Whimsical Workings

1st Day of School

2009-09-08T15:14:00.007-04:00

Today is the first day of school. Not for me, of course, but does it ever effect the traffic. It's hard to believe how many more cars there are on the road.
I have recently added two new sweater designs to www.whimsicalworkings.etsy.com - both are Halloween sweaters - one is hip length, one is calf length as shown above. I have also just finished a fall skirt and vest set. The vest originally started out as a tunic, but I just didn't like the way it was going, so it's now a vest. But I think it looks pretty good. Once I've finished the belt, I'll post the picture.
Once that's completed, I've already got a few more "dozen or so" projects to work on, plus for those of us who plan to make some gifts for Christmas, now is the time to get started.
Happy Crocheting!

Hot Summer Days, Cold Summer Nights ... or Not

2009-08-21T11:50:00.001-04:00

Hot summer days, cold summer nights… not really. The past few weeks, it’s been hot summer days and hot summer nights. So how can you crochet in this kind of weather? Well, start by pulling out the thread work. Set aside your yarn or wool projects, because chances are you’re not going to work on them anyway.
You say you have to get this project completed? It’s really important, and you’re on a deadline? Well, find yourself an air conditioned area that will let you kick back and work on your project.
What thread projects are in the works? Well, you could be starting on the Christmas ornaments. Or what about that doily or table cloth you started but haven’t quite gotten around to finishing? Are you a fan of filet crochet? How about the baby outfits that you started, but never finished. Now is as good a time as any to complete that project.
Perhaps you’d like to start planning ahead for your fall projects. Keep in mind that Mary Maxim has their tent sale starting August 20th and going right through to Labour Day weekend. That’s one sale you wouldn’t want to miss.
If you don’t feel like crocheting or knitting, why not pull out your cross stitch or embroidery project? The summer is a wonderful time to work on “Works in process” and it’s not the best time to work on wool or yarn projects.
I have to finish a yarn project for the Fall CreativFestival. But it’s almost complete now. The good thing is even in hot weather, I am usually cold, so unless it’s very humid, I can still work on my yarn projects. I have finished the first half of the project, but I still have the second half to complete and I may end up ripping part of it out and redoing it if the finished project isn’t what I envisioned. I should know in a few days.
Now is the time to get as much done as you can, because when the fall comes, it’s going to get hectic with all the shows and festivals and school starting and groups getting back together to start a new year.
Enjoy the rest of your summer. It’s gonna get busy.

Happy Spring

2009-05-25T13:19:00.002-04:00

This year has started out very busy. Even with the economic situation as it is, the creative urges still come as strong as ever. New on WhimsicalWorkings.etsy.com is a design by Violet Langley of a Tunisian baby blanket for a little boy. Coming shortly will be the pattern for the Tunisian baby blanket for a little girl.

In April, Mom and I attended and taught at the Spring CreativFestival. It was a busy event. There were a number of vendors missing from previous years, but you can’t keep creative people down. There were also less people on Saturday due to the Knitters’ Frolic being scheduled for the same day. It was unfortunate scheduling however, those who attended the festival were in good spirits. Our Tunisian crochet classes had good numbers and the students were enthusiastic. In the “A Needle Pulling Thread” booth, it was quite busy, with a number of people stopping in to see the various designers. June Gilbank of PlanetJune was at the opposite end of the booth. June did a class on crocheting Amigurumi animals and also on crocheting a decorative rose. Mom and my brother took the class on crocheting a decorative rose and both enjoyed the class immensely.

I will be continuing to work on some new patterns throughout the summer and will add them to www.whimsicalworkings.etsy.com as they become available.

Happy Spring and crochet away!

Updates

2008-08-18T20:56:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I have started a new job in Burlington. I have met a new group of fabulous people. I have continued on with Heritage Crochet in Mississauga and been working with Heritage Mississauga on the Santa Claus Parade float. The design is complete, it's now the building stage.

I have added a number of new patterns to my www.whimsicalworkings.etsy.com online shop. The following patterns have been added in August:
Double Cross Hooded Scarf
Seahorse Square
And added in July were:
Basic Tunisian Vest
Tunisian Unicorn Square

I am continuing to add more patterns as soon as I make them. I am in the process of completing two Tunisian purses. They are crocheted in pieces then double crocheted together.

I bought a fantastic book recently called Car Advice for Women (and Smart Men)and would like to recommend it to women, men and anyone who owns a car or is considering buying a car. Written by Susan Winlaw and Alex Law, this book is full of tips, tricks and things to watch out for. To review it further and purchase it, please go to www.caradviceforwomen.com. I know you won't regret it.

More to come. Talk to you later.

New online shop and show follow-up

2008-05-27T13:14:00.002-04:00

I am finally catching my breath after the CreativFestival. It was a very busy show and I would like to thank all the wonderful people that came to visit me in the "A Needle Pulling Thread" booth. It was a pleasure talking to all of you.

The classes that I taught were full and busy. I hope I was able to help each of you that came into the class, but please don't hesitate to email me with any questions you might have come across since taking the class.

I am happy to say, I have taken the advice of some of the fabulous designers that I met at the show and opened up an online store at www.etsy.com. My new store address is www.whimsicalworkings.etsy.com. I hope you will take a few minutes to pop over and have a look around the store. There are 4 patterns that were also featured at the show and it offers a few payment options.

I will be adding new patterns to my online store as I finish them, but look forward to not only Tunisian patterns, but basic crochet patterns as well.

I hope to be sending out a follow up letter to the various people who asked to be kept up to date very shortly, but again, if you have any questions, I'm an email away.

Thanks again for visiting and for the interest in Tunisian crochet.
Talk to you soon.

CreativFestival

2008-04-23T13:20:00.004-04:00

I will be teaching Tunisian Crochet at the CreativFestival on the following days:
April 25
1:30 pm Beginners Tunisian Crochet
6:30 pm Advanced Tunisian Crochet

April 26
3:30 pm Beginners Tunisian Crochet

April 27
3:30 pm Advanced Tunisian Crochet

The classes will be taught at the Knitters Market. Please join me in trying some new stitches and making a take home bookmark (Beginners) and potholder (Advanced).

I will be at booth 150 with A Needle Pulling Thread throughout the show with patterns for the following available for purchase.
Tunisian Snowflake Sweater
Tunisian Snowflake Hat
Tunisian Eagle Vest
Double-Cross Shell

I hope you will join me for what I hope will be an exciting and memorable weekend.
See you there.

CreativFestival Spring 2008

2008-02-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

April 26-28, 2008
International Centre
6900 Airport Rd
Mississauga, ON
Halls 1 & 2
Admission: to be advised
FREE PARKING

Tunisian Crochet at the Spring CreativFestival

2008-02-12T10:17:00.000-05:00

I have again been asked to teach at the CreativFestival. This spring I will be working with A Needle Pulling Thread magazine, which features Canadian designers only in the various fibre arts forms. I will be teaching basic Tunisian Crochet and Advanced Tunisian Crochet throughout the weekend.

This will be my second year working at the CreativFestival with Carla Canonico and John Fusco from A Needle Pulling Thread. In the Fall CreativFestival, I sat in the booth promoting Tunisian Crochet and A Needle Pulling Thread.

This magazine promotes the hard working Canadian designers, but also lets you get up close and personal with them at the CreativFestival. It also allows you to ask questions and learn new techniques as the designers work in the booth on the various projects. I hope to see you at the Spring Show.

Early beginnings

2008-01-16T15:54:00.001-05:00

Although it may seem early, I have started the process of planning for the 2008 Santa Claus Parade float for Heritage Mississauga. I have made contact with the city, set up for the first meeting of the year and am starting the design process. Seem like a lot of work? Not really. This is the easiest stuff. Getting the physical work done is when it's going to get difficult. That will be done when the warmer weather comes into play.

I can't believe how much the weather keeps changing. Yesterday, it snowed, but was still pretty mild. Today, it's cold, but not snowing. Tomorrow, they're calling for rain or wet snow and warmer temperatures. How do you dress for this kind of weather? It changes regularly.

I am also in the planning stages of the class for the CreativFestival which is to be held in April at the International Centre. I am teaching Basic Tunisian Crochet and Advanced Tunisian Crochet. I'm excited because it's the first time I've taught more than one class at the show, but I think it'll be fun.

Gotta go for now.
Talk to ya'll later.

New Year - New Beginnings

2008-01-08T15:38:00.000-05:00

How many have already started working on your New Years Resolutions? I have. I've already got half my Tunisian Snowflake Sweater back finished. I have the pattern written up and am trying it out to make sure I didn't miss anything. I have made a list of the pattern that I am taking to the CreativFestival. I have made a list of the paperwork and equipment I will need for the CreativFestival.

I read a fabulous book this past weekend by James Rollins called Map of Bones. It's a great archeology/adventure book.

I also went to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets with my brother. It was a good movie and again opened my curiousity to some of the historical and archeological events. I have to say though that the first one was a better movie.

And, I have already been given the go-ahead to start planning for the 2008 Santa Claus Parade Float for Heritage Mississauga. I'm so excited.

Got to go. Talk to y'all later.

2008 - 1st day back at work

2008-01-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it to January 2008. I don't know why it's starting out the way it is, but I came into work this morning to find we had no water. Apparently a car slid into the side of the building yesterday and we have no water today. Confusing? Definitely! Anyway, so while that's going on, we're having the joys of system changeover because of the lowering of the GST to 5%. Now, on the one hand, yeah, lower taxes! On the other hand, argh, system problems! Oh well, I suppose it could be worse, it could be Monday.

Anyways, it's a very quiet day at work. Not everyone has returned and a lot of companies are still closed for the week.

Normally I would say that's good because it gives us time to prep for the new year, etc. but things are really slow, so I'm working on make-work projects. Not so good. Makes the day go by very slowly.

I finished my monthly newsletter a week ahead. I changed the format a little, but I think it's a definite improvement.

I did a little bit of research this morning and copied and pasted rather than working on the internet throughout.

Well, it's back to work.
Talk to y'all later.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-27T14:18:00.000-05:00

Christmas has come and gone and what a great day it was! Christmas eve my family and I went to Midnight Candlelight Service at St. Peter's. It was a beautiful service. We got up Christmas Day at 7:30 a.m., opened our stockings which were full of absolutely nutritious CANDY. Nutritious?! Not really, but yummy anyway. Plus my stocking also had hair accessories, lotions and other fabulous goodies. We had a nutritious breakfast of ham and eggs before we started opening gifts. It seemed to take forever for everyone to finish breakfast, but the important thing was to eat before opening presents. I got spoiled with new videos and clothing and accessories and cool dancing and singing penguins. I made a lapghan for Mom this Christmas and a knitted vest for Dad. I also made a felt snowman for my brother that had the chef's hat and gingerbread man and candy cane in the pockets. I made crochet covers for some Christmas ornaments that I gave to my brother as well. We had a scrumptious turkey dinner with all the trimmings which tasted absolutely delicious. And as soon as lunch was over, my mind started spinning on everything that I wanted to start working on for the new year. AAAAAAH! Too much, too fast. Then I sat down and started working on a cross-stitch lapghan and completed two sections. It's the most I've completed in six months. It's actually starting to look pretty good - if I do say so myself. We then relaxed the rest of the afternoon and evening watching new videos. Well, then if that day wasn't excellent enough, my brother and Mom got up yesterday and baked cookies. The smell of spices permeated the house. It was incredible. To all, I wish you a happy and memorable holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Talk to y'all later.

2 Weeks to Christmas

2007-12-12T16:07:00.001-05:00

It's 2 weeks to Christmas and I'm almost ready. It's been hard keeping the Christmas spirit this year. I can't believe how close Christmas is. We've had 2 deaths in the family in the last month. For me it wasn't as difficult because I wasn't close, but they were special to my Dad, so I can see him hurting.

I have almost all the Christmas gifts ready, I just have to finish for 2 more people. This year has been a homemade Christmas, but I shouldn't need to rush the last two, they won't take too long to finish.

We had our Christmas party at Heritage Crochet last weekend and it was a special time. I gave out my Christmas cards and received five more for the card string. We had a potluck lunch - turkey with all the trimmings. We then had a class on wreath ornaments and lots of laughter and story telling and remembering. It was a relaxing time that felt like only a few minutes though it was part of the morning and all afternoon. The exchange gift I received was a necklace with a handmade charm and a hand-dyed hankie. It was a pleasant surprise. There were hugs and best wishes all around.

I was also told at the Christmas party that I have been designated as the Chairperson for the Santa Claus Parade 2008 Float Committee. Our first meeting is in January. All I can say is - IT'S ABOUT TIME! I'm so thrilled that Heritage Missisauga will be putting a float in the parade next year and that we're getting a head start on the planning.

Got to go and get back to work. Can't wait for what comes next this year.

Enjoy the holiday season.
Talk to ya'll later.

Mississauga Santa Claus Parade

2007-12-07T16:38:00.001-05:00

This was the picture taken before the Santa Claus Parade. I have to say, it was a long wait for the parade to start, but once it started, it was over so quickly, I couldn't believe it. The shawl I'm wearing is the batwing shawl I made the week before the parade. I thought with the festive colours it would be perfect for the day. It turned out better than I thought it would. I was concerned the pink would clash with the red, but the more it worked up, the more I realised it looks like candy cane striping.

Here comes Santa Claus

2007-11-21T16:16:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy month, but Mom and I managed to get through the Frosty Fair Craft sale at Cawthra Park United Church. I have to say I was not impressed with the sale. We showed up for set up and got a 4' table instead of "approximately 6' table". That was fine, but as people started showing up, it was obvious when they headed straight for the lunch room that they had no intention of supporting the craft tables. I can certainly see why the church looks for new vendors every year. You're lucky if you make the cost of your table back.

Anyway, once the sale was done, I was able to start working on Christmas projects. The unfortunate thing was I woke up the Monday after the sale with a cold, so for the last two weeks I have been fighting a cold and trying to get things done.

Last Friday, I got an email asking if I would be interested in walking in the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade. I was so excited. I have been trying to convince Heritage Mississauga for 2 years that it would be good to participate and they received an invitation from Museums of Mississauga to join them this year, so I'm going to be in the parade. Yeaaaah!

I started another batwing shawl on Sunday and should be finished it this evening. It's red with candy cane stripes in the middle. I think it looks pretty cool, even if there is pink in the striping.

I also finished one Christmas present off on Saturday, although I can't say what it was, I can say I have been working on it for over a year and finally finished one project.

Take care, have fun and talk to ya'll later.

Fall update

2007-11-02T14:40:00.000-04:00

So much has happened in the last few months, it's hard to know where to begin. I spent most of September with various strains of the flu. On September 15, I was outside Clarke Hall dressed in 1920's attire as Louisa Clarke. I spent the entire afternoon opening doors and greeting visitors.

For most of October, I have been trying to prepare for the Frosty Fair Craft Show that is scheduled for November 10th from 10am - 2pm at Cawthra Park United Church, 1412 Leda Ave, Mississauga..

On October 22, 2007, I was in Springcreek Cemetery from 7pm-9pm dressed as a Victorian lady portraying Jane Gable. As part of the Heritage Mississauga Spirit tour we try to give people a bit of history of the area based on real people and what they may have gone through.

On October 26, 2007, I was at the CreativFestival in the "A Needle Pulling Thread" booth. For those that I had the opportunity to meet, thanks for stopping at the booth and it was great speaking with you. I was in the booth from 10am-8pm. There were many people that I had the opportunity to share my passion of Tunisian Crochet with. Many thanks to Carla and John for the opportunity to sit and demonstrate in the booth.

I have worked on a number of crochet patterns. Patterns for the Tunisian Apache Eagle Vest, Tunisian Snowflake Hat and Scarf are now available for purchase. I also have a new Halloween sweater and long coat partially finished.

I have also been crocheting at the Heritage Crochet Circle. It's a group of crazy and wonderful women who laugh together, cry together and learn together. A group of women who came together to learn an age old craft have continued the learning process at each monthly meeting, but also come to share our lives with each other.

So, I must get back to work. Talk to y'all later.

Victorian Baby Capes

2007-07-23T19:56:00.000-04:00

These are the Victorian baby capes that I created using granny squares. I had leftover squares, but not enough to make into an afghan, so I put them together, added a hood, and the photo shows the finished project.
Talk to y'all later.

Tunisian Eagle Vest

2007-07-23T19:54:00.001-04:00

This is the vest I created using a photo of a sweatshirt that I used to borrow from my Mom when I was in high school. I loved the Apache Eagle motifs on it and decided to photocopy, enlarge and graph the eagle. The vest is what came of the motif. Talk to y'all later.

Tunisian Crochet Scarf

2007-07-23T19:29:00.000-04:00

This is the scarf that was published in "A Needle Pulling Thread". Talk to y'all later.

Tunisian Crochet Hat

2007-07-23T19:27:00.000-04:00

This is the hat I made to match the pattern. I finally am able to upload photos onto my blog. Small filtering issue.
Talk to y'all later.

Trying to write patterns

2007-07-23T19:18:00.000-04:00

I have been busily working on trying to get my patterns written up. It's great that I have finished the two sweaters and some doilies and bookmarks, but not much good if I can't get them on paper. I just recently finished a Tunisian hat to match the Tunisian snowflake scarf that was featured in "A Needle Pulling Thread". Now I just need to get the pattern written so that I'm not the only one who understands what needs to be done. Easier said than done, that's for sure, but I will continue to work on it.
Talk to y'all later.

Busy Bee

2007-04-13T16:55:00.000-04:00

Wow, this past month has gone so fast, I can't believe it's the middle of April already. I have been working on a knitted sweater that I finished late last month (my first - the body turned out well, but the sleeves ended up crocheted after I frogged them 4 times). I finished a crochet sleeveless sweater in a double crochet cross-over stitch. It turned out great.

I finished a couple more dishcloths and a few squares.

Then I switched to sewing and cut out two costumes. I have a Victorian jacket and skirt cut out and a medieval style dress cut out. The medieval style was a lot more complicated to cut out. Hopefully it won't be as difficult to sew.

This month, almost every weekend there is a show or a trip on the go. I will be working on most of my projects on weeknights and not by choice.

Have a great weekend.

Talk to ya later.

Mud Puddles

2007-03-14T15:55:00.000-04:00

Wow, was it wet last night! I went for a walk with Mom and Dad and got soaked up to my knees. Mom didn't get wet at all and Dad got almost as soaked as I was. It must be a Mom thing being able to avoid all the mud puddles and water holes. Oh well, it was nice and wet and I had a nice walk. I was ready to sleep as soon as I got home, but stayed up a little longer.

It's amazing what a good night's sleep will do for attitude. I didn't offer to strangle anyone today. It was so unusual. I got some typing done at lunchtime and didn't get any self-esteem busting emails from my boss today. It was surprising, to say the least.

I didn't do any crocheting last night. Too tired. But I'm hoping to do some work on some of my projects tonight.

Talk to ya'll later.

It's been a Tuesday

2007-03-13T16:33:00.000-04:00

It's been a Tuesday, that's all I'm saying. Follow procedure, get in trouble. Don't follow procedure, get in trouble. Do as my supervisor tells me, get in trouble from my other supervisor. It's been one of those days when the alarm went off, I should have thrown it out the window.

Last night I put together a couple of rows of granny daughters to add my to my granny daughter lapghan to hand in instead of granny squares. Oddly enough, I just can't get into the granny squares. I know I'm supposed to make up twelve of them, but I just can't seem to get into it.

Yesterday, I found a few patterns for historical costumes that looked pretty good. I think the next step is finding the right material for it. Again comes the research. The good news is, it's not like I've got a lot going on at work.

At this point, if I missed a week of work, I think I could probably catch up in an hour. Sad as it is...

Oh well, time to get ready to go home.

Talk to ya'll later.

Happy Monday

2007-03-12T16:15:00.000-04:00

I got a lot accomplished this past weekend even though I spent most of Saturday sick. I finished tie in's on a shawl. I finished my knit sweater with crocheted sleeves and tie ins. I finished tie in's on the baby vest, I just have to add an edging.

On Sunday I taught the Tunisian crochet class which I think went fairly well. We had chocolate cake to celebrate the 87th birthday of one of our charming members. It was quite the surprise and a nice treat for all of us.

It's been a good day at work. I got quite a lot of scanning done that I haven't been able to accomplish over the last month. I had a quiet day on the work side, but did a lot of invoicing.

Well, it's just about time to clean up and get ready to go, so...

Talk to ya'll later.