There I go again, not posting for a long time. I have been busy the past few weeks with a plethora of job interviews (yay! finally!), job hunting, packing, and more.
I was commissioned to make two baby blankets. A while back I made a baby blanket for my mother, who wanted to give it to the great-grandmother of a new baby. The grandmother loved the blanket and asked me if I take commissions (get paid to do something I love to do? Are you crazy?). I told her I would take commissions, as long as the yarn was paid for and I got a fee. She bought the yarn for two blankets and patterns! Nice stuff, too. I set aside the almost-finished baby dress again to work on them. I will try to take pictures to post at some point this week. No promises - I have to pack my room up in case I have to move quickly. Plus work on two baby blankets.
I love the first blanket's yarn: Bernat Cottontots in pink and white yarns. The cotton is different from working with blends; less give, but very soft.
I am angry about the second blanket's yarn: Nice yarn but it's covered in little tuffs of stuff every few yards, which it is not supposed to have. I contacted Bernat about it, but have yet to hear back from them. I may try taking it to Michael's to complain and try to get a refund (then purchase a different dye lot of the same stuff! Down side of letting her pick the yarn). I have only started balling the first skein, so maybe they will take it back and deal with returning to the manufacturer themselves.
I went to the beach with a friend today. We drove to Yorktown Beach. The traffic on I64 became atrocious 10 miles before our exit, so we got off and took the scenic way in. Totally worth it. Yorktown is so cute and full of little roads and old houses and cute shops! There was a fiber shop down the block from the beach! It was small and didn't hold a lot, but it had spinning wheels, two large looms in the back with "if you touch it you finish it" signs, bags of fiber sold by the pound, and a few skeins of dye-ready yarn. Lot's of books and hooks and needles. I may have to go back, especially since I want to go back to Yorktown with my camera. I brought my camera, but was too lazy to take it out more than once. I got pictures of a boat and one beach shot. But I was there to relax and play in the water, so the camera stayed safely packed away from the sand.
Only trouble was with the clear jellyfish that kept coming into the water every time there were few people in the water. I got stung a few times. It wasn't too bad, but annoying to have to swim away from those beasts. I couldn't see half of them in the brackish water. There was one really big one that belonged at the Baltimore aquarium! Sorry, no pics - not taking the camera into the water!
I may be moving in the next month, so posting may continue to be sporadic. I will say that if I do, I am very much looking forward to it!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
10 Favorite Sounds
Yay! I am back! I hate the flu. A week of my life gone. I finally got my appetite back today! My friend invited me to lunch. We went to the Thai place down the road from his office and then had soft serve ice cream. It was a great break from my day!
Anyway, 10 Favorite Sounds:
1. My cat purring contently, especially that extra-loud purr when she stretches.
2. Rain on the leaves in the forest.
3. An orchestra warming up. Not a high school orchestra, where even playing they are out of tune, but a professional one.
4. The sound of snow falling off a branch or other object into more snow.
5. The crickets or other insects outside my window.
6. Ocean waves on a shore.
7. Bird calls.
8. Wind chimes.
9. Water gurgling in a stream.
10. Keys typing in a keyboard. After all these years of writing on a keyboard, I find it easier to concentrate on what I write if I type it out rather than when I hand write it. I hand write all thank you notes, especially after an interview, but I usually get the rough draft faster if I use the computer! Besides, it saves paper.
Anyway, 10 Favorite Sounds:
1. My cat purring contently, especially that extra-loud purr when she stretches.
2. Rain on the leaves in the forest.
3. An orchestra warming up. Not a high school orchestra, where even playing they are out of tune, but a professional one.
4. The sound of snow falling off a branch or other object into more snow.
5. The crickets or other insects outside my window.
6. Ocean waves on a shore.
7. Bird calls.
8. Wind chimes.
9. Water gurgling in a stream.
10. Keys typing in a keyboard. After all these years of writing on a keyboard, I find it easier to concentrate on what I write if I type it out rather than when I hand write it. I hand write all thank you notes, especially after an interview, but I usually get the rough draft faster if I use the computer! Besides, it saves paper.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
I lost a week of my life to the flu...
I was really busy last week (but I can't remember doing what), and this week I had the FLU! Yay! First time as an adult, and I can't even be sure that the one time as a child that it was the flu. I was on holiday (Holland? Don't remember, really - I was sick the whole time), and was sick the evening we got there until right before we went back home. My parents are Army, and we were stationed in Germany on/off for 9 years, so we took our holidays in Europe most of the time.
Now you visit the doctor, they shove a q-tip up the nose and a second one down the throat, and can tell you whether it was strep or flu.
I have an excellent immune system, so this is really the first time as an adult with the flu. Let's hope it doesn't happen again any time in the near future. And my mom says it was a MILD version. Bleah.
But today was a GREAT day. I actually made it through the whole day without a nap! What a strange concept a nap is, but what a necessity it has been this week. Today, my Mom drove me to Williamsburg, VA. We went to the Kingsmill Shopping Center, which was having a sidewalk sale at every store, including the Knitting Sisters. I love that place. They are so nice there.
I had called a few weeks ago because I ran out of yarn for my baby dress. They did not have the colorway, but had promised to help me find that dye lot at another store if necessary. When I went there, they had just gotten more in, including one in the right dye lot! Perfect! They also had a bag sale, with bags sorted by color. I bought a bag of beautiful brown yarns for $20.Two skeins alone in that bag covered the price. We went to an antique store, the bead shop, and my mom went to the cross-stitch store there as well. I found an antique lace magazine there for $1! I couldn't find a year on first inspection, but the pricing and language suggests pre-1950s! I'll hopefully be able to find a date - it is in somewhat sorry condition. I'll take a pic of it later.
We then went to New Town in Williamsburg for lunch, More Than Just Beads, and Barnes & Nobles. The bead store there had just what I wanted - accessories for my facinators. I think I can make them now. B&N had a great selection of magazines, just none that I wanted/could afford. But there were 75% off knitting (and wire jewelry) books I couldn't pass up (thanks Mom!).
I would also like to note that the Richmond Main Library has an excellent selection of knitting and crochet books. I am currently enjoying a book from the 1970's of styles from the 1920s-40s. I would like to say that if you are going to take a book out of the library, don't tear the pages out. I mean, yes, it's YOUR tax money and all, but it's our tax money too, and use the stupid copier instead. It's $0.10 a page after all. Jeeze. I have checked out a dozen craft books so far, and a third of them are missing pages - one or two pages at a time. Half of them are scribbled on. I know most of these are old, but there have been copy machines since the 1970's. Just saying. You are just going to lose that page, anyway. The book is going to be there for a LONG TIME. I checked out a bibliography on George Washington from 1860! It'll be there when you need it. Stop tearing out pages, people.
By the way, the bibliography written in 1860 was better written than the one written in the 1980s. And it was a quickie written by request for people in the UK, as compared to something someone had time to work on in the 1980s. Yes, I am geeky enough to check both out (they were next to each other) and read them at the same time. :) There is a little more detail in the 1980s book, but it was just starting to get easier to do research at the time.
It is so cool reading a book from 1860. There is a pressed stamp (pressed into the paper, not inked) stating that the book is the property of the Richmond Library. The book had been rebound, but it is so neat to look at. Plus the language then was more stately. At that point the written language was generally the same, but it was definitely more stately.
I have an in-person interview and a phone interview on Monday! Amazing for someone suffering from the flu all week. I am looking forward to both - they are both wonderful positions, both at potentially wonderful companies. Wish me luck!
Now you visit the doctor, they shove a q-tip up the nose and a second one down the throat, and can tell you whether it was strep or flu.
I have an excellent immune system, so this is really the first time as an adult with the flu. Let's hope it doesn't happen again any time in the near future. And my mom says it was a MILD version. Bleah.
But today was a GREAT day. I actually made it through the whole day without a nap! What a strange concept a nap is, but what a necessity it has been this week. Today, my Mom drove me to Williamsburg, VA. We went to the Kingsmill Shopping Center, which was having a sidewalk sale at every store, including the Knitting Sisters. I love that place. They are so nice there.
I had called a few weeks ago because I ran out of yarn for my baby dress. They did not have the colorway, but had promised to help me find that dye lot at another store if necessary. When I went there, they had just gotten more in, including one in the right dye lot! Perfect! They also had a bag sale, with bags sorted by color. I bought a bag of beautiful brown yarns for $20.Two skeins alone in that bag covered the price. We went to an antique store, the bead shop, and my mom went to the cross-stitch store there as well. I found an antique lace magazine there for $1! I couldn't find a year on first inspection, but the pricing and language suggests pre-1950s! I'll hopefully be able to find a date - it is in somewhat sorry condition. I'll take a pic of it later.
We then went to New Town in Williamsburg for lunch, More Than Just Beads, and Barnes & Nobles. The bead store there had just what I wanted - accessories for my facinators. I think I can make them now. B&N had a great selection of magazines, just none that I wanted/could afford. But there were 75% off knitting (and wire jewelry) books I couldn't pass up (thanks Mom!).
I would also like to note that the Richmond Main Library has an excellent selection of knitting and crochet books. I am currently enjoying a book from the 1970's of styles from the 1920s-40s. I would like to say that if you are going to take a book out of the library, don't tear the pages out. I mean, yes, it's YOUR tax money and all, but it's our tax money too, and use the stupid copier instead. It's $0.10 a page after all. Jeeze. I have checked out a dozen craft books so far, and a third of them are missing pages - one or two pages at a time. Half of them are scribbled on. I know most of these are old, but there have been copy machines since the 1970's. Just saying. You are just going to lose that page, anyway. The book is going to be there for a LONG TIME. I checked out a bibliography on George Washington from 1860! It'll be there when you need it. Stop tearing out pages, people.By the way, the bibliography written in 1860 was better written than the one written in the 1980s. And it was a quickie written by request for people in the UK, as compared to something someone had time to work on in the 1980s. Yes, I am geeky enough to check both out (they were next to each other) and read them at the same time. :) There is a little more detail in the 1980s book, but it was just starting to get easier to do research at the time.
It is so cool reading a book from 1860. There is a pressed stamp (pressed into the paper, not inked) stating that the book is the property of the Richmond Library. The book had been rebound, but it is so neat to look at. Plus the language then was more stately. At that point the written language was generally the same, but it was definitely more stately.
I have an in-person interview and a phone interview on Monday! Amazing for someone suffering from the flu all week. I am looking forward to both - they are both wonderful positions, both at potentially wonderful companies. Wish me luck!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Truckin'
The Mack truck graveyard was great yesterday. It's way out past Powhatan, VA. I met the Richmond Photography Meetup Group at the Target at I 288 and Rt 60 (nice super Jo-Ann's out there) and rode with a friend the rest of the way. It is definitely out in the middle of nowhere. Beautiful drive.
I think the place used to service trucks. It had an open-air shed and a medium-sized building, plus a couple of pumps from various eras slowly rusting alongside the large gravel driveway. A row of trucks ranging from Mack freight trucks to very old Ford pickups lined the driveway and partially covered a big field. Tractors and fire trucks added to the mix. I haven't had the energy today to look through my pics, but I will post some this week. Besides, I want to be able to post one of my best on the meetup group page.
Instead, here's pic of the Black-eyed Susans growing next to the shed in the yard. I love these things. There were some growing in the graveyard, too. I am going to bed now.
I think the place used to service trucks. It had an open-air shed and a medium-sized building, plus a couple of pumps from various eras slowly rusting alongside the large gravel driveway. A row of trucks ranging from Mack freight trucks to very old Ford pickups lined the driveway and partially covered a big field. Tractors and fire trucks added to the mix. I haven't had the energy today to look through my pics, but I will post some this week. Besides, I want to be able to post one of my best on the meetup group page.
Instead, here's pic of the Black-eyed Susans growing next to the shed in the yard. I love these things. There were some growing in the graveyard, too. I am going to bed now.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Oh Baby Love!
Here is the second baby dress I am working on. It is definitely an easier pattern than the first, at least up to this point of the skirt. The bodice is the same as in the first pattern. This is from a set of four pattern, so the other two dresses probably also have the same simple bodice. This one's skirt is turning out to be very full and wavy.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Eye Candy Friday
I had a great interview today, which kept me too busy to post anything yesterday. Well, technically it is no longer Friday, but I am posting anyway! I will take that pic of the cute baby dress this weekend. I am also going to a truck graveyard tomorrow for a photo shoot, so I may have something to post on that this weekend.
This is a weird vine we have in the yard. It had flowers this spring, and now it had purple pods on it. I like the contrast of the light leaves on the darker background of trees. We live in the woods, with trees surrounding the garden.
This is a weird vine we have in the yard. It had flowers this spring, and now it had purple pods on it. I like the contrast of the light leaves on the darker background of trees. We live in the woods, with trees surrounding the garden.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wish me luck!
I as going to post a cute pic of the other baby dress I am working on, but I ran out of time to take one tonight. I am busy preparing for my JOB INTERVIEW! Yay! It's Friday morning and Thursday is my busy day, so I was trying to prep as much as possible tonight.
Cute pic sometime this week, hopefully.
In the meantime, here's a random picture instead. An unusual sunflower from my neighbor's yard.
Later!
Cute pic sometime this week, hopefully.
In the meantime, here's a random picture instead. An unusual sunflower from my neighbor's yard.
Later!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I am a little uncomfortable with this week's 10 on Tuesday, so I won't be participating. Yes, sometimes people can be annoying or do annoying things. However, I would feel rude if I were to list them here. Besides, the lists already done give a good representation of things people find annoying about other people.
I'd rather show this cute baby dress I am working on.
This is the one I have had to set aside until I get more yarn for it. I love the pineapples! I will block it when I am done to see if it looks different/better that way, but hopefully it won't be a necessary thing (after all, what mother really has time to block her baby's dress?). I envision this over a white slip or one-piece. It is so soft, too!
I'd rather show this cute baby dress I am working on.
This is the one I have had to set aside until I get more yarn for it. I love the pineapples! I will block it when I am done to see if it looks different/better that way, but hopefully it won't be a necessary thing (after all, what mother really has time to block her baby's dress?). I envision this over a white slip or one-piece. It is so soft, too!Monday, July 6, 2009
Yum!
I made Vegetable Gyoza and Edamame Succotash from the Vegetarian Times tonight! Yum.
Sorry, no pic - we dug in before I could take a picture.
I will note that I did not use sesame oil (some of us react to it), and I don't have cilantro or chili oil, so I used dried oregano and cayenne powder. I try to limit the oil I cook with anyway, and chili oil isn't very spicy (or maybe the stuff I bought once wasn't). I buy cayenne pepper, along with most of my spices, from the bulk section of the health food store. It's a lot cheaper than buying McCorrmick or any of those bottled spices from the grocery store. A decent health food store has good turnover with the spices, so they aren't already old when you get them. Also, you can get cayenne pepper (or red pepper) powder in various levels of heat at the health food store, and the hottest stuff is not much more than the regular stuff, so it actually is more cost effective because you use less (yeah, right - I like it hot!).
Sorry, no pic - we dug in before I could take a picture.
I will note that I did not use sesame oil (some of us react to it), and I don't have cilantro or chili oil, so I used dried oregano and cayenne powder. I try to limit the oil I cook with anyway, and chili oil isn't very spicy (or maybe the stuff I bought once wasn't). I buy cayenne pepper, along with most of my spices, from the bulk section of the health food store. It's a lot cheaper than buying McCorrmick or any of those bottled spices from the grocery store. A decent health food store has good turnover with the spices, so they aren't already old when you get them. Also, you can get cayenne pepper (or red pepper) powder in various levels of heat at the health food store, and the hottest stuff is not much more than the regular stuff, so it actually is more cost effective because you use less (yeah, right - I like it hot!).
Wow! Almost a month!
I just realized how long it has been since my last post. I have been very busy.
I am unemployed. I was laid off from my job and haven't been having much luck finding a new one. I started this blog because I have been crafting more and wanted a record of my work.
I am as busy, if not more so, as when I was employed, but now I am making time to craft. For one thing, I can crochet while I read job ads. I couldn't do that at work!
I am getting crochet and crafting done, just haven't finished anything yet for various reasons.
I may be getting a commission for a baby blanket! I made one recently for my mother to give to a coworker who just became a great-grandmother. Everyone loved it! The new mother was showing off her baby in the blanket and now another relative of my mother's coworker wants one!
I used to sell Avon to the coworker, so she asked my mother to ask me if I was willing to take a commission. Now I have to figure out how to charge for it, besides the yarn. I've only done crochet for family, who bought the yarn for me.
So here's what is on my plate right now:
Crochet:
1. 2 baby dresses. I started a second when I ran out of yarn last week for the first. I have to go back to my LYS to get another skein. The pattern book I am using just said 6 oz of a type of yarn that I didn't want to use. I made a big mistake in translating that into yards. The owners of my LYS said they were out of the dye lot I had bought, but if what they have doesn't match, there is a website for finding a dye lot they can use to get my yarn. I don't want to spend a lot on another skein, so I may try using a different color to finish the dress if what they have in stock won't work. It's missing the last few inches at the bottom of the skirt and the sleeves.
2. The Chic Ripple cardigan out of Crochet Cardigans. For my mother. Of course, she's an in-between size, so now I have to study the pattern to see I can alter the pattern to fit her. The small is too small and the medium is too big!
3. Baby blanket?
Craft:
1. Finish those butterflies I painted. My sister wants one. I need to find a good clear acrylic paint sealer or glaze so I can coat the wings and add them to the bodies already made.
2. Started drawing again. Nothing to write about here.
Sewing
1. 1930's evening gown. I haven't touched it since April. The sewing room just got cleaned, so I can start on it again. Maybe. I need a sewing manniquin.
2. Duct tape sewing manniquin. Needs to be stuffed and put on a stand somehow.
Sigh. I need a job. Being unemployed is wearing me out.
I am unemployed. I was laid off from my job and haven't been having much luck finding a new one. I started this blog because I have been crafting more and wanted a record of my work.
I am as busy, if not more so, as when I was employed, but now I am making time to craft. For one thing, I can crochet while I read job ads. I couldn't do that at work!
I am getting crochet and crafting done, just haven't finished anything yet for various reasons.
I may be getting a commission for a baby blanket! I made one recently for my mother to give to a coworker who just became a great-grandmother. Everyone loved it! The new mother was showing off her baby in the blanket and now another relative of my mother's coworker wants one!
I used to sell Avon to the coworker, so she asked my mother to ask me if I was willing to take a commission. Now I have to figure out how to charge for it, besides the yarn. I've only done crochet for family, who bought the yarn for me.
So here's what is on my plate right now:
Crochet:
1. 2 baby dresses. I started a second when I ran out of yarn last week for the first. I have to go back to my LYS to get another skein. The pattern book I am using just said 6 oz of a type of yarn that I didn't want to use. I made a big mistake in translating that into yards. The owners of my LYS said they were out of the dye lot I had bought, but if what they have doesn't match, there is a website for finding a dye lot they can use to get my yarn. I don't want to spend a lot on another skein, so I may try using a different color to finish the dress if what they have in stock won't work. It's missing the last few inches at the bottom of the skirt and the sleeves.
2. The Chic Ripple cardigan out of Crochet Cardigans. For my mother. Of course, she's an in-between size, so now I have to study the pattern to see I can alter the pattern to fit her. The small is too small and the medium is too big!
3. Baby blanket?
Craft:
1. Finish those butterflies I painted. My sister wants one. I need to find a good clear acrylic paint sealer or glaze so I can coat the wings and add them to the bodies already made.
2. Started drawing again. Nothing to write about here.
Sewing
1. 1930's evening gown. I haven't touched it since April. The sewing room just got cleaned, so I can start on it again. Maybe. I need a sewing manniquin.
2. Duct tape sewing manniquin. Needs to be stuffed and put on a stand somehow.
Sigh. I need a job. Being unemployed is wearing me out.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Eye Candy Friday
I like it when other blogs I read have Eye Candy Friday, so I thought I would post a pretty pic:A pink coneflower. I thought it turned out great - I was playing with my camera in my Mom's garden. I don't have my own property, so I enjoy my parents'.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ten on Tuesday
I thought I would give this week's Ten on Tuesday a try. It's better than complaining that I just frogged round 17 on my baby dress for the second time.
10 Things You’d Bring on a Deserted Island
1. Kookie - she would be so happy to be there, and so useful. A big, protective Malinios with a penchant for digging is perfect for any deserted island. Plus I wouldn't be lonely. Poop might be an issue, though.
2. My bag of crochet hooks (that's one item, right? It's a little bag)
3. Baby yarn - it's so soft and I love working with it. Plus it's warm but not too warm - perfect for most temperatures you'll find on a deserted island
4. Sock yarn - I've got to have something besides baby yarn, otherwise I would get bored
5. Books - lots of them
6. Sun hat - I am not big on wearing sunscreen unless you have to, it's still made of chemicals. Avoidance is better.
7. Eye liner and eye liner brush - I know someone mentioned mascara. For me, I have to have eye liner. My lashes are dark and bushy, so normally it's not that noticeable if I wear mascara. And yes, I use an eye liner brush and either powder or eyeliner in a jar. I have been known to use pretty, dark eye powder instead of liner, but the powder tends to dust my cheeks when applied.
8. Natural bug spray - although there are some insects that will ignore eucalyptus, lemongrass, citrus oils, and other bug repelling oils, a good blend does work on most types of insects. And it smells good!
9. Rum - GOOD rum! Wine wouldn't do well on a hot island and beer needs to be cold, so rum! Especially if there are coconuts on the island. :)
10. Two long-haired goats - a male and female. The kind I can get yarn-quality hair from. I figure I can make a spindle from what's available on the island, and the goats will give me roving to make my own yarn with when the yarn I brought with me ran out. Milk for making soap, babies to grow a small herd if need be. Plus they are smaller and probably easier to deal with than alpacas and llamas! I would be hoping to be rescued before inbreeding became an issue.
Later!
10 Things You’d Bring on a Deserted Island
1. Kookie - she would be so happy to be there, and so useful. A big, protective Malinios with a penchant for digging is perfect for any deserted island. Plus I wouldn't be lonely. Poop might be an issue, though.
2. My bag of crochet hooks (that's one item, right? It's a little bag)
3. Baby yarn - it's so soft and I love working with it. Plus it's warm but not too warm - perfect for most temperatures you'll find on a deserted island
4. Sock yarn - I've got to have something besides baby yarn, otherwise I would get bored
5. Books - lots of them
6. Sun hat - I am not big on wearing sunscreen unless you have to, it's still made of chemicals. Avoidance is better.
7. Eye liner and eye liner brush - I know someone mentioned mascara. For me, I have to have eye liner. My lashes are dark and bushy, so normally it's not that noticeable if I wear mascara. And yes, I use an eye liner brush and either powder or eyeliner in a jar. I have been known to use pretty, dark eye powder instead of liner, but the powder tends to dust my cheeks when applied.
8. Natural bug spray - although there are some insects that will ignore eucalyptus, lemongrass, citrus oils, and other bug repelling oils, a good blend does work on most types of insects. And it smells good!
9. Rum - GOOD rum! Wine wouldn't do well on a hot island and beer needs to be cold, so rum! Especially if there are coconuts on the island. :)
10. Two long-haired goats - a male and female. The kind I can get yarn-quality hair from. I figure I can make a spindle from what's available on the island, and the goats will give me roving to make my own yarn with when the yarn I brought with me ran out. Milk for making soap, babies to grow a small herd if need be. Plus they are smaller and probably easier to deal with than alpacas and llamas! I would be hoping to be rescued before inbreeding became an issue.
Later!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Baby Blanket - check!
The baby blanket is done! My mother commissioned a baby blanket for a coworker who just became a great-grandmother. She paid for the yarn. It was made from approximately 1.5 skeins each Bernat Baby Coordinates in Iced Mint and Lemon Custard. I used a shell ripple stitch for the blanket and a shell stitch for the edging. The edging has alternating yellow and green sides.
Baby Ripple Blanket
The corners curled up until I added the edging, now they lie flat.
I actually managed to keep this one nearly fur free! That can be near impossible at times, what with Maybelline's penchant for laying on anything I am reading or working on. She loves laying on my crochet if I put it down somewhere without putting it in a bag.
Also, sorry for the week without posts - I was busy during the week so that I could go to Massachusetts with my Dad to visit family. I got to see my Grandmother, so I am really happy about that! I had a great time, and I have lots of photos to sort through from riding around Ware, MA on the back of my Dad's motorcycle. I'll post some soon.
Baby Ripple Blanket May 22 2009
June 14 2009
The corners curled up until I added the edging, now they lie flat.
I actually managed to keep this one nearly fur free! That can be near impossible at times, what with Maybelline's penchant for laying on anything I am reading or working on. She loves laying on my crochet if I put it down somewhere without putting it in a bag.
Also, sorry for the week without posts - I was busy during the week so that I could go to Massachusetts with my Dad to visit family. I got to see my Grandmother, so I am really happy about that! I had a great time, and I have lots of photos to sort through from riding around Ware, MA on the back of my Dad's motorcycle. I'll post some soon.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Yay for the Weekend!
What a week! I am glad it is over. However, I am not going to rant. I refuse. This is a craft blog. Let's talk about crafts.
I ran out of yarn for the baby blanket I am making, but here is a picture of it so far.
Sorry that it is so dark - my flash shines off of the yarn.
I entered Kookie into a photo contest last week. I had to train her to sit still in front of the camera - she was initially afraid of it. I also had to cover that stupid green light that shines when you hold down the shutter button. As far as I can tell, it doesn't do anything except shine a green light in the eye of anyone looking at the camera right before the picture is taken. But my big bad belgian doesn't like the light, or the flash, at all.
I did manage to get some good shots of her to send in. Maybelline got jealous and wanted attention, too.
I ran out of yarn for the baby blanket I am making, but here is a picture of it so far.
Sorry that it is so dark - my flash shines off of the yarn.
I entered Kookie into a photo contest last week. I had to train her to sit still in front of the camera - she was initially afraid of it. I also had to cover that stupid green light that shines when you hold down the shutter button. As far as I can tell, it doesn't do anything except shine a green light in the eye of anyone looking at the camera right before the picture is taken. But my big bad belgian doesn't like the light, or the flash, at all.
I did manage to get some good shots of her to send in. Maybelline got jealous and wanted attention, too.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
In the Land of the Frog
I have been crocheting, really! I had to frog the Michael's baby blanket pattern twice, so I looked around. I couldn't find something else I wanted to do, so I looked at stitch patterns until I found something I liked and now I am doing a baby-sized blanket in that pattern. I wanted to be half-done at this point. This is for my mom's coworker, who just became a great-grandmother. The baby is already born, so I am trying to get it done as quickly as possible. I'll post a pic later.
On a positive note, yesterday we went to Woofstock on Monument Ave. in Richmond. It was in the same area as the Easter Parade/Festival, but not nearly as many blocks long. They crammed a lot of vendors in the smaller space, though. We made off with quite a bit of swag: two cans of pet food, two reuseable bags, several things of treats. Kookie had a blast, just like at Easter! She had to say hello to every dog she saw. There was a doggie fashion show, which was cute and silly for the few minutes I watched. Mostly little teensy dogs in clothing. A basset hound was paraded across the stage in a hoodie that kept covering its eyes - not a smart fashion statement!
I couldn't bring my camera because I had Kookie, and my mother didn't bring hers. Sorry, no pics.
On a positive note, yesterday we went to Woofstock on Monument Ave. in Richmond. It was in the same area as the Easter Parade/Festival, but not nearly as many blocks long. They crammed a lot of vendors in the smaller space, though. We made off with quite a bit of swag: two cans of pet food, two reuseable bags, several things of treats. Kookie had a blast, just like at Easter! She had to say hello to every dog she saw. There was a doggie fashion show, which was cute and silly for the few minutes I watched. Mostly little teensy dogs in clothing. A basset hound was paraded across the stage in a hoodie that kept covering its eyes - not a smart fashion statement!
I couldn't bring my camera because I had Kookie, and my mother didn't bring hers. Sorry, no pics.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Baby If You'll Give Me All of Your Love
I'll hug you squeeze you tight as I can...
I started making this baby dress on Monday. Isn't it cute! Sorry for the dark picture, the flash of my camera shone off the yarn when I tried to use it.
Unfortunately, I will be setting this aside for now. My mother has requested a baby blanket for a co-worker who told her last week that she is now a great-grandmother! I would have a WIP pic of that, but I had to frog all the work I did last night and start over.
Yesterday we went to the super Jo-Ann's on Midlothian with coupons and picked out the yarn. Safe yellow and green Bernat baby coordinates. I am making this pattern from Michaels.com.
I love baby yarn! It's so soft and baby stuff is small and cute!
I started making this baby dress on Monday. Isn't it cute! Sorry for the dark picture, the flash of my camera shone off the yarn when I tried to use it.Unfortunately, I will be setting this aside for now. My mother has requested a baby blanket for a co-worker who told her last week that she is now a great-grandmother! I would have a WIP pic of that, but I had to frog all the work I did last night and start over.
Yesterday we went to the super Jo-Ann's on Midlothian with coupons and picked out the yarn. Safe yellow and green Bernat baby coordinates. I am making this pattern from Michaels.com.
I love baby yarn! It's so soft and baby stuff is small and cute!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Blue Butterfly
My friend took the pictures for me! She also trimmed the antennae, which I ran out of time to do. Here is a handpainted butterfly I made for my friend's birthday! I decided to make it a pin, so that it could be multi-purpose. I love the color, so I will have to make it again. Unfortunately, I am running low of this paint, and I haven't been able to find a place to buy it. I need to look online. I may be able to recreate it by mixing paint, though. I am pretty good at that.
I mixed the paint for the monarch in the previous post because I don't own an orange I liked enough to use. I am not a big fan of orange, so I only have two bottles. I bought the second bottle after painting the monarch!
I mixed the paint for the monarch in the previous post because I don't own an orange I liked enough to use. I am not a big fan of orange, so I only have two bottles. I bought the second bottle after painting the monarch!
Monday, May 18, 2009
What was I doing?
Oh yeah, getting ready to write this blog. Oh, look, shiny blog written by someone else!
Sorry, I can get easily distracted.
Today, my Mom and I went to Williamsburg to meet an online friend of hers, Joan E. from Canada (123stitch.com)! We had a blast. We met her at The Village Shops at Kingsmill. We went to Haus Tirol/Stitching Well (cross-stitch), Knitting Sisters (YAAAAARRRRRRNNNNN), and Bead Haven (I love beads!).
I promised Joan that I would put up pictures of a bead project I made before starting this blog, and of the butterfly wings, which I haven't posted because they are not finished yet.
This is one I created last year for my mother.
I have been creating butterflies. I have handpainted the wings and am working on attaching them to bead bodies. I made one successfully, but had to give it away as a gift immediately - so there is no picture. I need to get the person to take a picture for me! At least so I can make it again. But here are the other wings I have done so far, as promised:
I find that the plastic I am using tends to curl, but I think that actually works well for the wings. I am basing them on real butterflies, like the monarch. I love the glasswing butterfly one, but am afraid to spray the acrylic sealer on it. I found that the sealer makes the plastic a little opaque.
Thank you, Joan, for showing me the chainmaille jewelry and how to make the rings. I am so hooked!
And finally, STUFF!
Sorry, I can get easily distracted.
Today, my Mom and I went to Williamsburg to meet an online friend of hers, Joan E. from Canada (123stitch.com)! We had a blast. We met her at The Village Shops at Kingsmill. We went to Haus Tirol/Stitching Well (cross-stitch), Knitting Sisters (YAAAAARRRRRRNNNNN), and Bead Haven (I love beads!).
I promised Joan that I would put up pictures of a bead project I made before starting this blog, and of the butterfly wings, which I haven't posted because they are not finished yet.
This is one I created last year for my mother.
I have been creating butterflies. I have handpainted the wings and am working on attaching them to bead bodies. I made one successfully, but had to give it away as a gift immediately - so there is no picture. I need to get the person to take a picture for me! At least so I can make it again. But here are the other wings I have done so far, as promised:
I find that the plastic I am using tends to curl, but I think that actually works well for the wings. I am basing them on real butterflies, like the monarch. I love the glasswing butterfly one, but am afraid to spray the acrylic sealer on it. I found that the sealer makes the plastic a little opaque.
Thank you, Joan, for showing me the chainmaille jewelry and how to make the rings. I am so hooked!
And finally, STUFF!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hmmm...
I am looking at the pictures of my bag and I am wondering if next time I should use the opposing color to edge the sides of the panels. That way the pattern comes out a little more crisp? I dunno, just thinking.
I am pulling together stuff for a trip to Williamsburg, VA. My Mom and I are meeting an online buddy of hers from Canada. That's quite a drive! She's spending at least the long weekend in Virginia (maybe longer?) and wanted to meet her online buddies here while she was visiting.
I am bringing some of my finished beading and crochet projects, like the special effects bag. She has mentioned bringing her chain-mail projects (cool!), among other things. We'll also visit the bead shop, cross-stitch shop, quilting shop, and yarn shop that are all in one shopping center there. I forget which though - I am a little tired.
I didn't do much, except work my way through patterns for my third project. I am leaning towards something baby, to put away for the next baby shower. Or something else, as long as it uses up stash.
I am pulling together stuff for a trip to Williamsburg, VA. My Mom and I are meeting an online buddy of hers from Canada. That's quite a drive! She's spending at least the long weekend in Virginia (maybe longer?) and wanted to meet her online buddies here while she was visiting.
I am bringing some of my finished beading and crochet projects, like the special effects bag. She has mentioned bringing her chain-mail projects (cool!), among other things. We'll also visit the bead shop, cross-stitch shop, quilting shop, and yarn shop that are all in one shopping center there. I forget which though - I am a little tired.
I didn't do much, except work my way through patterns for my third project. I am leaning towards something baby, to put away for the next baby shower. Or something else, as long as it uses up stash.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Special Effects: Finished!
The Special Effects bag is finished. I think it turned out nicely. I still have to sew in the liner, but the crochet part is finished.
Changes to the pattern:
The pattern calls for crocheting 4 pieces, then attaching them to make a panel. Two panels are whip-stitched on three sides to make the bag, and then a handle is attached. I decided that I wanted 2-inch sides so that the bag would be functional. After attaching the four pieces of each panel, I added a row of hdc on the three sides of each panel so that adding the sides would not affect the special effect look of the panels.
I used the row join method mentioned in the pattern to attach the sides to the panels. I attached the panels to the posts of the hdc row I added so that there would be distinct edges.
I used white thread for one stitch all the way along the panel that has white facing the sides. I had originally tried using straight black for the sides, but it was too visible on that panel. Sorry for the pictures - black and white yarn doesn't photograph well!
Here are the directions for the side panels:
Hdc on three sides of each panel, with 5 hdc in the corners to turn to the next side. Make sure that there are the same number of hdc on each panel or they will not attach evenly.
All Row joins are attached to the back post of the hdc of panel. This creates an edge between the panel and the side and give the bag a 3D shape. The panels are attached to the side panel wrong-side to wrong side.
Attach white yarn to the back post of the first hdc at the top of white panel, 1 ch, change to black, 5 ch, row join to black panel.
Row 1: Ch 1, row join, turn. 5 sc in black, change to white, 1 sc. Turn, row join.
Row 2: Ch 1, row join, 1 sc in white, change to black, 5 sc, row join.
Repeat rows 1-2, making sure to get every hdc on the panels, including the 5 hdc on the two bottom corners. This will cause the side to curve cleanly, so that only one side panel is needed to attack to all three sides.
When you finish the side of the bag, do not fasten off the black yarn. Instead, continue with the handle:
First half:
Row 1: Turn, Ch 1, 6 sc in black.
Row 2-45: repeat row 1. Fasten off.
Second half:
Attach black yarn to the beginning of the side panel.
Row 1: Ch 1, 6 sc. Turn.
Row 2-45: repeat row 1. Fasten off.
Whipstitch ends of handle halves together.
I edged both sides of the bag. Hdc in matching color across the top of each panel, with the first and last stitch attached to the first stitch of each handle with a row join. SC in black on both sides of the handle for the remaining stitches.
I like this bag, and may do it in black and a different color at some time in the future. I am considering what kind of liner I am going to sew into the bag.
I did finish on Thursday, but I have been busy since then and did not have time to write down the changes to the pattern.
Friday was my night out with my friends, so I never have time to post then. Today I went to the New Kent Winery Festival with my mom and sampled wine from several wineries, including New Kent's of course. I bought a leather wine glass holder that hangs from the neck ($5!). Sorry, I forgot to take a picture.
After the festival, we went to Michael's, Barnes and Noble, and a shoe store in between the two stores. The shoe store and B&N were disappointing. Very little in my Mom's or my shoe size, and not much was nice in there anyway. My mom couldn't find a new book, and none of the new knitting magazines had anything I was interested in. Until I am employed, I can't afford magazines that have nothing I definitely think I will do eventually. Although, if I could get my hands on Rowan magazines I would make an exception!
The Michael's at Virginia Center Commons mall has renovated since the last time I was there. The yarn section is in the front (and smaller!), next to a new bead section. The store looks pretty cool, but it is mostly the same selection with fewer actual products to make the place look more spacious. The only improvement was the beading section is bigger and is carrying a selection similar to that at the A.C. Moore's in Fredericksburg. I at least got the paper I had gone in for, though.
A display of clearance yarn was right next to the door at Michael's. It was a little discontinued yarn and a lot of yarn that had lost their labels. The discontinued yarn was about half off, but the unlabeled yarns were $0.45 or $1! Woo! More stash! I got two skeins of Patons Classic Wool Merino in the Palais colorway. One had the wrapper on, so it was $1.99 (from 4.99!). The other one has no label at all, so I got it for $1! I didn't even have to ask. It's still on the Patons website, so I don't know if it is discontinued or if this particular Michael's stopped carrying it. There are three Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton skeins, two light blue and one cream. One Bernat Baby Coordinates in pink. One Vanna' Choice in Brick and one Fun Fur in Sandstone (Lion Brand). One Caron Simply Soft in Grey Heather.
Normally I try not to buy one skein of a color because I am afraid I can't use it, but most of these can be used with skeins of other colors from the same brand. These are all staple brands at Michael's (how I was able to tell what they were), so if I need to I can buy more. I figured I could make a baby item out of the baby yarn without needing more, and scarves, hats, or purses out of the rest, unless a bigger project comes along. The Sugar'n Cream is definitely enough to make a baby jacket with. At $1 each I couldn' pass these up! I'll make gifts out of most of it. There was a lot more yarn, but I didn't like any of it or it was still in the wrapper and I didn't want to spend more than a dollar on it. If you live in the Richmond area, check Michael's out before it's all gone!
Oh, and check out the cute free pattern I found. Too bad there weren't 3 more skeins of the Caron Simply Soft yarn; I could have made the shawl. I don't think I would want the shawl in grey anyway, but the grey goes very well with the brick red Vanna, so I may go look for a light weight dark red yarn to use with the grey. Vanna's is worsted weight and too heavy for matching with the Simply Soft, unless I was careful.
Next projects:
1) Socks for me: Knitting! I need to get a new set of DPN's - I have #4's and my swatch came out too big. I need #3's. Maybe eBay? Also, most of the patterns in the book I bought want sizes 0-3 DPNs. I found one elsewhere that took #4's since I had them already, but the needles are a size too big. Funny. It seems I crochet one hook size up for most patterns and knit one needle size down for at least this first pattern. Only time will tell if that will repeat.
2) A short sleeve cardigan for Mom: We picked out the yarn online, so now I have to wait for THAT as well. I'll post the pattern later.
3) Now I need something to keep me happy until I have needles for 1) and yarn for 2). AHH! I actually hung out with my friends on Friday without yarn in my hands! First time in 6 months! It felt wrong. I kept a laptop on my lap instead. I wasn't the only one, but still. I am thinking something with that skein of Bernat baby yarn I just bought.
Changes to the pattern:
The pattern calls for crocheting 4 pieces, then attaching them to make a panel. Two panels are whip-stitched on three sides to make the bag, and then a handle is attached. I decided that I wanted 2-inch sides so that the bag would be functional. After attaching the four pieces of each panel, I added a row of hdc on the three sides of each panel so that adding the sides would not affect the special effect look of the panels.
I used the row join method mentioned in the pattern to attach the sides to the panels. I attached the panels to the posts of the hdc row I added so that there would be distinct edges.
I used white thread for one stitch all the way along the panel that has white facing the sides. I had originally tried using straight black for the sides, but it was too visible on that panel. Sorry for the pictures - black and white yarn doesn't photograph well!
Here are the directions for the side panels:
Hdc on three sides of each panel, with 5 hdc in the corners to turn to the next side. Make sure that there are the same number of hdc on each panel or they will not attach evenly.
All Row joins are attached to the back post of the hdc of panel. This creates an edge between the panel and the side and give the bag a 3D shape. The panels are attached to the side panel wrong-side to wrong side.
Attach white yarn to the back post of the first hdc at the top of white panel, 1 ch, change to black, 5 ch, row join to black panel.
Row 1: Ch 1, row join, turn. 5 sc in black, change to white, 1 sc. Turn, row join.
Row 2: Ch 1, row join, 1 sc in white, change to black, 5 sc, row join.
Repeat rows 1-2, making sure to get every hdc on the panels, including the 5 hdc on the two bottom corners. This will cause the side to curve cleanly, so that only one side panel is needed to attack to all three sides.
When you finish the side of the bag, do not fasten off the black yarn. Instead, continue with the handle:
First half:
Row 1: Turn, Ch 1, 6 sc in black.
Row 2-45: repeat row 1. Fasten off.
Second half:
Attach black yarn to the beginning of the side panel.
Row 1: Ch 1, 6 sc. Turn.
Row 2-45: repeat row 1. Fasten off.
Whipstitch ends of handle halves together.
I edged both sides of the bag. Hdc in matching color across the top of each panel, with the first and last stitch attached to the first stitch of each handle with a row join. SC in black on both sides of the handle for the remaining stitches.
I like this bag, and may do it in black and a different color at some time in the future. I am considering what kind of liner I am going to sew into the bag.
I did finish on Thursday, but I have been busy since then and did not have time to write down the changes to the pattern.
Friday was my night out with my friends, so I never have time to post then. Today I went to the New Kent Winery Festival with my mom and sampled wine from several wineries, including New Kent's of course. I bought a leather wine glass holder that hangs from the neck ($5!). Sorry, I forgot to take a picture.
After the festival, we went to Michael's, Barnes and Noble, and a shoe store in between the two stores. The shoe store and B&N were disappointing. Very little in my Mom's or my shoe size, and not much was nice in there anyway. My mom couldn't find a new book, and none of the new knitting magazines had anything I was interested in. Until I am employed, I can't afford magazines that have nothing I definitely think I will do eventually. Although, if I could get my hands on Rowan magazines I would make an exception!
The Michael's at Virginia Center Commons mall has renovated since the last time I was there. The yarn section is in the front (and smaller!), next to a new bead section. The store looks pretty cool, but it is mostly the same selection with fewer actual products to make the place look more spacious. The only improvement was the beading section is bigger and is carrying a selection similar to that at the A.C. Moore's in Fredericksburg. I at least got the paper I had gone in for, though.
A display of clearance yarn was right next to the door at Michael's. It was a little discontinued yarn and a lot of yarn that had lost their labels. The discontinued yarn was about half off, but the unlabeled yarns were $0.45 or $1! Woo! More stash! I got two skeins of Patons Classic Wool Merino in the Palais colorway. One had the wrapper on, so it was $1.99 (from 4.99!). The other one has no label at all, so I got it for $1! I didn't even have to ask. It's still on the Patons website, so I don't know if it is discontinued or if this particular Michael's stopped carrying it. There are three Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton skeins, two light blue and one cream. One Bernat Baby Coordinates in pink. One Vanna' Choice in Brick and one Fun Fur in Sandstone (Lion Brand). One Caron Simply Soft in Grey Heather.
Normally I try not to buy one skein of a color because I am afraid I can't use it, but most of these can be used with skeins of other colors from the same brand. These are all staple brands at Michael's (how I was able to tell what they were), so if I need to I can buy more. I figured I could make a baby item out of the baby yarn without needing more, and scarves, hats, or purses out of the rest, unless a bigger project comes along. The Sugar'n Cream is definitely enough to make a baby jacket with. At $1 each I couldn' pass these up! I'll make gifts out of most of it. There was a lot more yarn, but I didn't like any of it or it was still in the wrapper and I didn't want to spend more than a dollar on it. If you live in the Richmond area, check Michael's out before it's all gone!Oh, and check out the cute free pattern I found. Too bad there weren't 3 more skeins of the Caron Simply Soft yarn; I could have made the shawl. I don't think I would want the shawl in grey anyway, but the grey goes very well with the brick red Vanna, so I may go look for a light weight dark red yarn to use with the grey. Vanna's is worsted weight and too heavy for matching with the Simply Soft, unless I was careful.
Next projects:
1) Socks for me: Knitting! I need to get a new set of DPN's - I have #4's and my swatch came out too big. I need #3's. Maybe eBay? Also, most of the patterns in the book I bought want sizes 0-3 DPNs. I found one elsewhere that took #4's since I had them already, but the needles are a size too big. Funny. It seems I crochet one hook size up for most patterns and knit one needle size down for at least this first pattern. Only time will tell if that will repeat.
2) A short sleeve cardigan for Mom: We picked out the yarn online, so now I have to wait for THAT as well. I'll post the pattern later.
3) Now I need something to keep me happy until I have needles for 1) and yarn for 2). AHH! I actually hung out with my friends on Friday without yarn in my hands! First time in 6 months! It felt wrong. I kept a laptop on my lap instead. I wasn't the only one, but still. I am thinking something with that skein of Bernat baby yarn I just bought.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Fredericksburg and STASH!
I went to Fredericksburg, VA today with my Mom. We stopped at the super Jo-Ann's, A.C. Moore's, Everything Cross-stitch (a cute little cross-stitch shop), and The Knitter's Corner. We made several other stops along the way home, like Home Depot, but nothing very interesting.
I love coupons! I had 40% coupons for Jo-Ann's and A.C. Moore's. I was able to get The Ultimate Sock Book by Vogue Kniting with the coupon. All magazines at Jo-Ann's are 10% off, so I bought the latest Vogue Knitting magazine. I saw the cover and some cute stuff inside the magazine so I had to get it. I only buy a magazine if I like something inside. That's why I don't do subscriptions anymore. Each crochet or craft magazine I ever had a subscription for had more editions with nothing of interest in them than editions with something I liked, so they were generally a waste of money. Turns out Agnes of Knitting in the Valley has already done the cardigan on the cover (very cute!)
I also bought 2 balls of sock yarn on sale from each store (except the cross-stitch store, obviously).
I have learned the stitches for knitting in the past year, but haven't done a real project yet. I plan to do a simple sock first in Deborah Norville Premier Yarn Serenity Sock Weight yarn in Chili colorway. I love that the yarn creates a pattern so that I can use a simple sock pattern. Knitting is turning out to be relatively easy to pick up, but I still need practice. I've been wanting to pick up knitting for a while now, but since I have been doing mostly projects as gifts for others I could not justify the time to learn. I can crochet pretty quickly normally, so it was an obvious choice. Now I have time for few projects for me, hence finishing the Special Effects bag.
Speaking of the Special Effects bag, I have added a row of stitches on three sides of the front and back panels, and am attempting to stitch the sides to that row. The last attempt proved that adding the sides of the bag directly to the panels ruined the "special effect" of the bag. I am almost half-way done with the sides, and so far I am happy with the results, but I won't be able to tell until it's done or almost done.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Frog It!
I am frogging the sides off of the Special Effects bag. I just finished the sides and stood back to look at it. I don't like how the whole thing looks. I need to add an edge to the three sides so that I don't lose the special effects image and I need to use both colors when making the sides, because just using black detracts from the side that is white on the outside.
Rippit!
Rippit!
Monday, May 4, 2009
toting along
I decided to add sides to the Special Effects bag. Originally the pattern just has the front and back panels whip-stitched together, and the handle crossing the seams. I am adding sides as wide as I want the handle, and the handle will just be a continuation of the sides. I will also finish the edge of the opening so that it has a thick edge that is sturdy enough for a lining. I'll give the directions for the changes when I am finished. I am starting the third side now, so it should be finished tomorrow or Wednesday unless I don't have time for it.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Arts in the Park
We went to the Arts in the Park at Maymont/Byrd Park in Richmond this morning. Normally we go on Saturday, but I had agreed to go to the Science Museum yesterday. Thanks to it being early Sunday and raining off and on all morning, the grounds weren't very crowded and parking wasn't insane like it usually is.
The Arts in the Park is an art show and contest and the proceeds from the booth rentals go to different charities each year. Each booth sells goods in addition to being able to enter the contest. I did not know until this year that there was a contest. The booths range from artwork to jewelry to plants. It takes about two hours to walk through the whole thing.
I am unemployed, so all I bought was soap. I only use natural soap, like goat milk soap, since I tend to react to normal soap sold in stores. I like the way natural soap smells better too, since it is made with essential oils for fragrance. Even though I still have half a bar of soap in my bath, I need to put it away and switch to scents that don't attract bugs now. During the cold months I use floral fragrances because they are my favorite and lift my mood during gloomy weather. During the warm months I switch to lavender, citrus, and other fragrances that repel insects, since they are a major problem here in Virginia.
I am currently finishing the Special Effects bag. I need to make handles and add a finished edge.
The Arts in the Park is an art show and contest and the proceeds from the booth rentals go to different charities each year. Each booth sells goods in addition to being able to enter the contest. I did not know until this year that there was a contest. The booths range from artwork to jewelry to plants. It takes about two hours to walk through the whole thing.
I am unemployed, so all I bought was soap. I only use natural soap, like goat milk soap, since I tend to react to normal soap sold in stores. I like the way natural soap smells better too, since it is made with essential oils for fragrance. Even though I still have half a bar of soap in my bath, I need to put it away and switch to scents that don't attract bugs now. During the cold months I use floral fragrances because they are my favorite and lift my mood during gloomy weather. During the warm months I switch to lavender, citrus, and other fragrances that repel insects, since they are a major problem here in Virginia.
I am currently finishing the Special Effects bag. I need to make handles and add a finished edge.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Science Connection
The Science Museum celebrated the 400th anniversary of Galileo using the telescope to gaze at the sky for the first time. There were lots of activities, and the students involved in the after-school science outreach program, Science Connections, were invited for free. I volunteered for the Science Connections program this semester, and was invited to come. I brought a friend and his son, since I was allowed to bring family and have no kids of my own. There was free pizza and bottle rockets and 5 hours of fun.
It turns out I was further along on the Special Effects bag than I thought. I already had six panels finished before I picked it back up the other day and I finished the remaining two panels by Friday evening. I am now constructing the bag from the panels. I am worried that I may lose power tonight, depending on how strong the storm is outside, so I may not be able to finish or post again tonight.
Does anyone besides me save the little tails of thread when they crochet? I know a lot of cross-stitchers save their threads to use for things like filling clear ornament balls or other projects, but have never heard of people saving their scraps of yarn. I figured they would eventually be enough to stuff something.
It turns out I was further along on the Special Effects bag than I thought. I already had six panels finished before I picked it back up the other day and I finished the remaining two panels by Friday evening. I am now constructing the bag from the panels. I am worried that I may lose power tonight, depending on how strong the storm is outside, so I may not be able to finish or post again tonight.
Does anyone besides me save the little tails of thread when they crochet? I know a lot of cross-stitchers save their threads to use for things like filling clear ornament balls or other projects, but have never heard of people saving their scraps of yarn. I figured they would eventually be enough to stuff something.
Friday, May 1, 2009
It's Done!!!
My Tweedle Dee shawl in Moda Dea Tweedle Dee in the Blue Heather colorway is finished! I finished it last night, but was too tired to post the pictures. Also, my internet has been flakey, and we can't figure out why. It works fine if you are hard-wired into the modem, but not when connected to either the new or old wireless router. Considering that my computer is upstairs, I am stuck sharing the downstairs computer.
The shawl took four skeins instead of the five I had planned, so now I have to figure out what to do with the fifth skein. No rush. It can sit in my stash until I am good and ready. I was thinking of making an afghan out of all the remnant yarn left over from the projects I have been doing. I made four scarves for Christmas and this shawl, plus odds and ends from projects I can't remember anymore. I have a terrible memory. I remember when I hold the leftover yarn or the project, but when I have neither, I forget. That's one of the reasons for this blog, a written memory.
I have already gotten back to the project I put aside for Christmas projects: The Special Effects bag in the Jan/Feb 2008 Crochet Today (pg 8-10). I think I will need to make a change to how the pieces are put together, so that the tote is actually useful. This first bag is in the black and white Red Heart Super Saver yarn as suggested, but I may make another one in different yarns.
I know there are yarn snobs out there who wouldn't use Red Heart, but the yarn is actually working well for this project. I am picky about my yarn for garments, but accessories can be made out of whatever yarn suits the project. Plus it was a cheap project - just two skeins of Red Heart!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Ravencon is over!
I have spent the last week preparing for Ravencon 2009. Ravencon is a science fiction and fantasy convention that celebrates the genres of science fiction, fantasy, mystery and horror. It is called Ravencon because it is themed after Edgar Allen Poe. Although Poe was born in Boston, he grew up in Richmond, VA, and his childhood home is now the Edgar Allan Poe museum.
I also worked on my dress, in the hopes of finishing it in time for the con. No such luck. I have several hems to finish, including the skirt hem. The skirt is too long. Way too long. It seems like every skirt or pants I want is usually 6 inches too long. If I can find it in petite, then it is 3 inches too long. I don't like hemming because I need a second person to help me set the hem to the right length.
I also have to make the flowers that attach to the front, and I can't find the buckle I thought I bought for the belt.
The dress is coming along nicely, and I should have photos up soon.
I also worked on my dress, in the hopes of finishing it in time for the con. No such luck. I have several hems to finish, including the skirt hem. The skirt is too long. Way too long. It seems like every skirt or pants I want is usually 6 inches too long. If I can find it in petite, then it is 3 inches too long. I don't like hemming because I need a second person to help me set the hem to the right length.
I also have to make the flowers that attach to the front, and I can't find the buckle I thought I bought for the belt.
The dress is coming along nicely, and I should have photos up soon.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Busy week
Although it is turning out to be another busy week for me, I am finding time to fit in crafts.
I am lugging my crochet around for little bits of free time.
I am working on the dress when I am home. Here's the fabric I chose for the gown.
And I am working on this when I can't work on the dress:
I am lugging my crochet around for little bits of free time.
I am working on the dress when I am home. Here's the fabric I chose for the gown.
Yes, it's green again. I didn't go into Jo-Ann's looking for green fabric. I went in looking for the two types of fabric you see here (I forget what they are called right now), and looked for the color combination I liked best. Yes, I like green. It's one of the main colors in my wardrobe, even. But I was actually hoping for a pretty, dark blue that really spoke to me, and either a light blue or silver for the top of the dress. Instead, I found the only colors I liked were these: a spring green and a lighter matching green. Go figure. I try to expand my wardrobe, and I end up with MORE GREEN.
And I am working on this when I can't work on the dress:
A beaded butterfly! This is just the prototype. I didn't want to use painted wings until I was sure the beading would work.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter on Parade
The family went to Easter on Parade at Monument Avenue in Richmond today. We go almost every year. I love how other people dress up their dogs, and wear home-made Easter bonnets/hats for the contests. This was Kookie's second year. Kookie is my rescued Belgian Malinios. Last year she was so timid we didn't make it through the entir
e festival.The Easter festival stretches out on Monument for several blocks, with merchant tents in the islands down the middle. This year she acted like she was at the dog park, only on a leash! She wanted to say hi to all the other dogs and let children touch her without even flinching. She even kept rolling onto her back, trying to get me to play with her! She had a great time, and we actually made it down the street and back to the car. There seemed to be fewer tents this year, but other than that we had a wonderful time! I am so proud of my girl!
She doesn't like riding in my parents' car, though - too loud for her.
Maybe it's Maybelline
At 13 1/2 years old, Maybelline has seen me through high school, college, and the current hesitant start of my career. She has gotten a little crotchety with age, and I think she's a little senile now, but she warms my heart and my bed every day. I brought Maybelline home from the SPCA as kitten and she's been a constant Here's Maybelline in her new bed! I bought her an energy efficient heated bed for her achy bones. She has the bare precursors of arthritis, but with daily supplements she hasn't gotten worse. This bed only starts to heat when she's in it, and it warms up to the average kitty body temperature, although I forget what that is. She loved the bed immediately, and she only sleeps elsewhere when she wants my attention or if it is bedtime (she sleeps with me).
Best of all, I bought it with an Amazon gift card from Memolink! Woot!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Swannanoa, VA
Last Saturday, a friend and I drove two hours east on I64 from Richmond. One of the things I like to do on a sunny weekend is spend the day driving around and finding the forgotten beauty of Virginia. I have a "new" used bridge camera (a camera between regular digital cameras and digital SLR cameras), and wanted a chance to play with it. My friend has been in photography for a few years now and I've been bitten by the shutter bug recently.We stopped at this beautiful little church on the way out. Sorry, I thought I got a picture of the sign so I wouldn't forget where we went, but it's not on my SD card. I will ask my friend for a copy of his picture.
Here is a close-up of the window:
After that, we drove a few more miles into Waynesboro, VA. We noticed an old hotel up on the mountain that always caught my friend's eye. We found the way to the hotel and ended up driving around the mountain it sat on. There were several high-end homes up there, around a country club/golf 
course.A
Swannanoa is the sister building to the Maymont mansion/building in Richmond, VA. It was the summer home Major and Mrs. James H. Dooley, a Civil War era lawyer who became a railroad
tycoon who also did banking, steel, and land development. By 1911, Dooley was among the super-rich railroad barons, and bought 1000 acres to build the palace of Swannanoa. Finished in 1912, the Dooley's used the summer mansion until they both died. In 1925, the mansion was inherited by Major Dooley's sisters, who were nuns. It has since been a country club that President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge visited, a University of Science and Philosophy, a Property has been sold off to build two hotels, including the one that drew us into the area, the golf club, several homes, and I64 was built on the edge of the property. Maymont mansion was donated to the city of Richmond, along with the furniture from Swannanoa.
The current owner, James F. Dulaney, Jr., began restoring the mansion in 2000. He eventually plans to turn it into a European-style "boutique hotel." Count me as a future guest! A new hotel will be built into the mountain near the mansion, with the mansion being used for weddings and other functions.
Carved wood everywhere.
Painted ceilings, walls, and more. The large window in the back of the hall is of Mrs. Dooley.
Behind the mansion, there is an Italian tiered garden in the same Alabama white marble as the mansion.
There is a water tower and a two-story stone house for the head of the servants. And we found out what that building was that had originally caught our eye! Turns out that the stable is off
about 200 yards behind the mansion, which was pretty amazing considering that it held the electric generator! Back in the 1910-20s, only some cities and the wealthy had electricity. The wealthy had their own generators. They must have been noisy to want to house it in the stables so far away! The stables have a basement, with the generator, and a second floor, which held the housing for the coachman and stablehand. There is also a little building on the other side of the stable (hidden in this picture). No idea what it was for.I do hope this magnificent building is also saved. There was a small horse-drawn carriage visible in the windows, along with a lot of old furniture from the main building. The roof has serious damage, including a large hole near the tower (between the chimneys in the picture). It was clear by how young all the trees are around here that this area was completely clear and a large portion is relatively flat for running horses.
I have many more pictures that I won't bore people with. I want to go back again, when more trees are green. The estate is open to the public the first weekend each of May and June, so I may go back then.
I promise my next post will be craft-related. I just had to share my discoveries from last weekend.
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