Memories from Grandma

Anyone who has been in the store knows that my Grandma has been here a long time. Since 1971 to be exact. Over these years some unforgettable things have happened so I thought I would blog about one that was just reminded to us.

Over this past weekend we cleaned the windows out and installed lights. Well, we were here pretty late and this women came in who was so happy to see we were still here. She asked how Grandma was, as of this entry she is 89, (born in 1919) and doing well. She then told us how she first met Grandma. Many years ago she was in with her Mom on their way back from a jewelery store and mistakenly left their jewelry behind. My Dad found it and gave it to Grandma who called the jeweler and told him if someone called that they lost jewelery to call her, but she refused to say what it was that she found. Well luckily the women called and was so happy to have her jewelry back she gave grandma a gift. Today, Grandma was so happy to hear that the women remembered her and her kind deed. She would love if the women would come back to the store when she's here.

"Knock wood" Grandma has a great memory and as she recalls funny things I will continue to blog them. If you are ever in town come by the shop, she would love a fresh pair of ears to talk to.

Website is Down

If you've been trying to get to the Cook's Crafts site its been down for the last couple of days. Please email me if you need anything. I'm being told it should be fixed soon.

My own damn fault

I have this bad habit of when someone comes in and buys something I hand them their change and say thank you. But after today I'm going to count every bill into their hand. Today this 6 foot tall man with a tattoo on his neck claimed I didn't give him the right change when I know what was in my drawer and what I gave him. It's my own fault for not counting the change into his hand as I gave it to him. Live and learn but karma will come back to him. Its just another reason to get my video camera's set up.

Where's the podcast?....

Well, sorry listeners. I haven't recorded a podcast in over a week but I do have a good excuse. My friend is pregnant with her second child. Well I was working when she had her first child so I never made her anything. Soooo, I've been feverishly making the toddler a poncho, matching hat and a blanket, plus I'm making a baby blanket for her her new addition.

I haven't forgot all of you and plan to be recording again this week. If you're on twitter you can always follow along with my day or you can see pictures of projects I've done or doing on either ravelry or flickr. User name is cookscrafts on all of them.

Thanks for all your supportive and concerned emails. Your feed back is what keeps the podcast going. If you have an idea or request for me to cover on the show email me.

Christmas in July...

Well, Christmas in July is coming to an end. Remember that now is the time to start your Christmas projects so they are done in time. Because of my ordering schedule with my distributors I am able to extend our sale to the first week of August.

Show notes updated:
I just updated show notes for Ep 43 and 44 so if you were looking for a link or picture of what I was talking about you can check it out at www.cookscrafts.com

I know I've been bad about updates here, but I've been trying to update stuff on Ravelry. If your a member please take a look at what we have made for the shoppe. Pictures of the items are also on our flicker site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookscrafts/

Glow in the Dark Yarn

I usually wouldn't blog about this type of yarn this early in the season but Bernet is taking pre-orders now from distributors. So if anyone wants this yarn you need to call your craft/yarn store right away and tell them you are interested in it!

Episode Postponed

Today episode will be postponed till later in the week. I have a very bad ear infection. I went to the doctor today and hope to be feeling better tomorrow.

Thank you all for understanding.

Episode 40 - Fathers Day Crafts

The show this week is short and sweet on some places to go and things to make for dear ol' Dad. Show note and links are on our site. www.cookscrafts.info.

Here is a free pattern I made last year and completely forgot about when I did the show.

Graduates & Veterans...

Show notes have been updated for Episodes 38 & 39. Videos mentioned in the show are still being worked on. iMovie 08 is different than 07 and I'm having more trouble with it than I thought I would.

http://www.cookscrafts.info/

Cyber-robbery....

Well, I missed out. Another Cook owned Cookscrafts.com. They were a woodworking place in PA and that was fine. I know Cook is a popular name, so I got cookscrafts.info for Grandma's store. Then yesterday I got an email from a company that bought the .com when the original owner didn't renew it. They want $557 to transfer it to me. WTF!! Thats crazy. So I emailed them and they asked.."What are you willing to pay and I'll bring it to my manager".. Yea, OK ya know what keep it! I went ahead and got the .biz and I'll just stick with what I have. I'll watch and maybe next year the company will let it expire and I can add it to my account. What I need is some low cost local advertising. And when I say low cost, I mean shoestring.

Show notes updated

I updated show notes for Ep. 35 & 36. Included are pictures for all the projects I talked about and pictures of the new products coming out. There are tons more shows I need to update, but I'm getting to it. :)
www.cookscrafts.info and click on shownotes.

Todays Show is Postponed

I'm sorry but today's live show will be postponed to next week. I'm just not feeling well and don't feel I could give the show my all tonight.

I am always available if you have any craft questions or problems so please don't hesitate to contact me.

Episode 34 - Craft Helpers

Today I'd like to talk about craft helpers. Things that help us either see our crafts better or craft more comfortably.

So lets talk about the right lighting. Its very important that the area you craft in is well lit. The type of light you use will determine if your colors are true and your eyes don't get strained. Especially if your doing needlework or painting. OttLight makes a wide range of True Color lights from floor lamps with adjustable arms to clip on lights ranging in price from 49.99 to over 200.00

Now that you have the right lights, let make sure you can see well. Some of these lights come with magnifiers attached, which is really great for fine needlework and embroidery. You can also get clip on magnifiers and sheet magnifiers that help with reading patterns. Just remember that the higher the magnification the smaller the magnifier will become. The Ultimate Armchair magnifying Lamp has light, a magnifier and a clip to hold your pattern for $259.99, a bit pricy but if you craft for profit you can make this back quickly by being able to craft longer more comfortably. Another magnifier option is the MagEyes. this fits on your head like a head band and you can adjust it to see your work. This is what my grandma has been using for years to be able to see her craft work. They are relatively inexpensive at 34.99. But if you really need to see fine detail work you might want to consider OptiVisor Optical Glass Binoculars. These start around $40 and are more powerful for the really fine detail work you might do with jewlery.

Your hands are a very important thing to a crafter so you need to make sure to take good care of them. But when your crafting you don't want to use a greasy hand cream that will dirty your work. Well there are a few places that make cream just for us. Thimbleberries inc has a Hand Care Lotion thats non-greasy which moisturizes your hands, not your projects. for about $18 for a large pump. Sew help me is another brand that come in smaller travel tubes.

But sometimes your hands get tired crocheting those 20 doilies you promised and you need a little support. HandEze are fingerless gloves that support your hand and wrist while you work and are very comfortable. I don't craft with out them. From their sale sheet. “HandEze therapeutic craft gloves provide non-restrictive support for both hands and wrists. HandEze retains body heat which will help improve circulation, massages hands with four way stretch lycra and is proven to produce relief from arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and continuous motion syndrome.”

From the same company that brings us magEyes they have The Body Rite Posture Pleaser It's an ergonomic posture aid that reduces neck and upper back pain. At around $40 its a steal to help us with our postures.

Remember when you're crafting, get up, stretch. Make sure you have a comfortable chair in a well lit area. You will be crafting for a long time as long as you take care of your body.

Craft Recall alert!

Safety Recall
Quincraft's Inc.
Makit & Bakit 5 piece Jewelery Set

Each of these kits contains a metal bracelet with a clasp closure. The clasp tested positive for excessive lead content and effects all product purchased between July 1, 2007 to April 1, 2008.

Consumers should stop using these products immediately. For detailed instructions on how to receive free replacement product please call the Quincraft's Recall Hotline at 800-366-4660 8am-5pm ET Mon-Fri

New Crochet World

The new issue of Crochet World just came in the store. It's bigger than earlier issues and has more projects. Visit their website for a free trial issue and free patterns. http://www.crochet-world.com/

If you or someone you know is getting married soon, this is the issue for you. They have a beautiful Intertwined Ring Pillow pattern, a wedding shawl, even white crochet gloves!

The reason that I like this and many of Crochet Worlds issues is that it has a little something for every skill level along with a lot of different types of projects to get you excited. I have found a mistake or 2 over the years and they always have posted a correction in the following issue. Crochet World readers always seem to be very active participants in the issues.

This issue is $4.99 and is available now at our store as well as other craft & book stores.

This post is in no way sponsored by Crochet World this is just my personal opinion of this issue. Though if Crochet World would like to sponsor my podcast they can contact me. :)

Episode 33 we talked about Summer Crafts

Now that summer is coming i thought I would talk about some crafty things to make that make me think of summer.

First off, I have long hair, so when the hot weather strikes I love to have fancy handmade pony tail holders.

There are 2 Books out with lots of crocheted ideas:
✦ Two Dozen and One Scrunchies Needle Craft Shoppe $4.95
✦ Annies Attic Hair Accessories $5.95

But you don't always have to pay for good patterns these are some Free Sites I found:
✦ http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/scrunchies.php

And for the knitters:
✦ http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/hair/scrunchi.htm

Then if you really want your hair out of the way there is A crochet bun cover at http://www.fjsmjs.com/Mary/basicbun.htm

Now for the kids:

"Making Friends" comes threw with some great hair accessory ideas for small kids http://www.makingfriends.com/ponybead/hair_accessories.htm

along with How stuff works with stuff a little more suitable for teen and tweens http://home.howstuffworks.com/beaded-hair-barrette.htm

Remember, you can take Blank Hair clips and combs which can be easily beaded and wired to match any outfit. A great use for for those few little extra beads and old hair clips that may have gone out of style.

Now when your walking around the board walk or amusement park a Fanny pack is a must.

Sewing Pattern:
✦ http://www.ehow.com/how_2085917_sew-fanny-pack.html

Knit:
✦ http://www.knitty.com/issuefall05/PATThipster.html

I didn't have any luck finding a crochet pattern but I don't think it would be hard to design for us experienced crocheters. If you need help, let me know.

Beach bags and totes:
✦ http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bags_totes_purses.php

And of course if its hot you want to carry your water.

Water bottle holders:

Four Friends & A Blog has a free knitted water bottle holder:
✦ http://fourfriendsandablog.blogspot.com/2007/07/more-knitting.html

Crochet:
✦ http://www.allfiberarts.com/library/patterns/cr-h20bottle.htm

and over at The Chronicles of Mommia blog is a great pattern for my favorite new tool, the knifty knitter.
✦ http://thechroniclesofmommia.blogspot.com/2006/04/water-bottle-holder-pattern_09.html

Bike Tassels: take Plastic lacing and pony beads to make great custom Bike Tassels. .

Now lets go to the beach or pool to cool off:

Beach blankets are easy to knit and crochet I just use a breathable cotton blend for comfort, but how about a bathing suit. Here are a couple of free patterns to get you started:

2 Crochet patterns:
✦ http://crochic.tripod.com/bikini.htm
✦ http://www.knitting321.com/bikini.htm

and not to be out done 2 Knit patterns:
✦ http://vintagepurls.net.nz/womenspatterns.html
✦ http://www.knittinghelp.com/patterns/free-knitting-patterns-womens-misc.-knit-clothing

Now lets have some fun with the kids making Sandcastle:

http://www.sandcastlecentral.com/ has some great tips and tricks on making a sand castle and sand sculptures just make sure you don’t leave any holes for someone to fall into. I just heard that some beaches have been reporting problems in the past and have been giving fines to people who leave hazardous holes in the beach.

And while you're at the beach and kids are making sand castles you can catch up on your reading, here are some free patterns for book holders and book marks.


✦ Plastic canvas - The Carol Duval show on HDTV showed a pattern using colored 10 mesh plastic canvas. This has been discontinued by darice but I still have some in stock. Or you can use clear or use 7 mesh plastic http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_needlework_other/article/0,,HGTV_3265_3857625,00.html


✦ Crochet http://crochetnmore.com/biblecoverpattern.htm

BookMarks that didnt make it into the recording:

Crochet
✦ http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bookmarks.php

Cross Stitch
✦ http://crossstitch.about.com/od/featuredfreepatterns/tp/free_bookmark_patterns_charts.htm

Plastic Canvas Bookmark
✦ http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/product.php?productid=16260&cat=119&page=1

Shownotes updated

I've just updated the shownotes for Episode 31 about quilting and Episode 32 about the bead show. If ever you have a question about a show and notes are not up yet, please email me and I will answer you ASAP.

Episode 30 we talked about Computer Crafts

First off I want to say I'm sorry to all the listeners who got a piece of a show. It was totally my fault. I clicked the wrong thing and closed talkshoe and then couldn't get it back. :(

So I recorded and edited the show and it's now available.

Mac

1. •Needlepoint charts http://www.ursasoftware.com/MacStitch2008.htm
   

2. •Stitch Craft Pro for Mac OS 9 Classic http://www.compucrafts.com/CCSCP.html
   

3. •Sock Wizard $34.95- Sock Wizard Guide, the program's help system, is not an ordinary software manual. In addition to guiding the user through the software, Sock Wizard Guide is a mini-book on sock knitting. Even if you have never knit a sock, you can do so with the text instructions from a Sock Wizard pattern, and the pictorial renditions in the guide. http://www.software4knitting.com/sockwizardmac.htm
   

Windows

1. •M&R Technologies
   

PCStitch Pro: $79.95 PCStitch Standard: $39.95 & Plastic Canvas Studio $19.99 - Turns any photo into a chart which can then be stitched. I have both but really think PC Stitch is more powerful and if you change the holes per inch to 7 you get the same thing as Plastic Canvas. The only thing missing in PC stitch is yarn colors which you have in Plastic Canvas Studio. You can make your own Palate based on anything which is really this softwares strongest selling point. Of course other than its ability to take photos and magically turn them into charts to stitch. But remember there is no reason you can't also use these charts for your knitting and crochet patterns too. http://www.pcstitch.com/Default.aspx

A couple of other crossstich programs that I havent tried are:

1. •Hobbyware - no pricing on web site you need to email them. http://www.hobbyware.com/
   

2. •DigiStitch® cross stitch software is currently on sale of only $39.95! http://www.digistitch.com/order.htm
   

3. •My Thread Box $109.95 is for anyone who sews - especially machine embroidery and machine cross-stitch users. It uses digital color value matching (Red-Green-Blue Color Strength Numbers) instead of 'conversion tables' to cross-reference any given thread color to 70+ different thread palettes. No longer are you stuck with the palette that came with your embroidery design - this software gives YOU the freedom to sew your design with ANY thread palette you choose including searching your collection for the best matches. Software will also match hand cross stitch floss to machine embroidery thread colors for those of you who want to machine cross stitch - Also matches all 940 Pantone Process Solid colors (the graphics and print shop standard) to thread palettes for those of you who do commercial embroidery.

4. Knitting Software - Software tools for all your knitting needs. Sweaters, motifs, socks, even a knit math wizard. http://www.software4knitting.com/softwareproducts.htm
   

This is of course a small portion of computer software for crafting. I am always looking and reviewing new ones and will share more in a future show.

Free help online

1. •http://www.crochet911.com/ or http://www.knit911.com is free help from the Craft Yarn Council of America

2. Graph paper for knitters If you plan on creating your own charts, you need knitter's graph paper. You have probably already noticed that knit stitches are almost always shorter than they are wide. If you create your designs using standard graph paper, your knitted piece will look compressed in the vertical direction compared to what you created on paper. http://www.sweaterscapes.com/sub2007_knitdesign.htm

3. Elizabeth Bennett's Perl Sock Program - This program generates the instructions for knitting a basic crew sock, based on your gauge in the yarn of your choice and on the ankle circumference of the intended wearer. It is based on several years' of sock-knitting experience. http://www.princeton.edu/~ezb/sockform.html
   
   

Episode 29 we talked about Easter Crafts

This year Easter sneaks up on us on March 23rd, less than a week after St. Patrick’s day. Which really cuts into the decorating time between the two. The first thing I think of around easter to make are bunnies.
On our flicker page are pictures of bunnies made from loopy chenille wrapped around styrofoam. My favorite is this bunny hugging a giant carrot.

A good book from the talented Ginny Lowe at Sbars is "loopy friends" you may be able to find it on the web. It has loopy chenille patterns for bunnies and chicks that are quick to make and oh so cute.

Also on our flicker page is a picture of a cute little chick family made with some yarn wrapped around a styrofoam ball. A small piece of cardboard is wrapped in felt for a base that can be decorated for clothing.

Another idea for the little ones you can easily make foam rabbit ears and attach them to a head band to make your own little bunny. Visit our web site www.cookscrafts.info for a free bunny ear pattern under show notes for Ep 29.

Over at about.com they have a family craft section and a great collection of safety pin jewelry patterns to use seed beads and pins.

For the crocheter’s out there maggie weldon is offering a free crochet bunny pin pattern at http://www.maggiescrochet.com. I made one with Red Heart white pompadour yarn at it looks adorable. As soon as I’m finished I will post the picture.

Rachel from http://rachels-holiday-links.blogspot.com/2007/03/knit-crochet-easter-pattern-links.html has a ton of links for free knit and crochet easter patterns. I went through a few and they seem to still work.

Berroco.com has a free pattern for knit chicks that cant be passed up.

Now if you don’t have time to make something head over to etsy.com and look at these cute peeps or anything else you can find when you search for Easter.

Then just for fun visit http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/ They have a history of peeps and games around the little marshmallow guy

Also visit the peeps-tastic flickr group and see some funny pictures people have taken with their peeps. It might even inspire you to take some of your own.

Next show is March 19th at 9pm eastern time.

Talkshoe didn't play nice...

Well tonights live show didn't happen live. :( When I went to record, talkshoe was down so I recorded it in garage band and uploaded it later. If you want to comment on the show please email me.

Name Change

Well, as you can see, I've had to change the name of my Podcast show. It seems that an extra letter and an extra word doesn't stop someone from threatening you with trademark infringement. I didn't know anyone had the rights to trademark regular words but I guess I'm wrong. I was gonna call our lawyer in the morning, but my 90 year old Grandmother, who is still the boss, feels its not worth the money to fight. I'm very disappointed. I now have to go back and re-record 20+ shows, contact itunes to remove my show and hope no one attacks my new name. All I'm trying to do is keep my Grandmothers store in business. She's been doing this for over 36 years and now has to contend with AC Moore being a few blocks away and as of Feb. 2nd Micheal's opened up around the corner from AC Moore. How the heck can a little store survive when it feels like there is so much against them?

Well I better get to work.

New Weekly Poll Questions

As you can see from our side bar I have now started doing a weekly poll question. The results of the poll will be discussed on the next podcast. I want to use this info to help with future show ideas. Its free and no spam so please cast your vote.

CraftiCast Live Ep 20 Organizing your Crafts

Today on the show we talked about keeping our Craft Room organized. I say we because I record on talkshoe.com where people can chat with me during the show and add their comments. So far in 20 episodes I have not had one of you brave enough to call. Who will be the first??

We organized Ribbon, Yarn and needles, Beads and other little things, and instruction sheets. Pictures of all the products we talked about can be found at www.cookscrafts.info under show notes.

We also had a listener email me to help her find a craft for her class for Martin Luther King day. The kids like to work with beads so they were thinking of a pin. If any of you have any ideas please let me know.

Crochet Heart Pattern

This cute and easy crochet stitch can be done in any color combination. Download a pdf of the instructions here