Farm Expo 2009

Hi folks:

I usually hibernate in the winter. I do so many shows during the season (April through December) and the farmer's markets three times a week during the same season.

January through the first of April is my downtime, but I did a show this month called the Farm Expo 2009.

This is a picture of most of my four foot table. I participated along with the Kingsport Farmer's Market of Tennessee. I was glad to get all of 4 foot, really - there were 6 vendors there, including myself.

But, fortunately, everyone got 4' of space, and so that was a good thing.

Friday was a long day as the hours ran into 9 pm. Saturday was even longer as the sales were pretty low. But, Sunday made me glad I participated.

I saw a lot of folks I see during the selling season. I'm not saying that was a good thing, though some I was glad to see.

But, I am glad it is over, and now my time of hibernation is here. This doesn't mean a vacation, it just means more time on the Internet.

The next day or two will see me post my second blog on the tunic I am crocheting. It is coming along quite nicely. I have the front nearly finished. I will have pics and comments for you then.

I hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for stopping by...Kathleen

New Etsy Finds!

I’m feeling the need to change out my latest etsy finds. I went on a “red” and “pounce” hunt and found all sorts of little known treasures.

1. BeesKneesBoutique (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6034994) with the cutest love bug to personalize. I can see this on a computer desk as one of those distracting moments that might make one smile.

2. imaginationjewel (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6462870) with gorgeous ruby red and silver clip-on earrings. For clip ons, these are super! Very elegant, too.

3. luckybead (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6833861) with a red dyed Turquoise Stone – what a beautiful stark red! I crochet jewelry, and I think this would make a great pendant.

4. TammysTrifles (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6737035) with a Cardinal Bracelet in lovely hues of red. This would look stunning with a red or black or white dress! And,

5. KimsKnickKnacks (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6743478) with eye-grabbing red heart buttons – I can see these on several crochet projects.

These lovely and gentle shops would love to have you come by and see what they offer. They were all super kind and very responsive to my convos.

I’m working every spare minute (and I am lucky to get minutes at a time) on my latest project, my crochet tunic in Jaeger Roma. Tomorrow or the next day, I will report on my latest progress.

Thanks, guys....Kathleen

New Project

Hi!

Today finds me beginning a new project I have been thinking on for two years.

I am going to crochet a tee shirt tunic for myself. I do very little crochet for myself - much for friends, and much more to sell, but little for me. It is almost like I am waiting for that perfect yarn to work on that perfect pattern that just never comes.

Well, I have heard that if you take a favorite garment, and crochet (or knit) to the shape of that garment, you will have made the "perfect" garment for you.

And, what is the "perfect" yarn? My definition would be yarn that is kind to the skin that does not cost a fortune.

I mentioned I have been thinking about this project two years. I have accumulated some yarn in that time, bamboo mostly, that was on sale here and there. But, I have found a yarn that excites me to work with and that I think will make a great tunic.

I went to http://www.smileysyarns.com where I found some Jaeger Roma in only three colors but on sale for $1.99!!

Yes, you see I bought 10 skeins. This yarn is often seen between $8 and $10. It is a soft and drapey blend of viscose, nylon and angora. The color above is a bit softer than what the pic portrays, and it matches my Bamboo Eco Luxe clothes from Spiegel. I have the dress, and this tunic would look great over the dress (my opinion).

And, I have a favorite tee shirt.

This morning, I popped it onto my dress form. And, I began my project.I am starting with the front. It measures 20 1/2 inches across for a slight flare at the bottom of the tunic. I will shape it to about 16 inches across by the time I reach my waist area. I will work this out, and I will post the pattern when finished.

I am doing this one in double crochet. I would like to do one in single crochet, but I am looking to motivate not discourage in my first attempt. Single crochet would take a while for me (but I love the fabric it creates). And, I am using a J hook.

If you would like to check out some yarn that you enjoy using but can rarely afford, check out smileys. I am pleased with their product and service. I also order from knitpicks (www.knitpicks.com). They have nice prices at free shipping over $50. And, Smiley's does have a minimum order of $50. (But, that is NOT hard for me...I don't buy much else.)

Of course, I will keep you posted on my progress. And, thanks for being interested.

Yours, Kathleen

Thank Yous

This is a multi-purpose write.

(First, the announcement for my new section at my Etsy shop.)

Ta-Da!!!

I hereby announce that Kathleen’s new section, Just Crochet, is now open in her etsy shop with many new and fancy accessories she has crocheted herself, all by hand.

Please come by and check out her headbands, neckwraps, scarves, necklaces, amulet bags, and more. You are very welcome to come by anytime, as she is open 24 hours a day!

Thank you!

(Second, but never last; a thank you to a friend)

I would like to thank a friend of mine who is helping me stage my photos. She shows me how to think outside the box. I don’t think she ever thinks inside the box! ♥

Do you ever come across a project in which you find yourself wondering what next step to take? This is where I find myself occasionally, and she is often there to take it with me. What a friend!

Thank you to her (who will probably never see this)!!!

And, that, my internet friends, is all I have to say today. Thank you for stopping by. Have fun and be safe!

k

Labeling Skin Care Products

The title above will take you to an address that is an interesting read on ingredient labeling on skin care products.

I have researched skin care for more than four years. I have found that there is a big difference in opinion on what is good for our skin and what is not.

I come to the conclusion that it is good for our skin if:

1. we can pronounce the words in the ingredient list and know what they all are, and

2. we can eat those ingredients (except for the lye solution, but that's another blog).

backside of pure olive oil soap label

But, it is an interesting subject, because we have many soapmakers out here labeling many different ways. I have seen some label by all the Latin names, and even if they are all good for our skin, it appears to be chock full of chemicals. I’ve seen some call their soaps all natural, while using fragrance oils in their soaps. And, some melt and pour glycerin soap makers might want to reread the ingredients in their melt and pour soap. There is a process of extracting the glycerin from soap that might not be the greatest for our skin.

It may not be common knowledge, but in the “scent” world, fragrance oil is man made, and essential oil is plant made. I have put a serious search out there, but Wholesale Supplies Plus is the only wholesaler with “all natural fragrance oils”. But, at this time, I have no more information than that. I have used the Honey Almond and the Cucumber, and I must say they do not give me a headache when sniffed heavily.

I advocate truth in advertising, and, so do a lot of folks; but truth is a relative word.

I list all ingredients with the common name, so if we do not know what it is, we can look it up easily. I list them on all products whether it is required by law or not, because everyone has a right to know what they are putting in their mouths, as well as putting on their skin. And, I list all ingredients used in the making of all products.

When I say all natural, I mean there are no synthetic ingredients in the product. I will not claim all natural when fragrance oil is used in the product. I use no synthetic ingredients, except for a few fragrance oils used in some soaps and one salve, and a few flavor oils used in some lip butters.

The thing is, if you are going to go all natural in your skin care, you want to know that it is all natural. When a seller says “all natural”, just check the list of ingredients and do your research if you see something you are not sure of. And, sellers of skin care products on the internet are more talkative and more willing to answer questions (I think less distractions), so do not hesitate to ask.

First Aid Salve

close up of ingredient label

Thanks, again, Kathleen