'May the 4th be with you' Haha, I am such a Star Wars geek.
Anyway, I just had my first show of the season yesterday. It was a smashing success, this was the best one I did in the five years attending this. I interacted more with people stopping by. Some people stopped and signed my guest book to sign up to my fan page on Facebook. Those who don't go on FB, I'll still send little newsletters. Perhaps invite them to my blog. When they asked "Do you teach?" I was happy to say "Yes!"
Teaching. This is a new thing for me. Even though I have taught before, to special needs children in camp, this is different. It's going to be more focused on one or two hobbies, crochet and stitchery.
I was accepted to Crochet 1 and Crochet 2 by the Craft Yarn Council. Everything has been e-mailed to me with attached files and lessons. So first order of business is to buy a new printer that's compatible to this laptop. Wireless for convenience.
I have to draw up lesson plans, and conduct a mail, email, phone correspondence. As time goes on, I mail my binder to my teacher who lives in South Carolina, once I pass Crochet 1, I will be "Instructor" level. "Teacher" is Level 2. So right now, I need to plug Michael's in Levittown, and Westbury. These would be ideal places for the beginner courses. As they move on to bigger things, perhaps Levittown Library would be a potential spot for advanced beginners where they are fully aquainted with crocheting, and can now move on to a more social atmosphere. The lower level in the library have great meeting rooms.
Meanwhile, Steve asked me when will my next show be. Well, if I want, I will do nearby shows over the summer, but do want to focus on my schooling. So there might be one or two during the summer, and then in September I will attend the Festival by the Sea.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
February 24, 2014
Good morning, a slow point in my day where I remembered to post another blog.
So, I mentioned I do craft fairs. I am in the process of picking out the ones that I did really well last season:
May:
Levittown Engine 7 Fair: $20
East Rockaway: $60
September:
Baldwin LIRR: $0
Lido Beach Festival by the Sea: $185
October:
Seaford LIRR: $325
November:
Huntington Hilton: $0
You could say I got my work cut out for me. :) This year, I'll be checking out different places, and I feel confident enough to do Eisenhower. I can probably do a few summer shows as well!
So, I mentioned I do craft fairs. I am in the process of picking out the ones that I did really well last season:
May:
Levittown Engine 7 Fair: $20
East Rockaway: $60
September:
Baldwin LIRR: $0
Lido Beach Festival by the Sea: $185
October:
Seaford LIRR: $325
November:
Huntington Hilton: $0
You could say I got my work cut out for me. :) This year, I'll be checking out different places, and I feel confident enough to do Eisenhower. I can probably do a few summer shows as well!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
February 23, 2014: Business AND pleasure
First, a bit of business:
Craft fair pieces are on schedule. I have been taking the time to sort out my stash. Now I am going to categorize my collections of yarn into what I'll be making from it.
Next, it's my vast pattern collection. I have probably well over a thousand patterns. It's crazy! LOL
But, I'll be able to match a pattern to the yarn.
So, I checked out the CYC site as to how I can go about teaching crochet. Turns out I don't have to jump through hoops to go the Micheal's route. I can do "library tours" if I want to for student teaching. How cool does that sound?
I'm going for it. I'll be doing this over the summer as well as taking my class courses, I have to do 15-20 hours student teaching. It'll be the only time I'll be able to do this due to my regular job. I plan to not work over the summer so I can devote my time to student teaching, studies, and craft fairs. Also, in July, I need to attend the CGOA/TKGA conference since I am a member, who eventually become a teacher, so sitting in on a few classes will give me a feel of how I should conduct mine.
Come September-November, I'll be working again, and on the weekends do some holiday showcases.
In December, I'll be setting up my schedule and work with the Levittown library to set up my classroom.
January to March, I will hold my classes. I'll split them up according to age. Just four age groups, Grade School 7-11, Middle School 12-14, High School-college15-25, and adult 25+. Probably at the end of each month, hold a social where everyone meets and we have a party where we stitch up things like squares for Warm Up America, Linus House, and Halos for Hope. Not to mention baby sets for local hospital maternity wards to send the baby home with a warm layette set.
At the Home Front:
Meanwhile, I am psyched to get going on our property.
Back Yard:
There is so much that needs to be done. We are planning to install a garden railroad. Build a platform and move the hot tub to a new location. Finally, design a HUGE entertaining area where we can have BBQ parties again. The patio area will be bordered with an herb and produce raised bed planters.
Front Yard:
The front lawn are going to get torn up and out. Last year, I found a 15' diam "gray spot", all the zoya died, the ground had tiny holes everywhere. It became very spongy. Disease and a certain bug got to it. So we're digging it up and starting over. The chain-link fence is going to trash this year, a new sidewalk, driveway, and walkpath going in. The driveway will grow a bit wider, with an attractive brick border. The new walkway to the front door will be done in pavers. We also want to create a bump-out and close off the alley and attach the garage to house. The garage gets a carport out the front, and a porch in front of the house.
Side Yard, east side:
Plans are for to rip up the lawn, power wash the PVC fence. Pavers from the front will continue through here to get to the backyard. Probably build a raised bed to plant produce and flowers that need 80% shade/20% sun.
Side Yard, west side:
Plans for this area is another path to the backyard. It will also be where we will stack the wood.
Just for me, and Steve:
We will take more railfanning trips. And weekend get-aways. I want to go get a physical/allergy test.
Craft fair pieces are on schedule. I have been taking the time to sort out my stash. Now I am going to categorize my collections of yarn into what I'll be making from it.
Next, it's my vast pattern collection. I have probably well over a thousand patterns. It's crazy! LOL
But, I'll be able to match a pattern to the yarn.
So, I checked out the CYC site as to how I can go about teaching crochet. Turns out I don't have to jump through hoops to go the Micheal's route. I can do "library tours" if I want to for student teaching. How cool does that sound?
I'm going for it. I'll be doing this over the summer as well as taking my class courses, I have to do 15-20 hours student teaching. It'll be the only time I'll be able to do this due to my regular job. I plan to not work over the summer so I can devote my time to student teaching, studies, and craft fairs. Also, in July, I need to attend the CGOA/TKGA conference since I am a member, who eventually become a teacher, so sitting in on a few classes will give me a feel of how I should conduct mine.
Come September-November, I'll be working again, and on the weekends do some holiday showcases.
In December, I'll be setting up my schedule and work with the Levittown library to set up my classroom.
January to March, I will hold my classes. I'll split them up according to age. Just four age groups, Grade School 7-11, Middle School 12-14, High School-college15-25, and adult 25+. Probably at the end of each month, hold a social where everyone meets and we have a party where we stitch up things like squares for Warm Up America, Linus House, and Halos for Hope. Not to mention baby sets for local hospital maternity wards to send the baby home with a warm layette set.
At the Home Front:
Meanwhile, I am psyched to get going on our property.
Back Yard:
There is so much that needs to be done. We are planning to install a garden railroad. Build a platform and move the hot tub to a new location. Finally, design a HUGE entertaining area where we can have BBQ parties again. The patio area will be bordered with an herb and produce raised bed planters.
Front Yard:
The front lawn are going to get torn up and out. Last year, I found a 15' diam "gray spot", all the zoya died, the ground had tiny holes everywhere. It became very spongy. Disease and a certain bug got to it. So we're digging it up and starting over. The chain-link fence is going to trash this year, a new sidewalk, driveway, and walkpath going in. The driveway will grow a bit wider, with an attractive brick border. The new walkway to the front door will be done in pavers. We also want to create a bump-out and close off the alley and attach the garage to house. The garage gets a carport out the front, and a porch in front of the house.
Side Yard, east side:
Plans are for to rip up the lawn, power wash the PVC fence. Pavers from the front will continue through here to get to the backyard. Probably build a raised bed to plant produce and flowers that need 80% shade/20% sun.
Side Yard, west side:
Plans for this area is another path to the backyard. It will also be where we will stack the wood.
Just for me, and Steve:
We will take more railfanning trips. And weekend get-aways. I want to go get a physical/allergy test.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
February, 2014: Personal Blog
What happened to me? It truly has been a busy, emotional, and demanding time that I had to stop blogging, and for some time, stop crocheting. At this time, I am on auto-pilot. I am an emotional mess.
As I was at Stitches East!, my father-in-law was very ill and was hospitalized. He was very combative to everyone, including his wife. On Halloween, he was transferred to Hospice, where within 24 hours, slipped into a coma, and died. Since the in-laws are in Florida, and we live in NY, it was not possible for immediate funeral. So he was cremated. I did two more shows in November, but my heart was not really into it. Understandably, I am in mourning. We had a quiet Thanksgiving dinner with Steve's brother, John. My family was a bit upset I chose to stay home. I was just not in the festive mood.
December arrives and during Holiday Break, we drove down to Florida to be with Mom for Christmas. We also picked up Dad's ashes, so we can hold proper services in May. Came back in time to celebrate a very subdued NYE with friends. And since the New Year, all I have been doing is work, eat, and sleep. Very little crochet.
Just last week, my precious Pomeranian, Xena had passed away in her sleep. She was 16, and now I feel so lost without her gazing at me, and watching what I do. Lady and Daisy are also feeling the loss. I feel like I am stuck in auto-pilot almost all the time. And I just feel so sad.
I am crocheting again, just not with the same enthusiasm. I guess I just need time...
As I was at Stitches East!, my father-in-law was very ill and was hospitalized. He was very combative to everyone, including his wife. On Halloween, he was transferred to Hospice, where within 24 hours, slipped into a coma, and died. Since the in-laws are in Florida, and we live in NY, it was not possible for immediate funeral. So he was cremated. I did two more shows in November, but my heart was not really into it. Understandably, I am in mourning. We had a quiet Thanksgiving dinner with Steve's brother, John. My family was a bit upset I chose to stay home. I was just not in the festive mood.
December arrives and during Holiday Break, we drove down to Florida to be with Mom for Christmas. We also picked up Dad's ashes, so we can hold proper services in May. Came back in time to celebrate a very subdued NYE with friends. And since the New Year, all I have been doing is work, eat, and sleep. Very little crochet.
Just last week, my precious Pomeranian, Xena had passed away in her sleep. She was 16, and now I feel so lost without her gazing at me, and watching what I do. Lady and Daisy are also feeling the loss. I feel like I am stuck in auto-pilot almost all the time. And I just feel so sad.
I am crocheting again, just not with the same enthusiasm. I guess I just need time...
Friday, October 25, 2013
A typical day in a life of a crafter 10/25/13
Good Morning, Friday! It may sound a lot like a frantic, crazy post. But my brain is in overdrive. Holy cow, I got so much to do, so little time! OK, So, I got my regular job today, tonight, need to get some orders started. In craft fair world, tomorrow, I'll be in Rockville Centre (at the train station), tomorrow night, get warm and crochet. Sunday, we are going to the Statue of Liberty, have a nice lunch, come home to get warm again and crochet, again. From Monday-on till November 22, I'll be working on my Holiday Fair items. Lot's for home décor, such as tree skirts done in my favorite pattern, Granny Squares and Hexegons. This way I'll have enough for any last-minute shows in December, as well as custom orders on Etsy.
Like I said, it's CRAZY at the moment. Tonight though, I will have a glass of wine. Probably fire up the woodstove, and get ready for tomorrow, and sit and stitch for a bit.
Tomorrow, I will get up early with hubby. Finish packing the truck, bundle up, drink some airborne, hot tea, etc. Spend the day in RVC, hopefully see some of my friends who live close-by. Come home, unpack, warm up again, dinner, SLEEP.
Sunday, Steve and I are heading to the city to see and climb up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. This will be Steve's first, and is on his bucket list. This is my third time (not bragging, really!)
Thank goodness it's early enough that we'll stop to have lunch before heading home to warm up again, and go through my work room.
Mondays to Fridays, I have a real job as a school bus driver, but will be fitting in quality stitching time.
Next Saturday, we're going on a road trip to PA. Once again to catch colors changing, trains, and stitching. Yep, while waiting for the trains, I'll be stitching. Sunday I got the whole day to still plug along on my mounting orders, and get ready for the Holiday Showcase on November 24th. This will be a first, indoor, and BIG. Can't wait!
OK, so now I need to go and write a check to Showtiques, and clean up to get going back up to Bayville to work my afternoon shift. WEEEEE!!!!
Oh, on top of all this chaos, teaching courses on craft fairs, and everything crochet.....
Like I said, it's CRAZY at the moment. Tonight though, I will have a glass of wine. Probably fire up the woodstove, and get ready for tomorrow, and sit and stitch for a bit.
Tomorrow, I will get up early with hubby. Finish packing the truck, bundle up, drink some airborne, hot tea, etc. Spend the day in RVC, hopefully see some of my friends who live close-by. Come home, unpack, warm up again, dinner, SLEEP.
Sunday, Steve and I are heading to the city to see and climb up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. This will be Steve's first, and is on his bucket list. This is my third time (not bragging, really!)
Thank goodness it's early enough that we'll stop to have lunch before heading home to warm up again, and go through my work room.
Mondays to Fridays, I have a real job as a school bus driver, but will be fitting in quality stitching time.
Next Saturday, we're going on a road trip to PA. Once again to catch colors changing, trains, and stitching. Yep, while waiting for the trains, I'll be stitching. Sunday I got the whole day to still plug along on my mounting orders, and get ready for the Holiday Showcase on November 24th. This will be a first, indoor, and BIG. Can't wait!
OK, so now I need to go and write a check to Showtiques, and clean up to get going back up to Bayville to work my afternoon shift. WEEEEE!!!!
Oh, on top of all this chaos, teaching courses on craft fairs, and everything crochet.....
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Good morning, my readers. While you are reading this, sipping a cup of tea, I am busy, Today, I will be helping my fellow crafters, many of whom crochet like I do, and do other things, make things for charity, and for craft fairs (to help fund their yarn collecting habits). I do want to begin dabbling once again with my stitchery. There are so many cute things I can make for the holidays. So I can't wait to dive right in! I am planning to do some holiday crochet as well. I also would love to make throws meant for cuddling and curling up in with a book, a warm puppy/cat by your feet, and a cup of tea.
Last weekend I had my first show of the season, and I did REALLY well! I paid $165 for my booth space, for Saturday and Sunday. (Not a bad price!) I sold $300 in my creations. I put that right into my savings account, I will not touch that till I go on my trip to Stitches East. I signed up for a couple of classes, and spending two days of yarny-goodness. I'll get to meet my favorite designers, perhaps buy more books, and maybe purchase some handspun. If I see fellow stitchers there, I'll mingle with them, needlepoint is almost non-existent these days, so I want to be inspired.
So, now I begin with Chapter 3, pricing. But this will be very detailed. So my world-wide students can understand what they do, and what will help them.
Last weekend I had my first show of the season, and I did REALLY well! I paid $165 for my booth space, for Saturday and Sunday. (Not a bad price!) I sold $300 in my creations. I put that right into my savings account, I will not touch that till I go on my trip to Stitches East. I signed up for a couple of classes, and spending two days of yarny-goodness. I'll get to meet my favorite designers, perhaps buy more books, and maybe purchase some handspun. If I see fellow stitchers there, I'll mingle with them, needlepoint is almost non-existent these days, so I want to be inspired.
So, now I begin with Chapter 3, pricing. But this will be very detailed. So my world-wide students can understand what they do, and what will help them.
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