Pattern Testing Vs Writing the Pattern

I have tested I dont know how many patterns anymore, but I find that lately I am rewriting others patterns for them. Some of the newer designers are slapping together work with out a hint of how to write it on paper. That or they dont take the time to stop row to row. They need to understand how time consuming it is to test the pattern, make it check for mistake, but when the entire pattern is nothing but a mistake. UGH. End proof , they get all the credit, you get a free pattern and a pat on the back, oh and no kick back.
  I guess I should spend more time creating , but I watch so many patterns and design and years upon years of books. Everything is looking like repeats, copies. Ladies fighting over who made what. Is it really worth it?. I guess it's better to sit in the back, correcting the designers flaws, enjoy the free pattern and let them fight it out over who made what.
By the way, yes I am sort of bitching and no in a way I am not. It is all in how you look at it I guess. I personally enjoy testing others ideas just hate undoing there knots. (yarn joke there people)

Gayle

Learn to Crochet

More free patterns for you to enjoy

Information on Looms

During my usual daily surfing I came across this article about looms. I am always asking questions about them because I own the Knifty Knitters and the Martha Stewart Loom / Weave sets. I have never owned a wood loom and of course wondered if it would be worth investing, or even in a large weaving unit that makes rugs.. I hope this help you as it gives a little insight.
original link is below if you would like to search their site.

http://www.favecrafts.com/Loom-Patterns/A-Guide-to-Loom-Knitting/ct/1

A Guide to Loom Knitting  By: Caley Walsh

Loom knitting uses a wood or plastic knitting loom instead of needles to knit fabric from yarn. Knitting looms come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. In loom knitting, the yarn is wrapped around the pegs of the loom in a simple weaving technique. Different wrapping techniques result in different stitches and patterns on the fabric.




Knifty Knitter
Round Knitting Looms






The pegs on a knitting loom correspond to stitches held on the knitting needles. The gauge of a knitting loom is determined by the distance between the pegs and the size of the pegs. Most knitting looms come with a metal hook or “pick” which is used to grab and pull the yarn over the pegs.
Loom knitting requires less dexterity and causes less strain on the hands than needle knitting. This simplicity makes loom knitting ideal for children and those suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Loom knitting can create flat items, such as a scarf or afghan, and round items, such as a hat or sock.
If you are especially handy, you might consider making your own knitting loom. At simplest, you will need a smoothly sanded wood board, metal nails to create the pegs, a precise ruler and a pencil. You will space the pegs from ½ inch to ¾ inch apart depending on the types of projects you want to make. For specific instructions on how to make a knitting loom, see links below.

Knitting Loom Types

Rake- A rake is simply one line of pegs. You can only do flat knitting on a rake loom, and the fabric will have a right and wrong side. Gauge for rake looms is determined by the distance between pegs.

Round- Unlike a rake, a round loom has no starting or stopping point and can be worked continuously. This stitch continuity is the important distinction for this loom rather than the shape. “Round” looms can actually come in different shapes like triangle, square or oval. Circle looms are often used to make hats. Triangle looms can be used to create triangle-shaped shawls. Gauge for round looms is determined by the distance between pegs.

Afghan Looms- Simple afghan looms can be oval-shaped, while many afghan looms are curved into an S-shape or figure 8 to take up less space. They come in single and double-rake varieties, like knitting boards. Some have an adjustable peg to allow for creating round-tubes on each side of the figure. Small looms allow you to create afghan squares which are sewn together later.

Sock Looms- Sock looms come with a very fine gauge and many are adjustable, allowing you to create different size socks for the whole family.

Knitting Boards- A knitting board is two, connected parallel rakes used to create double knit fabric, or fabric that is finished on both sides. Unlike rake loom knitting with a right (knit) and wrong (purl) knit side, knitting boards create a fabric with the purl sides hidden inside, facing each other. Knitting boards are often adjustable to create different width between the two rakes. The gauge for knitting boards is determined by the distance between pegs AND the distance between the rakes.

Meet Me on Facebook

Ladies and Gentleman the reason I have not been posting for what seems like forever is because I have been on Facebook.  There you will find ALL my pictures, every completed item. I Invite you to come and take a look and become a "friend"
You can find me by this link http://www.facebook.com/Flametide 
 I look forward to seeing you.
   Oh and if there is a pattern you are looking for please feel free to contact me. I have thousands of patterns from all around the world.
 God Bless
 Gayle

Testing Patterns

I'm sorry but it has been a very long time since I have posted. Due to health I have not been up to chatting much.
These days I have been testing patterns for others. If you need something tested please feel free to email me at Flametide@aol.com .
 My dilemma right now is how to find out if Big Artes will ship to the US and if not how I can get some of there threads. The company is out of Brazil, I think.
 When I am able I will post pictures here but if you would really like to see everything, I have been posting on my Facbook. You can locate me at http://www.facebook.com/Flametide .
Please feel free to add me, If there is something you like email me.
 I shall head out as I have a skirt to get finished. Miss you all
 Gayle

Can't Knock Me Down

Over whelming health issues.... I am still here fighting crocheting away. It is my sanity. I have neglected my blog for Facebook. Everything I have crocheted has been posted there.. Yes I should be posting my items here to but it is so easy over there. .

Here are a few things I have been making lately.

Hat crazy!!

Updated Flickr

I have been very busy lately Testing patterns for a very nice lady and when I am not doing that I have been trying to get a few things made here that I want to Etsy. You can see all my items that are finished on Flickr or join me as Facebook : Gayle Aikens

talk to you all Soon

Hexagon Baby Sweater

I have seen this sweater created in the US and Over Seas. Both patterns equally beautiful. I took a little of each and put my hand in it. This is my version of the sweater. I hope you like it.

Testing Patterns for SmoothFox

I replied to an open add for testers and was lucky enough to be picked. Here are the 2 blocks that I made. These both belong to http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/ .

She has wonderful free patterns and some that you can purchase. I know as I have bought a few. That is how I originally found this little slice of heaven. I can tell you, for those who know me, they will vouch I never liked squares. I DO NOW!! Thanks Donna You have officially converted me to a square junkie !!

Visit With Grandson

I miss him so much. He is still in foster care. Today was my first visit and it has been 3 months since I saw my precious little man. He has gotten so big. I just had to share a little video of him with you

Oval Headphone Replacement Covers

I was in need for covers for a set of headphones and could not find a pattern anywhere so I decided to try my hand at writing one.

Oval Headphone Replacement Covers

Size E Hook

I used Sport Weight yarn, but you can use 4 ply Baby Soft. Any lightweight yarn will work. The Idea is to be able to hear as well as have comfort

Note: chain 2 counts as a double crochet

1. Chain 20 , slip stitch to form a ring

2. Chain 1, sc around , slip stitch into chain 1 (20sc)

3. Chain 2, double crochet in chain 2 space, *back post* double crochet in next 6 single crochet, 2 double crochet in next, 1 double crochet in next, 2 double crochet in next, 1 double crochet in next, 2 double crochet in next, 1 double crochet in next, 2 double crochet in next, double crochet in next 7 single crochet, slip stitch into chain 2.

4. Chain 1, single chain around in both loops, slip stitch into chain 1.

5. Chain 2, double chain in chain 2 space *back post* double crochet in next 11 single chains, 2 double crochet in next, 1 double crochet in next, 2 double crochet in next, 1 double crochet in next, 2 double crochet in next, double chain in next 9 single chains, slip stitch into chain 2.

6. Chain 1, single chain in next 5 stitches, decreases 1 time, single chain in next 5, decrease 1 time, single chain in next 5, decrease 1 time,single chain in next 5, decrease 1, single chain in next 2.

Fasten of. Weave in loose threads.

created by Gayle Aikens (flametide@aol.com)4/2010

Behind the lines: Killer Unseen

I am truly sorry that I have not written in such a long time. The best way to describe it , would be unwell. For almost 5 months now there has been a silent monster living in the midst of our household. It has been attacking me slowly killing me.

I can hear you say " what does she mean Killing her?" I have been diagnosed with pseudo seizes.They are not like epileptic seizures. They do not attack the brain like those do. Pseudo's are related to long term stress ie: post traumatic syndrome, sexual abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, beatings, drug abuse.

Those are just a few to name, of course those are of course the top layers of what I have been through over the years. I have been walked on by my children and other family members and currently still am. It has been explained to them all that if this doesnt all stop and disappear I will simply fade away into dust. They didnt show a hint or tinge of concern and went right back to bickering.

Joe has been a help mate, since it has begun. I am not allowed to drive he has been taking me everywhere. Ron cared enough to send me on a retreat for 6 day which meant another cruise for me. It was cold and damp. YUCK. But I did get away.

Now if only I would/ could get away again for a little while longer. I really need it. Bad

Last night was one of the worst of my seizures. In my opinion I would say it was THE worst.

GAYLE

A Little of This and That

Therapy as it is called these days has brought me to my newest creations. Enjoy and as always they are for sale.