Although the Attack Warning was removed, I've decided that I like my new blog so much that I'll be posting there from now on. So, please be sure to make a note of the new URL when you visit here:

http://kimguzman.wordpress.com

For those of you on email alerts, you'll need to subscribe on the new site. You can subscribe using the link in the lower right column at the bottom of the new blog. (Angie, I've already signed you up and you should get a message from Feedburner to confirm your subscription.)

I won't be removing this blog since it contains so much data. But, a lot of the information has been transferred in the form of Pages on the new blog. Those are located at the top of the screen as follows: Designing for Print Publication, Recipes and Tunisian Crochet. I will probably start a Page for Errata as well so that it will be combined into one handy place.

Enjoy your visit and don't forget to sign up for email alerts!

I have just posted a new entry to my new blog here. Please be sure to note the URL of the blog. My biggest disappointment about this is that Bravejournal seems to be the only blog service that allows you to subscribe simply by putting in your email address and I have a lot of subscribers. If you don't use an RSS service, it appears that you will have to check the website from time-to-time to see my entries. I know that's not any fun since the email notification was so convenient. I can't think of any way around it, unfortunately.

While preparing a blog entry today, I noticed that there was this huge alert on my page which stopped me in my tracks.


For anyone visiting my blog, my blog absolutely has nothing on it to cause this warning. My site is not an Attack Site.

However, I have known for a long time that Bravejournal.com includes a lot of horrible, annoying pop-ups which apparently have caused this problem. BUT, and here's the rub, I PAY a monthly fee so that you don't have to be assaulted by these pop-ups. Those pop-ups are apparently the problem. And, of course, I have PAID so that you don't get them. But, in Google's "ominous knowledge", they have blocked everything that says bravejournal.com even if it doesn't include the pop-ups.

This annoys me to no end and I'm downright angry. I've had this blog for close to 4 years and now, it looks like I'll have to move it elsewhere, losing a lot of my data since bravejournal.com doesn't play well with others.

I'll be starting a new blog this week. And, I'll post here with the new URL. Of course, a lot of you won't know about it because that huge "Attack Site" warning may scare you off. Sooooooo unprofessional looking, isn't it?

Anyway, I'll be posting the new blog URL as soon as I have it available and I will link to it from my main websites. Boy, I am extremely ANGRY! But, such is life. I should have probably changed my blog a long time ago since this one still looks like something out of the 90s. Need to move on, I suppose.

ETA: When I tried to get some answers from Bravenet, this notice was posted on the top.



Maybe everything will be resolved. But, I'm still going to look into setting up a new blog.

So, I've been knitting pretty regularly for about 5 days. I didn't feel any strain in my wrist. But, it must have been there. I had to stop my knitting to do a small crochet project in a very quick amount of time. There was some serious pain in my wrist and I ended up having to use an overhand hold (like I would in knitting) in order to get it finished.

Now, I'll have to rest awhile. I'll probably work on things like my website and some research perhaps. I'll probably get out some of my stitch pattern books and browse. And, I will get out my Big Girl Knits book for some research as well. Oh, and I'd like to go back to my Montse Stanley knitting book to learn more. And, of course, there's always cleaning the apartment that can be done. hahahahaha

Not to worry. I'm sure that rest will do the trick. It was just so annoying to have it happen just when I needed my wrist to work! I only had one day, for goodness sakes.

I've finished the back of the Carnivale Top and I've started working on the front. Once I get it seamed and tried on, I'll know if I'm on the right track. It just takes some time when I feel like I'm just experimenting. This is when I really wish I had been crocheting it! But, I need to challenge myself. I can't stand still, in the same place. Every challenge brings new knowledge. I just hope that I get lucky and it works the way I want it to work on the first try!

I feel like I've been given a little reprieve. The last 6 months have been so stressful and hectic. But, right now, I somehow think that I can take a little breather.

But, it's really not a breather. After all, I'm teaching classes at Crochetville this month. I find this so fun! It's incredible to see so many people get "hooked" on Tunisian crochet.

I've started a new project and I've been working on it since Saturday. This is the prototype:


This one is made with South West Trading Company's Soysilk and Berroco's Idol. I had a very difficult time choosing the yarn for the pattern, though. I don't like to combine products like that in a pattern. So, after a LOT of research and deliberation, I finally chose Elann Lustrado. I knew it was a fine cotton, but I really didn't know it was as fine as it actually is. I'm going to guess it's about a size 3 cotton. I'm using size 3 needles to knit it and I've never used something so small in knitting. But, truthfully, it will work well with my other designs since I've been using size 3 cotton with them. It's a good match and I'm excited to see how it turns out.

This pattern will be for my website and will be my first knit pattern on the website. There are so many other things I have to design and stitch up in the next couple of months. The time is really starting to fill up quickly. But, I have to admit that most of the work I've been doing in the last 6 months has been "design on demand". This is my term for when a publisher/editor asks for something specific. I enjoy doing these projects. And, I've learned a LOT by really challenging myself to do things I wouldn't ordinarily do. But, I really needed to work on something that came out of my brain from start to finish. I feel like I need to replenish the creativity and get motivated for the year to come. So, I'll be working on this project first. I may have to put it aside for awhile in spots, but it's something that NEEDS to be done.

Here's something I tried out today and it was so delicious that I wanted to share it with you. You'll need to start early in the day because it takes quite awhile for the meat to cook. The meat is wonderful cooked this way. Green chiles add a wonderful flavor without adding a tremendous amount of spicy heat. And, it was my aunt who first told me how to make this meat. But, I've added the other ingredients for delicious burritos.

You can use any size tortillas. The larger, fajita size tortillas, make a good size "football" burrito. But, you can certainly use the smaller tortillas as well. I used the smaller ones today.

Each burrito includes the green chile meat, spanish rice, black beans and cheese. If you have any of the meat left over, put it in the freezer for later because it makes an EXCELLENT chili starter.

You'll need:

Large dutch oven type pan
Olive oil
2 or 3 pound roast (I prefer rump roast)
Water
2 small cans diced green chiles

Covered saucepan
Olive oil
1 c. uncooked rice
1 small can diced tomatoes with basil and garlic
about 2 c. chicken stock

1 can black beans
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles

2 c. shredded quesadilla cheese or any soft melting cheese

Flour tortillas

Put about 2 tablespoons olive oil in pan and heat. Add roast and sear on both sides. Add enough water to cover roast. Allow to cook on stove top on low heat until fully cooked and very tender. Add more water as necessary. Remove roast from water. Don't dump out the water. Shred roast with fork or cut into small pieces. Return to pan. Add entire contents of 2 cans diced green chiles. Continue cooking until water has almost completely evaporated.

Begin rice when water is almost evaporated.

Put about 2 tablespoons olive oil in pan. Add uncooked rice. Cook on medium heat, stirring rice to be sure that it's completely coated with oil. Continue stirring throughout so that rice doesn't burn. Rice will turn a slight golden color. Drain the canned tomatoes, reserving the liquid in a 2-cup measure. Add enough chicken stock to the 2-cup measure to equal 2 cups. Add to the rice with the canned tomatoes. Bring to boil, then put on low heat and cover. Simmer on low according to the package instructions for the rice.

While rice is cooking, combine black beans and can of tomatoes/green chiles in microwave safe, covered dish. Heat in microwave until heated through.

Heat the tortillas individually in a skillet with no oil. Just enough to heat them and brown them a bit. An iron skillet is perfect for this.

Now, you could serve this allowing people to make their own burritos. Or, you could do it ahead of time, wrapping each burrito in foil. You can place the foil-wrapped burritos on a heating tray or in a warm oven until ready to serve.

I wanted to let everyone know that there is currently a crochet-along for the Sweetheart Ripple Afghan from the February 2009 issue of Crochet World magazine.


The crochet-along information is on Crochetville here. The link includes information about the yarn used in the project and more detailed information on the stitch I invented to achieve this effect.

And, just look at this! The afghan is currently on the top 5 current patterns on Ravelry!


If you would like to participate in this crochet-along, please don't hesitate to post in the Crochetville group to join. And, you can also add your project to the pattern page on Ravelry. Maybe the project will even hit number 1! What fun!

If you have been unable to locate the magazine, it is available for download at e-patternscentral.com.

Enjoy!

So, I've been doing a bit of browsing and noticed these books that I thought will be very interesting to see.

Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting

Tunisian crochet, sometimes called the Afghan stitch, combines the ease of crocheting with the appearance of knitting. This instructional pattern book brings Tunisian crochet into the realm of high fashion with exquisite stitch patterns, meticulous shaping, and attractive finishing. Sixteen chic projects for apparel, accessories, and home decor are explained in detail. Readers will learn how to make wearable items such as a chain mail scarf, child's jumper, honeycomb skirt, and man's vest. Home decor projects include an ottoman cover, placemats, afghan, pillow, and more--all using Tunisian crochet techniques. Expected publish date: April 30, 2009.

Freeform Style: Blend Knit and Crochet to Create Fiber Art Wearables

Learn to combine freeform knitting and crochet into gorgeous wearable art with patterns and instruction for every level of freeform artist. Find inspiration in master freeform artist, Prudence Mapstone, through her gallery of stunning freeform creations. Organized for easy access, each pattern is labeled either beginner, intermediate or advanced and depending on the level, additional freeform stitches are incorporated into the patterns to create a garment full of style. Expected publish date: June 10, 2009.

Nicky Epstein Knitting in Tuscany

Knitters will pour themselves a glass of Chianti, gaze at the gorgeous photographs, and work their way through a dozen fabulous Tuscan-style projects (presented with step-by-step instructions). They’ll also savor the tidbits Nicky imparts about the region and its knitters, and her travels through Italy. Expected publish date: May 5, 2009.

All About Crochet

There isn't a description given, but it's by Jean Leinhauser. Need I say more? Expected publish date: June 2009.

Hooked for Life: Adventures of a Crochet Zealot

No description on this one either. But, it's by Mary Beth Temple, the host of Getting Loopy. Expected publish date: April 21, 2009. (My birthday LOL)

Tasty Crochet: A Pantry Full of Patterns for 33 Tasty Treats

Who can resist a playful taco or adorable strips of bacon? With the help of easy-to-follow patterns and step-by-step instruction, you can whip up tasty treats for any “meal” of the day using a crochet hook as your primary utensil. The playfulness of amigurumi meets the palette pleasing nature of food in this tempting title. Thirty patterns for a variety of tasty treats are divided into chapters including breakfast, lunch, dinner and desert. With the fast nature of these projects, you’ll be cooking up cute, crocheted meals in no time. Expected publish date: March 27, 2009.

100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet: A Collection of Beautiful Blooms for Embellishing Garments, Accessories, and More

Breeze through this gorgeous collection featuring a colorful palette of simple spiraling roses, saucer-sized poppies, delicate lilacs, an assortment of vegetables, and more. All are shown full-size and in scale and is complete with stitched leaves and embroidered stems. Each flower has full instructions, yarn requirements, and a suggested skill level. An additional section serves as a refresher course with basic techniques and provides inspiration for embellishing your finished flowers with beads, buttons, and sequins. You can also learn how to use the flowers in a range of fun projects, from customizing clothing and accessories, to decorating gift-wrapped packages. Expected publish date: March 17, 2009.

Fiber Gathering: Knit, Crochet, Spin, and Dye More than 20 Projects Inspired by America's Festivals

Join author Joanne Seiff as she details the rich heritage, sprawling agriculture, and unique flavor of eleven fiber events throughout the U.S. From the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival to Oregon's Black Sheep Gathering—and lots of others in between—you'll get a taste of what each festival has to offer through a rich mix of photography, essays, lore, and even a local recipe. Talented designers have contributed top-of-the-line patterns for you to knit, crochet, spin, felt, hook, and dye your own distinctive masterpieces using fibers that are ubiquitous to each festival. Whether you're working with a sophisticated mohair-silk blend or skirting a fleece on shearing day, the twenty-five projects in this book are representative of the best of America's fiber festivals. Expected publish date: March 16, 2009.

Crochet Chic: 30 Scarves, Hats & Bags

Crocheting accessories can be a quick, simple, and rewarding way to enhance a wardrobe—and build needlework skills. Thanks to Francine Toukou, these sophisticated patterns have a distinctively urban edge, a sassy design aesthetic, and an imaginative use of color. Toukou promises that the techniques are so simple, even beginners can master them in little time. The biggest challenge will be deciding which one of these beautiful projects to do first. Expected publish date: March 3, 2009.

Granny Squares Now: Dozens of Fresh Takes on a Crochet Classic

These are not your granny’s granny squares! They’re young, hip, and sometimes not even square. These more than 70 contemporary versions come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, along with fabulous finishing ideas. They’re attractive enough to use as an embellishment on a piece of clothing, as well as in traditional stitched-together projects. Many of the designs appear in different yarn weights and colors, allowing crocheters to personalize any of the items and get exactly the look they’re after. The wide selection features everything from ponchos and scarves to sweaters and skirts. Expected publish date: March 3, 2009.

Enjoy!

I have just compiled all my tax information for the year and sent it off to my "people". Compiling this information is always so stressful. I had to start the process with a couple of Tylenol. 

And, here is the year-end information for my wee designing business.

The top 5 pattern designs being sold on my websites, in order of popularity, are:

1. Garden Party Wrap
2. Dreams Shawl
3. Nautical Waves Afghan
4. Sonrisa Empire Waist Top
5. Butterfly Wings Afghan

This year:

• I added 13 designs to my website, Kimane Designs.
• I wrote two books/leaflets. One of them, so far, has been published. Tunisian Around the Home.

• Other than the 13 designs in the book above, I believe that I've seen 17 other designs published. I made two covers this year!

• One of my designs, Oasis Wrap, was available on tear-off sheets, which was really cool. I handed them out like candy.
• I became a part of a group of designers, self-publishing on the internet, Straight from Today's Designers.
• I attended the Knit & Crochet Show in New Hampshire during the summer and Christian walked the catwalk with one of my designs, a full tuxedo, completely in crochet. Pants and all!

• I believe that I actually stitched and wrote patterns for about 62 different things. Whew!

And, I think that's about all I'm going to remember right now. It's been quite a ride! 

I've been doing nothing but weaving in ends lately. Not much to talk about there.

So, I thought I would distract you with photos of Christian.

The new Crochet World magazine has hit the stands and just look at who made the cover! Woo hoo!


If you don't have a subscription to this magazine, I've also noticed that you can get a downloadable version at e-patternscentral.com.

Yay!

Would you just look at that! We made it all the way to 2009! I remember when I was a kid, I did the math to see how old I would be when we finally hit the year 2000. And, now look at us. We're all the way to 2009. Here's to an exciting, wonderful and prosperous new year to everyone!

Did you make black-eyed peas today? I know that it's traditional to make black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. I forgot to buy some this year. But, I did make some white northern beans which will have to do.

Yesterday, I cooked up a ham in the crock pot. It wasn't a really huge ham, by any sense of the word. But, it turned out to be a really good buy. I added some cut-up ham to the beans. The rest was put in the food processor for ham salad. As it turned out, I put half of the processed up ham in a freezer bag and put it in the freezer for later. So, we'll have ham salad for now and, the next time we want ham salad, there will already be some ham in the freezer.

And, let me tell you, we love ham salad around here! Brianna and I can't seem to get enough of it. I've discovered that there is a key to terrific ham salad and it starts with the ham. I've made ham salad with sweet ham, boiled ham and smoked ham. By far, the smoked ham is really the way to go. No doubt about it.

My ham salad is really very simple. Ham that's been run through the food processor/chopper, mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickle, finely chopped boiled eggs and a bit of pepper. (You don't need any salt because of the pickle and smoked ham.) It's so easy, but oh so tasty.

I plan on spending today weaving in ends of my latest project. I had planned to do it yesterday or the day before. I think I got caught up in the holiday. I so rarely take any time off. It was a little strange, but I really didn't find myself doing any kind of crocheting yesterday.

I didn't completely take off work, though. In the last two days, I spent a LOT of time doing some Ravelry editing. A lot of the sooper editors and other volunteer editors pooled together and we did some massive editing. It was fun because Casey, the owner of Ravelry, helped us out and let us know about some fun new things that will soon be available on Ravelry to make our lives easier. I can hardly wait to see these new upgrades.

Also, on Ravelry, I started a discussion about sizing I'd like to provide in my future patterns for my website. For those of you able to access Ravelry, you can see the topic here.

For those not on Ravelry, (oh, please sign up for Ravelry...You'll love it!) this discussion is about my available options when providing sizing in my patterns.

Scenario 1: For magazine and book publication, it's necessary that I follow a format of 6 sizes: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X and 3X. This gives me a broader range of sizes, but it's necessary for the crocheter/knitter to tweak the pattern for sizes in between since a size Small is about a size 4/6, Medium is about an 8/10, etc. With there being a possibility of two different sizes in there, it will certainly mean some tweaking of the pattern for those who have a pattern closer to an 8 when they're a 10. However, it would be easier to tweak a pattern between these sizes than try to, say, tweak a pattern that's only written up to size 16 when they really want a 2X.

Scenario 2: Since I plan on self-publishing, I have the opportunity to provide different sizing, if I like. So, it would be possible for me to provide sizing that is more closely aligned to actual ready-to-wear. So, if I still stick to providing 6 sizes, that would mean sizes 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16. You see the problem immediately with this scenario. The plus sizes are excluded because of my need to stick to 6 sizes.

After reading the responses in the group, I'm really leaning toward Scenario 1. I truly want to provide the plus sizes. So, I would rather have that range and sometimes the individual crocheter/knitter will have to tweak the sizes in between a little. For me, I think that is the way to go.

Other very important requests, which I already provide were:

• provide the suggested ease amount
• provide schematics of the finished garment, with measurements

These are very important and I already provide this information. Nothing will change in that regard for 2009.

Something else came up in the discussion and that is of the photography of the finished model. My impression was that a lot of people would like to see the finished garments modeled on someone other than an ultra-thin model. And, I was given some very good advice in the group: If I design something that I feel would specifically flatter my ultra-thin skinny mini of a daughter, make it in the size for her. If I design something specifically to flatter myself, make it in my size and model it myself. It's so simple and was staring me right in the face! And, it makes perfect sense. Thank you, Deb!

I hope that people will continue discussions for awhile on this topic because I've really been learning a lot and it's making me excited to get started on my New Year plans!

Brianna and I love brownies. A. Lot. Last night, I decided to be creative and here is what I've come up with.

Blonde Caramel Brownies

• Box Yellow Cake Mix
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup margarine, melted
• 1 egg
• 2 T. water
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 Caramello candy bars

Preheat oven to 350º. Mix dry ingredients together by hand, add margarine, egg and water, mix thoroughly. Add pecans. Spray 9 x 13" pan with Pam. Pour in batter, spreading evenly. Break Caramello candy bars into 4 individual pieces (16 total). Place evenly on top of batter, pressing slighly. You don't need to completely cover them. The batter will rise over them. Bake for approximately 30-34 minutes. Do not overbake.

This is best served warm with some whipped topping or vanilla ice cream. And, trust me, you won't even miss that they aren't "chocolate" brownies.

Woo hoo! My book is now available for sale!

What a terrific Christmas present!  

Click here to go to the book at Annie's Attic.