Aberrant Crochet (TM)

November 11, 2010 · 10:22 pm

When You’re Finally A Rock Star…

My darling daughter came home last Friday with the request that I just had to make a hat for her classmate for her birthday yesterday. Say what…? I have four shows this month that I’m trying to get ready for and a deadline to meet tomorrow.

Over the years, several of her friends have received one of my fun hats for their birthdays, usually when we attend a party. I don’t know any of these kids’ birthdays unless I’m dragged to a party.

So anyway, someone in her circle who hadn’t gotten one of my hats yet in all these years finally approached Jess and actually asked if she could please have one for her birthday too, even though she wasn’t having a party. (sigh) They’re in middle school and they’ve all practically grown up together since they began school.

So I said **NO**.

Of course I didn’t! My daughter picked out the yarn and I made her friend an ear hat Sunday night. Had her wrap it though.

I have to admit, it can be flattering when your kids and their friends think your stuff is so cool they just gotta have it. Though I wish the timing were better since I’m trying to get ready for shows.

Then all the girls decided they would all wear the hats I’ve made them to school today. And they actually did. I think even Coach wore hers. I just wish I had a photo.

Then my daughter comes home and tells me, “Oh Mommy, it was great. Everyone LOVES your hats. And oh yeah, the boys are feeling left out too. Michael wants one that says Texas Tech for Christmas. Even Zach said he’d wear one.”

“And which kind would that be, the one that looks like it has a pony tail, or one with ears?” I ask.

“I don’t know. And there’s also Marley (in the rock band) and…..”

“Jess! Do your friends know how much my hats cost?”

“Well, no, but they are hoping you’ll be at the school Christmas bazaar….”

errrghh….

Yeah, always awesome when your kids volunteer you for birthdays and Christmas.

If I end up making hats for the entire 8th grade, they better model for me and drop my name around a few times…..

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Filed under crochet, Doing the Show Circuit, Friends and Family, kids

Tagged as crochet, hats, middle school

November 10, 2010 · 8:20 am

I Am Totally A Crochet Geek Now….

It just occurred to me that the phrase in the popular club song “Like a G-6” (by Far East Movement) could be applied to a crochet hook……

::head slap::

It’s official – I’m a geek.

And the sad thing is that I would totally, totally make a spoof video too.

Maybe I will.

Update: I also posted this to the CLF group on Ravelry. So far the consensus is that I must make this video. Guess I’ll see what I can do….!

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Filed under crochet

November 9, 2010 · 8:33 am

How Big Is Your Heart?

I wonder? How generous are people – really?

Thanksgiving is coming up. A national time of gratitude and appreciation. And football and celebration I guess. But the foundational part of what Thanksgiving is supposedly about, is gratitude for generosity. It’s always odd to me that most seem to give to charities at Christmas but not so much at Thanksgiving.

Just how generous are people anymore?

I remember being struck once on a discussion board about the death of a father to six children a couple years ago. Upon hearing the news, many of us came together to see what we could do for his widow and children. Someone volunteered to set up an account for them at a bank, someone volunteered to coordinate meals, someone volunteered to see if they could fix her car. I knew this family had already been struggling financially before the accident as the father had lost his job. I remembered how hard it was for me alone with two children while my husband was deployed and due to a paperwork mix-up, he wasn’t paid for 3 months. I could not imagine having no promise of income, 6 children to care for, grieving, having to get through the legalities and discovering the youngest had a brain tumor.

All of the legal processes that suddenly engage upon a death were not only overwhelming to the family, but taking so long. The widow needed money now. Her children needed food now. None of us were without financial worry of our own. We all saw our worst nightmare in her circumstances.

Then, in the flurry of the majority of us organizing ideas we could help with, someone objected.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “We all care for her, but isn’t this gaming the system? There are programs for this. And if she doesn’t qualify, there’s a good reason for it. I’m barely making it myself. I’m sorry her husband died and all, but why should she get this treatment?”

Yes, I suppose there are programs and case workers. I don’t know what all happened as far as these processes are concerned. But I do know that this mother had to wait months for “official” help. I know that what we were doing was all she had to rely on for awhile. I couldn’t have considered otherwise when it came to pouring from my heart, but especially since having a glimpse of her reality myself.

When I went through those 3 months without pay while my husband was deployed, there was no help for me and my children. The law protected our credit, but it did not feed us or keep us watered and warm. There were no programs in place to help when a reservist doesn’t get paid due to a computer/paperwork glitch that only high ranking personnel can fix and the chain of command isn’t even in your state. The many calls I made to people who just said, I don’t know what it’d be for the guard. No business could ever get away with that. And you learn real quick who your friends really are.

I only have two children and had a promise of someday the problem being fixed and the pay coming through. That was an awful experience. I could not imagine being in her shoes. So of course I could never consider not sharing.

Are we generous? Do we hold back in fear because we see that we’re struggling too? Do we wait for someone else to do it? Someone “rich?” Someone “official?” So we don’t have to embrace it, see the struggles of others on a personal level ourselves?

Do we only give for the tax write off? Do we only give because someone will know if we don’t? Do we give to see someone’s smile? Or can we give graciously and anonymously?

When we give, do we hedge and hesitate? Do we do so with conditions?

Do we give our old clothes and expect that that’s enough for our good deeds of the year? Do we only give what we don’t want?

Do we give time and never our money? Or do we give money and never our time?

Are we generous with supplying pleasant memories? Are we generous with our compliments and praises? Or is that saved only for our criticisms and judgments?

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Filed under Random Thoughts

Tagged as generosity

November 9, 2010 · 8:31 am

When Artists Hear “I Can Make That!”

Dan Rockwell wrote a post today over at Leadership Freak about the “Illusion of Perceived Knowledge.” Though his post was for application in a more corporate environment, I thought it was an appropriate description of something that artisans often face at shows. We’re in the middle of holiday show season, so it’s pretty fresh in my mind and there have been recent discussions amongst the artists I know. The “illusion of perceived knowledge” is a concept we are definitely familiar with.

So I thought I’d write about it a bit today for everyone’s benefit. If you’re an artist too, check out what some of us have done to help deal with this.

In our experience, there always seems to be someone who comes through a handmade market, and says, “Ugh, I can do that, and that, and that,” summing up an artist’s or artisan’s work as being without value because this person believes they can do it too. Not everyone is that bold to say such things out loud, but it is often thought. I’ve been guilty in the past of similar thoughts as well when I was young and less educated, and believe me, it was an illusion!

One of my fellow artisans had a great answer for people when they came through our market. They might pick up one of her necklaces and say “I can do that.” “Yes,” she’d say politely, “but will you?”

Whether they can or they can’t doesn’t matter. In our modern age we tend to disrespect the time and skill that goes into handcrafting something, in part because we no longer see the processes or people behind what lines the store shelves. And this is true of many other skills in life, not just art.

Instead of feeling bad or complaining about it, one of the measures our juried group took to help shift this attitude, was to create shows where the artists did demos of the kind of work they did. It’s the same concept in a way that Maker Faire has since promoted.

For instance, some people might think of chain-mail as simply a bunch of linked rings, right? Simple process; nothing to it. That is, until they had a chance to try it themselves. Suddenly they came away with a greater appreciation for the skill as well as design process.

Another artisan friend of mine specializes in jewelry made from local seeds. People might not think much of that until they learned about her process to harvest and hand process these seeds until they were suitable to be used in jewelry. They would also learn that the process was so time consuming and difficult, that some of those seeds could never be processed on a large scale and therefore would never be seen in jewelry except to be processed by hand by someone like her. Someone with the passion, patience and knowledge.

The same thing for the other artists, from silversmithing, to pottery, to sewing, to carving, to even crochet. Letting people watch us work and listen to us talk about our fields and design processes and even let them give it a try or be a part of the creative process with us. It became a teaching opportunity.

Reasons for doing these demos were multi-fold.

1) It helped preserve a sense of respect for handwork and helped dispel assumptions. Even those who might be familiar with a type of art would find themselves learning something new.

2) It was educational, family oriented and added to the positive memories and experiences of the folks coming through our market. (Important for marketing too.)

3) It helped to inspire others to try something themselves and further the love of art and handwork. It became more than just a commodity.

4) Not to mention it definitely helped sales.

This concept can be applied in other professional areas as well. Consider that like our juried market, when you give folks a chance to learn and have a hands on experience, there are three things you can accomplish.

1) Demystify something so it’s approachable.
2) Yet instill respect for it in that maybe it’s not as simple as it seems.
3) Inspire them to get in there and learn more.

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Filed under Doing the Show Circuit

Tagged as handmade, shows

November 3, 2010 · 8:24 am

I Fixed It! My Piano ‘n Me…

Today I fixed my antique piano. It’s the Gulbransen 1936 upright piano that my Aunt Kerry gave me when I was like 10 years old. It was originally from her family, but she was not using it and I’d shown promise at piano. She gave it to me under one condition. If I were to ever decide I did not want it, it had to come back to her family. This has never been a problem, since I have never wanted to be without it since it came home with me. This piano and I have been through so much together.

Today, my son loves to play on it as well. But we started noticing that two of the keys did not want to play. A little known secret is that before I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I was pursuing becoming a member of the local piano technician’s guild. Pregnancy (and massive morning “all day” sickness) rather changed my immediate plans and birth my long term ones. But I have never forgotten, and never become discouraged at, the idea of someday returning to those plans and accomplishing my goal to learn not only how to tune pianos, but fix them.

Anyway, today I got a wild hair. You see, occasionally there are tunes in my head. And when they make their presence known, these tunes have to get out of my head or I won’t get much done. My piano is always my remedy for that. But today, one of the notes I needed was broken.

Perhaps it was due to my penchant for seeing how things work and fixing things. Perhaps it was the recent class I took at The Crochet Liberation Front’s crochet conference/retreat, learning to not only make my own hooks, but fix hooks I haven’t been able to use in years because the wood had split. My teacher was Jim Price, an excellent teacher and a master hook maker. It removed my fear of repairing any wood hook that comes into my possession. Perhaps it was recent events that proved to me that often when we hesitate out of too much caution, we never live and we miss valuable things. Perhaps it’s my shift towards not putting up with over planning or hiring someone else every time anymore. I don’t know. But with a tune in my head, inspiration hit and I needed to pull that piano apart and figure out what was wrong.

I grabbed grandpa’s old screw driver and started pulling things apart.

After getting through layers of dust, I discovered that parts that used to be glued together had come loose and were no longer glued together. I have no idea what they used in 1936, but I headed to Home Depot and picked up a tube of Liquid Nails. It wasn’t the easiest fix in the world, but largely because of several moving parts and not really having all the right tools. I had to pull the whole mechanism out to get to the parts, and without enough space in my home to work (one of the reasons I hadn’t yet returned to the idea) I had to use my bed as a work space. However, I managed to isolate the broken parts, pull them out and restructure them. Took a little doing to get everything back, but it’s done and better than ever.

If there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s past time to get me a tuning hammer!

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Filed under Friends and Family, Music

Tagged as 1936, fix, gulbransen, piano

October 5, 2010 · 11:30 pm

Aberrant Austin – EtsyAustin WunderKammer

Team EtsyAustin Cabinet of Curiosities

It is officially October – Ren Faires, Day of the Dead and the excitement of Halloween is in the air! I thought it’d be fun to search the depths of Etsy Austin and see what interesting items we could find to add to or dress up your fantasy plans this month! Stay tuned for another edition next week!

Click the photos to read more about or purchase each item.

Black Skully Crayon Roll - by BabyBolt

Cotton Crochet Monkey Hat - by LittleSidekick

Spider Web Parasol - by PixieWorx

French Lady Purple Mask - by Pilgramage

Spooky Skeleton Notebook - by CrabAppleDesign

Leaf and Pearl Hair Vine - by MerrittGade

Gothic Chainmail Necklace - by AstraeaDesigns

The Littlest Pumpkin Patch Needle Felted Pumpkins - by Gypsyharte

Printed Skull Flat Card Set - by ShopInviting

Candy Cane Horns - by knighttimecreations

Upcycled Crayon Scullies - by lpfdesigns

Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Earrings - by PolishedTwo

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Filed under Artist Information & Notes

September 7, 2010 · 9:17 am

Giant Adjustable Crochet Halloween Spider Web Pattern – For Haunted House or Costume!

I continue to get hits for my blog post last year about developing this pattern and have received contacts looking for the pattern. This post is just to update and make sure everyone knows that yes, this pattern is available. I don’t know why Google is picking up my old blog post and not any of my more recent ones.

You can get this pattern right now on Etsy and Ravelry.

Look for it here: http://AberrantCrochet.etsy.com and on Ravelry HERE. The pattern is an instant PDF download on both websites after payment.

This is a completely adjustable pattern allowing you to extend it to the size you want, up to about 6 feet in diameter. It is also unique in that it can also be used to create a spider web to wear for a costume.

Spider web can be used as a costume accessory

You can read more about this pattern and its requirements at the above links. You can also find several OOAK ready made (finished) spider webs in my store at: http://PixieWorx.etsy.com on a seasonal basis. If you do not see a finished web for sale, but want one, just convo me. I usually only list them during the second half of the year, but receive input all year round.

Christmas Spider Web

I am also working on a crochet pattern for a 15-20 foot spider web for serious outdoor use. It is an advanced pattern using reinforcing stitches there are currently no yarn standards for (hence the delay in its offering). This design is to help produce an incredibly strong web for lots of stress, use and abuse outdoors in trees, etc.. (Things that often wear fibers out.) If you are interested in the more fortified giant spider web pattern, contact me directly. However, it is not currently ready for publication yet.

You may sell finished products created from my pattern as long as they are not mass produced and are hand-made by you individually. Any items for sale must state in the item description that they are based on my pattern and include a link to my website. Any items you sell based on my patterns must also feature your own photographs. You may not use my images to help sell your finished items. If you have a charity project in mind which would require multiple volunteers, please contact me.

Purchase of this pattern grants you permission to make and sell items created from it, but not to republish, share or resell the pattern itself. A lot of time, cost and technical expertise go into my designs, as well as over 35 years of intensive study and application. Tech editors, etc.. So my patterns may NOT be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission. Please do not hurt my ability to feed my family and pay for medical bills. Thanks!

Other licensing inquiries: worx@pixieworx.net

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Filed under crochet, Crochet Patterns

Tagged as cape, costume, crochet, decorations, giant spider web, halloween, haunted house, spider web, spider web cape, spider web costume

August 12, 2010 · 1:09 pm

V-Neck Variation of the Modified Railroad Choker…

Here’s the V-Neck variation of my Modified Railroad Choker, displayed with a variety of Gothic style pendants to show its versatility.

The blue combination was put together as a birthday present for one of my daughter’s junior-high friends. The red one is likely to end up with my steam punk costume come Halloween! The silver one is for the Halloween store!

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Filed under Artist Information & Notes, Crochet News, handmade, Steam Punk

Tagged as crochet, crochet jewelry, gothic, steampunk

August 11, 2010 · 11:47 am

What I’m reading today ‹ Aberrant Crochet (TM) — WordPress It

A REALLY interesting article on right/left brain! Dare you to read it and not close a nostril!

http://www.adaringadventure.com/life-coaching/creativity-guaranteed/

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Filed under What I'm Reading

Tagged as creativity, left brain, right brain

July 28, 2010 · 11:27 am

Haunted House Spider Web PDF Pattern – Aberrant Crochet Exclusive

Spider web can be used as a costume accessory

Many people have asked about a pattern for my spider webs. Though the spider webs you see in my shop are all OOAK and each unique, I have written a more simplified pattern for purchase. It is a 9 radial spider web that can be easily customized to the size you need, up to approximately 6 feet in diameter. This is not the same pattern as my giant 15-foot Metamorphosis Spider Web which I’m still working on the technical writing for. But I think for many the smaller size will do.

You can purchase this pattern on Etsy and Ravelry!

Halloween Spider Web – A Variable Pattern from Aberrant Crochet is now also listed on http://AberrantCrochet.etsy.com and on Ravelry.

This detailed 5-page pattern offers a variable-sized crochet spider web for display or costume wear. It includes a glossary of terms, color photos, display guidelines, and instructions for sizing up to an estimated 6 feet in diameter. Gauge is not particularly important to the construction of this pattern, but it will affect the end size.

Stitches are overall fairly straightforward.

Nine Radial Spider Web with Support Wedges

However, this pattern requires a lot of counting, basic lace concepts, and prior knowledge of extended crochet stitches beyond double crochet.

As such, this pattern ranks as intermediate crochet according to pattern standards guidelines and is written in American English terms. You will find a glossary of abbreviated terms used in this pattern on the last page.

Hook size: 10 (J) or 6 mm
Yardage: 300 – 600 yards
Sizes available: variable up to about 6 feet depending on your tension

Designer’s Notes: Though this pattern officially ranks at an intermediate level according to yarn standards, I do believe that it is straightforward and repetitive enough for an adventurous beginner to make. If you are still learning stitch and tension control, then this pattern may be difficult for you. I recommend very even and loose stitches for this pattern and a highly structured worsted weight acrylic yarn. However, this pattern does work with sparkly and novelty yarns for an eclectic look under a black light or “in the shadows.’

PLEASE NOTE: These spider webs are designed for decor and when worn, with teens and adults in mind. Spider webs are NOT toys. And a spider web should never be hung or left where a small child might get tangled in it or where it could pose risk or present a hanging hazard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All Content Copyright © 2008-2012 by Julia Meek Chambers, Aberrant Crochet, and Pixie Worx, all rights reserved.

You may sell finished products created from my pattern as long as they are not mass-produced and are hand-made by you individually. Any items for sale must state in the item description that they are based on my pattern and include a link to my website. Any items you sell based on my patterns must also feature your own photographs. You may not use my images to help sell your finished items. If you have a charity project in mind which would require multiple volunteers, please contact me.

Purchase of this pattern grants you permission to make and sell items created from it, but not to republish, share or resell the pattern itself. A lot of time, cost, and technical expertise go into my designs, as well as over 35 years of intensive study and application. Tech editors, etc. So my patterns may NOT be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission. Please do not hurt my ability to feed my family and pay for medical bills. Thanks!

Other licensing inquiries: worx@pixieworx.net

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Filed under Artist Information & Notes, crochet, Crochet News, Crochet Patterns, Halloween

Tagged as cape, costume, crochet, halloween, haunted house, pattern, spider web

July 27, 2010 · 4:29 pm

The Best Potholders Ever…

Complimentary colors for my sister in law

Lately I’ve had a hankering for simpler projects than I usually have my hands in. And after some recent stress and discouragement I found myself looking back for sources of comfort, to one of the very first “real” projects I ever learned to crochet some 30+ years ago – my Grandmother’s pattern for potholders.

Grandma’s double layer potholders have, to this day, been the absolute best potholders I’ve ever had. (And I’ve bought a lot of pot holders and hot pads too.) She made me a pair some 20 years ago that became my everyday potholders in motherhood. They’ve never burned me. They’ve never torn nor have they fallen apart from singeing and heat. Neither have any of the ones I’ve made in child or adulthood before or since. (Can you tell I cook – a LOT?) They wash and dry so well and overall, they still look pretty good! And not only that, but I prefer them equally to cork for use as hot pads too, when I need to set something on the counter or table.

They’ve done an excellent job of protecting my furniture from heat damage.

Various sizes, even for my little tea pot

The potholders you see pictured here are the new ones I made last week. I made several in different sizes, even some small enough for my little tea pot. And a complimentary pair for my sister-in-law who dug through my bag ‘o yarn and picked out the fibers. I really like how the textures play out.

It was comforting to “sit with Grandma” again. I’ve updated the look a bit, but in my heart it’s still Grandma’s pattern.

Miss you…

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Filed under Artist Information & Notes, crochet, Crochet Techniques

Tagged as crochet, grandma, hotpads, kitchen, potholders

July 11, 2010 · 8:38 am

Messages from the Wall: OKC Memorial…

From our visit last month….

It brings tears to my eyes. It’s why I put off writing about my visit. The energy there is vivid. Not from the memories of the dead. Not from the point of impact. But from the pain of the living. From the wound in a people.

When I go, I don’t want to hear talks and I don’t want to talk to anyone myself. I just want to sit, to experience, to be open, to feel and to pray.

The first time I visited the OKC Memorial, the kids were babies and I was unprepared. I hadn’t even crossed the street yet when the impact of the wall hit me.

“Why are all the pretty barrettes pinned to the fence Mommy?”

I pushed the umbrella stroller along the path, preschooler tagging along in hand, barely able to hold on, as she reached for necklaces, toys, and ribbons.

We rounded the corner to the chalk paths. It was a Sunday, right after the local churches had let out. Families gathered around. And we stood and watched as children wrote and drew pictures with tears in their eyes.

The wall is more sparse now, compared to the wall when I brought my two babies that Sunday. But amidst the more recently dedicated items, I still recognized some of the aging toys, jewelry and things pinned to the fence from so long ago. And my daughter did too.

There are messages this place shares that are beyond words. Feelings that can’t be labeled. Images that tap the core.

It’s a humbling place, of reverence and respect. A quiet temple of sanctuary and hope.

And yet a wall…..

of questions….

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Filed under Editorial

Tagged as bombing, memorial, okc

July 9, 2010 · 12:30 pm

Steam Punk, Corsets, and Such: Thinking on Halloween…

Clockwork hard leather bra by BruteForceStudios

Every year I try to do something outside of the box and adventurous during the month of my birthday, striving to add something truly memorable to my stock of life adventures. My birthday is also in October – only the coolest month of the year! So my memorable pursuits naturally tend to extend into holiday festivities.

Halloween, the climax of the month, is the one day that I can totally play dress-up and have fun, no matter my age or status as “mom.”
I think it just might be my favorite holiday.

Brass Hour Glass Necklace by GwenDelicious

As I’ve been working on my crochet spider webs and spider web patterns this year, I’ve also been preparing for my costume theme this year: Steam Punk.

I have always loved Tesla and gadgets, not to mention corsets, bustiers and cinchers. I don’t have a specific character in mind, but certainly a look that speaks to me. In my hunting around for costume ideas, these Etsy items really caught my eye.

I’m thinking that clockwork bra would be a great birthday present…..

Glass Eye Ring by kimsjewels

Vioin Themed Waist Cincher by ContrivedtoCharm

Industrial Steam Punk Utility Belt by ahniradvanyi

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Filed under Halloween, handmade, Steam Punk

Tagged as corsets, halloween, punk, steam, steam punk

June 11, 2010 · 8:13 am

Old plastic crochet hooks…..?

In a world where crochet hooks are my favorite tools, I personally find plastic hooks to be the least of my favorites. I have a couple, just ‘cuz I’ve been stranded without a hook before and have gone to the nearest craft store and grabbed one. Why you ask? Because even using a plastic hook coupled with box store yarn is still better than none a’tall when you are doomed to sit and wait for hours on your kids or a late appointment.

Since I really don’t like plastic hooks though and because they are cheap, I hang onto them to give away to those I end up teaching crochet to, etc.. They are not bad for beginning to learn. (And believe it or not, doing a crochet demo for kids at a show can make a big difference in attendance on your side of the expo while folks watch -and they will- not to mention the general behavior of bored kids tends to improve as well. I’ve been thanked by surrounding artists more than a few times.)

Susan Bates Vintage "Bone" Luxite Crochet Hook

If you have vintage “bone” colored hooks that are Bates, they are probably Luxite like this one, not Bakelite. These were made to look like bone. Genuine bone hooks are somewhat collectible and perhaps Luxite would be to some degree. Though I do collect hooks, I don’t personally collect these. However others do.

If you don’t want to hang onto your older plastic hooks, try eBay and throw them together as a mixed lot. I do see the older ones sell there in many conditions I wouldn’t buy for actual use. Modern plastic hooks are not really a draw for bids alone, but older hooks are. People will buy an auction full of hooks to get just one vintage one they want, like any collectible hobby. Even so, I have seen “bone” hooks on eBay that are obviously not.

When listing a lot of hooks together for an auction, you might consider tossing in a couple tags in like 4-H and Girl Scouts and teaching too. And better yet, write an explanation about the idea in your description. When I did demos for Maker Faire Austin and a scout class, I scoured eBay for economical hooks that I could afford to lose or give away.

And I know I’m not the only one!

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Filed under crochet, Editorial

Tagged as 4-h, bakelite, bone, collectible, crochet, girl scouts, hooks, luxite, plastic, teaching, vintage

June 9, 2010 · 8:10 am

Have You Heard of The Five Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Kids Do) – From The Tinkering School?

I was recently introduced to an educational concept I’m completely in love with, called The Tinkering School. It’s right up my alley in a Maker Faire kind of way, calling straight to the heart of my inner child. As well, it sweetly validated a general sense of parental philosophy when it comes to learning what I call essential life-skills and the duty of parents to expose their children to the real world and humanity’s natural state of innovation.

Started by Gever Tulley, The Tinkering School concept provides an exploratory environment using real tools and real materials to get kids directly into the mix of experimenting and learning how to take an idea and simply make it. But also it stimulates kids to learn how things do work, might work and could work. A rather organic way of learning if you ask me – very, very natural. I love it! (Or is that just the steam punker in me?)

Though I’m new to the knowledge that such a wondrous “school” (official title and expert’s books and all that) exists, I am not new to the philosophy. If anything, it’s a part of the

Jack's Key Blade (Kingdom Hearts)

code of life I carry in my heart. You can see an example of this in my daughter’s creative efforts pictured here. I didn’t design any of her key blade (based off a magical weapon in a popular video game called Kingdom Hearts). She did the whole thing herself. Hers was the spark, hers was the plan. About all I did was take her to the lumber store for the dowel rod and the dry cleaners for the cardboard tubes from hangers. Aside from a little cutting Daddy really had to do, this entire project, even down to asking a thrift store to help her find a piece of wood in their scraps so she could cut stars out of, was all her. On the one hand, I’m adamant about taking care of the things my kids can’t do yet, like driving themselves to the store. One the other hand, I’m adamant that if they have an idea, they should get creative and make a plan themselves too. Even down to “What kind of materials and how will I acquire them?” I love supporting them even though my pocketbook is not very thick, and I know better than most that where there’s a will, there a way. Figuring out how to afford things is a life skill too.

So as you can imagine, finding the following video on Five Dangerous Things (Kids Should Do) just made me feel incredibly happy, validated and empowered in my principles of parenting! #1 on his list just flat out made me giggle. Then again, they all kind of did.

Austin is lucky to have it’s own version of the school called Austin Tinkering School. Though related in concept, the two schools are actually independent from each other. My son had the exciting experience of attending their boat making workshop (big enough for a kid or two to sit in) on his birthday and LOVED it. As my little engineer, it helped make for one of the best memories he’s probably had in getting to just get right into the materials and try to make something without someone trying to lecture him first or slow him down. I haven’t seen the boat yet, since he went with a friend’s family, but when I do, I’ll be sure to post a photo. For now the hard part is finding a date to have the truck to pick up the large boat and find a body of water to haul it too and let us test his thing out!

So all the links are here – go check it out!

If you’re wondering how I found out about the Austin Tinkering School, I had help from some friends of mine from our half-day charter school who keep up with the Austin Area Homeschoolers. If you landed on my page because you’re looking for alternative educational approaches and life enrichment, etc., I do highly recommend AAH as a great local resource, whether you are a traditional homeschooler or not.

So Happy Tinkering Ya’ll!

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Filed under Editorial, Education, Friends and Family, handmade, kids, Make Faire

Tagged as austin, children, dangerous, gever tulley, homeschoolers, kids, making, punk, school, steam, tinkering

June 7, 2010 · 8:07 am

Meet the Goblins…

I started making a fun series of completely One-Of-A-Kind crochet “Goblin Hats.” And since I love to create with words as well as my hands, I started writing down the little stories that came to mind as I explored the personalities of each little “Goblin” in the making. So here are a few of them – see what you think!

The Bubblegum Goblin

The Bubble Gum Goblin is a joyful little beast whose diet consists of jawbreakers, lollipops and of course bubble gum marbles. It can be seen on occasion eating flowers for their rich colorful flavors. A creature of pure giggles and sunshine, it can’t help but infect its host and passerby’s with smiles on end.

The Cotton Candy Goblin

The Cotton Candy Goblin is a silly little beastie born under an Aquarius moon. Fearless, and addicted to enthusiasm (and arguably a sugar rush or two for good measure), you just never know what this surprising little goblin will do with a caramel café mocha and a double shot of espresso.

The Christmas Goblin loves the winter holidays, what with the long nights and colorful lights. Adorned in crimson and multicolor fashion, it can be found living up the night life while sipping hot peppermint cocoa and shopping for poinsettias. A beastie of distinguished taste, the Christmas Goblin is both stylish and fun. (Unfortunately, this one sold before I could get a photo of it first.)

The Spring Goblin

The Spring Goblin is a sing-songy little beast, hiding out in the tulips and lounging in the daffodils. Gentle and caring, this creature loves gardens

The Cinnamon Goblin - Sold

and all the delights that come with them. Sun-shiny and fun, this goblin can be found tending new growth, and frog-hopping with faeries.

The Cinnamon Goblin is a spicy little beastie, born under a Scorpio moon. Sly and chic, adorned in crimson and indigo, it is a creature of the Twilight. Hiding a cunning intellect under its quirky sense of humor, it can be found sipping martinis and dancing the Salsa, all the while planning world domination. (Now sold.)

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Filed under Artist Information & Notes, crochet, Humor

June 4, 2010 · 11:03 pm

Historical Perspective on Crochet….?

I’ve been doing a lot of research lately via pre-1950′s books on philosophy. Anyway, I came across a book from one the WWI periods that had a statement explaining that to comply with limitations on materials because of the war, they had changed certain things about the paper and materials they used to make the book, etc.. Essentially they were apologizing for cutting back and then trying to show how it was better because it’d be more efficient and save materials. I had heard of food and metal cutbacks and even something about hosiery. But materials used in book making? That was something I hadn’t heard about. It gave me a new perspective on how we see books published today and hit upon something I remember Grandma saying about fabrics too.

When it comes to crochet and lack of good patterns at times over the last 100 years, perhaps the world wars affected patterns and materials in ways we aren’t really aware of today? I know that old examples of fabric my grandma had were exquisite. Then came fabrics later that were not as good of quality. It’s not an exclusive reality necessarily, but elements are there. Perhaps business decisions made decades ago continue to lay a framework for our experiences today. There’s also the consideration that women began working in the industrial age more as their men went off to war. That surely affected the patterns that were published and the materials that were available to work with or even the materials people could afford.

I don’t know. I by far do not have enough information to really have a full theory on this, but these elements have given me another possible point of view I hadn’t thought of previously.

The Great Depression also had an impact of course. My hubby reminded me that there were caps placed on how much something new was allowed to cost etc., but no caps for how much something used could cost. So it caused a change in how much was able to be produced too. Also, as women poured into the work force with WWII, they stayed there. Even after the war was over, many weren’t about to give up the new independence they felt. And then others felt it was the only way to make ends meet and give their kids a better life. Gen-Xers are well known to be the latch-key generation, with moms at work. Women have traditionally been the home experts on all the “crafts,” but while moms went to work, they purchased clothing more than they made it.

I don’t know. I think there’s an interesting story of evolution here.

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Filed under crochet, handmade, Random Thoughts

June 2, 2010 · 8:42 am

I’d Rather Calm Down a Geyser Than Have to Jump-Start a Mud Hole…

“I’d rather calm down a geyser than have to jump-start a mud hole,” is a quote that I have loved for many years, because I think it puts things into a very appropriate perspective.

I have the opportunity to lecture or speak on a semi-regular basis. For my work, for the service I do, for the kids’ school when we needed to talk to the city counsel, meetings, when I teach… yada. Sometimes it’s planned, sometimes it’s impromptu. And generally whatever the reason, it is for something I am passionate about.

However, I also recognize that my passion can cause me to speed up. This is exhibited not just in my language, but my heart rate and breathing too and internally I feel myself winding up like a guitar string on its last leg. And when you are keyed up, everyone around you picks up on it too and communication is often not as effective.

So my tactic to deal with this before each occasion is to take a few seconds and breathe. And if I can, meditate even for just a moment. Deliberately slowing your breathing also calms your heart rate. It’s a useful technique as a mother to calm a restless baby. But for speaking, I do not abandon the passion – I transform that fire into a slow calm burn, even visualizing it to help my mind, and body, comply. And I pace my words. Allowing for the occasion in the process for punctuation, fueled by that passion, to come through at the appropriate time.

I do this because that passion is the fuel. That passion is what allows me to do what I do best to communicate a message, whatever it is, to others.

Public speaking, and I think likewise leadership, is often like a musical performance. To truly capture interest (and understanding) from beginning to end, there must be a marriage of elements. Being calm and controlled in action and delivery is part of it. And all through that is a chord of passionate fuel that maintains the process and carries it all through. There has to be a source of passion that peeks through part of the time and punctuates your audience’s experience of your communication. Whether your audience is your boss, the planning group at work, the students you teach, or the business owners considering your fundraiser.

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Filed under Business, Editorial

Tagged as leadership, passion, performance, public speaking, teaching

May 4, 2010 · 6:21 am

Donations Needed for Local Hospital….

I’m helping to coordinate an effort to gather clothing for the emergency room at South Austin Hospital. They are mostly in need of men’s, but could use some women’s. Clothing often has to be cut off of the injured and especially when they are homeless, they are in need of donations to give patients a set of clothes to leave in. As their donation closet is currently fairly empty and the other night they had no shirt for someone in need, I decided to help. Size large or even some XL is best and fairly generic clothing is best, like jeans or sweat pants and t-shirts. And again, they need men’s clothing the most. Let me know if you want to help and let’s coordinate.

Thanks!

Blessings,
Jules

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Filed under 'Tis the Season, Community

Tagged as clothing, donations, ER, homeless, hospital

April 29, 2010 · 8:59 am

20% Off Sale Extended for Today Until Midnight…

I didn’t realize some of you did not receive my newsletter. So 20% off everything is extended through today until midnight only. Discount will be refunded via Paypal after payment is received. Use “wordpress” in the “notes to the seller” to get the discount. You are free to share this special with friends and your mailing lists, but they have to let me know somehow that their WordPress friends told them about the sale to get it.
http://PixieWorx.etsy.com

Happy Mother’s Day coming up!

New items…….