2021 Goals

 Normally, I am not a goal person. I keep a journal and everything is pretty free flowing so I can be as creative as can be. I learned very quickly that if I set a lot of goals I get overwhelmed. Tangible projects are fine but undefined goals are not. 

I’ve also learned to ask the Lord for my word for the year. Last year the word was healing. That word really proved true. I have spent most of this year healing. I’ve had several things go so wrong (like falling down the stairs) that keeping a schedule would have been impossible. So, I had to give up writing Annie’s Talking Crochet Update. If I can’t give my best I move on. The Lord knew that so he gave me the word healing so I would know to move on.  

I doubted when I felt it was time to quit writing the update but looking back I am so thankful that I listened to that tug on my heart. I needed this year to heal. I really loved writing and connecting with so many of you. I miss each and everyone of you. 

I now write for another company that helped pay for the medical issues and have more flexibility. I am finally healing and hoping for more opportunities. 

I’m not sure what my word or verse is for this year is yet. Right now it feels like the word is colorful. I’m really hoping that truly is my word and am excited to see what scripture goes with that word. 

Colorful opens so many doors! I love colorful! I pray 2021 is a fun journey that leads to lots of colors. (As long as they aren’t bruises!) 

On the learning side, I am taking a year long writing class that I am hoping will help me grow as a writer. I try to take one new class or workshop a year. If you aren’t learning you are dying. I’d love to hear what you are planning for 2021! Please leave a comment or shoot me an email! 

Best blessings, 

Brenda

What a Difference a Stitch Makes!

 Recently, I went on a yarn buying binge. Not a surprise for yarn junkies, I know. For years I have been using yarns that book or magazines have asked me to use so this buy was a bit of a gamble. 

I ordered online so I had no idea how they would feel. Sometimes the reviewer’s idea of soft is completely different than mine. Then throw in no animal fibers and finding soft yarn becomes an even bigger challenge. 

I hit the jackpot with every Hobby Lobby yarn I ordered! I am so please with the loft and texture and a few even have a halo! You usually only find that in animal fibers! 

I’d like to show you what I found when I started swatching with their Yarn Bee Caterina Regal Rose. 

This first swatch is worked in a half double crochet. 

It’s really pretty in its own right but something was missing. So I found another textured stitch I liked and the change was incredibly dramatic as you can see!

It’s very clear that stitch matters! It went from being just pretty to, “Wow! Let me touch that!” 

If we are going to take the time to make something, we need to swatch first. These examples prove exactly why. Had I stayed with the first swatch my design would be ordinary. With swatch two it’s fun to make and I know it will be fabulous to wear! Take the time to swatch with different stitches. You will be glad you did! 

Happy crocheting! 

#Grizzly399 and Cubs

I love having a blog where I can write about anything I want. This is my life and I am blessed.

These photos are my son, AJ Bourg’s. He sent them to my while visiting the Tetons. Grizzly 399 and her 4 cubs have become world famous. Giving birth to 4 cubs is amazing but having them all survive is a miracle! Her 4th cub likes to poke around and always seems to come in last. He knows how to slow down and enjoy everything around him. 

If you’ve been on Instagram much you’ve had the chance to follow their sightings (and mischief!) using the hashtag #Grizzly399. It’s been a fun summer activity. Soon they will hunker down for a long winter nap. 

I grew up in Wyoming and I admit I want to go back. I miss the slower pace. I would love to live up north. I don’t mind -15 as a normal temperature for a winter day. 

Where we live now used to be rural but the big city is moving in on us. This used to be my dream place to live. Over the last 20 years we’ve watched it change from a kind and safe place to live to a place that is just another suburb with bigger issues. I miss the kindness. I miss knowing all my neighbors. I miss having a church that isn’t just a sermonette all about me.

As I grow older, I appreciate the things that kept my family in Wyoming for generations. Will we move back? I sure hope so but I kinda doubt it. The Rockies here are just as beautiful here but the weather isn’t as brutal. 

These are just things I ponder on a cloudy Wednesday morning as I’m homesick for a simpler way of life. 

Beautiful blessing,

Brenda

A New Day!

 So, this week has been insane for all of us. I admit I hate elections but I am grateful we get to vote. I know that sentence is contradictory but I have a feeling you all understand too well. Since it has been so rough, like you, I prayed and crocheted! 

Aren’t these colors beautiful? I caught them on clearance too! I admit I have more yarn than I need but I can’t say no and my hubby really doesn’t care. I’m spoiled and it’s the perfect storm!

In other news, my book has turned into books. I love to write nonfiction - my fiction is going well too but my wheelhouse for now is nonfiction. Now it’s a race to see which one will become book three. 

Is anyone else writing for the month of November? It’s addictive once you get going. I spend much of my day writing about all kinds of things. It’s a beautiful creative release for me! I’d love to hear what you write and what you read. I am always looking forward good authors.

Happy Friday! 

Brenda 

A New Challenge!

 Now that I am finally getting back into the swing of things, I’ve decided to try my hand at a different kind of writing. Nonfiction has always been my wheelhouse. I really love writing about day-to-day stuff that we all go through. It’s been on my heart to really stretch myself as a writer so I am going to dip my toe into fiction for November’s writing challenge. 

Will I suck at it? Probably, but half the fun is in the challenge. Once you figure out the formula the rest falls into place. It’s really no different than selling my first designs. I made a bunch of samples, went to a conference and sold every sample. At the time I had no idea how incredible that was. I also won 2nd place in the design contest. I don’t write this to brag, I write it to encourage you to do that thing that the Lord has put on your heart. Like me, you might be blown away by what He does simply because you put yourself out there. 

Each one of us was given a gift - the Bible calls them talents (as in money) if we use them He will multiply the outcome but if we sit on them they are wasted and the Lord isn’t happy that we didn’t trust Him more. 

Why fiction? I love people. I love watching them, I love listening to them and I care about what is going on in their life. If you don’t love something you can’t write about it. My sister also recently told me I loved to tell stories as a little kid. I’d love to regain some of that childlike view of life. I remember writing stories for my English class in grade school and just loved doing it.

It’s been many years since those last assignments so I am trusting the Lord to give me the words to touch others hearts through my writing.We could all use a lot more love these days!

Today I challenge you to try something new. Pull that talent out of your pocket and use it. Then please come back here and share you story with me!

Sweet blessings, my friends!

Fun With Shingles!

 Well it’s been a while since my last post. I wondered what else could happen this year in my last post. A little advice, don’t ponder that question! I’ve been down with shingles for 2 months. I am pretty young to get the shingles! It’s been a very painful journey.

What have I learned during this time? Nerve pain is the worst pain I have ever endured! My heart hurts for those of you who deal with it on a daily basis. 

The medication makes me sleep a lot! That’s a blessing and a curse. I’ve been working on a new project and I am moving at a snails pace. Thankfully, I am almost at the finish line with the shingles and life can get back to normal. 

During this time I’ve had a lot of nights that were just too painful to sleep. It gave me time to reflect on where my relationships are going. There are things I want to change to hopefully make them more healthy. It also gave me time to crochet and pray. 

I am hoping to get back on track with my blogging and crocheting! Thank you to those of you who follow me on Instagram who have given me so much encouragement during this time! 

Happy crocheting! 

A Little Estes for You!

 This summer has been a doozy! From Covid to insane fires, we have seen it all! Next month there is a comet expected. Surprise, surprise! Well, not really, it is 2020 after all, why not have a comet too? It’s just adds to the craziness that this year has brought. 

I don’t write that to cause any panic attacks. I think we just need to sit back and watch what God is doing. There are beautiful things going on all around us!

This video is one of my all-time favorites! Those are hummingbirds going nuts over their dining spot near the river in Estes Park, Colorado. We could have watched for hours but it was clear they weren’t pleased. A few dive bombed my head. Who knew they could be so aggressive? 

The chipping is actually them humming and if you listen closely you can even hear the river roaring behind us. It was a beautiful day that renewed my creative sense and brought peace and calm to our chaotic world. I hope you have your own little happy place that helps you find the same peace and calm. ✝️

Happy crocheting! 

Choosing Colors

 One of the hardest parts of any craft is choosing the right colors. We all have at least 1 favorite color, if not more. When choosing colors for a project start with the favorite color of the person you are making it for. I know that sounds pretty simple but a lot of people forget to consider it. If you are going to the trouble of making something, don’t you want them to use it? 

Next, how many colors do you want to use? Right now I am working with 12 colors. A few years ago that would have really freaked me out. Not now though, I’ve learned how to use the color wheel and also how color values or hues work. These 12 colors are all very saturated with the exception of a few I want to really pop. They still work in the theme of the project but they will be the star of the square I am creating! 

When using just 2 or 3 colors try leaving white, grey or black out. I think you will be surprised at how pretty a pattern can be without neutrals! These colors tend to overwhelm the other colors we pick and wash them out. I only use them if it’s requested now. 

If you are struggling to find 3 or more colors that you like go to Pinterest and search for color combinations. You will never be at a loss for beautiful combinations again! You can find my own color board on Pinterest if you want a quick start to building your own. 

Happy crocheting! 

Lots of Questions!

This month has slipped by so quickly! Most summer months usually do. I love the long drives, beautiful flowers and time with my family. It’s hard to get a lot of designing done - but I have! 

While the heat has been on I was busy working on a big proposal that will include a lot of color! I have learned so much and hope I get a chance to share my ideas with you! 

I do have a few questions for you, do you listen to podcasts? If so, what are your favorite types? It probably doesn’t surprise any of you that mine are all Christian news or sermons. I admit I am considering a podcast but are you guys tired of them? What are your favorite topics? Do you enjoy designer interviews? I love to meet and encourage others. 

Teaching stitches isn’t my thing right now if it isn’t in writing, but helping others build on their favorite colors or finding what yarns work best for which projects are a favorite way to spend my time! 

Please leave a comment or shoot me an email! I look forward to hearing from you! 

YouTube Channels You Need to Subscribe to!

I love that we have so many opportunities to learn online. I have been learning French and have a few other languages I want to learn after that. At first my hubby teased me - he's part French but now he's learning new words with me. It's been fun to have study buddy. If you aren't learning, you are dying. We grow when we learn.

I have some friends who have each started their own YouTube channels to help you learn. They each have unique styles and design completely different things so your opportunity to learn is wide open!

Ellen Gormley does motifs like no one else! I love her easy going style of teaching and her wealth of knowledge. I learn a lot from her and I design for a living! That should tell you how good she is. Be sure to catch her Tunisian videos too. She really explains everything you need to know to conquer the technique and learn new stitches. 

Bonnie Barker has texture all over the place! she knocks it out of the park on each design she shares. Texture happens to be my sweet spot as well so I really enjoy learning new stitches or even new projects to add texture to. Bonnie is always ready to help if you ever get stuck - that is a true blessing!

Karen Whooley really works hard to help beginners learn how to crochet. Her in person classes have always sold out quickly so as she transitions to more online teaching, I am really eager to see what she is going to offer! Her Delta Lace class and Top Down Crochet have always been on my dream list. 

Susan Lowman just started her own channel! I am so excited to see where this takes us! She already has several videos posted today. I can't wait to sit down and watch them. Susan is a wonderful teacher, I have no doubt what is coming is going to be really great!

I hope I've given you a few new resources for inspiration. Click on over and visit my friends today!

Color Inspiration!

 

I have been studying color for the last 10 years because finding the right combinations doesn’t come naturally to me. I recently found out that some of the colors I think I see aren’t exactly the same ones my husband sees. Pretty interesting, isn’t it? We think we all see the same shades but we don’t. 

I am working on a new proposal for another book and it will be heavy on color. I am so excited to use what I have learned over the last 10 years. I will share the 2 biggest secrets to finding the best colors with you today. 

First, nature. Look around outside and take photos. Those I’ve included are from my own yard and a few of them the Lord planted. I was so excited to see that lovely red lily just pop up! We planted yellow and orange and for years that was all we had. This year we have white, pink and and red too! I take my cue from our creator - more colors are better.  

Secondly, use a good color wheel. You want one that has more than just the primary colors. 4 or 5 variations of each color really helps - especially if you have a large yarn stash that you would like to use cohesively. Since using the wheel, I am finding combinations I wouldn’t have considered before. They have opened up all kinds of new ideas and projects for me! 

I also use Pinterest for the color combination cards but find that they tend to be more repetitive but that could just be the algorithm my account is under. 

I hope these tips help! Later, I will show you a few ways to use the color wheel so you can get some really stunning results! 

Happy crocheting!