tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16722200234802321452024-03-14T03:38:47.306-04:00Shrone DesignsDedicated to the creation and innovation of thread & lace crochetShrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-83471329486994190292016-03-15T00:00:00.000-04:002016-03-15T00:00:01.121-04:00The Confluence of Art & Science: Alchemy of Crochet & Chemistry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Welcome Travelers and Tourists!</b></h4>
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Thank you for stopping by today and visiting! Please take a moment to read all that awaits you and at the end of this journey you'll be gifted with a pair of awesome discounts to use at my Ravelry store, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/shrone-designs" target="_blank">Shrone Designs</a>! I'd also encourage you to visit the other designers and show them support by purchasing their wonderful designs. Your support is greatly appreciated!</div>
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I picked today as my stop along the tour because it's <b>The Ides of March</b>. Just what are the <a href="http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/what-are-the-ides-of-march" target="_blank">Ides of March</a>? It was a term used by Romans to denote the middle of the month and it marked the full moon. We recall the Ides of March because it was the day in which Julius Caesar was assassinated. I first read the play by Shakespeare when I was about 13 years old and it has stayed with me over the years.</div>
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<b>Alchemy: Crochet & Chemistry</b></h4>
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Today I'm releasing three new self-published patterns that compliment my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/caffeine-and-chocolate-molecules-earrings" target="_blank">Caffeine and Chocolate Molecule Earrings</a> published last year in Crochetscene 2015: A lovely trio of porphyrin molecule pendants! Behold the splendor of Phthalocyanin, Chlorophyll, and Heme!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bnB_KKLzDI/VtyHiQtu2LI/AAAAAAAATpI/ZmGJnkof8sA/s1600/molecules-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bnB_KKLzDI/VtyHiQtu2LI/AAAAAAAATpI/ZmGJnkof8sA/s400/molecules-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Phthalocyanin; Center: Chlorophyll; Right: Heme</td></tr>
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I'm a science geek at heart but I also have an inner artist. Many years ago as a biology pre-med student in Organic Chemistry class I was awed by the beautiful symmetry of the heme bio molecule. I was so excited by the crisp geometric shape that I didn't understand why my fellow classmates were unimpressed by its majesty. Thinking back on it I'm sure they were terrified of failing the next exam and since there wasn't a requirement for artistic appreciation of molecular shapes there was no need to concern themselves with such details.</div>
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What prompted me to translate the two-dimensional structures of these molecules was a submission call. Yet, how to go about manifesting a line drawing into a functional crochet piece? My philosophy is that if you dig deep enough into a subject matter you'll find math at the center of it all. Crochet is all about using math to create either a beautiful or functional piece out of yarn or thread. I opted for thread to re-create the thin, sharp lines of a standard 2D molecular line drawing as well as to make it into a fun, wearable piece of jewelry.</div>
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The math used was quite simple since the molecules are composed of hexagons and pentagons with equal length sides. Circular construction was used in combination with chains and single crochets reinforced with slip stitches to provide rigidity to the openness of the structure. A technique I call "the loop back" is used to created the pentagon and hexagon extensions. I explain how to use the loop back technique in my pattern, of course!</div>
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<b>Lovely Departing Gifts</b></h4>
Your support of my creative efforts by purchasing one or all of these geeky pendants to festoon your suprasternal notch is greatly appreciated! I have two incentive offers available to use in my Ravelry store.<br />
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<b>15% Discount on Entire Purchase</b><br />
<b>Coupon Code: <span style="color: purple;">IDESOFMARCH</span></b><br />
<b>Expires March 31, 2016</b><br />
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<b>Buy 2 porphyrin molecule pendant patterns, get 3rd free! (Save $3.50)</b></div>
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<b>Coupon Code: ********** (answer will be in all caps)</b></div>
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The code for this coupon is the answer to the following question: <i>In William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, who bid Caesar beware the Ides of March</i>?<br />
<b>Expires March 15, 2016 at midnight</b><br />
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Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-26080643680393941652015-03-09T19:25:00.000-04:002015-03-12T00:05:49.679-04:00My Totally True Amazing Adventure in Growing Cotton<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 12.8800001144409px;">NatCroMo2015 Designer Blog Tour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Introduction</span></b>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is my second time participating in the blog tour and I’m glad to be part of this amazing virtual experience! I thank Amy and Donna for making this event possible as I know they put a lot of energy into making this happen. When you’ve finished reading my post, <a href="http://crochetville.com/2015-natcromo-designer-blog-tour-designer-schedule/" target="_blank">please visit the other participants on the tour</a>. Everyone participating has something unique to share and you don't want to miss a day! All photos are clickable to view a larger image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I signed up for this year’s blog tour I asked Amy if it would be alright to share my adventure in growing cotton plants as it was such an amazing experience for me, yet not entirely on topic of crochet. She agreed as it’s truly an extraordinary journey. While we may be familiar with cotton yarn as crocheters, what about the plant that produces this ubiquitous versatile fiber?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now you might think that a thread crocheter like myself would want to grow cotton because it is the fiber that I primarily crochet and design with, and that I plan on spinning my own thread. On the contrary! I grew them because of their sublimely beautiful flowers and foliage! The flowers are so marvelous that I was tempted to sing to them out loud. I sort of did in my mind. I definitely beamed at them quite a bit.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQuX8XSikO4/VPTSncZVUhI/AAAAAAAAMl8/rCuK4Eg2-F0/s1600/Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQuX8XSikO4/VPTSncZVUhI/AAAAAAAAMl8/rCuK4Eg2-F0/s400/Flowers.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ve been engaged in some of kind of gardening for more than 20 years as it is a way for me to direct my creative energy. Gardening helps me be patient, to have delayed gratification, connects me with the seasons and nature, inspires me, and is restorative.<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Growing cotton has been one of my most fantastic gardening experiences as there are many milestones to mark progress. Let's get started in recreating this awesome journey!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>It Starts with Some Seeds</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Considering that cotton has been cultivated for at least 5,000 years there is an abundance of information about how to grow it readily available on the Internet. This is how I learned about growing cotton in addition to the practical experience I gained by growing it. Most importantly the Internet was how I discovered that some states (mostly where cotton is commercially grown) have laws concerning the cultivation of cotton for personal or ornamental use. Some states prohibit it while others require registration and compliance of a few laws. In North Carolina I contacted my county's Plant Protection Specialist who came to my house each month to check and replace a free boll weevil trap. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Cotton is a member of the Mallow family (Malvaceae) making it related to okra, cacao, and hibiscus. The two species of cotton most commonly grown are upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense). Pima cotton is distinguished by its long fiber length as well as other attributes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cotton seed is available for purchase from a number of online retailers. As it requires at least 120 days to grow in order to yield cotton it is grown in areas with at least that many frost free days. I start my seeds indoors to make sure the plants are off to a good start before transplanting. I've found blog posts from fellow gardeners who've successful grown cotton in Oregon and Indiana. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The commercially grown cotton we typically see has green leaves, green bolls, cream flowers that fade to pink, and white fibers. More colorful combinations exist that are spectacular and readily available to cultivate. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is a variety of red foliated cotton as well as one that is black foliated. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In addition to white lint fiber there are varieties of natural green lint and brown lint fibers. </span><br />
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<tr><td align="center" colspan="3" style="font-size: 20px;">Colorful Cotton Seeds</td></tr>
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<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlJwFSIJkHI/VPdu_gQuLSI/AAAAAAAAMtI/gcJUnxNV5qw/s1600/1-P3047988.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlJwFSIJkHI/VPdu_gQuLSI/AAAAAAAAMtI/gcJUnxNV5qw/s200/1-P3047988.JPG" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btN5xtznI0o/VPdvQNjR_NI/AAAAAAAAMtQ/STHz5XEItj4/s1600/3-P3048016.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btN5xtznI0o/VPdvQNjR_NI/AAAAAAAAMtQ/STHz5XEItj4/s200/3-P3048016.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">White lint fiber</td>
<td align="center">Green lint fiber</td></tr>
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<td align="center" colspan="2"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRDvMhvcBNk/VPdvg4nq5BI/AAAAAAAAMtY/fhU8Vup3cR4/s1600/2-P3048013.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRDvMhvcBNk/VPdvg4nq5BI/AAAAAAAAMtY/fhU8Vup3cR4/s200/2-P3048013.JPG" /></a></td>
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<td align="center" colspan="2">Brown lint fiber</td>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>Germination occurs within 4-14 days. The cotyledons are big and green no matter what color the leaf will later become. Red and black foliated cotton plants will, however, have reddish stems.
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Plants are grown indoors and transplanted up to bigger pots as they grow. In April when the weather warms up I'll let them play in the sun on the porch if the temperature is in the mid to upper 60s and bring them inside at night. Once all danger of frost has ended and the overnight low temperature remains above 60°F I transplant them into the ground. Cotton also does very well in containers.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Meet the Cotton Plants
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I grew three varieties of cotton plant to get an idea of what each had to offer. I was quite smitten with the petite size of the Black Beauty cotton, its deep pink flowers, and handsomely dark foliage.<br />
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Red Foliated Cotton</center>
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<tr><td colspan="4">Fertilized plants grew over 5 feet with tallest reaching 6 feet; non-fertilized grew about 4 feet. Grows well in a container. All plants received at least 6-8 hours of full sun. Not deer resistant as deer will eat leaves and bolls.</td></tr>
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<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHVO-mW0z8Y/VPTBmfSZ-xI/AAAAAAAAMkA/p94tRDbInDA/s1600/03-P7121779.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHVO-mW0z8Y/VPTBmfSZ-xI/AAAAAAAAMkA/p94tRDbInDA/s200/03-P7121779.JPG" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4ShtWTDxpY/VPZYD_xFA0I/AAAAAAAAMqE/it9tzPWynVg/s1600/1-P6299757.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4ShtWTDxpY/VPZYD_xFA0I/AAAAAAAAMqE/it9tzPWynVg/s200/1-P6299757.JPG" /></a></td>
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<tr><td align="center">Pink & Cream Flower</td>
<td align="center">Red-green leaves</td></tr>
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<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKfRjypwdtI/VPZYcz6MsDI/AAAAAAAAMqM/qHzJcfRXUds/s1600/14-PA297476.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKfRjypwdtI/VPZYcz6MsDI/AAAAAAAAMqM/qHzJcfRXUds/s200/14-PA297476.JPG" /></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk2Q5xFGKSA/VPZYwAZGEEI/AAAAAAAAMqU/zdRH5xY3kuU/s1600/2-P9124322.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk2Q5xFGKSA/VPZYwAZGEEI/AAAAAAAAMqU/zdRH5xY3kuU/s200/2-P9124322.JPG" /></a></td>
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<td align="center">Red bolls</td>
<td align="center">White fiber</td>
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Black Beauty Ornamental Cotton</center>
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<tr><td colspan="4">Fertilized plants grew about 2 feet. Did very well in a container. Flowered later than red or green plants. Strikingly beautiful flowers. Not deer resistant.</td></tr>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G35H_d42sQ8/VPTBmVb6bKI/AAAAAAAAMj8/_VXuP74eIE8/s1600/01-P7071332.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G35H_d42sQ8/VPTBmVb6bKI/AAAAAAAAMj8/_VXuP74eIE8/s200/01-P7071332.JPG" /></a>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26ACuZalaro/VPUcdj_SbXI/AAAAAAAAMnY/jGSvk2bCkqg/s1600/1-P6299754.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26ACuZalaro/VPUcdj_SbXI/AAAAAAAAMnY/jGSvk2bCkqg/s200/1-P6299754.JPG" /></a></td>
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<tr><td align="center">Pink Flower</td>
<td align="center">Black leaves</td></tr>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LXNXPXBsyY/VPZu9jjFhjI/AAAAAAAAMqg/B4DsFS7_ivw/s1600/11-PA297517.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LXNXPXBsyY/VPZu9jjFhjI/AAAAAAAAMqg/B4DsFS7_ivw/s200/11-PA297517.JPG" /></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk2Q5xFGKSA/VPZYwAZGEEI/AAAAAAAAMqU/zdRH5xY3kuU/s1600/2-P9124322.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk2Q5xFGKSA/VPZYwAZGEEI/AAAAAAAAMqU/zdRH5xY3kuU/s200/2-P9124322.JPG" /></a></td>
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<td align="center">Black bolls</td>
<td align="center">White fiber</td>
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Green Fiber Cotton</center>
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<tr><td colspan="4">One fertilized plant grew over 6 feet, others around 4-5 feet. Grew well in container. Color of green fiber variable and amazing. Not deer resistant.</td></tr>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sslh0e9TqIY/VPTBldo7QMI/AAAAAAAAMjw/qLhlh7LkgQ8/s1600/02-P7111685.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sslh0e9TqIY/VPTBldo7QMI/AAAAAAAAMjw/qLhlh7LkgQ8/s200/02-P7111685.JPG" /></a>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGh6oG-OfoA/VPUceXBTLgI/AAAAAAAAMnk/eH3dfobAKdM/s1600/3-P6299759.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGh6oG-OfoA/VPUceXBTLgI/AAAAAAAAMnk/eH3dfobAKdM/s200/3-P6299759.JPG" /></a></td>
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<tr><td align="center">Cream Flower</td>
<td align="center">Green leaves</td></tr>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CG7G2_D-UuY/VPZxdod6FSI/AAAAAAAAMqs/kYFfV1Kmp44/s1600/12-P7204341.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CG7G2_D-UuY/VPZxdod6FSI/AAAAAAAAMqs/kYFfV1Kmp44/s200/12-P7204341.JPG" /></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAnfPEoXFR0/VPZyzEglIPI/AAAAAAAAMq8/Bfmg0qxcy5U/s1600/1-P9124329.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAnfPEoXFR0/VPZyzEglIPI/AAAAAAAAMq8/Bfmg0qxcy5U/s200/1-P9124329.JPG" /></a></td>
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<td align="center">Green bolls</td>
<td align="center">Green fiber</td>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then One Day Something Magical Appears
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I'll never forget that morning I went out to check on the cotton plants and found the first bracts! I made a lot of happy sounds and I probably danced around a little. A flower on a cotton plant is called a square and there are 4 stages of flower development: pinhead square, match head square, candle, and bloom. Once the first flowers appeared in June the plants kept flowering until the first killing frost sometime in November.<br />
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Flower Stages</center>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHOtaMzif0E/VPd_iTKgaEI/AAAAAAAAMt4/8b27Z2tScL0/s1600/3-P6289536.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHOtaMzif0E/VPd_iTKgaEI/AAAAAAAAMt4/8b27Z2tScL0/s200/3-P6289536.JPG" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5q0X7tMnKQ/VPd_yVpyhMI/AAAAAAAAMuA/ZrzDLNhmp5w/s1600/2-P6269455.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5q0X7tMnKQ/VPd_yVpyhMI/AAAAAAAAMuA/ZrzDLNhmp5w/s200/2-P6269455.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">Pinhead Square</td>
<td align="center">Match head Square</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTEECBR6uH0/VPeAZiECOEI/AAAAAAAAMuI/V5nJZ93NLPE/s1600/1-P7050611.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTEECBR6uH0/VPeAZiECOEI/AAAAAAAAMuI/V5nJZ93NLPE/s200/1-P7050611.JPG" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afU1sSsd_Gg/VPeA8yo3BHI/AAAAAAAAMuU/sIPVhkKXwkI/s1600/24-P7030201.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afU1sSsd_Gg/VPeA8yo3BHI/AAAAAAAAMuU/sIPVhkKXwkI/s200/24-P7030201.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">Candle</td>
<td align="center">Bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The flower lasts for about a day before it begins to fade. White flowers turn pink, pink turns deeper pink, and the deep pink turns magenta. After about a week the flower falls off revealing a little boll that will take about 50 days to grow into cotton, provided that the deer don't eat it first.<br />
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<table align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 20px;"><center>
Cotton Bolls</center>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8LPC0vKHC6U/VPeEEJQMGaI/AAAAAAAAMug/bgSsFn51aH4/s1600/01-P7030180.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8LPC0vKHC6U/VPeEEJQMGaI/AAAAAAAAMug/bgSsFn51aH4/s200/01-P7030180.JPG" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TJ8YcJCyDQ/VPeEar3gVFI/AAAAAAAAMuw/rhx9B1gUw04/s1600/07-P7254370.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TJ8YcJCyDQ/VPeEar3gVFI/AAAAAAAAMuw/rhx9B1gUw04/s200/07-P7254370.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">Baby boll</td>
<td align="center">Mature boll</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szo-te3qjXI/VPeEsGB1gxI/AAAAAAAAMu4/NRYGDTyYZNk/s1600/12-P9175000.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szo-te3qjXI/VPeEsGB1gxI/AAAAAAAAMu4/NRYGDTyYZNk/s200/12-P9175000.JPG" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sn6Mj25TFY/VPeE0_ZEiLI/AAAAAAAAMvA/-Ix2aIR90-4/s1600/10-P9041534.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sn6Mj25TFY/VPeE0_ZEiLI/AAAAAAAAMvA/-Ix2aIR90-4/s200/10-P9041534.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">Opening</td>
<td align="center">Ready to pick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Cotton plants are heat and drought tolerant and like at least 6 hours of full sun. However, these are ideal conditions. The plants I grew in 12" containers with less than 6 hours of sun did well, though didn't get as big or have as many flowers as the ones in the ground. Once they got established they flourished. Aside from watering them the only thing I routinely did was apply fertilizer which seemed to help one grow well over 6 feet. Insects seemed to hang out on the leaves but never did any damage to the plants. During a 6 week dry period in June and July the deer would help themselves to eating the leaves and bolls. This caused many of the first bolls to form to be lost. Once the rain returned the deer found other plants to eat.
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<table align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 20px;"><center>
Happy Plants</center>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa94o2qp6wA/VPeI4t8PERI/AAAAAAAAMvM/A2K2zMVgF_I/s1600/5-P7019951.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa94o2qp6wA/VPeI4t8PERI/AAAAAAAAMvM/A2K2zMVgF_I/s200/5-P7019951.JPG" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFb-XO8C4h4/VPeJBUBoFiI/AAAAAAAAMvU/iLg6x6y6noE/s1600/1-P8067074.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFb-XO8C4h4/VPeJBUBoFiI/AAAAAAAAMvU/iLg6x6y6noE/s200/1-P8067074.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">Plants in Containers</td>
<td align="center">Topped out over 6 feet</td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QglSsx4FHD8/VPeJw8SJVcI/AAAAAAAAMvc/jcrQE70E-_4/s1600/3-PA167320.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QglSsx4FHD8/VPeJw8SJVcI/AAAAAAAAMvc/jcrQE70E-_4/s200/3-PA167320.JPG" /></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9GaG5sU6sA/VPeJ4UO9-gI/AAAAAAAAMvk/2x6B0oukUbI/s1600/6-P9124176.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9GaG5sU6sA/VPeJ4UO9-gI/AAAAAAAAMvk/2x6B0oukUbI/s200/6-P9124176.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">Average height of <br />
cotton plants was 4-5 feet</td>
<td align="center">Base of plant that <br />
stood over 6 feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Journey Ends..Sort Of</span></b><br />
I originally wanted to winter over some of my plants but state law requires them to be destroyed by the last day in November to prevent any boll weevils from hanging out. I was sad to have to say good-bye to these majestic plants that I had spent 8 months getting to know. Then I realized that it wasn't exactly good-bye because I'd plant their seeds in the spring and I'd get to know their children and grandchildren and so on. On February 26th of this year I planted 18 seeds and had the first one germinate 4 days later. On March 4th I had 15 out of the 18 germinated.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 20px;"><center>
The Next Generation</center>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8NXGfoKC7A/VPePOfRO0pI/AAAAAAAAMwA/bNQSvSugjcQ/s1600/P3048022.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8NXGfoKC7A/VPePOfRO0pI/AAAAAAAAMwA/bNQSvSugjcQ/s200/P3048022.JPG" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4G7mZnW_kc0/VPePPjDSYnI/AAAAAAAAMwI/d722ITQxQd4/s1600/P3048021.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4G7mZnW_kc0/VPePPjDSYnI/AAAAAAAAMwI/d722ITQxQd4/s200/P3048021.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thank you for accompanying me on this virtual journey! This year's journey will be documented so if you'd like to follow along I'll be posting pictures on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/the.shrone" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/theshrone/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.tsu.co/ShroneDesigns" target="_blank">Tsu</a>.<br />
<br />Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-76901407972619424822014-07-09T13:58:00.000-04:002014-07-09T14:21:10.535-04:00Story of a Design: Cintamani JewelryCintamani necklace and earring set was inspired during my attendance at the 2013 CGOA Conference in Concord last October. I was doing some color swatching during Professional Development Day when fellow crochet designer and friend Lynn noticed what I was doing and said my doodle would make a great earring. Others agreed and I felt inspired to turn the swatch into a usable design. After conference I set about creating a matching necklace as the pair of earrings needed something more.<br />
<br />
The design was inspired by element of mehndi as well as gold jewelry from India. The final result is reminiscent of an exotic talisman of precious rubies, amethysts, and sapphires in-layed within brilliant gold. The inlay effect is created by working behind and in front of stitches in addition to the back loop only. This creates subtle layering that is less dramatic that front or back post stitching. Two colors are alternated on the outer round to create jewels; substitute a suitable variegated thread to achieve a color-changing effect.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKs6bZ93G-o/U71nkaC5b1I/AAAAAAAAEv0/tSvx8L2rtX0/s1600/cintamani+style+title+1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKs6bZ93G-o/U71nkaC5b1I/AAAAAAAAEv0/tSvx8L2rtX0/s1600/cintamani+style+title+1.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Pattern is available </b></span><span style="color: purple;"><b>at </b></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">the subscription website</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.mainlycrochet.com/" target="_blank">Mainly Crochet</a></span></b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJQLs4k9bMw/U71nkljKyJI/AAAAAAAAEv4/LHsOB7bYFpY/s1600/cintamani+style+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJQLs4k9bMw/U71nkljKyJI/AAAAAAAAEv4/LHsOB7bYFpY/s1600/cintamani+style+2.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Size: Necklace medallion - 2.5” diameter<br />
Neckband - 15.5” circumference including clasps<br />
Earring - 2” diameter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cintamani is a Sanskrit word that means “thought gem” or “wish-fulfilling stone.” It refers to the legendary Cintamani Stone, an artifact in Hindu and Buddhist mythology thought to possess extraordinary powers. According to the legend, the gem fell from the heavens to Earth, but since it was so powerful and potentially dangerous, it was sent to the mystical hidden city of Shambhala.Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-63290519493015457402014-06-13T12:30:00.000-04:002014-07-09T14:16:01.327-04:00Story of a Design: Bread & Butter CoasterThis quick and easy to make coaster came about through a conversation I had with my mentor, crochet designer <a href="http://crochetnbeads.com/" target="_blank">Kathryn White</a>. We were able to spend some time together at the 2013 CGOA Conference in Concord, NC. One of her helpful suggestions to me was to add more simple designs to my portfolio. She called them "bread and butter" designs. We looked through a stack of mehndi designs I brought with me and we chose one that was fairly straightforward as far as translating it into crochet.<br />
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When I got back from conference I began working on the translating. Some of what we talked about got tossed aside once I started designing. Things will take on a life of their own. I took to heart her idea of "bread and butter" and went outside of my usual color palette of purples and pinks and ventured into the territory of yellows and browns. Originally this was supposed to be a doily but when I reached the outer round I looked at it and knew it wanted to be a coaster.
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It just so happened that Crochet World Magazine had an upcoming deadline for submissions and their color palette for their August issue were the exact colors I had chosen to design with. Though it looks like a sunflower of sorts, the colors are meant to represent bread, butter, and then the crust.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOyKArDR7tI/U72EBcyZ1FI/AAAAAAAAEwM/T1mc5f3XdjU/s1600/M01219_BreadButter_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOyKArDR7tI/U72EBcyZ1FI/AAAAAAAAEwM/T1mc5f3XdjU/s1600/M01219_BreadButter_300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available in the August 2014 issue of<br /><a href="http://www.crochet-world.com/" target="_blank">Crochet World Magazine</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGFC0tbY82M/U72EHQHD25I/AAAAAAAAEwU/Ur9DWo2QeGc/s1600/coastercup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGFC0tbY82M/U72EHQHD25I/AAAAAAAAEwU/Ur9DWo2QeGc/s1600/coastercup2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My photo of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/crochet-world-magazine-august-2014" target="_blank">Bread & Butter Coaster</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-75768544392042680042013-12-01T21:43:00.001-05:002014-07-09T13:57:44.221-04:00Story of a Design: Winter's Night NecklaceMy design, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winters-night-necklace" target="_blank">Winter's Night Necklace</a>, is now <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/winters-night-necklace" target="_blank">available to download</a> from the Crochet Me website. It is one of four designs in an ebook called <i><b><a href="http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/147089.aspx" target="_blank">Lace Ice</a></b> </i>that is a supplement to the <a href="http://www.crochetme.com/blogs/interweavecrochet/archive/2013/11/27/interweave-crochet-winter-2014.aspx" target="_blank">Winter 2014 issue of Interweave Crochet</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFZnhWwDfP0/UpvoQcF59zI/AAAAAAAACHM/3AKDVywseO8/s1600/wintersnight3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFZnhWwDfP0/UpvoQcF59zI/AAAAAAAACHM/3AKDVywseO8/s320/wintersnight3.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter's Night Necklace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I translated the design into crochet from a Victorian-style machine lace necklace. Back when I was designing it I was really excited about how it was coming along, but I couldn't share what I was doing. <a href="http://shronedesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/odds-ends-frustrations-turned-into.html" target="_blank">Well, I sort of did</a>: I posted a picture back in February of a motif prototype that didn't quite work. This was the type of design that worked itself once I created the motif to my liking, and hit upon the right color combination.<br />
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I discovered that I have a very slender neck compared to most people so I learned a bit about pattern grading on the fly while working up the pattern for publication. The length can be adjusted through adding motifs and lengthening the button straps.<br />
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This is my second published necklace design and I confess I very much enjoy designing them! They seem to be the perfect thread project as they can be: made in size 20 thread, worked up quickly, worn to show off as well as enhance any outfit. Expect to see more necklaces in the future!Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-53035362424219529772013-10-10T20:20:00.000-04:002013-10-10T20:20:40.895-04:00Why I Willingly Submit to Sleep Deprivation: My 5 Reasons for Attending the CGOA ConferenceCrocheters from around the country descended upon Concord, NC, last week to attend the semi-annual <a href="http://www.crochet.org/" target="_blank">CGOA</a> conference. Hobbyists and professionals spend five days together sharing their love of crochet through classes, fashion show, design competition, and crocheting in public.<br />
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I've much to blog about my experiences while at conference. Subsequent posts will be about the people I connected with and how I reframed the Designer Meet & Greet to reduce my anxiety.<br />
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I knew going into conference that it would be an exhausting experience that is capable of inducing the ability to see through space and time triggered by sleep deprivation. A few hours of missed sleep each night is a sacrifice I'm willing to make and here are my reasons why:<br />
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<b>Opportunity</b><br />
This is my main reason for attending. The chance to meet with my mentor <a href="http://crochetnbeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathryn</a>, fellow designers, hobbyists, and vendors is priceless. I love the seeming randomness of making connections with people. I try not to plan too much so the opportunities can present themselves and let the magic happen.<br />
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<b>Inspiration</b><br />
A creative force field is generated by the convergence of designers and hobbyists ignited by the design competition and fashion show then fueled by communal sleep deprivation and the daily two free cocktails offered by the hotel. It's paradoxical how the conference is both invigorating and depleting, and instead of trying to wrap my brain around that I'll just bask in the mystery of it all. Besides, I've got dozens of design ideas that require my attention.<br />
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<b>Feedback</b><br />
The opportunity to show and consult with various professionals and editors and receive their feedback is alone worth attending. It may also have a happy ending--as in selling a design! Plus I was able to get a lot of feedback from my mentor in addition to all of her suggestions, sharing of wisdom and philosophy of crochet, and more.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_K3CBkSFcLA/UldCu1Rjo2I/AAAAAAAABBs/htuzNfLHON0/s1600/Monarch+2013+629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_K3CBkSFcLA/UldCu1Rjo2I/AAAAAAAABBs/htuzNfLHON0/s200/Monarch+2013+629.JPG" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doris Chan shows off <br />her very own Spoctopus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Learning Experience</b><br />
I haven't attended any classes, unless Professional Development Day counts, yet I leave conference thinking I've <i>learned</i>. There is plenty of factual knowledge to learn at conference, but there is also plenty of social knowledge to be gained such as: many crochet designers are Trekkies! All knowledge is empowering and I seek to know, understand, and contribute to the vast database of the community.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Community</b><br />
I'm a true introvert at heart so my desire to be part of a community is ambivalent--and I struggle with being able to see myself as truly belonging in any group. In the last hour I was at conference I came to realize that there was more than just crochet that I had in common with many of the people around me, and in that realization I started to feel like I belonged and was part of the community.Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-82507513905560824022013-05-31T13:02:00.001-04:002014-06-06T10:09:18.462-04:00Story of a Design: Mehndi Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I'm still beginning my journey as a designer, I find the story of my designs interesting. My design process for the <a href="http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/143074.aspx" target="_blank">Mehndi Necklace</a> began about a year ago. It's hard to believe I have patiently waited this long to be able to share with fellow crocheters this design! The mehndi motif was inspired by an actual mehndi hand design. I originally wanted to make it as a slave bracelet in size 40 thread and so I did!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4YEtfLgF8o/UajS6NhyG9I/AAAAAAAAAUY/sR-uzuuQdsA/s1600/mehndihandbest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4YEtfLgF8o/UajS6NhyG9I/AAAAAAAAAUY/sR-uzuuQdsA/s320/mehndihandbest.jpg" height="320" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slave bracelet<br />
Size 40 thread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While I liked what I had designed, something just wasn't right with the straps. I puzzled over it, showed it to fellow crochet designers at guild meetings. Then it hit me that maybe this motif wasn't meant to be a slave bracelet. It was meant to be a necklace!<br />
<br />
But what kind of neckband would fit with the motif? After more deliberation I decided to use elements in the motif. The first version I made was in black with a raspberry pink accent, just like the original bracelet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QD_PSV-wKLA/UajTP8fosCI/AAAAAAAAAUg/oS_PIccWAMw/s1600/mehndiblack3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QD_PSV-wKLA/UajTP8fosCI/AAAAAAAAAUg/oS_PIccWAMw/s200/mehndiblack3.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First version of necklace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I decided to submit it for publication I knew that the black and raspberry was too Victorian-Gothic, so I decided to make one in a purple-grape with a matching lighter color. It was only after submitting it that I realized that there was a color palette for the issue, but it was perfect as is!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFDd4qhHcds/UajTt08sLTI/AAAAAAAAAUo/lHf7n_nyuNA/s1600/mehndipurple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFDd4qhHcds/UajTt08sLTI/AAAAAAAAAUo/lHf7n_nyuNA/s200/mehndipurple2.jpg" height="183" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final version</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that the design is published I can finally wear my two necklaces in public. I like the versatility of the design--it can be worn with casual clothes or with dressy evening wear. Plus it works up great in different color combinations so it can be made to match many outfits.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFsWH4xCC8Q/UajWRi9AsZI/AAAAAAAAAU4/b8U6Nv1kIcA/s1600/mehndi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFsWH4xCC8Q/UajWRi9AsZI/AAAAAAAAAU4/b8U6Nv1kIcA/s320/mehndi1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/mehndi-crocheted-necklace-pattern">Mehndi Necklace Pattern</a></td></tr>
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Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-22847771079970486372013-05-29T11:15:00.001-04:002013-06-10T15:15:23.231-04:00Split Infinitive Pattern Now Available!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Pxw7kvrtU8/UaYZXfRZddI/AAAAAAAAATc/3aAuT0xZP-s/s1600/summerissue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Pxw7kvrtU8/UaYZXfRZddI/AAAAAAAAATc/3aAuT0xZP-s/s320/summerissue.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Featured on the cover!</td></tr>
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I'm pleased to announce that my <b>Split Infinitive</b> design is now available as a pillow project and how-to in the upcoming issue of <i>Crochet! Magazine</i>. It's available as a <a href="http://www.crochetmagazine.com/shopping.php" target="_blank">digital download</a>, and will be available as a print edition on June 4, 2013.<br />
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This design has had quite a history, originating in September 2010, then winning 2nd Place in the Artistic Expressions category at the 2011 CGOA conference in Greensboro. Its place in the annals of crochet is definitely secured. I'm happy to finally be sharing my creation with fellow crocheters!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3y9L6f-hgk/UbYlsebjwDI/AAAAAAAAAfE/KJV3UHxesjY/s1600/M22151_LearnItPillow_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3y9L6f-hgk/UbYlsebjwDI/AAAAAAAAAfE/KJV3UHxesjY/s1600/M22151_LearnItPillow_300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split Infinitive Pillow</td></tr>
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<br />Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-4024956129339169012013-04-01T10:55:00.002-04:002013-04-01T10:55:11.635-04:00No More Lost Steel Hooks & Needles!<b>Does Your Couch Love to Eat Hooks & Needles?</b><div>
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I remember one evening happily crocheting on a project. I got up and when I got back to the couch I couldn't find my hook. Now for those who don't crochet this might seem like no big deal. My husband can attest to the fact that I transformed into a tornado of fury that could not be consoled until the hook was found! Thankfully he was kind enough to move the couch and I was reunited with my hook. Peace, love and harmony once again reigned supreme.</div>
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Since losing a hook to the couch can be an ordeal that all who experience wish not to repeat, I began to be more diligent about putting my hooks back into their pouch, even for just a bathroom break. Then I got to thinking that there might be an easier way. I volunteer at a museum science lab once a week and we were using magnets to retrieve metal objects out of a large cylinder of water. An idea clicked into my head: why not use a magnet to secure my hooks in my work area?</div>
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I found a metal candy tin that was suitable to store the hooks in if I ever needed to. However, I needed a place to anchor the magnet. This tin is the perfect size. Somehow we have a bunch of super-strong magnets in our house. I selected one that was the ideal size. When I take breaks I place my hook on the magnet. I also keep my tapestry needle on it as well as my pair of small scissors. This solution has been the best I've tried so far as for not losing my stuff to either the couch or "mess" in my work area. Plus if I drop a blocking pin on the floor all I need to do is use the magnet to pick it up!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkFD1W2pB8w/UVmW-MlWnrI/AAAAAAAAALA/Gwg79sppgzI/s1600/crochetintheraw+150+(800x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkFD1W2pB8w/UVmW-MlWnrI/AAAAAAAAALA/Gwg79sppgzI/s320/crochetintheraw+150+(800x600).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super-strong magnet at work</td></tr>
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Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-18140771234121526962013-03-28T00:00:00.000-04:002013-03-28T00:17:36.501-04:00Tour Stop Day 28: Translating a Spirograph into Crochet<b><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome Crochet Country Tourists!</span></b><br />
Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you've been following and enjoying this blog tour as much as I have! I want to thank Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of <a href="http://www.crochetville.org/" target="_blank">Crochetville</a> for hosting <a href="http://crochetville.com/a-tour-through-crochet-country-natcromo-blog-tour/">this tour</a> and having me be part of it, and also I give thanks to <a href="http://www.crochet.org/" target="_blank">CGOA</a>. Both organizations have been an essential part of my life as a crocheter, and as a burgeoning crocheter professional.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqOfuVpCXKg/UVMBzFjJ9bI/AAAAAAAAAKw/DaO2giazShc/s1600/kathrynlorigreensboro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqOfuVpCXKg/UVMBzFjJ9bI/AAAAAAAAAKw/DaO2giazShc/s200/kathrynlorigreensboro.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reunited at Professional Development Day<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'm saving my best for last thank you to </span><a href="http://crochetnbeads.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Kathryn White</a><span style="text-align: center;">. It's no coincidence that we share today on the blog tour. She has been my inspiration to become a designer ever since I met her almost 10 years ago. Recently she became my mentor through the CGOA. We were able to reconnect at the Greensboro conference in 2011 after many years and both of us moving away from our home state of Washington.</span><br />
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I'm a fairly new crochet designer who loves to work with size 20 thread in all sorts of colors. Two of my designs are scheduled to be published this June, one of which is <a href="http://xn--%20shrone%20designs-pxa/" target="_blank">Split Infinitive</a> which placed 2nd in the Artistic Expressions category at the 2011 CGOA Design Competition.<br />
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I'd like to share two things with you today:<br />
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<b>First, the debut of Basanti,</b> my new mehndi (henna tattoo art) inspired barefoot sandal design and pattern! It's my second mehndi inspired design of which I plan to create more. When spring arrives--which I'm hoping is soon--Basanti will be the perfect foot accessory to wear! The pattern is available at my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basanti-a-mehndi-inspired-barefoot-sandal" target="_blank">Ravelry store</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2dsA-zwi5Q/UVDRC0LQaWI/AAAAAAAAAKA/RS_IFDSDa20/s1600/basantiblog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2dsA-zwi5Q/UVDRC0LQaWI/AAAAAAAAAKA/RS_IFDSDa20/s320/basantiblog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>New Design:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basanti-a-mehndi-inspired-barefoot-sandal" target="_blank">Basanti Barefoot Sandal</a></b></span></td></tr>
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<b>Second, as the post title states:</b> translating a spirograph into crochet.<br />
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Before I got started in designing I crocheted lots and lots of doilies. About three years ago a friend mentioned that the doilies I crocheted looked like mandalas. Something clicked in my head and I began looking at images of circular forms of art ranging from mandalas, folk art, mehndi, painted plates and <b>spirographs</b>.<br />
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<b>What's a Spirograph?</b><br />
If you are of a particular age group or into low-tech toys you are probably aware of a toy called <a href="http://www.samstoybox.com/toys/Spirograph.html" target="_blank">Spirograph</a>™. I remembering not being very talented with using it.<br />
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What I didn't know about spirographs until many years later was that there is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirograph#Mathematical_basis" target="_blank">hidden math</a> to the designs. The technical terms for most spirograph designs are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypotrochoid" target="_blank">hypotrochoid</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epitrochoid" target="_blank">epitrochoid</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTIQDMsJJ2U/UU3cEJ8VcNI/AAAAAAAAAJY/xcaW5eOE1iA/s1600/771px-Spirograph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTIQDMsJJ2U/UU3cEJ8VcNI/AAAAAAAAAJY/xcaW5eOE1iA/s320/771px-Spirograph.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hidden math of the spirograph</td></tr>
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As a kid in school I remember watching a film called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_in_Mathmagic_Land" target="_blank">Donald in Mathmagic Land</a>. The Disney cartoon demonstrated all sorts of hidden math that could be found in art, music, the human body and billiards. I'm not a math person by any stretch of the imagination, yet when math was presented in the manner like in the film, I understood it. I always wished my teachers would teach math in a similar way.<br />
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<b>Something Gets Lost in Translation</b><br />
The mathematical expressions for the spirograph seem pretty daunting:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
x(t)=(R+r)cos(t) + p*cos((R+r)t/r)<br />
y(t)=(R+r)sin(t) + p*sin((R+r)t/r)
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How can that be translated into crochet? That's a trick question because all that is needed to translate the spirograph into crochet is the basic math for a crocheted circle. (Of course there's a bit more to it as you'll see when the pattern is published this June.) <span style="text-align: center;">All of that math gets lost in the translation to crochet because it's not needed to create the appearance of a spirograph. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s286.photobucket.com/user/the_shrone/media/f757d15f-14a6-47f5-82fb-d009c2f92e25.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Split Infinitive" border="0" height="311" src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll99/the_shrone/f757d15f-14a6-47f5-82fb-d009c2f92e25.jpg" title="Split Infinitive" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Pattern for Split Infinitive is scheduled to be published in June</b></span><br />
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You might remember on PBS the show <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Joy_of_Painting" target="_blank">The Joy of Painting</a> hosted by artist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Ross" target="_blank">Bob Ross</a>. (Happy clouds!) I was amazed how he could paint an image with what appeared to be nonsensical and haphazard brush strokes. My artistic perception was awakened by his use of illusion. I saw images and art in a whole new way. Eventually my artistic perception and knowledge of crochet coalesced and Split Infinitive was the result!<br />
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<b>Play with Online Spirogra</b><b>phs & Get Inspired!</b><br />
Now that you know there isn't any complicated math to crocheting a spirograph, see if you might find some inspiration in creating some spirographs from these online tools:<br />
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<a href="http://www.mathplayground.com/Spiromath.html">Spiromath</a></div>
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<a href="http://jwsprog.appspot.com/">JW's Spirograph Application</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wordsmith.org/~anu/java/spirograph.html">Spirograph javascript</a></div>
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<b>The Tour Continues</b></div>
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<tr style="padding-right: 1.625em;"><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><strong>March 29</strong></td><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://www.crochetville.com/" style="color: #154a7f; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Amy Shelton</a></td><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://www.crochetville.com/" style="color: #154a7f; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Donna Hulka</a></td></tr>
<tr style="padding-right: 1.625em;"><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><strong>March 30</strong></td><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://lindadeancrochet.com/" style="color: #154a7f; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Linda Dean</a></td><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://collectionofcrochetstitches.blogspot.com/" style="color: #154a7f; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Kristin Dragos</a></td></tr>
<tr style="padding-right: 1.625em;"><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><strong>March 31</strong></td><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://www.threadwinder.info/" style="color: #154a7f; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Karen C K Ballard</a></td><td style="padding-right: 1.625em; vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/" style="color: #154a7f; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Gwen Blakley-Kinsler</a></td></tr>
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Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-79569221595330335192013-03-14T19:07:00.000-04:002013-03-15T10:57:28.349-04:00It's Pi Day! (And how it relates to crochet)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQHWP7TYub4/UUJQ_EXJ_WI/AAAAAAAAAIg/tDcFfvG_85g/s1600/250w_PIDAY_Use_02_Pi_Day_Po.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQHWP7TYub4/UUJQ_EXJ_WI/AAAAAAAAAIg/tDcFfvG_85g/s320/250w_PIDAY_Use_02_Pi_Day_Po.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrate Pi!</td></tr>
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<b>I ♥ Pi!</b><br />
As a thread crocheter who loves to make doilies and design in the round, I've come to love pi! I'm not a math person by any stretch of the imagination. If I have to do mental math I'm always off by a factor of 10. Designers all know that eventually it all gets back to the math when working a design.<br />
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<b>Stitches per Diameter Inch (SPDI)</b><br />
I was having a struggle with my very first design until I realized a very important equation concerning pi would help me tremendously. I call it <b>stitches per diameter inch</b> (SPDI), and is probably called by some other terms among other crochet designers and knitters.<br />
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To discover what your SPDI value is, work up a circle of dc stitches to 1" in diameter. Count the number of stitches. Example: On a size 1.25 mm hook with size 20 Lizbeth thread, 36 stitches = 1" diameter. Thus, my SPDI is 36 stitches. If I wanted to make a doily that is approximately 15" diameter, the last round would need about 540 stitches.<br />
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Knowing your SPDI is helpful if you are working with a different thread size than what a pattern calls for and want to know the final diameter of the doily with the smaller (or larger size) thread. (The math for that is a little more involved and I'll save that for another post.)<br />
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<b>Stitches per Circumference Inch (SPCI)</b><br />
This numeric value is important when making things to wear, like a necklace, hat, sock, sweater, etc. When I designed my first barefoot sandal I needed to know what is the average circumference of an adult woman's ankle. The average is about 11". Using the value of 36 stitches from above as an example:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
36 ÷ 3.14 (value of pi) = 11.46 (sts per circumference inch)</div>
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Round up to 11.5 stitches per circumference inch: 11.5 x 11" = 126.5 dc stitches or thereabouts*<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">*When I crocheted up a swatch it took only 124 dc stitches.</span><br />
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Want to learn more about pi and Pi Day? Click<a href="http://www.piday.org/learn-about-pi/" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skOvBrQ_mVg/UUJTcZWKrnI/AAAAAAAAAIo/dWu46WQZdc0/s1600/pie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skOvBrQ_mVg/UUJTcZWKrnI/AAAAAAAAAIo/dWu46WQZdc0/s320/pie.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are your favorite types of pie?</td></tr>
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<b>More About Pi(e)</b><br />
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My other favorite use of pi was in the book <i>Contact</i> by Carl Sagan. </div>
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I also am very fond of pie. I'm very fond of cream cheese, key lime, blackberry pie, and beef shepard's. My least favorite pie is banana cream and steak and kidney. </div>
Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-22580153946204412982013-03-09T14:20:00.004-05:002013-03-09T14:54:14.924-05:00Just for fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEh9n5xfAiw/UTuIryWO5xI/AAAAAAAAAHY/FzFJsBh6wTQ/s1600/crochetname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" width="450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEh9n5xfAiw/UTuIryWO5xI/AAAAAAAAAHY/FzFJsBh6wTQ/s640/crochetname.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-59715106006132816082013-03-02T17:19:00.003-05:002013-03-02T17:20:19.082-05:00It's National Crochet Month (aka NatCroMo)!<div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir5RZS4sHPU/UTJ6WD6jHPI/AAAAAAAAAGY/ZmIdaEPH_EQ/s1600/blogtourbutton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir5RZS4sHPU/UTJ6WD6jHPI/AAAAAAAAAGY/ZmIdaEPH_EQ/s1600/blogtourbutton.png" /></a></div>
<b>Take the Tour</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.crochetville.com/" target="_blank">Crochetville</a> is hosting a special event in honor of National Crochet Month. It's called <a href="http://crochetville.com/a-tour-through-crochet-country-natcromo-blog-tour/" target="_blank"> A Tour Through Crochet Country</a>. The virtual tour is of various crochet designers' websites or blogs. There will be at least one designer's site to visit each day during the month of March. (The complete schedule is posted <a href="http://crochetville.com/a-tour-through-crochet-country-natcromo-blog-tour/" target="_blank">here</a>.) You'll want to visit each stop along the tour because there will be a special surprise awaiting visitors at each destination. Plus, it's a great way to virtually meet your favorite designers, or to discover new ones.</div>
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<b>Save the Date</b></div>
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You'll especially want to take note of March 28th on the tour schedule. That's the day that I'll be putting up a very special post and surprise! </div>
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It's no coincidence that I'm sharing the date with <a href="http://crochetnbeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathryn White</a>. She is my official mentor! We've known each other for years and she's been helpful to me before, so us being matched came as no surprise. I hope to perfect my bullion stitch by merely being in her remote presence.<br />
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I've already visited the sites for the first two days and so far this tour promises to be a lot of fun and very informative! So click on the links already and start the tour! :-D</div>
Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-81602248176674311332013-02-24T14:17:00.004-05:002013-02-24T14:22:15.773-05:00Odds & Ends & Frustrations Turned Into Designs<b>The Odds & Ends</b>
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I've been collecting snippets (as <a href="http://crochetnbeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathryn White</a> calls them). My snippets are prototypes, color swatches, experiments (or failed attempts), and general odds & ends that I accumulate and keep. I keep them mostly because I can't throw them away--it just doesn't feel right to part with them.<br />
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I had these circles of color that I whipped up and decided to play around with joining. I might be on to something.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZP4Pn9ZEqQ/USphs9VcYXI/AAAAAAAAAGA/vskONlbQkag/s1600/circles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZP4Pn9ZEqQ/USphs9VcYXI/AAAAAAAAAGA/vskONlbQkag/s320/circles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experiment with joining</td></tr>
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This motif was an experiment that didn't quite work. I kept tweaking it, of course, until I got it the way I wanted it to be. It has since been turned into a completed design that I wish I could show you, but hopefully some day you'll get to see it as a published design.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOmEYgEsAIA/USphvJf9KLI/AAAAAAAAAGI/iguAOGboT74/s1600/greencircle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOmEYgEsAIA/USphvJf9KLI/AAAAAAAAAGI/iguAOGboT74/s320/greencircle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An experiment that didn't quite work</td></tr>
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<b>Frustrations</b><br />
I do find it a bit frustrating that I shouldn't show you what I'm actually designing. If I do have a design I intend to self-publish then I will share. For now I shall vent my frustrations by showing some blurry images of the previous two pictures, as I could probably show a blurry image like these of my current and future designs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJvw0ig5OKI/USphsXl5V9I/AAAAAAAAAFw/lqTVSQNfc2g/s1600/blur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJvw0ig5OKI/USphsXl5V9I/AAAAAAAAAFw/lqTVSQNfc2g/s320/blur.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry green and gray blob</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4J6wt4CMEME/USphsa_nwOI/AAAAAAAAAF0/1420ojZLs94/s1600/blur2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4J6wt4CMEME/USphsa_nwOI/AAAAAAAAAF0/1420ojZLs94/s320/blur2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glowy neon-like orbs</td></tr>
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<b>Frustrations Turned Into Designs</b><br />
This past month I had my third cold of the season--an unusual experience for me as I typically do not get sick so many times. Once is typical, but three times has me wondering if my immune system hibernated. Anyhow, during the worst of my coughing fits and Nyquil-induced-mild-inebriation (it is 10% alcohol) I was having the most difficult time working out the edging for my latest accomplishment. I even resorted to geometry to assist me. (Which did help so I need to find a geometry or math teacher and let them know I finally did find a use for it.) Eventually as my brain sobered up from all of the cold medicine I found the right combination of stitches. I felt like a rube because it was pretty obvious and simple once I found the winning combo. It seems designing it all about trying, experimenting, being frustrated, and turning that frustration into a design.<br />
<br />Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-43657002706370536832013-01-31T17:45:00.000-05:002013-01-31T17:45:09.827-05:00Circles of ColorWhat color(s) do you like? I'm working on a design and can't decide which one I like best so I made up some swatches. The center variegated is just for fun--I have no intention of using it.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2dyNLgsELWU/UQrxLMSMMWI/AAAAAAAAAFg/oqmUAYJu5Hw/s1600/crochetintheraw+005+(800x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2dyNLgsELWU/UQrxLMSMMWI/AAAAAAAAAFg/oqmUAYJu5Hw/s320/crochetintheraw+005+(800x600).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which one(s) do you like best?</td></tr>
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<br />Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-4113431894434273762013-01-25T19:07:00.000-05:002013-01-25T19:07:32.482-05:00Breathe Into Life: My Sources of InspirationShortly after I ventured into the realm of crochet designing I soon realized I was developing an almost superhero power that I shall arbitarily call "crochet vision". This unique vision, both voluntary and involuntary, is the ability to see a pattern, image, or just about anything, turned into crochet.<br />
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The involuntary form of this vision likes to strike when I'm in a restaurant or public venue. When it strikes there is the immediate need to capture that source of inspiration. There have been many times I've taken a picture of a plate, wall decoration, or sign having to use Pooky's cell phone camera because I forget to take mine.<br />
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The voluntary form of crochet vision I have manifests in seeing traditional art forms--<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala">mandalas</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolam">kolam</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangoli">rangoli</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehndi">mehndi</a>--as an endless source of translatable designs. When we last drove through Pennsylvania my crochet vision was activated by Amish <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hex_sign">hex signs</a>.<br />
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Inspiration most recently struck while watching Downton Abbey when I spotted a beaded necklace worn by Lady Mary as being highly translatable. While searching for better images of the necklace in order to translate it, I came upon many other Victorian choker necklaces that sparked my vision.<br />
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Often I find myself overwhelmed with all of this source material. So many ideas, so little time. Hopefully I'll have many years of designing ahead of me so that I can translate a bit of all that inspires me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlHPbq-2Z9U/UQMYqrEZiZI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ZDXRBX1x0Hk/s1600/tajmahalceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlHPbq-2Z9U/UQMYqrEZiZI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ZDXRBX1x0Hk/s320/tajmahalceiling.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I first saw this image of a ceiling in the Taj Mahal I thought: "That's a doily!"</td></tr>
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Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-21928608487439593772013-01-24T18:50:00.000-05:002013-01-24T18:50:21.607-05:00Collar Necklaces or Mehndi Motifs?I'm finding that there are so many wonderful sources of inspiration for me to translate into crochet that I'm having to decide where to focus my energies and what goals I might achieve this year as an aspiring designer. Of the two possibilities, what would you be most interested in crocheting?<br />
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One possibility, inspired by seeing this necklace worn by Lady Mary on Downton Abbey, is to create a series of collar style necklaces. The designs would be inspired by Victorian beaded necklaces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_kyWd5C6TU/UQHCOZCjxhI/AAAAAAAAAD8/wY_uBgiKRIU/s1600/necklace3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_kyWd5C6TU/UQHCOZCjxhI/AAAAAAAAAD8/wY_uBgiKRIU/s200/necklace3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Mary's necklace</td></tr>
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The second possibility is to create a series of motifs inspired by mehndi designs. The motifs could be used for just about any project, but would be designed for thread.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc9nXRGpRv8/UQHDa5DVdhI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/6FUa46Hm_FQ/s1600/Back-Hand-Mehndi-Designs-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc9nXRGpRv8/UQHDa5DVdhI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/6FUa46Hm_FQ/s320/Back-Hand-Mehndi-Designs-4.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/payal-a-mehndi-inspired-barefoot-sandal">Payal Barefoot Sandals</a></td></tr>
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Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1672220023480232145.post-12622345322462419412011-09-27T14:16:00.000-04:002013-03-09T01:26:02.026-05:00Split Infinitive: It's a Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll99/the_shrone/splitinfinitive-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll99/the_shrone/splitinfinitive-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://dorischancrochet.com/2011/09/23/1387/">Artistic Expressions: 2nd Prize, Split Infinitive</a></span></div>
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When I completed my first-ever design back in October 2010, I decided to show it to my fellow members of <a href="http://www.offthehookcrochetguild.com/">Off the Hook Crochet Guild</a>. Everyone was impressed; Kate said I should enter the design for the annual CGOA Design Competition. I was incredulous, for my perception of the design competition was that it was the domain of professional designers, plus I didn't have a pattern written. Kate assured me the competition was open to all CGOA members, and a pattern isn't a requirement. (I'm still working on what would be the best way to write the pattern for the design.) I'm forever grateful to Kate for suggesting I enter the competition, and to the judges for bestowing me this honor!Shrone Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898261241481882645noreply@blogger.com0