to her family I wish any peace possible at a time like this.

Digging Out A New Burrow

2008-09-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

The time has come for me to try out this blogging thing so Rabbit9 has a brand new Burrow. I intend for this to be craft related mainly featuring my crochet. There will also be a mix of other things like an occasional recipe, some simple living tips and just plain old life related stuff. Anything may end up here while I decide where I want to go with this and develope my style. It's going to be interesting I hope and I look forward to your input too. If I can get things sorted out I'm planning to add in a surprise in honor of my upcomming birthday so stay tuned all fiber-rific people. I've got a crochet hook and I'm not affraid to use it! ;-)