Wednesday's Woeful Thoughts

I'm famous!

2009-10-28T05:00:00.002-05:00

Well, not really, but I'm still super excited.

My last post caught the attention of
Connie G. Barwick at About.com: Cross Stitch.
She liked my Giraffe so much that she decided to feature it on her blog today.
She also offered me a trade. I sent her my Giraffe and Monkey.
In return she sent me three great kits.

This is Scenic Lighthouse (65057) from Dimensions' Gold Collection.

This one is from The New Berlin Company.

This cute little Santa (4150) is from NeedleMagic Inc.

She even threw in something a little extra.

John James Gold Plated Tapestry Petites.
I've never used "fancy" needles before.
I always use the needles that come free with my kits.

I am so glad that others enjoy my work.
I think I'll be stuck on Cross Stitch at least through the spring.
Be sure to watch for new posts and new projects.

YAY! Cross Stitch!

2009-10-14T16:19:00.009-05:00

Well, for right now, I am storing my knitting.
I go through phases in my crafting and after almost a year of knitting,
I am on to cross stitch.

In the past month I have finished four mini cross stitch kits.
Here they are...

Raccoon
Item 4645 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 18 count aida fabric.

It's A Zoo
Item 4129 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 14 count aida.

Monkey
Item 4105 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

Say Cheese
Item 3856 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 18 count aida.

I purchased all of these kits from JoAnn Fabric & Craft.

I love to work on small projects.
It gives me the instant gratification that I need.
They are also nice to carry along with you,
they fit nicely in a small sandwich bag in my purse.

I haven't abandoned knitting forever.
I will be participating with the MN Rollergirls during
their Knitting for Charity events.

Sometimes multitasking can go horribly wrong

2009-09-07T15:12:00.007-05:00

I haven't posted in a while, but I am still knitting away.
I just can't seem to focus on one project right now.
I actually have 4 projects on needles right now.
So at least I can tell you about those.

Project 1: Felted Messenger Bag

This pattern can be found in Awesome Knits for guys and chicks by Lion Brand Yarn.
I choose Patons Classic Wool in Peacock for the main color and Plum Heather for the trim.

Project 2: Flour Sack hat

This pattern can be found in
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads
by Amanda Keeys.
I am using Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in 102 Ivory and 103 Pebble.
I've been having a had time knitting with this yarn,
the texture is way different than any another yarns I've used.

Project 3: Coco Mitts

(I hope my whiteness doesn't blind anyone)

I was given this pattern by my good friend and knit 'n' bitch partner, Caroline.
She found it in Hat, Mittens, and Scarves Deck: 25 Cool and Cozy Projects by Andrea Tung.
I am using Punta Yarns Merisoft Spaced Dyed in 389 (Purple and Black).
I have finished one, but I just can't force myself to get the second done.

Project 4: Snowdrop Lace Dishcloth

I found this pattern on Ravelry it's by Tera Johnson and is available for free.
I am using Lily's Sugar'n Cream in Patio Pinks.

I do promise that once I finish something I will take pretty picture
and post a brand new blog, just for you!

Another day, another hat

2009-06-10T22:58:00.005-05:00

This was my fastest hat ever!

I needed a birthday present quick! So within 36 hours I whipped up this cute hat.

I decided that Patons Decor yarn in Florals Variegated would be perfect for the birthday girl.

This is the pattern for the 'simple roll-brimmed hat' from
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys.

I used Clover Takumi Bamboo needles in 16" size 9 circular and 7" size 9 DPNs.
I also used a Clover small Pom Pom Maker in 1 3/8".

My cousin Maria was very pleased with the results.

I heard she wore it right up until bedtime and put it right back on in the morning.

Yay me!

Baby Hat In Action!

2009-05-18T00:27:00.009-05:00

I have been knitting these baby hats for fun,
but this weekend my Pom Pom Bear hat
came in handy as a 1st birthday present for my cousin, Annabelle.

Doesn't she look adorable?

The hat even complimented her crazy "Brady Bunch" dress.

I am so pleased to see my work in action.

Pom-pom Bear!

2009-05-08T01:07:00.009-05:00

I have been just going straight through my
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys.
This pattern is called pompom bear and can be found on page 51.

This hat required a three-needle bind off.
I have never attempted that type of bind off,
but the instructions included in the book were easy to follow and understand.

I used Punta's Merisoft Hand Painted yarn in HP66.
I love the bright colors!

I used Clover Takumi Bamboo needles in 16" size 9 circular and 7" size 9 DPNs.
I also used a Clover large Pom Pom Maker in 2 1/2".

I really enjoyed this pattern and I am already making a new and larger sized version right now.
I have been told this hat is similar to the one worn by the cartoon character, Chowder.

A Very Special Hat

2009-05-06T02:06:00.007-05:00

I had to take a break from my baby hats to make a very special hat for a very special person.
Someone very close to me has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time.
She recently started chemotherapy, so I knew she could use a nice hat.

I have been knitting for charity with the Minnesota Rollergirls since the beginning of this year.
I'm glad that MNRG and Crafty Planet gave me this great opportunity to learn about the need for chemo caps.

Please let me take this chance to ask all of you to donate at least one crafty project this month to your favorite charity.
If you are not sure where to start, check out this list.

This pattern can be found at HeadHuggers.org.
The yarn is Caron Simply Soft Brites in Blue Mint.
I used Clover Takumi Bamboo needles in 16" size 9 circular and 7" size 9 DPNs.

I am a baby hat making FOOL!

2009-04-28T23:28:00.007-05:00

I have finished my second baby beanie from
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys.
This one is called 'special day silk hat'.

First, let's meet my new model.
Her name is Natasha.
I found her on clearance at my local Toy R Us store.

I used Cascade Sierra yarn in 15 pink and Offray Simply Sheer 7/8" ribbon in light pink.
The pattern called for Cascase Pima Silk yarn,
but I wasn't able to locate that particular kind at any of my LYS.

I used Skacel's addi Turbo Circular 12" US 7 and Clover's Takumi Bamboo 7" size US 7 DPNs.
I really enjoyed using the addi Turbo needles.
They were very smooth and fast.

Natasha's head is a bit small for this hat,
but I appreciated her patience while I photographed her.

Know any little heads?

2009-04-22T18:03:00.008-05:00

I finished a new hat!

I found the pattern for this 'simple roll-brimmed hat' in
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys.

This is my first project using circular and double pointed needles (DPNs).

I used Clover Takumi Bamboo needles in 16" size 9 circular and 7" size 9 DPNs.
I also used a Clover small Pom Pom Maker in 1 3/8".

I used Caron Simply Soft in Sage for the hat and
Caron Simply Soft Paints in Spring Brook for the pom-poms and braids.

I am so happy how it turned out.

I hope I can find a little head to enjoy my new hat!

I finished my first swap!

2009-03-26T21:19:00.007-05:00

My life is still crazy and sad, but I did finish my first craft swap successfully!

To recap, the swap challenge was to take an IKEA MALMA mirror and decorate it to our partner's likes.

My partner lives in the UK and and she described her likes as boho, 70's retro, and art deco.

I had NO idea what to do.

Luckily, I work at Jo-Ann Fabrics, and I work with a lot of crafty people.

I had the idea to cover the frame of the mirror with fabric, but what else could I do?

I found the perfect fabric in our Monaco collection.

Once I had the fabric, the trimmings came into place. I used some home decor trim to finish the project off.

FIN

I'm still here!

2009-02-22T21:40:00.005-06:00

I wanted to let everyone know I'm still alive. I've been lost in thought for about a month now. I'm really tired of talking about it, so I will spare you the gruesome details.

I did sign up for my first craft swap. This swap involves the IKEA Malma mirror. I am to decorate in any way I want (paint, decoupage, fabric, metal work). I am very nervous. My partner lives in the UK and is also a first time swapper. She has given me her likes and dislikes. Unfortunately, her style is nothing like my style. I'm mostly worried that she will hate my finished product and be turned off of swaps forever. I realize that is the worst possible scenario, but that's where my brain jumps to. I live in my own little negative world, but it's okay, they hate me there.

(source)

Justice is blind

2009-02-01T23:05:00.012-06:00

I'm sorry I haven't written anything recently. This past month was very stressful. It ended on a particularly frustrated note, jury duty. I wasn't really too bummed when I found out I was called for jury duty this summer. I was actually a little excited to go, but as many of you know I experienced a personal tragedy and had to postpone my civil service. Six months later my time has come. Luckily, my county offers a call in service for potential jurors.

Monday, I was safe. Tuesday morning, I was still warm and comfy in my bed. Tuesday afternoon, my number came up. I hurriedly got my business (read: fancy adult) clothes on and rushed downtown. I checked into the assembly room and settled down for an afternoon of my civic duty. I sat down in the pool for about three hours. I did get to finish my first crochet project, a mesh market bag. At about 4 o'clock I got pulled for a case. We get up to the courtroom at about 4:20 and the judge promises he will have us out by 4:30. He basically gave us a rundown of procedures and told us to return at ten the next morning. Wednesday morning, I got to the government center at about 9:30. I go through security and up to the courtroom. I am called to one of the seats in the jury box. We are asked a list of questions. I am the first juror excused. I am then sent back down to the pool. Yay! More crocheting fun! I spend another good three hours crocheting and rocking out on my iPod. At 3:00 I am pulled for another jury. We all file upstairs, answer a bunch of questions, and wait for our fate. I am deemed acceptable! Woo! Hoo! It's now about 4:30 and the judge excuses us for the afternoon and asks us to return at nine, Thursday morning. Thursday morning comes, I pass through security and make my way up to the courtroom. We are all present and accounted for by 8:55. At about 9:05 the clerk comes out and explains that they still have some pre-trial business to attend to and asks us to wait in a jury room. Hey, I don't care it gave me a chance to run and get some much needed coffee. The clerk returns to the jury room at 10 to ask us to follow her to the courtroom. On our way to the courtroom, we pass by the defendant waiting for an elevator. We all knew what that meant. He SETTLED. Back down to the pool for us. By now most of us are going a little stir crazy. I invented a new game for myself, crocheting to the beat. It's pretty self-explanatory. Now it's noon, lunchtime! The jury lady (sorry, I don't know her actual title) comes out and explains there is still one trial pending that may need jurors. So after lunch (1:30) she will pull the final jury for the week and those not chosen will be free until Monday. I run and grab some lunch and wait around for the final roll call. At 1:30 JL comes out and tells us there are no more cases this week and we will need to call the information line at 12:15 Monday afternoon to hear if our jury group is called down.

I think more people would, maybe, enjoy jury duty if we actually got to do something. It's just a game of hurry up and wait. I hope I'm not called down anymore, but if I am I will obediently go and spend my time in the pool. Maybe, I can finish all my Christmas presents for 2009.

Do your part to save the world!

2009-01-11T23:16:00.005-06:00

If you live anywhere near the Twin Cities you HAVE TO stop by Crafty Planet.
Crafty Planet is an independent retailer located in North East Minneapolis.
They offer reproduction, Japanese import, and Amy Butler fabric (to name just a couple).
They have a huge selection of Sublime Stitching patterns.
They also offer awesome classes to learn sewing, knitting, crochet, and more for all skill levels.
They have an online shop for all the non-locals.

I'm gonna definitely be down there on Saturday, January 17th, 4pm - 6pm,
to join the MN Rollergirls for Charity Knitting with The Girls.
You better be there too!

Monday - Saturday
10-7
Sunday
11-5
2833 Johnson Street NE MPLS, 55418
612.788.1180

Remember to grab this in the morning!

2009-01-02T20:46:00.004-06:00

I love this simple and cute iPod cozy.
I stumbled across it at the DIY Network's site.

I never could even solve one of these...

2008-12-31T20:34:00.002-06:00

Spritekin, the Kappa.

2008-12-28T02:26:00.008-06:00

This is Spritekin.

He is completely hand-sewn.

I used flannel and felt.

He is crafted from a pattern found in the book
Cute Dolls by Aranzi Aronzo.

To all my winos!

2008-12-27T01:12:00.003-06:00

Holla!

The DIY Maven does it again!

Time to start on presents for Christmas 2009!

2008-12-25T23:32:00.006-06:00

I am a coffee addict with perpetual sniffles. This is the most perfect DIY project for me.

The DIY Maven created this fun tutorial on Curbly.

She loves to help

2008-12-18T12:02:00.005-06:00

Here is my cat Asha helping me finish up my new hat.

I hope Santa reads my blog

2008-12-11T21:04:00.005-06:00

These t-shirts from Craftster are too CUTE!

*Update*

I can wait for my birthday, because they won't be carrying big girl sizes until February.

One out of three ain't (too) bad.

2008-12-08T22:24:00.014-06:00

I was only able to attend one of the three craft shows in Minneapolis this weekend.
I visited The Handmaidens Craftmas at the Ballantine VFW in Uptown.
I only bought a few items, but the ones I got will be perfect Xmas gifts.

This print of the Milwaukee Road Depot is the work of artist Adam Turman.

I present you The Cozy Corset Cuff.

It's reversible and adjustable and it's made (in part) by a friend of mine.

This cute little Sheepy Sauce Bowl is the work of Jennie the Potter.

And last, but not least.

Too Many Suitors' t-shirt will brighten a young girl's day in Ohio.

I make stuff too!

2008-12-02T22:33:00.004-06:00

I made this using a 9.5" Knifty Knitter round loom, Patons Shetland Chunky yarn in Imperial Variegated, and the Knifty Knitter flower loom.

This makes my uterus ache

2008-11-30T20:11:00.005-06:00

These booties combine two of my most wanted items, a baby and electronic embroidery.

They were created by the husband and wife team of João Silva and Ana Pires.

You can find the great to follow tutorial here at CRAFT Magazine.

Attention Twin Cities!

2008-11-29T21:02:00.005-06:00

Please check out these great craft shows next weekend.

You can find everything from holiday gifts to inspiration for your own handmade goodness!

The No Coast Craft-o-Rama is a craft event that began in December 2005 as a way to feature a variety of designers, artists, crafters and other talented creators of unique handmade goods. It’s coming up on December 5th (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and 6th (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Midtown Global Exchange building. Be sure to come by and see some of the finest artisans and crafters around.

From The Handmaidens blog;

'Twas two months before Christmas, and all through the cities
People were searching for gifts that were handmade and pretty
The malls were over crowded, the internet a chore
Where could they find art, jewelry, clothing and more?
Why at the VFW, the first Sunday in December!
We'll give you more hints so you don't have to remember.
Check back to this website daily if you can,
We'll list artists to appeal to every child, woman and man
Who is on your list, both nice and naughty,
Shows at the VFW are always a party!
So mark you calendar, Dec 7th is coming soon,
Where else can you shop and enjoy a beer at noon!?!

Let's get ready to RUMBLE!

2008-11-24T09:53:00.005-06:00

I would definitely play this game!