Peace

Greetings from the New River Inlet in Coastal Carolina! We are taking a much-needed vacation here on the North Carolina Coast. The little camper we are staying in, Little Gem, is right on the waters of the New River, just before it flows into the Atlantic ocean. This is a picture of sweet Emma as she walks along the shore. She and Will are having a blast. We had a big day of fishing at the North Topsail Pier, Monday. We caught more than 20 mullet. There was a large crowd there, lined all the way up one side of the pier, hoping to pull in a few along with the rest of us. Big fun! Will caught 10 of our total catch and was very proud:) We have also logged a few games of pool in the arcade/laundry and spent ample time on the surf, doing a little casting, but not too much swimming or boogie board-ing, as the water is still too cold. Oh...and the shops are fun, too. Lots of cute little trinkets and interesting gadgets, but no yarn. Oh well! Still, it is peaceful and relaxing enough, that I never want to leave. I think I need at least another week of this, don't you?

Busy Bee

Things have been really busy here, chez Angelarae. Lot's of knitting and crochet, family activities, and a looming 'vacation,' all in the works. My merchandising activities have also picked up which is good, in a way, and also bad. It leaves me less time for crafting.
What with homeschooling, taking care of Hal, and trying to run a business, I do feel a bit overwhelmed at times. But, it's all good.
I really want to talk about the current project I have started. I am making a blanket strip as part of a collaborative effort. I had to choose a pattern, and, if you know me at all, you know that I cannot simply knit garter stitch, I have to find something more interesting. I spent a little time looking through stitch dictionaries and found a pattern I really liked. I started on 10 and 1/2 needles, because the strip needs to be 7" wide and this size, with the yarn provided, is what worked. I added a few extra tweeks and was very happy with the result. So happy, in fact, that I picked up some size 7's and tried the pattern on those, tweeked some more, and had myself a nifty little scarf pattern. Very pretty. I finished up my swatch on size 7's, checked the gauge, blocked the swatch out, and guess what? I think it really needs to be a cardigan. Now, at this point, I wish I could share the swatch, because, I believe you would see what I mean. However, I am new at designing for print and the one thing I have picked up is that, without a doubt, if I want it to have a chance at being published, I cannot share too many details. Let us just say, that the submission is due 5/1/11 and that I am sketching my design now, bad artist that I am. It's going to be a Child's Cardi, Emmas size, for sure, but will have to have several sizes available. I am thinking size (8, 10, 12)14....most likely:) I'd love to have a crocheted edging, as well! But maybe I am saying too, much! Still a lot to do. Wish me luck!

One Of Those Days...

And it has been that! One, in fact, in which I was so busy all day, but at the end of it, felt as though I really hadn't accomplished much. I could not seem to settle down to any real work that I wanted to. Crochet and knitting work, that is. I have several projects I am working on: ~The Sock Pattern: it is called that because you would think these were the only socks I've ever knit or, sort-of, made-up-as-I-go. They are *not* the first, but seem to be most difficult because I am writing them down this time. ~Nifty Little Lunch Bag pattern (crochet) Too cute...and simple, really. ~A Blanket strip for a church project. (66" x 12") and it can't be crocheted, knit only. Found a stitch pattern I like for it. Just need to cast on and start knitting. ~ Various and sundry items for my Etsy shop (crochet) ~Doris Chan Skirt for Emma. She's only been asking for it forever... (This is the most fun of all...great pattern from Doris.) So that's five items, right? Not really bad, and I don't think all of these are the result of start-itis, either. Actually, when I think about it, too many yarn-y projects really isn't a bad problem to have...nope...not bad at all:)