tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64369742801209914062024-02-07T05:34:19.254-08:00Crochet CoalitionMy journey as a Crochet Missionary spreading the word of Tunisian Crochet and the Corner to Corner stitch.
All materials and photos in this blog
© Angela ‘ARNie’ Grabowski 2008-17. All rights reserved. For a complete list of my Copyright Permissions, please click the link below and then click your browsers Back Button to return here.
http://chezcrochet.com/page9.html Copyright PermissionsARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-76549622380812895052017-05-18T10:04:00.000-07:002017-05-18T10:04:19.390-07:00Update on ARNie and ChezCrochet.com<span style="font-size: large;">I am alive, but my health is still preventing me from reopening my store and selling my books. Each time I seem to conquer one problem, another pops up. We are managing the blood disorder, but the reality is, my immune system is compromised and that severely restricts everything I do.<br /><br />For the last few days (that I know of), ChezCrochet.com has been offline. I have been researching this issue, and I'm still in the dark as to what is going on with this company. I've been with them decade, and only one time in the past, did their servers go offline, and that was due to a horrible storm.<br /><br />At present, I am still trying to determine what happened, and in the days to come, what I should do about it in the future. Whether that is to try to transfer to another host, which will probably mean rebuilding the site, which will be an insurmountable task with as large at it was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please know, that I'm not dead, like the disappearance of the site might suggest. I'm still living at home, and doing as well as I can.<br /><br />I do spend time on Facebook, and you can find me there. I'm still stitching, but just for peace of mind and to sell a few things at 4 living history events I risk going to. My office is now my hermitage, and I leave the house very little.<br /><br />My ChezCrochet at yahoo dot com email is still working, but all of the ChezCrochet.com email accounts are offline, and I don't know how to retrieve them, yet.<br /><br />Angela 'ARNie' Grabowski</span>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-22208568922217507332015-07-02T13:45:00.001-07:002015-07-02T13:45:22.523-07:00Update on ARNie and ChezCrochet.comI am alive, but every day can be a struggle with staying alive. I've been so pre-occupied with what I have to do each day, that I forgot to re-register my domain, ChezCrochet.com.<br />
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I took care of that today, and my site should be back up in a day or two.<br />
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I am still not healthy enough to sell my books or booklets, and as I can, I am researching other digital methods for the booklets... but this process cannot be anymore taxing than selling booklets, or I won't be able to do this.<br />
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I thank you for the prayers and good thoughts sent my way. There are days when I know that the only thing that got me through, was the prayers from all of you.<br />
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Angela 'ARNie' GrabowskiARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-73587778092017837562015-07-02T13:38:00.002-07:002015-07-02T13:38:41.096-07:00Finished Project Review... ARNie's Knitting-KnookAs I explained in another post, I had to put my hooks away, because that is my job, and my brain couldn't treat it as a hobby... consequentially, knitting became the hobby for several years.<br />
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This is the link to my Knitting blog, with most of what I've knitted over the past few years.<br />
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<a href="http://arnies-knitting-knook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://arnies-knitting-knook.blogspot.com/</a>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-70856316337768599562015-07-02T13:34:00.000-07:002015-07-02T13:34:21.114-07:00Finished Objects Review 2012-2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z2w8Ut96VhTX9mmuHdqB84PEH1sy3oNElSB7yxc6h886BJROO3ZT1hKJY5NtWOaGXXVL8jzfoYf0BOJ4WyGffdS5-AHQfx9oeULX5ikQ-bxB-ubvWAMmKHzhO_4mZcA303FapT1CJt0/s1600/TC+Sampler+Shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z2w8Ut96VhTX9mmuHdqB84PEH1sy3oNElSB7yxc6h886BJROO3ZT1hKJY5NtWOaGXXVL8jzfoYf0BOJ4WyGffdS5-AHQfx9oeULX5ikQ-bxB-ubvWAMmKHzhO_4mZcA303FapT1CJt0/s320/TC+Sampler+Shawl.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
In 2013, I attended a living history event the first weekend of May. Now understand that by May, my part of Texas is already reaching 90F. Not that weekend... we had snow flurries on the Thursday- while I was setting up. Consequentially, I took MY Tunisian Crochet stitch sampler shawl to keep warm, because that is my Winter Coat.<br />On Friday, the building my shop was in, had rock walls that took a long time to warm up... so it was cold in the building but warm enough outside to not need my winter shawl. I left it in my chair in my 'little store' when I went to the chow line at lunch.<br />
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When I brought my lunch back to my spot, a lady was trying on my winter shawl. <br />
'How much is this shawl?'<br />
'Whoa, wait! That's my winter shawl. I can't sell it.'<br />
'Oh, I want one just like it! It's so warm and soft.'<br />
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Well, it took me two years to complete that shawl... not because the stitching was that difficult, but because I would forget to work on it... or the stress of trying to make sure I'm paying attention to the stitches and the patterns... would wipe me out after a couple of hours.<br /><br />The new shawl is on the left and mine is on the right. Both are made with 6 skeins of Red Heart Amore in a cream color.ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-75352887779748322082015-07-02T13:25:00.001-07:002015-07-02T13:25:09.231-07:00Finished Objects 2012-2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEfnzv5IAChUyTR6C1XFKjrIMdKpiJOYzm0Ky2ntUqrIjyiNQ1uEI5d7b3f_Ggq8Lpw7bT7oJu8mXGTnrefdB1yA0fimiyu70z_K9mwl7nIPl6EI3ffhWwLtXJNbZaGl4l7c8k5Fd4_k/s1600/3+Sided+Corner+to+Corner+around+the+block+shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEfnzv5IAChUyTR6C1XFKjrIMdKpiJOYzm0Ky2ntUqrIjyiNQ1uEI5d7b3f_Ggq8Lpw7bT7oJu8mXGTnrefdB1yA0fimiyu70z_K9mwl7nIPl6EI3ffhWwLtXJNbZaGl4l7c8k5Fd4_k/s320/3+Sided+Corner+to+Corner+around+the+block+shawl.jpg" width="320" /></a>This uses 3 of the 4 sides of a Corner to Corner Around the Block. Done in Lion Brand Homespun in a dark burgundy color. This is still available for purchase.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrY39mGtCYm4DHU1-iOmU1nNYsebW4zN7i63bg15UgTx7JEGl-GoNwfOgQzNtfACuDBUJVsfyW4xXYm4wzkWCJ1HV8nOH7No3SG-gcsIuPA5Wjg0ySMQZA08EiBdXMIeS2fJdczFhlHU/s1600/c2c+hoblob+acry+mohair++GONE+to+Jere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrY39mGtCYm4DHU1-iOmU1nNYsebW4zN7i63bg15UgTx7JEGl-GoNwfOgQzNtfACuDBUJVsfyW4xXYm4wzkWCJ1HV8nOH7No3SG-gcsIuPA5Wjg0ySMQZA08EiBdXMIeS2fJdczFhlHU/s320/c2c+hoblob+acry+mohair++GONE+to+Jere.jpg" width="218" /></a>This uses a variety of soft and fuzzy yarns: Lion Brand Jiffy, Hobby Lobby's faux mohair, an odd ball of Red Heart fleck and some unknown boucle yarn. A friend had eyed the shawl done in Bavarian Stitch, but it was too small for her. Using similar colors, I stitched this one for her Birthday this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48fl9Y4kGpvSWGMH7QnPq_TY8oJftFF7QtzpjfUOE47L_3an6veCEt59XQtC93iTElpij9a1HQDuJRDNm7JzL5CDDRsEtMTpzPN9E66UY0rAmTHKkzmbX6_iTfpJYjG0_tV2SXZbVQjE/s1600/Hobby+Lobby+faux+mohair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48fl9Y4kGpvSWGMH7QnPq_TY8oJftFF7QtzpjfUOE47L_3an6veCEt59XQtC93iTElpij9a1HQDuJRDNm7JzL5CDDRsEtMTpzPN9E66UY0rAmTHKkzmbX6_iTfpJYjG0_tV2SXZbVQjE/s320/Hobby+Lobby+faux+mohair.jpg" width="320" /></a>Another Corner to Corner Triangle done in Hobby Lobby's faux mohair yarn. This is still avaiable for purchase.</div>
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<br />ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-47701748560102802015-07-02T13:17:00.001-07:002015-07-02T13:42:26.137-07:00Finished Objects Review 2012-2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRe4LNnQUEd3K5DPHKHSi5PrkZUJc82SLKS5l4Tfie30twh6oOTbpV05hpf_ytuCBv9FdKArOcvqNDNaeGFCXT07jjSxlxhRDYerGdLW8ppkvGmR_uC__WaHbY0DwOXSrLpEnexk4o1M/s1600/Bavarian+St+Acrylic+SOLD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRe4LNnQUEd3K5DPHKHSi5PrkZUJc82SLKS5l4Tfie30twh6oOTbpV05hpf_ytuCBv9FdKArOcvqNDNaeGFCXT07jjSxlxhRDYerGdLW8ppkvGmR_uC__WaHbY0DwOXSrLpEnexk4o1M/s320/Bavarian+St+Acrylic+SOLD.jpg" width="320" /></a>My first experience with AA's Bavarian Stitch. Done in a variety of acrylic scrap yarns. I sold this one recently.</div>
I have one more Bavarian Stitch shawl in a UFO box, done in sock yarn [lace weight]... but it's still UFO.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_KvS6pXPcU3EnYj4psl9d5dOQksi7e3LxIzMxXrTaaIU4DVbI_JcKYrimUBjyH_4rFUIKh_k4nFdv_N_a6dgzsiDErJBdRdx0mWF7hJO9ODvE_OobxS4LGlP94HFgWqy7vR_hxJkyZw/s1600/Crochet+Lace+Shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_KvS6pXPcU3EnYj4psl9d5dOQksi7e3LxIzMxXrTaaIU4DVbI_JcKYrimUBjyH_4rFUIKh_k4nFdv_N_a6dgzsiDErJBdRdx0mWF7hJO9ODvE_OobxS4LGlP94HFgWqy7vR_hxJkyZw/s320/Crochet+Lace+Shawl.jpg" width="306" /></a>This is a Free Form Lace shawl done in Hobby Lobby's sock yarn [lace weight]. I sold this one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHEhVP-0-Wxf0Nb2Yjh83R4ANTVQim3IpPBy6u_kpkVC2o6GzLdi7TLvsJtv4PzQCn21wW2BhFjHjdUrmwrtnmWu21B-0aEV-shrW7YEoEF-a90LFLyWbWM6RVkuOyvd29jfr8vkk-w8/s1600/C2C+Wool+Sock+Yarns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHEhVP-0-Wxf0Nb2Yjh83R4ANTVQim3IpPBy6u_kpkVC2o6GzLdi7TLvsJtv4PzQCn21wW2BhFjHjdUrmwrtnmWu21B-0aEV-shrW7YEoEF-a90LFLyWbWM6RVkuOyvd29jfr8vkk-w8/s320/C2C+Wool+Sock+Yarns.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is done in a variety of Sock Yarns [lace weight.] I had tried to knit the rainbow colored yarns, but they looked awful... and then I realized... all those small stretches of color would work much better in Crochet Corner to Corner. This one used a lot of scraps... but I'll say that 2 skeins of Hobby Lobby sock yarn, using a H/8 [5mm] hook. This is still Available to purchase.</div>
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ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-7265182159421746092015-07-02T13:10:00.002-07:002015-07-02T13:44:15.185-07:00Finished Objects Review 2012-2015Crochet was my Job. The Hooks and Strings put my brain in Work mode... and I've been in no shape to work for several Years.<br />
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I spent most of the last 5 years knitting, because I specifically made the decision to NOT design knitting, so I don't try to keep notes of what I'm doing... I don't rip out to make that transition easier for others to understand... I just stitch.<br />
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At the end of last year, I reconnected with my hooks, and the following is what I've accomplished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTn3Lh95tvAywZLSoSEbHcZXsRHaDxt11z59UVj8Mqy3ovWFC6z_eY5gCaXwNNqK3iJMm69ZAm35vLA5Y1VowlDgbyjRPDfxgZ9XWUQNHOa1UJttPwZ0hH5BKddQXbR7HQe4fMigc2a_8/s1600/Acrylic+Amore+TC+Cross+Over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTn3Lh95tvAywZLSoSEbHcZXsRHaDxt11z59UVj8Mqy3ovWFC6z_eY5gCaXwNNqK3iJMm69ZAm35vLA5Y1VowlDgbyjRPDfxgZ9XWUQNHOa1UJttPwZ0hH5BKddQXbR7HQe4fMigc2a_8/s320/Acrylic+Amore+TC+Cross+Over.jpg" width="320" /></a>I don't remember what I was trying to do with this, when I found it in a UFO box. I worked a few rows in Tks/Tps edging to prevent the ends from curling and stuck a fork in it. Done in Red Heart Amore yarn in winter white. This is still available for purchase.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kosoDfDVJdW2q53eX7SVkMuxh7E72lblWbZf3kZ80grsdgVXlG68NGLsXRok-5gQxBzu8FYZPeZypSqDZKLtHaocGw9Ovc1lZTlYOBG6x7-DEE3D8G_CHj4QFq29naUeSg30ztUgx-c/s1600/C2C+Homespun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kosoDfDVJdW2q53eX7SVkMuxh7E72lblWbZf3kZ80grsdgVXlG68NGLsXRok-5gQxBzu8FYZPeZypSqDZKLtHaocGw9Ovc1lZTlYOBG6x7-DEE3D8G_CHj4QFq29naUeSg30ztUgx-c/s320/C2C+Homespun.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is a Corner to Corner Triangle shawl XL size. Done in Lion Brand Homespun in shades of burgundy, gray, steel blue. This is still available for purchase.<br />
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</a>Another Corner to Corner Triangle Shawl that is XXL. Done in Leaf Peeper Camo colors of Lion Brand Homespun. <br />
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Still Available for purchase.ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-67810080478800273842013-10-03T13:04:00.000-07:002013-10-03T14:03:36.773-07:00Update on ARNie's HealthWell, there isn't any good way to say this, but to just say it.
After the hospital stay for diverticulitis and kidney infection in May, I was hospitalized- AGAIN- for an infection in the tendons of my index finger of my dominant hand. They had to cut open that finger and clean out the infection. When cultures did not reveal what caused that infection, my primary healthcare provider sent me to an Immunologist.<br /><br />
I've been doing some medical testing over the last month; testing that we've never done before.... and we found something.<br />
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The Immunologist ran a gamut of tests to see what was going on with my body, and he found something he had never seen before.<br />
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I've been to a Hematologist and an Oncologist, and the short of it is:<br />
I don't have enough symptoms to validate the suspicions of the Immunologist;<br />
I don't have cancer at this time;<br />
and I'm in no need of extraordinary treatment until secondary symptoms arise.<br />
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This is an abnormality within the blood; it handicaps the immune system; and unfortunately it can look like cancer or a very rare disease that has a dire prognosis; and there isn't a test to determine which it is.<br />
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Without the secondary symptoms, we are operating under the belief this is benign... non-malignant, and NOT the blood disorder.<br />
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In addition to the 'big find,' the Immunologist is running more tests on various anomalies and abnormalities he found within my immune system-even down to the cellular level. There are treatments he can offer to help me, but we need to determine what that help should be.<br />
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My goals are to do everything possible to strengthen my body and my immune system. Regardless what this turns into, I will weather the coming challenges much better, with a body that is as strong as it can get.<br />
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I'm being forced, once again, to triage my life; take a hard look at what I can do and what I should not do....<br />
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At this time, I'm forced to relinquish Hooks In Texas. The physical stress is too big of a risk for me. For as much as I love seeing stitchers from across our great state, the responsibility is too much for me, anymore.<br />
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My Immunologist has said that Positive Stress is a good thing, so I can continue to go to the few living history events I've attended in the past. With those, I'm only responsible for one person, me.<br />
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I'm keeping ChezCrochet.com online, since it is self sustaining, but everything else will need to be evaluated over the next few weeks.<br />
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For now, I'm done with the doctor visits for a couple of months, and that tells me I'm in no grave danger. I can focus on the positives in my life, and hopefully, get back to stitching soon. Oh, did I mention, I've been doing physical therapy on the hand scattered all through this. All this emotional turmoil, and I couldn't stitch... let me tell you folks... that was a challenge.<br />
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oh, NO, I'm not going to say the names of the diseases... what little you will find on google, will just scare you half to death.ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-91026662466605410522012-09-05T11:46:00.003-07:002012-09-05T11:46:58.775-07:00Hooks In Texas Update!<br />
There are MAJOR updates on <a href="http://hooksintexas.blogspot.com/2012/09/hooks-in-texas-2012-cancelled.html" target="_blank">Hooks In Texas 2012!</a> Click the link to read more about them!<br />
Angela 'ARNie' Grabowski<br />
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Director of Hooks In TexasARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-42990701583006521442012-08-17T10:11:00.002-07:002012-08-17T10:11:52.239-07:00Another Day in my LifeI had to pick up my asthma meds from my 'franchise' pharmacy, since I've never moved them to the local compounding pharmacy. While I was there, I asked them to print out the details of the dosage to the natural thyroid hormone they last filled for me.<br />
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Just as I suspected: 300mg. Right at 5 grains- for those who understand Armour dosages.<br />
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My new compounded natural thyroid replacement: 30mg. What a difference one lone 0 makes.<br />
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I am improving, but it doesn't take much to improve when you are sitting on the side of a grave, with both feet danling in the hole. <br />
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And I have a loooooong way to go.<br />
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I see my healthcare provider on Monday to discuss this further.ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-49395412889689103612012-08-09T13:41:00.000-07:002012-08-09T13:41:03.572-07:00Hooks In Texas Saturday Evening Supper!I have updated the Hooks in Texas Blog with an update on the restaurant where we will be having Saturday Evening's Supper!<br />
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Find all the Details here:<br />
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<a href="http://hooksintexas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hooks In Texas</a>!ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-75405546049606141072012-07-30T09:23:00.001-07:002012-07-30T09:23:34.860-07:00ARNie's I Cord Class at Hooks In Texas!Here is a link to the Hooks In Texas blog, that offers details on my class<a href="http://hooksintexas.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-cord-methods-and-machines.html" target="_blank"> I Cord Methods and Machines.</a><br />
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Oh, and some photos of what you'll learn how to do:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMWE7inL-VglKTPsYyZfnU4C8jJB2tDzAG28zil_IOV3hyphenhyphenqMM2DVXvijV4KcKo45YENmVByMLqXlnuOTF9lMRrvlZm4jX8z7M0RtT9JPoawgz9dfS_5DCrLDkEtBS7HL03htac4dtJ2A/s1600/Icord+projects+sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMWE7inL-VglKTPsYyZfnU4C8jJB2tDzAG28zil_IOV3hyphenhyphenqMM2DVXvijV4KcKo45YENmVByMLqXlnuOTF9lMRrvlZm4jX8z7M0RtT9JPoawgz9dfS_5DCrLDkEtBS7HL03htac4dtJ2A/s320/Icord+projects+sized.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-53986858889138742042012-07-21T09:04:00.001-07:002012-07-21T09:04:50.200-07:00Hooks In Texas 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the help of several friends, including Kim Guzman, I'm hosting Hooks In Texas again this year, and have added more classes, along with a People's Choice Award for crocheted projects.<br />
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You can get all the details here: <a href="http://hooksintexas.blogspot.com/">http://hooksintexas.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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OR our new FaceBook page that my Friend Beverly set up. Hooks In Texas at Facebook.ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-19270129322846243562012-07-21T08:59:00.000-07:002012-07-21T08:59:49.207-07:00The Second Day of the Rest of My LifeLast week, I noticed a new little label on my Thyroid Replacement meds. When I read them, I was dumbstruck, in shock and disbelief. They were the chemical names of synthetic thyroid hormones. I discovered 12 years ago, that my body doesn't tolerate synthetic thyroid replacement.<br />
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Of course, my mind was whirling as to what possible mistakes could have happened for the label to be wrong....did this switch happen in January when we tinkered with the doseage.... oh dear God have I been on these synthetics for three, four years?!<br />
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After last fall, and the addition of Adrenal Hormones and another comprehensive hormone cocktail, I had begun to improve... a little bit. After we tinkered with the thyroid doseage at the beginning of the year.... all forward momentum stopped, and I slipped right back to where I had been.<br />
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I had pretty much given up; if this is how badly I feel on Natural Thyroid, AND high doeses of Adrenal Hormones... then this is as good as it gets, and I need to prepare for a radically different life of having others care for me.<br />
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Finding that little label, for as horrible as it should have been- that my health care professionals let me down so badly that I was circling the drain for years.... it was also the one ray of hope- that could explain everything, and with that one small change, could bring me back to life.<br />
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A trip to the pharamcy, proved that they had never compounded a natural thyroid replacement for me. I had, indeed, been on synthetic thyroid for three-four years. For me, that explained everything. <br />
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But I'm not bitter about this. Everything happens for a reason.<br />
<ul>
<li>My health had to get so bad, for my healthcare pros to consider running that test and adding the hormone cocktail. They had refused to both, in the years since my second thyroid surgery.</li>
<li>Being on synthetic thyroid for several years, proved beyond any doubts, that I don't tolerate the synthetics. </li>
<li>You can't comprehend the Horror of Errors (no one can call this a Comedy)..Until you are a thyroid patient struggling to survive with doctors who are given alllll sorts of Payola from Drug companies specifically telling docs that those 'naturals are going to kill your patients, but my synthetics will make them so much better... and if they have some lingering symptoms.... we have a litany of prescriptions to treat all the individual symptoms.'</li>
<li>Did you catch that? The Drug companies have a dozens of synthetic drugs to 'treat' each and every symptom of hypothyroidism. They will make more money, if we are kept at too low thyroid levels, and just purchase all their drugs to compensate for not getting enough thyroid. Yessiree, we are walking talking Gold Mines for PharmaCos. </li>
</ul>
Again, I'm not bitter about circling the drain for three years on synthetic thyroid, and I'm blessed that I didn't know it. No one can say, the Placebo In Reverse Effect happened to me: that I convinced myself I felt bad, because I was on a medication I didn't like. I didn't know that I was slowly dying, because my thyroid replacement was synthetic, and that proved my point, better than all my efforts over 8 years after my thyroid was all gone. I'm with a doctor who would at least try the natural, but she wasn't really thrilled with the idea.<br />
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Today is my second day, back on a natural thyroid replacement. I woke up with manageable headache, but to be certain of it's nature, I waited to take anything for it. If it was just muscle tension from oversleeping, then coffee and movement would cure it.... they didn't. Another baby migraine.<br />
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Yesterday wasn't too bad; it started out wonderful, but this new doseage isn't broken into two capsules. I didn't get that afternoon boost, so I'll adjust how I take the Adrenal hormones to compensate. If that doesn't help, then next month I ask them to split the daily doseage into two capsules.<br />
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I've been at this for more than a decade, I know what to expect: I will hit the wall with this new thyroid med, before the end of the year. I know this, because the dosage is significantly lower, than the last time I was on a natural thyroid replacement. This improvement will be short lived, and we'll need to increase the dosage time and time again... Once we get that thyroid to an acceptable level....then we get to start the really difficult task of trial and error on all the various hormones- to see which one is truly low, and which one simply couldn't work without thyroid.<br />
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I have made decisions now, just so I won't get too excited later on, and then overextend myself. I won't even consider ReOpening my Retail Operations until next spring. I'm not even going to try to wade through the Wholesale Orders until September. I'm sorry folks, truly sorry, but I don't want to get your hopes up, and then I can't deliver.<br />
<br />ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-38740111008821202392012-04-02T05:53:00.002-07:002012-04-02T05:56:33.730-07:00ARNie isn't Dead, yetI am double posting this in several places, to make it easier for me to spread the word.<br /><br />Last Fall, I posted an update at ChezCrochet.com, but my health problems did not improve; on the contrary, I had decided that if I got any worse, I wouldn’t be able to take care of myself.<br /><br />My nurse practitioner reminded me of a test that could shed some more light on the issues; that test proved, what I had been saying for years, plus it revealed more problems.<br /><br />All of my hormones that control critical functions, like cardiac, muscle, tendons, blood sugar regulation, metabolism... All of those were extremely low. Some folks have questioned how I was functioning at all, well, I wasn’t; my body was slowly shutting down.<br /><br />Thankfully, I have a pharmacy in my town that can compound medications and I’m now on a hormone cocktail. However, this road to recovery is going to be long, because trying to get all of the hormones back in balance is a trial and error process.<br /><br />After I shut down retail ops, I posted on my Facebook page that I had prepped the last of my orders and was going to mail them.<br /><br />To my horror, those orders never made it to the post office. I found them while preparing my income taxes.<br /><br />I mailed all remaining orders from 2011 the last week of March. They all had Delivery Confirmation numbers.<br /><br />I compare my life and business to the Gulf Coast after Katrina: with so much destruction and devastation - where do you begin to recover? All you can do is to choose a spot and start digging out.<br /><br />I am slowly digging out, and returning to normal. I appreciate all those who have offered prayers for me, and your patience with missing orders.<br /><br />ARNie-April 2012ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-60297306153297864872010-01-07T09:27:00.000-08:002010-01-07T10:06:48.416-08:00New stuff from ARNie and ChezCrochet.com!<span style="font-size:130%;">I have finished the patterns and instructions for the Shoulder Shawls & Capes that I blogged about at Facebook.<br /><br />You can see the photos of the pieces as you scroll down.<br /><br />I'll be loading the booklet onto the ordering page at ChezCrochet.com in the next week.<br /></span><a href="http://chezcrochet.com/page92.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://chezcrochet.com/page92.html</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />UPDATE! Dora at Crochet Insider just let me know that she has the newest edition of her magazine online, and it includes an article by me!<br /><br />You can find that new edition here:<br /></span><a href="http://www.crochetinsider.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.crochetinsider.com/</span></a>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-60593353908940290432010-01-07T09:25:00.001-08:002010-01-07T09:27:51.282-08:00Feather and Fan Wrap and Scarf<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndN2bgZyQ1EOyALVY1OIRJIFthp5ID1TNfI3KDt5eNV_109kKxzKFmdagi-_t_oxiabuhnP75EOdsbn-rn53NLYjvQvxLazAJyF3Zf_gvTH1vxHVCaLF0QtBN9OTGoXIdQGQTSDQ0NbA/s1600-h/P1010006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424050780440013202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndN2bgZyQ1EOyALVY1OIRJIFthp5ID1TNfI3KDt5eNV_109kKxzKFmdagi-_t_oxiabuhnP75EOdsbn-rn53NLYjvQvxLazAJyF3Zf_gvTH1vxHVCaLF0QtBN9OTGoXIdQGQTSDQ0NbA/s320/P1010006.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XfJF_YWQKJCYAIWpXfjTokesS1rC8RbCGW-_TRJWXQPzrnO_tW3rF4COhPGfGeyHx8mkphmfA8KvWzfxMBzXERC7ujXdyHb_vfiAosG2DjNqqJ7mXaq9tbxBjNesEDUzvE9TcUOLYE0/s1600-h/F&F+wrap.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424050774067562802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XfJF_YWQKJCYAIWpXfjTokesS1rC8RbCGW-_TRJWXQPzrnO_tW3rF4COhPGfGeyHx8mkphmfA8KvWzfxMBzXERC7ujXdyHb_vfiAosG2DjNqqJ7mXaq9tbxBjNesEDUzvE9TcUOLYE0/s320/F&F+wrap.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-79123138626623708322010-01-07T09:23:00.001-08:002010-01-07T09:25:39.566-08:00Sun Rays Yoke with Diamond Eyelet Drape<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmSNSGF6ZqaHnOzowyCLiIOEdO7S3luaVf8wSL_zF_-7pxhY5lXG3plZX8hLygTik8pOjL7g-iP2rtAFAeba03MUAeKonmUwDS_0Vu9RBWAarDBfnN0_zikKRo4RwXt6uaRLpj0lENu0/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424050060512945874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmSNSGF6ZqaHnOzowyCLiIOEdO7S3luaVf8wSL_zF_-7pxhY5lXG3plZX8hLygTik8pOjL7g-iP2rtAFAeba03MUAeKonmUwDS_0Vu9RBWAarDBfnN0_zikKRo4RwXt6uaRLpj0lENu0/s320/P1010001.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-21589007289181016822010-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:002010-01-07T09:23:36.822-08:00Sun Rays Yoke with Strectch Ribbing Drape<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8a6-aJYFHvBBOOR-WYxSFJloN1G_QWfP7k1nCvxQaWv9n6c3wZAPLDjNv0yDSSTekEOaB-TcAsc0g3BBU1JxjYltREQ1f67YWoyWltg7sxMGteHQFKSXUZa4rEbm8CGaI1MlJdO5cIo/s1600-h/P1010007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424049561553127330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8a6-aJYFHvBBOOR-WYxSFJloN1G_QWfP7k1nCvxQaWv9n6c3wZAPLDjNv0yDSSTekEOaB-TcAsc0g3BBU1JxjYltREQ1f67YWoyWltg7sxMGteHQFKSXUZa4rEbm8CGaI1MlJdO5cIo/s320/P1010007.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-48991650282522053812010-01-07T09:19:00.000-08:002010-01-07T09:21:41.546-08:00Tunisian Simple Stitch Cape in Bernat Boucle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx6wzvJ12cLZsdlH8dOaVXvDZB6aeVVrfXRslpnKN3dU_1XhDxDG0jHCJxQbuKh8_WSESp1s1bFgNn1Hishi2ch3b18ZQTK1njajsf9-ojUKIhg1CmK6eGAup8OF0ypOPwZIR7qY3-E8/s1600-h/Flower.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424049129233459554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx6wzvJ12cLZsdlH8dOaVXvDZB6aeVVrfXRslpnKN3dU_1XhDxDG0jHCJxQbuKh8_WSESp1s1bFgNn1Hishi2ch3b18ZQTK1njajsf9-ojUKIhg1CmK6eGAup8OF0ypOPwZIR7qY3-E8/s320/Flower.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-12024102173328154592009-12-16T08:03:00.000-08:002009-12-16T08:13:04.959-08:00Centennial Hat Photos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qaur7Dwu9NMERf4YxHCuJzpg4FZzX98X_Nun4kJas0bC0lOaAnuoe1Sb2I3cflb7CkOehZ-9K0pG4TRoVW0JcQd9JZGDjipW5pFu9siKDHpSptu9sxTWWM1IhPAuaakfaJ5XDk1Bukg/s1600-h/Hat+Adjusted.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415867585400729634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qaur7Dwu9NMERf4YxHCuJzpg4FZzX98X_Nun4kJas0bC0lOaAnuoe1Sb2I3cflb7CkOehZ-9K0pG4TRoVW0JcQd9JZGDjipW5pFu9siKDHpSptu9sxTWWM1IhPAuaakfaJ5XDk1Bukg/s320/Hat+Adjusted.JPG" /></a>This shows the hat finished.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ77UcmTCt8SWTy_f00DIT1a-VkTS0hxD0wRKw21ZYFpwGKrm4FCK62J5Fy1yO2KeZXKOVr4ma1XzqVS-R2OTH_zgNXE5_Bkh3-8yAnNNUHErB6ws6Q4wFLAOTX40664m0zoc2hJrdFMk/s1600-h/Side+Hat+Adjusted.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415867357109590786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ77UcmTCt8SWTy_f00DIT1a-VkTS0hxD0wRKw21ZYFpwGKrm4FCK62J5Fy1yO2KeZXKOVr4ma1XzqVS-R2OTH_zgNXE5_Bkh3-8yAnNNUHErB6ws6Q4wFLAOTX40664m0zoc2hJrdFMk/s320/Side+Hat+Adjusted.JPG" /></a> In this view, the hat is turned sideways and the tail is outstretched to better illustrate the decreases on the Ends and in the Middle.<br /></div>ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-82623080917694810542009-12-16T07:53:00.001-08:002009-12-16T08:15:03.308-08:00Centennial Hat InstructionsOne of the members of my Yahoo Group wanted to adapt a hat she saw in a Mini Series Centennial (from the late 1970's.) One of the characters wore this hat, and her friend wanted something like it.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du5DW0nBHy4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du5DW0nBHy4</a><br />Robert Conrad is wearing the hat... a dirty orange/red stocking type hat.<br /><br />I created these generalized instructions for this hat, using Tunisian Simple stitch.<br /><br />My hat is based on the average head size of 22 inches. I'm using Red Heart worsted weight yarn with a K sized hook. This is one size smaller than what I normally use with Worsted Weight yarn, but I wanted a stiffer fabric than normal... and yes, it is curling, but that will be conquered later. It took all of a 7 oz skein, and since it needed to be bigger, I’m going to suggest you have 8 oz of yarn on hand to finish this hat, if you use a K sized hook. The larger hooks won’t require as much yarn.<br /><br />1. With your chosen Yarn and Hook, stitch a swatch to determine your Stitches Per Inch. A swatch is a piece of fabric worked in your chosen stitch, that is 4 inches square. Most experts recommend measuring from the middle of the swatch for a more accurate stitch count.<br /><br />2. Measure the circumference of the head this hat will cover, and if you can get them to sit still long enough, measure from the bottom of the ear to the crown.<br /><br />3. Multiply the number of ‘Stitches per Inch’ by the ‘Circumference of the Head’ measurement to determine the number of chains to begin with.<br /><br />Row 1: Forward- Pick Up loops in ea ch. Return as you normally would.<br />Row 2: Forward- Tss in ea st, work last st. Return.<br />Repeat Row 2 until it is about half the length of the width, or the measurement from the bottom of the ear to the crown.<br /><br />I’ve noticed that with most head measurements that the height of the head is a little less than half of the circumference of the head. If the head is 22 inches around, then stitch the fabric until it measure 11 inches.<br /><br />IMPORTANT: Stitching the height of the body of the hat will look huge! But go ahead and stitch until it is half as tall as it is wide. For this 22" hat, it should have been 11 inches tall, not the 8" that I stitched. In my sample, the tail wasn’t long enough to reach the brim, and I had to make the brim much taller than normal.<br /><br />If you do NOT want to stitch a Ribbing for the brim of the hat, continue stitching this section until it is 2-3 inches longer than ½ of the width. For my 22 inch hat, that would mean stitching the height of this section to 13-14 inches tall.<br /><br />Once you have stitched the main body of the hat, you will begin decreasing on both ends AND in the middle to create the ‘stiff’ crease in the front and back. If you want a more relaxed looking hat, just decrease on the ends.<br /><br />For Odd Numbered stitches- find the 5 stitches in the middle of the row, and mark them with a thread.<br />For Even Numbered stitches- find the 4 stitches in the middle of the row, and mark them with a thread.<br /><br /><strong>For Odd Numbered stitches</strong>- Tss2tog, then Tss up to the marked stitches. Tss2Tog, Tss, Tss2tog, then Tss across the rest of the row, work last st. <em><strong>Return: Yo, pull through 2 loops (decrease made), then continue Return as you normally would.</strong><br /></em><br />Next Row: Tss2tog, then Tss up to the Center Stitches. Tss2Tog, Tss, Tss2tog, then Tss across the rest of the row, slip hk under both threads of the last st (Decrease St). <strong><em>Return: Yo, pull through 2 loops (decrease made), then continue Return as you normally would.</em></strong> Repeat this row to desired length for the top of the hat. Single Crochet in each stitch for the last row. End off.<br /><br />Stitch back seam together, weave tails.<br /><br /><strong>For Even Numbered stitches-</strong> Tss2tog, then Tss up to the marked stitches. Tss2Tog, Tfs (in between the stitches), Tss2tog, then Tss across the rest of the row, work last st. <strong><em>Return: Yo, pull through 2 loops (decrease made), then continue Return as you normally would.<br /></em></strong>Next Row: Tss2tog, then Tss up to the Center Stitches. Tss2Tog, Tss, Tss2tog, then Tss across the rest of the row, slip hk under both threads of the last st (Decrease St). <strong><em>Return: Yo, pull through 2 loops (decrease made), then continue Return as you normally would.</em></strong> Repeat this row to desired length for the top of the hat. Single Crochet in each stitch for the last row. End off.<br /><br />Ribbing Section:<br />Turn the hat over and work from the back of the hat. Attach yarn to beginning chain of hat.<br />Pick up loops in ea ch st across row, Return as you normally would.<br />Rows 2+: Forward- (Tps, 2 Tks,) Repeat across row, working last st as you normally would. Return.<br />Repeat this until brim is desired height, then Single Crochet in each stitch for last row. End off.<br />Stitch back seam, and weave tails.ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-26263659983525772692009-10-21T07:21:00.000-07:002009-10-21T07:24:49.125-07:00New Page at FaceBook!Well, I am slow on the uptake with a lot of these technological things... but I've added a page for ChezCrochet.com at Facebook.<br /><br />I would love to see photos of the things you've stitched from the patterns at ChezCrochet.com or from the pattern booklets I've written. And you can add them to the page at Face Book.<br /><br />You can also become a Fan of ChezCrochet.com at Facebook and that link is at the bottom in the Right hand NavBarARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-8369612223317208972009-10-18T09:41:00.001-07:002009-10-18T09:47:42.596-07:00Selling Patterns OnlineWe've had some discussions on how to sell your stitching patterns online, instead of trying to sell them to a publishers.<br /><br />I thought this would make a good post for this blog. These are a few things to consider when investigating hosting services that sell your patterns for you.<br /><br />1. Make certain that you have all of your notes, and any previous attempts that were not so successful. This helps document your development process and that you did create this on your own. This is a copyright protection measure.<br /><br />2. Investigate EVERY venue that you are considering selling your patterns through.<br /><ul><li>Identify their Seller and Buyer Protection policies </li><li>What are their Dispute Resolution Protocols</li><li>How good is the Search Engine </li><li>How easy or difficult it is to find your products in their system</li></ul>It won't do you much good to list a product, if folks can't find it.<br /><br />3. Weigh the Good and Bad of using a service that MEMBERS ONLY can purchase your products. Not everyone is willing or ready to JOIN a community, just to buy your pattern.<br /><br />There is nothing more frustrating to a customer to Google an item; find exactly what they want, and then can't buy it right there. <br /><br />You risk loosing numerous customers by forcing them to create a new account with a company that might use their information in ways the consumer doesn't want... or the hosting site offers no solid protection for that private information.ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436974280120991406.post-63368688941173043392009-09-05T11:54:00.000-07:002009-12-22T10:02:54.313-08:00Self Publishing- The Most Rewarding Slavery You'll Ever KnowI whine all the time that all I can do is work at home, because of my health issues. Then I sit down and realize ALLLL the 'jobs' I do to Run that business.<br /><br />I am the Designer- I must have the imagination to envision a product.<br /><br />I am the Author who must write instructions so that ANYONE can understand them.<br /><br />I am a Stitching Editor who must make certain that the mechanics of the pattern are intuitive and not convoluted and too complicated.<br /><br />I am the Editor who must read and re-read those instructions so that ANYONE could understand them, and that the instructions flow easily.<br /><br />I am the Proof Reader who must make certain that the grammar & spelling are correct.<br /><br />I am the Laborer who must follow the instructions, to generate samples of the pattern and/or test the written instructions.<br /><br />I am the Photographer who must ascertain the best setup to highlight the features of the finished product and/or capture instructional photographs to better illustrate complicated or detailed instructions.<br /><br />I am the Creative Director who must combine the Instructions and Photographs into visually pleasing format.<br /><br />I am the Formatter (typesetter) who must translate the instructions of the Creative Director into a computer language that the Printer can understand.<br /><br />I am the Printer (for my booklets, but the large book I contract out to a large printing service).<br /><br />I am the Marketing Director who must determine the angles, themes, of how best to promote my products, and the best venues of where to ‘advertise’ my products.<br /><br />I am the Advertising Director who must take the ‘thoughts’ of the Marketing Director and generate working advertisements for the products.<br /><br />I am the Webmaster who must build and maintain the site, where the Advertising and Selling is done.<br /><br />I am the Networking Specialist who must spend time in chat rooms, message boards, etc to increase interest in the Web Site where the products are advertised and sold.<br /><br />I am the Shipping clerk.<br /><br />I am the Bookkeeper.<br /><br />I am the Inventory/Warehouse Director.<br /><br />I am the Negotiator who secures the Best Price for the Best services in printers, delivery, or any other service.<br /><br />I am the Office Manager who must answer correspondence, purchase supplies, pay the bills.<br /><br />I am the Salesman who must talk to folks about the products and website to Sell the Products.<br /><br />I am the Wholesale Accounts manager.<br /><br />I am a Research Specialist who must compile information to help the Designer, Editors, Author, Marketing Director, Advertising Director, Webmaster, Teacher, and Business Owner.<br /><br />I am a Teacher, so that I build my consumer base.<br /><br />I am a Small Business Owner, and with all this work, it is much like being a Slave to My Business... and the most rewarding thing I’ve ever attempted.ARNie http://www.blogger.com/profile/12853859397325651357noreply@blogger.com4