Tuesday, May 20, 2014

"In Flander's Fields" A Memorial Day Tribute

"In Flander's Fields"
A Memorial Day Tribute

Poppy Watercolor by "YankeeGirlArt"



“In Flander’s Fields” is a poem dedicated to the many fallen Soldier’s during World War I.  The symbol of the “Poppy Flower” refers to the abundance of Poppy's that grew in "Flander's Fields", which is a cemetery used during World War I.   



"We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie 
In Flander's Fields."
     
     .....an excerpt from the Poem "In Flander's Fields


I had always wondered why when growing up I always saw Vet's wearing a Poppy flower in their lapel's on Memorial Day.  Many times I have received a Poppy Flower from one of these Vet's, never knowing the symbolism of it's true meaning.  I have always loved the vibrant color of the Poppy Flower, but now I have a different respect of the flower when I see a "Field of Poppy's".


'In Flander's Fields - A Memorial Day Tribute' by MagdaleneJewels

“In Flander’s Fields” is a poem dedicated to the many fallen Soldier’s during World War I. The symbol of the “Poppy Flower” refers to the abundance of Poppy's that grew in Flanders Fields which is a cemetery used during World War I.


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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Creating a Pattern

The Creation of a Pattern!

  The Creation of a Pattern 

For those of us who Crochet or Knit, we are dependent on the many patterns we may use. Often we may find these patterns in books sold in a Yarn shop; online searches; or we may purchase a pattern from one of the many talented Pattern designers on Etsy (a source of all handmade items). It wasn't until I read one of the many threads in the "CrochetOriginals Team" about all what is involved in creating a pattern - I was quite impressed and had no idea of all the creativity that goes into the process from start to finish, that I wanted to share all that goes into the creation of these very intriquite patterns, we so often take advantage of. The artistic talent of these designers are similar to any artist who is about to design a work of art such as painting, jewelry designing, glass work, etc. 
Crochetgal.Chevron Blanket Pattern

This is Crochetgal's  thought process in just how she creates her patterns from start to finish: "Publishing patterns takes a lot of time and effort. First you have to come up with the idea. Then you start making the first prototype of the item, writing down each step along the way". Once the prototype is done, then its time to revise it and write those notes into a format that someone else can actually read. Scratches on paper really don't help at all. After Crochetgal has all the basics worked out; then its time for the pattern to be tested. This is done by "testers" (who she hires and pays extremely well), and in turn gets some very well tested patterns. After all the testing is done, and the final photo shots are done, the completed work is then assembled with everything, along with any diagrams that might be needed. At this point you can either self publish or send the pattern to various magazines for publication.


 
Crochetgal. Shawl or Wrap Pattern
One of Crochetgal's goals for this year is to expand her shop, http://crochetgal.etsy.com
 more hooks cand needles as well as at least one other line of yarn. I have chosen three patterns from her shop, which I know you will all find very intriquing and will want to try. 
Crochetgal.Ruffled Scarf Pattern

With my curiosity brewing, I also asked Sandy whose shop is: 
https://etsy.com/shop/SandysCapeCodOrig  what process inspires her patterns. Her response was, "Sometimes an idea pops into my mind's eye, and sometimes I have customers and friends ask me to design something because they can't find the pattern anywhere. Once she has a specific idea in her mind, she then looks for various types of yarns and colors to help work out the design. 


SandysCapeCodOriginal.Legwarmers.Hat Pattern

According to Sandy this is when she usually starts writing, trying to think how I want the finished item to look, then as I work on the actual stitches making various changes along the way. Once finished with the pattern, Sandy then trys to get product shots of the items. "I sometimes put the pattern aside and then in a few days go back and make it again and I catch a lot of the mistakes that way". Sometimes she will have people to test the patterns. Depending on what she is creating the pattern for; "if it is for my own website, then I might ask someone; but if it is for a publisher, then I don't ask anyone". Another part of the process is having people with.different skill levels to work a specific pattern so she could see how easy the pattern is to read; and sometime to see if a beginner can actually make the item.


 
SandysCapeCodOriginal.Christmas Ornament Cocoon Pattern
 I am sure both Crochetgal and Sandy can attest that another hard part of designing a pattern is using wording so that people will understand and having them know what they want them to do in the way of stitches, assembling the finished pieces, etc. Sandy has included some videos with her patterns, as it is just easier to show a video rather than try to put some of the techniques into words. As she says, "Technology today has made pattern writing a lot easier". 
SandysCapeCodOriginal.Crochet Animal Farm Pattern

You can purchase any of these (as well as other) patterns from these shops, or any shop online, they can be emailed to you in a Pdf format, or mailed directly to you.

If you are interested in trying to create a pattern of your own, one can find the (USA) industry standards for patterns at www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards.html along with the designer guidelines. I have chosen three patterns from each shop, which I know you will all find very intriquing and will want to try. I hope this helps you better understand the artistry that goes into each pattern that we often use.

**I should also add that all patterns which you can see from reading this article, are the hard work of each Crochet Artist.  Each pattern is "write-protected" and cannot be reproduced or copied at any time, per the Government regulated terms of "The Orphan Act".

Thursday, April 24, 2014

My Rose Garden

My Rose Garden
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Double Pink Rose

The Rose

"Just remember in the Winter
Far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed
That with sun's love, in the Spring
Becomes the Rose"

One of my favorite flowers is the Rose.  It’s beauty is reflected in its various colors and fragrances.  As I begin to start my Spring gardening, and plant new Roses and try to cultivate those that made it through this "very snowy" Winter!  I thought I would share some of the beautiful Roses I have cultivated over the past few years on my Terrace.
My apartment is edged by a Golf course, which allows my Terrace full sun all day.  From this full sun I am fortunate to be able to grow all variations of Roses during the Summer, until late into the Fall.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Double Red Roses
DoublePinkRoses.Terrace
Double Pink Roses

Doublel Red Rose
Double Red Roses
These particular Roses were also taken on my Terrace
Aachen Rose
Achen Roses
White Rose
White Rose
    
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Black Cherry Rose
Double Pink Roses
Candy Pink Roses


   

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Boston Tragedy: "Boston Strong"


April 14, 2013


I can believe it has been a year since the Tragedy of the Boston Marathon. Let us not forget the 3 people (one a small child) that were killed, and the over 200 injured during this senseless Tragedy, and keep them and all those who have stayed "Boston Strong" in our prayers.  

MagdaleneJewels/Knits "April Showers" Promotional Blog: April 16 - April 30

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Why Lent?

Why Lent?  
The True Meaning of Celebrating this Season




Although we are reaching the end of one of our most Religious seasons; I started the Season seeing the movie "Son of God" which I found so realistic and moving.  So as "Holy Week" approaches, I wanted to share these thoughts.

The word Lent itself is derived from the word lencten, meaning "Spring,"  a time of new beginning. For the many Christians around the World, Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter.

During this time of the Lenten season as we reflect on Christ's sufferings, we may have suffered many hardships ourselves, or know of someone who has suffered greatly during the past year; instead of dwelling this hardships, try reaching out to someone in need.  Some days, life may not always be what I expected, but I know many whose suffering is so much greater than mine. There are many ways we can alleviate their pain, by just offering a moment of ourselves.  I find for myself, that not only am I bringing a little light into another's suffering, it makes my problems diminish as I learn I am not just here for myself.