Twisted Stitches...

Goodbye

2011-10-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

This is the last post for this blog. Sad, I know...but not really, because while this particular blog is ending, there is a new one (with the same name!) in the works AS YOU READ THIS. Click on any word in this post and it will take you to the new blog site!! cool. So, my friends, PEACE OUT!

2011-07-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

I was sad yesterday. I don't really want to go into it, but I was sad and have been for a few days now. So, I decided to make something brainlessly easy and functional to help cheer me up. It worked. These boxes are multi-functional...at least, they achieve more than one thing...1) they're recycled material, so bonus...2) they help with the clutter around the house...and 3) they are crafty...So, needless to say, I feel a little better today..

Happy Friday

2011-05-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday all!! Tomorrow's the end of the world, so you know, I probably won't be seeing you on Monday. JUST IN CASE the end of the world isn't going to happen, I've decided to create another list of things I would like to get done tonight....or this weekend...whatever.

1) Drop off junk at my friend's garage sale

2) make a purse or two

3) clean my house

4) play fabel II (this one really SHOULD be at the top of the list, eh?)

There is a city wide garage sale going on in Charlotte, MI this weekend that I may be attending. My favorite yarn store is having a basement sale! I hear she's selling some of the samples (sweaters, scarves, etc) that she's knit and had displayed around her shop! I'm very excited!!

I really ought to get out of the habit of posting without pictures...so, here is some randomness:

Have a great weekend!

really just a reminder for myself...save a post it note and all...

2011-05-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Three things that MUST happen tonight:

1) organize my purse sketches

2) sew (OBVIOUSLY)

3) re-organize my craft area

Other things that may happen tonight:

1) cover boxes with newspaper (for organizing purposes)

2) make a bouquet of flowers out of the wrapping paper from steph's bridal shower (for the rehursal bouquet)

3) make an apron out of my great grandmother's sheets (for my mom's 50th birthday...which is tomorrow!)

DONE

2011-04-24T22:08:00.001-07:00

It only took me four hours, but I am DONE with this bad boy! I'm sure that the more I make, the faster I'll get at sewing them...

I ran out of the material I used for the liner, so, for the straps I used a vintage sheet that belonged to my great grandmother!

This is the back of the purse.

And, of course a picture of the lining!

And just for fun, I decided to tempt fate and take this pic. These two are mortal enemies...if either knew that the other was only inches away...whoa nelly! Sabrina is the one on top, and Anna is the one under the chair!

Messenger

2011-04-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to attempt a messenger tote for some time now. A few months ago I cut out the pieces and just forgot about it...Last night I came across those pieces and decided to give it a go...I didn't really get very far because I had to leave to hang out with a friend who was only in town for a couple days. But I did sew the flap piece. Here it is:

I love this Tee. The colour on the picture isn't really that good...the background is an almost antique white, or a light yellow...very nice.

For the opposite side of the flap, I decided to use the same cotton fabric I will be using as the lining, just to give it a little structure. I felt that if I used two pieces of tee shirt it would be to flimsy.

These are the front and back panels of the main purse. I haven't decided what piece I want for the back and what piece I want under the flap. I may assemble the piece and see what looks better. I'm thinking though that the yellow piece with the birds will go on the back.

I also have two small panels for the side and one for the bottom cut out, although I haven't decided if I want to use them yet. I also need to decide what fabric I will be using for the strap. I think that the tee shirt material would be way to stretchy....maybe I'll layer it with something else.

Well anyway, I'd better get back to assembling this bad boy! Have a wonderful day and enjoy the partial sun!

a few old projects

2011-04-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

i haven't been able to update my blog because my computer died a while ago..well, i bought a shiny new computer with my tax return! it's funny, i acctually got used to living WITHOUT technology for a few weeks...when i returned to the internet, i didn't know what to do or what sites to go to! so, now, i'm only going to be on long enough to update my sites (blogger, etsy, facebook, etc...). so, here are a few projects that i've done (not ALL of them...just the ones i took pics of...my batteries in my camera ALSO died....) ANYWAY...here you go:

my first zipper project...a pouch made from recycled denim...i don't really like the way the corners turned out...but i do like the way the lining turned out.

a couple pincusions i made from felt and bottle caps...yes, bottle caps...like the ones you get from soda bottles...they make a great base..keeps the needles from going all the way through...

New Computer

2011-04-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hey my regular readers! (all 2 of you!) I just got a new computer! YAY! So, now I have no excuse to not post! Now I just have to find my camera so I can add some pics of my latest creations!!

Sneak Peak

2011-01-20T06:54:00.001-08:00

Anxious to see the finished product?
Patience patience.

I used my very favorite blouse for this purse. It was a little bitter sweet to cut it. But, I cant wear a shirt that has holes in spots... SO, my favorite tee just became my favorite purse! It still needs some finishing touches (to be done tonight), but when that's done, I will post pics...It may not make it to my etsy...I think I've got a buyer for it. But, if they aren't interested by this weekend be sure it will be posted to my etsy!

New Year??

2011-01-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

You are probably wondering why I keep adding posts with no pics of my latest awsomeness. (Then again, maybe you know me and know EXACTLY why I have not posted any pictures.) It is because, fellow bloggonians, I am lazy. No, not just too lazy too post a pic. I'm too lazy to even MAKE anything. BUT, I am trying to change my ways. Which is why I'm posting this entry in the first place. I am trying to own up to my laziness and change my ways! I promise my friends that there will be new and exciting bobbles and bits to gander at. To make up for my laziness, I have decided to do a craft a day. Something new EVERY day for a month starting tonight. So, my friends, I will see you soon!

re-revisiting old

2011-01-12T09:17:00.001-08:00

I think I'm going to re-visit some of those first generation tee purses....they were cute, but the handles were crap. That is all...

tis the season

2010-12-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a scarf that I promised to a customer a long time ago. LONG time ago. I didn't like to work on it when I first started because it felt like it wasn't my own creation. Both the yarn and the design were dictated to me when the scarf was ordered. That is why I put the scarf down for so long. I wasn't passionate about it. I will tell you this...this is the LAST custom order I'm going to do for a while. I need to concentrate on getting my etsy stock up without worrying about deadlines for people. It's increadibly stressful. BACK to the scarf. I hated this scarf. It wasn't until last night when I picked it back up again that I began to love it. First, I noticed how soft it was. I still wasn't fond of the colors. Second, I started to appreciate the texture of the stitch. It was both masculine and feminine. The color was growing on my now. Third, I started to admire the pattern. At first glance, it looks like a simple color block scarf...but, there is something odd about it. The color blocks shift in size...each of the three colors taking turns being the largest and smallest. Now I am in love with the colors. The whole scarf seems to flow into itself. Large and small, male and female, yin and yang.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-09T06:48:00.001-08:00

Wow. It's been a few months since I've posted anything. I've been a busy little elf since august. Soon, my line of rock purses will be posted to Etsy. And I have a brand new design for my tee shirt purses.

I've already recieved a few orders for this purse in particular. It's selling so fast that I don't even have time to post it to my etsy! (Not that I'm complaining!) So, if you are interested in one, let me know and I'll make one for you! The cost is $30+shipping, if you live out of town. And YES, they are made from recycled tee shirts! The roses are tee material and powder pink tulle. They ARE lined, with a pocket on the inside. Right now, the purses are about 50% recycled material, but will soon be made from about 80% recycled material. (The purse handles are not recycled, unfortunately, so if anyone knows of a supplier who sells recycled wooden purse handles, let me know!)

So, enough of the shameless shop plug. The acctual purse that is pictured is the very first one of it's design and will be finding a new home with my mother on christmas day! I can't wait to give it to her. I've been hinting to her about her present for about a month now...she knows that it is a purse, and it's made from tees, and she's even seen the roses...but I don't think she has any clue as to what it acctually looks like! I really hope she doesn't read this before she gets it!

new projects

2010-08-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today is a new year. It's closer to a new year personally than new years day is. It's my birthday. I am exactly 28 years old..I think that birthdays are the days that people should make their new year resolutions....well...this is what I'm going to do anyway...I'm not going to list all of them here...some of them are very personal and I don't want to share with the whole world...or at least the five of you that read this blog...But I will share resolution #2 with you. #2 is that I want to get my etsy off the ground By September 30th. It gives me two months make purses and yarn and anything else I come up with out of recycled materials...

On another note...I started a blanket. My first blanket. I've been knitting and crocheting for close to a decade and this is my first blanket. No...I don't procrastinate...not me! I know, I know, it looks sort of christmas-ie and grandma-ish...but I didn't mean for it to look like that...I didn't go to the store with the intention of making a cheesy afghan that would go well in Mrs. Clause's sitting room...acctually...I'm trying to declutter my house...and I decided to get rid of some yarn. Then my crazy thrifty go-green mind yelled at me and said "It will be a waste to get rid of all that yarn..." So, why not make something useful? Who cares if it looks like Rudolf puked all over it? So! Here it is...my granny square, frosty jiz covered blanket:

unfinished of course...

toasted almonds

2010-06-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Toasted almonds are so very yummy...but can be expensive if you buy them in the pre-packaged salad topper packages. It's so much cheaper to do it yourself...and a lot tastier!

What you need...a sauce pan or skillet, a bag of cheep sliced almonds (off-brand is fine! I used spartan brand...you can find them in the baking isle with all the cake and goodie stuff..), a spatula, and a measuring cup...

step one: measure half a cup of sliced almonds...

step 2: brown on medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, making sure not to burn...about 10-15 minutes. The almonds have a high oil content which will be released while they cook, so you don't have to add any cooking oil.

step 3: once they are golden brown and crispy, put warm almonds in a heat safe dish to cool.

step 4: once cooled, put on your favorite salad as a topper...OR you can eat them as a snack on their own....

YUM!

new purses

2010-03-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

I was up till three a.m. sewing last night. I finished two more purses (three total yesterday) and even managed to sell the green day one! My favorite one is the maroon one.

The lining:

Green Day purse. I really like the red buttons.

And a nice punk lining:

taste the rainbow

2010-03-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

I've finished my second bag! I decided not to sell the first one because of a few mistakes I made (plus I REALLY liked the first one and it was my first sewing project, so why would I give it away!!??). Anyway, I wanted to make another one on a tee shirt I didn't like as much so I could practice and not feel bad if it ruined the shirt. Well, turns out I really liked the outcome and it's a super cute bag. Now it's time to post it on etsy!! The colors remind me of skittles.

The lining. Found the perfect plaid to match the purple and blue! :

And, finally, a few action shots! I can't decide which one to use in my etsy...I think my favorite is the first one on the fence. Leave me a message and vote for your favorite one!

good deals

2010-03-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Just bought 50 tees at good will for $20! YAY goodwill!! Now, I have to throw them in the wash (because you never know how they've been cleaned!) and then I can start cutting them up!! :)

Etsy and Earth Day 2010

2010-03-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

I finished my first purse for my etsy! It's only the second thing I've ever made on my sewing machine!! So, here it is!

Here's a pic in action...you know, you get home, hang your purse on the back of the chair, and pour yourself a captain and diet..

I wanted to take a pic with a size reference, so I stuck my checkbook in the pick. The little tool on the right is a seam ripper.

A huge thanks to Ronnie for generously donating his gently used tees for the greater cause... which is me making money.

So, on a related note...I want to get my stock up BECAUSE, April 22 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. So, the entire month of April, anything that I have for sale in my shop that is either made from recycled materials or meant to replace an item that would otherwise be thrown out (i.e. coffee cup cozies) will have a portion of the proceeds donated to a environmental group. Now, I haven't decided which group yet, so suggestions are very welcome. I was thinking either the world wildlife foundation, or maybe even my local recycling center.

drinking and knitting...my two favorite things

2010-03-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

I ordered two pint glasses and two shot glasses from ravelry.com for those days that I really get fed up with my knitting mistakes....

So, fellow knitters, come over with your knitting and when we get frustrated (or even if we aren't), we'll have a shot and a pint! Bring on the Irish Car Bombs!!

food and yarn defects

2010-02-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

I'm starting a new workout program called the P90X. It's claim: to transform your body in 90 days. It's supposed to "confuse" your muscles so your body never hits that "plateau" and stops producing results, giving you the best results possible in 90 days. Now, normally I'm not one for infomercials or a big believer in the "claims" they show. I know they pic the best results. But, I actually know someone whose done the program. So, I'm going to try it!
And enough with the plug. Part of the package was a free membership to Team Beach Body...an online fitness site with forums, exercise tips, recipes, etc. I got a wonderful recipe off of that site...with a few adjustments of course! Actually...I saw the recipe and thought...I want one...and the only thing my recipe and the one on team beach body have in common are the eggs...

So, here it is...My breakfast burrito...there are onions, yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, chili and paprika, and cheese...YUMMY The shell was a south beach low carb tortilla...don't recommend them...they are VERY crumbly.

So, I've been knitting a beautiful lace tank top out of the Caron Simply Soft in heather grey (I've been drawn to grey lately...it's basically the only color I wear...that or some shade like black or white or deep navy blue...some color palate..). Anyway, I don't usually have any problems with this particular brand..it happens to be my favorite. It's soft, warm, and beautiful. So, I'm knitting this intricate lace pattern, and I come across this:

really? are you f***ing kidding me??? I had to put it down for a minute and breath because I was so mad. It turned out to be an easy fix...I just gently pulled out the white stuff. But, this was only the first spot like that. There were at least three more (and I haven't finished the skein yet). I hope that it was just this skein and not the whole dye lot that is like this.

2010-02-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

So, last week my friend and I went to Hobby Lobby to pic out yarn for his girlfriend's scarf. Here is what we picked out!

The yarn is super soft and I think the scarf is going to be really warm! While I was there, I was thinking about my sewing machine, and how all I've done is make a few cat toys...so, I decided to get fabric for my very first corset! I picked the st. Patricks day fabric because a) it's my first corset and I didn't want to by $15/yard satin fabric only to ruin it! and b) because St. Patricks day is just around the corner....I don't usually celebrate because St. Patrick was a bastard, but, it's been americanized and it's now an excuse to drink! I was going to wear orange just to be different, but this fabric was SUPER CHEAP!! maybe I'll but orange ribbon on it so I can wear both colors....It can symbolize the unification of north and south Ireland! anyway....I'll post pics when each project is done!

I've also got another project on the needles...I'm a test knitter for a pattern called vines, and I told the girl I'd have it done by the end of feb...it's a tank top...i better get working!

home made salsa!!

2009-11-15T18:11:00.000-08:00

To make the best salsa, you want as fresh of ingredients as you can get. (I was a little lazy tonight and used minced garlic instead of whole clove garlic!)

tools:
1 food chopper (I got mine from pampered chef..you can also use a knife to chop everything)
1 large bowl
1 knife
1 rubber spatula
1/4 tsp measuring spoon

ingredients:
4-5 medium size tomatoes
1 small white onion
1 jalapeno pepper (or more depending on how hot you want your salsa!)
1 yellow bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 lemon
approx 1-2 tbs finely chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp minced garlic (or 1-2 cloves, chopped)
1/2 tsp sea salt

directions:
rinse all the veggies and cut each end off. I left the seeds in my jalapeno, but if you don't want it as hot, take the seeds out. (You may want to use rubber gloves when dealing with jalapeno seeds, because the oils can get on your fingers and stay there for a while. You don't want to accidentally rub your eyes and get the oil in your eyes.) Cut the veggies into sections that will fit into the chopper. Chop all the veggies and put them in the bowl. You can use a board scraper to pick up all the pieces. I got mine at Target. Add 1/2 tsp of garlic and 1/2 tsp of sea salt. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from each half into the mixture. Add about 2 Tbs of finely chopped cilantro. Stir all the ingredients well. Make sure to taste the salsa, and add more salt or garlic to taste. (I ended up adding another 1/4 tsp of garlic, but I love garlic and onions and anything stinky!!)

Serve in a large decorative bowl with your favorite tortilla chips. You can also make tortilla chips by buying soft taco shells, cutting them into triangles (like a pizza), brushing them with olive oil, adding a few of your favorite spices (I use the pre-mixed blends for bread dipping, but experiment to see what you like!), and then baking at 350 for 15-20 minutes, or until just crispy. They will crisp a little more once they cool, so don't over do them in the oven.

Recipe makes quite a bit, so enjoy for a party or a group of friends. It also keeps for about 2 weeks in the fridge!

Enjoy!!

new etsy items

2009-10-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

I didn't do the goals that I set for myself last week. That being said, I DID make three pretty hemp necklaces today while watching "Memoirs of a Geisha". I will be posting these on my etsy shop, but I have to wait for better lighting to take pics in. I think I may walk around in the park and look for some pretty yellow, orange, and red leaves to take them with...here they are:

The first necklace I made was the one with three red wooden beads, the second was the red glass beads, and the third was the three jade green beads....it is purely coincidental that they appear in order of production in the pic...

Here is the jade green necklace again. The picture is showing the closure.

And the red wooden bead necklace. I took this pic just after I finished it.

Each necklace only took me about a half hour to make. Not bad. Of course, now I have mild rope burn on my hands...that's why I keep a big bottle of lotion on my end table!

goals

2009-10-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

I have been beating my brains out lately about finances. Money is the BIGGEST stress of my life...well...lack of money anyway. So, it got me thinking. I have the means to make money, I have the talent to make money, and I have the dream. My biggest downfall is that I don't have the mini goals to get me to where I want to be. Where do I want to be? I want to sell my handmade goods and make a fairly decent living at it. Duh. But, the real question isn't where I want to be...because that's obvious...no, the real question is what do I need to do to get there? The answer, I've concluded after a lot of self reflection is to set mini attainable goals. Well...first thing is that I need to finish a project TO sell. But I'm so ambitious that I start a handful of projects at once, then I end up not finishing them..
So, I've decided to create a detailed list of things that I need to do. And I'm going to do this list a week at a time. At first I'll create small attainable goals. Then, as I get used to it, I'll add more to challenge myself a little more.

First list...here goes:
goal 1: Make three coffee cup cozies by the end of the week (Friday)
goal 2: Finish the drop stitch scarf by the end of the weekend.
goal 3: Post the products of goal 1 and goal 2 on etsy.

Unfortunately I missed prime selling time for my favorite holiday..I can't sell Halloween stuff :( But, I'll start making things for Christmas and Valentines day.

Anyway, I think I've talked enough about my problems and my goals. Have a good night.

a few new things

2009-10-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few projects I've been working on in the past month.

The first is a circular shrug I started at annual training. I set it down for a few weeks when I got home, but picked it up and finished it within two days! I'm so lazy! I could have just finished it in August...oh well. I finished it just in time for fall.

The second is kind of a sneek peek. I've decided that I'm sick of stray litter on the floor from when my cats come out of their box and I had a bunch of balls of yarn laying around that are mad from fabric that have been cut into strips and sewn together, so I decided to make a litter box rug. So, this pic is a sneek peek of my kitchy farmgirl rug. It was hard to knit at first..I'm using size us 15 needles and it's still really tight, but I'm used to it now, so it's going a lot faster. Should be done in the next few days.

more stuff

2009-08-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

I made another coffee cup cozy for my etsy...however, alana came over and it matched her purse perfectly, so I gave it to her! here's a pic for good measure anyway..I'm currently making another for my shop!

I love the red contrast stitch on the black and white background...

bohemian fall colours bag

2009-08-11T14:32:00.001-07:00

I started a crocheted bag a few days ago. Once it's finished I'm planning on selling it in my etsy shop! It's really coming along..it should be finished in a few days...of course, I'll have to line it, and I've never done that before..not to mention I'd have to do it by hand because I'm sans sewing machine at the moment! It should be fine though....as for the lining fabric, there's a small second hand shop in the basement of hospice that has a decent craft section...they sell vintage fabric for $1.00 a yard. If you can get over going into hospice (which I don't have a problem with because the money benefits the place) then there are a ton of great finds! Anywho, here's a pic of what i've got done!

(that's not white, it's tan..the other colors are green, camo, and brown)

etsy stuff!!

2009-08-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

So, I started my etsy shop (finally!). Last night I worked on a couple cozies to put in it (I could have done more, but I was feeling lazy and watching reruns of star trek the next generation!!) Tonight, I'm going to make animal print coffee cozies! I think those will sell better than the fun summer colours! Anyhow, here they are!

I know it's not much, but at least it's something in my shop! I'm thinking of taking the earrings I made and put up in the coffee shop and putting them in my etsy!

new things

2009-08-08T18:02:00.000-07:00

Before I left for Annual training, I stopped at the Yarn store in ER and picked up a few fun finds. The Buttons are military inspired by vogue, and the yarn is patons silk bamboo in orchid. I bought the yarn to swatch for a short sleeve deep v sweater. It's incredibly soft and I can't wait to start on it.

So, my annual training was kind of crappy this year. We stayed in DIRTY barraks in sleezy Grayling. Now, if I were just spending my time on the field it would be one thing. But, we're in the band. Part of our job is to look our best. How can we do that when we're living in filth? Anyway, the beggining of the second week I got a call from my mom saying my great grandmother was sent to hospice. My command ended up being really cool and releasing me, so my squad leader drove me home for the night so I could see her one last time. She ended up dying on Wednsday morning at 3 A. M.
So, I had a crappy AT. I get home and find a package on my kitchen counter filled with goodies from Wales. It didn't fix my broken heart, but it lift my spirits significantly. Inside were the buttons I ordered (although, I only remember ordering one set...I think the second set were a gift.), and the vintage Rudiments of Music book.

And, SUPRISE!! Birthday gifts from Wondra! Thank you so much! My cats really liked the i.d. yarn. It was apparant when I went up to my attic and it was unraveled all across the floor. Not to worry though! It took me about three hours, but I was able to untangle it and wind it back up into a ball....I almost killed my cats....Ok...so, I googled british military buttons, and I found the two small silver ones. Don't know if you know this Wondra, but the buttons you sent me are almost three hundred years old. No, not almost, ARE!! And they are beatiful..mabey I'll make a doll and use them for eyes, just like in coraline...j/k...I do think I'll use them in my Mrs. Lovett costume though. Anyway, THANK YOU for my presents!!

I bought some more yarn to make more shrugs..I'll be making them in multiple sizes and putting them in my etsy shop. The yarn I picked up is a nice forest green...should fit the falling leaves motif. I'll be starting on a size small tonight. Anyway, I've talked and talked tonight! I'll be back soon!!

grrr

2009-07-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to my circular shrug-in-progress on the floor and the ball of yarn destroyed...GGGGRRRR!!!! I'll be rewinding the ball in about five seconds....

2009-07-12T23:11:00.001-07:00

I started a new shrug today. The pattern is called "circular shrug", from Ravelry.com. Thank you Julia Allen for outlining such a cute piece of clothing using any yarn with any size needle. For mine, I chose to knit it in Patons Divine in white on size US 11 needles. The project is going quite fast, and hopefully I'll have it done by the end of the week. I started the project in hopes that I'll have something to knit to help pass the time on annual training, but I think I'll be done by then, or at least shortly into it! I think I'll bring some cotton yarn and a crochet hook and make a shopping bag, and mabey some washcloths..I want to do so many projects! Right now my knitting ADD mind is going "pack a bunch of different yarn and needles so you won't get bored!!" I think I'll limit myself to the washcloths and bag...MABEY I'll bring a skein to make another strug.

......

2009-07-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

i love my cats...i love my cats...

hmmmm

2009-06-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

i want to invent a robot that mows the lawn...one who can stand the 90 degree heat!

ALMOST....THERE....

2009-06-22T23:37:00.000-07:00

this was the most rewarding project i have ever completed...mabey because i didn't use a pattern and figured it out on my own...not quite finished yet, all i need to do is put a few rows of ribbing on the sleeves and weave in the ends. i have some really pretty shiny tan beads i might but in various spots...not sure it'll be worth the work though...i think it's just fine without them. and now a few pics...(please excuse my hair...i just finished my run prior to the pics..)

from the back....jankey photo...had to take it backwards...but, i'll have someone take a real pic from behind once i'm totally finished and glammed up!

from the front....i wasn't sure how it would turn out...but i'm pleased with the results!

2009-06-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

first things first....

a teaser of my shrug..almost done!

i was unpacking and found this guy....his hair is falling out, so i need to fix him with something else...don't know yet though, but as soon as i see something it'll hit me!

a few bubble magnets..

speaks for itself....

and audrey two...my venus fly trap....isn't it a contradiction to have a plant that eats meat? mother nature strikes back...take THAT!

new house

2009-06-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

so, i moved into my new house a few weeks ago...i've just been lazy and haven't uploaded any new pics, so, HERE THEY ARE!! tadaaa....

Bathroom...decided to go with spa colours...

kitchen...i think i'm going to paint it yellow....there is a TON of storage space and counter space...haven't baked any cupcakes yet though!

living room...done with this room for now...i'm happy with it...even if the curtains are a little old lady-ish!!

uber creative...

2009-04-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Last night I think there was a muse lying in bed with me. Sounds kinky, I know. But, all of last night, all I could think about was creating new and exciting sweaters. I drew out about five designs. Now, all I have to do is figure out the patterns and submit them to various (paying) sites. Mamma needs high speed internet!
I'm almost finished with the back of the bed jacket. It's not very far, but at least it's an accomplishment. Only five more sections to go! I figured with the amount of time I acctually knit, it'll be a section or so a week. I'm going to do the arms at the same time so they're even with each other. I may even do the front two pannels the same way.
I know I'll have a ton more time to knit in a few weeks. Tommarrow I'm going with my mother to look at a house for rent. I've seen the outside, but I don't think I need to see the inside to make up my mind. I've already done so. So, all I'm waiting for is for the construction crew to finish renovations. When I'm living on my own I won't have anyone to talk to except my cats, no cable, no digital converter, so I'll be able to knit a LOT!
One of my mothers co-workers is selling a brand new reclining couch for $75. SWEET! Now I'll be able to have company over!
So, I promise I'll get pics of my knitting and the house up soon. Mabey I'll throw in a couple of my cats, because I know everyone is just DYING to see how they're doing!
Just one more thought....I'm browsing patterns on ravelry and I came across a couple from the new issue of Vogue knitting....I'll have to pick that issue up...there are some really cute peices!

2009-04-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so excited about something that you feel like you're about to faint? That happened to me today. Before I go on, let me tell you events leading up to this moment. For the last two weeks or so, I've been searching for a new appartment. I work at a coffee shop, which is the hub of town, and have been asking regular customers or customers that I know have property whether they or anybody they know has property for rent. I got a few leads, but they all ended in miserable disappointment. For example, I know one customer owns the building next to our shop and HAD an appartment available, but had just signed a lease with a new tennant the day before. Everywhere I turned I would come up short. About a week ago, I asked a girl that works in the shop next to mine if she knew of anybody trying to find a renter. She said that the family of the elderly gentleman next to her house was trying to find someone. I was thinking that I would never be able to afford a house with a nice yard and a garage. But, on a whim, I called the landlord. We are now at the moment that I almost fainted. Upon telling me about all the repairs and the acre of land the house sits on, the landlord told me the rent. The WHOLE property is almost two hundred dollars LESS than what I was looking for. What repairs you ask? I'll tell you. There is a new roof, a new toilet and bathtub, new carpet, new drywall, and a few landscape repairs. Apparantly the water drained towards the house and caused black mold in the basement, but both the mold and the water drainage issues have been resolved.
My mother and I drove past the house today. Acctually we drove by about three times. I'm afraid that the people working on the house thought that we were two psychos because we drove by really slow and staired. I don't care though. It's a cute little white house with room for a vegetable garden and flowers under the windows. And it's within walking distance of work.
The best part about this whole thing is that it's a two bedroom house, so I'll be able to have a proper craft room!
I don't sound too excited, do I??
My mother is going with me on Saturday to view the house, but it's just a technicality. I just want to picture what it looks like inside so I can decorate in my head!

new new years resolution

2009-01-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

so, i've been thinking...maybe my resolve to knit a new sweater every month was a BIT much...i'm only bringing this up because the sweater i'm making for my mom is taking FOREVER!!! plus school is about to start and i'm still working full time....SO, i've decided to resolve to knit one project at a time, start to finish....i'll try to work up my speed though..i've got a ton of projects lined up....
but, i'm still going to do the sweater i had lined up for january next.
i found my camera...it was at the bottom of a laundry basket that i piled a bunch of sweaters and jackets on...they were clean! i swear! but i'm just lazy and haven't put them away yet...anyway, i'll post soon, but i don't have time right now....

new years resolutions

2008-12-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

a few new years resolutions:

1) quit smoking

2) get off my weight flag

3) knit (and finish) a new project every month

for my first knitting project i want to do something lacey and sexy. it'll probably be white, because instead of fighting the never ending snow this season, i've accepted the fact that i'm stuck in siberia (well, michigan, but it's similar). i will be a snow vixen, the ice queen. so, something white, possibly with silver beads because i like the snow that shimmers like glitter.

I was thinking this...but in white with beading in the collar and cuffs. sexy....the pattern is from Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowan-Micheal

i hope it's not to ambitious...it'll be my second sweater (the first one is febuary lady sweater for my mom)

brrr....

2008-11-09T13:11:00.001-08:00

it's.......snowing.....

mmmm....brains!

2008-11-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

so, i haven't gotten very far on my novel....only 633 words, but i let rachel read it and she likes it...i'm starting to wonder if i'll ever finish a book! i had inspiration and worked on it for about an hour the other night, but that's it! i just can't get into it! oh well...i'll finish it someday!

anyway..wondra, i had a dream i visited you and you were pregnant! weird...youre not are you? lol!! j/k! anyway, i'll be back soon!

drew

one more day!

2008-10-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

first, i want to say happy birthday wondra!!

next, i figured out what i want to write about (last night, while i was drifting off to sleep). ruined my sleep of course. but, at least i'm not freaking out as much. i'm going to write about a woman who gets abducted by her stalker and taken to a remote location....don't know what to classify the story as though...don't really care, i'll figure that out later.

anyway, my sweater is coming along....i haven't worked on it tonight, but i did count the stitches. i gave up on knitting tonight though because i was one stitch off...didn't feel like dealing with it tonight.

tommarrow is halloween (it's already halloween in wales though!). my mom and i are going to watch a seven hour live ghost hunter show..i'll work on the sweater then...i should be able to get a big chunk done in seven hours...i really want to work on other things, but i'm determined to acctually finish this project before i start another one....i can overcome my knitters a.d.d!!!

nanowrimo

2008-10-29T18:52:00.001-07:00

it's almost here! national novel writing month! i can't wait, but i'm dreading it! i still have no idea what i'm writing about. but, hey, i'll just start writing and we'll see what comes of it. anywho, i've gotta go. love you!

2008-10-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

dont really have much to say. just wanted to post to let everyone know i'm still alive! i'm making progress with my sweater....i've almost gotten to the lace part (it's worked top down and the collar and chest area are garter stitch). i've even finished all three button holes...i think i've got four more increase rows (eight rows total). i can't wait to get to the lace part, it's very easy (i've already made a swatch!!! i couldn't help it!) this is my first sweater (well, first one that will be finished any how...i've started another one but, i'd get the front and back done and put it down for a few months and loose my place) i've taken detailed notes on this one so i don't think i'll be in danger of loosing my place, plus i'm obsessed with counting the stitches every row (obsessed or paranoid? i think the later).
wondra, i really want to come over and see you! i had a dream last night that i met the love of my life in london! mabey it was prince william! yeah...
anyway, i've got to turn in! i'm VERY tired!
mabey tommarrow i'll sew my costume! or mabey it will never get done cause i'm lazy, plus i have no idea how to use a sewing machine!
anyway, good night

2008-09-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

ok, so i was trying to take a pic of the kittens to show someone who is interested and i got something else...there is a cat in the top right corner and one in the middle....and it would appear there is another playing with them that we couldn't see with the naked eye...hmmm...

we have had a lot more than usual amount af kitties pass away in the past few years, so it wouldn't suprise me if a couple decided to hang around...

speaking of kitties passing away, captain jack was hit by a car a few days ago and two of the four kitties i was bottle feeding died today...:( sad times...

but we finally FINISHED the kitty enclosure, so they will be safe from raccoons and cars...so far they really like it!

2008-09-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

finally, blogger cooperated! here is my absolutely fabulous craft desk! floor to ceiling
(and we've got 10 ft. ceilings!) there are a few sci fi books on the top middle section, and some paperwork in the middle. but everything else is craft supplies or books! i'd like to get or make some prettier storage containers..mabey i'll cover my exsiting ones with decorated scrapbook paper, since i have tons of it! i've still got three or four fourty gallon totes in my closet with yarn, scrapbook stuff, and random crafty things, plus boxes of knitting magazines...i don't know what i want to do with them yet...but really, can a girl have to much craft things?

the desk itself was made for my brother for his birthday by my step dad...my dad is so handy! it was then taken over by my mom when my brother was shipped out and became her craft desk, but i moved in shortly after that and i'm in my brothers old room (he took over my old room after i moved out!), but the desk had to stay because it was to big to get out the door (yes, the desk was built in the room!) but, i really like it, and i don't have to find art to cover the bland white walls, and my funky leopard bench fits perfectly under it!

cat enclosure

2008-09-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

ok...so this is a whole new post for those who already read the one i previously posted about our new cat enclosure....SOMEHOW in the editing process, i tried to upload photos and suceeded in two things: 1) my photos were uploaded successfully *yay*, and 2) my post was deleted *grr*.

but, all's well that end's well...i got the pics and that's all that matters...

here is our cat enclosure:

on a sadder note, i lost my job last night...not fun...don't want to talk about it...but, that leaves me a WHOLE lot of time to work on items for my etsy...SO, i reorganized my desk so now it's a craft workspace...and my desk is AWSOME!!

and, once again, blogger is having trouble uploading photos, so, you'll have to wait to see my floor to ceiling craft desk...

fun finds

2008-07-18T18:39:00.001-07:00

i went to my local thrift shop yesterday and found some great stuff!

a travel coffee pot i can plug into the wall or cigarette lighter in my car

a couple vintage crochet books, a cookie cookbook, and a miles davis cd

and (no, they aren't real cookies!) cookie soap and bath bombs!! the ones with the sprinkles are lemon and the other ones are cinnamon nutmeg bath bombs! they look, feel, and smell like real cookies! the bombs even crumble like real cookies! awfully tempting! yum!!

expensive day

2008-07-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

my new books came in the mail yesterday! YAY!! they're pretty awsome! i can't wait to get started on some of the projects.

i haven't gotten the kit yet, but i just sent the check out in the mail yesterday, so i imagine i'll be getting that soon!

my kitties just got back from the vets this morning...i had them spayed...it cost $420.00!!! i was floored! i think i hid my shock pretty well though...it wasn't just the surgury though...they also got vaccines, ear mite medicine, and blood work to make sure their livers and everything else was working like it should....but now they're safe and sound at home and i'll never have a bill that large again!

so on top of that, my ENTIRE exhaust system on my car FELL OFF! so i had to get that fixed today as well...that ended up costing me $500.00! plus i had to buy a new O2 sensor for my car which cost about $70. so i ended up spending close to $1000 today! sheesh..that could've bought a lot of yarn!

new knit and crochet community

2008-07-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

i just joined the community at http://www.ravelry.com. it looks really cool so far...i'm just playing with and learning the features now...but you can organize your stash, needles, books, patterns, projects, and future projects all in one place.. plus there's a forum and whatnot...it looks like it's going to be an awsome site!
it's still new, and because of this they ask that you put your name on a waiting list to join. that's so they won't overload their server, but they send you an invite in a few days, and trust me, it's WORTH THE WAIT!! it's also totally free! so far, it's the best fiber community i've found...
have a great day and check out ravelry!

christmas in july!

2008-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

i ordered some more knitting books and a knitting kit today!! yay!! the books i acctually ordered a few days ago so they should be here by tuesday...

this is the knitting kit and pattern i ordered....sexy....mabey by the time i finish it i'll have someone to show it off to...i also ordered the pattern and kit for the stockings that go with it...not sure i'd want the knitted thong, but i ordered a kit for a bigger size than i am, so i might be able to make panties instead....

the books i ordered are:

knitting lingere style: by joan mcgowan-michael

sexy little knits: by ashley paige

naughty needles: by nikol lohr

and

Doodle Stitching: by aimee ray

this last one doesn't really fit the theme, but it looked really interesting! i can't wait to get my packages!! eeeee!!

2008-02-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

been a while...i know. i've been lazy. but, since i moved, i've lost the chord to my camera, so i can't upload photos if i wanted to...oh well...i'll post again soon...i'm just tired now.

2007-11-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

so, it's been a while since i posted last! wow! anyway, no real updates right now....mainly because i left my camera at my dad's house over thanksgiving....whoops...i also left my coffee cup there....boo!!! i have made a few things in the last year...(just a few...) my favorite being a wonderful blue crocheted purse with bamboo handles. of course, no camera....pic will have to wait.....oh!! i can't stand the excitement!! settle down killer! it'll be here soon enough! Anyway, so, i promise to update more often...i've been a bad bad girl haven't i?

let it snow

2007-01-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

i'm not a snow lover. but, this winter, i did start to miss our typical michigan weather. (mainly because this year was the year i decided to accept the fact i live in a snow state and go snow boarding only to have an untypically WARM winter...all because i wanted to partake in outdoor activities for once!) ....not bitter...no...not at all......anyway, i was very pleased to wake up this morning to this (yes, it's our first snow of the season! and it's january 15th!!):

the road in front of our house (above)....that's our 5th wheel on the left and the drive on the right belongs to the people across the street...

the pond in our back yard (above)...makes you want to curl up next to the fire, pop in a good movie, sip some hot cocoa, and knit, doesn't it?on a totally unrelated topic....i just recieved a letter from wondra in the mail. the package contained a bag of dried lavender (did she do it herself? one can only guess...it's absolutely lovely..i have the bag next to my bed on my nightstand so i can smell it when i go to sleep..) two hand made christmas ornaments, three charms, and a piece of unpolished amethyst (below)..my progress on the pi vest from knit 1 mag (below)...i'm hoping to get it done before i leave to visit wondra in wales...my version will be all grey with maroon stripes on the ribbing...like in harry potter....
and a christmas gift from my cousin (below)....a hank of yarn, size 1 double pointed needles, a pattern for gloves, and an obsenly large gift card to an awsome yarn store (not pictured...)

etsy+knits=exciting stuff

2006-11-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

i really want to start my etsy shop, so i bought a few things to get it started! yay!

here's all the beads and stuff i bought. they're JUST for jewelry i plan on selling in my etsy. i've already made two pieces! go me! i just have to get around to opening my shop!
here's the scarf i started for curtis. orange is his favorite color, so i found a yarn with a bunch of different shades. i think the piece looks like a pile of leaves...hmm...mabey i can use that as an excuse to jump on him every time he wears it!

wow....

2006-10-31T20:39:00.000-08:00

it's been a while....hmm...gotta get on more often....but, i've got a good excuse!! i met someone...he's tall...mmmm...an ex ranger, and he has a friggen degree! more on him later....don't want to give too much of my yummy goodness away...i want to keep him to myself for a little while! (not to mention i don't have any digital pics of him yet and i want to post pics!!)

anyway, a few updates....

haven't been working on much....i made my first dishcloth...(usually a first project for most, but me? i wait three years!! muahaha!!) it's bright orange (for my honey...it's his favorite color)
i also started a scarf with different shades of orange in them for him....(i know...i'm a dork!)

my dad wants me to make him a hat that comes down to cover his ears and the back of his neck so it'll keep the wind off him while he hunts...

i've also been commissioned by a customer to make a scarf....i've got one of the yarns for it already, but need to find a good contrasting yarn...

there are so many things i want to make! i want to make my honey an orange sweater for christmas, and some green, maroon, and blue pillows for his couch....mabey i should make something for me in there somewhere....lol....i LIKE making stuff for him....it makes me feel like i'm taking care of him! anyway, gotta go to bed! i'll post more often..i promise!

sorry....

2006-08-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

it's been a while since my last post....well, a lot has gone on....this week has been really weird....the ups were high, the downs low....today was great....
let me just start with this weekend....saturday i was supposed to go to a concert in battle creek, but i was VERY VERY sick the night before (stomach flu is going around..blah!), so they sent me home....so, i just slept for the entire day....what's worse, there's a syst on my tailbone (i know, i know....very gross) that got really infected and i couldn't sit, stand, lay, etc.....it was a BIG problem.....plus, it was also affecting my health by bringing my temp up...SO, i went to the doctors on tuesday and he accused me of letting it go for a long time! he ACCTUALLY yelled at me.....Listen, doc, it started getting infected on SATURDAY...when the darn office is CLOSED! it's not like i let it go for weeks! so, he drained it and put me on antibiotics....and vicadin....mmmm....vicadin.....
today was very good indeed...i went again to the doc's office thinking i was going to have a surgical procedure done (him removing the syst completely), so, i took a vicadin before hand and alana drove me....when i got there, all he did was change my gauze! phew! i REALLY didn't want to go under the knife again with nothing but local anastesia (i know i spell worth a crap!) so, i wasn't in ANY pain, and, on top of that, i'm high from the meds! later on i got some really good news, but i'll have to wait to share that! and tonight, owen called!!! he's back in the states and will be here on the 15th-ish....i can't wait...hopefully my wound from the syst is healed by then....nothing more sexy than a big hole in your ass!
since this IS a knitting blog, i should update on my knitted items....
i finished chris case's scarf, started a scarf for cheryl lynn, and started a scarf for alana (which i'm almost done with) for payment for helping me out for the last couple of days! i don't know what i'd do without her!
WONDRA- i need an idea for something knit for you! do you want a scarf, wrist warmers, a hat? just gimme an idea, i'll think of the rest! (colors would be cool to!)
so, my mom said to me today that i have to be out by the end of the year! wow....i mean, i was planning on getting an appartment when i got my bills paid, but damn....it's almost like because i'm not going active duty right away, she's punishing me by kicking me out.....i need to be here until next summer..(i mean in michigan)...there's no going around that....i've got certain obligations.....but man....i dunno...mabey i'm looking to far into it...whatever....i was planning on moving out soon anyway....
well, i've got a doctor's appointment in seven hours and i still need to go to bed! i'll talk later...pics coming as soon as i find my camera!

can't wait

2006-08-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

mmmm...jonny depp....this is the photo that jay (wondra's husband) will be using to draw my pic! yay!! i can't WAIT!!! jonny depp is so hot....especially as captain jack sparrow...i dunno, i guess i've always gone for those bad boys....

i won't tell you what i had to do to get a hand drawn photo...but, if you use your resources, you may be able to figure it out!

Poo Bear

2006-08-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

June 14, 2006-August 16, 2006 sleep tight baby...we'll miss you

mmm...new goodies

2006-08-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

i got a burst of creativity last night...(while watching project runway, of course!) i give you my furry muff: (crappy photos, you can't see detail...not that there is much...)

buttons say "militaires equipements"

alana's VERY FIRST project!!! the bottom part is the first half....as you can see, it got a lot better!
Alana's second project-a green and white scarf for her brother....much better job than the pink dishcloth from hell....all the rows are even...i'm very proud of her! (and i taught her!! yay!)

so there you have it...what i've been up too..er...last night...lol!

2006-08-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

i finished the first glove!! it turned out really nice....i still need to weave the ends in though, but i'm going to grayling for three days, so i'll do that and knit the other glove while i'm there!

side view

top
close up of cables on bottom edge

a few hats i did before i went to basic

i ripped the white and green one out and restarted it because it was WAY to big...i had to pull it tight in the back for the pic...but other than that, i liked the way it looked, so i'm definetly going to re knit it....

FINALLY!!!!

2006-08-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

yay! my images were successfully uploaded!!! now i can post pics of my garter!!!

here's what it looks like (ends not weaved in and no ribbon)

and here's a pic to show how big the hook was! it was very very very tiny, but, i was so into it that it only took about three hours to crochet!

and now for updates of my kittens: Luna, Riddick, and Capt. Jack Sparrow (in that order from top to bottom)

Riddick and Capt. Jack Sparrow (don't they look like a heart?)

Luna and Leelu (leelu is the white one...her name is about to change...) i call this pic yin yang....

There's one more kitten i don't have a pic of for some reason! i don't know why! he looks like luna (the grey one) but with a longer stub for a tail and no spot on hir chin....(btw...luna, leelu, and snape (the other grey one) are all minx which are born without tails)

........blah!

2006-08-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

ok, so i went to the blogger help site and looked for problems with the pics uploading.....this is what i found:

"Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Some users are noticing problems with photo uploading timing out or taking a very long time to respond. We're looking into this and will post an update when there is more information." http://status.blogger.com/

now, this is a big problem especially with blogs like mine where a big part of the blog revolves around pics....there have been other issues that have come up after this particular one that have already been resolved....i'm starting to get a little impatient....for now, i'll just take a deep breath, and count to ten, and hope my head doesn't explode!

garter...

2006-08-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

ok, so i started a garter for jenny's wedding, and i would post pics, BUT for some reason blogger won't let me....said it was a network error....SO TO THE BLOGGER MAINTINANCE STAFF: please fix it.....

mmmmm....yummy yarn

2006-07-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

i've been bad...i went shopping at my lys....but i saw these two yarns and thought..."ohhhhh....fingerless gloves!!!" so i bought them...

debbie bliss cashmerino aran in pink (color 300603), filati yarn in tintada, and Knit Simple magazine...it's funny cause i had no idea how i was going to make these gloves, then i was just browsing online for a pattern and i came across these: http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html they use the exact same yarn that i bought, it was what i was looking for, and it was totally by accident....i think it was a case of divine intervention....YAY!!!! it was ment to be! i want to trim them in the brown fur and i want them to be a little longer...probably up to my elbows...we'll see...if i have enough yarn left, i'll make a matching hat....mabey i'll go back and buy enough for a purse too!

i'm a robot

2006-07-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

awsome....just awsome....i always knew i was a robot....

DrewHilda
[noun]:

A human transformer (Robot in disguise)

new blog (still keeping this one!!!)

2006-07-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

since i've been here, i've been keeping a practice journal (as ordered by my private instructor who happened to be the former first sergeant....how could i NOT!). but, even though i HAD to keep the journal, i think it's a great idea and i want to keep it up after i get home. i'm definetly more likely to practice when i'm keeping record...i dunno, it's a mental thing....
anyway, that got me thinking...i'm a blogger. what could be more perfect than keeping an ONLINE practice journal to share with my friends and mabey help out a few fellow clarinetist out there? one problem...can't come up with a name.....so, i'm nominating all my readers (ahem...wondra, since you're the only one who reads my blog....) to help me come up with a name! i really can't wait to get started...lol
i was thinking...killer clarinet, squeeky sounds, etc.....i just don't know...lol
for now, ta ta!

one more week!!!

2006-07-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

just think, by this time next week, i'll be home with a pair of knitting needles in my hands FINALLY being able to knit for the first time in about three or four months. i'm really excited....of course, i'm kinda anxious too....i want to go home NOW!!! oh well....we only have two more training days anyhow.

so, one of the first projects i'm going to do is called maidensglory found here: http://theanticraft.com/archive/beltane06/maidensglory.htm
it's absolutely georgeous. i think i'll make one for my friend in wales too.

i also want to make a bouquet of the lilies in the summer issue of knitty for my friends wedding. (http://www.knitty.com)

i really aught to finish my cable sweater from hollywood knits, the umpteen million scarves for my various friends that i promised them ages ago, and all the other miscellaneous projects i've started in the past two years....in fact i think that i've only finished about five projects in the two and a half years i've been knitting! that's not good!! hahaha....whoops

i also need to make a pirate shirt from the spring issue of knit 1 before halloween (can you guess what i'm going to be?) and a baby blanket and booties for my friend who's due in august. plus my aunt just adopted a baby so she needs something for him, and my other aunt just had a baby, so he needs something too! phew! i'm definetly going to be a busy girl this summer when i get home!

where one door closes.....

2006-07-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

i love the fact that the internet is at the bar....lol.....i'm having fun....

on a more serious note, my mom called me today to tell me that one of my kittens died.....he got out of my room and we think the dog got excited and wanted to play....they didn't mean to hurt the baby.......but, we're gaining two kittens that just lost their mother....one of the outdoor kitties was hit by a car and she has two small kittens, so we're gonna see if fern will nurse them...i really hope she will, so keep your fingers crossed.....

wish list

2006-07-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

so, my birthday's in less than a month (august 2nd, to be exact..).....yeah.....so i decided to create a wish list for all you people who have no idea what to get me (because i'm sick of thinking of things right on the spot)....

ok...here goes

~a hand drawn bust of jonny depp as cpt. jack sparrow....(**ahem, wondra-rather, wondra's husband**)
~anything pirate/cpt. sparrow related....
~crafting supplies (anything, really, i'm open to trying new things!)
~cool sock yarn (enough to make two socks!)
~yarn, yarn, YARN

from this site: http://www.cafepress.com/knitty:

~Hardcore Jr. Ringer T-Shirt in pink/salmon (xl)
~Tania Howells for Knitty Wall Clock
~Jr. Raglan in black/white (xl)
~Yarn Ho Women's Raglan Hoodie in black/white (xl)
~Chicks with sticks journal
~Born 2 knit Jr. Raglan in black/white (xl)
~I'd rather be knitting Jr. Spaghetti Tank in (L)
~Classic Thong in (L)
~Yarn Addict Jr. Ringer T-Shirt in mint/avacado (xl)
~I'd rather be knitting Jr. Ringer T-Shirt in pink/salmon (xl)
~Tell the guy behind you who you are! (a licsense plate cover...."knitters are better drivers, acctually, knitters are better at everything...")

from this site: http://www.funtocollect.com/pirofcar.html:

~Pirates of the Caribbean II Captain Jack Sparrow with Sound 12
~Pirates of the Caribbean II Jack Patch
~Pirates of the Caribbean Captain Jack Sparrow Mini Bust

More updates to come! (i'm a very greedy person....muahaha)

so....friggen....bored

2006-07-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

so, we phased up today, which means we have TONS of new privleges...like i can drink, i can go off post, i can drink.....but it really sucks cause i have no money....cabs cost a butt ton of cash and so does drinking.....my battle buddies spotted me yesterday and we went and saw pirates of the carribean 2....jonny depp is so hot.....and we ate....so now i owe two people $20 each.....it really sucks....so, since i have no cash (because the army didn't get my paper work in on time to pay me on the first) i'm really, really, REALLY bored until the fifteenth.....and i hate owing people money.....
a list (more of a reminder for myself) of what i owe to people:
conjertie- $15.00
rookus- $20.00
tagarook- carton of smokes (camel silvers...)

you know why i'm out of cash? cause i'm too nice of a person and paid for peoples bowling....i probably spent about $150 in one weekend on bowling alone....won't do that again though....but, my next paycheck will be a double, so i should be ok....
i'm going to try to save some money too....
we'll see how that goes...

2006-06-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

so i'm at AIT. i'm having a blast....yes, i can use the internet....and i'm talking to my friend....
i can also have my cell phone and my cigarettes.....but, for now i've gotta go...just wanted you to know that i'm still alive....i'll talk at you later!

while the mamma's away, the kitties will...hmm....

2006-06-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

this is what happens when you leave you're kitty for nine weeks......i had my mom take her to the vet to get fixed after my first paycheck came in and we found out that she was pregnant....but they are TOO cute! my dad acctually thinks that we're going to give them away! HA HA HA!!!!

proud mamma

kitty pile!!!

sleepy time

i'm back!

2006-06-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

well, i survived basic training...it really wasn't as hard as i thought it would be! i think the hardest part was being away from home for nine weeks (ten really, if you count reception)....but i made it! i didn't really loose weight though....that's kinda a bummer....what happened was i gained fifteen pounds in muscle weight, then lost fifteen in fat, so i'm a little slimmer...which is ok.....i dont mind cause i'm buff now! i think what i'll do is post a new story every night, but i'm way to tired tonight to do that. after all, i'm used to going to bed at 21:00, and it's 02:27! C-R-A-Z-Y!!!! i feel like i should be getting up in two hours (you know, cause we usually got up at 04:30)....
i really missed knitting and crocheting....i started a crocheted scarf today....it's going to be a basic blue and white block scarf....nothing much...just enough to keep my hands busy until i leave for AIT (advanced individual training) next week....yes, i know, i just got back and i'm leaving again! but it's only four weeks this time! don't worry, much shorter this time....like a vacation, really, cause it's right on virgina beach! i'll be at norfolk (which is a naval base, but the armed forces school of music is there...).....i heard it's a really nice base....
i bought a "i love my kitty" scrap book and a whole bunch of cat embelishments today....plus a mini kitty scrapbook for when i go to AIT....i know...just what a combat killer needs, huh? lol!!! that reminds me of a basic training story, but you'll get that tommarrow....(i know, leaving you hanging, huh? OH THE SUSPENSE!!!!....deal with it!!)
i also bought some grean beads to make my brother's ex-girlfriend a rosary to send to her...i found out she's at the same post as i was and in the battalion RIGHT next to mine! i couldn't believe it! i thought i saw her the week i graduated, but at the time i didn't know she was down there, and i shrugged it off cause i thought she was back home...but that's another story that will have to wait for a later date!
i have tons of stories! BRM, pink foot baths, drill sergeants listening to inappropriate conversations, DS's watching dancing, grenades, big weapons, cute ass drill sergeants, promotions, etc....too many to tell right now...lol....i really am tired, i swear! i'll write first thing tommarrow, i promise! lol! but for now, sweet dreams of firing m-16's!! good night!

YAY!!!

2006-03-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

i went to meps on wed. and FINALLY enlisted! i'm so happy! i guess i worried over nothing! i'm very excited now...i leave for basic on march 22nd. i'm so ready for this!!!

nerves will kill...

2006-02-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

tommarrow i'm heading down to chicago to enlist....i'm so nervous! my measurements and weight are RIGHT on the line, so if i'm not careful about what i eat from now until then it could go either way.....i'm having doubts...AHHHHHH!!!! please tell me that i'm just increadibly nervous and that everything is going to be ok......

bikini top update..

2006-02-24T00:39:00.000-08:00

i've finished the second cup and am about to start on the straps...and yes, wondra, i will post a pic of my modeling the finished product (if it works out the way i'm hoping) just for you!!

bikini top

2006-02-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

so, i got to work on that bikini top, and, much to my dismay, i only had enough yarn to do one cup..(i've probably got enough to do some of the straps too, but i want to wait until both cups are done)...so, i went to meijer to buy another skien....almost had a heart attack to because at first, i didn't see my yarn! but, they DID have it.....the color is slightly off, but not enough to really notice...the only reason i noticed is because that's what i was looking for....anyway....i have one cup done and am about to start on the other cup and the straps....i can't wait! it's going to be so sexy!!

and no, those aren't straps, just unfinished ends....i think next one i'll knit the straps right into it without binding off...i love the blue of the piece...it'll really bring out my eyes...(not that this top will allow anyones attention to be anywhere but my tatas.....)

i'm so bad...

2006-02-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

ok, so i said i wouldn't be starting another project until ALL of the ones i started were finished...well, i lied.....the temptation of a new project is just to much for me to resist! this particular project has been in my head for AGES!!! it's a bikini top made from fun fur and knit tightly so my parts don't peek through...i've only got the basic outline of the pattern done so far (it's my first i've designed....all the patterns for knit bikini tops i've found wouldn't support my knockers), the yarn picked out, and a swatch.....just for an idea on how tight the stitch will be: the yarn calls for size 10.5 (6.5mm) needles, but i'm using size 7 (4.5mm). what's that? the fabric will be too stiff? not at all! the swatch was just the right stiffness for what i wanted...i NEED support.....it's my first designed top, so i'm really not sure how to do shaping and such....i'm kinda hoping that it'll stretch enough in places i need it to....in the first knitting attempt i did, it streched enough (and i had to rewrite with less stitches on the needle..), so i'm ok with it! wish me luck!

here's where i got the idea of using fun fur for the top:
fuzzy bikini top it's just so CUTE!!! the yarn i choose is
Lion Brand Fun Fur in indigo....blue is my favorite color....and it has flecks of silver in it... so cute!! i'll post pics of my progress later!

this little heart of mine....

2006-02-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

i wanted to do something that didn't involve knitting or crocheting, and i figured you can never have to many coin purses!! so here it is:

the pics make it look a lot more orange than it is...it's really a deeper red color.....stupid camera...

Rockstar Scarf

2006-02-19T16:27:00.000-08:00

i started my fuzzy rockstar scarf yesterday...i love how it's turning out.....you can kinda see the detail, but the pics don't do it justice....

the best part is that it matches my fingernail polish!! i added a couple rows of black too..but i've just been lazy and haven't taken any pics yet...here's another pic of what i've got so far: it's a bummer that you can't see the detail of the scarf from the pics...it's so airy and delicate...but it definetly ROCKS!

someday.....

2006-02-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

i just realized that i have TONS of needles and TONS of yarn.....so much in fact that i have no idea what i've got! i really should make an inventory.....what i really want is a wall unit with open boxes (much like what is at a yarn store...) to display all my yarn goodness.....and perhaps a wooden needle holder to hang on the wall as well....right now most of my needles are in a beer stien on top of my entertainment center, which is not the most convenient place for them as i'm constantly reaching up to grab what i want.....someday i'll be organized, perhaps......someday.....

must be strong....

2006-02-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

i really need to stop starting new projects when i've already got tons on the neeldes.....i'm already working on four projects! and i've got a few more in mind.....must be strong.......

Here's a pic of my kittie (fern....aka..fernula, fernace, inferno....) helping my out! she's so cute when she's not being viscious!!

Random Photos....

2006-02-14T19:24:00.000-08:00

i went to jenny's house the other day and brought my digital........(oh lord....)

me and alana playing dressup (and i just realized i have the joker's smile....umm.....) hannah (jenny's daughter) and donovan (alana's son) in hannah's play house..(yeah...it's a big box with holes cut in it!)

my big butt getting out of the makeshift play house... (look, you can see my thong!! gotta love those action shots!)

i didn't go OVER BOARD!!!

2006-02-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

i decided to visit my lys today because i haven't been in a while. i went with every intention to just say hi and NOT spend any money....however.....the call of so many good things was just to much....especially when most of the things i bought were half off... (you really can't beat half off a skein of yarn...)

here's what adopted me...

the two books are "creative crewel" copyright 1970, and "how to taylor" copyright 1965 (both for $ .50...), three patons "anna" skiens for $2.00 each, some wool for my first felting project..(a purse i have in mind..), copper buttons that say "equipements militaires", a skien of trellis yarn (a ribbon yarn...), and a skien of NY fluff (so very, very soft).....

as i was leaving, i saw a bundle of unspun wool...which reminded me.....i wanted to learn how to spin my own yarn! so....i turned my tail around and picked these up:

lime green, BRIGHT purple (bad pic...), and white so i can dye it with kool aide after it's spun....i even got a free lesson on how to use the thing! yippee!! i'm so excited....

so, then, after a full day of yarn shopping, i come home, and my mom drags me into her bathroom to give me about a thousand dollars of philosophy skin care products and true blue spa lotions (lotions are from bath and body works)...i was floored....i had a beauty day!!! and my skin looks so good! even after one use!! (what do you expect from 70 dollars a bottle??)

thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

2006-02-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

i just got a package from wondra (in wales)....eeeeeee......*dances with glee*

here's what she sent:

there's lip and nipple balm in four tasty colours (and they make your...ahem...lips soft), a fuzzy monster purse she made (i may attach a black cord), a hippo candy (it was very delicious too...), boys are smelly and trendy wendy sticker sheets, a boys are dumb notepad, and scrabble block stickers that spell out "drew" (i love scrabble!!).....thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

she had asked me if i got the package yet and i hadn't, so i decided to check the mail and there it was....just chillin (literally) in the mailbox.....

on the needles...

2006-02-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

i made a hat the other day with my new "knifty Knitter" yay.....

when i'm wearing it, you can barely see the purple....but the light from the flash made the purple really bright...

and a scarf that i'm making to match.....i love these colors together

i'm also working on a black and red scarf for alana...but it's straight knit and it's HUGE so it's awfully boring to knit....i should just get it done with for pete's sake!!!

glove #1 done!!

2006-01-29T00:37:00.000-08:00

i finished the right glove...FINALLY! it took me a week to do it...i shouldn't be so hard on myself though...i do work two jobs...i didn't use enough ribbon, but that's ok, cause it was just some scrap i had lying around...i'm going to buy black ribbon for it tommarrow....

Elsie the cow cat

2006-01-25T02:22:00.000-08:00

it's 5:00 a.m. and my mom just woke me up to tell me that my cat just died.....
she was fifteen and she went very quickly....i don't think she was in a lot of pain if any. i'm just glad i got to say goodbye....i know it sounds corny, but if you're a pet companion, and you've had a pet for that long, you'd understand.....i'm going to miss her....

a few pics....

2006-01-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

this is the fireplace my dad built this weekend...it only took him a day and everything is stone....it's beautiful! i love how the family room is going to have a rustic lodge theme.....it reminds me of a ski lodge...

.....and a pic of me for a friend who hasn't seen me since he left for iraq....
i just got off of working at the bar, so i'm EXTRA lovely! (you gotta love the smell of smoke and booze in your hair and clothes and the shinyness of your hair matted from smoke..not to mention food and beer spillages...)

busy busy busy....

2006-01-24T19:32:00.000-08:00

let's see....having two jobs AND trying to get knitting projects done AND trying to have a social life all at the same time doesn't really work very well......it's o.k. because i make the impossible happen....i am super girl! my motto: impossible is nothing....
i've got another section of my glove done....a little bit at a time. i love working on this project.....why, you ask? because it's not boring straight knit!!! THAT'S WHY!!
i kinda stretched the truth a little about my social life....the only social life i have right now is talking to one friend online every night while i'm resurching proper milk frothing techniques and latte art how to's....so, in my social time, i'm doing stuff for work! i'm really not complaining....it's my choice....i want to be the best barista i can be....
now i just need to find time to run...i CAN do it.....

2006-01-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

i started working on a pair of fingerless opera length gloves today. they are going to be awsome. for the lace part i'm going to use black ribbon. i can't wait until they are done.

i got the pattern here:
http://ysolda.me.uk/wordpress/

she did an excellent job of writing a pattern. so far it's pretty easy to follow...