Year: 2024

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View From the Desk

View from the Desk for today. I have turned on the heater already. I think just once. Then it turned comfortable again.

I am in my careful what you ask for stage. I wanted orders. And the item of the season is the hooded scarf. I don’t want to appear ungrateful (or actually be ungrateful) and with my luck, I would get something else I really don’t want to make over and over. So, I hesitate in complaining that I am making the same thing again and again. 

As I look at the things on my desk, there is no story to tell other than my desk is cluttered with stuff I moved from one place to another. The story is in what you don’t see. Off to the left are the nine blocking squares holding squares for the granny square blanket. Off to the right is Naomi wearing the latest hooded scarf. You don’t see the three books I am currently reading: A study guide on Genesis, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and My Friend, Anne Frank.

I am also surrounded by the project bags for the various things I’m working on. Before I almost knew what was going on, I now have three blankets in the works. That kinda excites me because I wanted to get back to making blankets and it seems I am doing it! They are going in the GoImagine shop and I see a specialty thing happening.

If I take a minute and look, I will see the blessings in action. That helps me exhale and realize the Power at work. That brings gratefulness and gratitude. My cup runneth over.

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The Mushrooms Tote Bag

The Mushrooms tote bag – c’mon now, it’s cute!! I will admit, this required very little tweaking but that’s because I drilled down with what I wanted from my AI assistant. Getting it to a higher res was a little bit of work but not as long as if I had to draw it myself. Which is a good thing cuz I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler!

Imma order one for myself. You know I loves me a tote bag! I have put each of my projects in its own tote bag and that way I can pick one up and go. Right now, I have six totes going and that’s because I shipped off two orders over the weekend!

I love this cycle of projects I have going. I work on almost all of them daily and at the beginning of a cycle it seems as if nothing gets done because none of them are finished the first or second days but and then maybe one or two will get done and new ones take their place but then comes that moment when one after the other gets finished and all of a sudden you feel like the most productive person on the planet.

That’s where I am right now. 

I saw the cutest magnetized bookmark and now I want to knit one. Though the version I saw was leather, I think I can do a knit or crochet version. I just have to get ahold of some magnets. I’m sure I can find them through the evil empire. Hold on, let me look. Yep and they’re cheap. I see a scrap yarn project and a craft show small price product in the near future.

 

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A New Hooded Scarf

Hooded scarf in the colorway Shadowberry

Hooded scarf in the colorway ShadowberryIt’s a NEW hooded scarf!

I haven’t done a new hooded scarf in a long time. This season is already starting with the hooded scarf being the thing that will sell. So the time seemed right to pull out some of the stash and she what could be used to make a new one.

It was a random (if anything can really be random) act that I ran across the skein of Caron Big Cakes in Shadowberry. I doubt I have another one and this was crying out to be used and voila! It’s already listed in the shop. 

I’m thinking of changing the stitching, too. Maybe it wouldn’t be bad to have a knit version of a hooded scarf. Maybe in wouldn’t be bad to have more of a hood and less of a scarf. These are the kinds of things that run in my mind. I don’t think I will do a redesign any time soon. There are shows coming up and I need to have inventory. (This will be going to the show(s) if it doesn’t sell. I am sure there will be more added. We will see if it’s just as popular in person as it is on line.

In other news, hard to believe

we’ve been back from Europe for a month. Doesn’t seem that long.

Really glad we did the trip. I wasn’t put off by the long flight. The trip back was a little less comfortable than the trip there but they were both bearable once we were in the air. I will say that I doubt I fly Aer Lingus again even if I’m going to Ireland. The agent didn’t come to the counter until a little over an hour to our flight and there was a long line of people. We made it to the gate (on the far side, of course) after going through security – and me being randomly selected – and getting through the passport clearance. They were boarding when we got there. It wasn’t a bad thing because boarding took so long. But it was cutting way too close for my comfort. 

I’m also looking at the Christmas cactus my friend gave me nearly a year ago. It’s still alive but I don’t think it’s going to bloom again. I should probably read up on how to take care of it. 

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The Aphrodite Sweatshirt

The Aphrodite sweatshirt is the second shirt in the Academia collection at Abbey & Lincoln. (Buy it!)

 Don’t know who will be next and I have some ideas roaming in the head space. This is a good topic to explore and design for. Interesting things can happen when you’re designing. The most recent is I love Canva but I am finding Fotor just a little more interesting and a little more deep. The fact it is also inexpensive doesn’t hurt. I may go back to the free version of Canva just to see if I can do the same things on Fotor.

Anyway, the Aphrodite sweatshirt is comfy and cozy and can be casual/lounge wear or running around doing errands wear. 8 size, 10 colors $35 – $49.

In other knitting/crochet news. Someone ordered a hat I haven’t made in quite a while so that’s going to be fun. The things I’ve completed thus far: 4 shirts (tees and sweat) 2 hooded scarfs, 1 cable scarf. I am moving way too slowly. I have shows coming up and the inventory is not that deep anymore. But I believe in my process and I believe it will the plan will work when I work the plan.

That’s what I’m telling myself.

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The Unicorn Sweatshirt

The Unicorn Sweatshirt is now available!

I used to collect unicorns when I was in my twenties. My nephew’s eldest was also a unicorn lover. Naturally, when I started to design using mythical and magical creatures, a unicorn had to be a part of that.  The unicorn sweatshirt would be great for casual Fridays at work or doing grocery shopping or lazing round the house. 

The shirt comes in lots of sizes from S to 5XL and about 10 colors. The shirt is 50% cotton, 50% polyester.

You can read about the first shirt in the cottage core collection here.

 For those that like to cozy next to majestic creatures with gold horns and the power to heal, then this sweatshirt can bring them one step closer! Buy it now and get it in time for the high holidays and the holy days. 

In other knitting/crochet news, all the squares are done for the blanket and they’ve started to come together. Hooded scarves have taken an early lead on what’s being ordered but there are also some of the cable scarves on the needles. A couple of hats are in my order queue, as well. I could stand to be a little busier…at least busy enough to get my next NINE orders. That would be a milestone in the making. 

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View From the Desk

This is the view from the desk today:

My friend, Epi, gave me the blanket yarn. She also gave me the makings of a sweater that she has been sitting on for eight years. She never completed it and asked me to do it. I left it in the car and now Mr. Honey has it with him wherever he is. When he comes home, I will take it out and add it to the list of things I have to do.

What are those things on my list? In different projects bags I have the following:

1. The granny square afghan. My take on the Island Time blanket.

2. A grey hooded scarf (an Etsy order)

3. A cranberry cable scarf (also an Etsy order)

4. A cable scarf made with Caron Cinnamon Rolls in the color Bay

5. A hooded scarf in I love This Yarn (an Etsy order)

I feel like there might be something else but I don’t want to go look it up. Besides, I think that would be enough right there. Adding the sweater in the mix is going to cause disruption. Well, not really. It is a job – she wants me to charge her. I definitely will do that. 

Right now, the thing on my mind is how to line up the projects back so they aren’t the clumped mess they are right now.  There will be more projects added to more bags and I want there to be some madness in the chaos. I will figure it out.

During my search for a project bag, I came across this hat.

Of course it had to go in the shop right away because it’s something I wanted to have in there and forgot I made the hat. So, that’s something accomplished. Can’t be mad at myself for that.

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That Time of Year

It’s that time of year! Orders have started to come in an I have not been very productive! I have managed to get a new sweatshirt listed in Abbey & Lincoln.

It features Zeus and is available in 8 sizes and 11 colors! It also features the planet Jupiter because, you know, Greek an Roman! Totally geek moment.

We also just got back from Europe! My first trip overseas.

We flew Aer Lingus and spent some time in Dublin. (It was six hours but felt like a week!) Then it was off to Hamburg and then to Paris back to Hamburg back to Ireland and then home. All in all, ten days: Four in Hamburg, four in Paris and two travelling. 

I’m glad we did it. My American bubble got burst. Spent some time with family and enjoyed it. Oddly, while I don’t feel the need to do it again, Mr. Honey says he would go. He’s got this thing about Lyon.

Something about it being the best food in France. We’re not getting any younger so I am going to think about it for a very little while and check back to see if it’s something he might want to do in the spring.

I am checking to see if there are any Lyon food tours or something like that. I have a feeling he’s already doing it but it will help me decide.

In the meantime, check out the sweatshirt. New stuff is coming to designbcb, Abbey & Lincoln and designbcb BoHo on Goimagine! Check it all out to see it when it arrives.

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Cottage Core Goblins and Mushroom Tee

🌿 Introducing Our Whimsical Cottage Core Goblins and Mushroom Tee! 🌿

Are you ready to step into a magical world of enchantment? Look no further than our brand-new Cottage Core Goblins and Mushroom Tee! 🍄✨

👕 Crafted in 100% Cotton: Comfort Meets Style Our tee is made from soft, breathable cotton, perfect for those cozy days when you want to feel both comfortable and chic. Whether you’re strolling through sun-dappled forests or sipping tea by the fireplace, this tee has you covered.

🎨 Whimsical Graphics The whimsical graphic features adorable baby goblins nestled under vibrant, oversized mushrooms. It’s like a scene straight out of a fairy tale! 🧚‍♂️🍂

🌈 Colors Galore Choose from a palette of 9 delightful colors. Mix and match to create your own magical ensemble! 🌟

📏 Sizes for Everyone We believe magic should be accessible to all. That’s why our tee comes in 8 sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for every adventurer, gnome, or woodland sprite. 🌲

  • Everyday Wear: Pair it with jeans or a flowy skirt for a whimsical everyday look.
  • Cosplay Ready: Planning a fantasy-themed event? This tee is your ticket to becoming the ultimate forest dweller.
  • Gift Magic: Surprise a friend with a touch of enchantment. 🎁

 Have questions about sizing, styling, or the mystical origins of our goblins? Share your thoughts below! Let’s weave a magical thread of discussion. ✨🌿

Remember, our Cottage Core Goblins and Mushroom Tee is more than just a shirt—it’s an invitation to embrace the extraordinary. 🌟👚

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The Agenda

The agenda for today is…yikes! The view from the desk is not cool at all. Not like the last one that looked more cluttered than it was; this one is really cluttered.

What happened was I emptied the rolling cart that was holding various items and I placed said items on the table. I sorted something’s out and now I don’t know what I want to go back on the cart. So it all remains on the table.  But I do want to point out the beautiful square that is the first square of my afghan.  I don’t know if I told about Lion Brand Skein Tones going on sale at Michael’s for $2/ball. About a year ago, I saw it on sale and went nuts ordering it. I spent a little more than $200 which means I have a little more than 100 balls of it and I am going to make an afghan with it. smithy Blanket WIPThe original intent was to make an afghan but not a granny square.

 

This was the original intent. See all the skeins back there? I did make an afghan and sold it. That started me on the path to ordering all of it. In truth, JoAnn is having almost as good a sale on theirs. It’s about $2.30 a ball. Yeah, I caved. What? I want to make a lot of blankets!

With the afghan, I have 2.5 projects going. The Cottage Core shirt is being promoted and marketed. The cable scarf is an order on the needles but it’s something I should make more of so it is now on the rotation and I think I want to see what it looks like in a self striping yarn. 

Something is coming up in a few weeks that I am getting excited about and it will involve lots and lots…and lots of photos. The 30 day countdown began yesterday.

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Moonlight and Mushrooms

Moonlight and mushrooms. It doesn’t sound like it should be cute. But, turns out, it really is.

This is the latest graphic tee from Abbey & Lincoln.

It isn’t a simple matter of just have the computer create a graphic. (It’s what I thought at first.) There is work to be done afterward. Perhaps the color is off or won’t quite work with the shirt color. There are things which have to be figured out and tweaked to make them work. I’m enjoying this new aspect of business. There are more designs in my head that I want to make come true.

In yarn work, halfway through the month and there is not a lot to show for it. I can’t seem to get myself jumpstarted. But I do plug away. I have yet another design that I am working on. It was going to be the honeycomb stitch but it’s not doing what I want it to do so I’m thinking of switching to waffle stitch. It would mean going from knit to crochet but sometimes that has to happen in order to get the thing you want. Of course, I can always try a different method to get to the honeycomb. We’ll see how it all comes out. It always does one way or another.