Archive for crafts
April 7, 2005 at 3:06 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I’m almost midway through Banff (my first sweater), and I’ve started another wristband for Moon. I finished my first sock (no pictures yet, but I’ve tried it on and ohhhhh it’s comfy) but I need to buy more yarn before I can make its companion.
And the bobble-y pillow has been set aside for now. I actually might put off doing the Banff sleeves for a while, since I don’t have an urgent need for a big, bulky sweater. The yarn for Tempting is sitting in my closet. And it is tempting… I could actually wear it in this weather.
But there’s more. I’ve been looking for the right yarn for Clapotis, and I found it. Now if only I could stop looking at Knitty patterns… but wait! They just posted a new issue!
March 25, 2005 at 8:03 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
Hey, at lunchtime I was hungry for the first time in days. Days! So I had a brilliant idea… brunch at the Pancake Cafe, where I indulged in pecan Belgian waffles. Which is exactly what I’d craved.
Now I’m urpy. I went to the supermarket with Pete, and I almost didn’t make it through the store. The sight of food (even crackers) made me feel all queasy.
After a few phantom heaves, I had a frozen lemonade pop and I’m surviving. Did I ever show you the sweater piece I finished last week? I didn’t? Okay, look. I’m most of the way through the ribbing for the front piece now. (This is the back.) Guess what? It’s supposed to hit 60 degrees this week.
March 16, 2005 at 4:25 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
It’s Jodi’s favorite president’s birthday. Since he’s also the namesake of my favorite town, I thought I’d give a shout out.
I know I haven’t posted any new knitting pictures lately, but it’s not for a lack of projects. I’m working on – count ‘em! – three projects right now. The pink tweedy Banff sweater. My first socks. And a bobble pillow out of nasty Jiffy acrylic.
The socks are a great portable project. I should call them my socks-in-waiting, because I’ve done a few rows while waiting for a movie to begin, waiting for Moon to finish her bass lesson, waiting in the dentist’s office…
Speaking of which, Moon had a dentist appointment yesterday, and our favorite hygienist ran out to the waiting room, note pad in hand, to talk knitting with me. She’s been trying to teach herself, and was excited to hear that I was self-taught through the power of the written word. I recommended Knit Wit and told her about Stitch ‘n Bitch and knitty.com.
Apparently Moon was asked if I was still into my dolls, and answered, “Now she’s all about the knitting.” Yikes! I guess I need to brush some plastic hair and change some teenytiny clothing. Wouldn’t want to be neglectful.
February 28, 2005 at 1:56 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I finished making this armband for Moon while we were watching the Oscars last night. (Jamie Foxx’s speech was the best, but what was that about the beatings? Gramma was rough!) Anyway, the toothpick-sized needles and all those little beads were quite a challenge, especially with my attention divided by all the razzledazzle. I made a few small mistakes, but screw ‘em.
In other news, I’m going to be seeing Green Day in concert with Moon and friend. (Am I not the best parent in the world?) Moon, of course, is over her namesake about this.
February 25, 2005 at 12:41 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
Well, I nixed the whole pink socks thing, but I’ve still had the urge to knit something pink. So this time I’ve settled on a sweater pattern. The helpful folks at KnitPixie will be stocking this yarn for me in a bulky weight. As soon as it’s in, I’ll be ordering. The challenge will be to see if I can finish the project in time to wear it this winter.
This morning I was called to fill in for a last-minute cancellation at Campus – which means I had a massage. Nice way to spend my morning off!
February 24, 2005 at 10:28 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I finished my Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers on Tuesday, and I just love ‘em. They’re perfect for protecting my hands from the freezing cold steering wheel in the morning. I’ve already had quite a few compliments, and even a request to buy a pair. I may do it, because it was kind of sad finishing the pattern after having learned it and all. First, though, I have to finish Fuzzyfeet #4 – I finished one slipper while watching “Top Gun” with the kids tonight, and cast on the second. Now for some weekend knitting.
February 18, 2005 at 2:15 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
Foxxi makes a darned attractive model for my mom’s scarf. I finished it a few days ago, and I’m mailing today because it’s my day off! Fridays rock! I’ve already been to the yarn store/coffee shop and Starbucks, and I put in my time at the gym. It’s sunny outside (although it’s only 15 degrees) so the little missy in the picture will probably be rewarded with a walk to the park.
February 17, 2005 at 7:06 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I feel like less of a slacker when I can post a picture of a FO. Actually, I took the picture a few days ago, right before mailing the Fuzzyfeet off to Sister #1. They arrived today, so now I can reveal them to the world.
In other knitting news, I’ve cast on for the Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers from Stitch ‘n Bitch Nation. Also, my ubercute sushi knitting bag isn’t working out too well in this weather, so I’ve put it aside until the slush subsides. It has to work as my purse, which means exposure to the elements. In the meantime, I’ve dug out my old Timbuk2 bag. I’m such a bagaholic.
February 16, 2005 at 6:24 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
So, in my enthusiasm I joined not one, but two knitalongs (also known as KALs). First I signed up for a Think Pink KAL, with lofty plans to make a pair of hot pink socks using a toe-up pattern and the magic loop method. Then one of the Pink ladies posted about a First Time Sock Knitters KAL, and I was right there. Two birds, and all that.
Anyway, I had bought 40″ size 1 Addi Turbos and a lovely ball of Opal sock yarn. I cast on twice. The first time I didn’t trust the directions and ended up all turned around… frog time. The second time seemed to be going well, but I started stressing about the tiny needles and the fact that I couldn’t keep equal numbers of stitches on them. Fact is, I only had about a square inch of knitting done, and wrestling the cable didn’t seem any easier than wrestling the porcupine (otherwise known as double-pointed needles).
So I took a deep breath and frogged again. I’ve put away the project for a while, to heck with keeping up with everyone. Either I’ll come up with an alternative pink project, or I’ll get some bigger DPNs. (Like size 3.)
I feel like a slacker.
February 8, 2005 at 11:01 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I’m halfway done with Sister #1’s Fuzzyfeet, yay! The Campus had an exhibit booth at expos last Thursday and today, and both times I was able to knit on the sly. On Thursday, I ended up teaching another exhibitor how to cast on. Today I attracted a fellow knitter as soon as I whipped out my project. People are really interested in Fuzzyfeet.
In keeping with that theme, here’s Peter wearing his newly felted pair (they were still damp, but he slept in them anyway).
Today’s mail included my highly anticipated new bag. *cue Hallelujah Chorus*
Despite all the knitting goodness, I had a mentally exhausting evening. Which I’ll write about tomorrow Friday. Thank goodness for knitting, and for time spent catching up with my faboo counterpart.
January 30, 2005 at 4:06 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
Finally finished the scarf last night, while watching SNL. This was my first time doing fringe… fringe is fun! Now I’m starting Fuzzy Feet for Peter and Sis #1. (His will be first, because his feet are smaller.) Then I’ll be doing a foofy scarf for my mom, and then socks. I can’t wait to learn to make socks.
In other news, Pete’s new computer (Mac G5) arrived and is being set up. We bought an Airport card for it yesterday, and he also has a mess of sound equipment to hook up. I wish I could say it’s going perfectly smoothly, but there have been a few snafus. We’re also still waiting for our basement window to be replaced, which means we can continue putting off tackling the pile o’ crap in the back for a little while longer.
January 22, 2005 at 12:54 am · Filed under knit/crochet
Between the toilet overflowing (we got to use the auger again!) and various activities in preparation for tonight’s snowstorm, I finished one section of my alien scarf and one of Moon’s armwarmers.
The kids were off school early, so Peter and I went to the video rental place, Borders and Starbucks’ drive-through. Pete did the grocery shopping this evening (before the toilet debacle) and nearly got stuck in a snowdrift trying to get up our driveway. But at least we have plenty of snacks for the weekend. I may even bake cookies.
January 18, 2005 at 10:15 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
Yep, another finished project. This is for Nephew #2b, who is being baptized this weekend. I’m definitely improving – especially with the whole double-pointed needle thing – but my hands do get a little sore when I’m working with smaller stitches.
Luckily, I’ve had the pleasure of getting a massage at least once a week so far in 2005. Today the student therapist worked on my hands and shoulders. Gotta be able to get my knit on.
January 16, 2005 at 10:58 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I finished my Fuzzy Feet, but they are slow to felt. This is what they look like after being run through the washer twice. I may try again later on, but for now I just want to wear them.
Of course, Peter wants me to make him a pair. Not pink ones, though.
Pete and I decided to make samosas and pie this evening. (No, I didn’t make it to the gym today.)
January 13, 2005 at 10:12 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
The kids and I watched the final two episodes of BtVS as I finished knitting this slipper. With this project, I learned about short rows, picking up stitches, ssk, and double-pointed needles. I also got to do a three-needle bind-off for the second time.
It’ll be funny to see if slipper #2 turns out a whole lot better than slipper #1. The great thing about felting is that it hides mistakes so well. I can’t wait to wear these – assuming they fit.
January 11, 2005 at 8:29 am · Filed under knit/crochet
Okay, I wasn’t going to post another knitting picture so soon, but I can’t help myself. I’ve actually started yet another new project, and working with wool on size 10.5 needles is sooo much nicer than acrylic on size 0 needles. Not that I won’t be making more doll stuff, because I will.
I’m happy to report that the snow is still here. No rain yet. On Sunday, we went frolicking as a family to the neighborhood park, where we chuckled at Foxxi’s antics and watched Peter roll around on the ground.
Oh, and the basement isn’t quite done. We decided to hold off on bringing out all the electronic stuff because there’s still a bit of wood trim that needs trimming. I’m not unhappy about this, because I’m still in denial about the clutter that awaits us.
December 27, 2004 at 10:56 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I mean, with my brand-new Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles. Oh-my-freaking-God are they ever wonderful. I read about them on knitty.com, and I’ve been watching them on eBay ever since. Except my need for immediate gratification got the best of me, and I discovered that Lakeside Fibers had them in stock. Right there in the store! Three sets!
I probably could have saved $5 buying them on eBay, but then I wouldn’t be telling you how incredibly wonderful they are. Instead, I talked Pete into picking them up for me on his way back from taking Moon to get her hair streaked. What a guy! What needles! *swoon*
Now all I need is lots of incredible natural fiber yarn so I can make all the cool projects I’m coveting out of my new books.
November 20, 2004 at 2:24 pm · Filed under blythe
New outfits from Puppy52!
November 20, 2004 at 2:16 pm · Filed under blythe
Earlier this month, I dyed Angelica’s hair. The thing is, I was a little too careful with the hairline, and she ended up with blonde roots. On the other hand, maybe I wasn’t careful enough, because her flange ended up with pink dye in intermittant places. I do like the color a lot, though. It’s Rit fuschia.
So I decided about a week later to give her bangs. It was scary, but I followed the directions at Puchimadam and I really like the results. (Okay, I did get a little help from a stylist at the shop on the corner. She thinned the bangs a bit. The surprising thing is that she had thought Angelica came with bangs to begin with … so I must have done an okay job.
November 11, 2004 at 9:13 pm · Filed under blythe
Wendy, my TIB buddy in Dublin (also known as honeymonkey) surprised Xanthe with this rockin’ jacket today. It was so fun seeing an envelope addressed to Xanthe!
Of course she had to try it on right away.
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