Tangled Thursday - "S" for Spring

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week it was my turn to suggest a challenge for the other participants. Since spring is here (it's supposed to be anyway), I thought working with the letter "S" was appropriate, yet vague enough to allow for lots of variation.  All of the tangle patterns we used this week had to start with ‘S’. I had some great ideas when I first suggested this challenge. Yet, when I sat down to draw, I drew a blank and forgot them all!!! I racked my brain, but couldn't remember anything. Sheesh. Anyway, I did my best. I figured it was time to learn some new tangle patterns, so all of these are new-to-me.

Tangles: Sand Swirl, Snaylz Trayl, Snookums, Showgirl, Schway

Tangles: Scrawlz, Sez, Zinger

I realize that Zinger does not start with "S". However, I was so unhappy with this one, I almost abandoned it.  Besides turning it on it's side, I added colour, shading and Zinger to rescue it. It's still not my favorite.

By the way, I remember my ideas now. I was going to do one tile with rain drops for all of the rain that was forecasted (but never materialised) and another with waves for all of the water that was in my backyard because of the ice jam we had a couple of weeks back. Oh, well. Maybe I'll be able to use those those ideas for another challenge. Just to add insult to injury, while I was drawing these tiles earlier this week I had a great idea for the next challenge. It was so awesome and I was actually excited about it. However, do you think I can remember it now??? Nope. It's gone. Getting old sucks.

Be sure to check out the other "S" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Mooka

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Elaine suggested we used the tangle pattern of "Mooka" as inspiration for our creations.

I admit that I was a little leary of this pattern. I had tried it in the past and wasn't that successful with it. However, this time, once I started I couldn't stop. I didn't plan on doing more than one,  but it turned out that way. I'd do a little on one tile, then get another idea, so I'd start another one. Then I'd go back to the first one, do a little, then get another idea...and start another tile....and so it went. I wasn't sure if I was going to finish them all or even present them all, but I figured I might as well.   So thanks a lot, Elaine!!!  This turned out to be my favourite challenge so far.   

Here are all of my "mooka" tiles:

I used only two other patterns besides mooka: tipple and zinger. The first tile I put down on the counter to photograph only to promptly get a coffee stain on it. I tried to fix it in Photoshop Elements...that's why it's a little rough on the upper right. The last tile is my favourite of the bunch. I toyed around with how to present it. Right now it looks upside down to me, but it didn't look right any of the other ways I tried, so I went with upside down.  ;)  

Be sure to check out the other "Mooka" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - On Friday

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

I'm sorry that this is a day late. I had completed my creations a few days ago, but I completely lost track of the week. Anyway, better late than never, right?

This week Heather suggested we tackle Easter. The first one I did features eggs. I had hoped they look a little more like pysanky, but I didn't choose the right designs. I think the one in front comes the closest. The design on the one in the back is completely screwed up. It was supposed to be look like weaving. The middle one is a "navajo" pattern, which was doomed from the start. I love the pattern, but it doesn't belong on pysanky. ;) Despite it's flaws, I like this tile.

The second tile features a cross.  I don't think I need to explain further.

Sorry, I didn't keep track of the tangles I used.  If I look them up now, this post is going to be even later.   If you are really interested, ask me and I'll figure it out for you. 

Be sure to check out the other "Easter" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Needlework Tuesday - Good Intentions

I had planned to post this last week, but I don't know what happened. I had taken the photos, but never got around to writing the post. It's not like I write much anyway, but it didn't get done. When Tuesday came and went, I decided to post on Wednesday. Well....when it wasn't posted by Friday, I decided to give up for the week and try again this week. Did I work on the post on the weekend? No. Monday? No. So here I am late afternoon and I'm just getting around to it.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I posted my review of this awesome crochet book, Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide by DK Publishing. It huge and filled with gorgeous patterns. So far I've only made two washcloths, but I plan to try at least a few of the other patterns. I didn't have the right size hook, so they came out too tight.  Perhaps that's why they refuse to lay flat.  Regardless, they'll be ok. I lost a stitch or two when changing colours, but managed (I think) to correct that on the second one (the one behind). I'm not sure why I didn't put that one on top. It really turned out much better. Here are the washcloths:

 

I still have to weave in some ends.

I've also been working on my temperature scarf. I'm almost convinced that we in southern Manitoba might never see spring this year. It's definitely warming up, but still below normal or historical averages. Anyway, the scarf is update-to-date as of end of March (more or less). As a reminder, the light green (sorry, the colour is off and looks yellow in the photo) is just above 0C. Here are the latest rows on that:

I think that's it for this week.  The temperture scarf won't be complete until the last day of spring (June 20?).  So, I still have a bit to go with that.   Once it's done, I'll unveil the whole thing. 

Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at Books and Quilts. If you've done any crafting this week, I hope you'll consider linking up so other can enjoy your creations.

Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide by DK Publishing

Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide features more than 80 crocheting projects for both beginners and more advanced crocheters. It starts off with some basic techniques and mini projects to get beginners off to a good start before launching into some more complicated patterns.

I love this book!!! I think I learned some crochet stitches many years ago, but I didn't learn enough to make anything. Because this book has both techniques and patterns, it's perfect for me.

Many years ago (30+), I really wasn't that interested in pursuing crocheting further because at the time it seemed like a "granny" craft to me. That image was further enhanced by all of the "granny square" projects, which I'm not fond of. This book changed all of that! These patterns are modern as well as fashionable. Even the "granny square" ones looks like they've been updated, to a point.

The book is divided into two sections: tools and techniques; and project patterns. The first section features information on yarn types, choosing colours, caring for your work, hooks and other equipment, and basic stitches, as well as more complex stitches and techniques. It also shows the reader how to read patterns as well as charts. I'm particularly interested in learning how to read the charts because they are very new to me. It looks hard, but I'm willing to go it a go.

I like how the book shows the reader a few basics then launches into a mini-project so that they can use what they just learned. I also like that the stitches are shown in a logical order...in this case, by height. So, the single crochet comes before the half-double crochet, which is followed by the double crochet. It's a little thing, but to me it makes sense and builds upon previous lessons.

The project patterns section is broken down into categories: blankets and pillows; home and gifts; hats and scarves; gloves, socks and slippers; what to wear; toys; and bags.

I really like the variety of patterns, even though I most likely won't use a number of them, especially the garlands, toys and kids/baby wear. There's enough of the others one, though, to keep me interested and crocheting for quite a while.

Each of the projects in the book specifies which yarn (by brand name) was used for the project. It also specifies which type of yarn to use in general. However, even though I knit quite a bit, I still don't know enough about yarns to pick them out for a specific project. I'll probably just end up taking the book with me to the yarn store and getting help there.

Notes at the beginning of some of the projects point to similar projects or projects using the same stitch. I really like this idea as it encourages me to look at patterns other than the first ones that caught my eye. There's also additional advice, labelled "Top Tip", scattered throughout the book.

I love the patterns in this book. Several of them immediately caught my eye. I've already made the striped washcloth (page 34-35).

 

The pattern was very easy to follow and I appreciated the photographs of the edging technique as well as the large one featuring the finished project. I had a problem changing colours (I somehow lost a stitch), but I'll figure it out eventually. I hope to make a few other patterns once I learn some more stitches and get better at the craft. These include: filigree bookmark (page 178), shell mesh scarf (page 116), men's beanie hat (page 194), men's chunky scarf (page 206), cropped sweater (page 250), straw beach bag (page 290), everyday bag (page 295), and the change purse (page 306).

Highly recommended. I'll definitely be using this book a lot.

For more information about this book or to browse inside, please visit DK's website.

I'd like to thank Chris at DK Canada for this review copy.

Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide by DK Publishing, Dorling Kindersley (DK), ©2014. ISBN 9781465415912(Hardcover), 320p.

Strength Training: Exercises for Women by Joan Pagano

Strength Training: Exercises for Women has over 200 step-by-step exercises "to burn calories, boost metabolism, build muscle and tone your body".

I mostly enjoyed this book, but I did find parts of it a little confusing. I haven't done a lot of weight training in the past, but just recently I've been interested in incorporating some into my overall weight loss/fitness plan.

The book starts out with the "getting started" advice. It discusses why you'd want to lift weights before launching into the training program explanations. It talks about muscles, equipment, and other topics including how to use this book. There's also a number of warm-up and cool down exercises and stretches. While this section had lots of good information, it wasn't as clear and concise as it could have been. I kept returning to it and must have reread it several times. I still wanted more information before starting any of the exercises.

While the book did explain how to start, I wasn't quite sure on which exercises to pick. There were so many. I really wanted a sample program or two with exercises listed so I'd know I was getting off on the right foot and not doing exercises that were too hard for a beginner. I found out much later by flipping through the book, that a few general programs with selected exercises are listed, but they are at the back of the book. Other than a brief entry in the table of contents, I didn't see them referenced anywhere else.

The main part of the book focuses on the exercises. They are divided into sections for the lower body, upper body, and the core. Each of the exercises features a large, labelled photograph(s) and a pretty good explanation. The side bar lists 3 levels, which get progressively harder by adding more weights or more repetitions. There are also some trainer tips with some additional advice scattered throughout this section. I love the way the exercises are presented. Even though some of the exercises use machines or other equipment, I think there are enough exercises to pick from that I can still get a good workout without having to join a gym.

As I mentioned earlier, there are three general programs near the back of the book. They are: building strength (for beginners), getting stronger (for those looking to progress), and strength training plus (for something more challenging). Basically, they draw exercises from the main part of the book and together they form a total body workout.

Also closer to the back of the book, the author has included 4-15 minute total body workouts that progress in difficulty. All of these include warm-up and cool down exercises and are perfect for when you have a limited amount of time. I like that these workouts are self-contained, so you don't have to flip back and forth in the book to see how the exercises should be performed. I haven't tried them out yet, but these workouts look fun.

There are several Q+As with the author scattered throughout the book. These were great. The questions were relevant and the answers were clear and informational.

The book has a table of contents and an index.

Recommended.

For more information about this book or to browse inside, please visit DK's website.

I'd like to thank Chris at DK Canada for this review copy.

Strength Training: Exercises for Women by Joan Pagano, Dorling Kindersley (DK), ©2014. ISBN 9781465415806(Soft cover), 335p.

The Complete Running & Marathon Book by DK Publishing

The Complete Running & Marathon Book goes through the biomechanics of running, a variety of training plans, as well as programs to build strength and speed. It also covers typical injuries, ways to prevent them, what to wear, nutrition, hydration, training, what to do before and after race day as well as the day itself, as well as lots more. Basically, it offers advice on all things to do with the sport. It's geared towards all levels; those just starting to run and those wanting to take it further.

Overall, I liked reading this book. I'm not a runner nor do I expect to be. I wanted to read this book because I've been using my treadmill a lot more for walking and I wanted to get more out of it. I was hoping that some of the advice would be transferrable to my situation. It was pretty much what I expected and I wasn't disappointed.

The first part of the book deals with the body and how it works, concentrating on the lower body. It also covers running styles and ways to assess your running fitness. I didn't find the last bit all that helpful as I found them too hard for a "walker" like me.

The "Get Ready to Run" section covers: goal setting, shoes, clothing, nutrition in general and in regards to training, and hydration. It also features sample programs with descriptions and large photos for the exercises and stretches for proper a warm-up and cool down. My favourite part of working out is the stretching so I loved this part of the book.

The "Plan Your Training" section starts with the good training principles, which includes advice on a variety of runs, crossing training, and overtraining, before launching into the actual planning and log keeping. It then goes into the different training programs: foundation, 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon. It also has additional programs to help with strength and endurance, increasing speed, and post-race recovery. While the programs are nicely laid out and should be fairly easy to follow, I found the suggested speeds much too fast for me. Therefore, they aren't going to be as helpful as I would have liked. They do give me some ideas, though, on how I should be training.

The "Build Your Strength" section focuses on a selection of strength and resistance training exercises tailored for runners. It starts with core training then moves onto resistance training. Both of these parts features programs for beginners as well as more advanced athletes. The photographs of the exercises are large, labelled, and well explained. There are also side bars that have a list of the targeted muscles as well as an illustration that pin points the muscles that are being worked. I didn't realize that runners have to do so much strength training so I appreciated all of this information. What I didn't like was that some of the exercises used machines and/or equipment that might not be accessible or readily available in a home gym. Not everyone has a desire to join a gym.

Now that the athlete has trained and exercised, the book moves onto a section for race day. This part has advice on tapering your training, mental preparedness, eating and drinking, strategies, and recovery. I loved the advice in this section and found most of it accessible and relevant.

Finally, the book has tons of advice on maintenance. Topics include: avoiding injury, caring for your feet, self-massage with foam rollers, common complaints (with prevention and first aid), and injuries with descriptions, symptoms, treatment and training advice. Since I've experienced a number of sports-related injuries, this is the first section I turned to. The advice is invaluable.

Overall, I got a lot out of this book. I may not use all of the advice, but there was enough in it for me as a walker to recommended it to others.

For more information about this book or to browse inside, please visit DK's website.

I'd like to thank Chris at DK Canada for this review copy.

The Complete Running & Marathon Book by DK Publishing, Dorling Kindersley (DK), ©2014. ISBN 9781465415769(Soft cover), 192p.