Grow It, Sew It, Show It! Let's Get Ready for the County Fair...

In only 2 weeks we'll be at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds registering the entries for this year's fair!  If you live in Montgomery County be sure to mark your calendars for August 8th & 9th if you are planning on entering anything in the home arts building.  I'll be working at the outsides tables, so please stop by and say hello.  If you have never entered a project and have some questions, please feel free to contact me (BonnieBay@me.com) and I'll try to help.  

The fair opens its doors to the public on August 10th, but the home arts entries won't be available for viewing until August 12th.  See you at the fair!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggidy Jig..

Today is day 2 of what we moms call "re-entry" following a trip.  Day 1 was totally dedicated to laundry and with the 7 of us, I don't have to worry about job security in this department.  Actually it was a pleasure to be back in my home, using my washer, dryer, shower, bed, etc.  Today I plan on conquering the grocery store...

Becky and I finished our time at the Chain Link Conference in Manchester with an amazing time helping out with the CGOA Fashion Show.  As usual, it was full of beautiful crochet creations, as well as fun and laughter!  These fiber folks never fail to amaze and bless me.  After some mild persuasion, Becky agreed to be the model for my two creations (I'll attach a photo) as well as a couple of others.  Working with Doris Chan, a well known crochet designer, was also inspirational.  She was the organizer of the show.  Even my twenty year old marveled at her energy level and robust serving.

Following the conference, the rest of my family picked us up and thus began a whirlwind tour of the New England states.  Craig and I lived in Massachusetts during our honeymoon year back in 1988-89, and have been desiring to show our children the area ever since.  We did everything you could possibly think of and then some, including a photo shoot off the coast of Acadia National Park (Maine) during a sunset and simultaneous rising of a full moon on the ocean.  We enjoyed fireworks in Boston on the 4th of July, made even more memorable with the downpour of rain; visited the home of Joshua Chamberlain (Civil War General - Gettysburg), Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, the Trapp Family Lodge (Sound of Music Family), and the Tennis Hall of Fame just to name a few things.  Not only did we have a wonderful time as a family, we also missed some of the record setting heat happening back home in Maryland.  Oh well, maybe next year?? 

So now it is back to work for me.  I feel better equipped to tackle some publishing opportunities and I'll keep you in the loop as I am able.  Until then, His grace be with you!

Blessings, Bikinis and Bloomingdales

Only one day to go before the Chain Link Conference ends.  Where did the time go?  Before I go to bed this morning (it's already 12:24 am, so I'll try to be quick), I just wanted to share some of the big blessings of my day in Manchester.  It seems everywhere I turn I see some of the happiest, most pleasant & friendly people in the world - and I promise you I'm not exaggerating.  Crocheters and knitters are the folks you want to have as friends in your life!  

One special highlight for my daughter and me was when Margaret Hubert, the most recent inductee into the CGOA Hall of Fame (yes, there really is one!), sat at our table in the crochet lounge and talked with us for about an hour.  This amazing lady (and a lady she is in every sense of the word), has published over 21 books plus countless other things in the needlecraft industry for over 40 years!  She is a storehouse of knowledge and a delight to talk with.  She had many of us greatly entertained as she relayed her beginnings in the 1970's as she interviewed with Bloomingdale's.  During the interview she was asked to present some of her original designs, one of which was a crocheted bikini!  She was told that this was a bit too risque for Bloomingdale's, but he did recommend her to a couple of publishers of women's magazines, thus sealing her fate as a fiber designer.  She was quick to tell us, just as she did her interviewer, "I don't model EVERYTHING that I design!"  : )

Of course Mrs. Hubert did mention that it was the '70s, which reminded me of the bikini I made as a teenager. The year was 1976.  I know this not because of my fantastic memory, but because that was the year we were all celebrating our country's bicentennial by making everything red, white and blue.  Crochet patterns were scarce back then, the internet wasn't even a dream, so I tended to crochet any and every pattern I could get my hands on, whether I liked the pattern or not.  Well, my bikini was not only red, white and blue, but it was also primarily made up of granny squares!  (I believe it even came out of an old Crochet World magazine.)  However, I will also use Margaret Hubert's disclaimer and promise that I never have (or will for that matter) model this particular project..... and on that note, goodnight!  (Zzzzzz....)

Resting very well in His grace tonight,

Bonnie

Class, Crochet, Eat, Crochet, Eat, Shop, Crochet....

This is day 3 for us at the Chain Link Conference and we are still standing!  Of course looking at an amazing array of yarn in the exhibition area would revive anyone with even the remotest interest in the fiber arts.  Despite having been given "the gift that keeps on giving"  (i.e., a cold) by an unnamed daughter before leaving home, I managed the strength to do my duty to stimulate the economy of a few yarn dealers. 

After teaching crochet for a couple of decades, today I officially took my first crochet class.  I learned more about various styles of moebius' and how they are constructed.  My teacher, Karen Klemp was so gracious, patient and helpful.  She has given me a few new tools for my crochet tool box.  Thanks Karen!

Well, better get some rest so I can be ready for day 4.  

Resting in His grace,

Bonnie

New Hampshire Tastes Great!

Well, besides being the place for the Chain Link Conference, Manchester has already proven itself in one of my other passions in life:  PIZZA!  Becky and I had no problem polishing off a "Moosehead Special" at the Portland Pie Co.  Of course lunch was also interesting:  a pretzel hotdog and pretzel from Auntie Ann's from Reagan National. We are definitely a far cry from the South Beach thingy, but hey, isn't that what vacations are all about?  : )

Blessings from crochet paradise,

Bonnie

New Hampshire, Here We Come!

In less than 6 days I'll be on my way to the 2012 Knit and Crochet Show (hmmm, I wonder if they would consider changing that to "Crochet and Knit Show?") in Manchester, NH!  I am especially excited because my daughter Becky will be accompanying this time.  I've managed to talk her into being a model for a couple of projects that will be in the fashion show on Saturday night.  If you've never attended one of these shows I strongly recommend that you consider it.  Words just won't do to describe the wonderful time with fellow crocheters, the creativity, and the just plain fun!  I attended my first conference last September in Greensboro, NC on an extreme shoe-string budget, taking in only a small fraction of the offerings and was blown away by the experience. 

If anyone else out there will be attending too and would like to get together for a meal at the conference, please let me know.  

Resting in His grace,

Bonnie

Below:  Some of the amazingly fun folks I had the pleasure of meeting in Greensboro at the 2011 Knit and Crochet Show!