I read somewhere that Basenjis are difficult to train because they need to repeat an action or hear a command FORTY times before they learn it. This is complete hogwash. Basenjis only need to experience something ONCE for it to become a habit, provided it is a habit they enjoy doing. The video below is proof.

Here’s the story…bedtime is usually a very calm and quiet routine at my house. The dogs are always sacked-out by 8pm, and when I’m ready for bed I take their collars and turn off the lights in the house. Then they follow me into my bedroom to continue sleeping. Calm.

I made a mistake last week that upset this applecart. Abe was being silly at bedtime, and he tried to get Tippy to play with him. I thought it was cute and funny, so I very foolishly encouraged the behavior by roughhousing a bit with Abe. Tippy and Ike joined in, and it became a complete circus. A totally fun circus, yes, but a very bad idea at bedtime.

So this is what I’m left with. Three dogs that have adopted a new bedtime routine that includes behaving like crazed monkeys. Enjoy my pain in HD quality.

Fingerless GLOVES, not mittens – don’t be fooled! Fingerless gloves are a much better fit. They lovingly wrap and cuddle each finger, so that there is no unfortunate gaping around the hand.

There are some tricky bits to gloves, so I’ve made this pattern available two ways – either as a pattern with instructional videos, or as a pattern only. For these gloves you’ll need about 200 yards of worsted-weight yarn (in stripes colors of your choosing) and size US 7 double-pointed needles.

The pattern + links to five instructional videos is $8.00 via PayPal.

The pattern alone is $3.00 via PayPal.

Here is the first video of the instructional series, as a preview:

Intimated by the twists and turns of traditional Irish Fisherman knitting? This shawl is a good place to start learning how to manage a cable needle and read the charts.

This pattern is available two ways – either as a pattern with instructional videos, or as a pattern only. You’ll need about 600 yards of worsted- or aran-weight wool and size US 7 needles.

The pattern + links to five instructional videos is $8.00 via PayPal.

The pattern alone is $3.00 via PayPal.

Here is the introduction to the instructional videos. Man, I wish I could capture a better still than this, I look very goofy.

Back on December 14, 2007, I started a photography project. One self-portrait a day, posted to flickr, for one year. I decided to do it for two reasons. First, as a diary. I took the photos I wanted to show myself when I’m older. Second, to get better at photography. On December 14, 2008 I completed the project.

I gave myself a couple of weeks without taking photos, then on December 31, 2008 I started a new project. I still took a photo everyday and posted it to flickr, but they didn’t have to be selfies this time. Any ol’ photo would do.

I did well on this project for a while, then I lost my mojo. I would miss days at a time, then post photos I wasn’t really proud of. On December 6th of last year, 324 days into the project, I hit ‘Pause’. I didn’t give up on the project, but I decided to allow myself some time to get my mojo back.

Tick-tock, tick-tock, time passed. I didn’t think much about photos at all, and I even found it difficult to remember to pull out my camera for important things! How easy it was to get out of the habit. Then, a few weeks ago, I found myself sort of sad that I didn’t take many photos anymore. I actually caught myself thinking this: I wish I had a reason to MAKE myself take photos again.

DUH, Staci! Dummy! You paused your photo project! Hit ‘PLAY’!

So I did. I’m only a few days into resuming the project, but the mojo is there. I’m enjoying it again, and even working to understand more elements of photography and light. Someday I might make the brave move to change my camera settings to something other than “auto”.

Magic loop knitting is a way of knitting socks (or any tiny tube) with a long circular needle instead of double-pointed needles.

In this pattern you will see links to seven instructional videos that will explain each section in detail, and help get you through the tricky parts. All you need is less than 200 yards of worsted-weight yarn and size US 5 circular needle with at least a 24″ cord. (A longer cord is even better.)

This pattern is for a worsted-weight anklet sock. We’re using heavier yarn and bigger needles than most knitted socks, so that you can quickly learn and work through the elements of Magic Loop sock knitting. The techniques you learn here will set you up for working with all kinds of other sock patterns.

Videos + pattern are $8.00 via PayPal