Misocrafty

Change is Good

2005-03-21T17:54:00.000Z

Misocraft has moved. Please visit me at my new site:

www.misocrafty.squarespace.com

Yeah!

My Knitting Involved Power Tools

2005-03-17T17:34:00.000Z

Last night I whipped up a mini iPod cover for a friend of Daniels. She has a green mini so I used my very light green Ggh Esprit yarn, which is very fuzzy. Once the cover was completed I needed a button. I have a ton of craft supplies but I am lacking in the button department. So I was so discouraged, until I found this:

My father in law got us a drill for Christmas, and I just so happened to have a bit small enough to drill a hole through the side of the scrabble tile. I was so excited to use a power tool in my crafty endeavor. Again with the jumping up and down.

I really like when a project comes together like this. And for some reason I just love making cozies for ipods, I think it is the mixing of technology and the long standing craft of knitting.

Daniel and I have decided to leave tonight for San Diego, so Monday I should have some really progress on my mom's clapotis to show. I just love having Fridays off it seems to make the week go by so much faster. Now if only this day would go by a little faster.

Things...

2005-03-16T23:49:00.000Z

I am a busy bee right now, getting ready to go out of town. And not to mention knitting like a mad woman. I just started another knitted ipod mini cover too, so needless to say my presence around here has been lacking. But never fear I have not decided I have not left for good, I am just in the process of making things better. So there will be some changes around here, soon. Oh, the suspense.

***Are my comments taking ages to load. I have noticed that problem with other blogger site. If they never load, send me an email (in my profile) and let me know, so I can maybe switch my comments to a different site.

Is it Friday yet?

2005-03-14T17:15:00.000Z

The reason I am all ready asking that question is this weekend I am going to San Diego, to hang out with my SIL. My only request was to find a new yarn store to visit. So this Friday Daniel, Vito and I are off on a little trip. Daniel is meeting his friends and going to a concert in Corona, and I am off to San Diego to do some shopping. And of course Vito gets to come too, that silly dog just love cars trips. Plus I hate to admit this but I do have a purse, a dog carrying purse. That way I can take my dog with me. So not only am I a crazy woman who puts here dog in sweaters, but she also carries him around in a purse.

Last week I finished the baby booties for the baby show I didn't attend on Sunday. I made these out of the same Organic Cotton* I made the hat out of. This is the pattern I used to make the booties, I wasn't crazy about these since I have seen so really cute one lately. But the fulfilled their purpose, since they were the only pattern I could find that used worsted weight yarn.

I have been working like a mad woman on my mom Clapotis. I am just finishes up my first skein of yarn, so only 3 more to go. Maybe tomorrow I will post a work in progress picture. I am really hoping to have this finished before my mom gets here on the first of April. But it is going to be a close one. This is the only project I am bring with me this weekend so hopefully I can get a lot more done.

This afternoon I am off to get my new contacts, I am pretty excited.

* This is the organic cotton, and the color I used was sand.

Yarn is Addicting

2005-03-08T18:12:00.000Z

My other purchase I made on Saturday at the yarn store was a skein of Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton. This yarn is the softest yarn I have ever felt, ever. The color is the natural color of the cotton, unbleached and undyed.

While I was standing at the counter checking out, I saw a pattern using this yarn for a newborns hat. I have been looking for a newborn hat pattern that was simply designed, so I bought it along with the yarn. And on Sunday I whipped up the hat for a baby shower I am going to this week. I am also in the process of some baby booties that should be finished later.

This pattern is perfect for changing around, it uses worsted weight yarn and the size looks right on. My guess is I will be making a lot of these before the year is up. Have I mentioned how incredibly soft this yarn is?

And look at what the postman brought me yesterday:

It is even lovelier in person and softer then I thought it was going to be, considering it is superwash sock yarn. These colors are so perfect; they make me want to jump up and down. I just can't wait to start on clapotis.

This Weekend I had Purple Fingernails

2005-03-07T16:19:00.000Z

Saturday morning Daniel and I took a trip to our favorite Mexican food restaurant. Which just so happens to be near a yarn shop, fancy that. So I also got to take a trip to the Village Spinning and Weaving yarn store. I had intended to only buy a pair of Addi's for working on Clapotis. But they had a huge skein of undyed super wash sock yarn.

This skein is huge at almost 600 yard and a half a pound; I've got a lot of sock yarn. So I thought why not spend my Saturday up to my elbows in Kool-aid. So my first yarn dyeing experience began. I bought about 15 packets of Kool-aid, in such flavors as Lemon-lime, Grape, and Blue Berry Blue. I followed the instructions from knitty, on dyeing yarn. And this is what I made:

I didn't have enough dye, so I decided to just go with the tie dyed look. I was amazed at the amount of dye that this yarn sucked up. The liquid was clear before I even cooked the yarn, which I did in the microwave. I did add vinegar to the pre-soak and to the dye mixture; because I have heard that it helps the colors become more vibrant. So now I have almost 600 yards of fruity smelling sock yarn.

I was worried that there would be too much white, but when I wound it all up I realized that the colors were pretty cool. Next time I need to blend my colors together better, but over all I am happy with my first attempt. My favorite part of this yarn is where the lemon-lime and the grape run together. It makes this great olive green color. Next time I think I am going to try dunking the sections into the dye instead of "hand painting' the yarn with a turkey baster. I even knit up a little swatch, so I could see this yarn in action:

So my house still smells like Kool-aid, especially my craft room, where I hung my yarn to dry with a fan. And don’t worry my fingernails are finally returning to their normal color. I had a lot of fun with this project, so much so that I am going to order some more undyed yarn from Knit Picks. They carry fingering weight and worsted weight and I plan on ordering both, right now in fact. If you are looking for a good yarn dyeing tutorial, beside the one on knitty, here is a great one from a fellow crafty blogger. I did buy one other thing, but I will save it for tomorrows post. Oh, the suspense.

Goodnight

2005-03-07T03:20:00.000Z

Vito and I are very sleepy, So this tiny post is all we can muster. In tomorrows post I will share my weekend exploits that involved a lot of kool-aid. So stay tuned because I finally have something exciting to post.

Spring?

2005-03-04T23:13:00.000Z

Even though the sky is gray from the rain. It looks like spring is here. I just love blossoms on trees. I am not sure what type of tree this is, but I love looking at it in my backyard. I have always wanted a giant tattoo of cherry blossom branches, like the Japanese paintings. But first I would have to have my own craft empire, so I could be covered in tattoos. I wonder if I really could have tons of tattoos because I ran my own business, would I? Probably not, I'm guessing. The fun part for me is wishing I could. Ok , I'm rambling.

I am looking forward to the weekend, like always. If I finish up the baby sweater maybe I can start on clapotis when my yarn gets here next week. And, no I haven't done anymore work on my Ribbi Cardi, it is just not exciting me right now. But I will finish it soon, I just have no knitting discipline right now.

I Was a Bad Girl

2005-03-03T21:59:00.000Z

Today I did something I have never done before, I bought something off ebay. I know it is hard to believe that I have never used ebay before, but truthfully the vastness kind of scared me. Plus I always felt like I was reverting back to a hunter gather state, which is the same reason I hate buffets, but that a whole other post. Anyway I conquered my fear of ebay and I bought yarn!

After seeing this clapotis knit by Cathi, I decided that I had finally found the perfect yarn. It is knit with Lorna Lace Shepard Sport, and that is what I just bought. At $8.25 a skein the whole project cost me around what one skein of Lion & Lamb costs, which is the yarn the pattern called for. This project is not for me, it is for my mom. She loves scarves and shawls, so I think that this is the perfect mix. My parents are coming to visit the first weekend in April, so maybe I can have it done for her then?

After I decided what type of yarn I wanted to use for this project, I had to find the right color. There are a bunch of places online that sell Lorna's Lace yarn but none of them had an appropriate color for my mom. When I found this color called Black Pearl, I knew I had the perfect color.

Believe me when I tell you this color is perfect for my mom. The woman in my family live in black, and if I had a choice I would knit primarily in black too. The reason I can't knit in black is because I can't always find black yarn especially at my local yarn store. Anyway I am so excited to make this for my mom, and I am pretty proud of my first ebay purchase too.

Yummy

2005-03-02T23:08:00.000Z

Ok, so last night I didn't end up doing any sewing. I am sure that Vito is not devastated that I didn't make him a new sweatshirt. But instead I did something amazing: I baked. Yup, baking is quite the feat for me. But I really needed some bread pudding, so I made some and not only that I made caramel sauce too. Yes you heard that right homemade caramel sauce.
See:

Bread pudding is such a wonderful thing, it starts out as plan old bread and ends up as the most wonderful dessert. I wouldn't say that it is pudding exactly. I would say it is more along the lines of a french toast custard. One of my favorite restaurant makes bread pudding and I never realized how easy it is. Let me tell you if I can make it, it's easy. Betty Crocker she is one awesome lady.

A Whole Lot of Nothing

2005-03-02T00:19:00.000Z

I really don't want to write one of those "I am feeling cranky posts, " but I feel one coming on anyway. I have been out of it all day. I get plenty of sleep but I so freakin tired. What is it that gives me these ridiculous mood swings? It can't be my beloved caffeine or artificial sweetener, no not the Crystal Light! I just want a bit of emotional stability is that too much to ask? And seriously how am I going to stay stable without my beverages. Well as you know I am a bit dramatic so it isn't really that bad. I am just feeling blah.

Tonight I think I might sew up another sweat shirt for Vito. I have this need to do some sewing so why not continue to outfit my dog in silliness. Maybe there will be a "camo" outfit done by then end of the night. But speaking of cute things, yah know like dogs in sweatshirt look at this, a super cute and crafty blog I recently found.

Tomorrow I will hopefully have more interesting things to say.

Small Needles=Crazy

2005-02-28T02:22:00.000Z

I haven't been knitting that much this week and I have enjoyed the break. I have been neglecting my household duties and things have been piling up. So it was nice to take a break and get things in order. I had a surprise visit this weekend from my most favorite readers, Kenny and Laura. I love them even though they never leave me comments. They live in a far away land, Oregon. It was so great to see them. They are the kind of friends you can sit down and chat with for hours, and its later that you realize its 3 AM. Anyway, it was great to see them and hopefully we will be chartering a sailboat in the British Isles together soon.

I started a new project this weekend, a baby sweater for one of my pregnant friends. I am planning a very cute set so I thought that maybe I get started. It was only after I started this project that I realize that #3 needles are pretty freakin small. So small in fact that I am starting to fear that by the time I finish this sweater the baby will have out grown it. As usually I am being a bit over dramatic and I am too determined to not finish this sweater.

This is the sweater I am making from Debbie Bliss Quick Baby Knits:

Here is my progress, try to contain you excitement:

I am using Rowan Cotton Glace. The set I am planning will also have booties and a hat, hopefully with skulls on it. Because everything looks better with skulls. This yarn was on sale at my yarn store for 50% off so this is one of the few times I am using the yarn that the pattern calls for.

Well my relaxing weekend is almost over, so I will leave you with my usually Sunday night Vito picture.

Bad News First.

2005-02-23T23:03:00.000Z

It looks like Arrested Development might be leaving me for good. I can't believe this, I love that show. How am I supposed to survive with only 2 seasons, even if I own them on DVD thats not enough to get me through a long weekend. This show helps me get through my Sunday night remorse. Now what will I look forward too?

Apple has release more new iPods. The goodies include a 6GB mini and a 30GB iPod photo. I have also heard that the release of a camera attachment is not far off. But my question is how many iPods is excessive for a 2 person family? I have kind of had my eye on the iPod Shuffle, shhh don't tell Daniel, because it is tiny and cute. And I need tiny and cute things. I often use my iPod when I am sewing, but it hard to stick my 40GB on in my pocket. The iPod shuffle could become my crafting iPod; just think how cute it would look in my knitting bag and all the knitted cozy it can have. Maybe the shuffle can hold me off until I can have a Powerbook... hint hint.

I think I have been bitten by the Rouge bug. The more I see this sweater online the more I think I want to knit it. The skills needed for this sweater as listed from the designer’s website are experienced knitter with advanced cables skills. Now I don't think I fit into any of those categories but I can wing it right? Can't I just figure it out as I go? If I have faith I am sure it will work out, can hope replace my skills? Over at Knit Pixie they sell kits for this sweater, out of Bartlett Yarn. It would only be $48 for me to whip up this gorgeous sweater. I think that is quite a deal for a sweater that I am not sure if I CAN knit. Plus this color is fabulous. Look here are some action shot. This sweater isn't really what I would call my style, as I am not really an aran kind of girl, but I love this sweater. I think it is going on the "saving to make" list. And let’s hope I can pick up the skills by then.

The Events of my 3 Day Weekend

2005-02-22T16:38:00.000Z

Friday: I started knitting the spiderweb Caplet from S&B Nation for myself, because I needed a break from my Ribbi Cardi. Every thing was going good until I realize that my dog decided to "play" with the ball of yarn, tangling it into a large mess.

Saturday: Spend 2 hours trying to untangle the ball of yarn. Finally decide to "cut" my losses. Get a call from my husband that my friend is having a birthday party on Wednesday, decided that the Caplet will look great on her, so this project in no longer for me, but her birthday present. Continue knitting until I run out of yarn.

Sunday: Drive to the yarn store and pick up the last ball of Crystal Place Merino Frappa in purple. Drive back home and continue knitting. Around 11 p.m. I was about 2 rows from finishing and I realize that it is totally screwed up. I take a break to check craftster and confirm yes I am totally screwed up, not because of my own mistake but because the pattern is written wrong. I start frogging all the while I am totally pissed off that the pattern was wrong and that I didn't check to see if there was an errata before I started. Around midnight I cast on again and continued knitting until I can no longer keep my eyes open. I did in fact stay awake long enough to watch Home Movie on Adult Swim though.

Monday: I am determined to finish this freakin project so I can block the caplet and it will have time to dry before Wednesday, so I continue knitting, fancy that. Around 3 in the afternoon I finally finished the caplet, which will forever be known as the stupid caplet! And here it is, sorry picture quality isn't that great as I am not going to expend anymore energy on this project.

The Flat View:

Hanging View:

The color is closer to the top one, a very pretty purple blue. I am happy with the finished project and I am glad that this isn't for me, because it doesn't look that great on my wide shoulders. I used a little over one skein of yarn and I haven't decided if this project need pom-poms.

Overall though I had a great weekend. The weather here has been crazy, some of the heaviest rain fall I have ever heard. So it was the perfect time to stay in bed and watch TV. I am so rested in fact that I almost forgot to wakeup today and go to work, opps.

Baby's Got Back

2005-02-19T00:22:00.000Z

Back of the sweater that is:
She is finished and she needs some serious blocking, but I think I better wait until all the pieces are done. I think I might have used 2 & 3/4 balls of yarn for the back piece, so I should have plenty of yarn left over. I am still a bit under gauge getting 21 stitches instead of 19, but I am not too worried. Now I am off to start the fronts.

It is Almost the Weekend

2005-02-18T16:46:00.000Z

I live in a small town that is located in a valley. During the winter when it is raining the hills that surround my town are very green. I took the above picture out my car window this morning because I wanted to post how green everything is. It is not a very good picture. I complain a lot about this small town, but it really is beautiful especially when the fog is rolling in over the green hills. This weekend I am going to try to take more pictures of this because the hills are right out my front door. Maybe I could get on the roof to take the pictures. I can just imagine falling of the roof breaking my leg and trying to explain to Daniel why I am in a heap on the front lawn with a broken leg. On second thought maybe I shouldn't get on the roof.

It is supposed to rain all weekend until next Wednesday, so I should get a lot of knitting done this 3 day weekend. I took Monday off because my office isn't closed and I could bear the thought of Daniel having a fun day off without me. Yes, in my family no one can have fun unless I am there. So now I have a 3 day weekend too! Right now I am most looking forward to sleeping in and eating lots of breakfast foods. I love breakfast foods, especially dip eggs* and toast. Sometimes it is the best part of my weekend.

I only have about 2 more inches on the back of my sweater to finish before I can bind off. Then I can start on the fronts, hopefully those will move faster. The back piece has taken me about a week, but for some reason that is not fast enough. Sometimes I let myself get stress about my knitting, like I am not working fast enough. I need to remember that it is my stress relieving hobby and should not be a cause of frustration. I am always rushing to finish and not enjoying the process.

*By dip eggs I mean fried eggs cooked over easy. Yes, I like my eggs runny:)

Garden State, Part 2

2005-02-17T06:20:00.000Z

I finished the movie as promised and well my opinion hasn't really change much. I thought that the movie was really over-hyped and kind of boring..(sorry Alison, lets still be friends). I think that my decision might be based on the fact that I am not a "hopeless romantic," and I never really have been. The characters we just a little unbelievable and I don't like movies that take a long time to tell the story. I am not saying that I didn't like this movie because everyone else liked it, because I have been know to that, many times. I guess I am kind of a snob, but you forgive me right? I really had no expectations with this movie and I had no idea what it was about until I watched it, so maybe I will like it the more I watch it. The way I see it life would be boring if we all like the same things. And with that said, I must say I didn't like Garden State...and now I must go to write my hit song "Alone in my Principles."

Progress

2005-02-15T23:49:00.000Z

After yesterdays sappy post I thought I would include some knitting progress. I have been working on my Cardi for a couple days now, see:

I am about 1 inch from the arm hole decreases. As much as I am already bored with this project, it is moving along. I am surprised how fast this is going with all this purling, and you know how much I hate purling. I try to set knitting goals for myself, why because I am crazy. So my goal is to have the back and both fronts complete this weekend. Partly I really want to start a new project but I am trying to finishing this before I start something else.

Daniel got me Garden State for Valentines Day, along with a few other things. And I feel like I am the only person on earth who is thoroughly annoyed with this movie. Granted I didn't finish it yet, and I promise I will, but I was so annoyed last night I had to turn it off. I am hoping that after I finish the movie I will change my mind. I just thought both of the characters were overly pathetic and that the movie was over rated. I feel like I am the only person who is not singing Zach Braff's praises. But I will finish the movie and maybe I will change my mind. I loved my presents though, especially the extended version of Return of the King. Yeah!

A Little Bit About Us

2005-02-14T19:20:00.002Z

I have never been very crazy about Valentines Day partly because I am over cynical about everything. But to get in the spirit of the day I thought this Valentines Day I would share a bit about how my husband and I got together. Since I talk about him and his greatness almost every single post I thought I would give some background.

My husband and I met at Bible College in 2000. We both attended the same 2 year school, except he was 1 year behind me. This particular school has seen many a marriages, but I had no intention of meeting "my future husband." Daniel and I were introduced by a mutual friend, and starting hanging out almost immediately. Most of my friends already had boyfriends so I was happy to have a friend to hang out with. Needless to say I fell for him pretty fast, as he is quite the charmer. He made me laugh from the moment I met him and he has this great ability to make me feel secure. We started dating in about April of 2000 about 2 months before I graduated. Even though he was two years younger then me and the fact that we lived in two different states I was not about to let him go.

After I graduated he spent a semester in Austria. We talked on the phone maybe 3 times a week and I would send him funny things in the mail. He then finished his last semester back in California and it was than that we got engaged. When he was in Austria that I had really fallen in love with him and I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. We got married November 3, 2001 in Las Vegas, my hometown. The whole time we were dating we spent only 2 months together living in the same state. Some people think that long distance relationships don't work, but for us even though it was tough at times, it we got though it and have been happily married ever since.

We are working on year number four of our marriage and I can honestly say that I love him more everyday. He still makes me laugh, sometimes to the point that I think I might pee my pants. I still smile when every time I think about him. I am excited everyday when he comes home from work. He is my best friend and I am so thankful for him.

Happy Valentines Day, Snuggle Face.

tomorrow, I promise no more mushy stuff and progress on my sweater.

Admitting your problem is the first step.

2005-02-10T17:28:00.000Z

I am addicted to Crystal Light. I bought a box of "on the go" packets the other day and I am almost through them. You mix one little sugar sized packet with a bottle of water and then you have the most wonderful Raspberry Ice drink. I have never had Crystal Light before, I am more of a Dr. Pepper girl, but now I am hooked. They also have lemonade and ice tea. One of my co-workers is ready to cut me off because the time I am not spending drinking my beverages I am running to the bathroom.

I made cupcake last night, just for me. Although I did share little bits with Vito. I love cupcakes, I think they are the perfect little treat. Yesterday I was inspired to bake cupcakes because of this site. I wanted to post a picture of my cupcakes but I left my camera on all afternoon and I need to go buy new batteries. Maybe I will do that this afternoon.

Issues

2005-02-08T22:45:00.000Z

Of course I have not started my Cardi yet, no that would be too easy. I figured out what size to make and then started swatching. Apparently I am the world tightest knitter, and I have been unaware of this problem because I usually don't knit a swatch before I knit. Well it looks like I might have to use size 9 needles to get the right gauge when the pattern calls for 7's. So far here are my swatches:

Size 7 Needles; 24 stitches=4 inches

Size 8 Needles, 21 stitches=4 inches

The goal here is 19st=4inches.

I was so frustrated last night that I kind of gave up. I started working on a dog sweater for my sisters dog Emmy. My extremely tight knitting might explain a few thing, like why my hands hurt and the sock fiasco. I never thought I was a tight knitter before, I have no problem "making stitches" and such. I wonder if continental knitter have a tendency to be tighter knitters. Well tonight I am going to clean up the house and maybe I will try again. I really hope that this whole project isn't this frustrating.

It's about time

2005-02-07T16:27:00.000Z

I spent most of my weekend knitting, trying to finish up Daniel's projects so he could take them on his snowboarding trip. I finished the case for Daniel's mini iPod last week, but I haven't posted a picture of it yet, so here it is.
The Front:

The Back:

I used the left over Manos from my herringbone scarf because it is a great color and a great yarn that and I didn't want to waste it. Luckily you can't see my velcro sewing job, as it is hidden from plain sight, but lets just say my hand sewing skills could use some improvement. I hope the iPod sweater does its job and keeps the iPod from "freezing" up.

I am so darn excited that the fingerless glove project finally done. I have had this project pending for months and only it took a few boring Superbowl pre-shows to help me complete it. There is only a skull on one side, but that is how Daniel wanted them:

The first glove I complete was more of a fingerless mitten, so I ripped out the top and put on individual fingers. I like them this way so much more and I am a bit amazed that I was able to figure out how to do this. Last night after I was done weaving in all the ends, I was kind of taken for a minute when I realized that I had just knit gloves and wrote the pattern too. Ribbi Cardi here I come, no really I am planning to start it tonight. After I clean up all my past project, knit a swatch, and figure out what size to make.

Last but not least after 3 drafts I finished Daniel's earflap hat too. It seems all of my finished projects this week go to Daniel, he must be pretty special. I really fell in love with Lambs Pride doing this project. And Daniel was also very happy with how soft the finished hat was. The reason I had to rip this out three times was because I have a tendency to think I don't need patterns, well it a good thing this worked out otherwise my husband would be very cold snowboarding.

I picked up stitches from the inside for the earflaps and the ribbing around the bottom of the hat help them lay flat. And the button Daniel added from his new yet to be announced clothing company.

I just realized that this weekend I forgot to post my mixtape, and since I know I shouldn't make promises I can't keep so I won't mention it again until I really plan on doing it. So instead I will leave you with a picture of my husband enjoying his new wares:

2005-02-04T16:47:00.000Z

I have not been posted much this week, but that is because I am knitting. I finished the first draft of Daniel earflap hat, and frogged it moments later. I am working on the second draft now and I think I might have it. Daniel wanted the hat shortened, but when I did that the hat was too short to keep you warm while in the snow. But now he doesn't need the hat shortened because last night we bought him new goggles that have ventilation so they won't fog up.

I also finished a iPod case for Daniel mini. I knit a case for his iPod because if they get too cold they stop working until they warm up again. So I am hoping that the "sweater" will do the trick.

I have many project I would like to finish this weekend, the hat, another iPod case for Daniels friend, Daniel's skull and crossbones gloves, and maybe another dog sweater for my sister's doxie. That will give me the next few weeks to start and work on my Ribbi Cardi. The knit along can be found here, but I haven't posted anything yet because I would actually have to start something. I will post pictures of my finished projects later. I didn't have time to take pictures before I left for work today. Maybe I should try to get out of bed before 7:45, but I doubt that will happen.

And stay tuned for this weekend for Misocrafty first mixtape!

Bad Dog

2005-02-01T16:13:00.000Z

Yesterday while I was at work Vito decided to get on to the kitchen table and "play" with my new skein of handspun yarn. By the time I got home from work it was in a pile on the rug. I tried to untagle the mess but I was so frustrated I had to put it away. The first thing that I thought when I saw the mess was, "I need to take a picture of this". But it was so sad couldn't bring myself to get the camera out.
Why does he have to be so cute?

The Sock Nightmare Part 2

2005-01-31T23:47:00.000Z

I am having such a hard time with my sock knitting. I spent most of the weekend working on this sock:

I turned my first heal around midnight last night and I was full of excitement until I tried to put the stinkin sock on. I have fairly wide feet but it's not like I am Bigfoot. I am mostly just disappointed because I spent hours on this and now I have to rip it out. Ah, I guess such is the life of a knitter. I have another pattern that you cast on 80st so I think I am going to try that next. The pattern that I used for the above sock can be found here, and it was super simple. I might just adjust this pattern to my large foot gauge because it seems like a very easy pattern to adjust. Either way I think I am going to put sock knitting aside for a bit so I don't lose my sanity.

Daniel is taking a big trip to Mammoth next week and I decided I need to knit him a new hat. I have been looking for a pattern today with earflaps that does not tie under the chin. It would need ribbing around the edge to keep it from flipping up and Daniel has requested that it is not very long in the front so it does not hit his goggles. So tonight I am hoping to figure out the pattern and knit him up the hat out of some black Lamb's Pride Bulky I bought this weekend. Lets hope this doesn't turn in to a fiasco too.

I also picked out some handspun wool/mohair from Solvang Spinning and Weaving this weekend.
Pinks and greens, no surprise there:
I have yet to decide what it will become.

Finished mini

2005-01-31T02:37:00.000Z

Yesterday I complete the minisweater from glampyre knits for my sister. I am really excited to mail this off so I can see if it fits her. I am hoping that it will be perfect. I left off the trim around the sweater, only because I didn't want to rip it out if the sweater is too big. It has been blocked and it is drying as we speak, after that all that is left to do is sew on a button then it is off to my sister Rachel. This sweater has really sparked my interest in top down raglan sweater, which I think is a new project I am planning.

It was a close call with the yarn, I had about 440 yards of yarn and the pattern called for 400, this is all that I and left:

This was the first time I had that sick feeling in my stomach that I was going to run out of yarn, but I made it.

I took another trip to Solvang Spinning and Weaving and got some new pretty things, maybe I will post a picture tomorrow along with a picture of the sock I am working on. I think I might have master my fear of socks after all.

I think I will end my weekend with my favorite dog, giving the cute face:

Chantico

2005-01-28T22:13:00.000Z

I have been skeptical about this new drink at Starbucks, but the other night I tried one and it was wonderful. It fulfilled that "I want chocolate but not a crappy mocha craving." I enjoy my Starbucks beverages but I do think that their mochas are sub par. This drink was really good and very rich. I was the perfect after dinner non coffee drink, but I couldn’t have more than one or I might slip into a sugar induced coma.

I have not been a very good blogger this week. I don’t have any crafts to show and I am kind of feeling blah. But I am knitting and I am almost finished with the mini-sweater for my sister. Maybe a trip to the yarn store this weekend will perk me up a bit. I look so forward to my weekends and I expect so much out of them that I am usually disappointed. I would really l just like to enjoy me weekend without over analyzing it. I know I am only as happy as I let myself be. So here’s to a good weekend with no expectations, and I think I’ll have another chantico!

Bags and Socks

2005-01-26T17:33:00.000Z

This weekend I decided to sew some simple drawstring bags to hold my knitting projects. I think I might have gotten a bit out of control and I ended up making 12. Sometimes I get a bit over zealous in my organizing. But now I have a bag for each different project that hold the yarn, needles, pattern and whatever else I may need.

Here is a single bag in all its glory.
I think the reason this picture looks funny because a pink bag up against a pink wall doesn't work well. And yes the walls of my craft room are pink, very pink. I made each one with a flat bottom and the string is either a cloths line or ribbon. So they are not terrible exciting but I accomplished things none the less.

I have yet to cast on a successful pair of socks, but I keep trying. This whole sock process is quite frustrating to me, I feel like I am never going to get it. Mostly the problem I have is finding a pattern to go with the yarn and needle I already have, plus they have to fit my big feet. All those elements together are making for some tough sock knitting, but I will prevail!

Cute

2005-01-24T03:39:00.000Z

I always have Sunday night remorse, I spend too much of my time dwelling about how much I do not want to go to work on Monday. Well I thought I would end this weekend with such cuteness instead of worrying about work.

Random

2005-01-21T21:19:00.000Z

I found some fun stuff online today.The Corpse Bride is a new stop motion animation movie from Tim Burton. In the same style as The Nightmare Before Christmas. I am pretty excited about this, I really like The Nightmare before Christmas. Not in a buy everything with it's likeness from Hot Topic kind of way, but more of a like to watch the movie every once and a while way. I really like Tim Burton movies and I think that I am looking forward to this one more than the remake of Willy Wonka. (You need iTunes to view the trailer, I think, but who doesn't have iTunes :)

I also found one of my favorite bands, the Postal Service has a new video. This video is pretty funny, it is directed by Jared Hess, who also wrote and directed Napoleon Dynamite. I think you can see that in the video. I have been pretty bored with my music collection lately, but I got a new CD this week that I just love the Desaparecidos. This a project by Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes fame. I myself do not think that everything that this man has done is gold, but I do really like this album.

I know I had mentioned a while ago about doing a mix tape once a week, and I am coming back to that idea again. I think it would be fun to offer a mix tape once a week and I could like to the mix on iTunes or burn copies for those who are interested. What do you guys think, would this be fun? Do you even care about my silly music taste? Lets think on this some more. Plus I would really have to plan some mixes because my husband says I put all the same songs on them, just in a different order.

Wow I am random today, and in an every so cheesy way, TGIF. (I can't believe I said that)

Nice.

2005-01-19T23:33:00.000Z

I know I have mentioned a few times that I am ready to move out of California. The main reason is the housing cost, other than that I would stay here forever. Today is one of those wonderful California days, it is January and right now it is 78 degrees outside. Clear sky's, no wind, warm and sunny. I can't wait to get home, sit in the backyard and maybe even take my dog for a walk. Did I mention it's 78 outside.

2005-01-18T17:38:00.000Z

I have goodies to show today, considering I filled the last week with long posts and few pictures, I though I would show a few things from my weekend.

First I finished my scarf squares for pretending sanity's swap scarf. I decided to felt an old gap sweater and cut it into squares. I was not feeling creative enough to knit a bunch of different squares, so I decided to keep it simple. I also hand sew a felt heart on each, I wanted to make each one with a button that has my name and website on it, but I realized I didn't have enough backs for my button maker. This was my first felting project and I have the injury to show for it. Lets just say it involved a pink plastic razor and my pinky finger nail, ouch.

Daniel cooked dinner on Sunday night and it was so lovely I took a picture to share:

This was the first time we attended cooking fish, something I always thought was better left to professional. But this was wonderful, Daniel even made his own sauce out of cilantro, jalapeno, and olive oil. He even plated dinner like a professional, sometimes I think I'm so spoiled.

I have about 40 rows done on my minisweater, and I realized I hate purling. I wish that everything could be knit it the round. But I will conquer!

Sleepy

2005-01-17T22:08:00.001Z

I am so sleepy today. This morning I could barely get out of bed. I went to bed at a decent hour last night, so I don't understand why I feel like crawling into the bed for the night. I think it might have to do with the fact that I am working today, that I do not get to celebrate this holiday and have a 3 day weekend. Plus I keep getting calls "oh, you guys are open today?". That doesn't help, and I might ask if you didn't think we would be here today, why are you calling?

Last night I casted on for the minisweater for the second time, I think I have it figured out now. It looks like this might be a hard pattern to knit with out tying it on, and since this is for my sister, who lives far away it might be challenge. But I am going for it anyway, I am going to make it like that pattern calls for and then if later on I need to make adjustment I will know where to start. I picked a tweed yarn for this project and it is really starting to grow in me:

This weekend I also finished my scarf square for pretending sanity scarf swap, I haven't taken a picture of them yet so maybe I will post a picture later, after I have had a nap.

New Stuff

2005-01-16T05:07:00.000Z

Today I got to go here. Daniel wanted me to look at spinning wheels and roving. The store is cute, but a little overwhelming, I would really like to learn to spin, but it seems like such a commitment. I would like to get a wheel instead of a drop spindle, because I have a tendency to jump into a new craft with both feet. I know someone who spins all her own yarn, and even owns sheep, so before I make a decision I am going to talk to her. I did get some wonderful stuff:
This is the first time I have bought Lambs Pride, mostly because the other yarn store I visit doesn't sell it. I see now why this yarn has such a huge following. I bought this skein to do a swatch/gauge test for the hourglass sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I really want to make this sweater, but I am not committed enough to spend $120+ on Noro Yarn. I have been reluctant to substitute any other yarns because the colors seem so flat, but I think this Lambs Pride might be perfect. They didn't have enough yardage for me to buy today, so I thought I would do a test and order the yarn if I am happy with it. I also got some wildfoot sock yarn. I have casted on a few socks, but I have yet to finish one. One of my goals for this month is to finish one sock. I thought this could be the project I can carry in my purse, that might help me finish one faster.

I finished the sweater for my sister's dog Tiffany:

I made this one out of Bernat Cotton Tots in Strawberry. Tiffany is a bit smaller than Vito, so I made the small instead of the medium. I also knit this in the round and used the needle size called for in the pattern. I am thinking I might knit a pocket for the back, like the kind you find on a sweatshirt. My sister knows she must send me a picture of her baby dress up. Tonight I think I might start some socks or the minisweater for my sister Rachel.

Earlier this week I took Vito to the vet to be groomed, well he is still mad at me. He loves his dad now, and doesn't want to snuggle me. He hasn't left Daniel side all week, but this was the last straw:

Now I think he is just rubbing it in, Vito has been watching the Laker game with Daniel all night and could careless about me.

Cuteness

2005-01-15T03:29:00.000Z

Would you believe that this craziness:

is now this:

Another coat for my dog Vito. This one I decided to knit in the round and I changed the neck ribbing to match the bottom ribbing. This sweater is the same pattern as the first one, but I knit this one with dk weight instead of worsted weight yarn and I went down a needle size from the pattern. This sweater is also based of the Casey Coat from S & B Nation. The blogger that created this pattern has a great website, see. I really like this tweed yarn from Rowan, I think it suits my baby perfect.

I all ready have another one started for my sister's dog Tiffany, details to come.

Home?

2005-01-13T19:29:00.000Z

I did a quiz online at Find Your Spot, you answer a bunch of about weather, activities, crime rate, housing costs and so on. Then they list your top spots to live. The first town on the list was: Greenville, South Carolina. I did fill out this question with out my husbands help, so he thinks we might end up in arts and crafts hell, but I did put snowboarding as very important, so there. Other top spots that showed up on this list were Tacoma, Kent, Olympia, Seattle and Bellingham, Washington. Colorado Springs Colorado; Provo, Utah; Athens, Georgia; and Charleston, South Carolina. I left out a bunch of place I don't want to live, like Florida, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee. I did find this list pretty amusing though. I even went back and changed some of my weather choices to liking warm weather and snow, and my choices still didn't change. I am starting to this that the "Find you top spot" company is based in South Carolina, because the two other people I know who filled out this quiz got South Carolina as their first choices. Or maybe South Carolina is the place to be?

I'm not packing up my home or anything I just thought the results were interesting. I would like to so the results when Daniel and I both fill out the quiz.

Look

2005-01-13T00:03:00.000Z

New goodies from Apple. But where is my G5 Powerbook? I have never seen you, I can't afford you, but I love you, when will you be released?

In other news, speaking of love, my husband is going to the store and making dinner, as we speak. He said that it is a surprise, well surprise away, I am starving because I skipped lunch. Not only is he cute, but a wonderful dinner making husband as well.

Busy Bee

2005-01-11T22:42:00.000Z

I have been working on a yarn shopping list today. I have a $50 gift certificate to my yarn store and there are having 20% off right now. So I am trying to get a list together for future projects. Right now I am planning: Accidentally on Purpose from S & B Nation, Mini Sweater for my sister, Hourglass Sweater in cotton from Last Minute knitted Gifts, and this baby sweater:

From Debbie Bliss Quick Baby Knits. Hopefully they will have what I need, then I will have my hands full with knitting. I have this sudden love for knitting, and I am so full of excitement for new projects. Considering I have not started my Ribbi Cardi or Tempting I will be busy for a while.

The rain should let up tonight, and hopefully the ground will dry up and we won't see anymore sliding houses. Daniel was unable to go out of town yesterday because the highway is closed due to this mudslide. This highway is pretty much the only route to Southern California, so he is missing his 4 day conference. He would like to go snowboarding this week since he already has the time off, but most of those roads are closed too. It's sad because I love the rain, but so much destruction, yuck. Hope everyone is safe.

Oh, thanks to my cute husband for my new masthead:)

Tempting

2005-01-07T19:53:00.000Z

I have want to make this sweater from Knitty for a while now. Well I received a tip on Craftster that the yarn, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, was on sale at Herrschners for $4 a skein, that is $5 less then my yarn store charges. So I just had to order enough in Charcoal to make this sweater. I am so excited.

Lovely

2005-01-07T17:12:00.000Z

This is the view from my office window, why I have to be at work right now is beyond me. My weather bug has informed me that so far today we have had 2 inches of rain and wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour, and it is only 9 o'clock. I fear my house with my every so cute dog will get washed away. Or the large iron table in my back yarn will get hurled through my sliding glass window. Both of which are unlikely, but I am cold, wet and cranky right now, which is making me irrational. Maybe the power will go out, I can go home and knit by candle light.

KB, I hope you haven't been washed to sea yet, keep those kids warm:)

2005-01-06T21:36:00.000Z

I am trying to find a simple pattern for a baby pullover sweater. Why is this so difficult? I don't want buttons, hoods, or a jumper. Just a simple sweater maybe a few button at the shoulder line if I must. Also I don't understand why everyone, and by everyone I mean the woman in my office, cares if I knit a black and white striped sweater for a newborn. I don't want to knit my friend a baby blue sweater, I want a black and white sweater preferably with a skull and crossbones on it. Everyone seems to think that this is borderline child abuse, No I don't think so. Anyway considering this is one of my first friends to have a baby, and she just found out that it is a boy, I am going to make some awesome baby clothes. Hopefully with skulls.

I have been so tired this week, Daniel and I have been home every night. So I don't really understand why I can't hold me eyes open right now. I really wish I would have gone to starbucks* at lunch. I haven't been getting any knitting done. I also have few sewing projects to work on as well, including the jeans I am wearing right now. My honey will be out for town for 4 days next week, so I am sure my crafting will happen. I promised pictures of knitting, but due to my lethargic nature I have nothing too show. Unless you want to oh and ah over 1" of ribbing on Vito's sweater, but I doubt it.

*Today in the shower I realized that if Daniel and I both stop going to Starbuck for a whole year we could save close to $624. If we only get 2 drinks a week, costing $3 a piece, between the two of us that a lot of money. But don't worry I am not giving up my coffee, yet.

Changes

2005-01-05T17:56:00.000Z

Daniel and I had a very productive talk last night over our Mexican food. We decided that it is time to make some decisions and changes for our future. A lot of it has to do with if we are going to try to buy a house here, or make plans to move away, somewhere more affordable. The housing market in our area is out of control, so much so when we see a condo listed for $300 thousand we think it is a good deal. We would have to really stretch ourselves and get in now, or face the fact that we won't be buying a house here ever. Also no matter what decision we choose staying or going we need to change our spending habits. Lately we have noticed that there is really nothing that we want, mostly because we already have it. We have taken good care of ourselves for a while, and now we feel like it is time to save for our future.

A lot of this has came from the fact that I realized that we can not have children until we can live on one income. We are not ready for kids yet but if we don't start thinking about it now, we might not ever be ready. I know my mother is right when she says that it will never be the perfect time, but I can plan a little right? At least know that we are ready for me to quit my job.

We discussed a few places that are a possibility for us to move. Oregon: either the Bend/Redmond area or the Coast like Medford or Ashland (Hi, Kenny & Laura;). Maybe even closer to Portland or Seattle. Arizona: Phoenix or Tempe, The company Daniel works for is also located there, so maybe he could get a transfer. We were also think maybe Colorado, but not Denver, or maybe Salt Lake City, Utah. All of those above mentioned place are close enough to my family in Las Vegas. For a while we had thought about moving to Las Vegas, but we still are not sure about that. Daniel has also mentioned South Carolina, because he know someone out there who has a church and has offer to give him a job. I really disliked this idea, mostly because it was so far from my family, but I have come to realize that we have to do what is best for us. We haven't made any decisions, but I am glad that we talked about it. This summer we decided that we are taking a vacation, and I think we are going to try an visit a few of this places to at least get an idea. Last night Daniel talked to our friend that lives in Redmond, and he gave us some good advise, where ever we are thinking about moving, visit there in the winter, because he said that it didn't get over 23 degrees there all day.

Ok last thing, because I think this is the longest post I have ever written. I also have been thinking about how I spend my time. If I really want to have my own craft business, then maybe I should be crafting more. Daniel thinks he still wants to study Graphic Design, then that is what he should do. Life is too short to work a job you don't love, or at least enjoy, Right? It feels better to get this all out, and now I have a record of the changes I need to make. Come back tomorrow for you regularly scheduled craftiness. I am sure I might have some knitting to show.

New stuff

2005-01-05T00:03:00.000Z

Today I am wearing my new skull pin:

And my new perfume that Daniel got me: Stella McCartney. Plus I am done for the day in about a half an hour. So overall I guess it is a pretty good day. Now if I only I was knitting..... perfection.

Look what I wore today..

2005-01-03T02:53:00.000Z

My herringbone scarf in finally finished. I really love the color of this. Isn't it wonderful! I would have been finished with this sooner, but I kept working on other things first. I am trying to get through all my WIP so I can start my ribbi cardi. I posted the link to this pattern in my sidebar and here is a close up:

I kinda missed my end of 2004 post. I am not really one for New Years resolutions, mostly because I am sure I need to make changes in my life everyday not just at the beginning of the year. I just hate setting myself up for failure. But I was glad that last year I started blogging. It has really help me keep tract of my knitting projects and has really given me the motivation to start/finish new projects. Besides I wouldn't want Michelle to be disappointed when she looked at my blog and there is no new projects for her. So in the words of Alison " THINK OF HOW MUCH KNITTING I'M GOING TO GET DONE IN A WHOLE YEAR!!! " I think that says it all.

Done.

2004-12-31T06:39:00.000Z

Now that the house is clean I feel so much better. I can actully find things, like my knitting needles and such. I even had time before Daniel got home to finished the fingerless mitten from Weekend Knitting, for a coworkers birthday tommarow. Now I have three days to relax and do nothing.

It is still very stormy outside, I have really never seen it like this before. I hope my family in Vegas has not been washed away. The rain helps me sleep better and "nest" inside my house, I just hope everyone is safe.

Let pretend you didn't see me...

2004-12-30T17:13:00.001Z

I took the day off today to clean my freaking house, so I am not really on the computer right now. I am cleaning my super messy house. I am not sure how 2 people and a 8 pound dog can inflict so much dirt in one space. So I am taking a day off the computer to clean my flith, and orginaze my stuff so I can continue with my craftyness. But there will be no knitting, crafting, or computing untill everything is done. And since my husband is gone snowboarding, I really have no excuse. No really I am going now, I just wanted to share this with my fellow knitters:

Yesterday I decided to make a card to record my knitting needles, so next time I am in the yarn store i don't buy another pair of #10.5s. if any one else wants one, to jump start the orginzational process, leave me a comment or send me an email to
misocrafty at gmail dot com. And I would be happy to send you one in the mail.

(please excuse my mistakes, one shouldn't type without their glasses)

The Mask

2004-12-29T04:52:00.000Z

Here is my every so cute husband showing the doctors mask I knitted in action. Well minus the snow anyway. With all this rain we have been getting the mountians are getting tons of snow. So he is leaving me on thursday to go snowboarding.

Warm iPod

2004-12-27T22:17:00.000Z

I decided on a whim to knit another cozy for my iPod, this one is much tighter then my first version. Also I knit this on dpn's so there is was no seam to sew up. I am thinking about knitting one for Daniel's mini, and trying a 3 needle bind off at the bottom, so I don't have to sew that up either. I am not sure if he wants one though.

I pick out the yarn for Vito next sweater:
I am going to modify the collar and length a little. This yarn is dk instead of worsted, and instead of going up a needle size I think I am going to knit this one like the last one, so it will be smaller. I first sweater is a bit streched out after Vito has rolled around in the grass. I am defintly knitting this one in the round , again I hate knitting seams, and think this will make it go faster.

It is raining very hard here, crazy super windy sideways rain. So I think we might stay home tonight and cancel our dinner plans. We have plenty to watch, because we just received Seinfled Seasons 1-3, The Simpson Season 5, and The Office Special. So if all goes as planned we will be warm and dry at home, glued to the TV.

New Friends

2004-12-27T16:43:00.001Z

My sister and her boyfriend sent these wonderful creatures to us for Christmas. Everytime I've seen these in the store I have to keep from drooling on myself. The blue one is a vinyl toy from Ugly Doll, named Ice Bat. The two plush toys are from Friends with You, and there names are Poppins and Albino Squid. Vito thought these toys were for him to destroy, so we put them on the top shelf so he could bark at them. Have I mentioned that my sister rocks!

Vito's New Sweater

2004-12-24T05:09:00.000Z

I only had to work a half day today, so I finished Vito's sweater. His is one of the first projects have finished since I started knitting that I am compleatly happy with. I really love how this turned out, and how great he looks in it. I decided to make the middle size of the Casey Coat from S & B Nation, and it was a perfect fit. The only change I made to the pattern was I went down a needle size. So now my bubba will be warm in his Christmas sweater. I was so happy with sweater that I went right out to the yarn store and bought more yarn. I also bought needles so I can atempt to knit this in the round instead of flat. So now all my little dogs will have cool sweaters. Everyone must think I have a one way ticket to crazy town, dogs in sweater, ha.

Baby its cold outside.

2004-12-22T18:04:00.000Z

This is California, not Maine, but my car was still covered with frost. My house is so warm and toasty I have no idea that it is freezing outside until I am out there without a coat on. The weird thing about our area is it might be frozen in the morning but by lunch time it's 70 degrees. So dressing weather appropriate is hard. If that is my biggest problem then I guess I can't complain.

How to Annoy Me

2004-12-21T23:24:00.000Z

Bring everyone of your bones into the bed, so I can find them under my back while I am sleeping.

Another Hat

2004-12-20T23:40:00.000Z

This is the last gift exchange hat that I am making. I just can't wait to wind my wool and get started on Vito new sweater.

I went to the yarn store this weekend. There was a younger girl working in there that I have never seen before. I usually go to this yarn store about once a week. I had picked up some Berroco Esprit, to make my S&B Caplet, and I asked this girl how many meter are in a yard. Since I was using a different type of yarn then the pattern called for I needed to get the yardage right. Her immediate answer to me was "you'll need 3 of those to make a scarf..." I am thinking to myself " when did I ask you how much yarn I need to make a scarf" So I told her I wasn't making a scarf and I just need to know how to figure meters to yards as I was making a caplet.

I gather the rest of my items I was going to need for my Christmas vacation knitting and went to the counter to check out. On the counter I had the 2 skeins of Esprit(in a pale yellow), 2 skiens of cascade 220 (in black and bright green), and one skein of Cashmerino in pink plus two pairs of needles one straight one double pointed. This girl then says to me "your using all this to make a caplet?" I looked at her kinda cross eyed and said "no, I am also make a dog sweater and gloves." The finally nail in the coffin was her reply "Oh, so this is the first time your using double pointed needles than." I was just floored... I simply answered no. This whole ordeal really pissed me off. I don't know if she meant to be condescending or not, but her attempt at being helpful was just rude. I am still thinking about this 2 days later, and what sucks is this is only yarn store close to me. I like supporting small business, but not when you employ rude people. I know I will go back there since I have no where else to go.

Easy Hat

2004-12-16T23:18:00.000Z

A friend of mine from glitter posted a very easy hat pattern for Wool-Ease Thick and Quick, Size 15/17 needles:

Cast on 40 stitches. Work in K2, P2 rib for about 7 inches. On next row, p2tog on every pair of purls (p2 tog, k2, p2 tog, k2, repeat to end of row). Repeat on next row, p2 tog wherever there is a pair of purls (k1, p2tog, k1, p2tog, repeat to end of row). On last row, p2tog across. Cut a long tail, weave through remaining stitches and pull tight. Mattress stitch down back seam with same yarn.

So I whipped one up last night, for another white elephant gift. This hat is very strechey and fit both me and my husband. It only took me one hour. This is a wonderful first nonscarf project. I think I will make one more small project for the kids, and then I am off to knit for myself. First on my list is the Caplet from S&B Nation, then I think I will make Tempting from Knitty. I hope I can get to the yarn store this weekend.

Silver Lining

2004-12-15T21:51:00.000Z

I am having a blah day. I'm not happy or sad, and I can't figure out why. So my chosen word for this feeling is blah, because I just feel blah. As I was driving home for lunch today I was thinking about what makes me happy, the things I really love. Remembering my favorite things made me feel better, in a very Sound of Music then I don't feel so bad kind of way.

,
Wearing my Converse to Work, Edamama, Making Lists,
Dr Pepper with crushed ice, Laughing, Mail, Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, Car rides, Snuggling, Puppies in Sweaters, Fiji Bottled Water, Nice Makeup, Big Fluffy Down Comforters, Naps, Kissing, my iPod, Piles of Yarn, Whipped Cream......

Carnage

2004-12-15T16:56:00.000Z

It is hard to tell, but this is a picture of my dog's three stuffed animals. They all started out as dog shapes, with stuffing, noses, and eyes. They are now just a shell of their former self. Vito loves stuffed toys, first he rips of the noses, then the eyes. He then proceeds to unstuff the creature through the holes in it face. He is not satisfied until every bit of stuffing has been pulled out and place in a pile below him. Now he will play with his toy. He runs around the backyard in circles holding his "baby" in his mouth. I have even seen him throw it with his mouth so he can hunt it. He just carries it around the house, hoping to play fetch. Vito the destroyer.

Flower Cap

2004-12-15T06:01:00.000Z

I decided to take a break from knitting the green scarf to knit some hats for "white elephant" gifts. Next week we are having a Christmas party with the youth group, and I thought that hats would be better than candy or strange ceramic figurines.
I used this pattern from Midnight Knitter. I used size 13 needles and Wool-Ease Thick and Quick, I had to change the pattern by casting on 50st instead of 42. My first attempt at this hat were very small.

But this one fits, yeah.

I like that patterns the Missa creates, but I have found that everyone is too small. The chunky print wrap I made for my sister, who is a size x-small, used 1 more skeins than the pattern called for and still could have been bigger. At first I wondered if I was reading the patterns wrong, but every pattern of hers that I try I have to alter. It is giving me practice changing and writing my own patterns, I find that I am much happier with a project when I design it anyway.

Today I saw the trailer for the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie. I am not sure how I feel about this yet. Don't get me wrong I love Tim Burton and John Depp isn't bad either, but I am not sure about redoing a classic. This was one of my favorite movies as a kid, behind the Labyrinth of course, so to me that makes it a classic. I just think I will forever picture Willy Wonka a Gene Wilder. Hopefully the movie will be awesome and I will not be disappointed, but right now I am doubtful. I hope Mr. Burton proves me wrong.

The Sampler

2004-12-14T00:32:00.000Z

Yeah, I received my holiday Sampler. Receiving mail is one of my favorite things, and there is nothing like returning home from a vacation to a craft sampler extravaganza! I love the two necklaces one of which is from Bigger Krissy and the buttons, I can never have enough pin back buttons. I think that the Sampler is a wonderful way for crafters to get their names out and charm their potential customers!

New CD's

2004-12-13T03:32:00.000Z

We took a little trip to Amoeba while in LA this week. Here is what we got:

Television- Marquee Moon
Sebadoh- Bakesale
Eternal Sunshine of the spotless Mind-Soundtrack
The Faint-Dance Macabae
Fugazi-13 songs
Belle & Sebastian-The Boy with the Arab Strap
Le Tirge- This Island
Her Space holiday- The Young Machine
Futureheads-Futureheads

Everytime we leave the store we think of 10 more things we wish we would have looked for. So we are going to try to be better a making a list of things we want because it can get pretty overwhelming fast in that giant store. Maybe I should make a running Amoeba list in my sidebar? I 've heard that the store in San Franscio is even bigger, I can't imagine.

I worked on a mix tape for our trip and that got me thinking about making a weekly mixtape list here on my blog. That way I can share what I am listening to, and if anyone else likes it they can download the songs from itunes, or ask me really really nicely (candy may help). I think that mixtapes are very crafty, you are using someone elses words to express how you feel and it is nice to have a CD express how you feel at a particular time. (How very High Fidleity of me.) Plus I love having a CD of my current favorites and I enjoy the surprise of not really know whats next. I will think about this idea over the week, and maybe next Sunday can be the first Mixtape Sunday....

Here is my Vito trying to sleep on the computer desk, he is never more than a foot away from me.

Pattern for Herringbone Scarf

2004-12-13T03:20:00.000Z

Needles size 15

2-3 skeins of Manos de Uruguay

Co 26 st

Ist Row. K2 tog tbl, but drop only first loop off the left-hand needle, *K the st rem on the left-hand needle tog tbl with the next st on the left-hand needle, rep from * until 1 loop rem on left needle, K1 tbl.

2nd Row. P2 tog, dropping only the first loop off the left-hand needle, *P the st rem on the left-hand needle tog with the next st, again dropping only the first loopoff the needle, rep from * until 1 loop rem n left hand needle, P1.

These 2 rows form the pattern and are repeated through.

ETA: After I finished this scarf I noticed that the edges are curling a bit, next time I will put a garter/seed stich border around it.

Skull Mittens

2004-12-09T01:42:00.000Z

The only thing about knitting mittens is you have to make two. I am pretty happy with how this turned out, I even left some "dropped" stitches for effect. Daniel wants the other one to just have "brass knuckles". So I think that one will be easier.

I am so glad that don't have to go back to work until Monday. Tommarow Daniel and I are heading to LA and on Friday it is off to Disneyland we go. Tonight I think I will work on a special mix tape, have I mentioned how much I love itunes?

Herringbone Scarf

2004-12-08T18:19:00.000Z

Front:

Back:

I am so happy with the way this is coming out. I think it is going to look fabulous. As you can see from above the front and back are not the same, but I feel this pattern is more reversible than the "my so called scarf pattern". I am learning an important lesson from this project, if I take the time to find the right pattern/yarn/stitch, I will be so much more happy with the results. Now if only the scarf was finished so I could wear it. Must get knitting.

Keyhole Scarf

2004-12-06T21:13:00.000Z

I finished this yesterday for my grandmother in Buffalo. I hope that it keeps her warm. I thought it could be a nice way to sent a hug. Tonight I am getting serious about the herringbone stitch scarf, I decided to change the pattern to "real" herringbone stitch so that the scarf is reversible. I would like to finish the scarf and the mittens before Friday, so I have a lot of knitting to do. To bad I am at work....

Happy Monday

2004-12-06T17:35:00.000Z

The winter issue of knitty is here.
I simply must make this and this.

It's a happy Monday because I only have to work 3 days and then I am off to Disneyland with my honey. I took an spur of the moment trip to Ikea in Burbank on Saturday. I bought Vito a new bed, but refrained from any other purchase. I wasn't really in a shopping mood anyway, but I did have fun. It was a rainy weekend here, I hope everyone else had a great weekend.

Finished

2004-12-04T06:05:00.000Z

Warm hands, Dinsneyland here I come.

2004-12-03T16:47:00.000Z

Finished and delivered:

Now I can move on to some other projects. I have found that I am more organized in my knitting and completing more projects now that I am bloging. Having a running list of my wip and things I would like to work on has really helped me. Plus I finally spent the time to organize my stash and each project has it's own bag with pattern included. I would like to see how many projects I can get out of the yarn I have at home with out taking those expensive trips to the yarn store. Up next I am writing out the pattern for my cable knit mittens and finishing the chart for Daniels with the skulls. I plan on really starting my Ribbi Cardi at the first of the year.

This morning I decided that I was not going to try and knit up a bunch of Christmas gifts, but I am going to knit a scarf for my Gram. She live where it is freezing and I know it would mean so much to her. I am not prepared for Christmas at all this year and I really have no interest in doing anything. I was thinking about skipping it all together. What sucks is when someone tells you that they got you the most awesome present and you think to yourself "well now I need to get them something", because you weren't planning on it in the first place. I am not ready, only 21 days until Christmas.

Dr. Zoidberg

2004-12-02T17:35:00.000Z

Last night I was knitting in bed watching Adult Swim. I can usually only get through the first show which happened to be Futurama. I was knitting away on my baby ugg booties for my friend Kristi, when I looked up and saw this:

Yep , that is Dr. Zoidberg knitting with claws no less. A crafty lobster.

I finished the second bootie, now all I need to do is sew on the fleecy details and I am done. Now I am off to create a chart for skull mittenette's for Daniel with brass knuckle details...

Finished Project 2005

2004-12-01T17:55:00.000Z

Casey Dog Sweater

iPod Cozy

Fingerless Mittens

Herringbone Scarf

Dog Sweaters

MiniSweater

Earflap Hat

Skull Fingerless Gloves

Mini iPod Case

Spiderweb Caplet

Finished Projects 2004

2004-12-01T17:53:00.000Z

Chunky Print Wrap

Baby Ugg Booties

Noro Mittens

Cable Mittens

Keyhole Scarf

Flower Hat

Gray Hat

Wool-Ease Hat

More Mittenetts

2004-12-01T17:27:00.000Z

I complete another pair of mittens this time out of Noro. These are a gift for my Secret Snowflake. I hope that she likes them. They kinda look a bit wonky in the picture, but I had just started blocking them. Thanks to Missa for this wonderful pattern. I think it is the perfect pattern to customize.

My goal is to finish the other gray cabled mittenette so I can wear them at Disneyland next Friday. Christmas at Disneyland is really one of my most favorite things.

Last night I finished one of the baby ugg booties and after another cable fueled knitting night, I hope to have pictures to post tomorrow.

How to Annoy Me.

2004-12-01T16:28:00.000Z

Storing my honey in the fridge.

Yeah for Home

2004-11-30T18:21:00.000Z

We're back. Not that I announced that we we're gone, but we went to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving with my family. I lived in Las Vegas until I got married, then I moved to California with my husband. The rest of my family still lives in Vegas. Anyway enough history, We had a wonderful time. Thanksgiving diner was awesome and I won the family poker game! Daniel & I relaxed, and got to do many things we can't do in our tiny town. Like shopping, eating after 8pm, and actually having place to go out to. Vito spent most of his time playing with his friend: Oscar, Emmy, Tiffany, James, and Butch. Here are some of the dogs modeling their new sweatshirt.
This is my mom's dog Oscar:

This is my sister Rach's dog Emmy:

My baby Vito:

All the warm puppies:

And here is James, My sister Jill's new English bulldog, He really is the cutest thing ever. All the dogs were running around the house like crazy, he was snoring on the couch. This was the first time I got to meet him, and I just thought he was wonderful. He will get a sweatshirt soon, he is just growing by leaps and bounds right now.

I spent most of my vacation relaxing and eating. I didn't get much knitting done, but I did start "my so called scarf"/Herringbone scarf, but had to rip it out because one mistake will cause the whole pattern to be off. I did start it again but I haven't gotten very far. I will pay more attention this time. I just love the color I chose, I think that is my favorite part. See:

Well I had a great time with my family and I wish I was still with them instead of back at work. But Daniel and I enjoyed being home last night, eating pizza in our bed and watch cable. And speaking of cable, the cable box in our living room didn't work when they installed it, I called Comcast they said I need to bring the box in or it might be weeks before some could get out to look at it yadda yadda.... The whole ordeal almost ruined Happy Cable Day. Well I turned it on this morning and it worked. So that made my morning happy. I promise the constant cable talk will stop soon.. I just get really excited about things.

Last but not least, we went to the Paul Frank store and I had to share this:

It was a mural painted on the wall. All the Paul Frank characters as The Rat Pack. I just thought it was so funny. The picture from my camera phone isn't great, but I just had to share.

Warm Puppies

2004-11-22T18:30:00.000Z

I spent Saturday waiting for the cable guy, so I finished the few remaining sweatshirts I needed for my family. I decided that Vito needed a new one too, his has the red cross on it. This was my first attempt at different sizes, one for a pug and another for a teacup Chihuahua . I am overly excited to see these pups in their clothes. I will try to take a picture of each of them, that is if they let me.

This morning it was so cold that the grass in the backyard was frozen. I wish I could have said in bed all warm and cozy, kind of like this:

This is where he stays all day long. Under the covers.

I tried to stay up last night for Adult Swim, but I didn't make it. I got through the Family Guy, a show I don't even like, but missed everything else. I am excited to try again tonight. An now I feel like a dork for admitting I say up late to watch cartoons and like it.

Hell has frozen over...

2004-11-18T18:14:00.000Z

We have done something amazing, after over 3 years... WE GOT CABLE. They will be here on Saturday to install it. To bad we didn't get it last week, so I could of had 2 sick days with tv. I am back at work today, I feel a bit better but I am glad to be out of the house. Yeah for tv.

I sick

2004-11-16T17:56:00.000Z

I guess the sickness that D had over the weekend has now infected me. Last night my nose started running and it appears it is only getting worse. I am getting ready to leave work and to get back in my jammies. Tea, soup, and my knitting should cure me, I hope. With our trip to Vegas next week for Thanksgiving and being on call for jury duty, this is a bad time to be sick. But apparently sickness knows no schedule. well I really could use some time to rest, so I guess now I get it.

Wrap

2004-11-15T21:33:00.000Z

I finished my Chunky Print Wrap for my sister. I am not sure how you could make this with only one skein of yarn, I used two and I think it could be longer. It looks larger in the pictures than it really is. I hope that it fits Rach...

Front and Back:

I did like this yarn, I would consider making scarves out of it. Except there is only about 33 yarns in one skien and they go for $16 a my yarn store. This weekend I also got my first skein on Noro. It kept breaking on me, so I didn't start another pair of secret mittens. I am half way done with my first baby ugg bootie. I just love how the suede yarn knits up.

D is leaving tonight to do work stuff. Which leaves me with more time to craft. I need to finish two more dog sweatshirt before thanksgiving and finish my gifts for my Secrert Snowflake. I would also like to sew a case for my circular needles. My MIL and I are going to sushi tonight and maybe after that I can get alot done. Or I might just watch movies and snuggle with my Vito. I don't like it when D has to leave me, but having the bed to myself is pretty great.

One mitten down

2004-11-13T23:10:00.000Z

And one to go. I added a cable and changed the thumb for the Mittenettes. Over all I am pretty happy. Gotta go finish the other one...

I Love Mail!

2004-11-12T22:36:00.000Z

I can home at lunch time and suprise there was a package on my porch. My yarn for the Cardi is here! I am planning to start my swatch tonight! I have a few little projects to finish before I can start my sweater and give it the attention it deserves. I am going to the yarn store tommarow, so I want to swatch tonight, incase I need a different size needle. I never realised the instant graification of order yarn online! Thank you Elann's!

Thankful

2004-11-12T17:21:00.000Z

I decided that I am not going to let myself feel crappy anymore. I am so sick of feeling sick and tried. I have a wonderful husband and family. I will not let myself feel discouraged about everything anymore. So what there is no toilet paper in the house right now, big deal, I am sure we can figure it out. There is no sense in stressing out about crap. The dishes and laundry will get done. Instead of feeling discourage that I don't get things done, I am going to get a bit done at a time. Trying to stay on top of it instead of playing catch up. If I do a little bit everyday, I don't have to waste a whole weekend cleaning up. No matter what I am not going to let it affect me. I don't want to live with a dark cloud over my head any longer. I will not let it have power over me, sucking the life out of my happy things. It is time to focus my enegry on all the thing I have to be thankful for. So here's to snapping out of it.

I am thankful for:

My Husband
My Vito
My GREAT Family
A Home
Our Health
My iMac and iPod :)
Good Jobs
Crafts
Friends
Church
My Yarn Stash
Snuggling
Netflix
and Sleeping in on Saturday!

I committed

2004-11-08T21:46:00.000Z

I order the yarn from my Ribby Cardi just now. I have been checking out the colors at Ellan's and they have been selling out. I missed my chance on the black yarn, so I thought I better commit. I chose to do just one color instead of two. I thought I would get more wear out of a solid color. And since I couldn't get black I got Oregano:

I am so excited and proud of my commitment.

Busy Sunday

2004-11-08T17:43:00.000Z

These are for my sister's dogs. I spent Sunday in my craft room. I also have a cute one for my mom's dog but I did not sew it up yet. I think that I am getting better. With every new one I make I am getting fast and cleaner. The best part is seeing the silly dogs in them.

I found a scarf that I might make for myself here. Thanks again to Allison (I am such a copycat). I am not crazy about the colors as I am more of a darker colored girl, but I just love the pattern. I looks like the herringbone stitch I learned the other night when I did my first cable. Can I just say it again: I can't believe I waited so long to do my first cable. I underthink my ability all them time. I need to start going for harder project because it always seems like I pick it up along the way. Well I have found plenty of new patterns I just can't wait to knit. The new Stitch N Bitch book is due out at the end of November, but here on the website they show all the new projects. I want to make everything.

Cables

2004-11-06T23:47:00.000Z

I did my first cable yesterday. I don't know why I was making such a big deal out of it. Easy as pie, see:

I see a twisty scarf in my future.

Perspective

2004-11-05T21:22:00.000Z

Vito looks like such a giant compared to my tiny new bonsai tree. I have always wanted one, so I could kill it like everything else I suppose. D surprised me with one yesterday. It seems to be the month of plants. Let hope I can keep them alive for a while.

My first sweater?

2004-11-04T23:08:00.000Z

I found this Ribby Cardi at Allison's site, She mentioned that she needs to knit this. And now I need to knit it. It could be my first sweater project. I can get the yarn at Ellan's for only $2.25 a skein. The whole wool sweater would only cost about $30..wow. Plus the best news of all is the yarn come in black. I always have a problem finding black yarn at my lys. I love black and I love this cardigan. But it is a big project I am not sure I can fully commit, seeing that I haven't committed to doing anything around the house in a while. I lose interest in things kind of fast.

One thing that I haven't lost interest in is my wonderful husband. Yesterday was my 3 year anniversary. D and I commented over dinner how it feels like it has been so much longer than that, because I really can't remember my life without him. We went to dinner at my favorite steak house: The Hitching Post. They have the most wonderful artichokes in the world. I told D that I wanted to have them everyday, and I would even be willing to give up ice cream for them . That is how serious I am about them, because usually nothing gets between me and my ice cream. Well I am very thankful most of all for my most favorite thing on earth: my amazing husband. Happy anniversary honey!

Tonight we are going to try our hand in making tortilla soup!

2004-11-02T18:04:00.000Z

2004-11-01T17:36:00.000Z

Here is the almost finished doctors mask that I created from my own chart..Yeah! I still need to weave in the ends, and I think I might back it in fleece. I am not sure what I will use as the ties, I might braid yarn, or I might construct some elastic thingies. I am not sure yet.

Good new for today: I signed up for Netfilx again. The first movies on my list are Ed Wood, Arrested Development, and Van Helsing. I am hoping to have movies to watch tomorrow. The best part is no more waiting in line at Hollywood Video.

Vito's Coat

2004-11-01T17:26:00.000Z

This weekend was fairly quiet, D and I went to the Roadhouse Grill on Saturday and spent most of Halloween at home. My weekends seem to get shorter and shorter, but I think that it might have something to do with the fact that my naps keep getting longer and longer. My weekend did involve much crafting though, see:

Being that it was Halloween and Vito couldn't be left at home to bark at the tricker treaters, he got to come with us to the churches Harvest Festival. My poor dog couldn't show up to brave the cold weather undressed, so yesterday I sewed him a new hooded sweatshirt. I had some fleece left over from another dog coat project, and it was D's idea to cut up his shirts, to make the plain sweatshirt a "One Way" sweatshirt. I think that from my first attempt at sewing something without a pattern. He did keep trying to bite the buttons off, but other than that he seem to enjoy being warm.

I did think about starting a hallowig to wear on Halloween, but I never got past thinking about it. The thought of driving a half an hour to get one pair of knitting needles made me rethink the project. Man I had Wal-mart, I don't shop there, but I might if the had double pointed needles. Or any needles at all.

Poor Vito is sick , and I will be taking him to the vet this afternoon to get him some medicine. I think yesterday he was giving me "sad eyes" because he wanted to go home. Because a soon as we walked in the door last night he was running and jumping, happy as a clam. So his "sad eyes" have earned him a trip to the vet today.

My first chart

2004-10-28T21:15:00.000Z

I made my first chart today for the doctors mask I am knitting D. He wanted a doctors like mask to wear when he snowboards, with a Swiss cross on it. So with the help of this site I made graph paper to fit my gauge and now I have a chart with a Swiss cross on it. Too bad that I started this project last night and found out today that D is leaving to go snowboard tonight. So I guess he will have it for the next trip.

While he is gone I am hoping to finish this project, clean the house, finish the laundry, and take Vito for a walk. Maybe if I am feeling brave I will clean out the fridge, but like always it is quite a science experiment in there.

Yesterday I was having a crappy day and when I can home from work I decided to watch Nightmare Before Christmas, in honor of halloween, and take a nap on the couch. My wonderful husband surprised me with candy from my favorite local candy store.. Yum sour strawberries and peaches. And he also brought me this for my desk at work:

It has brought a smile to my face all day. Damn I love my husband.

Introducing....

2004-10-26T21:49:00.000Z

Their here, Apple has releases it new ipod photo. Now with 60GB... wow. It has a color display and will holds and shows photos. D and I were just discussing that this would be Apple's next step, a bigger ipod with a color display. It is pretty great, but I still love mine. I still have 30GB of free space and I am trying to fill it as fast as I can. Amoeba here we come.

Daily Candy has also brought some sunshine into my rainy day: The Soda Pop Stop, they sell many kinds of sodas, in glass bottles. Many are older, hard to find, and "original recipes" sodas. I really want to try the Original recipe Dr. Pepper and Bubble up. I think that I have found a present for LBG, she can share it with Kenny. How fun would it be to open the fridge and have a colorful array of beverages in glass bottles. Now all we need to do is install a bottle opener in the kitchen.

It's due when?

2004-10-25T16:55:00.000Z

Yesterday I realized something very amusing about my husband that I never noticed before. He has no idea when any bills are due nor does he know if I have really paid them, these things are not a concern of his. He would never remind me to pay the rent, or ask me on the first if I have paid the rent. Car payment, gas bills, insurance, these things are not his concern. But he knows when a movie is due back at the movie store. He has chosen this as his all important due date. We could get a $50 late fee from our credit card for paying late, or ruin our credit by missing a few car payments, but he is worried about that damn $3.95 late fee. As long as we have been married we have never returned a movie late, and I thank my husband for that, the master of the due date. On certain movies if you return them the next day you get a dollar credit. That dollar is also very important to him, we might not be finished with a movie yet, but he wants to return it to get his dollar. I think he feels that they owe him that dollar, and he is not missing out.

Our weekend involved renting movies, eating pizza, naps, and D getting a new snowboard. I am not sure how that last one happened, but I am happy for him. When he gets excited, I'm excited. All that relaxing has left me with a laundry and a house to clean, but I'll get to it sometime its not going anywhere.

Rain good, yogurt bad.

2004-10-19T18:15:00.000Z

Even though Trader Joes Organic Lowfat Yogurt comes in a very cute container, with a picture of a cow on it, the cute packaging does not make up for its all around yuckyness. Sure the cow has orange blossoms in it hair but I think that they forgot to make the yogurt taste good. Well at least I only bought one, because in my current effort not to waste food I finished this one, but I do not think I will be able to finish another one.

My lack of a good breakfast has been remedied but the wonderful rain we are having. It is actually sideways rain right now. The current sideways rain might pose a problem at home, because our bedroom window is open. I am sure the Vito is very mad at us right now if the rain is coming through the window on to his warm bed. I am not concerned for him, if he is getting wet he can go lay on the couch. I am sure that by the time I get home for lunch he will not only of brought a blanket in to the living room but built a tent as well.

I am planning to stay in all night, not answer the phone, and watch more Futurerama. So basically it will be like any other night, but this time it will include rain. I am praying for the power to go out, so I can go home now, and get this party started. Soup and all.

Back to the drawing board

2004-10-18T23:07:00.000Z

I am not posting a picture of the finished fingerless mitten, because it is not finished. I doubt now that I will finish itthis project, because I hate it. That is ok, because I have gotten so much better at knitting in the round, especially starting on #2 double pointed needles. Even though I will never wear these mittens, I am glad that I started this project , because so often I read a pattern and say I could never do that. When in reality if I just started it, I most likely will figure it out. For some reason I have to understand the pattern from start to finish or I will not attempt it, but starting these mittens has helped curb my control freak knitting tendencies.

I did make a hat for D, but there will be no pictures of that either. It was very small, very. I knew going into it that my yarn might not be super chunky, that it was most likely chunky. So I was not terribly disappointed when it did not fit. I need more black yarn before the second attempt, because "gasp" I could never a make a hat for my loving husband out of acrylic yarn.

It actually rained over the weekend, I couldn't believe it. And like I expected Vito has decided that he doesn't want to go in the backyard, not even if I go back there. I guess he would rather hold it than get his feet wet. I couldn't even lore him with sticks. His pile of bark has been untouched for days, I know he will give in soon, his love for wood is to great.

The Sampler

2004-10-15T18:25:00.000Z

I just found this today, I need it. I think it is such a great idea. If you contribute items to the sampler you get a subscription free. This is defiantly something to think about in the future, once I have a website. Its seems like such good advertising. Right now I just want those buttons.

I was thinking I could make a whole bunch more crochet flowers, but my shoulder still hurts from the last two I made.

I also made a bracelet with a flower on it, but I think it was just an excuse to use pearl snaps and my new pliers.

Maybe tonight I will finish my first fingerless mitten and I will post a picture of that as well. (and maybe I should work on my picture lighting and quality.)

My first post

2004-10-13T18:23:00.000Z

Look , it's my first post, I will try not to screw this up. I like reading other peoples blog, so I decided to start my own. I am not sure if I am at all interesting, but we will see. I wanted a place to show off my craft project and inspire me to get my crafting business started. That way I can support my D and we can travel around the country in our Rv. We do not have said Rv yet, but our current dream is to live in an Rv. We will travel the country, with our dog Vito, and sell our crafty wares. I figure all we need to do is install a sewing machine, and wireless internet. What more would we need?