I've finished my first tablet weaving warp, looking for closure suggestions

The first real try at any new craft for me is so much fun.  For my first tablet weaving warp, I used 3 colors (probably should have stuck to 2, but what the heck!), 20 tablets (again, probably should have stuck with 10!), and a pattern that I pulled off of the web (could've picked a simpler one for my first real try).

I realized quickly that I had bit off more that I wanted to chew with the 20 tablets.  So, I split them into two separate warps, separated them on the front and back beams, and proceeded to weave 2 separate bands. 

After rethreading the tablets and retying the warp a few times.... I've ended up with 8 bands long enough for friendship bracelets, watch bands or bookmarks.

Now, I'd love to hear some suggestions on how to take these bands and add closures for watch bands and bracelets.

Tablet or Card Weaving

I started searching for patterns to weave narrow bands on my 8 harness table loom.  I wanted to make interesting straps for my purses.  My search lead me to research several different kinds of weaving styles that I had never looked at or considered before.  And then, I round a site on the web that talked about tablet woven bands.  Beautiful designes.  Such versitility.  I'm hooked.  I quickly tried a short band, using cardboard tablets and a left over belt buckle that I stuck my big toe in to stretch the warp!  I'm in love.  This is such a beautiful style of weaving. 

Now I'm weaving bands on my rigid heddle loom, sans the rigid heddle, that I'll make into bracelets and watch bands.  I'm also planning on teaching myself to weave numbers and letters.  Then, I'm going to make a new collar for my puppy, Punkin, with her name and my phone number. 

I'll eventually get started on weaving straps for some tote bags that I want to weave using fabric strips for the weft.  I've made these before, but didn't have the handwoven straps.  They stand up to a lot of wear.  Great for the summer.

So, if you're interested in my new jewelry and my new tote bags, check out my stop on Etsy in about a month.  www.etsy.com/shop/Andy0514.  Better yet, check it out now.  I have several cute bags on there already.  Ha! 

My little Puter Toter

I've been weaving and making some other fiber items, too. Here is my newest bag:

And here's another view:

She was such fun to make.  I'm going to make many more of this style, using different colors and fibers. 

Coming soon:  fiber necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  I already have some made.  Very cute.  Thank you to the woman who gave me the necklace after I commented about hers.  Such Kindness and Inspiration!

I've been starting to make some changes lately.  Seeking counseling, joining a self-help group, preparing to become vegetarian, getting back to Yoga class after a month away.  I'm starting to be myself again after many years of being who I thought I SHOULD be.  It's a good feeling.  Thank you, my guardian angles for the encouragement. 

Utilization Review Manager

Seeking an RN with Medical Chart Audit experience to fill a Utilization Review Manager opening in Omaha, NE and Dallas, TX. Utilization Review Manager

"Hey, Lady!"

I stopped in at the office supply store today to buy yet another headset/microphone to use with my VOIP phone. Frustrated! This is the 3rd I've bought in as many months trying to get good sound from a virtual phone on my computer. (Yep, that's me. I've turned a little bit Geekish over the years, on top of my flower chld tendencies.)

Before I go any further, let me state that I am a 20 year old flower chld of the 70's stuck now in a 58 year old body!!! How did that happen!

As I completed paying for my headset, and started walking to the door, the cute 20ish fellow, who was next in line behind me, started walking towards me, yelling:

"Hey, Lady! You have my camera!"

He caught up with me and reached into my shopping bag, as I stood there with my mouth handing open! That's right, he actually reached into my shopping bag, looking for the camera he was wanting to buy. At the same time, the clerk said "Hey" and waved the camera box at him. She had picked it up and was in the process of ringing up the sale.

He mumbled something unintelligible, shoved my headset back into my bag, and turned his back on me to return to the register. Stunned, I just walked quickly out the door to my car.

Once I got into my car, I started getting really mad. REALLY MAD!!! The nerve! What was that jerk thinking! I was furious! He had yelled at me! What did he think? The gall! The Absolute Gall! I almost turned my car around to go back to the store to give him a "piece of my mind". (Sounds like something mhy Mom would have said!) But, then, he would have already paid for his stupid camera and left by then.

Now, here's the joke. I wasn't upset that the guy had yelled at me, not even upset that he had yanked my shopping bag open and taken stuff out of it with out even asking. I was mad ...
because he had said ...

"Hey, Lady"!

What did he think? That I'm an old lady?!?

Shee. I'm 58 years old. Of course, to that early 20's mind, I AM an old lady...

The 25 yr old flower child within me feels confused ..............

Peace, love and rock n' roll!

Quote for the Day - It really doesn't take all that much effort to be a Success!

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” bulldogman Ralph Waldo Emerson

--
Kim Shepherd
CEO
949-281-6428
kshepherd@dtoolbox.com

A new start this week

Monday, 8/23/10. Yesterday, I restarted my life. A new focus on my health, my fitness, my work, my life. It was a great day to do this. We're starting to source and interview replace 1 of Moms care givers, Pam. 2 of my close friends have joined AA last week and decided to stop drinking this week. So, I'm going to join them in my own way.
My goals? 1. Be Active everyday (practice yoga at home daily, walk daily,), 2. Eat consciously (follow the Kapha and Pitta pacifying guidelines, set up weekly menus from which we will buy groceries and all meals will be made, teach the caregivers how to fix the dishes on the menu each week)3. Meditate dailly.

40 years ago: "The Last Train To Knoxville"

40 years ago, I graduated from Oak Ridge High Shool, enjoyed my last real summer at home, then moved into the dorm at UT, Knoxville. There was so much going on that was important to me that fall, that I don't believe I even noticed this sad event. 

 http://www.metropulse.com/news/2010/aug/18/last-train-knoxville/

That year, 1970, I had only been on 1 real train (not accounting for the train at Rebel Railroad in Pigeon Forge or the little train that went around the little lake at Chilhowee Park!). That real train ride was one that my grandparents put together for their 4 grandchildren at the time. I was maybe 5, my brothers were too small to go. We got on the train there at the Southern Station and rode it to Morristown. It was a wonderful experience. I remember all of us girls squealing with mock-fear/delight every time the train went over a bridge (all of them pretty small in my jaded point of view today). Our parents all followed the train to pick us up when we got off. We could see their cars off and on. What an adventure for us little kids. Too bad that isn't available anymore

End of Summer Framed Hand Woven Purse

After a period where I was looking for a new job and not feeling all that creative, I am now back to work at a terrific new company and am also feeling my need to weave again.  I just finished this beautiful medium sized purse.  She measures 12"x9"x5" and has a 48" chain strap.  I'm working on several other projects right now that should be ready to post very soon.  Most of them are new ideas, different from the purses that I've made to date.  I suppose the new job has woken up my creative juices.  Just in time to get ready for the Christmas season.  Yippee.

Down Dog vs the Magic Four

I've been practicing Hatha Yoga for 6 years now.  Up until March this year, I had studied with 1 main yoga teacher and another one who was a student of the first.  I have really enjoyed studying and practicing with Amanda McMaine in Richmond, KY.

But in March, we moved 3 hours away.  So, I changed teachers and picked a Yoga teacher who practices a different style of yoga, Svaroopa.  I've come to really enjoy it, but I also miss the original style.  And now, my new teacher is getting married and moving. SHEE!

My situation is this:  I really enjoy yoga.  I enjoy the way a long practice makes you feel.  I'm going to try the replacement teacher, but I'm also going to try some other teachers in the area.    And, I'm going to start a more regular practice.  I have all of the props I need, several cd's and access to other classes online. So, I'm going to start a regular morning practice before I start to work each day.  Starting tomorrow. 

My new job

I started my new job last week.  So as of tomorrow, I've been back among the employed for 2 weeks. Hooray for me!!! It's a great company.  The folks I've met so far seem good.  Their work process is very clean and concise, orderly.  I like that.  In the world as it has been for so long now, clean, concise and orderly is very comforting. I believe that I've found a very good one this time.  Hopefully, this will be my last and longest employer other than working for myself and Gary.

In my work persona, I am a Recruiter.  I've been in Human Resources for 35 years and Recruiting for 20.  Wow, how can that be?!  I still feel like that 22 year old girl who walked into the Job Service in Maryville, TN  to start my work career. 

Right now, I've started doing Nurse and Nurse Manager recruiting.  I enjoy working with people in the medical professions.  What they do is so different from anything else.  They don't crunch numbers, build buildings, make clothes, sell things, etc.  They help people, save lives.  Filling these jobs is very rewarding.  I'm having a terrific time talking with them. 

In one of my other major personas, I'm Andy, the weaver.  I've had a huge creative spurt just lately.  I have 5 new bags in process.  They are all coming along very well.  I also have come up with some interesting new ideas.  Neckaces, bracelets, mens wallets, who knows what else.

So, all at the same time, I'm feeling more creative and more mentally active.  What a great feeling.  I hope those who read this post are enjoying similar highs right now. 

New Etsy products

I have a Bags and Purses Showcase today on Etsy.com.  It's the first I've scheduled since our move.  There are new bags and new versions of bags that have sold well before.   

In addition to the Showcase, I'm working on designing several new pieces, including new purses, some jewelry and several styles of decorated boxes.  These will all be great gift items for the holiday season.  My goal is to start getting them listed in my shop before the end of the month. 

Hope you'll check them out. 

Here are a few of my newer bags.

Elm Grove School Homecoming 2010 Schedule of Events

We're having a reunion of all who worked or attended Elm Grove School on June 18-20, 2010

I've had alot of fun planning this. I sure hope we have a good turnout. 16 days and counting!

Schedule of Events


Friday, 6/18/2010

7:30 pm Dinner at the Magnolia Tree Restaurant & Grill in the west end of the Oak Ridge Turnpike for all already in town or arriving on Friday. This is the same restaurant where many of us met in October. The restaurant features vegetarian and Greek food, daily specials, and has a full bar. Dress code is casual. The restaurant is completely handicapped accessible. Bring your memories and be prepared to reconnect.

Saturday, 6/19/2010

8:00 am Coffee, etc . at Razzelberries for breakfast on Jackson Square for those interested in going to the Lavender Festival on the Square. The festival features vendors and presentations focused on healthy lifestyles, cooking and gardening. The Lavender Festival is a peaceful, natural and refined festival unlike any other in the Oak Ridge area. Each year Lavender Festival organizers bring a speaker to the festival to offer workshops and presentations and draws thousands of people each year to the Historic Jackson Square business district.

10:00 am Tour of Pine Valley Elementary School, now the Administration building for the Oak Ridge City Schools. This school was built on nearly the exact same plan as Elm Grove was. Walking into this school and around in the halls has a definite feel of being back in our own school.

11:00 am Oak Ridge Children’s Museum, the former Highland View Elementary School. We have a room reserved here from 1 pm to 3 pm for a get-together and light lunch. Those who wish to come earlier to view the museum and walk through the school building will have free admission. The museum has an in depth exhibit on early Oak Ridge, and an exhibit of Ed Westcott photography (many of the arial photographs of early Oak Ridge were taken by Ed.)  Please bring a covered dish of some kind for lunch.

3:00 pm Free time, Secret City Festival activities at Bissell Park, in the Civic Center and in the Oak Ridge City Library parking lot, including the Chubby Checker concert. Early admittance at 5:30, concert begins at 7 pm.

6:30 pm Elm Grove Homecoming at Elm Grove Park (an Oak Ridge City Park), for those who want to get together on the Elm Grove grounds instead of going to the concert, we will be there at 6-6:30 until after dark. Bring your memories, pictures, memorabilia. We’ll be able to stay later than dark as long as we aren’t so noisy that we disturb the neighborhood.

* Elm Grove Park consists of the grounds of our school, a paved walking trail, a few swings and playground

equipment and 2 picnic tables.

* Those who can should bring folding chairs, folding tables, coolers with ice, soft drinks, snack foods and lanterns. Everyone should bring a flashlight for getting around.

* We’ll be able to stay later than dark as long as we aren’t so noisy that we disturb the neighborhood.

* For our comfort, we will rent a Port-a-Potty for the weekend.

* There will be 2 8’x8’ free standing tents in case it rains. Anyone else who has a free standing tent is welcome to bring it. The City forbids us from staking tents. In case of a major storm, we'll move the event to the Lyle house.

* One of the largely requested events for this get together was a jam session. Those musically inclined are
strongly encouraged to bring their instruments.

* Another largely requested activity was a walk around the Elm Grove neighborhood. We’ll have different route for those who want to walk the hills and those who don’t. Be sure to bring a flashlight. We’ll take our walks at dusk or after.

* We will not have a meal.



Sunday, 6/20/2010

9:00 am Breakfast at Elm Grove or at some restaurant in town (?)

If enough want another event for Sunday, we could cook out breakfast on the grounds of the school or meet somewhere.

Virtual and On-site Recruiter and Human Resource Manager

Andrea (Andy) Lyle
Home Address: 126 Morningside Dr., Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Email address: andy@kitcabin.com Cell Phone: 865-567-8226

Career Summary

• Highly effective Recruiter with 4 recent years in the Health Solutions industry and 20+ years experience focused on consulting with leaders to fill openings with the best candidates for Management, Sales/Marketing, Accounting/Finance, Distribution, Transportation Software Engineers/Architects (Web and Mainframe), Database Architects/Developers/Administrators, Network/System/Security Engineers, Web Developers, Quality Assurance/Test Engineers, Technical Program/Product/Project Managers, Development Managers, and Business Analysts.
• Strong technical/business acumen and understanding of technical requirements; deep sourcing skills and experience sourcing passive candidates; excellent candidate assessment skills.
 Resourceful, solution-focused professional with excellent rapport-building and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with a high level of enthusiasm and creativity.


Key Projects

• Mergers and Acquisitions Recruiting and Out-placement
• Diversity Conference Recruiting (NBMBA & NSHMBA)
• High Volume Recruiting using Recruitmax/VURV
• Junior Military Officer (J.M.O.) Conference Recruiting
• Virtual and On-site College Career Fair Recruiter
• Workforce Planning, Organization Assessment and Calibration session participant
• Grants developer, awarded state grants to support division-wide training and development
• Trainer in team building, time management, and leadership to staff across the country
• HR budgeting and budget compliance
• Regulatory compliance and reporting
• Team Management
• Occupational health services coordination.
• Job and compensation analyses.
• Union-related employee issues and contract compliance resolution

Work History:

Humana, Inc., Louisville, KY 2007-2010
Corporate IT Recruiter

• Collaborated to shape the future of the Information Technology Department at Humana, Inc. by identifying, attracting and hiring the very best technical candidates available. Partnered with internal hiring managers to drive staffing solutions that meet business needs.
• Owned full-cycle recruiting: interviewed, offered, negotiated and closed candidates.
• Headhunted superstar Software Engineers, Software Test Engineers, Program/Project Managers, Web
   Developers, IT Security professionals and other Information Technology leaders.
• Developed, drove and executed comprehensive search strategies to recruit senior and niche candidates in
   limited candidate spaces.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of Humana business and policy initiatives and competitors.
• Humana is going under going reorganization.

The Adkins Group, Inc, Austin, TX 2006-2007
Contract IT Recruiter for Humana, Inc.
• Hired on contract basis that was extended until Humana offered a regular position.

Advantage Alarm Company, Lexington, KY 2005-2006
Corporate Sales Recruiter
• Hired on short-term contract.

Laurel Grocery Company, London, KY 2003-2005
Human Resource Director
• Responsible for all Human Resource functions for this small wholesale grocery company.
• Left to seek a position and organization that more closely fit my career goals.

Adelphia Communications, Richmond, KY 1999-2003
Area Human Resource Manager
• Responsible for all Human Resource functions in the Kentucky/Indiana/Ohio Area of this national cable communications company.
• Recruited for all openings including, but not limited to, Cable Technicians and IT Tech Support.
• Reduction in force of Field HR Management due to company bankruptcy

FrontierVision, Inc., Richmond, KY 1998-1999
Regional Human Resource Manager
• Responsible for all Human Resource functions in the Kentucky/Indiana/Ohio Region of this regional cable communications company.
• Recruited for all openings including, but not limited to, Cable Technicians and IT Tech Support.
• Company purchased by Adelphia Communications

First Image Corporation, London, KY 1994-1998
(Company purchased by ACS, Affiliated Computer Services, just before I left)
Recruiter and HR Generalist
• Recruited for all openings for this regional Data Processing/eCommerce Company, including all IT staff and management openings and high volume recruiting for data entry operators and clerical support.
• Left to accept career advancement

Continuously employed in Human Resources since 1975

Other older work history and references are available on request

We're getting settled in Oak Ridge

I'm back. 

My life for the past few months has been one catastrophe after another.  Does anyone out there remember the old movie series called "The Perils of Pauline"?  I like watching silent movies.  This was a series of shorts where Pauline was kicked out of her home, tied to the railroad tracks, etc.  Always the same theme, poor Pauline gets into a really bad spot and then in the end her Hero comes to save the day.  Well, I've felt like poor Pauline lately.  I'm still waiting for the Hero to save my day, tho. 

Moving is always difficult, but none of my carefully made plans worked well.  Mom has moved well, but doesn't feel great.  She turned 90 on the Sunday right after we moved.  Gary fell from the top of the truck while loading it and really hurt his shoulder.  He has also developed Macular Degeneration in one of his eyes!  Very scary.  Fortunately, there is a wonderful Eye Center here in Oak Ridge.  They got to him quickly and treated it quickly.  He's recovering well.  Thank goodness!  Both of these incidents caused delays in his being physically able to lift more than 20 lbs.  So, the move is taking a lot longer than we had planned.

Then, 1 week after our move, I lost my job.  Thank you, Humana. 

So, on top of trying to get my Mom settled in again with a new Hospice organization that does things differently, and trying to hire 1-2 new caregivers for my Mom, and trying to get the house set up and boxes unboxed, while Gary is in Kentucky still boxing up things and getting the house straightened up for the new owner; I'm now also trying to deal with losing our health insurance and looking for a new job!  What fun!

I've just gotten back to making new purses and should have a few ready to post very soon  I've also submitted 4 of my pieces to be juried for admission as a member of the Appalachian Arts and Crafts Center.  If admitted, I will be able to sell my products at the Center.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  I hope they like the items I presented.  If they don't pick me, I'll try again with some new items later on this year.  I'd like to be able to display and sell items there.  This would also be a good start to me selling my products at craft shows and other similar shops. 

So, watch for an update on my version of the "Perils of Pauline", my job search, and my purses.

Happy Spring!

We're moving

My family and I are getting ready to move from our adopted home in Kentucky back home to Tennessee.  After trying to sell my Mother's home for many months after my husband did a complete remodel, we've decided that we would be best served by going back home.

We're going to really miss our home and friends in KY.

The move is exciting as we'll be close to family, friends, and our old favorite haunts.  Plus, Mom's house now looks and feels like a completely new house.  But, leaving is hard.  We're going through feelings of excitement and sadness all at the same time.

The major difference in the cost of living and taxes in Tennessee compared to Kentucky were the deciding factors.

So, for the next few weeks, I'm going to be pretty busy.  I have several new purses in the works that will have to take a back seat to the move.  Hopefully, I'm labeling all of my boxes well enough that I'll be able to find the works in progress and my completed inventory when we unpack!!

 I'll talk again soon.

New Asymmetric Handwoven Fringed Top

I've made this pattern several times. She's a popular top. She was woven on my 15" table loom all in one length and pieced together. 

Here are her measurements:
* 19.75" from the boat neck to the hem
* 46" around the dropped waist
* 24" across the back from the hem of 1 sleeve to the place 
where the 5.5" fringe starts on the other shoulder

Using most women's size charts, she is a Misses 14/16.

In weaving this top, I used a mixture of threads, all in purple, lavender, cream, and kelly green. The threads have different textures, too. It's a very pretty finished fabric. 

This top is more of an over-blouse or vest. The arm openings are rather deep. They could, tho, be stitched up some if the buyer prefers. I would be happy to add that little alteration if the buyer wishes at no extra charge. As you can see in one of the pictures, she looks really good on top of denim.

One of my coin purses is on an Etsy Treasury this week!

Sleythedent has included my brown and cream rag woven coin purse in her Treasury this week.  This is my first time to be included in a Treasury.  Cool!  Plus, Brown and Cream is in good company.  Sleythedent also included the pretty bag that I posted here as one I really like earlier.

Spring Passion

That's an intriguing title!  I just posted my newest bag. She's the best I've made so far.  Gary helped my with some construction ideas and named her.

She's gorgeous.  (Sorry, this is my blog.  I can compliment myself!)

I'm going to make more of this style.

Wednesday, 1/27

For Christmas last year, I made my Mom a no-sew fleece coverlet.  She's decided that she really loves pink these days.  So, I found some really pretty pink polka-dot fleece and some chocolate brown fleece.  I bought 2 yds of each and spread them out on the dining room table one on top of the other. I trimmed one side that didn't exactly match and then started cutting tags all around the edges of both pieces, leaving one side uncut.  After I had all 3 sides cut, I started tying the 2 tags that were on top of each other together in a square knot, making sure that the opposite color of tag was showing.  Once I had all 3 sides tied up,  I took the coverlet to my sewing machine and stitched a decorative stretchy stitch to seal that seam.  I did that so Mom wouldn't have the tags tickling her nose and face as she slept.  :D

After it was finished, I decided to make another to sell.  It's really pretty. I love the mixture of pink and dark brown.  And, the double thick fleece coverlet is SOOO soft and cushy.  Very comfortable.

Today, I posted the twin to my Mom's coverlet on my shop at Andy0514.etsy.com.  She had several hits quickly.

Check her out in the Sellit section.