Inspiration

One of the questions that I often get is “Where do you get your ideas?”. I design and write patterns for the shop and national craft publications. Some of the things that I do for publication have certain themes but the way the themes are implemented is up to me. The short answer to the question is “Everywhere!”.

 I read a lot so the atmosphere created by a story might lead to a color scheme or style. I’ve been reading many historical novels this summer so fitted garments with lace accents are floating around in my head. No tight corsets necessary though!   

 I hike around east Tennessee with a friend. My camera goes with me. Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook see some of the pictures from these hikes. What you don’t see are the ones of strangely colored fungi or an odd bark on a stump. These are to remind me of colors and textures found in nature. Flower shots may show up in embroidery patterns. My pictures are nothing that would win any awards in a photography contest, but good enough for me! Try it sometime. The fresh air, beauty of the outdoors, and good company are a great way to sooth the stress of everyday life and rejuvenate the creative spirit.

Sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. Sitting at a stop light one morning, I noticed that the tail lights of the car ahead had an odd pattern on the acrylic cover. I remembered it and incorporated it in a knitting pattern for a small purse. Yes, it was a long light.

Lastly, some of my inspiration comes from meeting people and teaching classes. Both push me to try different things and improve my skills. Doing a specialized technique leads to a swatch, then a sample and a finished design which I can share with friends and customers.

Inspiration can come from anywhere at anytime. Observe, listen, and absorb the world around you. You can’t help but be inspired!

     It's fall already! The daylight is getting noticeably shorter now and the nights have cooled. It's time to think of fall. With that in mind, we changed the front window to fall colors. We added a scarecrow this year. He desperately needs a name! I'm taking suggestions on Facebook. I'll make a decision on Monday, September 9th and announce it to everyone. We've had a few suggestions. Let's see a few more! By the way, that's a black cat made from pom poms on his shoulder.

     The fall newsletter and class schedule is ready. You can view it here:   Fall 2013 Newsletter & Class Schedule  . It goes through the end of the year.


     Bye for now!

Big news today! The  "Autumn Creative Knitting Magazine, All Seasons Throws" is almost out. I have a design included! Here's a sneak peek at the magazine and my design. The e-magazine is on sale 7/30 and the print version is on sale 8/20, available on http://www.CreativeKnittingMagazine.com/ . I'll have a few a the shop also.

This is mine! I love the colors together. Nice and bright! 

I would like to share the videos of 4 spots that I filmed for "Creative Living With Sheryl Borden" back in fall of 2009. They aired throughout 2010 and 2011. I just recently uploaded them to YouTube. I hope you enjoy them.

The show is filmed by KENW-TV at Eastern New Mexico State University in Portales, New Mexico. Sheryl makes it very easy to film. I would love to do it again sometime.

The first spot is "Blocks Into Pillows". Part of the sample highlighted are from my books "Knitted Blocks" and "Crocheted Blocks.http://youtu.be/SpRPwkYGPQw


The second spot is "Knitting Jewelry". http://youtu.be/f3otu8dAqYI

The third spot is "Decorated Gift Baskets". I give ideas about how to personalize gift baskets for any occasion.  http://youtu.be/vuGqp7_W_Ac

The last spot is "Fabric Painting". Decorating fabric with acrylic paints and sponges is always fun!
http://youtu.be/gDHi_7Q6ZK8

More to come in the future!  Happy Crafting!

A milestone has occurred! I made my first video tutorial today! It's is very basic jewelry techniques.  It is called "Beginning Jewelry - A Bracelet and Earrings Set" .  I've uploaded it to YouTube. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaDBjfwIjgE
I hope you like it! Watch for more in the future!

Hiking at Roan Mountain State Park, 6/30/2013

I went hiking yesterday with my friend Karen. It was an absolutely gorgeous day! We went to Roan Mountain State Park. We hiked around the Rhododendron Gardens some. The rhododendrons weren't at their peak but it was still pretty.

rhododendron

overlook at the Rhododendron Gardens

showing the base of the rhododendrons

High Bluff Trail was our next venture. The trail itself was interesting with the undergrowth of the rhododendrons all tangled together. The overlook at the end was well worth the hike! I took a panorama picture of the view showing the blue sky, white clouds and green plants.

panorama from High Bluff Trail, Roan Mountain State Park

From there we hiked up to Round Bald which is actually on the Appalachian Trail. I can now say that I have hiked a portion of the trail (okay, a small portion).

panorama at Round Bald, Roan Mountain State Park

Whew! A lot has happened since I blogged last.

I've finished the website renovation. It has a brighter look and is easier to maintain. I hope you like it.

I've become an affliliate with Craftsy.com to promote online classes. they have classes in subjects such as cake decorating,  beading, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and painting. They have recently started 6 new classes in fine art with landscape and portraiture painting. Here's a link to see the new classes:  http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=253536&u=823353&m=29190&urllink=&afftrack= .

I'm working on getting more patterns tech edited, formatted, and ready for sale. I have a moebius cowl, a reversible cable hat, scarf, and mitten set, and a 2 color brioche knit hat in the works.

The Summer 2013 Newsletter and Class Schedule is out. You can find in on the website: http://www.terrisyarnsandcrafts.com/Newsletter_and_Class_Schedule.php  .  There's a free pattern for a fan that would be good for Bible School crafts. If you have any classes that you are interested in taking, let me know.

Stay cool and happy crafting!

I've been hard at work on the website redo. Hopefully I'll have it "live" within another week. I think you'll like it.

I've started stocking Testor's enamel paints. They can be used on plastics or glass. I have the small glass jars as well as paint markers.

Be sure and checkout the Fall 2012 Newsletter and Class Schedule ! Lots of classes with the holidays in mind.

Hello, It's Been A While!

Okay, it's been a while since I've posted. I can't believe that time has flown by as fast as it has. I've been busy at the shop and getting designs ready for publication. The next thing on the list is a complete revamp of the store's website. It will be easier to for everyone to shop and for me to update.

I have the Spring / Summer 2012 Newsletter on the website ready for viewing. I'm excited about starting a Beyond The Basics crochet group this summer. It's for anyone who knows the basics and wants to learn more. Check out the newsletter here.

Leave a post telling what projects you are working on this summer. I'm always interested.

Happy Crafting!

Ava

At last, the new newsletter and class schedule are done! Plus thoughts on life in general.

At last! I finally got the winter newsletter and class schedule completed. I've been busy with submissions, inventory, and bookwork since Christmas and just haven't gotten the planning done. It's here now, though.

I've also been on a reading jag. I re-read Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride and Prejudice". I've reverted to mysteries now with Sue Grafton's " U Is For Undertow". Something fun!

I lost a longtime family friend this last week. It kind of made me reflect on life. I haven't come to an earthshaking conclusion yet but I have realized that time is too fleeting to let things keep us from enjoying friendships and companionship. So get together with a friend this weekend and celebrate!

Fall Wreath Class

I've got the project ready for the Fall Wreath class this Saturday, August 27, at 2pm. It turned out really cute! You don't have to bring any tools. Everything is furnished for the $15.00 fee. You'll go home with a wreath! I hope to see you here!

Easy Crochet Hat Pattern

Here's the easy crochet hat pattern that I promised in the newsletter. This pattern is included in my book "You Too ...Can Learn To Crochet!" You can buy the entire book on the store's website www.terrisyarnsandcrafts.com, at the store, or on Amazon or other websites that sell books.

Let's see how many hats we can collect for charity this year. As I said in the newsletter, bring in one hat between now and December 1, 2011 and receive 10% off any purchase that day.

Crocheted Hat With Turned Up Brim

Crochet an easy hat for those cold winter days!

Materials Needed:

85(110, 150) yards of worsted weight acrylic for a one color hat

If you want to do the brim in a different color, allow 40(50,62) yards for the brim and 45(60, 88) yards for the rest of the hat.

The sample hats were done in Patons Canadiana (100% acrylic, 201 yards per skein)

size I crochet hook (or size needed for gauge)

scissors

yarn needle

Skill Level:

Sizes: toddler(child, adult) measuring 14”(17”, 22”) head circumference

Gauge: 11 dc or 6 rows = 4”

Abbreviations:

ch: chain

sc: single crochet

st: stitch

dc: double crochet

dec: decrease

Special Stitch Instructions:

decrease (dcdec): (Wrap the yarn over the hook. Insert the hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through two loops on the hook.) 2 times. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through all loops on the hook.

Instructions:

Note: The beginning chain counts as the first stitch of the round. When working in rounds, join the last stitch of the round with the second chain of the beginning chain with a slip stitch.

Instructions written for the toddler size with child and adult sizes in ( ). If only one number is given, it is for all sizes.

Brim:

Ch 11(13, 13), turn.

Row 1: 1sc in the second chain and in each chain across, turn – 10(12, 12) st.

Row 2: Ch1, 1sc in the back loop of each st across, turn.

Repeat row 2 until a total of 36(48, 60) rows have been done. Hint: Count the ridges: each ridge is equal to 2 rows.

Lay your piece flat with the beginning tail on the bottom left hand side. Fold the brim with the short edges together. Slip stitch the edges together by inserting the hook through one stitch from each edge. Do not cut the yarn. The rest of the hat will now be worked in rounds. If you want to change colors, cut the yarn from the brim and add the new color.

Crown of Hat:

Round 1: Hold the brim with the last stitch from the join facing up. Ch1. working from right to left, 1sc in each row around the edge of the brim. Join the last stitch to the first chain at the beginning of the round – 36(48, 60) stitches.

Round 2: Ch2, 1dc in each st around, join.

Rounds 3 – 6: Repeat row 2.

Round 7: Ch2, 1dc in the next stitch, (dcdec, 1dc in each of the next 4 stitches) 5(7, 9) times, dcdec, 1dc in each of the next 2 stitches, join – 30(40, 50) stitches.

Round 8: Ch2, 1dc in the next stitch, (dcdec, 1dc in each of the next 3 stitches) 5(7, 9) times, dcdec, 1dc in the next stitch, join – 24(32, 40) stitches.

Round 9: Ch2, (dcdec, 1dc in each of the next 2 stitches) 5(7, 9) times, dcdec, 1dc in the next stitch, join – 18(24, 30) stitches.

Round 10: Ch2, dcdec 8(11, 14)times, skip the last stitch – 9(12, 15) stitches.

Round 11: Ch2, dcdec 4(5, 7) times, 1dc in the next stitch 0(1, 0) times, join – 5(7, 8) stitches.

Cut the yarn and pull the end the last loop. Run the end through the last round and pull the center of the hat tight. Fasten the yarn on the wrong side. Weave in any ends.

Turn the brim to the outside of the hat.

©2010 Ava Lynne Green

927 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862

Summer & Fall 2011 Newsletter

Well, I finally got the next newsletter written. I've been running behind lately and just didn't get around to it. Anyway, here's a link to download to Summer & Fall 2011 Newsletter. It has the class schedule through the rest of the year. You can also view this issue and archived issues at www.terrisyarnsandcrafts.com and click on the Newsletter and Class Schedule link in the sidebar. I hope you enjoy it!

new magazine issue

I've published a new magazine / booklet with Magcloud. The magazine is called "Stitcher's World". This issue is an introduction to tunisian crochet. It's available at Terri's Yarns and Crafts or by clicking on the button below. I hope you like it!

Stitcher's World Issue 1: Tunisian Crochet

Finished Project

I've finished my project for the Westcott Brand Designer Display at Craft and Hobby Association in Chicago next month. Hope you like it!

It's a necklace with an interchangeable rose focal point. The roses not on the necklace are "docked" on an organizer that you can use for pencils, makeup brushes, or anything that fits. Of course, it's all done with Duck® Brand Duct Tape, Velcro fasteners, and Westcott Brand titanium non-stick tools. I added cardboard tubes, jewelry findings, a wooden nickel, satin rattail cord, and pieces of a cardboard box.

All of the products were great to work with. The duct tape sheet were fantastic for covering large areas. I also cut it into strips with the Westcott titanium trimmer. There was no residue left on the trimmer, scissors, or knife. Just a good clean cut. I used the trimmer for the corrugated cardboard. It took 2 passes through to complete the cut because of the thickness, but it was still easier than using scissors. Velcro is always great for holding things together.

I had a lot of fun working with the products. I have several more ideas floating around in my head for some other things to do. Watch for more later!

My Rose Necklace

As promised, here's a picture of something made from The Duck Brand® Duct Tape, Velcro® Brand Fasteners, and Westcott Brand cutting tools. I made a rose. It's attached to a starburst backing with Velcro that hangs on a cord. I'm wearing it as a necklace in one photo. The second photo shows it against a white background.

I'm having fun working with the supplies. The Westcott Brand tools are great. The scissors are cutting the duct tape with no problem. I've use the cutter for the duct tape sheets. Again, no stickiness and a great result.

I have several ideas for the duct tape samples. I didn't know it came in zebra stripes and camouflage. Too cool!

Off to work some more! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Creative and Charitable Designer Display at CHA

I'm taking part in the Creative and Charitable Designer Display sponsored by Westcott Brands. I'm going to use Westcott cutting tools, Duck Brand© Duct Tape, and Velcro® Brand Fasteners to make a piece to be auctioned off at the Craft and Hobby Association in Chicago in July. The proceeds will go to CharityWings.org

My only problem is going to be deciding what I want to do! I'll be posting pictures here as I go.

What's Up?

I've got a lot going on this summer. I'm working on some new patterns. I have one for a knitted headband that is cute.

Have you ever thought of recycling those worn out blue jeans into bags and adding knitted accents? It's really rather fun! Knit flaps, patches, and straps. One pair of adult jeans yields at least 3 bags. Holes don't matter; just patch them.

Summer is also a time for crafting with the kids. Make sure you have plenty of paints, chalk, glue, glitter, and craft foam for projects.

Welcome to Terri's Yarns & Crafts Blog!

This is a place for people who love to do all sorts of crafts. My name is Ava and I knit, crochet, paint, do needlework. I own a shop name Terri's Yarns & Crafts in Tennessee. I'll be posting updates on store events. I'll also let everyone know when new patterns are available. Keep checking back because I have a lot of things in mind for this fall and all of next year. Bye for now