I'm sorry... what now?

This is getting ridiculous. I am not going to ask forgiveness or apologize for the color of my skin - just as I would NEVER ask anyone else to do so. I am not going to seek out designers based on the color of their skin - white, black, brown, purple, or green. I am not going to seek out designers based on their physical or mental abilities either... or their age... or where they live... or any other non-issue factor because when you do that, you are still being discriminatory.

I base my decisions on the product at hand, on the beauty of the design, and on the price versus quality for which the product is being offered. Those are my deciding factors. I don't need to know about anything else, just as the seller doesn't need to know those things about me.

Can you imagine walking into a store and asking if the maker of the product was of a specific ethnic background? Would you ask if the designer of the product had any physical or mental challenges? Could you even fathom asking about what the person did behind closed doors in their own bedroom? I should hope not - because those things have absolutely no baring on whether or not the product that caught your eye is worth the price they are asking for it. The item is something you want, you have the funds, then purchase it. Plain and simple.

If you like it, buy. If you don't, don't buy it. The rest of the story is not something that has any weight in the process. Buying from a person because of the color of their skin is just as disgusting as not buying for the same reason. You show honor and respect for the item which, in turns, bestows honor and respect to the one who created it.

I grew up in Alabama. I know racism. I have seen it first hand. This is so not that. Stop it... and while we're at, stop apologizing for things out of your control. I have no privilege. My husband and I work our tails off to afford our little apartment and our cost of living bills. We have decent jobs with decent benefits. He has been working his backside off since he was 16 - 30 years grinding it out to get where he is today. I went to college (paid for by grants, scholarships, and student loans which I am STILL paying back), earned my degree - with honors because I worked hard for it, and have spent the past 25 years working nonstop. I am not yet where I want to be but I know what work that needs to be put in to get there and I am dedicated to doing it. No one has handed me anything. No one has handed our kids anything or my husband anything. We WORKED for it and we are WORKING for it.

I know this post has more than likely ruffled some feathers but I needed to get it off my chest. The events of late have ruffled mine. It is like the world is constantly looking for ways to be offended. I would rather look for ways to celebrate. Seek out the beauty in the world and if you can't find it, create it. The only way things will be as those who are causing this mess wish for them to be is to actually stop calling attention to the aspects that do not play a part in any of it - instead of looking for a black/brown/green/purple/white designer, just look for a designer. Instead of looking for a gay/lesbian/transgender artist, just look for an artist. I know you may think you are somehow rising above all when you call out these aspects of an individual but in reality, there is no need to call them out at all.

A person is a person. A designer is a designer. An artist is an artist. 

No one cares that I am a married, heterosexual, middle-aged, white woman with a mental challenge who earns just enough to keep her outside of the Federal poverty lines. When I step outside my door, I don't introduce myself as such - and neither does anyone else. We, as a society, need to stop pointing out every little thing and simply look at the bigger picture. A person is more than the sum of their parts. We seem to have forgotten that and spend the vast majority of our time and energy now dissecting and shining a spotlight on the parts instead of viewing the beauty of the whole person.

Race doesn't matter. Sexual orientation doesn't matter. Religion doesn't matter. The quality of the craftsmanship, the beauty of the design, the value of the product versus the price... this is what matters.

Period.

Wear your ears!

Happy Friday the 13th! 

At work, it is a tradition that we wear our ears to ward off the bad luck and bring in the good so you know I've donned my classic ears today. You know what else I've done? Opened an Etsy store! Yep, that's right. I have decided to open an Etsy shop. I only have patterns up at the moment but I am going to be adding a few homemade things as well. Some sewn, some knitted, some crocheted, and some where my creativity got the best of me. I figured with as much crafting as I do - and I want to do - that I can't possibly keep it all so I figured I would share my wares with everyone else.

It was just something fun I thought of doing yesterday and now it's up and running. Take a wander around. I'll let you know when I get a few items up for sale besides patterns.

Have a beautiful day!!

My darling, my dear

My pattern entitled The Cat's Meow on Ravelry

Those are the words you will hear when my sweet friends is going to ask a favor of you... and you will do as she asks because will die to help you if you need it.

Those are the words that had me placing my blanket on hold while I work on a quick special project simply because she asked because I know she would do the same for me.

Those are the words that have me knitting a small dog sweater based off of measurements from her dog's current sweater in yarn that I am not necessarily a fan of using but it was from her scrap stash - as she is a loom knitter - and that is what she wanted.

Those are the words that now have me feeling guilty because I forgot the project on my desk at work tonight when I was gathering my things after being granted an early release after only 30 minutes of work on a Saturday...

My darling, my dear... I promise to finish it tomorrow.

25 Stylish Knitted Slippers‏ Review

I was actually asked to do this review a few weeks ago but life got crazy and I haven't had a chance to do it until now... and the reason I have time now is because I had to take time off work because I've got the plague. The one thing I love to do when I am too ill to do anything else is generally read or knit - and today, I sat down and read the most amazing knitting pattern book. It's entitled 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers ‏by Rae Blackledge.

I love slippers. They are the perfect gift for anyone, for any occassion. They keep you snuggly warm and can be super cute. Rae's patterns embody all of these. This book makes it easy to find your favorite style too, as the chapters are broken down by style - Felted, Fun and Fantasy, Everyday, and Boots. There is even a chapter devoted to awesome techniques and tutorials.

Did you know that running a strand of cotton through the toe seam and cinching around the slipper would keep it at the proper size and detur them from curling during felting? Me neither, but that is just one of the fabulous tips you will learn with this amazing book. This book is so much more than a collection of adorable patterns - it is a great tool to improve your crafting as well.

I can't decide which I am going to cast on first - the bunnies or the fox. They are both so cute and a ton of fun. The patterns are written out with such details, you are sure to succeed in whatever pattern you chose to knit first. I think those bunny ones will certainly chase this plague away so I do believe I am going to get started on them right now. Curious what other patterns she has, well just take a look -

These aren't the only ones available, there are plenty more tucked between the pages of this gorgeous pattern book. I had to stop myself from posting every single one, they are all wonderful.

So if you want to do some selfish crafting in the New Year after spending the past few months crafting for everyone else, grab a copy of 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers... or if you want to make something special for those you hold dear, grab a copy of 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers... or if you are looking to learn something new and expand your crafting knowledge, grab a copy of 25 Stylish Knitted Slippers.  Basically, you simply need to own a copy of this book. There is no logical reason not to - it's amazing.

Moseying through the week

Clockwise from top left: Slythein Hieroglyphics, I Need to Knit, Christmas for Craig, and Frozen No More

That's exactly what I've done - mosied through the week. I've had awesome days and truly horrible days this week. It's just been a real roller coaster. Today, I'm taking it slow and, honestly, lazy. I plan on working on my projects and just letting the day quietly mosey by because mosey is the theme of this week.

My awesome model - some days he truly does embody the spirit of Peter... part of why I love him so dearly.

Also, I wanted to thank y'all for the great response to my latest pattern release - Peter Pan's Hat. In it's first week out, it's been downloaded almost 100 times already. This just fabulous. I'm so glad y'all like it. I was a little concerned because it is such a silly piece but it has been well received so thanks to all y'all for making my heart happy.

I hope y'all have a fabulous week ahead - mosey if you feel the need, meander if it feels even better!

Sticks and strings and sparkly things!

I was asked to review Beaded Lace Knitting by Anniken Allis and at first, I was a little overwhelmed.  I actually sat there, flipping through the book for the first time just admiring all the gorgeous works of art these models were wearing, and I thought "there is no way I can do that!  It's tiny sticks with tiny string with tiny sparkly things... nope, I'm a complete fraud."  I mean, I've only just gotten back into knitting again and at that, I'm so rusty on how things are done, I'm sure I would flub it all up.  I had beaten myself before I even had a chance.  I put it down and went to put the kettle on.  I needed a spot of tea to clear my head before I dove back into that scary place.  Once my cuppa was ready, I sat back down and actually read the book.  Then, my outlook changed.

 I started reading the actual patterns and I noticed that she had them group by experience and difficulty.  The book started with the easiest patterns first and ended with the most challenging.  The charts were easy to read and follow along - and that is saying a lot when you think that I have only knit one thing in my life from a chart!  The written directions were clear and used common terminology.  I can't even begin to tell you how frustrating it is to have a designer give something a different name simply for the sake of giving it a different name.  It's not a new stitch, just a new name.  That makes for some serious unnecessary confusion, let me tell you.

The photographs were perfect for each project.  You got to see the full item, crisp details, and beautiful glamor shots.  By the time I had finished actually reading this book, I was thinking "okay, I think I can do this.  Actually, I know I can do this!"  So if you have been wanting to knit beaded lace  but are like me - a bit too intimidated - I highly recommend this book.  Anniken holds your hands and guides your needles with such an encouraging and enthusiastic touch.  She'll have you believing you cant tackle anything... and she's right there with you to lend a hand.

Variable Star Shawl

It's finally done and ready for you to enjoy, my Variable Star Shawl pattern.  I have spent several weeks tweaking and fine tuning so that it would be perfect for you and now, the time has come to release my newest creation.  I hope y'all love it as much as I do.

As always, you can download it through Ravelry by clicking this link -

Inspired by the knitted Hitchhiker, I created a lace crochet alternative.

Created by an easy to memorize four row repeat, you get this beautiful fabric.

The crescent shape makes it so very versatile.  You can swoop it from one shoulder to the other...

Or you can wrap it around, tucking the ends under like a super comfy cowl.

No matter how you wear it, it will look fabulous.  Great for fingering, dk, and worsted weight yarns.

I can't wait to see everyone's shawls when you get them done.  I know this pattern will become an instant favorite while maintaining it's timeless elegance.  You can go crazy with color or keep it low key with just one - any way you work it, it will be an amazing addition to your wardrobe.

Sunny Side Up

I named this shawl project that because it reminds me of eggs... tasty treat and project.

I've got a new pattern being tested right now - there are still a few slots open if you'd like to lend a hand - and after a little bit of a bumpy start, it seems to be going swimmingly now.  I hope to have the pattern ready to release by the end of April.  I hope y'all love it as much as I do.

Here is a quick Wednesday Wound Up of what all I've been working on lately...

I made a hat for Pokey - pattern chosen by the HPKCHC Quidditch Match 4, colors chosen by him.

I finished the last piece to my HPKCH OotP Mission.  I honestly like how it turned out too.

Not much progress on this beauty but that should change next week.

So that's what I've been up to lately.  What all have you been working on?

The realization of a little goal

Back in 2011, I took a tiny step towards one of my big dreams.  I don't know if I've ever shared my particular dream of getting my own pattern book published but it is one of my big dreams.  It has a timeline too so it will become a reality.  This is one little step towards that big dream - and it is just as exciting as I thought it would be, maybe even more.

Three years ago this past August, I submitted a pattern for a book that was going to be published regarding gift knitting in America.  I did it for the experience, fully expecting to be rejected but I was going to use the feedback as a learning tool to improve going forward.  Today, all these years later, what I got was not a rejection but the book that has my original design published pattern in it...

American Gift Knitting by Beth Moriarty of Planet Purl

Yep, my pattern is in there.  That book is in bookstores, on the shelves, waiting for purchase.  I will admit, I giggled and cried and jumped for joy when this package arrived.  I couldn't believe it.  I am now an officially published knitwear designer.  My silly little pattern was chosen from the hundreds of other entries and they said, "Hey, I really like this.  It has such potential.  Let's run with it".  It is such an honor that I am having a difficult time putting it into words.

It's hard to believe that what started out as this has now become something so amazing.

So to all of my fantastically creative friends and family, if you have a dream of becoming bigger than what you fear you can be I am here to tell you that you can absolutely do it.  My daddy was right when he said that the worst they can tell you is no which will leave you no worse off than you were before you started - and that is philosophy that I use to this very day.

Never be afraid to do what you think is impossible or that others have told you is impractical.  Never be afraid to try because you only fail when you fail to try.  Even a lack of success is beneficial because you learn from it and move forward for the next time.  My next step?  Well, it's already being sketched out... and by my deadline of 2017, I hope to have some even more exciting news to share - possibly sooner, you just never know.

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

Sunday Snaps

I know I've been quiet this week but I promise, I've been busy - look at what all I finished!

This has been a crazy week.  The first week of a new month is always a bit wonky because the work schedule always changes.  On the upside, I had a conversation with my big boss and things will start to even out more and I am over the moon excited about it.  I'll know more once October gets here but it sounds like it is finally the perfect fit for my family.  It only took a year and a half but we got there.

I know I was quiet and I do apologize but I have things to share - my productive week was super productive on the crafting front!  Check it out...

1. We are going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party during our family vacation so I made Hobbit a treat bag to go with her princess costume!  It's all original and I won't be releasing it because I don't wish to infringe upon anyone's copyright.  I do have cryptic notes on my project page though so if you wander over that way, you might can figure it out.
2. I am plugging along on my little cross stitch that is going to part of a Christmas present for someone special.  It's turning out rather spiffy, don't you think?
3. Quidditch started on the 5th and I had to score a goal for Slytherin because a threepeat would be the bees knees.  I know Dolores Umbridge would love her own "locket" with kitties in it.
4. I released a super simple pattern for my Flower Lace Cowl that I truly love.  Hobbit's teacher apparently loves it too - she asked me to come in and teach the kids how to knit and crochet.
5. I was curious if some super bulky yarn would work well for a hat so I sat down and whipped one up.  It's amazingly warm and really cute.  I don't know that I will get much use out of it but if we ever have a cold day down here, I'm all set with this cutie.
6. I'm still plugging away on my shawl.  I have to admit, I am not a big fan of how they have it written out.  I've had to frog it twice in two different areas.  Granted, I am modifying it to make it bigger but still, my math is correct so we'll see how it turns out.  These little hiccups on the base may vanish when I get to the shell section.  I hope to have some serious time to work on it tomorrow when I'm off.

That's been my week.  All crafting has been courtesy of binge watching "Parenthood" since this is it's farewell season, I wanted to rewatch all of them prior to it starting.  I do love that show and I am so sad to see it go but I understand.  Six seasons is a lot for a show that was never at the top of the ratings - but they do have a dedicated cult following.  I hope to own in all on DVD once it's over.

I need to get ready for work - yeah, I work both weekend days (all day) this month so I'm not the happiest of campers but I know that things will be better soon so I'm doing what I was taught to do... suck it up and power through.  The final quarter of the year will definitely be golden.  I just know it!

How about a new pattern?

Flower Lace Cowl

I made up this pattern and I've had several requests for it so I figured that I would just write it out because it really is one of the most simple things I've ever done.

This lovely cowl looks really complex and fancy but it couldn't be more simple.

I made it for my daughter's teacher who was feeling poorly this past week.  It only took me about three hours to design and make it so it should take y'all a whole lot less!


You can download the pattern on Ravelry.  As always, I give this pattern freely to the crafting community - but please follow the copyright attached to all my patterns.  I hope you enjoy!

Book review and a prize for you!

It is my honor to introduce you to one of my favorite designers.  She makes the most creative and whimsical items, her instructions are super easy to follow, and the end results are always perfect.  Say hi to Kristi Simpson from RAKJpatterns.

Kristi recently asked if I would be willing to review her book on my little space in the crafting world and naturally, I said yes!  I knew I would be getting a book that had some cute patterns in it but I had no idea that every pattern would have me reaching for my hook.  They are seriously that amazing.  Here, it's easier for me to show you exactly what I'm talking about...

You don't have to know how to do a single stitch - the photo tutorials will walk you through every single step of each stitch she uses in her hats.

Look at how stinking cute these creations are - how can you not want to make every single one offered?!?

30 hats means 30 different hats - not 15 hats sized for adult and children.  And the sizing, holy wow... no nogging is too big or too small for one of these.

I had to grab my hook the minute I saw this one because my niece is having her first baby in May.. she needed this hat.

So I made one for little Ruby and one for my niece who is a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan.  I chose that green so the hat wasn't too girly but still stylish and feminine.

These hats whip up like a dream.  The directions are super simple to follow - no complicated or fancy terminology.  Kristi explains the pattern just as if she were sitting on the sofa next to you, hooking along.  These patterns are for anyone who has a desire to pick up a hook and make a hat... be it your first or your four hundred and forty first.  You will absolutely love them all.

So, would you like your own copy of this fabulous new pattern book?  It's simple - share your favorite memory of you and your mother, or of you and your kids, in the comments below.  You know you have some crazy tales to tell and we'd love to hear them.  I'll collect all the entries and draw a winner from them on Saturday, April 26th.  All entries must be made by 11:59 pm ET on Friday, April 25th.  Be sure to leave a way for me to get in contact with you - email address or Ravelry ID preferred.  Shipping is limited to the US.

Good luck!!

Change of scenery

You know what the downfall to working from home is... you grow tired of being at the computer in your office.  What once was a haven for fun and goofing off has now become a place where you must focus and work diligently.  This ultimately has your brain screaming for a change of scenery on your time off when you really would like to fiddle around on the computer but you really don't want to be in your office.  It's a true conundrum considering that I am now on a desktop and not a laptop.

Before when I felt this way, I would simply unplug my laptop and go to the living room or front porch to write but now, I can't do that.  I will figure out a system - it's what I do - but today is just one of those days where I don't want to be in my office, especially since I have to work tonight.

Oh well, such is life, right.  Anywho, I spent the weekend with the family because it was my last full weekend for at least a month.  My February schedule has me working Saturdays but the trade off is that I'm off on Sundays, Wednesday and Thursdays.  As long as I have a 2/2/2/1 kind of schedule, I'm good.  It's when I get the split 4/3 that I grow weary.

I don't think I had much to share for the week anyway.  Let's take a gander for the sake of argument...

I made another owl - this one has attitude and sits on my desk. Her name is Owlriley.

I got hacked off at the medical world, took control of my testing and treatments, and started some socks for Pokey.

I started, and have some more progress on, a chicken purse.  Yes, I did say a chicken purse.  It will be epic.

I ate cookies... because when the world seems topsy turvey, nothing sets it straight faster than a cookie.

I made some serious progress on my bear that I'm making for my OWL.  I may still be behind but not as far now.

Yep, just as I thought.  I didn't do anything that y'all weren't already totally aware of anyway.  I also frogged a few projects yesterday.  I love frogging stuff.  It honestly makes me happy to reclaim the yarn for something that I just may like better because obviously I'm not liking it now or else I would be finished.  I give my projects a four month rest period and revisit.  If I've not had the fire rekindled to start up again, I frog it.  You should try it, it's very freeing.

Also known as "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming", thanks Dory!

Off to either play a bit of Lord of the Rings Online or watch some "Almost Human" that I have recorded.  Not sure which - depends if I've shaken the "Office Aversion" for the day.

I hope you have a beautiful day.  Here's the quote that I've been thinking of lately and just wanted to share.  You never know, it just might motivate you to keep going too.

This past week I...

Not been without one of these - between swatching and Winter Term starting, I've been busy!

Watching Hobbit grow with her own crafting has been a ton of fun.

She turned in her homework for the month too - very proud little Gryffindor there.

She has even started a 'lace' scarf that I wrote out a simple pattern for in regular speak, not pattern words.

I turned in my Quidditch and released a brand new pattern...

I even created these mitts to keep my fingers warm but they are now on little Hobbit hands.

It's been a very busy week and I am most pleased that I have a file on my computer full of photographs for every day but New Year's Eve... it's nice to get back to taking a daily photograph.

I'm debating writing up that pattern for the mitts, not sure there is much interest... just because I'm addicted to the flower hexagon doesn't mean the world is.. then again...