Saturday TastyLinks, Musings and Sundries

 Madge's Thrift Score

I believe that when you're moving in the right direction, the universe supports you entirely.  When things get too tough and I find myself smacking my head against the rocks, I remind myself that it's okay to change direction and swim right around them.  It's easy to become so micro-focused you forget to look up and see what's happening around you.  Some times things just don't work out and it can be tough when you've poured time, effort and energy into something to watch it fall apart, but it's a co-creation.  You dream the dream and take the steps to make it real and then it's important to try not to be so relentlessly specific that you get stuck on the details.  The details will work themselves out if you're navigating the boat in the right direction.  I'm telling myself this and sharing it with you.  It's how I work schtuff out.

I had a week of things falling apart and it's been a little tough, but other things are coming together and I'm being reminded that it's okay to let some things go.  Even things that on the surface seem pretty good can be holding you back.  I'm making some decisions about what to let go and what to hold on to...it's a process.

I scored some goodies at Goodwill today.  A small pile of vintage patterns from the 1960s and 70s, in my size!  The unfortunate thing about Goodwill is that they stick a frickin' sticker on the front of the patterns and album covers and taking it off ruins them.  Argh.  What is that?!  I also got THREE vintage 60s Monopoly games...huzzah...and a really horrid yet adorable apron dress from the 70s with a garish neon floral print.  Yay!

My dear friend Brini Maxwell has the most delightful new blog filled with fun and fabulosity.  You simply must go check it out.  This week she shares a recipe for Cheese Souffle from a cookbook written and signed by former Cosmo editor, author and feminist icon Helen Gurley Brown.  Too fun!

Here's what the Crafty Bloggers have in store for your craftertainment this week:

The Artful Crafter
Do companies offer free craft products to the general public for testing?

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make recycled thigh high socks inspired by the book Color Knitting The Easy Way. 

Mixed Media Artist
There's a lot to be learned about texture when you work with a monochromatic palette!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Mother's Day is coming soon and Madge has you covered. Check out her mom friendly card project, recipe and jewelry design! 

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
The organization continues, but the craft room is very close to finished.

Crafty Princess Diaries
While doing some spring cleaning, Tammy made some interesting jewelry discoveries. You just never know what you might find when you try to get organzied. 

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there are tutorials on how to crochet a "no-chain" foundation row, 17 ways to crop a photo, draw flames with Drew Brophy, change the color in a free cherry blossom print download and a call for entries for 1000 Steampunk Inspirations.

Cathie Filian
Cathie is doing back flips over the release of her new book, 101 Snappy Fashions! 

Aileen's Musings
Are you in need of a royal crown? Aileen has an oldie but goodie tutorial she's sharing with you.

About.com Cross Stitch
Connie's sharing a free pattern that was inspired by a piece of artwork she saw in an episode of Monk. You never know what the source of inspiration will be.