Café Crochet

My fabulous sister, Nancy Queen, has just launched her fabulous new book, The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet.Go get it. Now. It's worth it. If you're a seasoned crocheter it's a great addition to your collection. With over 30 patterns the book has everything from pullovers to tote bags and cardigans, vests and hats. If you're just a beginner the Guide to Crochet has great, no fear instructions that are straight to the point while having a sense of humor. You'll never get bored with The Chicks with Sticks!

Of the 30 fun to work patterns, three are mine. I designed, as the resident California girl, the Surfer Chick Quick Cap, a fun fan-stitch hat. It really does work up fast and, of course looks adorable.

The Chicks' Felted Zebra Slippers are a creation of mine too. These soft and fuzzy slip-ons are all single crochet so that makes them perfect for beginners.

And my personal favorite, Heather's Cafe Cardigan. This top-down raglan cardi totally fun to make, especially while you're sipping coffee at the corner cafe. If you're anything like me that caffeine buzz will have you finishing this in no time!

Mulch Day 2K8

Thankfully we only have to do this once a year.

I won't even remember the blisters when I'm sitting out here sipping a fresh mojito.

Online portfolio

Being a strong print designer requires me to be fairly, OK, completely useless at web design. My time is consumed by pouring over paper samples and printing methods rather than learning Dreamweaver and typing code. Because of this my portfolio has always been a large Spink & Gabor case that I tote from client to client. I am good at keeping my print case up to date because who doesn't love any excuse to haul out the spray mount? I wrote a tutorial about mounting portfolio boards here. Aside from that I've never had an easily viewed portfolio. I put some items up on Coroflot last summer but I've never been happy with their site. It's hard to use, the navigation is weak and it doesn't display the pieces as nicely as I would like.

Thanks to Estetica Design Forum I think I've found what I've been looking for, a website to display my work beautifully. FinalCrit.com lets you upload your images and then Presto-Change-O! they're in a fantastic Flash based website! Click here to see my new online portfolio!

Whether you're a young designer just out of college without enough experience to get things just the way you want them or a seasoned specialist like me FinalCrit can help you display your goods just the way you want. For free!

I'm the one in pink...

In regard to my Jazzercise post here, Lisa commented:

I'm envisioning a sparkly headband. Please post pics ASAP.

My friends came over and we took a picture before we went to class. From left to right, Jane, Thomas, me and Corie. Click below to see us in all our glory.

Thanks jezebel.com

Laundry League - folded and put away

This was my laundry at 10 o'clock last night. I had to stop and put it away, but there were still two loads to go. Sadly, I never got a comprehensive, all-inclusive picture.

In a few weeks time, we will host a rematch. And this time, Sue's going down!