Owlishly

Issues

- I think I may have too many sometimes.

When people are demanding I don't ever really feel like complying. I would feel abashed asking someone for something in the way some people tell me that I need to tell them how to make something. The thing is, I'm generally a ridiculously helpful person IRL, especially with strangers, it's like I can't help myself. I don't know if it has to do with my old job as a reference librarian, or if I chose that occupation because that's the way I am. Either way, both online and in real life, when people demand help from me or tell me what I need to do in order to give them the information they would like I tend to get bucky and make it harder for them than it needs to be. I'm aware that this particular trait of mine isn't something that would endear me to others, but really, how hard is it to ask nicely?

I think especially online it's hard to get your tone across, and I realize some people are just abrupt and don't mean anything by it, but then don't you think they should work harder at trying to make others understand that they aren't being rude? Or am I being irrationally sensitive? I've been getting lots of requests for a amigurumi hair tutorial, and I was planning on getting one done once I uploaded all my photos onto flickr, I mean, I even took photographs every step of the hair way as I made my little guy's doll with a tutorial in mind. I still plan on doing it, but really, if you want something, and are asking to be given it free, don't demand it. How hard is it to be polite?

What's even funnier is that the latest demand came from a grandma! I expect polite behavior from everyone, but I have higher standards for older folks, and it's not that politeness shouldn't be required of everyone, but generally it seems like with older generations it's more of a given. I just don't get that people act like it's their right to whatever you have to offer, I don't know, is it just a me thing?

Anyway, I still plan on doing a tutorial, hopefully soon, but I just wanted to get that off my back since I'm not going to be confrontational on the craft forum that I was on, since that would be rude and embarrassing to the other person.

I feel so horrible, I’ve not posted anything of merit for weeks!

When I got sick, it really knocked the socks off of me, and not in a good way.  I've been working on a little guy for the past week-ish, but never am able to stay up past the kidlets to get any online time to get things done, even now I'm having to go because my dear sweet husband who bathes our kids every night is ready to pass the torch and hand the little girl over for dressing and getting to sleep.

I think I'll be able to get up tonight, so I'll try to get some progress pictures up, but we know how great I am about getting that done *eye roll*, I'll try though!

A bit of magazine annoyance

Okay, so I'm not even close to the coolest person ever, but really, Crochet! magazine sort of embarrasses me as a crocheter. I stewed for a couple of days wondering if I should or shouldn't write about it, but last night I was rearranging and reorganizing the area in the dining room where all my craft supplies are and had to put magazines away. Anyway, I'm not a fan of ruffling feathers, but the designs in that magazine are just silly, I keep reading the letters to the editor and everyone writes how modern and fabulous the designs are, but I'd be embarrassed to wear anything from that magazine, let alone make anything for anyone else. Their tag-line is "defining crochet", but seriously, no wonder the image of crochet amongst other crafters is as undesirable as it is. I joined the CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) last year, since I am very much into supporting organizations that raise awareness and promote crafts/interests that I participate in. Since joining and receiving their official publication, I've complained to high heaven to mr.Owly about the lack of good patterns in the magazine. The thing is, I think that designing is a difficult and worthy endeavor, and I hold designers in high regard, I just am disappointed that the designs in that publication are so dated in their actual uses/fashion sense and the colors used to show the designs.

Especially when I started crocheting again, I had just had my daughter and was so impressed and inspired by all the knitting for babies that I would see in magazines and books, so I couldn't wait to find similar items that were crocheted, but sadly there just isn't anywhere close to as many crochet patterns that are modern and designed with wearable color palettes. I also know that in the latest magazine there was actually a call for submissions, but I hesitate about submitting anything because with my opinion of the magazine being what it is, I'm not really interested in being associated with it. Anyway, I've got to get going, my little girl is due to wake from her nap any minute, but I just wanted to remind everyone who is reading and taking offense, I'm not trying to upset you, this is just my opinion. Also, I really did think for a while about posting this because I dislike not lending my support to a craft that has underdog aspects, but it's something that truly bothers me, and this magazine seems to be one of the reasons that the negative perceptions that surround crochet still flourish.

Go Crochet Today and Interweave Crochet!