Moved/Moving/Moo

I'm moving/moved to my new domain/brand/identity/awesomeness. It's called oobbles. It can be found at http://www.oobbles.com Please come visit me there. I will no longer blog here. Thanks for all of your comments and love, moove it on over to oobbles!

Another Satisfied Customer

Look at that pure jellyfish satisfaction! ;-) I made an ultra deluxe jelly for my good friend's daughter's 1st birthday! It was a hit!

Better Late Than Never

I totally forgot to mention I was the Etsy Hooker of the Week!
Please check out the super nice blog post about me. Thanks to all my hooker friends!

It's GIVEAWAY Time!

Hello and welcome to my Lincoln Handmade Giveaway extravaganza! Let's cut right to the chase- HOW DO YOU ENTER?!?

Whoa- calm down! It's super easy.
One: Leave a comment on THIS post stating your favorite item, and why, out of one of my three shops:

chimeracrochet.etsy.com
chimeracreation.etsy.com
chimeracreation.1000markets.com

Two: Become a follower of either my blog or my twitter. That's it. Oh, and make sure I know how to contact you if you win!

Now what do you win? Whatever you want! Well, within reason. The winner will be drawn on March 21st at around 8 am and that person may choose ONE item from either of my etsy stores.
Thanks, and GOOD LUCK!

New at ChimeraCrochet

New, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

You can check them out in my flickr stream 1. Pixie, 2. Undead Zombie Cupcake, 3. James, 4. Bunton

Or even more fun- check them out in my shop- http://chimeracrochet.etsy.com The Owlingtons, The Woolingtons and HedgeBalls now have their own sections!!

P.S. Stay tuned to http://lincolnhandmadeteam.blogspot.com for some AWESOME giveaways coming up SOON!

Take The Time

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

So I'm Giving Artfire A Try

I figured I'd give the free account a try. I mean, it is free. I have two pills listed there, and I'm debating making it all pills all the time. ChimeraCrochet's Pharmacy, as it were. Speaking of pills, I better make some more, because I have a feeling I'm going to sell out soon. SO either snap up what I have on Artfire (click above) or shimmy over to ChimeraCrochet (link is over there to the lower right) because I just sold another one overnight.

Naughty Prescription For Love

Naughty Prescription For Love, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

New in my shop @ http://chimeracrochet.etsy.com are some Prescription For Love Amigurumi Pills. I have a few different kinds listed. They would make a perfect gift for Valentine's Day!

Did Doing Will Do!

Just read: Scaling Down by Judi Culbertson; Choosing Simplicity by Linda Pierce and 365 Simple Reminders by Elaine St. James.
Reading: Your Money or Your Life by Dominguez and Robin; Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin and Paganism by Higginbotham.
Up Next To Get: Follow Your Bliss by Sparrow and Zina and To Have or To Be? by Erich Fromm; also some books by Eckhart Tolle
Just Crocheted: A pigtail hat for Leith and a kitchen washrag for Josh.
Am Crocheting: Nothing
Want to Crochet: Not sure, really just feel 'out of it' craft wise.

Was thinking about: The nature of friendships and my difficulty obtaining and sustaing them.
Am thinking about: Cleaning my office, what I can get rid of next. The Gator Bowl
Need to think about: What's next?

Crochet for Cleaning... And Love... Awww!

I just read Crafterella's latest blog post and now I am totally going to crochet a swifter cloth! I didn't even think about making one. What I did think of making were scrubby washcloths for Josh. He somehow managed to finally lose or destroy the microfiber ones I got him, so I thought- why not crochet some? I think I was inspired by the latest issue of craft magazine where they talk about crocheting acrylic scrubbies- how gentle they are, yet full of cleaning power. So, I crocheted him two round ones with 2 strands- one acrylic for scrubby, one cotton for absorbency. They have been working quite well thus far. I think when I make my swifter covers I will use an acrylic and cotton mix too! What do people use for a cleaning solution?
In other crafting news, I am debating getting some black wool roving and spinning some black yarn to crochet Josh a black beanie. I just would love him to have something so handmade and full of love that I did for him.

CPSIA Amigurumi For Adults?

Discuss here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5956002

This is from the Child Safety Protection Act, which the new law references.
Intention isn't everything, and apparently, just slapping a "not for children
under 12" tag on your product won't solve the problem.

CHILDREN’S
PRODUCT.--The term “children's product” means a consumer product designed or
intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger. In determining whether a consumer product is primarily intended for a child 12 years of age or younger, the following factors shall be considered:
(A) A statement by a manufacturer about the intended use of such product, including a label on such product if such statement is reasonable.
(B) Whether the product is represented in its packaging, display, promotion, or advertising as appropriate for use by children 12 years of age or younger.
(C) Whether the product is commonly recognized by consumers as being intended for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.
(D) The Age Determination Guidelines issued by the Commission staff in September 2000, and any successor to such guidelines.

Honestly, until a few months ago, I didn't even consider my items as things children would use. It may sound stupid or naive, but I figured adults were my main client and it wasn't until a customer mentioned purchasing one of my amigurumi for her child that I even realized parents would buy these for children. I buy amigurumi for myself and you can look thru my purchases to see that as an adult, I collect these items.Now more than ever, perhaps I should take out any tags or mention of children in my listings. I really don't have children in mind when I make or market my items. In fact, in talking to my consumers, I know the majority of my items have went for adult use (wedding centerpieces, gifts, desk sitters). That, and the fact that some of my items are clearly for adults (pills, animals chopped in half, etc.) is this really something I need to worry about for my shop, if I am more clear and consistent with my labeling and intended audience?

I will be there!

Holiday Bazaar -- Saturday, Nov. 22

We are excited to be hosting our first ever "Local Artisans Bazaar" right in the studio! Yoga Body and Balance is pleased to present a warm, friendly venue for local talent to display their wares just in time for the holiday season. This event will be taking place on Saturday, November 22 from 1 pm-5 pm. This will be in part to benefit the Friendship home. We'll have food, drinks, conversation and, of course, hand crafted art by some of Lincoln's finest established and budding artisans.

We invite all of you to come enjoy (and contribute to) this atmosphere while supporting your neighbors. Please bring your family and your friends and spread the word to help make this venture a smashing success. The kinds of things you can expect to see include but not limited to: crocheted wearables; semi-precious stone jewelry; hand embroidered pillows; paintings; ACEO cards; poetry books crafted by author; handmade journals; hat boxes; a novel; musical recordings; baby clothes; chakra readings; plus a variety of gift baskets from several vendors and more. This is also an opportunity for you to join in the fun. Thank you in advance for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the Bazaar!

Crochet - Knot Just Another Hobby

Crochet is an art form and a popular craft that's been enjoyed by modern civilizations for more than a century. Derived from the French word "croc", meaning "hook", crochet is the art of creating fabric creation from a thread, yarn or other fibers, much like knitting and weaving. The main difference is the type of hook that's used in crochet.

Origins of Crochet
Some believe that crochet was first used in areas of China, Arabia and South America, although there is no concrete evidence of this claim. Eventually, the craft became popular in 19th century Europe. While the crochet process may have been present during ancient times, the hook itself which is used in crocheting was not yet invented. Back then, people used their fingers, bent in a hook shape, to create the loops and chains.

It's believed that the type of crochet that's enjoyed today initially gained popularity throughout the mid 1700s. The tambour style of embroider had also reached Europe at this time. Tambour embroidery was worked with a smaller crochet-like hook. Crochet, as we know it, can be traced back to about 1800; however architectural digs have found samples that suggest that crochet existed before the 1800s.

Some people say that crochet pieces can be found in Egyptian tombs and others say that nuns made crocheted pieces to beautify early churches. It has been argued that crocheting is a very basic technique and it most likely had its beginnings some time in ancient history. Unfortunately, no pieces have been found to legitimize these claims about ancient crocheting.

In the 1800s, crocheted pieces became viable substitutes for lace. Fine lace was very expensive, and people turned to crochet to produce less expensive fabrics. There were few tools or pieces of equipment needed for crochet, and all kinds of people were able to do it. Crafters began crocheting by working with natural fibers, using hooks made of brass, ivory and hardwood.

With time, the art of crochet became more and more popular and the art form found a niche as a cottage industry. Crocheting actually supported some communities after imperialism had deposed their livelihoods. Those in the middle class, and people emerging in society, purchased the finished crocheted products.

Some will say that crocheted fabrics were no more than imitations of the symbols of wealthy families. Crocheted pieces were looked down upon by those who were able to afford real lace and other more expensive fabrics.

Queen Victoria had a hand in diminishing the negative attitude that people held about crochet. She purchased crochet laces created by the Irish, and then she also learned how to crochet.

Evolution of Crochet
Crocheting was done mostly with thread from the beginning of the 19th century to the 1950s. The most popular kinds of crochet methods were the filet crochet and the crochet in the round. These methods were worked in rows of closed or open mesh to build patterns. Steel hooks were mass produced and were popular beginning at the beginning of the 20th century.

In the 1950s, crocheters used thick yarns to create less detailed clothing and fabric. The craft of crocheting using thread was popular throughout the 1960s. Homemakers were very involved in crocheting but during the 1960s, more and more people became hooked to crocheting, particularly the younger generations.

Granny squares and other popular patterns began to emerge. Usually created in fun, bright colors, these squares were completed in round style. These new trends helped crochet to pick up a much-needed popularity boost in the 1960s.

Method
People who crochet today usually begin with a slip-knot on the hook. This first looped is then pulled with another loop. The second loop is pulled through the first one, and the pattern is repeated again and again to create a fabric chain. You can work these chains in rows, or turn them to create a pattern. A round is created when several stitches are pulled through one loop. It's these unique methods that separate crocheting from other fabric making methods.

As compared to other methods of creating fabrics, crochet is a relatively young craft. Through several evolutionary steps, crochet has evolved to become the art form that we know today. Different technologies and modern ways of creating fabric, however, are threatening to make the art of crochet a thing of the past. Let's hope that the many people who still enjoy crochet will pass the art along to future generations. --By: Winifred Holstone

HedgeBalls

HedgeBalls, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

New at ChimeraCrochet- HedgeBalls! Fun, round, soft... grab one up today!

Face it, I'm Whimsical

In my head are dreams of sophisticated felted jewelry, expensive crocheted necklettes in muted tones, luxe toys for rich children... My title font is fancy, my colors are cutting edge in a modern tone on tone way...
But no, I just can't acheive that because I don't think that way in real life. When I'm crafting something, I reach for the glittery purple yarn, not the cream merino wool yarn. When my crochet hook weaves in and out, it makes a jellyfish of four crazy colors, not an organic bamboo yarn scarf.
Harumph! Face it, I'm whimiscal. And I guess that's okay, because that's me, and that's what I enjoy making.

Need to ReSteam!

What to talk about...what to talk about? I've just felt in a slump. I try to do something business related everyday. I will get in to this total groove where I'm renewing like I'm supposed to, blogging, flickring, all those things that get me 'out there'. Then I just stop. Doing just some basic things does not take that long, but I just seem to get a mental block about it. The steam goes out of my engine and my train slowly grinds to a stop. I hate that! I haven't even crocheted anything in like 4 days! It's frustrating, because with a slow craft like crocheting, I need to crochet allll the time to make enough 'product'. I think that kind of bothers me, because I don't want to feel like I'm just producing a product, I want to feel like I'm being creative and making art! That's why most of my creations are one of a kind. I really loathe making the same thing over and over again.

Rainbow Jellyfish

Rainbow Jellyfish, originally uploaded by Chimera Creation.

Rainbow Jellyfish was featured today!

I think this is the third time I've been on Cuteable.

He's here in my store.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forums

Actually, the funniness was IN the (etsy) forums. Here, the original post sets it up:

When you click Pets and then Small Animals, Hamster is misspelled. It has never had a P in it. I hope someone can fix this soon since Etsy will get more coverage due to the Good Morning America story about it.

And the replies... for some reason (tiny rich hamsters) these crack me up!

Coconutty says,
maybe they are for upscale hamsters who come from the hamptons

Later underroos says,
I'm still imagining a family of old money hampsters who vacation in the Hamptons. Wearing tiny pillbox hats with veils and monocles.

In other news, I temporarily misplaced my most favorite crochet hook. I hate when I do that. I was retracing my steps all over the house, trying to find it. I kept picturing in my mind the last few times I used it. I ended up finding it in the bathroom trash! Thank-goodness I discovered it before it was lost for good! (Not too exciting how it got in there- fell out of my pocket while I was giving the baby a bath tonight!)

Oh No! The Craft Store...

We all know how it is... you are out of some craft item... No REALLY! you are.. you swear... you just need 2 things... well maybe 4 things... you make your list... you head to the craft store... and


On the left is the list I made before leaving for the craft store. On the right is just MY bag of items purchased (my mom had a whole other bag full for herself!) I didn't do TOO bad... I got some cotton yarn (it was new! I will make a scarf with it, I promise!) and some orange yarn (I hadn't seen this color yet...I'll make a pumpkin with it, I promise!) and an ink pad (another not on the list item...) Oh yean and a giant pink calculator for my little shopping assistant:

Featured!

Thanks to Whisp of Whimsy for posting about my watermelon hat!