Do you remember those crazy latch hook kits you got when you were a kid, of course maybe I'm aging myself, I grew up in the 70s, so latch hook kits and those velvet marker kits were a big thing. Latch hooking has actually made a comeback in the last few years. Kits are still being sold at your local craft stores or online but there is not a lot of variety in design. Basically the kits still consist of puppies, kittens and landscapes, oh and butterflies. Although these styles may be popular with some, it really doesn't go with my eclectic style. So, I started creating abstract designs and creating my own patterns. Here is a list of supplies to get started: yarn latch hook canvas latch hook scissors latch hook binding design/graphic YARN The yarn typically used for latch hooking comes in precut bunches. I sometimes find these at my local thrift store for 50¢ to 99¢. Or you can buy larger quantities from Ebay. You can really use any type of yarn, y...

Being new to weaving and may I add self taught, I have had my share of fails. Whether it was pulling my yarn too tight or totally missing a warp thread and only noticing it after I had done many, many rows of plain weave. And then there's the multiple times I've used Adobe Illustrator to design an abstract design only to realize it really didn't work as a weaving or I needed to do a bit more practice weaves before beginning the final weave. I write this post after a stressful night's sleep of trying to figure out how to get my weavings out there, to a broader audience and make some sales, so I can buy more yarn, oh I mean pay some bills. It probably stems from scrolling thru too many posts on Instagram of beautifully staged photographs of weavers and their weaving and honestly playing the comparison game. Instagram (and other social media) can be very overwhelming. Anyone who posts regularly knows it takes a lot to set up a shot, the lighting has to be just right ...

My sister Kate and I took a road trip to Columbus last fall, to visit my son, August, who is a sophomore at The Ohio State University. We explored new neighborhoods and revisited old favorites. Here are some must sees: Small Talk  is one of my favorite boutiques in Columbus. They carry ethically made apparel and accessories and home decor and goods. May I add some of the best candles! The owners are  so nice  and I stop by for visit whenever I'm in town. photo credit Small Talk The Crest Gastropub is in Clintonville and has a great selection of beers on draft and might I say a pretty good Moscow Mule. It's great for dinner or just drinks and apps. Katalina's  is a great breakfast/lunch spot. It's the home of the Original Pancake Ball™. It's a great spot to eat outside because of all the picnic tables and you can draw all over them. Kai's Crab Boil   is in a strip mall and is southeast of the airport, about ...