Combined Blogs

I have combined all of my blogs into one at bretonyarnerie.wordpress.com  This was the home for an online store that I was going to open four or five years ago, but circumstances did not permit and so it went on hold. Now things have changed and it will become a reality this summer.

This will stay here for the folks who have bookmarked pages for making socks.

I have floated back and forth between wordpress and blogger for a few years and I've come to the conclusion that I like wordpress a bit better. 

:)

Google+ Communities

Last week Google rolled out Google+ Communities, a truly awesome idea for those of you already on Google+ . This feature allows users to create and join communities to interact with each other. It's thriving already :)

I created a group called Let's Crochet! Its a completely open group that anyone can join regardless of ability. This makes things more interactive than a blog, which is pretty much just me talking and you reading.We are already discussing a hangout this week, to help a community member get past her foundation chain:)

You should come out and join in!!!

Sorry!!!

I tried to redecorate for the holidays and then my laptop finally kicked the bucket. The end result is the LOUDEST holiday background I have ever seen, with so much white that I can't see my Yuletide Greetings without popping an eyeball.

*sigh*

I really believe that I repel technology. I will do my best to fix it with my phone today. In the meantime, put on sunglasses or avert your eyes.

**This is a little bit better** and doing this on an iPhone is easier than I thought it'd be.

Tarot Journal #2

"Getting To Know You" spread. Aaaah, getting to know me. Run...quickly...hahaha:)

The "Personal Card" I'm working with is still Death. Using only the majors, shuffle and deal in the way that you are accustomed to:

The questions all relate to the Personal Card, which of course for the next little while, is Death.

1. Who are you inside me? The Chariot. Upon some meditative contemplation and free flow of ideas that were written down as fast as they could come pouring out of me, one stood out the most and resonated: this is the driving force that keeps me from "falling out of the sky". If you look closely at Mr. Charioteer, he looks like he is steering through clouds. What's in the sky? My imagination, my inspiration, my higher self....lots of things are up there:) 
2. What do you want from me? The Hanged Man. This fellow doesn't actually look too upset about his circumstances, in fact, he might even accept things as they are right now. Not only do I notice this, but to me it looks like he is hanging from within a rune (hagalaz) and that his body forms two other distinct runes (wunjo and jera). Preparedness for being "stuck here for a while" jumped to mind. Indeed, I have made a few spontaneous leaps this year, both of them without plans and now after leap number two, I am sitting back, getting very impatient about the way things are. The message of the three runes is blunt: accepting the blizzard that covers everything and allowing inspiration to come during this time, knowing that this time will end.
3. What special talents and skills do you offer me? Strength. This lady has complete control of her lion. In fact, it looks like she's turned him into a docile, sleepy l'il pet. She isn't using force, in fact, I'd say he likes where he is. This is all about complete control of animal reactions, transforming base responses with intellect and compassion instead of kicking ass and taking names. Now is the time to use head and heart, and put the jackboots away for another day. 

"Advice Spread" This second reading also uses the Personal Card as a central theme.

1. What do I need to pay attention to in the outer world? The Emperor. After much contemplation, I am left with the realization that I need to tend to the markers of my visible world (such as this blog, which I have revived again) but also to my devotions and responsibilities as a spiritual person and member of a spiritual community. The figure's head rests between the carved images of two ravens - Huginn and Muninn - thought and memory. 
2. What needs to be broken through, changed, or illuminated in my life? Judgement. On thinking about the image presented in this card, it dawns on me that this year I have learned to function without many physical things that I am used to having and I am still here. The lady in the cauldron looks quite content and happy in her nakedness. Another thought that comes to mind is the emergence at the other end of things with (hopefully) new gifts/strengths. 
3. What can I do to listen to you more clearly? The Moon. By following what is laid out for me, as it is revealed instead of jumping the gun, and letting my intuition guide me, I will probably have a better time of things. This is in opposition to my nature 99% of the time :) 
4. What do I need to pay attention to in the inner world? The Tower. Sometimes having an epiphany or ending a cycle and starting a new one or even just changing a hairstyle - sometimes something new is upsetting, especially if chaos is involved. Over the years as I have walked this path my views on the world have altered sharply. This has cost me work, aspects of my lifestyle, friendships - many things fall away when your worldview no longer supports them. One of things that I have learned, and am finally starting to internalize is that it is not necessary to invite or create chaos in order to have change and move forward. This sort of thing can actually be done peacefully and quietly with a minimum of fuss :) 

Crocheting Diabetic Socks

This has been copied and pasted from my blog at hookey.org. I thought it might be useful to people here.


This is largely a marketing term, designed to sell someone socks at a higher price. Many socks not labelled “diabetic” can be worn by diabetics. So what is a diabetic sock? In order to be considered a diabetic sock, the socks must be:
Non-binding. Since circulation is affected in diabetics, the risk of ulcers is much higher than in those without diabetes.
Moisture control. Circulation issues can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. Keeping skin dry is desirable.
Seamless toe closure. Some diabetics have extremely sensitive skin and a toe seam rubbing against skin can cause blistering and irritation.

I have many, many diabetic pedicure clients in my practice as an esthetician. Most of them don’t require anything special in regards to their feet. However, at least half of all diabetics will develop what is called “neuropathy” and this is where the cause for concern lies.

If blood sugar levels are not controlled properly, then nerve damage occurs. This can happen all over the body, inside and outside, but it is most common in the feet because feet will receive blood with the least amount of oxygen and other nutrients for the necessary repair of everyday wear and tear and injuries that may occur. This is why foot injuries can sometimes take longer to heal in all of us, whether we have a metabolic disease or not. As neuropathy advances, diabetics lose the sensation in their feet. This is dangerous because they might not be able to sense that they have stepped on something sharp, that they are walking on too hot or cold of a surface – normal nerve sensation that we feel every day, which tell us something is wrong.

Now obviously a pair of socks can not cure this, but it is paramount for diabetics to protect their feet. Most of us do not take good care of our feet. We jam them into socks and shoes that do not fit, put on band-aids in anticipation of blisters that will occur while we “break in” our footwear and then we suffer later in life with foot problems that are largely preventable. Many of us in the Western world, are going to become diabetic in our middle age. In one small town in Nova Scotia, 100% of my elderly clients were Type II Diabetics, overweight or not, black, white, aboriginal, rich, poor – it did not matter. They were ALL diabetic.

When I taught esthetics in trade school, I emphasized to my students the importance of learning to treat diabetic (older) clients because this would be the reality of their practice in the years to come. I would advise sock makers who wish to sell their wares to consider marketing to such people as well. Many of my esthetic clients are aware that I crochet and several have asked for either sock patterns or pretty socks – most of my clients are also women If you go to Google Images, you will find that most diabetic socks are pretty blah. Socks are popular now, and people are more into adorning their feet in Western culture.

Here are the things that I take into consideration when designing a diabetic sock:

1. Toe-Up Construction. One of the reasons that 99% of my sock patterns are toe-up is because so many of my recipients have been diabetic. Big seams can irritate sensitive toes, causing blisters. This can create an environment that allows bacteria and/or fungus to proliferate.
2. Soft, stretchy yarn. When your nerves are degenerating, not only does it cause numbness and tingling, but it can also cause unpredictable moments of hypersensitivity. A yarn that feels ok against skin unaffected by neuropathy can feel like a wire brush again skin that is affected. Some fibres to think about are alpaca, superfine merino, cashmere, bison, qiviut, sea cell, corn fibre, bamboo, and cotton. Also very useful are sock yarns that have aloe lotion blended into them, especially when trying to prevent dry winter feet.
3. The fibre must not inhibit the skin’s excretory process. Our skin is constantly getting rid of waste for us. We notice it most when we are sweating, but it is a function that is carried out at all times of our lives. Some fibres are very good about wicking moisture away from our bodies and some are good at holding moisture to us. I personally do not like acrylic yarn. I find that it does not hold its shape, and when used in sock construction, has no insulating or cooling properties to speak of.
4. Custom shaping. We all have differently shaped feet, with their own lumps, bumps, and knots. This is why when I create a pattern I emphasize customization. Many diabetics have edema, and those with advanced neuropathy often have disfigured feet. Most socks are two straight tubes joined by a heel and this does not work for everyone. Make full use of short rows, increases, decreases, lace, and whatever other tricks are up your sleeve to craft a sock that fits. Remember, as I’ve said in years past, crochet socks look like Keebler Elf boots, so don’t worry about what your sock looks like when it isn’t on the foot. If it is shaped properly, then it will look absolutely fine when it is worn on the foot for which it was designed.
5. The yarn must have good memory. Most plant fibres do not have as good a memory as animal fibres, but they are soft and slippery feeling. Choose a fibre that is somewhat curly in its natural state. This is what makes wool so useful because most of it has “body” or wave when it is on the animal. Curly hair when spun, makes for a garment that holds its structure. Blocking an item is no different than styling hair – you shampoo it, and then dry it in the way that you want it. Curly hair with a touch of coarseness holds a style better than straight slippery hair. My current favourite yarn for all of my socks is Corny Goodness’ 60/40 corn/wool blend. That doesn’t mean that other brands won’t work, just that this happens to be my favourite. This makes for an expensive sock for me, because the closest distributor is in Fargo, haha.
6. The gauge should be as fine as you can muster. It is no secret that large gauge socks done in crochet can HURT. The first book I ever bought about crochet socks featured patterns all done in worsted weight yarn. When I put my socks on and walked around, I couldn’t believe how painful it was and I have some pretty tough soles because I live barefoot most of the time. I find that a gauge of 5 sts/1″ is as large as I want to go. The current pair that I am working on is at a gauge of 9 sts/1″ using lace weight baby merino and a 2.25mm hook.
7. White, or light colours, are preferable for those who can not feel parts or all of their feet or lower legs. This is because drainage from new or old wounds can be detected when it seeps through and stains the fabric. Blood, lymph, and other body fluids associated with injuries aren’t going to be as obvious on a magenta kettled dyed sock as they will be on a flecked beige one.
8. A touch of Lycra for stretch. A nice soft sock feels good against the skin but if it gets too baggy then it will rub and cause irritation. Yarns with a touch of Lycra can alleviate this. Be careful not to work too tightly with a stretch yarn. Sometimes it is better to go up a hook size or two. Pay attention to how the sock feels. I find that many stretchy socky yarns can be very uncomfortable even when crocheted in a fine gauge. Explore different brands until you find one that you like. If the recipient finds it does not feel nice, then consider reserving the stretch yarn for cuffs and working the rest of the sock in a non-stretchy yarn.
9. Stay within 1/2″ of the wearer’s actual foot measurements. This way the sock isn’t too tight. I personally love negative ease in my socks, but when it comes to diabetic feet, the less negative ease, the better.
10. Keep heavy texture to a minimum. You can use lace, posted stitches, and other elements to create a visually interesting sock, but keep in mind how the wrong side will feel against sensitive skin. In many cases, straight single crochet in a spiral round worked in a fine gauge is preferable for the foot, saving the fancy stuff for the leg.
11. Keep colour changes to a minimum to avoid lots of little bulky areas where multiple ends are woven in. Lots of sock yarns come in beautiful muted variegated colourways that don’t require colour changes.

Above all, keep the recipient in mind. Try it on as you go, and be patient. There may be lots of ripping back, or pattern or yarn changes as you figure out what works and what doesn’t.

Happy Hooking!!!!!

Tarot Journal

I've been reading Tarot cards since 1989. I put them down a couple of years ago because I simply didn't have time and I wasn't getting anything from them anyway because I was a wee bit burnt. Earlier this year I picked up a copy of Mary K. Greer's "Who are You in the Tarot?" and the other day I finally opened it. I really like this book and I'm interested in picking up the cards again. Mary suggests using this book as a workbook for Tarot journaling, so that is what I'm doing here. If you just like to read about socks and yarn, then skip over this post :)

The first exercise in the book is to pick a deck of Tarot cards and separate the major arcana. In her book she uses the RWS, which most authors use. I am using the Robin Wood Tarot. This is a RWS clone, but I like Robin Wood's artwork better than Pamela Coleman Smith's.

Spread out the 22 trumps face up and take the first five that appeal to you. Put them in any arrangement that you wish. The five that jumped out at me were Death, The Tower, The High Priestess, The Empress, and Judgement:

Part of this exercise is to look at the cards as if you've never seen them before, which is difficult to do because I've now been using them for more then half my life. My first thought was "Gee, two of the really happy cards" (Death and The Tower). However, the second part of the exercise was to remove two cards that seemed to want to fall away:

So this leaves me with Death, The High Priestess, and Judgement. The Tower and The Empress just fell away. Incidentally, although Mary doesn't look at the importance of cards that are being removed in this exercise, those of you familiar with the Tarot will probably look at them anyway and see significance. The last portion of choosing cards for this exercise was to remove two more so that you are left with one trump to investigate. I ended up with Death. Those of you not familiar with Tarot will think that's a bad thing, but I'm glad that I chose Death over The Tower any day :)

In the book, there is a set of questions for each trump that examines some of their meanings. The answers get written down in your Tarot journal. Since I now have time at home to devote to this stuff again I will just blog it because the dog eats every shred of paper that I touch. AND...and....I am pretty certain that more than a few of the crocheters that read this blog use Tarot cards and maybe they'd like to journal along :)

Death's questions are:

1. What needs to die? Well, I would hope the answer would be "Not me" because I don't feel like crossing over just yet. Its still too interesting over on this side. Let me just say again how hard it is to look at these cards as if they are brand new, and how hard it is to just let ideas flow loosely, because what I want to do is start reading. I know, because I also practice numerology, that I am approaching the end of a 9 cycle and that when I turn 41 next March I will start a 1 year. For about a month now I have been feeling the energetic transition and I am impatient for things to get moving. I am impatient anyway, at the best of times, but this has been a trying year because I know it's a wrap-up year, an endings year, and that lots of things have to fall away. I'm ok with that part, it's the putting one foot in front of the other and taking it one day at a time that drives me up the wall because I want to fly into the next cycle RIGHT! NOW! and just get the old crap done and over with. If you look closely at the photo of the Death card, there is a little butterfly just to the left of Mr. G Reaper. Butterflies are symbols of change and luck, and can be divine messengers. When I looked at it, I was reminded of the expression "A butterfly flaps its wings in New York and there is a storm in Hong Kong." Even the tiniest of things can cause chaos....and it dawns on me that I although I chose The Tower in round one, I also discarded it when it felt right to do it and I realize that the butterfly is flying away, back into the forest. 
2. What must I sever in order to grow anew? I turned on my Mommy Hearing and proceeded to shut out the rest of the world for a few minutes so I could just look at the card. Two words pop into my head: toxic bitches. I've actually let a couple of those go this year. The funny thing is, thinking back to the little butterfly that didn't stand out right away, these women didn't occupy any portion of my brain in a front and centre way at all, but they both managed to cause lots of chaos and stress for me. 
3. How can I release unnecessary patterns? My eye is drawn to the birch trees in the background. The mark the entrance to the woods. Not only do they demonstrate how to let go with their bark peeling away in layers, bit by bit, but I remember my Ogham studies. Birch is the great initiator. She burns fast and hot and doesn't root too deeply. When she's gone, she's gone - there is nothing left behind. 
4. What will letting go relieve me of? Death stands at the edge of the forest, on bare earth. Nothing grows around him. In fact, it almost looks as if the plants and trees in the image are actually trying to bend away from him. I've often wondered, with the amount of false starts and let downs that I've had this year, if I haven't been repelling good energy away from me, much like Death is repelling the plants in the picture. That's it!! I've been frightening the universe!! Hahahaha
5. What needs transformation? Everything. No need for introspection here. 
6. What bare bones basics or essentials do I need to get back to? Hmmmm. Last night when I did this, I simply wrote "I don't know" and went to bed. Now, looking at this question and thinking back on the year, I can't get over how financially unstable it has been. I took a big hit in my tips this year. For various reasons ranging from corporate lay-offs in the area where I worked to negative coworkers to switching job locations twice, I have lost a lot of my client base that I carefully built. However, as tight as things may be, I am still here. I remembered how to get by on a lot less, even though it stinks. I know that things will be better next year because I am transitioning to a new chapter in life that will settle out by 2014. Instead of flailing around, which is what I did for the last several months, I have doubled back and picked some things up again (old job - but in a new location, old blog - but with a new direction, old ideas - but on a smaller scale - you get the idea). I have picked up some newer things, both creative and practical, but since I've come to realize that anything new that I begin will pretty much go nowhere when the energy is all about closure, I will wait for brand new starts next year.

So endeth the exercise!!!

:D

HA!!!

I finally found the email tab in ravelry that lets me receive notifications. So, now it won't be six months to a year going by without hearing from me because I will know that I have a message :)

I don't log in that much to ravelry and for those of you who contact me via there, sorry. I know it sounds silly, but I had some very negative experiences there with a couple of ravelers a few years back and meh - I just haven't really been back since. I should not have let it get to me, but I did.

Moving on to other things......

I am getting into knooking. It was interesting when the beginner book first came out but then I was like "Yeah, OK, whatever" because it was all garter stitch scarves and dishrags but the other day I got this book of hat patterns and thought "Awesome" because it truly is knitting but I don't have to break down and knit :)

I have also been cultivating a distinct and definite addiction to Tunisian Crochet, more specifically, to entrelac. Oh my god, if I could cover the world in little interconnected squares....well, the world would look a little odd, but I would be happy. I have been creating entrelac hex sign blankets. I did one one day just to see what it would look like and I am hooked!!! If I had more arms, I'd make a hundred of them.

This leads me to something else.....has anyone else ever needed remedial therapy because of crochet? I have been in and out of the massage therapy clinic in my area because the minute I start to crochet the pain starts in my shoulder, it travels up my neck and into my jaw and head, and noooooo....I can't not crochet :( Advil and I have become very good friends.

We rescued a puppy in September:) Her name is Duffi and she comes from Cross Lake Reserve up north. A friend of ours is dating an RCMP constable who travels there frequently and he nearly always brings back a dog. When he found our little Duffi she was pretty much a stray being abused by children. I am constantly amazed at how resilient she is. When we first got her she peed every time anyone looked at her and she wouldn't come out from underneath my manicure table. She's about 6 months old now, and weighs in at 50lbs. She's mostly husky so she will be very, very big when she's done growing. She is mom's girl and follows me around constantly. She has also torn up a good chunk of my yarn and all my roving, as well as much of my nail stock. There is nothing quite like picking up glittery, fluffy, lacy poo in the backyard. Well, at least it's pretty!!

She's also eaten nearly all of my shoes. Thankfully she was kind enough to leave me with my really, really fugly winter boots and even fuglier indoor shoes....but the few nice pairs I had are all gone :'(

But we love her anyway.

The cats wish she would take a long walk off a short pier but that's another story :)