Rabid - (Adj.) Of or Affected by Rabies

2011-12-31T03:07:00.000-05:00

Is Christmas over? I've barely dug myself out of the pile of yarn I was using to make presents. I might still be in post-holiday shock.

Japanese Circles

2011-09-25T05:32:00.000-04:00

You know what I love about being able to make my own stuff? How ridiculously personalized I can make it. I can make something that suits me perfectly.

In this case, I'm making a messenger bag (the photo/pattern on the right), but instead of making the bag I found a pattern for, I'm going to change a few things. Namely, I'm making a mini quilt for the outside instead of using a patterned fabric.

It's not as complicated as it sounds...particularly in this instance when the measurements match exactly (how convenient!) with the quilt squares. There are a lot more OF them, but I am madly in love with this mini quilt pattern and have been for quite some time. My problem has been that I like practical things, and a mini quilt, while beautiful and decorative, isn't really practical. A potholder would be too small, and I knit and crochet so trust me when I say I have an abundance of potholders.

I love bags. I have tons of them in various shapes and sizes with varying numbers of pockets. I use them to store all the supplies I'll need for an individual project so I can grab-and-go, which I've likely mentioned before. When you're a "rabid" crafter...crafting constantly is kind of what you do and what better way to kill some time than by crafting while waiting?

I'll also be adding more pockets to the inside of the bag to hold all my smaller supplies for whatever projects will go in the bag.

As for the fabrics I'll be using...well...

I've got some Civil War Era reproduction quilting fabrics I've been dying to find the perfect project for, and what better project than one I can take with me?

A project to hold projects. I love it when crafting goes meta :D

Is it Fall already?

2011-09-24T06:18:00.000-04:00

I've managed to get nothing done for National Sewing Month. This picture, like the cake, is a lie. I actually got these book covers done LAST month, and am just getting around to sharing them.So what am I doing this month instead?

**sigh**

I'm getting really sick of looking at graph paper. I'm designing hardanger patterns because I have the stitching bug and not the sewing bug.On the plus side, I've made progress. On the downside, it's mixed progress...

I made this pattern, and then borked it. I'm sure it'll be reappearing at some point as something else, but I tried an outer border (after trying 5 different ones) and the results were not what I anticipated, and I've already cut so I can't undo it. I'm sure the pieces of it will be recycled into something else but if you're eager to try it, let me know and I'll try to get it into pattern form faster.

On the plus side, I DID get this done, and the pattern and the finished piece itself are both listed in my etsy store.

Do you read my blog? A winner is you! Get 20% off anything in my store through October with the code: RABIDBLOGGER :) You should probably tell your friends though because I'm too busy reading quilting books for an upcoming fall project to track them all down.

In the works?

I'm tackling fall crafts because I live in Michigan and it's cold here. I've moved and have a room just for sewing and quilting, so the machines are in good working order and I'm perusing fall fabrics to inject a bit of steampunk into my wardrobe, and I'm in the middle of donating yards and yards of Waverly fabric for my rabbit to shed on and devour because he's too special to walk on hardwood floors and I have to make a rug. A dry clean only rug. Logic was not my strong suit in this endeavor.

National Sewing Month?

2011-09-03T11:22:00.001-04:00

I'm excited! I have tons of projects I can work on/finish. I guess I'll have to stop crocheting til October...just as soon as I finish this potholder, and this afghan, and...

Work complete!

2010-11-19T08:53:00.005-05:00

You know...I think it took less time to design and stitch the pattern than it did to clean it up for publication and put everything together, but...

The pattern for the design I made for Valdani is finally published and now you can stitch it too!

I'm feeling rather accomplished, considering that it seems like so small a thing to get it put together and listed.

Go get it!

Behold!

2010-11-18T01:05:00.004-05:00

My new partner in crime!

Click the photo for plenty of photos of accessories.

Typhoid Mary up in here.

2010-11-17T14:03:00.003-05:00

Okay so I've had a cold since the end of October...of last year. It's not the same cold. It was swine flu and the regular flu and a sinus infection and then another cold and another one and perhaps allergies that I'd never had before but really some terrible sinusitis something or other that never seems to end. I've started referring to myself as Plaguebearer and Typhoid Mary because all the people who work at the company that makes Nyquil? Huge Xmas bonuses this year thanks to how much Nyquil I've been taking for the past year. Thank goodness I can actually stay awake and function on Nyquil because otherwise I'd also be referring to myself as Rip Van Winkle. I hate Nyquil so much at this point that I'm now back to tactics of childhood to avoid taking it. I'm all better! I'll take it later. I'll take it after I destroy all my tastebuds so I don't have to taste something that awful all the way up to my eyeballs any more. MOM NOOOOOOOO!!!!!! I've been through the entire cold and flu aisle trying to find ANYTHING else that works, and I now have nasal steroids (that don't work) and an inhaler (which I'll defend to the death if someone tries to take it) as my new best friends.

I've been sick so long I don't even complain about being sick any more. I thought that was impossible. Instead I complain that I can't leave the house because I'll just get something else atop what I already have. I feel like that kid at school who never gets to play with all the other kids because they're too sickly and all the other kids make fun of them, and the doctors I've seen so far have been more disappointing than helpful. I quit smoking, which didn't help. I started smoking again, which didn't make it worse. I'm a hopeless mess at this point.

All of that is to say: I don't post much because I spend much of my time blinking slowly thanks to the Nyquil I have to take to breathe. And crocheting. Seriously.

That's only the first of two afghans I've been tearing through.

Since I'm spending so much time in the house, I've started focusing more on proper storage solutions and organization, and making it a nicer, more functional place to live.

The bookcase is from IKEA, and it's perfect for yarn storage. I debated between my fabrics and my yarn, but I have so many fabric scraps that wouldn't look nice if stored this way that I decided to go with yarn storage. Emptied out a bookcase and 3 large plastic storage tubs that were taking up space for something that displays my yarns in an accessible way, and I just love it. My craft room looks like a yarn shop, and I'm looking forward to finding the perfect solutions for other areas of the room. I still have to get the drawers for the bottom row. I can't put yarn on the bottom row because Chuck would think it was Christmas.

Pets are fun :)

Today I'm getting one of my long-term goals completed. In like an hour, an antique treadle sewing machine is being delivered. I'm not sure where I'm going to put it yet for it to be a functional display piece, but since I don't have to plug it in anywhere, my options increase drastically.

I'm really excited about the machine. I've wanted one for years, and while I haven't seen this one yet, I have it on good authority that it's functional, well maintained, and comes with tons of accessories. There will be photos, and while the cost wasn't unreasonable, the joy it will bring me for years is likely to make any cost an utter steal.

My grandmother (a quilter) found it in a local antique shop she sometimes works in. It's from a local museum. She knows how bad I've wanted one and contacted me straight away to give me the heads up. I'm unbelievably excited and she's excited for me, which is always fun. I'm sure we'll cause tons of trouble with it.

Causing trouble with my grandma usually involves finding great deals and/or quilting.

I have the best grandma ever.

Upcoming tutorials...

2010-08-19T02:12:00.004-04:00

I'm taking up ATCs (artist trading cards)...not so much for the trading aspect, but because using such a small canvas has a surprising number of advantages.

Okay maybe we're having a little TOO much fun. I invited a friend over and we each made one. Mine's the one on the left.

Other tutorials in the works:

Using a pattern from Urban Threads to make a cover for the giant book I'm using to catalogue my embroidery stitches. It's going to take a while to design the cover, put together the pattern, quilt it, embroider it, and then teach other people how, but it'll be so worth it when it's done.

Last but not least...

Did you know it's almost fall? I'm sorry to be the one to break the news. At least I'll be celebrating it with a centerpiece?

Craft Box Tutorial: Cluttertraps

2010-08-18T22:13:00.005-04:00

Besides crafts, I have several things that I love. I love containers, especially containers that are small enough to hold the goods for one project (portability is key). I also love the ability to make things I couldn't otherwise make. I'm not really good at woodworking, for example, so I can't make boxes. As such, I don't like throwing things away that have already done those things for me easily, especially not when I could upcycle them into something more functional. I like working with things you were supposed to throw away because, if you mess up, you can still throw them away.

Since I just got this done and it's a fairly easy tutorial, I figured I'd share how I did it so you can make your own cluttertraps.

Supplies: Box (I cut the top off a kleenex box)
2 coordinating fabrics big enough to cover the box.
Fabri-tac or other fabric-friendly glue
Scissors
Toothpicks

Pictures for a fabric covered box "cluttertrap" tutorial you can read all about on my blog!

Since this project was fairly easy and impromptu, I didn't do a lot of detailed photos. I mostly winged it.

Lining your box:

I took a fat quarter (it was big enough) and centered it over the box, then glued the bottom in place, paying special attention to the corners. Because I used fabri-tac, it didn't take long to dry. Then I was ready for the next step.

I cut one edge (for the inside only) flush with the corner, and the other edge about 1/2" past the corner. Then I cut the top edge about an inch or so past the top of the box. I did this with each of my sides. The one edge that curls around to the next side is so that no silver (or whatever color the interior of your box is) shows through when you line your box.

The trickiest parts to glue will be where your 1st and 4th side meet. To make it easier, apply glue to the inside of the side you're going to tack down starting about an inch away from the corner with the flush fabric edge. Also add a stripe of glue to tack down the half inch that folds around the corner to side two. Glue side one in place (remembering that the side that meets with the corner won't be tacked down) and smooth it out before the glue dries. Do this with sides two and 3, gluing down the entire side (instead of leaving the 1 inch space unglued). The trickiest part of side 4 will be where you have to tuck the edge of the fabric under side 1 (which is why you left it unglued). The rest of the lining should go on smoothly.

If you're having problems getting the edge fabric from side 4 under the fabric from side 1, you can use the edge of your scissors or a toothpick to tuck it underneath.

Once your sides are done, you can fold the lining over the top edge and glue it in place on the outside of your box.

Fabric shell for your box:

Now it's time for the outside.

I cut a piece of fabric that would be large enough to cover my entire box (adding about 2 inches to the final cut size for seam allowances). I then glued the box down in the center of the fabric.

Once it dried, I started bringing my fabric up the sides, folding under the fabric at the top and lining up my fabric/box top edges.

I did a little creative cutwork here to shorten the extra fabric that I knew I'd have on some of the sides, and a lot of creative folding. How I did it is fairly simple. The important thing is that your end product (the corner) should look like this.

To properly glue down the corners (and have them line up properly)...

You'll want to glue down over the bottom layer of fabric inside that triangle.

Once you get your outside tacked down and smoothed out properly, you might notice that the fabric gaps a bit because (to keep the glue from smooshing out and ruining your fabric) you glued a bit away from the edge.

Easy fix!

Use the toothpicks to grab up some glue so you can apply it more precisely and seal up your edges.

If you used fabri-tac, it'll dry in a couple of minutes and you can start loading it with stuff.

When you see how easy it was, you'll want to make oodles in tons of different sizes. I'm trying my hardest not to start digging through my stash of shipping boxes to 'fix' them.

If you're looking for other craft ideas, you might want to check out the article I did last month listing some of the best new craft project ideas on the web. Some of mine are there, too, just in case you haven't had enough of my kamikaze crafting style.

Happy crafting!

Zombie Fight Club and Other Crafts for Kids

2010-08-12T21:36:00.004-04:00

I should totally make the post title an actual book. For kids. No? Don't crush my dreams!

Why the talk about Zombie Fight club? Well...

It all started, as the best stories do, when I was hurrying through making presents for someone's birthday party I was going to be attending in a few hours (Yes, they appreciated the zombies actually. I know some spectacular people!). I finally got the peices done for the 2nd zombie but I was feeling a bit of animosity towards the hair I was making for him (not part of the original pattern) and as I looked at all his bits I had a terrible, awful idea.

So, I had corporate zombie eat him. Problem solved.

I tweeted it. The owner of the book I got the patterns from was amused. They were amused at knithacker.com and actually blogged about it, then it got tweeted everywhere. Meanwhile...

I was busy putting a wire mohawk on him, wrapping them separately in their packaging (putting an end to the fighting) and going to a birthday gathering.

How do crafts for kids get involved in this mess?

Fortunately for all of us, they're separate.

Yesterday, a tutorial was published telling people how to make this handy (and cute!) organizer to hold pencils, paintbrushes, or whatever else your heart desires. Want one? The tutorial is right here! And, there are more pics if you need help on my flickr.

I've not gotten much of a chance to publish (or blog) lately because I've been working so hard at getting my company off the ground. I'm surprisingly close! The finish line is in sight so I'm trying really hard to pull everything together for the launch. Got some great ideas coming through and I can't wait to unveil my kits. They'll be going to my Etsy store but if you're a shop (or you know a shop and would like them to carry my kits) or a teacher, you can contact me for discounts once my product is launched so stay tuned for that upcoming information! I can hardly believe it's finally coming together! It's nice when plans come to fruition.

Articles and Whatsits

2010-08-06T02:54:00.004-04:00

I'm feeling accomplished this week, in spite of being backed up on things to do (when am I not behind?). First, I had an article published recently on how to take in a basic shirt, which is a great way to upcycle your wardrobe.

Also, I went to Maker Faire Detroit last weekend, and I have pictures! Want to see them? Clicky! It was incredible. Indescribably awesome. And, I hear they're coming back! I can't wait!

In other news:

I'm currently waiting for a tutorial to go through publishing for this handy dandy upcycled piece. It was easy as pie.

In other, more business-related news...

Those frames I bought were for samples of my upcoming kits. I also ordered most of the supplies I'll need so if you're looking to learn to do hardanger, educational kits will be in my etsy store as soon as I get all this sorted out. I'm so excited! Now I have to get better at putting together PDFs and I'll be all set!

This has been in the works for a long time. It's so nice to see it finally coming together. I can hardly believe it! So much work to do, but it'll be worth it.

Troublemaker

2010-08-05T01:07:00.001-04:00

P8040299, originally uploaded by rabid_designs.

I'm pretty sure I'm in over my head at this point. I barely know how to frame and I can't paint to save my life.

My new sunglasses case!

2010-07-20T19:15:00.003-04:00

P7150122, originally uploaded by rabid_designs.

Check out my sunglasses case :) I found a tutorial on the web that was so easy, I got the project done in 20 minutes.

I found the tutorial while I was researching all the latest tutorials for seamstresses, quilters, knitters, crocheters, and embroiderers so I could write *this article* that has oodles more from all over the web. Also has information on new releases for craft books. :)

In other news...I just finished an amigurumi desk ninja. No pictures yet.

Haiku

2010-07-16T23:22:00.005-04:00

Fingering weight yarn,
One hundred grams for a pair.
Can't stop knitting socks.

While I admit, I do love talking about crafts, today's haiku was for a reason. Why? Oh...Lion Brand is having a haiku contest.

Are you less weirded-out by me now? No? Oh well...I tried.

Chaos

2010-07-16T07:08:00.004-04:00

Welcome to my humble abode.

Note that I'm still moving in, so I'm still trying to find a place for everything, so everything is in chaos. This is hampered by the fact that I have tons of stuff on my plate, not the least of which is all the articles I'm trying to write. I'm a closet masochist, but don't tell anyone.

My tutorials were featured not once, but twice on craftgossip.com. Every time someone actually likes my work enough to share it, I'm always shocked. I guess it will never wear off. Though I would not proclaim to be wise, my grandmother always did say that a true sign of wisdom is knowing how much you don't know, and I feel dumber every year. I consider this a good sign, so I don't let it get to me. Keeps me humble and all that (Some would testify differently).

I've also written a couple of articles for Examiner. One is another tutorial. This time it's one on:

Making your own t-shirt yarn.

That's going to be a rug...or perhaps 3 rugs. I have tons of t-shirts. Total cost for several rugs? $0. I'm upcycling an entire garbage bag worth of t-shirts that were just going to go to waste.

My second article is most relevant to people locally. However, the Maker Faire is coming to Detroit, and it's going to be huge. People have been talking about it/preparing for it for months, which is good, because when you live in Michigan...there's not much to look forward to. Want to hear about all the cool stuff they'll be doing? Read on, my friends!

In other news...

Working on another article/tutorial. This time on chicken scratch embroidery. I love chicken scratch. It comes together so quickly, is easy enough to teach kids, and the results are beautiful.

Unfortunately, I have to get the sample done first. You guys get to be the first to see it, though.

This is for another article. The project is done, but you can't see how cool it is until I finish the article. Shouldn't be long. All the research and labor is done. Why can't editing do itself?

My last bit of news for the moment?

OMG SOCK YARN! I got a belated birthday present! Enough for three pairs of socks. However, 2 of the yarns (not the rainbow) will be combined with other yarns I still have to purchase to take out a bit of the crazy colors. You'd think I'd be trying to do that with the rainbow socks instead, huh? Psh...it's just not right to mute a rainbow. Besides, my feet like to party.

Unfortunately, I'm never ever ever going to get a chance to work on them.

Okay, perhaps I'm exaggerating, but not by much.

So excited!

2010-07-07T22:03:00.005-04:00

I'm really excited. Gleeful! You can't tell from type whether something is sarcasm, so I shall add exclamation points: !!!!!

Why the glee? 3 of my tutorials just got published. Now you're gleeful (hopefully)! I love spreading joy!

I also love spreading knowledge, soooooo...if you're up for a new project, you have three to choose from!

First up is chiffon flowers. Just a cute, easy little summer project. They're a decoration that can be used in so many ways. If you give it a try, let me know!

Summer Projects: How to make chiffon flowers

For people who've read my blog for a while, you might remember this fabric. You might also recall me saying I was making a tutorial...

Well, now it's done, and this is seriously the most durable, most practical thing. I take it with me every time I'll need to iron somewhere else because it's so easy to pack. It's stylish, too!

You know you want to make your own, and one for each of your friends. Get the tutorial: Organization/Space Saving Crafts: Make your own ironing pad!

Last but certainly not least, people who follow my flickr or follow me on ravelry will know that I made a custom liner for a bag I knitted so I can safely store 4 small projects (namely, socks I'm knitting). If you follow my flickr, you'll also know that I made a giant custom knitting needle/crochet hook roll-up last year using black corduroy and batik. Well, I made one just for my socks supplies that matches the interior of my knitting bag.

Better pictures? Ask and you shall receive:

Be the envy of YOUR knit night and head for the tutorial here: Custom Organizers: Make Your Own Knitting Needle Roll-Up

Speaking of socks...

Just finished these...

And one of these, the Skew sock from knitty.com Knit on the diagonal!

I've been busy. Just not posting. It's not that I don't love you. I didn't have internet, which explains the productivity no?

Holy...

2010-03-20T07:20:00.006-04:00

Well, I dropped off the face of the planet, eh? Sorry about that. I caught the swine flu from a student (no joke) in November and then the regular flu and I've been sick ever since. I never get sick. I'm not thrilled and it blew my Xmas to pieces.

It all came to a head about 2 weeks ago and I ended up in Urgent Care (which was fun). After 2 weeks on antibiotics (bleh) hopefully I'm back from the dead. I haven't been able to get off the couch for the past two weeks and I've gone through the entirety of several shows thanks to netflix's instant play (thanks, netflix).

I also managed to knit 3 socks and a pair of fingerless opera gloves, and crochet tons of scrubbies and almost an entire afghan. Idle hands are the Devil's playground, or some such.

Just before I ended up in Urgent Care, I went a little bonkers over the lack of productivity in my craft area and realized two things:

One: Ultimately, I'm a designer. I like to knit, and crochet, and quilt, but what I really like doing is my own embroidery patterns. Everything else is a hobby. Embroidery is my passion (hardanger in particular), and I can't cope without an endless supply of threads passing through my fingers and through fabrics. I'm not sure what my problem is, but it's less terminal than the brutal sinus infection I'm recovering from.

I've been trying to design on the PC, with the help of PCStitch...but not only is it not set up for hardanger (I constantly have to stop and input new stitches, then search the library to find them), but...as much as I love my PC (and I do...I really, really do), I can't design on it. I'm a real-world person and I need the ability to see my pattern in full, to touch it, to turn it and see my notes and calculations on the same page as my work. I need the graphs and rulers and pencils. Sorry, PCStitch...I like you but you're not cutting it for my needs.

I'll still import all of my patterns into PCStitch when I'm done, but I can't create with it. I don't know why I have to be so stubbornly old-world, but if it works, it works. My productivity is nil when I'm relying on digital creation and I need to go back to basics, pick up the calculator and pencil, and get to it. I'm clearing off my huge cutting table to put it to better use than keeping all of my recent finishes and supplies away from Chuck.

(Speaking of which, Chuck is doing just fine, but I'm convinced a full 7% of his diet consists of yarn and fabric scraps he stole.)

Two: While trying to tackle my craft table, which is an ever-rotating pile of craft insanity, I realized that I just can't deal with my ADHD ways and I need to micro-organize. The entire living room is taken up by my PC and craft areas, which is fine...if things can be put away. When people come over and have to walk through my actual living room to get to where the living room is (in the dining room), I shouldn't have to smile sheepishly as they gawk at piles of fabric and half-used skeins of yarn in order of use or acquisition. It's clutter, and it needs to be dealt with.

I've scoured my pattern collection for covers for the milk crates I'm storing half my stuff in, and I'm going to see what I can do to make the absolute best of the space and storage containers I can. I want my living room back (still as a craft room, of course) and I want there to be space for all the newer crafts I've picked up in the past year (clay, jewelry, lace, etc.) and fabric I'm using...and I intend to use some of my fabric to make organizers. Fabric is really the only thing I know how to use besides thread/yarn, so it'll have to do. Covers for milk crates, pockets, wall organizers, etc. Something desperately needs to be done and I have yards of fabric up for the challenge. Now I just need time and energy.

Determination, I has it.

I also finally come back with pictures (I was sick/lazy), so you can see what I've been working on.

Almost done with this afghan.

I also made kitchen stuff:

These crochet scrubbies were kind of a nightmare. I had to cut up heavy craft mesh, twist it, and crochet with it. My hands haven't forgiven me.

I also got the thread in from The Caron Collection for one of my kits. The new dye lot doesn't match the fabric exactly like my old sample did, so I'm trying to see if it matches well enough to go to production. Any ideas? Obviously the new sample is on the right.

I'll be adding stuff to my etsy store soon, hopefully...patterns and goods, as well as some fabric. It's a matter of finding time and the energy. Still recovering from the plague.

I did get the nicest compliment last month about my hardanger designs. I still have the warm fuzzies from it.

I'll leave you with this cuteness. He was part of a Christmas present I made last year.

He was twice as cute before I told you he's an amigurumi devil, wasn't he? Yeah...I might could have left that part out...

Sewing and Quilting

2009-10-30T02:55:00.003-04:00

Taught Knitting 101 today. It was quite a bit of fun. I teach quilting again tomorrow so I had to get my homework done...

Not done. I still have to baste the layers together and start quilting. I also have to start cutting the bias tape. In the meantime, Chuck is doing his quilt inspection.

I'm thinking no, but it's mostly because he disapproves of everything. He's a VERY disapproving rabbit.

Also got another store sample done and I dropped that off today.

Reusable gift bag. That was easy...

There just aren't enough hours in the day today, so I have to do tons more tomorrow. Atop that, I have to get up early to do some running around. Since it's 3am, I should probably try to get this done and get to bed...like 2 hours ago ;)

You'll excuse me for the abrupt end to the post, considering...right?

I've been a busy bee.

2009-10-28T19:22:00.005-04:00

I finally found the time to list something on Etsy. These are actually store samples from a class I was teaching, but they're back in-house now so they need a new owner.

This is what they looked like before they were mounted:

The bottom two, since I needed samples made of materials that could be bought in the store.

In other embroidery news...

Starting the biscornu...

Working on the winter flour sack towels, too.

Also got some books in from amazon.com. The two in the front were under a dollar each. The one in the back is hard to see, but here's a link:

So far, it's a fairly nice book.

I'm also surfing these for holiday gift ideas:

I LOVE PieceWork magazine. I used to get it years ago, then started getting it again this year. If you want more information on PieceWork, you can click here. They've got tons of great articles and projects for people who take needlework, knit, crochet, etc. to ridiculous levels ;)

Speaking of taking things to ridiculous levels:

I'm now learning to knit 2 socks at once toe up on one circular needle. I've never knitted a sock toe up, or on a circular, much less two at once.

Trust me, I do this all the time.

Oh, I also published a couple craft-related articles. One's a local article because one of our local JoAnn's superstores is closing. Another of our local JoAnn's stores closed earlier this year. The other one is about upcoming sales on classes at Open House events at my JoAnn's and other JoAnn's that have a Creative University. If you want to get some classes 50% off, I'd suggest calling your local JoAnn's to see if they have a Creative University and whether they'll be running the promotion.

Been AWOL

2009-10-25T04:18:00.003-04:00

Wow...I had no idea it'd been this long since I posted.

I've been crazy busy at work, and then I managed to slice off the tip of my finger during a quilting class, making typing nearly impossible. It's all better now :)

On the plus side:

Making serious progress on this quilt top. I'm adding borders and then I'll be ready to make my quilt sandwich. I have to get all of that done by the next class, which is on Friday. It's the last class.

I also started a table runner/placemats. They were supposed to be for a class but my student had to cancel. On the plus side, I was also making them as a Christmas present, so they'll still be useful :)

All of the supplies are in for the two biscornu patterns I'm trying to find time to stitch. I also got some 40 count linen for a side project I'm doing. I'm trying some projects from Trish Burr's book. I'll let you know about the book and how it goes.

Speaking of embroidery:

The hardanger ornaments are done for the classes I'll be teaching this Winter. I made an extra tag as a side project. It'll also come in handy when I crank out a ton of them this winter for adding to presents.

Isn't it cute?

In other picture news, both bad and good:

I can't learn loom weaving to save my life. It can't be complicated...I just can't read instructions because I have ADHD so I try snippets here and there and get hopelessly lost. I tried videos too but don't have one that makes a hat from beginning to end. URGH. Any advice?

In better news:

I have a new cutting table. Of course, for the moment it's covered with stuff so I need better organization, but it'll come. Some of those patterns I picked up will come in handy when it comes to organizing. I'm excited though. I really needed the space.

In less picture-heavy news...

Urban Threads, one of my favorite embroidery pattern companies, posted a picture of my rabbit on their blog as a craft mascot. He doesn't know he's internet famous yet, because it'd go straight to his head.

Speaking of Urban Threads, they're featured in another article of mine, which lists crafty projects and volunteer opportunities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but don't let October's end be the end of helping others. Get out there and make a difference for someone who needs some handmade love.

Influx

2009-10-10T01:41:00.006-04:00

My craft room is overflowing with new supplies. It's going to take days to reorganize all of this stuff. Most of it is for work or gifts in some fashion, sometimes both. They're pretty much coming in from every direction. It's a good thing I just organized everything? Now I get to do it all again.

First off:

Organization. I wrote an article on how popular bags are becoming for storage, outlining the uses and bonuses of using bags to make projects portable, as well as tips on what you'll need in the bag if you incorporate them into your crafting.

A recent finish, (actually, two finishes but I suppose it counts as one?) a pair of socks. I've got single socks done, which doesn't do me a bit of good, but this is actually my first pair ever. They're a wee bit loose, but I'll wash them up and I'm sure they'll shrink a bit. As a side note, however, I have to say I'm quickly becoming addicted to knitting socks for many reasons.

If you want a good recommendation on a sock book, I learned with this one, and it is AWESOME.

A couple things I was waiting for from Amazon.com (thanks, swagbucks for being my enabler) showed up but with some recent finishes I was starting to relax a bit and start some Christmas presents.

This just goes to show the fool I am because then this arrived:

and then this:

These are the rest of my square rulers that make quilting so much easier. I now have all the ones I currently need, thanks to swagbucks and amazon.com. Unfortunately, getting these tools in means I have to start working again...and I'm gearing up for a BUNCH of stuff for November through February.

Bunches and bunches and bunches, which led to the craftsplosion currently taking over my desk.

Money shows up, money leaves again. This stuff is for the fleece fringe classes...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I have to learn to make jewelry???

What?

You might call these tools, but they are actually torture devices for wire. One of these is 'all of the tools in one', which is why it has a different handle. If the first ones look slightly bizarre and painful, the 'all in one' is obviously from a fevered mind.

Back into more familiar territory, which probably looks like torture to some.

JoAnn's is having their Columbus Day sale this weekend and Simplicity patterns are only 99 cents apiece (limit 10), so I stocked up. I like to stockpile patterns for when I need an idea or have some time, so I did just that...

Cute little gift ideas...some Christmas-specific...

Bags of many types/sizes and other organizational goods. These will DEFINITELY come in handy.

These serve no purpose at all. However, I rarely collect anything that could be considered 'cute' but baby shoes? I could see myself stitching and keeping some baby shoes. Not for actual babies, but because I can't think of a cuter canvas for some awesome embellishment.

The one on the right is a vintage reprint. Look at the back!

They don't make pattern requirement lists like THAT any more! Nowadays you practically need a degree in pattern reading to even make sense of the thing. I can do it, but only because I've been doing it for years. My students have a lot of problems trying to decipher them though.

Most of these patterns will be going into the ideas bin, basically...but they'll see he light of day again I'm sure. Some perhaps sooner rather than later.

Man...I start to breathe a little easier because I'm getting on top of things and life senses a disturbance in the force and fixes it by swamping me in one fashion or another. Good thing I've learned to thrive in chaos. It's much easier when the chaos is of my own choosing, but as Gibran says, much of our pain is self-chosen.

We have a winner!

2009-10-03T14:44:00.002-04:00

The Impromptu Contest is over and today I headed over to random.org and found my winner.

I may end up addicted to running contests, because every time someone replied I thought 'hmm...I really like their answer...I wonder what I'd give them if they win.' and I had to wait (just like the rest of you) to find out who it would be. All this anticipation prompted me to pick a runner-up...so there will be TWO winners and two prizes.

So YOU don't have to wait any longer (since I intended to post this morning but I was exhausted), the winner of this contest is:

Tommye

Tommye is relatively new to my crafting circle but I love her etsy store, which has stitching accessories and recently, stitch markers for knitters :D. She also has a nice blog located here that you might want to check out.

As for my runner-up, random.org chose:

Pixie13

Tommye and Pixie13, I'll email you later this evening (I'm running out the door in a moment) to get your addresses to ship your goodies. Once they gets their prizes, I'll upload pics of what I'm sending. :D

Thanks to all my entrants, and I'll probably be running another contest soon.

If you want to know which colors I ended up choosing...I chose the lighter green and the brighter gold. I think they'll look good together and you guys can see what I've been up to once I get that started and upload pictures of other things (not related) that I've finished.

Some people start even earlier!

2009-09-27T02:25:00.003-04:00

Scream with me. Christmas showed up on my desk.

Not convinced?

What about now?

The joys of feeding consumer hunger...I have to start early. On the plus side, making tremendous amounts of stuff makes gift-giving a bit easier. If they like Xmas stuff.

In less horrifying news...

Picked up the fabric to teach the huge quilting class at JoAnn's. I hope these prints will go together. We shall see.

This picture announces an upcoming tutorial. If you can't figure out what it's for, the anticipation will be over soon.

Other stuff...

2009-09-25T20:22:00.002-04:00

Besides the contest (see previous post), I'm also busy with other stuff.

If you couldn't tell from the previous post, I got my copy of Aion so that'll be sucking up some time. I'm a gamer as well as a crafter. I can't let it suck up TOO much time though, because I have to finish a bunch of WIPs.

I finished yet another bag. I think I'm going to stiffen the fabric and probably line the bag (and most likely add pockets) so I'll have another bag to carry crafts around in. I made this at work while teaching Sewing 201. The front panels are sideways but I'm pretending that was intentional, as the instructions don't specify which way the front and back panels are supposed to be sewn together.

Bags are really popular this year, and I have so much stuff going on, it's hard to stay organized without them.

I'm making progress on the cabled afghan as well. While I don't have a progress picture, I'm inserting a gratuitous picture so you can see how ridiculously girly the combination of my needle tips and the yarn is. I can barely cope.

Impromptu Contest.

2009-09-25T19:05:00.006-04:00

I'm having an impromptu contest out of boredom. You do my work for me, and you get a chance to win random craft supplies. It won't be much...it's not The Most Awesome Contest of the Year...but it'll be free and straight from my stash.

The reason I'm not LISTING what's in said prize package is because I (and my readers) do so many types of crafts that it's hard to put together a fun prize that everyone would want. However...if you want to know what could be in it, remember that I do ridiculous amounts of embroidery. I knit and crochet. I quilt and sew. I spin yarn and felt (wet and dry felting). I dabble in lace and other random nonsense, and my bead collection is getting out of control for no good reason. I also hoard books and have a couple extra copies of certain things. It's not that it HAS to go (though some of it probably should)...it's just that I need your opinion and I'm willing to bribe you to get it.

Are we on the same page here? Good. Now here's what you have to do to enter.

I am in the middle of designing two biscornu (cross stitch) patterns with a Christmas theme, and I want to use the same colors with both of them. Problem is, my supplier (Valdani) sent me more colors than I can use in the collection, and the colors are so awesome that I can't pick a favorite. I'm counting on readers to pick a favorite for me. There are only two choices, so it's not that difficult. It's just that I'm completely undecided so I'm bribing you to help. *shakes mystery box* IT COULD BE ANYTHING!

Here are your choices:

One

Two

The only difference between set one and set two is that 2 of the balls in the front row are different (the gold and the green). Do you see why this is hard? I have to decide which gold and green go the best with all the other colors.

YOUR MISSION (if you choose to accept it):

Pick a favorite between options one and two.

Comment with:
Your favorite.
The type of crafts you normally do or enjoy (I have to know what to send you if you win!)
A way to contact you if you win (email address, blogger name, etc) and your name so if you DO win, I'm not telling everyone that Kleptosaurus39284 won my contest.

Do that and you get one entry into the Impromptu Contest.

If you link on your blog or other site, comment here with the link (I will verify) and you get one more entry into the contest.

Not too grueling, is it? Now the fine print.

Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Friday, October 2nd, 2009
Winner will be chosen by using the random # generator at random.org.
Maximum of 2 entries per person.
This is an international contest, so readers in other countries CAN enter.
The winner will be posted on this blog (check back!) on Saturday and contacted via email. If, for some reason, the winner cannot be notified by email then I will only post the winner here. The winner has 1 week (until Oct. 10th) to contact me to give me shipping information for their prize. If I am not contacted within that week, I will select another winner again using the random number generator.
Prize is chosen at my discretion and may contain materials, tools, completed bits or pieces, or any combination of the above.
Blog owner is not responsible if products you make with prize materials do not match but you use them together anyway and end up featured on the Homemade Hilarity blog.

This blog post will self-destruct in...wait...no it won't. Good luck!

I bet you thought...

2009-09-25T02:04:00.003-04:00

...that perhaps I wasn't crafting.

This would be a ludicrous assumption. I am currently up to my eyeballs in knitting and crochet, and once I get this cranked out I get to start on embroidery again. I was giving my hands a rest and doing things that involved less fine motor skills for a while. Less fine motor skills would include socks? If this confuses you, you haven't seen my embroidery.

This is actually 2 things I'm working on. The colorful thing is the start of a hat that I'm doing in Fair Isle (Intarsia). I'm learning that, but I'm sure it'll take time.

The white spool atop it is some silk I'm spinning up. I think I'll dye it, but I'm not sure if I'll ply it before I knit something up with it.

I'm teaching cables at work, which has been fun. The pattern I'm teaching is based on this new pattern from Lion Brand for a cabled afghan. I think it's very interesting, but I'm not sure if it's as cool in practice as in principle. I guess I'll find out?

Other things I'm learning: toe up socks. I wish I had some really easy instructions for a pattern that has lace. I don't know...perhaps I'll come up with something when I have some time.

Two socks ready for the heel turn for 2 different classes I've been teaching. One was Sunday, and one was today. I teach week 3 on Sunday again. Fun!

Ah, educational materials. My favorite! I have to learn this by January. Oh sure...I'll get right on that! ;)

I'm still trying to get Xmas presents done. I've been so busy with work and it shows no signs of letting up so I'm starting early. Of course, it's almost October now so it's no longer that early. I'm almost done with several projects but have many more to go. I'm still researching and organizing my projects to make sure everyone gets something. I enjoy it, but mostly I enjoy seeing the looks on their faces when they open their gifts.

I shot myself in the foot on this one. Since I can make ridiculous amounts of things...people expect handmade. They'd be disappointed if I bought something from a store.

Khalil Gibran says much of your pain is self-chosen. He was right.

Arrrrrrgh! It's Talk Like a Pirate Day!

2009-09-19T15:22:00.003-04:00

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day, and if you're looking for booty, look no further. Check out this article to find some excellent pirate patterns in honor of TLAP day, including one that's free through September 27th.

Don't be a landlubber. Plunder your stash and craft like a pirate today!

The Orts Pile is Growing

2009-09-19T02:58:00.002-04:00

I had a paper piecing class today. This is my ugly, ugly house.

This is technically from the summer paper piecing class from JoAnn's, but the student wanted to do this one instead of the fall pumpkin. I gave her the pumpkin pattern anyway for more practice.

In other news:

I'm up to my eyeballs in socks. One of those is completed, and you've already seen it. The other Knitpicks sock is almost done.

The stuffed sock (orange/purple/blue/yellow) is ready for class on Sunday, where I teach the students to make heels and gussets, and the other one in the same colorway is started so I can knit up my 8 inches by Thursday to teach another socks class to make heels and gussets.

Hopefully my 2nd knitpicks sock will be done by Sunday so I can wear my socks to class. I wish I could do all the socks in this pattern, but with how many issues my students are having with plain socks, I can imagine how the class would implode with a more difficult pattern.

It's not the students' fault. Some of them have no experience with DPNs. Some have no experience with circulars. All of this is fine, except that I'm teaching people to knit in the round on DPNs with tiny needles (size 2) and tiny yarn so they're all kind of losing it. I feel for them. I was in their shoes a few months ago when I learned to make socks.

Once classes aren't so busy (though part of me hopes they're always this busy) I'm going to learn to make socks toe-up. I kind of know the magic loop method already, so that won't be much of an issue. Two socks at once though? That'd be nice for personal use :D

Maybe someday I could do a class on it. Once I and everyone else are all less twitchy.

I honestly wish they'd taught the class with worsted weight yarn and larger DPNs. The students would have their socks knitted up faster and they wouldn't have to learn so many things at once.

Of course, I don't write the curriculum (though I sometimes fix it), so we get what we get.

What am I going to do with all these socks? I guess I'm going to have to find a ton of people with size 9 feet. The knitpicks socks though...those are mine.

My finger is still messed up from stabbing it with a sewing machine yesterday. It hurts pretty badly so I must have nicked a nerve in there somewhere. I also managed to roll over my own ankle in the parking lot with my rolling sewing tote (with a steel sewing machine in it). The sewing machine is fine. My ankle will heal. The tote will NOT. I broke off one of the plastic legs. I just bought this tote (on clearance...now I know why) so I'm going to have to see what I can do to reinforce it. I'm thinking metal, since obviously the lightweight wood and plastic aren't working out. It'll be heavier, but I mentioned there's a steel sewing machine in it right? How much heavier can it get?

I guess I'll find out. I don't know metalworking/welding, but I know someone who does. Hopefully we'll have this thing fixed up soon. I NEED it.

Talk of quilts...

2009-09-18T09:57:00.006-04:00

I may inadvertently become a good hand-quilter. Three things can be blamed for this. The first is obvious...I embroider by hand and have for years. I trust my hands. Then come the second two points.

The first of these points is that I'm lazy. Since I'm dragging my sewing machine to work several times per week and my other 2 sewing machines need parts, I don't want to pull out and set up my sewing machine every time I want to use it. The 'punishment' for this kind of lazy is that I have to do things by hand. You can see how this punishment pains me...I mentioned years of embroidery by hand right?

The second is odd. I don't trust sewing machines. I've used them since I was 14. Almost all the women in my family use them. My grandmother's a quilter, my mother's a seamstress...and yet I lack the natural talent with a sewing machine and inevitably it goes haywire on me and I can't troubleshoot. Combine this with the fact that I use old machines (they break down), my fear of the new machines (a computer? In my machine? After years of experience with Windows, I know better than to trust a computer.) The irony of course is that I use Windows, and I'm on my PC all the time, and I trust it more than I trust "one of them new-fangled computerized sewing machines". Honestly, if I can't troubleshoot an old-style machine (I lack the magic touch), how on earth would I handle a new machine? The ones at work keep beeping at me. They can tell I don't appreciate them like I should...

In fact, the only reason I'm using a thimble (I NEVER use a thimble!) is because a sewing machine attacked my finger yesterday when I was trying to move threads under the foot (it wasn't even sewing) and everything was fine and dandy today until I pushed the needle into my quilt top and the back end went right in the hole created yesterday by the sewing machine needle. Do you know how many nerves must be connected straight to the pad of that finger? I'm guessing "all of them".

Now that you know about my crippling fear of motorized needles, I should probably let you see what I'm stitching together, huh?

This is the Drunkard's Path. Did you know that this quilt square was used by the women of the Temperance movement? I didn't either until I started googling to figure out how to lay out these blocks to put them together (there are many variations, but I'm stuck with the traditional I think...I'm too lazy to undo the center square to do something different). I had no idea why it was called the drunkard's path before today, though I'd guessed it was due to the way it looked assembled.

I'm also putting this together for a class I'm teaching. Of course, the center strip is crooked and the bottom strip isn't much better, but if you'd seen how these fat quarters started, you'd realize I at least tried. They were crooked as all get-out. I don't know how that happens...oh wait, yes I do. There's no selvage edge on these fat quarters. I don't know how they were cutting them, but wow. Just wow. I imagine there's a lot of very crooked wasted fabric on that cutting room floor.

In less lazy and/or fail news...

Almost done with my homework for Sunday. I need 8 inches of sock so I can teach students how to make heels and gussets. I have 7 inches, so it looks like I'll be done in time. WHEW. Considering everything else I've had going on this week, it's a miracle I got it done and I'll have to do it all over again for Thursday's class.

Also, I taught a granny square class. They've changed the yarn requirements for the class several times but I had the materials for the old class, so...

This is Lion Brand's new Wool Ease Thick & Quick. I have to say I'm not a fan.

My opinion can be taken with a grain of salt, however. I'm not a fan of chunky yarn to begin with. It doesn't help that I had one color so I had to pick colors that went with it, and I don't like any of the colors. It also doesn't help that the colors look like insulation (what with all the flecks of other color in them), so I'm all itchy just looking at it.

I'm not a real fan of all the new colors I'm seeing though. The mustard yellows and weird oranges...it's all too 70s. I'm all for 'natural' colors but it can be done well...and it can be done in a way that leaves emotional scars. I was born in the 70s. It left emotional scars, okay? That's all I'm saying...

I haven't really been updating but I have been working on craft stuff every day. It's kind of cheaty because I get paid to work on craft stuff every day, but I am throwing in my own colors and ideas as well.

Store Samples

2009-09-16T07:19:00.004-04:00

Aren't they cute? I thought they were the perfect patterns to teach people embroidery. They're for the trend class at my local JoAnn's. Flour sack towels have been very popular this year.

This is the paper pieced quilt block for September/October. It's a pumpkin and I think it's adorable.

I was going to put the borders on the edges but I wanted people to be able to see the back...so I stitched the top only to a fat quarter so shoppers can lift it up to see how it's made. Hopefully it will encourage people to want to take the class.

I only have one store sample left to do for the September/October classes, and then I can concentrate on things like the socks I need to have half-done for the 2nd half of my classes and other things I need to get done. I only have to make a few things for the November/December classes. Namely, hardanger ornaments (will be drafting the patterns this week or next), Thanksgiving and Christmas towels for the embroidery class (these are both trend classes that I'm teaching), and the new quilting class that will be replacing curved seams and paper piecing. If you want to learn curved seams or paper piecing, now's the time to sign up at JoAnn's (not necessarily mine), as the classes only run through October. If you're intimidated by curved seams or just not sure what you'd do with them, paper piecing is surprisingly easy and fool-proof. I'm surprised it's a 201 class.

I suppose these will count as recent finishes for CADS as well. I'll be disappointed when CADS is over. I like the extra push to get something worked on or done every day.

One down, one to go.

2009-09-14T18:03:00.003-04:00

Tada! Knitpicks Lily of the Valley sock done in the Peacock colorway. It fits, it looks good, and it's mine all mine! One to go (I'm past the heel on it) and then I'll be able to check 'knit a pair of socks' off my 101 goals (most are craft related, but not all).

Have to write some articles today and do some homework for work. Fun fun. At least my work stuff is crafts related?

Free swag!

2009-09-14T00:21:00.003-04:00

Got my free stuff from amazon thanks to Swagbucks! Not my first order, but it is my first video. They apparently love videos? Now you can hear my voice (omg)!

In other news, Craft a day September is wonky over here. I AM crafting every day, but not finishing every day.

Recent WIPs include:

Still working on these socks. Down to the feet now! These aren't for my classes, they're for me. It's the knitpicks Lily of the Valley pattern, which assuredly looks much better in different yarn. I care not. I wanted this yarn.

Recent finishes:

Store sample for the fall/winter "Steps Through My Garden" quilting class at JoAnn's is complete! I had to take the pic in the classroom because I didn't have time to try to take a good pic at home, but it's done done done!

I'll be finishing more random stuff during the week including these socks. I've also started another one for a class I taught today and have to get 8 inches of sock done by next week ;)

I also have to draft 2 hardanger patterns for the November/December trend classes I'll be teaching. Holiday ornaments are fun!

The mayhem continues

2009-09-09T19:58:00.004-04:00

Finally got the supplies together to make this paper pieced pumpkin store sample I'll be doing for work. I won't be starting it til next week, however.

All of this and more is going into classes I'm teaching this week at work. Except for the silver shiny stuff on the bottom.

The silver shiny stuff is being made into an ironing pad. It is desperately needed, and I don't have the space for an ironing board. I much prefer something that's easier to set up and take down. I'll make a tutorial.

All the quilting is making an ironing board or pad rather necessary.

That's why. I made 20 feet of bias tape to make sure I'd have enough to get around this store sample. I'm almost done, but it'll need to be pressed again. I wasn't sure what type of pattern to quilt with. Freehand isn't one of my specialties, that's for sure. I'll have to get better at it anyway.

I'm also cranking out more Christmas presents. This one's the Green Living market tote pattern from Lion Brand. I'm not sure of the exact name at the moment, but it's coming together fairly quickly. I'm going to make at least one more.

Still participating in Craft-A-Day September (CADS). Haven't taken pictures of everything I've done, because most of it is just in stages of completion, but stuff flies out of here fairly regularly, so I'm pretty sure I'm still on track. Big stuff takes more than a day. If I could do a quilt in a day, I'd be a quilter ;)

The Purple Placenta

2009-09-05T05:29:00.006-04:00

This is what I got done for my craft a day september (cads) work today. It's almost half a side of a purse.

I was given some Lion Suede and I hoped I'd have enough for this round crocheted purse project for a Christmas gift. The purse isn't bad looking in the pictures, but it's flowery and girly and not really my style.

I crocheted it up...and realized it looks less than attractive. I have to go buy more yarn now to finish this monstrosity.

Bets on whether it's doomed to be a craft fail? I'm leaning towards yes, but then I never liked frilly flowery crocheted things anyway.

Dear Lion Brand: This is not your fault. I firmly blame Ravelry for this nonsense.

Randomness and the Stash Guardian

2009-09-04T22:12:00.005-04:00

Went to Outback tonight and picked up some coasters. I'm hoping I'll be able to use them for tablet weaving, which I'd like to take up when I have time. By my current schedule, I'm estimating I'll finally have time to learn tablet weaving in 2035. It never hurts to be prepared though!

Got some leftover supplies through the local craft network. I'm sure I'll be able to put these to good use. This is all yarn, of course.

This is Chuck...my stash guardian and yarn thief. He's a 10 lb Californian from a local rescue. He's been a member of the family for over a year, and no one will ever open my quilting fabrics drawer without his permission. You can count on it.

He's probably one of the most awesome pets ever. Not very needy, extremely lazy, and hilarious. Litter box trained, makes no noise...except for the shedding and destruction of property he's pretty much the perfect pet. Not that hair tumbleweeds and eating of the furniture aren't problems. He's just that worth it.

If you have any knit or crochet gauge swatches, he would like to add them to his growing collection so he can pile them up and lay on them like a dragon lays atop their pile of gold. If he sees you making gauge swatches, he will rip them right off your hook or needles, cut the yarn with his teeth, and run off with them. There's no arguing with a rabbit this big because he can stand on his hind legs to reach your lap. They are his and you will hand them over. One does not argue with Chuck (Norris).

In other news I just ordered $60 in quilting supplies for my fall classes from amazon.com. Rulers and rotary cutters and tailor's pencils, oh my! Best part of it all, aside from the free shipping, is that I didn't have to pay one red cent for it. I get amazon gift cards when I collect enough swagbucks, input them on amazon.com when I get the code, and then when I want to place an order I can use all the cards I've saved up at once to pay for my purchase and shipping. I get whatever I want, and it's all free. Swagbucks has lots of other prizes too, but I haven't bought every single item on my amazon wishlist yet.

It actually works, and all I have to do is search using their firefox plug in instead of google. It uses google to bring me results, and sometimes I win swagbucks. I win 1-3 per day, and an amazon gift card costs 45 swagbucks. It's no effort past setting it up and getting used to using it. It's free. It works. I've gotten almost $200 in amazon gift cards in less than a year and I still can't believe it.

You can sign up using this link. You don't have to, but FREE CRAFT SUPPLIES AND BOOKS. With all the scams I've seen...the programs/clubs, the 'pay to get information on how to get free stuff' that turns out to be cheap, tacky goods that you wouldn't want, I'm so relieved that I stumbled upon something that's actually legit.

When I get my order (it's not the first I've gotten), I'll post the video of me opening my shiny new craft stuff :D

A day late and a dollar short, once again.

2009-09-03T22:34:00.004-04:00

I am now signed up for Craft a day September, aka CADS, which means I'll be making something every day. I know it's the 3rd. Fortunately, I'm usually cracking something out almost every day anyway, so I'm not behind.

Go sign up if you're feeling brave!

In other news...recent completions and projects...

One of two towels done for the fall embroidery class I'll be teaching. I wanted halloween patterns for the towels and was running short on time to design my own patterns. However, Quixotic Pixels was kind enough to share some free Halloween embroidery designs which are perfect for my purposes. I think people will like the designs. I know I do!

In other news, still wrestling with the wall quilt, which is bigger than I thought it'd be.

Huge, and yet still not big enough to be anything useful...because it's just a sample and not the full class project.

It's going so slow because I have almost no workspace to do something as large as a quilt. This is maddening and will have to be resolved since I'm quilting more and more often now. I had to roll the top and bottom of this wall quilt panel so I could fit it on the table to tack it down for stitching.

It's now my quilt scroll. The back is brown, so it looks like a giant tootsie roll when it's not opened. Whatever it is I think I see apparently DOES become a tootsie roll to me.

I also pulled out some silk and I've been spinning that up. Unfortunately, I think I'm spinning it up too thick so I'll probably have to fix that.

What will I do with a bunch of skinny silk yarn? Only time will tell, but first on the agenda is dyeing it. I'm counting on instructions at Wormspit to help me with that.

In other news...I've also had a few articles published, if you're interested.

This one is flower pressing 101, with instructions on how to press flowers the old fashioned way and how to make wax paper leaves, in case you've forgotten the details. Perfect crafts for kids, and perfect crafts for fall. Also, surprisingly eco-friendly. Ah, nature...you share so many gifts.

For Halloween lovers, or Tim Burton fans, or Alice in Wonderland fans (I think I've hit the entire population with these categories no?), I also published instructions for making Alice's costume based off the trailer for the upcoming Alice in Wonderland movie, which will be out in March of 2010. Want the costume instructions? No pattern required, ages preschooler through adult. Start now so you won't be late to a very important Halloween Party date. ;)

And, in case you missed it, the Halloween Wall Quilt instructions are up again.

Speaking of quilts, afghans, and other blankets...

2009-08-28T15:05:00.003-04:00

Making progress on the store sample. I have to iron it, make the quilt sammich and quilt it all together, and then make bias tape and attach it. Then I'm done. Woohoo!

I also had an article published today. It's a crocheted afghan pattern that's fairly adaptable. If you want to make an afghan this fall, check out my Harvest Afghan. The picture at the top of the article gets larger, and it allows you to look at other pictures I've uploaded. The 3rd picture shows assembly instructions.

Yay free patterns!

Well...that was crazy.

2009-08-27T16:57:00.004-04:00

I just wrote out instructions to make this Halloween quilt.

I am now mentally exhausted and have to go teach knitting. If you want to make the quilt, or at least see more, feel free to check out my article here, and pass the real link along (at the top of the page, this shortened link name is for twitter).

There is not enough coffee in the world for today.

One down, two to go.

2009-08-26T17:16:00.001-04:00

One square down, two to go. Quilting is such painstaking work. After this I get to add triple borders, sandwich all the layers, quilt, and cut 500 miles of bias tape. I might be exaggerating, but I'm probably not.

Tearing through WIPs

2009-08-26T03:13:00.004-04:00

Got the cutting done for the quilt top I have to do for the store sample. I like the colors together, and saved the selvage for other projects. I'll need to get more fabric assuredly to teach the class, but I hope people take it. It's going to be cute.

I'm a bit further along now, but will update with pics of that when I'm further ahead.

In other news, I know I'm committing an unforgivable offense here by bringing up the C-word...but I just got my first Christmas present done.

I'm hoping that by getting started earlier this year, I'll be done and relaxed by Christmas. Maybe I'll have time to devote to other things besides pulling my hair out and pulling 16 hour days. Unfortunately, I'm also busier this year than I was last year so we'll see how that pans out.

I've got a lot to finish in this next week so I won't have time to work on any more until I'm done with everything that's already on my plate.

A day late and a dollar short, the TUSAL

2009-08-23T17:00:00.003-04:00

Why am I always one day late taking a picture of my TUSAL jar for the Totally Useless Stitchalong? I do not have the answer. Other things I can't explain: not following the TUSAL rules. The jar now contains even more quilting fabric strips. My justification for this is that I actually intend to use the stuff in this jar when the year is up. This should surprise no one that knows me. If something is around and has no purpose, I will give it a purpose.

In the background is some little project I'm whipping up in the closest thing to 'fall colors' I could find. Orange would have been good to add to that pile of mess, but I generally ban orange from the house.

One of my many quirks...hatred of orange.

Orange

2009-08-22T00:15:00.002-04:00

Finished up another quilt class this week, and that is the fruit (har har) of my labor. I only have 1.5 more of those to go to have a complete set, which will be awesome.

I don't have a table, so I have no idea what I'd do with a set of placemats, but you can't have placemats that aren't in some kind of a set. It's just not right.

The class went smoothly though. I do love teaching.

I teach knitting next week :)

FTC crashes the bamboo party

2009-08-20T17:53:00.003-04:00

So the FTC (that's Federal Trade Commission for the uninitiated) just released a consumer alert informing all of us eco-friendly folks that bamboo (like the cake) is a lie. I used my google-fu to find that the eco-friendly folks have been talking about it for up to 2 years. Party sufficiently crashed, I felt compelled to write an article about it in the hopes that more bubbles will be burst, I mean, more consumers will be aware of what they're buying.

This hits all of us who use bamboo. Bamboo is now available in threads (Rainbow Gallery is one supplier), roving (several suppliers there) yarns (again, several suppliers), and fabrics and completed goods which crafters use to make or embellish even more products.

There is hope, as long as there's enough pressure on the industries to make changes, but it will increase our costs if we still want to use bamboo and demand that it be eco-friendly.

I'm disappointed, because I love bamboo yarn and couldn't wait to spin some up.

Socks!

2009-08-18T15:42:00.006-04:00

Tada! First sock ever is now complete. It's going to be the store sample for work. In the corner there you see my next sock project:

Finally working on this Knit Picks sock...hopefully I can tackle it.

Also starting what I assume will be Christmas presents for the masses. I got these giant balls of cotton yarn with some patterns included at Hobby Lobby.

Obviously I'm spending a lot of time on knitting/crochet right now. There's a reason for that...I'm gearing up for fall classes at JoAnn's because Lion Brand (check out the article) is sponsoring them. Can you say free yarn and tools? I hope other people can, because I'd like to put in some more hours teaching :D

In other news, I have to get these quilting samples done. I just hate pulling out and setting up my sewing machine if I'm not ready to go. It's such a pain in the rear. I should come up with a better set-up but I'm already taking up the entire living room with my craft/office set-up (Not kidding...moved the living room into the dining room) and I don't think I have room for more surfaces/stations.

I should share the pics of my set-up at some point.

Keeping Ahead of Deadlines

2009-08-15T20:16:00.003-04:00

Struggling to stay ahead of deadlines but, as usual, supplies are flying in and completed works are flying out.

I've been slowly accumulating supplies I need to teach the fall classes at JoAnn's.

These are for the fall class, Quilting 201: Curved Seams. I know they're not fall colors, but they'll be cute nonetheless (if you're odd like me).

These are for the fall/winter class, Quilting 202: Steps Through My Garden. It's a 4 session class. I don't have all the supplies, but I'm getting them together.

Speaking of JoAnn's...

I'm almost done with the sock I need for a store sample. I don't know if I'll be knitting up one or two. I assume one, since that's what the class is about...but I can knit the other one during class so when it's over, I'll have a full set :)

That's the incoming and current projects. In outgoing we have this guy:

This sugar skull is now gone to his rightful owner. I'm sure he'll be well cared for.

Busy busy!

2009-08-10T16:27:00.005-04:00

Last week I had to sew up some drunkard's path quilt squares to teach a class on curved seams at work. Curved seams are surprisingly easy and this is my current favorite quilt square.

In other, more important news, I am DONE with the design for Smac and tomorrow it will be on its way to meet up with the Valdani people in Romania

Tada!

Close ups of:

Front

Back

It's on a temporary mount for now. Hopefully they'll replace the mount when they get time. For now it'll be easy to ship and transport.

I'll be putting this pattern in my Etsy store hopefully later this week if someone wants a copy.

Now I can start these socks...

Update

2009-07-23T17:42:00.004-04:00

Mostly spending my time working on the design for Smac. It's coming together nicely and I'll have it out on time. For those following:

My TUSAL jar is filling up fast as well.

I'll have to get a bigger one :D

Taking a friend out for birthday dinner, and then going back at the Smac design.

Drowning in yarn

2009-07-17T02:01:00.004-04:00

First off, I've worked on and finished a bunch of things...

The cabled mug cozy from knit picks is done. Finished it at work.

Unfortunately, though I'm a coffee hound, I have no use for a cabled mug cozy...so I upcycled it by wrapping it around a box and turning it into a post it notes holder...which I desperately needed.

Since I'm obviously an organization junkie, I also finished felting this knitted basket (pattern at ravelry), and now it's holding all my sock yarn. It's not round because I have a giant book stuck in it.

I've made some progress on the design for Smac. I have to rip out some stitches, but I'm further ahead now than I was in this picture. Still hoping to make my deadline.

My grandma came over today with ALL OF THIS. I don't even know what I'm going to do with it all yet. I still haven't cataloged it. What a stash, though.

Much of it will be going into my secondary stash of yarn for granny squares for my charity of choice, Heartmade Blessings.

She liked this yarn so I'm making her a lace scarf. I hope she'll like it.

We headed to Hobby Lobby where I picked up some free patterns and a measuring tape. Then I went to Michael's and picked up something interesting...

This appears to be a kumihimo wheel, packaged as a kid's craft. I'm going to try it with the packaged gimp and then switch to cords to see if it will work. It was on clearance for $2.99 and you can't beat a deal like that.

I'm going to be running like crazy tomorrow, but hopefully I'll have time to work on the design for Smac some more. I'm really enjoying tearing through these projects, but I have so many to go. It's how I like things, but I don't think I could put this much on myself if I didn't finish projects as often as I do. I need that sense of accomplishment.

I also put those mini cakes up on Etsy here if anyone wants them, and I'm getting ready to put up some vintage fabric.

Do you remember?

2009-07-09T21:02:00.003-04:00

Remember when I showed this pic and said it was all knitting supplies?

Well, you've seen what happened with the beads. The fabric underneath though? I'm done with it.

Behold...a new place to store my crap.

It had to be done because I bought a bunch of new DPNs (double pointed needles) from eknittingneedles.com and though I haven't tried them out, the price was certainly right and I needed DPNs. Unfortunately, they arrived and my already overstuffed craft drawer was not pleased by me trying to add all of this:

I'm not sure about 'premium' but they certainly are bamboo DPNs and I got tons of them for the bargain basement price of $24.95 and free shipping. I haven't had a chance to work with them yet.

Now they have a custom home just for them. Note that my 'writing' when I embroider is about as awful as my real handwriting. I can read it, and that's what matters, right?

Circulars, crochet hooks, and other assorted odds and ends. Email address included in case I (please goodness no) lose it.

Rolls up okay, in spite of some of the pockets being crooked. (I'm a kamikaze crafter...)

Glad I finally got to it and got it done. Only took one day.

Coffee fuels my world. Dunkin' Donuts knows this, and sent me free coffee. Their coffee is delicious.

Said present couldn't have come at a better time, because without brain power, I resort to playing with floss.

It got pretty bad while I waited for coffee to brew. I'm better now.

For those following, I'm making progress on the design for Smac as well:

Another useful article...

2009-07-04T15:36:00.001-04:00

I write an article linking quite a few free hardanger patterns. If you're interested, check out the article and snag them.

Plush Particles

2009-07-02T02:21:00.004-04:00

I got this idea from Particle Zoo, but needed some pronto, so I drafted some patterns and cranked these out tonight. I'll probably order the real ones soon, but the person I'm giving them to (birthday present) appreciates things *I* make. This is a proton, neutron, electro-neutron, electron, up quark, and down quark.

I didn't have nifty tags like theirs so I hand embroidered some felt tags. They'll do.

Making some progress on the design for Paris as well. I've got the center of the pattern partially complete at this point, and will probably be done with it by the time the border is done.

Also, I was recently interviewed by a fellow blogger. check it out and poke around if you want to :)

Doing it wrong.

2009-06-29T12:05:00.002-04:00

Class went very well, in spite of a pattern snafu. I really liked my student. She's a teenager (I said 'liked' and 'teenager' together???), but she's a pretty crafty gal and really wanted to learn. I hope she got a lot from the class.

Craft night went well too. Sent knitting needles home with a couple of people with some yarn, my friend A gave me some buttons she got off Etsy and they're perfect. I gave her some vinyl wall decal I got for being at JoAnn's on demo day. I was going to play with it myself, but I do NOT need more crafty hobbies. I'm apparently trying to limit myself to 50 or something.

In spite of my very busy weekend, I made a tiny bit of progress on the pattern I'm doing.

I picked up a scrap of synthetic leather for a future embroidery project.

I enjoyed this weekend, but I'm glad it's Monday. In spite of the fact that I have *some* work to do today (and all the laundry), at least I'm not in 500 directions at once.

I hope you guys had a good weekend.

Busy weekend begins.

2009-06-27T05:47:00.002-04:00

All set to start classes at noon.

I also have 3.5 flowers done in the border for the Paris order. Not as far as I wanted to get, but I had other things to do. I'll work on it this evening.

Off to crash for a while and then head up to work.

A piece for Smac, and other current events.

2009-06-26T19:09:00.005-04:00

Just got this thread in this week. Ordered it from Sublime Stitching. It's Glow-in-the-dark. I'll probably be writing a review on it once I get some time to work with it. I'm disappointed in how quickly the glow fades, though.

Why am I too busy? Atop everything else, there's this:

It looks like Garden Party...but there's way too much thread there. It's going to be much bigger than Garden Party, and completely reworked on the inside. This will be going with Valdani to London and Paris for some shows they'll be attending. I just have to stitch it up in time, which will be a task and a half. There will be pictures along the way, I'm sure.

In other news, I wrote a couple of articles that got published today. This one is on DIY 4th of July party invitations, and this one is about local knitting and craft events at my public library. If you're local, you might want to check them out. Especially the craft swap. Clear out the stash you won't use and make way for new!

I have some other stuff in various stages of completion as well. The mug warmer is almost done, I'm drafting a sugar skull pattern for embroidering on a bag, and I'd like to finish one of my custom orders this weekend or early next week.

I'm teaching quilting all weekend, and thankful to have the opportunity in this economy. I'm also hosting a stitch and bitch on Saturday night, so my weekend is going to be slightly crazy.

Obviously, this is the way I prefer it ;) Anyone else have crafty plans this weekend or should I just die of embarrassment now?

Micheal Jackson dead at 50

2009-06-25T19:38:00.001-04:00

I can hardly believe it. Michael Jackson is dead. I wrote an article about his contribution to the independent crafts world as well as fashion and pop culture. It lists my sources for his death as well.

I have mixed feelings on the issue...but it's still sad.

Mmm, coffee.

2009-06-24T13:53:00.002-04:00

I'm working on Knit Picks' Cabled Mug Cozy pattern right now, and it's cute so far.

I have time to work on this because:

I got those Men's Convertible Gloves done (another Knit Picks pattern). I love finally finishing patterns that were in my craft bowl. It's still overflowing (as usual) but not as badly.

Craft articles

2009-06-23T18:16:00.003-04:00

I've put up some new articles, in case people are interested.

How to braid wool roving, with pictures! I've shrunk my stash so I now have room for more.

Free Cross Stitch Patterns, because we love them. I've tried to find quality patterns that're still free for this article.

Downloadable/printable cross stitch patterns from good designers who are embracing the internet age. Also, look for freebies from the designers/websites in this list.

Knit Picks Gloves, DPNs, Stitch Markers, and Other Accomplishments/Failures

2009-06-22T18:04:00.006-04:00

Accomplishments the past few days:

Even though I used DPNs to hold my stitches, I still managed to finish 1.5 gloves. The pattern is from Knit Picks, it's the Men's Convertible Gloves pattern. Making them for a friend, and then I have to make another pair.

I am not a perfect knitter, but they say practice makes perfect? One glove complete, the other is almost complete.

I managed to take a picture today of my TUSAL jar for the Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long The best SAL ever, in that it involves saving your threads and other tiny needlework bits. You work on whatever you want and save the leftovers. Yeah, there's yarn in there. There are tiny shreds of quilting fabric in there too, because I can't follow instructions. I love this SAL. It's my favorite. You should join.

I cranked out a couple of articles for one site this weekend. One was even crafts related.

I also managed to get up to work to add some classes to my teaching schedule as well as pick up some supplies.

Wire. Oddly, all of this is for knitting. The wire, the fabric, the beads. How? The fabric is becoming a needle organizer to hold my DPNs, and the beads and wire are for stitch holders because if everyone else jumped off a bridge I'd do it too.

The problem here comes up in my list of:

Failures

I know NOTHING about beading. Beads in needlework? Oh sure. Beads on wire? I don't know wire. I don't know supplies or tools or the best way to thread things unless it pertains to needlework. After attempting to close these things 3 different ways I've admitted defeat and will now do what I was avoiding doing earlier. Find and read some instructions.

*sigh*

I also have no idea what this guy is supposed to be:

I am befuddled.

Another failure...2 partial socks started, 2 frogged. One is a Knit Picks pattern. The other, well I just knitted it on needles that were apparently too big so that's not a big deal. At least I did it correctly!

Pretty sock from Knit Picks pattern with Knit Picks yarn on Knit Picks needles...all frogged now. The other sock, I was halfway down the foot before I realized it needed to be frogged. :( I can't yet check 'make a pair of socks' off my list of goals.

In other failures, I took pictures for an article to write on storing wool roving but have yet to write the article, re-size them, and upload them.

Knitting socks, and Valdani threads.

2009-06-17T19:05:00.004-04:00

My order from Knit Picks came today. I'm trying to learn to knit socks (shouldn't be too hard) so I can knock it off my list of 101 things to complete in 1,001 days. The color of the yarn is Peacock multi (sock yarn) and the brown yarn is for some Men's Convertible gloves (there'll be pictures of the pair I'm currently finishing up soon...this is yet another pair).

In an interesting twist of events (common around here), JoAnn's asked if I'd teach a class on how to knit socks that will start up this fall. You betcha?

Welcome to crash course crafting. My name is Rabid and I'll be your host for this roller coaster ride...

In other news, remember Garden Party? The free pattern is here. At any rate, I'm making a much bigger and more intricate one for Valdani to take overseas.

The color of the thread is the same, but the fabric is different and the design will be adapted considerably so it'll look different.

If you're interested, keep on coming back. I have to have it out of here by August so it'll be another mad dash to the finish line. Just how I like it.

Bias tape tutorial

2009-06-14T08:47:00.002-04:00

Remember yesterday when I was trying to convince you it's easy to make bias tape?

I found a tutorial this morning.

I told you it's easy :D

Not hard, I promise. Plus...think of all the potential craft ideas you could come up with if you only had cute bias tape!

Knitting in public day, work edition.

2009-06-13T20:46:00.004-04:00

I did indeed knit in public today. I also informed people that it was world wide knitting in public day. They didn't believe me.

Other things I brought to work today?

I made a tote for the Sewing 201 class at JoAnn's. It's surprisingly roomy. I'm not done with this tote, however. I have embroidery plans for it.

Atop the tote, I've been working on this quilted fruit placemat for quilting 101 for the past two days.

Stitches in the ditches...

Making your own bias tape is almost a requirement for quilting. Bias tape is available pre-made, but it doesn't match your quilt and makes it look blah. Most often, you'll be stuck making your own if you want a quality quilt. Fortunately, it's not nearly as hard as you'd think.

Little stitches on the backside...and they all look just the same. Bias tape is secured to the back of your quilt edging with stitches done by hand to prevent showing through the front.

Watermelon!

I think it's adorable.

I might just take a break from crafts this weekend before I start it all again next week. I think I've earned it? Jury's still out.

World Wide Knit in Public Day

2009-06-12T15:28:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow I'll be demonstrating for the classes at JoAnn's Open House (get there for 50% off select classes and learn a new skill!) and I'll be knitting. Why? Because tomorrow is world wide knit in public day and you can bet I'll be KIP with the rest of the crazy crafters. How about you? Any plans for knitting in public tomorrow?

If you want more information about world wide knit in public day, visit their website and get busy!

As for me, I'm still making preparations for demonstrations tomorrow.

Hopefully I'll have at least THIS done and it can come with me tomorrow. HOPEFULLY I'll have more things done as well.

Something I'm working on so I can write an article. Of course, I'll only be able to complete this little project once my demonstration stuff is together/done. Ugh.

In good news though...

Tada! Got my business cards. Pretty nifty for free (plus shipping of course).

I'd say more but I HAVE to get this craft stuff done for tomorrow.

Bad Juju!

2009-06-08T22:14:00.002-04:00

Meet Juju. He's a knitted amigarumi um...doll. Yes, that's it. A doll.

If you'd like to knit your own, knock yourself out.

For now, Juju and I have plans.

Florida

2009-06-08T00:26:00.002-04:00

Update on the long-lost project. I'm almost done.

I actually call it Florida because I picked up the supplies on a trip there. Crafters know that when we settle in on vacation, we have to find the craft stores and pick up a souvenir that we have to make ourselves.

That's how much detail is around the edges. The squares that were blank before are now 'sunflowers'. That's what this window pattern is called.

With all that stitching around the edges (some of it was modified from the original pattern), I thought the middle looked pretty plain so I decided to spice it up a bit with a stitch I just learned called the plaited square stitch.

I marked out the base stitches, wove over them, wove around those stitches, removed the framing threads, and voila!

It's my first time with this stitch, so it's not perfect, but I really like it. It looks complex on the front, but if you look at the back...

...that's all that's holding the design in place! Pretty neat, huh?

I think it looks pretty small in the center though, so I'm going to come up with a curvy border that will look good there and cover up some of that fabric.

Oddly, when I picked up that colorway of floss (Carnival, by Caron Collection), I was told I'd never be able to find a fabric that would go with it.

What do you think? Did I manage it anyway? ;)

Now I'll have to get to felting that bag and finish up this Bad Juju. There will be pics.

Packages!

2009-06-05T17:19:00.002-04:00

Look what came to my doorstep today.

Two packages! I have plans for these *rubs hands together*.

Problem is...these are supposed to go in the same pattern but they don't match.

I am not a happy camper. This design is on a deadline.

Mr. X Stitch

2009-06-05T12:59:00.002-04:00

I made Mr. X Stitch's blog with those cakes. I'm always shocked when someone takes notice of something I've done. Check it out here if you like :)

I try to read Mr. X Stitch regularly as of late. Imagine my surprise to see something I recognized...

Projects in the works.

2009-06-03T23:15:00.005-04:00

Knitting basket from Ravelry is ready for felting. This will be my first felted project.

This is how much yarn I have left over after completing the project. I spun it up myself. I'm not sure what to do with it, but I love it. The colorway is Endicott.

This is a whole MESS of craft stuff. Almost all of it is for classes I'll be teaching at JoAnn's, which you can read more about here. I'm deciding which one I'm going to be demonstrating at the open house on the 13th.

Local events

2009-06-02T17:36:00.002-04:00

My local JoAnn's is having an open house this month, with 50% off select classes. Ever been to a class at JoAnn's? They have quite a few.

I'm dying to make the placemats.

New crafty articles :)

2009-05-31T22:34:00.003-04:00

Want to know where to get the pattern for those cakes, or would you like to see pics of the charming details? I wrote about it here.

I also have a new article up on my hardanger pattern, but you already know about the pattern.

In the workshop

2009-05-31T17:33:00.002-04:00

THE CAKE IS A LIE.

I stitched these up for an article I'll be putting up shortly.

Coffee beans!

"Chocolate" foliage.

Sweepstakes, anyone?

2009-05-27T14:36:00.003-04:00

Fabric.com is still running their "Sew" Much Fun Sweepstakes with some really awesome prizes. If you want to enter, go for it while there's still time.

2009-05-26T14:19:00.002-04:00

Ric rac flowers!

Want to know how to make them? I linked all the best tutorials here and they don't take long at all.

Making progress.

2009-05-25T06:53:00.002-04:00

For those following this nifty little lost and found hardanger pattern I've been working on, I wanted to update with progress photos.

I got some serious time to work on it a couple nights ago while chatting with friends, and today I finished all the work up to cutting.

Then tonight I started the cutting. I changed the filling stitches the middle parts call for in this one because the designer's recommendation looked too plain. Once I get these done, I have to fill in all the uncut squares with the 'sunflower' filling pattern she based her book around.

Hopefully I'll have this one done soon, then it's off to finish a few other projects and start some bad juju. Whatever could that be? ;)

Random stuff and nonsense.

2009-05-22T01:09:00.002-04:00

This post will be long. I'll try to include a picture or two to break it up.

First off, I wrote 4 articles on local art festivals. You can check them out here,here, here, and here.

In other news, I'm on craftgossip again here. Readers here already know about the free pattern, but you might not know about craftgossip, so gogo!

In other news, have a tiny bit of time and finally got the pattern back for this design I started long, long ago.

Making progress quickly on it because I can't wait to see it completed.

Let's see...what else...

Oh!

I'm in the middle of drafting a design for a pretty big project. One of the ladies at Valdani saw my work and wants to take a piece done in their threads with them to trade shows. Apparently they went to Smac in Paris last year and there was no hardanger around, so they want to bring mine.

I'm kind of nervous and excited about it. I can't wait to see it completed. Of course, there will be pictures. I have to have it done and to them by August.

Also, a friend of mine requested that I make a hardanger brochure for a festival she's going to, so I finally got that done today.

I'm not so good at the brochures. I think it works?

If you want it, here it is. Come and get it.

2009-05-20T19:55:00.004-04:00

If you liked it and wanted to stitch it, I've released the pattern.

Here's a shot of the detail:

I didn't include instructions for how to do hardanger, but it's not that hard. There are plenty of instructions on the internet.

This pattern is fairly advanced, so feel free to make adjustments to make it a bit easier if you like.

It's free, and on flickr (having an account will make it easier to get it in its original size), so go get it and let me know how you did!

I'd love to see pictures of modifications people have done and colorways they chose, so feel free to come on back.

If you like this design, you'll probably love my other work. Feel free to check out my work on flickr (click any of the pictures above) and if you know of anyone who could use my skills, I could use the work!

Garden Party

2009-05-19T21:31:00.003-04:00

Work complete!

I'm so happy to be finished with this little hardanger design, not because I hate it (oddly?) but because I worked so hard on the details in this little pattern and they've really shone through in the end.

Little details like the hardanger border around the window here. It took quite a bit of tweaking to come up with a sturdy border this size that didn't look plain our out-of-place. I even stitched the hearts separately from the rest of the border so that they would pop out and not get lost in the other stitching.

There's the back, for people who like to see how things are made.

I'm happy to be done with it, and I'm probably going to distribute the pattern here in a couple of days for those who are interested.

Crafting away...

2009-05-18T20:10:00.005-04:00

That's what I was doing this weekend, making sleeves for a Muslim friend of mine to cover her wrists. 13 pairs since she's going on an extended out-of-country trip.

I've been busy as usual. Putting some finishing touches on some new articles for local crafty events and in my free time (har har!) I've been working on this:

Remember that hardanger I started last week? Now I'm almost done with the design and once I complete it and put some finishing touches on the pattern, I'm going to offer it here for free.

Working with this thread, I wonder if it can be used for tatting. I bet it could. Especially in the smaller sizes. With all the time in the world...

I'm going to dunk this pattern after I complete it and test Valdani's 'colorfast' promise. Who wants to watch?

Caron

2009-05-12T04:45:00.003-04:00

For those who don't know yet, Caron has completely redone their website, and I am so thrilled.

Caron is one of the best-known specialty threads manufacturers in the US, and I've used all of their major product lines. Watercolours, Waterlilies, Wildflowers, and Impressions (a wool/silk blend thread). They've got many impressive colorways which you can now easily see on their site here, and while you're there, check out their lesser-known threads. If you like variegated thread, you'll love Caron. If you like free patterns, well you'll just have to love them twice then. I'm getting ready to do their Byzantine Xmas ornament (needlepoint), and there will be pictures.

Want to compare?

SO BUSY

2009-05-11T19:19:00.003-04:00

I have been so busy doing this and that, I haven't had hardly a chance to update here.

Here are some things I've been working on:

Finished this in like 2 hours. Ravelry likes to get me in trouble with funny patterns. This is supposed to be a knitted condom, but the striping in the yarn made it look like a tiny fruit hat.

I rarely have time to knit or crochet, but you can't go wrong with yet another organizer when you have this many projects going around. Ravelry inspired me with a knitting basket, which is felted.

That's how far I've gotten on it. I'm not done because I'm spinning the yarn myself.

In other news...

This is the start of a custom order. It's a hardanger design. Did the pattern myself and I'm debating posting it here for those that would like to do it. I'll be posting more pictures as time goes on. I'm using valdani perle cotton #12 with 28 count quaker fabric.

Anyone interested in a free hardanger pattern?

Busy, and loving it.

2009-04-23T09:30:00.003-04:00

I really do love being busy, as long as it's a productive kind of busy.

Atop a bunch of other things, here are some of the productive things I've finished in the past couple of days.

I got these pajamas done! They were a custom order. She fell in love with the Olivia the Pig fabric so her pajama bottoms and the cuffs on her pajama top are done in that fabric (flannel). The pants have red cuffs. She wanted pockets and a side-closing mandarin collar so I drafted the pattern and voila:

Contrasting pockets.

Embroidery on the collar was done by hand. So were the frog buttons.

Drawstring waist.

In other news, I got one of two kitchen towels done for a friend.

Modified a design from subversive cross stitch and put it in the colors she wanted. I had to dye the towels.

I'm feeling slightly accomplished today :)

In other news, feel like entering a contest for a book on knitting your own socks? Craftgossip is running another giveaway, this time for the book Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn. Go and enter!

It's about that time!

2009-04-21T21:00:00.004-04:00

In honor of Earth Day I decided to do some recycling of my own.

I had a giant Goldfish snacks box that was empty. I didn't want to throw it away, but they're not really useful for storage that way sooooo...I cut it in half, covered it in crochet, and now it's another desk organizer/clutter catcher thing. It's already come in quite handy.

Anyone else doing anything cool to celebrate Earth Day?

Randomness

2009-04-19T19:13:00.002-04:00

My current WIP (work in progress), a hardanger butterfly. Doing the border now and then I switch to detailing. I'm trying out these Rainbow Gallery threads and this hand dyed fabric.

These goodies arrived while I was on vacation. Don't mind the shirt in the middle, it's an inside joke. But...I did get my first issue of Piecework Magazine in quite a while and I got the book I won in a contest on http://needlework.craftgossip.com a while back. I haven't gotten a chance to do more than leaf through it for the moment, but I'll have some more time shortly.

Gold needles

2009-04-17T22:19:00.003-04:00

These are gold needles. I use gold needles for ALL forms of embroidery because they last much longer.

You're supposed to toss needles after one project. I tend to stretch them a bit longer because I can, but still, I go through so many needles I might as well buy a sharps container so I can dispose of them safely.

Because of this, I switched to gold needles. They really DO last longer. About 2.5-3 projects on average.

These are DMC gold tapestry needles. I bought them at Jo-Ann's, though I buy gold needles almost anywhere I see them. I took this picture for a friend so she can see the various stages of use and not throw them away too soon. As you can see, under the gold plating is a regular needle, also plated. Needles without any plating go dull gray and you can feel as you stitch with them that they try to catch the fabric. They are no longer smooth and should be retired so that you can keep your project damage-free.

The needle on the left is new, and completely gold. The one in the center has considerable use and the gold is gone. You can see the regular needle underneath. The one at the far (right) end can no longer be used.

Just a little FYI. If you embroider regularly, consider switching to gold needles. I use both tapestry needles and embroidery needles (tapestry needles have blunt tips and are used for cross stitch, hardanger, etc...where you have to put the needle between looser fabric threads), and they're all gold. As a bonus, they're also easier to find!

I'm back!

2009-04-11T04:18:00.005-04:00

This post will be picture heavy.

This is what happens when I pick up a new skill. I learned basic tatting on the plane (4 hour flight) and this is my first completion.

This is my first tatted lace. It's really loose between the loops, but I'll get there. I don't care much for this colorway, but it's practice anyway.

Now for something I know a little bit more about...

Ah, hardanger. I can do this in my sleep, which I actually proved today.

The back of the lacework section. The back of your work DOES matter. You will never be considered proficient at needlework with sloppy backs after all.

Another doily! This thread is from threadworx, a company I've been dying to try ever since I saw them in the web. Their products are just as delicious in person as they are on the web, I can assure you.

A close up of the colorway. The color changes on this thread are really short, making for vibrant stitches that showcase the colors pretty quickly. This makes it easy to use in small pieces.

For those who like the thread porn...here are some of the colorways I picked up in Arizona.

I'm glad to be back, though I wish my trip had been longer. Now it's back to work!

Wow, peeps!

2009-03-29T15:34:00.002-04:00

I mention tatting and people start showing up.

That's actually awesome.

I left to go on my trip yesterday. I've arrived safely. Had some time during the 4 hour flight to actually teach myself some basic tatting stitches. I thank goodness that I spend all my time playing with string because it seems that my working knowledge of thread combined with the inability to do anything ELSE helped me figure out what I'm supposed to do. It's not that tough, actually, though I don't know how I'd teach anyone else...

I'll take pics at some point. I'm on someone else's computer so I didn't want to overload their system with photos and all the other stuff I'm regularly dabbling in.

Obviously I need to get a laptop. :p

Oh, and howdy to the people who stop by to give me helpful links and say hi :)

Tatting

2009-03-27T21:26:00.004-04:00

I like to bring small crafts on a trip, so I guess on this 'vacation' I'll be learning tatting. I know the very basics of using shuttles, but needles? I don't know what those are for. I picked them up anyway. Might be used in the same technique or another one. I guess I'll know when I get some time to work with it.

Anyone else know tatting? I tried to get someone to show me, but it's a dying art and I can't find anyone that knows it.

It's important to keep the old skills alive. They contain and display our history.

Leaving on a jet plane.

2009-03-27T15:14:00.002-04:00

I'm nowhere near packed. I don't even know what to bring at this point. Eh, I'll get it all done. I always do.

I wanted to write an article or two today to have some windfall for my travel time (I have to write a certain number of articles for work) but I've felt awful the last couple of days (ear and sinus infection, it's a doozy and I'm on 3 kinds of antibiotics...oof) so I haven't been following latest trends.

Anyone following the craft sites that knows some good trends I may have missed in the past week?

2009-03-24T06:43:00.003-04:00

What's this? Oh it's chicken scratch embroidery, which is beautiful, easy, and full of history. Read more in this brief article I wrote, with another picture.

Also, if you want a free sewing machine, you can enter to win one at the link below. How awesome is that?

OMG frogs

2009-03-23T16:36:00.003-04:00

Almost done with the Chinese frog buttons for this pair of pajamas. Have to buy another yard of soutache, then I can finish the last set. I think my comforter-eating rabbit wandered off with my last yard. Figures.

Once I get these buttons done I put them on, snap some pics, and send out some custom pajamas. I'll be very glad to get these done.

When packing...

2009-03-21T17:53:00.002-04:00

Everyone has things they start packing as soon as they know they're going on a trip. They go through the checklist of things that need to go and try to figure out what can be packed now, as opposed to what has to wait until just before they leave.

What do you think a needleworker starts packing?

Ah yes :) This is going to go with me on the flight because I don't have time to work on it right now. I can't wait to see it done.

This is a close up of the completed design. It was on the cover of Zweigart's September, 2007 issue of at home with Needlework.

I fail at getting anywhere on it because I'm trying to wrap up all the time-sensitive work I'm doing ASAP.

Look what I found!

2009-03-21T00:11:00.003-04:00

A new thread, and a new contest to win some of your very own! The thread is Lecien Cosmo embroidery floss from Japan and oh man, I can't wait to get my hands on some. She found a local distributor, so she's lucky, but you can order from them too :) Just follow the link from her blog.

Contest ends: 3-25-09 at 11pm PST. GOGO!

New crafty articles :)

2009-03-20T22:58:00.003-04:00

If you're so inclined, check out my recent articles.

This one's about a new trend, using fabric selvage in your craft projects, which is actually really neat and I can't wait to try it. If any of my readers try it, please link me your pictures!

Also, with several events right around the corner, I've gathered some ideas for party invitations for Celebrating this season's return of baseball as well as Earth Day party invitations, and if you weren't sure if you wanted to throw an Earth Day party this April, or you weren't sure how to do it...I can help there, too, with tips and tricks for throwing an Earth Day party as well as craft ideas for kids within the Earth Day theme.

Don't forget to visit my profile on Examiner.com to see if there are any articles you missed. I'll be updating there again in a day or two. You might also want to help me dust off some old articles I wrote about gift ideas for stitchers, and introductions to blackwork embroidery as well as hardanger, and if you're looking for drop spindle recommendations, look no further, I tried some Kundert drop spindles and I'm in love.

Is it the weekend yet?

2009-03-20T15:36:00.003-04:00

I'm booking flights and juggling finances for an emergency trip, and I'll be gone a while (but still blogging), but I wanted to let you guys know about this contest I'm getting ready to enter.

It's for a free apron from the Hip Hostess. I visited their website through the post I linked. Their aprons and tea towels are divine. GO GO, and sign up!

Also, if you don't win but still want an apron, that link offers a coupon code valid through the end of April. Don't miss out!

Did you hear?

2009-03-17T03:42:00.004-04:00

Lark books just notified me of a new contest to generate interest in their new book:

Head on over here, download the rules, and get started! You have until April 30th to be entered to win that and 9 other selections from Lark Books

Also, in case you were not aware, I'm now the Detroit Arts and Crafts Examiner for Examiner.com. If you'd be so kind, please check out my new article about National craft month at Jo-Ann's, which is running all this month. The article has a link to their new patterns for lots of different types of crafts.

Also, have you heard about people using fabric selvage now for crafts? *sigh* I want to try it. If anyone else has...link me a pic!

Did she just?

2009-03-15T15:08:00.001-04:00

This winter was a doozy, wasn't it? This is my meager revenge. I drafted the pattern, should be easy enough for anyone with a basic understanding of the stitches to duplicate but if anyone wants the pattern, let me know :)

Oh wow!

2009-03-15T13:04:00.002-04:00

I just won a contest over at CraftGossip for this book :D I can't wait to see it.

They're running another contest for a different book now. Why don't you head on over and sign up? Maybe you could win too!

March is Mending Month!

2009-03-13T20:47:00.003-04:00

This obviously needed mending, no? My rabbits got ahold of my comforter goodness-knows-when and I've been meaning to fix the underside they chewed, but never got around to it.

Now I'm glad I didn't, because I entered the Get Er Done Giveaway over here (contest is almost over) and it gave me just the kick in the buns I needed to finally do it. I don't know if I'll have time to get anything else done because I'm so busy (which is why I hadn't gotten it done in the first place) but boy am I relieved it's done now.

Want to see?

Lights had to be on there...it took a while to fix it since I was doing it all by hand.

That's Civil War Era Reproduction fabric my grandma gave me. I'll think of her every time I see it. Patches don't always have to match the original. Sometimes it's better if they don't!

New shipment!

2009-03-13T18:44:00.003-04:00

What's this? My new shipment from Valdani! I'm testing colors for my upcoming kits because I want one of them to contain Valdani threads. Being a designer is awesome.

Oh that's right, I probably haven't blogged publicly about my kits.

They're educational kits for my favorite type of embroidery, with some of the best supplies available in the market so that people get a good understanding of what to look for when they're choosing their own supplies in the future. I've tried threads from all over the world and I've done some truly wonderful and awful things to them to make sure that I know which products to recommend to others. 2 of my 4 beginner kits are already being tested. I want the 3rd to have Valdani threads.

Would you like to know which products I've tried and how it turned out? I'm getting ready to write reviews and comparisons on some of my favorites...

But, to focus on what's important here...let's talk about you, my dear readers.

I hope you like purple, because that's what color I'm getting ready to do my new sampler design in. Of course, if you don't like purple, that's okay too...because you get to pick your own supplies.

The pattern will be available here, on my blog, for free. I may even run a contest with it. Anyone interested?

Crafty business...

2009-03-10T23:48:00.003-04:00

My secondary nickname is "God of Crafting Chaos" for a reason. This is 5 of the projects I have running right now. 2 are almost done (yes one DOES contain a cuss word), and one is going to be unveiled, with free pattern, on this blog.

Note Buddha. He is unfazed by this chaos because he knows it all works out in the end. He's how I keep my sanity (what's left of it anyway).

Contests!

2009-03-09T11:28:00.006-04:00

If you're looking for some swag from or for crafters, there are contests on a couple places right now.

One, craftgossip is heralding their return with a huge giveaway. You could win one of over 440 prizes in their March Madness Giveaway so head on over and sign up.

Also, this month it's all about the buttons (which goes well with mending month, no?"

Crafster's current craft challenge is all about the buttons.

If you decide you like working with buttons, you might want some more ideas. You're in luck, too, because Craftstylish is having a March Book Giveaway.

Head on over and sign up. It's good to participate in the craft communities...I get some of the best ideas from community participation.

In other news, look what I did :) I finished one of these new frog buttons. It looks rather heart-shaped, to me.