A New Start......April 2011

So here I am,  back again, maybe I can make this work more consistently this time, and maybe even gain some more followers!!!! :)

Alot has happened of course since my last blog post, and while I've made some key life directional decisions in the last couple of months,  one of the things that I realized is that I would probably blog more if I kept it brief, and linked to more of what I am up to on Ravelry, as well as have sidebars of life interests beyond the fibery goodness.....so Here Goes!!!!!

I have decided to go back to school.....yes....this 40 something year old has decided that additional, advanced certifications are necessary if I am to remain viable in my healthcare career. There are 3 essentially Board type certfications I hope to achieve, and my goal is to have all three certifications by 2013. And, I've applied to George Washington University to do a focused study program so that I will be ready to take the Specialist in Blood Bank examination......you see, I'll need my fibery past times to see me through!!!!

I've also set some goals with where I want my crafty skills to be. First off, last year I joined CGOA, with the hope that maybe at some point I would be a test crocheter for designers. Recently, on Ravelry, I joined a pattern testers group, and pattern tested a new design for the first time in March! I hope to be able to do more of this type of thing as time goes on. I have also made some strides with my knitting, to the point where I think you could classify me as an advanced beginner. I have made a pair of socks, a cowl, a scarf, a hat, and am currently attempting my first knitted shawl----which I am enjoying immensely.

But my next major crafty goal is to make my portfolio for the CGOA Master class. I bought that also last year, but everytime I thought I'd give it a go, I'd end up putting it off-----not sure why, guess I was just not focused enough.....well, I think now is really the time t get it going! I've divided the course into sections and my goal is to start it this weekend. I will be journalling my progress with the various exercises and my expereiences working them as I go, hence the concept of shorter more frequent blog posts going forward. Hope you will join me on this adventure!!!!!!

Crocheting Away~~~~~~~

Time to make this happen....

Hi everyone....
So here I am, a year later, still trying to get up to speed with this "blog" thing......
I have been really busy in my first year on Ravelry, and have made several online friends that I have come to cherish already :) Yarnies are really great, caring people aren't they?

One of the accomplishments that I achieved over the past year, has been to encourage my interested coworkers in learning to either knit or crochet, and those that already do the craft, I have encouraged them to check out the vast resources that we are so fortunate to have right at our fingertips.....Literally! While I work in a large city (Boston), which has several resources both in and around the suburban community, there are also many, many, many resources on-line that are a short search away....not just shopping either...just google your question, and you will be amazed at the resources at your fingertips!!! You don't have to be in a big city or highly populated suburb to get your questions answered......

Video tutorials make virtually any technique something you can teach yourself. You can watch the tutorial as many times as needed to get the hang of the skill, doesn't matter if it's 3 am and the rest of the world is asleep, you can pause at a specific point,  and these are just some of the advantages of these types of resources. And, many are free of charge and downloadable.......

Another reason I am fortunate to live where I do is  the close proximity to so many great shops and events....
Webs, America's yarn store, is less than a 2 hour drive from my house. Stitches East? About three hours away....Rhinebeck? probably about 4 hours or so..... Do you receive the catalog patternworks? Well, I live in NH and it is absolutely worth the 1 1/2 hr drive to see and touch the yarns at their flagship store!!! (That pilgrimage I make once or twice a year.........)

2010 though, is different for me....Special really.....I joined CGOA in the late part of 2009, and am very excited about Chainlink being held this summer in Manchester NH.....WOOO-HOOOO! That's basically my backyard!!!! I can't wait to participate in my very first one.....The classes look amazing and some of my most favorite designers are planning to be there. A great way to inspire myself with my favorite craft!!!

So, what new and fun things do you have planned to explore and participate in this year????? And if you're planning on attending Chainlink, drop me a comment......I love meeting my fellow crafters!!! :)

Until next time,
Linda

So Many Projects.....So little Time!!!!

And so.....now that the holidays are becoming a distant memory, we turn our attention to all those projects that were put on hold......There is so much at our fingertips for inspiration at this time of year!!! From the warm cozy afghan, to the bright fresh colors of spring, and the new beginnings of life whether it be a new baby or a wedding, there is much about which to celebrate our passion for creativity.......

Where to begin?? Do you attempt to finish those recently put aside projects and focus on the latest batch to make their way into your personal stash? Do you fall in love with the color or texture of a new-found fiber and let that lead you into your next project? Or do you find excitement in the anticipation of learning a new skill or technique to help you recharge your creative batteries???

Drop me a line and let me know what you are up to.....on my notebook at ravelry.com, I am listed as stitchwhiz623. On there, I have recently posted some completed projects, and some in process "UFO's"......I have some ideas that I am putting together for my in the Queue section, and would love to see what my fellow yarncrafters are up to.....Please join me there!!!

Stitchwhiz

Welcome to Colorways......

Hi everyone:

Welcome to Creative Colorways! My new blog that aims to reach out to like-minded yarncrafters regarding all things stitchy! I find that the best part of my hobby (from the creative standpoint, anyway), is that there is no end to the possibilities---there is always something new to see, learn, share or do, and that's what keeps these skills alive generation after generation.......

While I am a newcomer to Rivalry.com, I thought I would take this opportunity to share and network as much as possible with you all as we share similar interests.....please feel free to drop a line and let me know what you're up to!!

I will be organizing and posting as time permits.....any tips on how to really get this blog hopping I would be happy to hear from you!!!

Happy Stitching!

Stitchwhiz