tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84957236962934004332024-03-11T21:50:17.272-07:00Dechon's DesignsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-20925036806107589162008-11-13T14:38:00.000-08:002008-11-13T14:59:00.964-08:00Good Reads & Good EatsI've been introduced to this new website that I'm in love with. It catalogs all the books you've read and lets your friends see them and comment on them.<br /><style type="text/css" media="screen"> .gr_grid_container { /* customize grid container div here. eg: width: 500px; */ } .gr_grid_book_container { /* customize book cover container div here */ float: left; width: 39px; height: 60px; padding: 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; } </style><div id="gr_grid_widget_1226616039"><!-- Show static html as a placeholder in case js is not enabled - javascript include will override this if things work --> <h2><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1693487?utm_medium=api&utm_source=grid_widget" style="text-decoration: none;">Jamie's currently-reading book montage</a></h2><br /><div class="gr_grid_container"><br /> <div class="gr_grid_book_container"><br /> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1656001.The_Host_A_Novel?utm_medium=api&utm_source=grid_widget" title="The Host: A Novel"><img alt="The Host: A Novel" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41apOOcBqsL._SL75_.jpg" width="39" /></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="gr_grid_book_container"><br /> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39797.The_Return_of_the_Dancing_Master?utm_medium=api&utm_source=grid_widget" title="The Return of the Dancing Master"><img alt="The Return of the Dancing Master" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1169315339s/39797.jpg" width="39" /></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="gr_grid_book_container"><br /> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/111218.Innocent_Traitor_A_Novel_of_Lady_Jane_Grey?utm_medium=api&utm_source=grid_widget" title="Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey"><img alt="Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1171649110s/111218.jpg" width="39" /></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="gr_grid_book_container"><br /> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3216451.The_Gate_House?utm_medium=api&utm_source=grid_widget" title="The Gate House"><img alt="The Gate House" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1213325483s/3216451.jpg" width="39" /></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="gr_grid_book_container"><br /> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/769483.Magyk?utm_medium=api&utm_source=grid_widget" title="Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1)"><img alt="Magyk" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178198277s/769483.jpg" width="39" /></a><br /> </div><br /><br style="clear: both"/><br/><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/new?utm_medium=api&utm_source=grid_widget" class="gr_grid_branding" style="font-size: .9em; color: #382110; text-decoration: none; float: right; clear: both">Powered by Goodreads.com</a><br /></div><br /></div><script src="http://www.goodreads.com/review/grid_widget/1693487.Jamie's%20currently-reading%20book%20montage?num_books=20&order=d&shelf=currently-reading&sort=date_added&widget_id=1226616039" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script><br /><br />Check out my reading list on Goodreads and sign up as my "friend."<br /><br />Jamie on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?i=LTM2MDU0MDcyMzk6Mzc0%0A">Good Reads</a><br /><br /><br />Also, I went to this totally great lunch place today. It's called "<a href="http://www.cherryblossom-az.com/">Cherry Blossom Noodle</a>." It's on <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Cherryblossom+Noodle+Cafe&fb=1&cid=0,0,2362569838751356225&near=Phoenix,+AZ&oi=manybox&ct=10&cd=1&resnum=1">10th street and Camelback</a>. The place is all decorated like a bistro in Paris with black and white pictures of the Eiffel Tower. But they serve Bento Boxes and Itallian food! And it's good food too! Totally eclectic. I dig it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-42652654792282512352008-11-06T14:29:00.000-08:002008-11-06T14:54:38.764-08:00Strange Stuff I Love<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265677912937731858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOroIyjw9DVQw0lQXq824ONLGR_DPWXYOvZphdwalVjV-8ZyafWAc3uV89lXGvB9czIhJ0VuwXepnA5yQ39Pvz3uSK-ktf6mXPdz82p3YoMte3hIK_Z3IwMmHB773DdnHyv80v59Vj6I/s320/toad+in+a+teacup.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8376371">Toad in a Teacup </a>by Slugwork<br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlli7v-HKfah__4z_BuxfgzpqddscrkTYC1YE6PV39ZHZ8BVOHW6HWr4W4IGf6jw6_tfIYu7Wq5WSGHLHK0D1uFZNdq7gvl6eM6t3NIYo10QSgpUahY2hhjhVybjn8uS9hwPtA79iat8c/s1600-h/Strange.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265679077738103682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlli7v-HKfah__4z_BuxfgzpqddscrkTYC1YE6PV39ZHZ8BVOHW6HWr4W4IGf6jw6_tfIYu7Wq5WSGHLHK0D1uFZNdq7gvl6eM6t3NIYo10QSgpUahY2hhjhVybjn8uS9hwPtA79iat8c/s320/Strange.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=12906375">"Strange" pendant </a>by DaenaOrtego</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16819791"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265680100474507378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZDwtcChaR3QrsdC2fiwfhLwdt4JEgamkItBykk6Qci33sOIpfjz9txVzdCrbPmYvZcgMGVbLb4XVSoZATXXsXXCwdMGcivVuvdyh3S6SghpwfSgj8NyzAecQBqZORiLeGbbHR-bQd70/s320/fish+head.jpg" border="0" />Fish Head Pop-Up Card</a> by CrankBunny</div><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div><br /> </div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdUqDsKMh3C8hFI_nQAiB9PMBZhS1FIi7Yi6w1sgL3Z1hxcOHPmYD09fNaYiMbJDPMLOSDfEA4OObHvnOwfv70_xo08HSBbiWNKF4kVnuKN3cjyYPOmfO2_cZWp0LkfaFQdpr81iGlXs/s1600-h/Frida.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265681264370633026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdUqDsKMh3C8hFI_nQAiB9PMBZhS1FIi7Yi6w1sgL3Z1hxcOHPmYD09fNaYiMbJDPMLOSDfEA4OObHvnOwfv70_xo08HSBbiWNKF4kVnuKN3cjyYPOmfO2_cZWp0LkfaFQdpr81iGlXs/s320/Frida.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16306665">Frida Kahlo pendant </a>by CreativeRampage</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-32203790340193313852008-06-12T11:39:00.000-07:002008-06-12T13:26:31.989-07:00My Puppy Toes Pattern looks like a Bunny!<div>So I bought this amazing pattern from <a href="http://www.universalyarn.com/">Universal Yarn, Inc</a>., and I get it home and I begin to knit it up. When I reach the end of the toe, and I'm ready for bed, I decide to peruse the whole pattern before I turn in. It turns out that my "<a href="http://www.universalyarn.com/patterns.php?id=84">Puppy Toes</a>" are actually bunnies! In fact, the pattern says, "Rep charts 1 & 2 until there are 4 rows of bunnies". Whoops! </div><div><br />I made my own puppy (and kitty) chart to fit the pattern:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211083876262762306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywHZ_xBzakLVRBWRxjP1lOqebaQzjSWyJr8KXAnAl1wRqIVe9CbrKNnj43Hf16iEwNMZBT4fE1nAopijna5NNH10dIFpp-YOcz-FfE8K9bVhuChLK7EMeJ4HhQvhPO3S1MTFLo45k_E8/s320/dogknitR.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211093841383951394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RPd5pF8wbrQ9AR3kNdsIaiU38EmlbHJ79eJnrFRjAWctwJWM2bKN8o9WCAdnAChRVKz6kDg_F0K7MOMqMN_77CKNdu-in3zmXy1PjBckQNc6BtXxJSlEtmtbWQxfgxv74dJywUiczlo/s320/catknitL.JPG" border="0" />Feel free to print and use them as you like. Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-24348033519600159752008-04-21T10:34:00.001-07:002008-04-21T10:38:50.849-07:00Super Simple Free First Sock Pattern<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/2355318565_43f9120b07.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/2355318565_43f9120b07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>OK guys and gals. I'm trying my hand at writing patterns. So for my first attempt, here's a super simple (and free) first sock pattern. I don't have any editors or testers but myself. I'd like some feedback. So try it and let me know what the pattern needs or is missing...Thank You.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>My First Sock Pattern</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Gauge 7sts/inch<br /><br />Cuff and Leg<br /><br />Using long tail CO method, CO 40 ( 48, 56,64)<br />Divide stitches 10 (12, 14, 16) per needle<br />Join, being careful not to twist the stitches and K the first 3 rounds.<br />Work in rib pattern (either K1,P1 or K2,P2) for the next 1.5 inches.<br />K for another 1 inch.<br /><br />Heel Flap<br /><br />End the last round of K sts at the beginning of needle 4.<br />Place all the stitches from needle 4 onto needle 1. 20 (24, 28, 32) total sts.<br />The heel flap will be worked back and forth on this needle.<br />Row 1: slip one stitch knit wise, K1, sl 1 the rest of the way across<br />Row 2: slip one stitch purl wise, P the rest of the way across<br />Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you have the length of your heel [measure from the bottom of your ankle bone to the floor when you are standing on your foot]. For a general rule, you can use 2 or 2.5 inches.<br />Finish the heel flap on a Knit row<br /><br />Heel Turn<br /><br />Row 1: Sl 1, P10(12,14,16), P2tog, P1 turn<br />Row 2: Sl 1, K3, ssk, K1, turn.<br />Note: there will be a small gap between working sts hat form heel turn and unworked heel sts.<br />Row 3: Sl1, purl to within 1 st of gap, P2tog, P1 turn.<br />Row 4: Sl 1, knit to within 1 st of gap, ssk, K1 turn.<br />Repeat rows 3 and 4, including 1 additional knit or purl st after the sl1 until all side sts are worked, end with a completed row 4.<br />There should be 12 (14,16,18) sts left on the heel flap<br /><br />Gusset<br /><br />Redivide the sts evenly onto needles 1 & 4<br />Pick up 10(12,14,16) sts from the side of the heel flap.<br />Pick up 2 sts at the top of the gusset<br />K across the instep until you get to the other side<br />(where the sts look sideways)<br />Pick up 2 sts here at the top of the other side of the gusset<br />Pick up 10(12,14,16) sts from the other side of the heel flap.<br />Round 1: Knit to the 2 sts at the top of the gusset and then<br />knit them together with ssk.<br />K across the instep until you get to the other side.<br />K2tog here at the top of the other side of the gusset.<br />K to end of round.<br />Round 2: Knit to last 3 sts on needle 1, K2tog, K1.<br />Knit needles 2 and 3<br />K1, ssk, knit to end of needle 4<br />Round 3: K all sts<br />Repeat rounds 2 and 3 until 40(48,56, 64) total sts remain.<br /><br />Foot<br /><br />Continue K on all needles until foot is desired length (usually 1.5 to 2 inches from end of longest toe)<br /><br />Toe Shaping<br /><br />Round 1: K to 3 sts before the end of the needle, ssk, K1<br />Needle 2 – K1, K2tog, K to end of needle<br />Needle 3 - K to 3 sts before the end of the needle, ssk, K1<br />Needle 4 - K1, K2tog, K to end of needle<br />Round 2: K all sts.<br />Repeat Rounds 1 & 2 until 20 (24,28,32) total sts remain.<br />Repeat Round 1 until 12 (12, 16, 16) total sts remain.<br />Place sts from top of sock on needle 1 and sts from bottom onto 2nd needle.<br />Graft sts tog with kitchener st. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-57207526817681909732008-03-20T13:10:00.000-07:002008-03-20T13:50:49.835-07:00Catching UpLet's see. It's been quite a while since I've blogged about anything. So let's take inventory and see where we are.<br /><br />I've shut down the Etsy shop. I just wasn't keeping up with it. I had plenty of ideas and supplies, just no time or space in which to work. My "workshop" got moved when I split with my one-day-to-be-ex-husband to a small room in a town home I'm renting. Then that room was the only place to put all of my supplies and ended up being storage. There's barely any room to move in there.<br /><br />I've been knitting up a storm! However, I haven't finished anything in quite a while. I keep thinking to myself that if I can ever make myself finish my started projects, I'll have a week or so of amazing progress. One finished object after the other flying off the needles....would be nice. I just have to make myself stop starting things. So, to that end, I'm on a yarn diet. Not only because $100.00 yarn shopping sprees are starting to effect my credit, but for the above stated reasons as well, I have to finish four projects before I can buy any more yarn. I have one pair of socks for my best friend to finish. Unfortunately this person has the biggest feet on the planet and I used size 1 needles. I have a beautiful Scandinavian Fair Isle sock from the cover of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vogue-Knitting-Ultimate-Sock-Book/dp/1933027193/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206045013&sr=1-11">Vogue Knitting; The Ultimate Sock Book</a>, to finish. I'm making it in bright green Wollmeise. I need to complete a baby sweater from <a href="http://www.sixthandspringbooks.com/product_info.php?products_id=239&osCsid=8f2d5859a4f95080343b1dbf9a17bd79">Knit Simple (Scalloped Cardigan #27)</a>. And I want to finish a fair isle hat from a class that I'm taking at <a href="http://tempeyarnandfiber.blogspot.com/">Tempe Yarn & Fiber</a>, with Jean.<br /><br />My job is ending on July 1st. Nothing personal, just the funding that pays my salary is running out. I've been on two interviews so far and I've applied for several positions. One interview was for the lab next door. I'd be doing the exact same thing that I'm doing now, which would be a comfort. The other interview was for a job that I'd forgotten I'd applied for. I hope I didn't seem to daft. It took until nearly the end of the interview to figure out that they were talking about <em>lung</em> cancer...not brain cancer! Sheesh. Yeah, I'm not sure I got that one. Sadly, yesterday, I saw the lab next door interviewing someone else too. So, my hopes aren't all that high right now. Wish me luck. You know, I wish I was sound editor for Audible.com. That way I could knit and listen to books all day. I think that would be my dream job. Right now, my favorite author is <a href="http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/enSearch/searchResults.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&N=0&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&D=Douglas+Preston&Dx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntk=S_Author&Ntt=Douglas+Preston&x=5&y=15">Douglas Preston</a>. Although, I just listened to "<a href="http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_HARP_001555&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes">Neverwhere</a>" and I really enjoyed it, even though I've never really been a sci fi/fantasy fan.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-1206415601391753002007-11-20T09:25:00.001-08:002007-11-20T10:13:38.288-08:00Exploring Ravelry & Casting On Christmas PresentsI finally got my invitation to Ravelry. Ok, I know. I'm sooooo behind the curve. I have a ton of excuses by I'll spare you. Needles to say, I've been totally absorbed in knitting and Ravelry. I've been filling in all of my information and taking tons of pictures. So, today, I'll just share some of the things I've got OTN.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134981196860260034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMXYVdXiCa5DkwS6HdsKMrQXduJTAJm9T0zBlq7_UaT-9opz0WWmIAnYOpxfVKYzXEAHJRtH_WG6XlzaXSMq2K8kUo3yxO6MPHH1rJ_VNZ2osth3WableJTn4azLbkL_ETqZfwbf0qwI/s320/2040532965_dcbe01d970.jpg" border="0" />This is my friend Vee Vee's sock. It's going to be huge. He wears a size 13! I'm knitting on size 2 needles so it's going to take me a while. Also, he wanted the toes and heels reinforced so I doubled the yarn and gave myself hand cramps. Ugh! They're really beautiful, but I'm looking forward to doing a smaller project soon. Unfortunately, this was my first short row heel and I continued short-rowing (is that the right phrase) until there were 20% of the stitches for the heel left, as I thought the instructions were telling me to do. Well, it turned out that it was probably meant to be "continue short-rowing" (there's that funky phrase again) until there are about 20% of the <span style="color:#ff0000;">TOTAL</span> stitches left. I'm dreading ripping out those double yarn stitches and doing half of the heel again. I think I've discovered a carpel tunnel in my wrist. Or is that <em>not</em> an object that protrudes from your arm? Oh, wait...that's a dpn...nevermind. Ow!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAKj8K8aTboa2mpggkl3MxeWss3jfiDb6nyWfpyxeHvbeXL8o3KJl9Nzf5K2ZVVZdCAyqCiCnFUZeLC1ytnuWSSIV3voz_r2vwelaFF-dE7ecfAwQIoEdX1y3mhxsX-A4zlR35mpxWrQ/s1600-h/2039099345_56b0cad7dd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134983769545670370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAKj8K8aTboa2mpggkl3MxeWss3jfiDb6nyWfpyxeHvbeXL8o3KJl9Nzf5K2ZVVZdCAyqCiCnFUZeLC1ytnuWSSIV3voz_r2vwelaFF-dE7ecfAwQIoEdX1y3mhxsX-A4zlR35mpxWrQ/s320/2039099345_56b0cad7dd.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now, here is that single, pitiful lonely sock that I just kinda made up as I went along. I am so fully in love with this sock, I just want to wear it now. But without it's mate, it refuses to be comfortable. So, I've begun to knit the second sock and whenever I'm not busy...OK, OK I'll <em>make</em> myself do these and then I'll give them as Christmas presents. Pout. That way, I'll have enough motivation to finish them...but <em>I </em>won't have them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I swear, after Christmas, I'm knitting only for <em>myself</em>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGEI60NNpD8Vl5JTz7gyFJhbxVUAsDOX4VOVfW4qGjLkGvJtkDPu1aKi1HVToGPJUXKMwmySK-4pVmRNByGQvg-uQ8faNKVRBz5nwKveCuxelqqXqu8QuPP8T5X_LrtCQ2wG5awqyfPo/s1600-h/2039883002_6eaa4c857a_m.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134985440287948530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGEI60NNpD8Vl5JTz7gyFJhbxVUAsDOX4VOVfW4qGjLkGvJtkDPu1aKi1HVToGPJUXKMwmySK-4pVmRNByGQvg-uQ8faNKVRBz5nwKveCuxelqqXqu8QuPP8T5X_LrtCQ2wG5awqyfPo/s320/2039883002_6eaa4c857a_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Isn't this lovely? These Cheveron socks, I cast on for my mother. I think she'll like them. It's a truly fun pattern, but I'm a little afraid of the provisional or "after-thought" heel. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. The pattern for these can be found in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195582126&sr=1-1">Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-76073500493426994432007-10-21T12:20:00.000-07:002007-10-21T12:45:10.345-07:00Update & Back In Business<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oNQc0bs5mtjON6fjAstJn-H7wgXfhcSbECliFfKc-e3jvfKSumtMChrUUZvqD0HA-vkX2HCHdDG3T4efXooIaYXjy9lrbrJqieAIKPYDA4PfbPN6NEjcps72oi0t8R7HKRaRPn_NdQ0/s1600-h/DSC03941.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123872382658068418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oNQc0bs5mtjON6fjAstJn-H7wgXfhcSbECliFfKc-e3jvfKSumtMChrUUZvqD0HA-vkX2HCHdDG3T4efXooIaYXjy9lrbrJqieAIKPYDA4PfbPN6NEjcps72oi0t8R7HKRaRPn_NdQ0/s320/DSC03941.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bNmocnq5_WFQD1vnbo9YwaElglccgpQKBFK3cl1JjiAG_hf99_YqKVZ31ji1Gx4cW1qTt3uE1Y1JY0bOYvic8lRhz63uM5qlaxS6LZzxCmnFXKF9HsPeJNCPOC8WfM5Wt-FWLp_lxIY/s1600-h/DSC03883.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123872928118915026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bNmocnq5_WFQD1vnbo9YwaElglccgpQKBFK3cl1JjiAG_hf99_YqKVZ31ji1Gx4cW1qTt3uE1Y1JY0bOYvic8lRhz63uM5qlaxS6LZzxCmnFXKF9HsPeJNCPOC8WfM5Wt-FWLp_lxIY/s320/DSC03883.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span></strong>n other news, I've separated from "The Man" and moved into a very small little place about an hour away. There's barely enough room for myself and the wonder dog's crate. But we're keeping up with our fashion experiments. Unfortunately, the wonderdog tends to be more involved than she'd like to be merely due to proximity.</div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span> hired my mom to take care of the business <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Q1WAAmj4nr6JBDe7hyphenhyphen-gnjOAv3j092pfvB5XmGh4jYAip25v2tvlLi0iCrNHA9ulFILiPZrmyFipukZ4btiGRDfEqRj6A3SKIQFqwaIXGoIo0o8Tz0dK-afoGliEJeaMXLoATYKQJwI/s1600-h/DSC03884.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123873129982377954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Q1WAAmj4nr6JBDe7hyphenhyphen-gnjOAv3j092pfvB5XmGh4jYAip25v2tvlLi0iCrNHA9ulFILiPZrmyFipukZ4btiGRDfEqRj6A3SKIQFqwaIXGoIo0o8Tz0dK-afoGliEJeaMXLoATYKQJwI/s320/DSC03884.JPG" border="0" /></a>books and she's gone Etsy nutz. I should have known that Etsy would get under her skin. We now have several shops and are expanding as we speak. Check 'em out! </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5006477">DeChon Desings</a></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5043612">Princess Katie</a></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5267596">South Paw</a> Creations</div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5329595">Three Generations</a></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5329719">Lot's Knot</a></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5329317">Esther's Other Job</a></div><div> </div><div>We've got one for grown up clothing, one for kids clothing, one for supplies, and one for all the items that we can't figure out their particular category. Then there's also my daughter's shop and my mom's quilted items too! Really, with Christmas comming up we've got something for everyone. I'm stoked.Since she's been in charge, sales have doubled and we've been in 4, COUNT EM! FOUR, treasurys! </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:180%;">N</span>ow I just have to clear off a small space to sew and I'll be able to contribute more. But first things first. HALLOWEEN! and costumes, costumes, costumes.....pictures to come.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-4116463065912677532007-10-21T11:36:00.000-07:002007-10-21T12:30:33.952-07:00Stitch N Bitch<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P40AV_7ayivGrZm7EM3emJUi1O6bZLPBl1oU6OMNwJy2g7IUTYhqLyjEJJgenbXtWjLegcpkNJXMGlnTzkcYjlYLvaH4FUHKPer7IhliEyQnu-A9cV_RV9jZT1m_Ra7fgiSDbZb7Zg8/s1600-h/DSC03936.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123865858602745682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P40AV_7ayivGrZm7EM3emJUi1O6bZLPBl1oU6OMNwJy2g7IUTYhqLyjEJJgenbXtWjLegcpkNJXMGlnTzkcYjlYLvaH4FUHKPer7IhliEyQnu-A9cV_RV9jZT1m_Ra7fgiSDbZb7Zg8/s320/DSC03936.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>L</strong></span>ast night was our first ever Knit Night. 16 people RSVPd! I was over whelmed at the response. There was no way I was going to fit all those people in my tiny little place so we moved it to a friends house. All went well. You know something? I didn't knit one single stitch. LOL. But several people went home with new scarf projects and one woman was even inspired to buy some sock yarn! It felt great teaching people to knit. We talked about "the face" and how you couldn't possibly be doing it right if you weren't making a horrible concentration face. We also decided that knitting was now "in." </div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123865244422422338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4KuNuwF3zwZ2cUnabB0CkIbLOGxwzQyfYtztLbxrod7LgbRpv_R-dDwphKz8gxjePtf60j9GW_qC45dq8wuQ02Q67eoohcUqd30YLgfzdHk8QnBT_zS7i-XV6TQCnPbAnL2JxHUsoAU/s320/DSC03935.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>S</strong></span>o, in preparation for last night's party I went through all my yarn. I thought I couldn't possibly have that much yarn. I was wrong. Here's a picture of only the yarn that I don't have ear-marked for projects. AK! I think these things are mating in my closet and multiplying! I have to make some scarves and sweaters, or something to use up all of the bulky yarn that's taking up so much room on my dining table.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRsEubGJ7OZUeVjWu4hSVeuaOULgwpFBoUkcBAT4rQhexGReT9rSRXGuWqtXyh8KTTgKiLmkhQIQK-1F0mBHPjA7UpMbd-sn4vr54W7EBxntoFejb6yPvoW9HE74g5OXxnSplS6qNEZY/s1600-h/DSC03938.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123866069056143202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRsEubGJ7OZUeVjWu4hSVeuaOULgwpFBoUkcBAT4rQhexGReT9rSRXGuWqtXyh8KTTgKiLmkhQIQK-1F0mBHPjA7UpMbd-sn4vr54W7EBxntoFejb6yPvoW9HE74g5OXxnSplS6qNEZY/s320/DSC03938.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Lately, I've been concentrating on socks. For some reason I've fallen in love with them and I've done nothing else. The sock on the right was done without a pattern. The problem now is that I can't remember what I did to make it look this way and I've got a drastic case of Second-Sock-Sindrome going with these now. So...I went and started the Pomotamus socks from Knitty.com. <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/PATTpomatomus.html">Pomatomus</a> This is an amazing pattern. But those crazy people on the knitlist who are knitting them two at a time are into sick self-torture!!! No offense intended. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123866700416335730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8F4WQdGEbf1QNyhMwmzctvMUOkXWu7PP4NUlhW5O9we5_HuPPx7SBHWZkovJ55yObV2besxINkMmIUUb0jHbPYonE9UtAuCYQAcOyNc_oQriJpY75rqKQwuR5Q56ltX13smyAISZ4t4/s320/DSC03942.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123867602359467906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Bt6ROtOJlcaoRyXFr2Gm19e0a3QadQlSiuiUrFztF6AdVLyEo58ywVmF24S0j2nMRgjubDAH68Q1xIvzVcXQKDNoAP2Lt5PscDBYBSRifEar9lJR7Wp5-YxRppbMDZr2Ect7lLYiKY/s320/DSC03943.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123867954546786194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFAdjLy9rCgVMtbK71RdPa_vwipSsiJe5osaxLfJvfZ93I5tdQ1DTCzFMr2BVOKTEiHvDhWURZd3d8Vu6REefpV9aZMmXllgNV1hnstwzMG0nnczC-3oFsq2Pxh5OMUCXMILKUSUUuWQ/s320/DSC03944.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHHrNvn49pKRr0NW_tyo35wmJXjdyaTXm12ito8UObt1YpYzJjbAmpbl0s0DwDQkdLCvB1as1MGZN0qKeu0YI1MHo4dAG9QIYP5HImZNm3Wfr3lFr5OIsiw-ZAeIOxmRWYdDmX6IwZ2M/s1600-h/DSC03940.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123870840764809122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHHrNvn49pKRr0NW_tyo35wmJXjdyaTXm12ito8UObt1YpYzJjbAmpbl0s0DwDQkdLCvB1as1MGZN0qKeu0YI1MHo4dAG9QIYP5HImZNm3Wfr3lFr5OIsiw-ZAeIOxmRWYdDmX6IwZ2M/s320/DSC03940.JPG" border="0" /></a>Also, here's a tip fr the day. Those plastic sleeves that the circular needles come in are perfect for storing your dpn's. (grin) </div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>And my question for the blog-o-sphere: Has anyone ever used rosewood dpn's? I picked these up because I loved the look of them, but I haven't tried them yet. Do they break more easily? They sure are beautiful and they have a wonderful texture. I can't wait to put something one them...like I need another project. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123873950321131522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqC1QPwxRjIhI_wf0OqdDZkwRUo1eBmGfpBYbY782mPT-jW6_DJI0aIAPmcZEAKX6Se4oYm1HZr-jjl1QSGoeMic_5KVsP7VBIZRtyfRkzwpLU0Mz80Tfrk0-33bR_JmEHG9egdjE59o/s320/DSC03939.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-34571462878106288242007-10-11T10:52:00.001-07:002007-10-21T11:36:26.821-07:00Treasury! Treasury! Treasury!DeChon Designs made it into our first ever tresury on Etsy. I tried to get a picture of it on the blog but I wasn't quick enough! Phew! Those things go so fast!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-84378747198944527812007-09-17T13:20:00.000-07:002007-09-17T13:22:29.513-07:00Please Stand ByDeChon Designs has MOVED! Our new location will not affect this site. Our workshop has moved to a new city however, and the relocation will mean some down time for new items in the Etsy shop and delay new posts for the blog. Please check back often as this hiccup is not expected to last very long.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-7912648919441031552007-08-12T18:48:00.000-07:002007-08-13T10:01:42.640-07:00More About Socks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwh2T4AUVvfaXW561evhjRVHDt88S3QsLbdmM9V6PE0mfFzedQ_g_qBPe8PUvMMQ_dxfNiegn2AwddOFoyEDdZ2LizYw7GjjxlReGmZO6lc-RbGmif-nqo85zMYfWnRQvKvCyRiF2tc0/s1600-h/KatieSock012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098003073164336898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwh2T4AUVvfaXW561evhjRVHDt88S3QsLbdmM9V6PE0mfFzedQ_g_qBPe8PUvMMQ_dxfNiegn2AwddOFoyEDdZ2LizYw7GjjxlReGmZO6lc-RbGmif-nqo85zMYfWnRQvKvCyRiF2tc0/s320/KatieSock012.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4oPJXrvV93GpA291VPuSvwTDXdrqrnbWUtlwQ-LJABKPUh3MsUZLCZ9s9ap3rijs-KHlLn-Lq4yCJXVpyZw1wvJig6SA6UDcry0TlnezyMR4aY8V-kECo_NazmbWG56Ruy3AdVjQlos/s1600-h/KatieSock013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098003283617734418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4oPJXrvV93GpA291VPuSvwTDXdrqrnbWUtlwQ-LJABKPUh3MsUZLCZ9s9ap3rijs-KHlLn-Lq4yCJXVpyZw1wvJig6SA6UDcry0TlnezyMR4aY8V-kECo_NazmbWG56Ruy3AdVjQlos/s320/KatieSock013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBhZ_QQXpnfzR-i8j5j1mkYG1U39T8kzOk1LGshxbWETpBicIofoT5nfuvK8Q4KieqhpDHKOttUfpbh2_psHH95zac8AB6V_z-lbVSFgXQuRa2kOFkASofuGQNy9fORWsdos7HV5bybk/s1600-h/KatieSock011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098002798286429938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBhZ_QQXpnfzR-i8j5j1mkYG1U39T8kzOk1LGshxbWETpBicIofoT5nfuvK8Q4KieqhpDHKOttUfpbh2_psHH95zac8AB6V_z-lbVSFgXQuRa2kOFkASofuGQNy9fORWsdos7HV5bybk/s320/KatieSock011.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tomorrow is back-to-school day for my daughter and I'm very excited. Although it means that we'll have to get up earlier than God Himself, and since it's a new school she's all fah-clempt about being new, I think that this year is going to be a good one for her.<br /><div>School also means, new school clothes! This year, no school uniforms!!! Yay! It also means that I can <em>make</em> new clothes for her. She's always been my perfect model but recently she's been more and more un-into what mom makes. Although, these socks seem to be OK so far.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6FLHb0q561yXfJX2kfYcVR2lPrkoAcg5Hb4u61hAyJX_ZTx7zzxp9eus083bzOjCMqpFEPV9H0IqzPxjAdGZj26k90HEdCYVMeRuc6kOuVqAWfiIsgTtakz54aM2jJIw5BE66TtHPo0/s1600-h/DeannaSock014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098003494071131938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6FLHb0q561yXfJX2kfYcVR2lPrkoAcg5Hb4u61hAyJX_ZTx7zzxp9eus083bzOjCMqpFEPV9H0IqzPxjAdGZj26k90HEdCYVMeRuc6kOuVqAWfiIsgTtakz54aM2jJIw5BE66TtHPo0/s320/DeannaSock014.jpg" border="0" /></a>I also make some socks for my step daughter but I underestimated the size of her foot and I couldn't get the darn thing back off. With a sigh, I frogged the sock off her foot and I'll start it over either with more stitches or with a bigger needle.</div><br /><div>Here are some pictures of socks I've finished for myself and a scarf I've started for my dad too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaR_ROWO-jLjWYUE4w3NtncPGULBtBu0TmkHiQuPAc7OWL1_stMe4SJfLU1SUO9wTnMqjTqqBt-VeRBNiVAP-SJ0hoh9zucMsWfOdnDwfwTZ6JXNYSnFh1nxyk28sYZqcL9nMyxwufaA/s1600-h/Socks+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098003777538973490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaR_ROWO-jLjWYUE4w3NtncPGULBtBu0TmkHiQuPAc7OWL1_stMe4SJfLU1SUO9wTnMqjTqqBt-VeRBNiVAP-SJ0hoh9zucMsWfOdnDwfwTZ6JXNYSnFh1nxyk28sYZqcL9nMyxwufaA/s320/Socks+001.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098003992287338306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xflkEsD-caOjshVp1rNpmSz46S_G4IZLHBUL8CZHLzl9u4jMGu5jOp42wN4D8zC8rxoakLO9RmqjXjT6bWeXU_uHdkyRJVkfpKgewI-Kjg04EiPllHx4RBPayqO8bxWl7beLp8cHRHE/s320/Socks+002.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlA8pJpL7Xwq6bVD5PZdcHqvl_L-JZIeLTya9yLeWxJIoed7Bx6Q-fsowvH3NhtUzX3x0KmcQ1ODlN1Hi4xyqxD5yajkqqxRjGHzA6Ce4trV0IecK18QEjCmL-3qGnSjuqzTdsJX5-sg/s1600-h/Socks+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098004159791062866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlA8pJpL7Xwq6bVD5PZdcHqvl_L-JZIeLTya9yLeWxJIoed7Bx6Q-fsowvH3NhtUzX3x0KmcQ1ODlN1Hi4xyqxD5yajkqqxRjGHzA6Ce4trV0IecK18QEjCmL-3qGnSjuqzTdsJX5-sg/s320/Socks+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jJPEY0RT8Ju4m68Yh9EOYmkfR-dQSH_eUVbBOl-SmznwBMuombnwdVYwCuR4yj-6byr1dhiup3NxUIGvSk9n22N9fzVbeyAVguwrkoJKs5doKZa-axJfd5N9M-yJLzd6K2UglSQ2yk4/s1600-h/Socks+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098004438963937138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jJPEY0RT8Ju4m68Yh9EOYmkfR-dQSH_eUVbBOl-SmznwBMuombnwdVYwCuR4yj-6byr1dhiup3NxUIGvSk9n22N9fzVbeyAVguwrkoJKs5doKZa-axJfd5N9M-yJLzd6K2UglSQ2yk4/s320/Socks+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO3JtCj08HiHZpO4FyGjAY-vnFfpYLvq5zh99bKCXr2cY11XyU6pVsbz6VVYLfHa2grCeqUjjZpaUE8vvzdw6vJz4-_rwBxych21C-_k8ppgsFQvw48nXSD_e4RhoyW-OyZqYlIoZl1g/s1600-h/SteveScarf017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098004692367007618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJO3JtCj08HiHZpO4FyGjAY-vnFfpYLvq5zh99bKCXr2cY11XyU6pVsbz6VVYLfHa2grCeqUjjZpaUE8vvzdw6vJz4-_rwBxych21C-_k8ppgsFQvw48nXSD_e4RhoyW-OyZqYlIoZl1g/s320/SteveScarf017.jpg" border="0" /></a>The tan socks are my very first pair and I'm totally n lo9ve with them. I made them on very large needles so they're not super comfortable. They're also made of cotten so they don't stretch very well. Also, I didn't use a stretchy cast-on so the ankle is all floppy; but I couldn't be happier with them. The deep red pair is the first pair of wool socks I've made and those are my complete favorites. With every wash they get softer and softer. I got that yarn from Etsy (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=16546">Kindred Spirits Yarn</a>) and it's hand dyed!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-34072457118507469962007-07-30T15:06:00.000-07:002007-07-30T15:46:55.363-07:00All About SocksI recently bought and listened to the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot's</a> two books (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1580175899/yarnharlot-20">At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Knit's</span> End: Meditations For Women Who Knit Too Much</a> & <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1580176585/yarnharlot-20">Stephanie Pearl-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McPhee</span> Casts Off</a>) from <a href="http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/enSearch/searchResults.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&amp;amp;N=0&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&D=Yarn+Harlot&Dx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntk=S_Keywords&Ntt=Yarn+Harlot">Audible.com</a>. <span style="color:#ff0000;">WARNING:</span> If you are without a hobby, and love funny stories, put your credit cards in a bowl full of water and then leave them in your freezer for the entire listening/reading portion of this experience. Knitting is extremely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">contagious</span> and wool has addictive fumes that will melt your credit cards right out of your pocket. In these two books, Mrs. Pearl-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">McPhee</span> has awakened my inner knitter and created a monster. I've been knitting for a month straight! I'm a seamstress, not a knitter! What am I doing? I'm now addicted to socks? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sheesh</span>! Like I don't already have enough projects.<br />Here's how bad it's gotten. My husband and I decided that it's time for me to go back to school and he made a comment that if I go, I'd have to put down the knitting. You know, for a second there I actually considered bailing out on graduate school. Ha ha. One day, I almost stood up a friend for dinner so that I could rush home and check my mailbox for some new yarn I'd ordered. Good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">grief</span>!<br />But, I love love love knitting. I love socks especially. I love self striping, happy colored socks. I love plain black dress socks. I love patterned socks. I love knitting, toe-up. I love knitting cuff-down. I even love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">kitchner</span> stitch (that b*<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tch</span> of a weaving nightmare that allows you to finish the toe invisibly).<br />In my head I know that I've got to eventually put the knitting down and get back to my business. I know that I've got to put it aside and study for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">GRE</span> so that I can get into grad school too. But I've fallen in love with hand-knit socks. Truly and whole-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">heartedly</span>.<br />I've joined en email list or three. I've volunteered to knit socks for soldiers. And I'm planning a knitting party to teach my co-workers how to knit! I'm just in heaven! (sigh)<br /><br />Update: Nikki the wonderdog has been de-furred. She's traumatized and very miffed at me right now. She wouldn't let me pet her for about 4 days. These days, she's sketchy about her tail too. I feel very guilty but it had to be done. For Pete's sake! It was 120 degrees here! She couldn't go out for a walk without foaming at the mouth. Ok, ok. I didn't have to shave her tail. My bad. I got over-zealous with the clippers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKI0spbND2ldnT2eszwxisAa75_W5cDMp8MhulGSb-f2i-oyfUWzK62v9j9ljbii4an5XqAL0rLXnYkJRE7CjAKxnrIW7KhsEXgyseaR7zg9b407PE-_pwQVOmR97exbdWwfb8dCnENJE/s1600-h/Nikki+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093124737640390354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKI0spbND2ldnT2eszwxisAa75_W5cDMp8MhulGSb-f2i-oyfUWzK62v9j9ljbii4an5XqAL0rLXnYkJRE7CjAKxnrIW7KhsEXgyseaR7zg9b407PE-_pwQVOmR97exbdWwfb8dCnENJE/s320/Nikki+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37bOSLFbRuNWa0X6Koa2cmfQCQ9jw_wMBUmoHSUWELzfww_iVJqYl85FUf3olnMZmFfZQPjHrQoxUYBe-sjgr1kdzX1W5_UU_J3mYGJ66UGFEnW2UMY1cZEF54zeW9fXiq9oXscvRnoA/s1600-h/Nikki+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093124849309540066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37bOSLFbRuNWa0X6Koa2cmfQCQ9jw_wMBUmoHSUWELzfww_iVJqYl85FUf3olnMZmFfZQPjHrQoxUYBe-sjgr1kdzX1W5_UU_J3mYGJ66UGFEnW2UMY1cZEF54zeW9fXiq9oXscvRnoA/s320/Nikki+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />OK, you can say it. I'm just an evil doggy mommy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-34416258276295435062007-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:002007-06-26T11:32:32.714-07:00The Embarrassment of Honesty and the Gratification of AcceptanceLast night I had a friend over that is also a seamstress. She needed a favor and while I performed said sewing task, she began to look into my mess. It was horrible. There was stuff everywhere. <br /><br /> Now usually, I tell myself that my crafting, jewelry-making and sewing stuff everywhere is a sure sign that I am busy and a consummate professional. Whether or not the clients believe this bunk or are just too polite to call me the slob that I really am, no one knows.<br /><br /><br /> With this guest, I had no excuse. Being a person who sewed full time and in addition a person who <strong>made a living</strong> from her craft, she (in my mind) could see through my excuses right into the compulsive packrat-ish center of my soul.<br /><br /> “Wow,” she exclaimed. “Neat!” she crooned, and “Oh, how fun,” she sang as she poked and plodded through the horrible pile of toys and goodies (otherwise known as sewing crap) that was heaped several feet high on my sewing table.<br /><br /><br /> As time went by, and I began to talk to her over my shoulder, I felt better. I’d accustomed my self to the fact that she’d already seen my biggest faults and that there was nothing I could do about it now. Somehow, I felt like she knew; like she understood the need for a pile of fabric or the compulsion towards ribbon and bows. I really didn’t mind her exclaiming about my stash and discovering long lost treasures in my drawers. <br /><br /> In fact, I felt like a kindred spirit had entered my own little world. I’ve never had that feeling before. It was so strange. It was like I’d stepped out of the mirror, into my opposite world and I was talking to myself about all of my things that I loved so dear.<br /><br /><br /> She then began to <em>tidy up</em> and <em>organize</em>. Normally, I would have been mortified. Anyone touching my baubles and treasures would have sent me over the edge. On top of that, anyone <strong>moving</strong> my lovely trinkets would have been verbally decapitated. But she, being my mirror self, didn’t phase me at all. I just knew that I’d be able to find whatever I needed when she was through...and I was right. So, she cleaned and I sewed, and the world was centered and good.<br /><br />Funny, I’ve only ever met this person once before in my entire life...but I like her...maybe there <strong>is</strong> a fairygod mother.<br /><br />Ever had that feeling before?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-86341626894513312422007-06-22T14:28:00.000-07:002007-06-22T14:43:35.060-07:00Nikki the Wonder Dog ate Citrus' Head.Yes folks, we've had an accident. Nikki snacked on Citrus. I don't know if it was out of jealousy, boredom or because Citrus has such a smart mouth and Nikki just had to shut her up, but Nikki won that battle.<br /><br />It was really greusome. I walked in the door and there was white matter every where! And there, on the floor of my own bedroom was the limp, nearly lifeless body of the beloved Citrus - one eye staring up at me in helpless wonder, as if to say, "you mind gettin' this dog drool outta my hair?"<br /><br /><br /><br />Citrus is not lost however. She's on life support. I'll be performing a complete head transplant later on next week. It's the first one I've ever done and I'm nervous, but I'm confident that I can utilize my skills as a stuffy surgeon [read "seamstress"] and my past experience with a full bear head reconstruction. Granted, Citrus will never be the same, but maybe I'll add some extra stuff and make Citrus even better. Kind of like the bionic-stuffed animal.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please pray for the orange bear. And pray for her family. And pray for her assailant.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079005245383493794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MDo2hjjForhdl29S9y2dhxkg_pzEUz0oEzaL2Az9o5LyjNlSd-PsfSOVj6zpvGCYVvosV0a5PmX6THL9kvAdBCSVHFtO_MBeq_2Yb1ba3J9kMV4pO3u6jEanztghvTYjt8oXm7zImFI/s320/Nikki+Love.jpg" border="0" /><br />Be on the lookout for this bearded bear bandit! She's considered armed to the teeth and dangerous to anything filled with fluff.<br /><p>I'd post pictures of Citrus in her current condition...but they're too grizzly. I'll keep you all updated as to her recovery status in the days and possibly weeks to come.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-24470874260871046532007-06-21T19:35:00.000-07:002007-06-22T14:39:12.935-07:00Blue Eye Jewelry is Here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2iLRvDTKdIXtGZa1AmZkSqHZPaN6TZPQ4wpD75XLB3v9giwr96HMDqj7-IoboD6AVfXhXs6qZGaAMxifJAwMKi7lcFi-QgouHuoOlLtDQDsAYSDCrL8OA89dcZxdEShpKmt_57VJs58/s1600-h/il_430xN_8695463.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078717160452114578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2iLRvDTKdIXtGZa1AmZkSqHZPaN6TZPQ4wpD75XLB3v9giwr96HMDqj7-IoboD6AVfXhXs6qZGaAMxifJAwMKi7lcFi-QgouHuoOlLtDQDsAYSDCrL8OA89dcZxdEShpKmt_57VJs58/s320/il_430xN_8695463.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Introducing the newest and youngest member of the team, at DeChon Designs Studio - Blue Eye! She's my step-daughter and she's shown an incredible knack for designing, constructing and photographing jewelry. I've decided to buy her jewelry and sell it in my shop. She's a natural!<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078716301458655314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXsoE5j6e8TKB0hYw-bYQuqNtqyErMYp1lb7r5ygnkz7-cZixofwkO5rdZJIFjsSTTXMus_XL0swHa47a_aWWYwzDeahkbGhCZbfznI5XzD72TQU5X7lNnA2V1lZXns78MzehQ2YjNtw/s320/il_430xN_8760318.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtoons4C06vYFd4yOK7b-LvuZka9VgG8hwoSvPIlIZMeAsUjA2dPmezrHXJL_urQaqnNWn2w3GP-tKbY3Wk3fLCoXxcDePlutAqWSjEP9KcGov1OcR-GdcOYmCnzfq8xOdHWOEwBwRzY/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_8760292.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078716490437216354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtoons4C06vYFd4yOK7b-LvuZka9VgG8hwoSvPIlIZMeAsUjA2dPmezrHXJL_urQaqnNWn2w3GP-tKbY3Wk3fLCoXxcDePlutAqWSjEP9KcGov1OcR-GdcOYmCnzfq8xOdHWOEwBwRzY/s320/il_fullxfull_8760292.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OVcg-d7PVP_tRzGeR8IU4FexeMGoQe0KkLgRaHYbHXdDm2thILYuSh0KWaeGmjj_gufACcGRXBgAtIEmWzW-Vrhu_-FJiXn1Lympm9Rv6TEkW1X93UBObPJ7kvpTxwOhT76hy3hD5bU/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_8760751.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078716696595646578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OVcg-d7PVP_tRzGeR8IU4FexeMGoQe0KkLgRaHYbHXdDm2thILYuSh0KWaeGmjj_gufACcGRXBgAtIEmWzW-Vrhu_-FJiXn1Lympm9Rv6TEkW1X93UBObPJ7kvpTxwOhT76hy3hD5bU/s320/il_fullxfull_8760751.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078716889869174914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0ND-1tJWBIB56h5ORcnmPx0OoaqSp1jSbmCNc4-KKeRK9lL_6oN_CRR678dn-WepGd3xp8n7zBRMwkg5fS-BBgyX5rJ4m6Ogg1_8UYuKyjg6tM1YQtmPsUGZD8vFMNwWZ_A5Z7wywmg/s320/il_fullxfull_8759648.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-77889033631925248442007-06-14T14:55:00.001-07:002007-06-14T15:09:58.905-07:00There is no Fairy Godmother Treasury.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUK9IotqWq5usHcr_UFjtjJtDylrwFj3YrJ3xHHrN-gcVSHZCzH9YjGbzZQhWoWNzn350Nxd6I3BqYP1_rTageNjk1GoeHydLKT9XTv-54GP8X_FNhkNQNDE1k-yRs_u5WF43JsNIZ8Y/s1600-h/treasury.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076044866160281650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="405" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUK9IotqWq5usHcr_UFjtjJtDylrwFj3YrJ3xHHrN-gcVSHZCzH9YjGbzZQhWoWNzn350Nxd6I3BqYP1_rTageNjk1GoeHydLKT9XTv-54GP8X_FNhkNQNDE1k-yRs_u5WF43JsNIZ8Y/s400/treasury.JPG" width="247" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1181807533516U5006477">http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1181807533516U5006477</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-69250864018614943012007-06-05T12:19:00.000-07:002007-06-05T13:14:07.640-07:00I've Been Busy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotMdJv1jTEc4M-l0k97c697XsKtsFPX2LSpO8qZc01BU_o48OZ8cqcCeJB-G-PNk2sIn21BMnEAg65S2SGXHOS9hWJbQhYJChdyGAkARNNtECDkExsQt35QL6m_eS9YJ6M-KVyQwWswM/s1600-h/rainbow_dots.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072671865133975538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotMdJv1jTEc4M-l0k97c697XsKtsFPX2LSpO8qZc01BU_o48OZ8cqcCeJB-G-PNk2sIn21BMnEAg65S2SGXHOS9hWJbQhYJChdyGAkARNNtECDkExsQt35QL6m_eS9YJ6M-KVyQwWswM/s320/rainbow_dots.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14x5b7r4MPkGDT4OHSXmobWuTSPqbBTMhrCITK3B1tSKPTwFCBKmOnGzZkXlcO6TpB9e5t-P9sGCkqG7hyphenhyphenBkBb8wkuCEIuPGw5T91m4NvZAjr-Q6AJcZsLrFZBbGtIQb6FA89hhr0OPk/s1600-h/nurse+hat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072668085562754914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" height="153" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14x5b7r4MPkGDT4OHSXmobWuTSPqbBTMhrCITK3B1tSKPTwFCBKmOnGzZkXlcO6TpB9e5t-P9sGCkqG7hyphenhyphenBkBb8wkuCEIuPGw5T91m4NvZAjr-Q6AJcZsLrFZBbGtIQb6FA89hhr0OPk/s320/nurse+hat.jpg" width="197" border="0" /></a> In my shop I sell nurse hats. I got the pattern from a friend of mine that asked me to reproduce her favorite hat. The difference between this hat and others is that it has an adjustable elastic band in the back. They're fairly easy to make.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072668403390334834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="245" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJddYqHDqiky9KpFvuBTSP2noqnNQlYeaFqTYcq9j4N4AfCzJAAq8zNAlUvjcLhvzINxiMKH3VpR0zjEU3X5MUdb_odafR_Ro8p7TYTv-RIfEnhTiDe_ugL5Eq07HrMuTichlQ4CN98Y/s320/hatfarbic.jpg" width="260" border="0" />She brought me this adorable fabric and asked me to make more, and said that she would sell them for me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7FU6UzMbt6DyUSXkkJUCtut4577UtIFuYWTWXxvyoybTdutv3q-VNLgEVh0iFEI1bJlvk7b3JCEYOM1sh-sa3tSYCwm43VLGqEbMri9Eib97cMsvAw5xv1HKa2txaoEx-HQUnJvkBGQ/s1600-h/hatfabrics.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072669051930396546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7FU6UzMbt6DyUSXkkJUCtut4577UtIFuYWTWXxvyoybTdutv3q-VNLgEVh0iFEI1bJlvk7b3JCEYOM1sh-sa3tSYCwm43VLGqEbMri9Eib97cMsvAw5xv1HKa2txaoEx-HQUnJvkBGQ/s320/hatfabrics.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>I'm excited. I went through my stash of 100% cottons and found these other cute fabrics - ballerina hippos, monsters, frogs and stripes. I also found this great wholesale place for sewing notions too! <a href="http://www.wbcindustries.com/leather.html">http://www.wbcindustries.com/leather.html</a> So I've ordered elastic and more cordlocks and I plan to make 100 or more hats! They sell for $10.00 each! Let me know if you'd like one too! I like to wear them around the house to clean in. They keep my hair out of my face and they're colorful.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072670430614898626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49QrRWTPSKhtFV1iOhQJSfiSz9NF8rm5F1gKmhGyHWQ4FomxjQUlMpb6AvHDsNdfLQ54lOU0VWw_L8_b4KhTZuhwEJL1Y68JV6eFPBxrWEVcUi-JL2V0XhECHWOqyTSOZjF1GIC_ajOs/s320/retrodressbodice.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenp0p-EhsYWmjJVq2-JeWCeegN0AET3tZTncC54QnX4rQzqHZby7j1ULFIAu5ZZb-eFMN6eNnzPBA_NF1D_42l_cH2BgV6-P-R1rydTlzzHT-CiPNMDWdADQXRcQBPtlcSADAWc7zLPc/s1600-h/Simplicityfront.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072669451362355090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenp0p-EhsYWmjJVq2-JeWCeegN0AET3tZTncC54QnX4rQzqHZby7j1ULFIAu5ZZb-eFMN6eNnzPBA_NF1D_42l_cH2BgV6-P-R1rydTlzzHT-CiPNMDWdADQXRcQBPtlcSADAWc7zLPc/s320/Simplicityfront.jpg" border="0" /></a>The other project I've started on is the next in my "list of things to do." I bought this exquisite pattern from a seller on Etsy and at a Going-Out-Of-Business sale at a Hancock Fabrics here in town, I found the perfect fabric for it. It's either silk or rayon and very lightweight. I'm not sure if the wearer would need a slip with this dress. I'll have to stand the dummy in front of the window after I've got the skirt on the dress to find out. If it's too sheer, I'll put in a black or blue skirt, already attached. This dress will also feature my first attempt at covered buttons. I think they turned out great! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDozYy9y5wYuujsFMLw3V_2Q_u-aNHetvfko_sGyMpPTGtK0kKGk-pK-HZnVodd328wueAI9IQbCFx91HO2-kcUwNyExA1ReTtxGl7-wlrCWgGlho4pCuBDzDU5ZpiAcAYOON1-LXVHWs/s1600-h/coveredbuttons.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072670868701562834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDozYy9y5wYuujsFMLw3V_2Q_u-aNHetvfko_sGyMpPTGtK0kKGk-pK-HZnVodd328wueAI9IQbCFx91HO2-kcUwNyExA1ReTtxGl7-wlrCWgGlho4pCuBDzDU5ZpiAcAYOON1-LXVHWs/s320/coveredbuttons.jpg" border="0" /></a>Also, since my button-hole-er is broken on my machine, the button holes will be lined, very chique, very couture.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072669756305033122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="130" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMZDhoLmbJ4-8V0rFQ0_w8__Nb5XMWOgs05NZ9jxcIj-KECbzHF8x-M7SSmCbaX1csXl2lRoBgo-b2xMWfcTtsGYMmUvXrH6y1OBy5ozFYP2smt6OTBxEPAWvGx_w87YVuAArEgFOzMc/s320/Simplicityback.jpg" width="213" border="0" />While I was making this dress, my daughter really wanted to help out. Well, since I'm going to sell this dress, I decided that she could make something of her own. Arizona is very hot right now and this fabric is super light and slippery cool, so I told her that we'd make pijama bottoms for her out of some of the remaining yardage from the dress. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJnrvTwFqFG4J7v8BH4tEEGEsEO1ryPJscbnOMoQ8moex6q1wFHG9gt1btSBKJhV5NtpUHVeGp9RMqWjooAMCqQicF3e-zQmnnv0enKrZ2VWJ_TwXhfsCxBxHrww-9LF1xHng5ecrCGs/s1600-h/citruspants.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072670138557122482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJnrvTwFqFG4J7v8BH4tEEGEsEO1ryPJscbnOMoQ8moex6q1wFHG9gt1btSBKJhV5NtpUHVeGp9RMqWjooAMCqQicF3e-zQmnnv0enKrZ2VWJ_TwXhfsCxBxHrww-9LF1xHng5ecrCGs/s320/citruspants.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I was so proud of her. She traced the pattern, cut it out, pinned it, sewed and serged the edges. That's a very large committment for my flitty daughter. But we had to laugh, because her seam allowances were so big that the shorts came out WAY too small for her. She tried to put them on anyway and looked like a stuffed sausage. Even my husband was giggling. So....Citrus the bear got new pijama bottoms. Citrus is the bear we made together when she wanted to go to Build-A-Bear workship and I wouldn't let her. I just couldn't see spending the money on a pre-fab bear when we could make a bigger, better one all by ourselves. Citrus is not for sale. I can make teddy bears, but only on special occasions and for good causes. Don't get me wrong. I <em>like</em> to make stuffed animals. But if I don't draw the line somewhere, I end up making bears, curtains, car covers, plush photo albums, and whatever else anyone asks for.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072671500061755362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 339px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 99px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="131" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57vYJFLQrCI0oVX4-ZLqaGDsVbbxvG4qZIFo1qrHLC5KztdxG0m7j1pXhU3rZQ2zaDn3WWCtGW6uRRTNq35cGygZyfcoDFrLT2XXbRHesgms6xJTtprbfD4WqM7Mp2-VftMz4hhIVHY4/s320/tags.jpg" width="413" border="0" /> On another note: <strong>I have new items in my shop!</strong> Check it out!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk1JLersSYKraGmdlP1R7jQvxPT8Z9zcy8RzNGPP6IPaiC6SCuG8Pnbx4KhiXpqi1cM8XAXEZ3YcPLayCz_tqx6glwXunuC5CrOaTpQSYrAMJIEi6r5USHZsrnYezNNbydgl05rHTkbA/s1600-h/blackvelvetcollage+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072673849408866338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk1JLersSYKraGmdlP1R7jQvxPT8Z9zcy8RzNGPP6IPaiC6SCuG8Pnbx4KhiXpqi1cM8XAXEZ3YcPLayCz_tqx6glwXunuC5CrOaTpQSYrAMJIEi6r5USHZsrnYezNNbydgl05rHTkbA/s320/blackvelvetcollage+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQmQ71Hv8B_9M_tVWR88yjT3rYwLpFejV3FnjovXCNh1ffcNRfD2S8a4ItVmttJykeR9w6Ls5pGo9Dir6dfquZyvE3ysV7ajfMjdejfznXr9maA06YCfERAPpwddM1JvmI4OXaq1vKOQ/s1600-h/blackkimono.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072672255975999490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQmQ71Hv8B_9M_tVWR88yjT3rYwLpFejV3FnjovXCNh1ffcNRfD2S8a4ItVmttJykeR9w6Ls5pGo9Dir6dfquZyvE3ysV7ajfMjdejfznXr9maA06YCfERAPpwddM1JvmI4OXaq1vKOQ/s320/blackkimono.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072672870156322834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmeDFph_uF1DHLnMteSvNwD_iiWf0E8Xd1rnzjEIz1rm4iVFQD-tXJZU62hRePSOqvT7pX125acQtgOu3-hMCV7xnC75QPpvcbDc9jx6LFkjrYH9YKUz5gUCnxpcfxoSAkXDYBH53xd0/s320/greenkimono.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-48070172223506086622007-05-25T16:16:00.001-07:002007-05-28T21:14:44.181-07:00Chainmail<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CX70z2oaAT2IIDhPc9RDScaHV8uS6IHL08fl8_hZOYT6ug-DZiALvCzDgXbLJBfDyFP9Eevvuo-YBfoa1jpLRLNwNo9EtG_JxPf1Xze4xlg1gqEHyzLC2rCvHhJwusmQi4I9fGWXYvc/s1600-h/a052-b-b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069815702669188882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px" height="240" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CX70z2oaAT2IIDhPc9RDScaHV8uS6IHL08fl8_hZOYT6ug-DZiALvCzDgXbLJBfDyFP9Eevvuo-YBfoa1jpLRLNwNo9EtG_JxPf1Xze4xlg1gqEHyzLC2rCvHhJwusmQi4I9fGWXYvc/s320/a052-b-b.jpg" width="218" border="0" /></a> Is this what you think of when you hear the word <strong>chainmail</strong>?<br /><br />Let's do some Word Association:<br /><span style="color:#9999ff;">Chainmail</span> = <span style="color:#003300;">Midevil </span><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;">Chainmail</span> = <span style="color:#996633;">Knights</span><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;">Chainmail </span>= <span style="color:#009900;">Dragons </span><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;">Chainmail</span> = <span style="color:#ff6666;">dainty jewlry?????</span><br /><br />Yes! Chainmail is now an artform that is on the rise. Take that same ancient pattern. Make it with something <span style="color:#ff9900;">14K</span> or <span style="color:#ff0000;">c</span><span style="color:#ff9900;">o</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">l</span><span style="color:#000099;">o</span><span style="color:#993399;">r</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">f</span><span style="color:#ff6600;">u</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">l </span>and you've got a whole new genre of jewelry making magic! Look here:<br /><a href="http://www.artofchainmail.com/">http://www.artofchainmail.com/</a><br />and here!<br /><a href="http://redpandachainmail.vox.com/">http://redpandachainmail.vox.com/</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsblGTkBS8JEfXRmu0dhm-5VEBRef7opaypkMwdFxLxD_MInE57q_2ZUhkKzyYVIx1dknG-fUMYWdtT4sSASdBlve0xfRaqs50vSKaxKaoFvTrnww-2-evdB8n5D2ntlHt-ndTNtZC0Ws/s1600-h/il_430xN_7792370.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069824284013846338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" height="184" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsblGTkBS8JEfXRmu0dhm-5VEBRef7opaypkMwdFxLxD_MInE57q_2ZUhkKzyYVIx1dknG-fUMYWdtT4sSASdBlve0xfRaqs50vSKaxKaoFvTrnww-2-evdB8n5D2ntlHt-ndTNtZC0Ws/s320/il_430xN_7792370.jpg" width="223" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FRD058uHdEAcrojV1TCMwo7y0TRvlOhNgAj9RKQejn1jZqj054x4SnNnOE5iirXZ48LGFzF8L6tAdgNfumF1nFxOCNMmm626DE7bgH9JRndWb0kN6PB4-kFt11WK0ke1HIc7znOP2pY/s1600-h/il_430xN_7612561.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069824004840972082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 204px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" height="175" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FRD058uHdEAcrojV1TCMwo7y0TRvlOhNgAj9RKQejn1jZqj054x4SnNnOE5iirXZ48LGFzF8L6tAdgNfumF1nFxOCNMmm626DE7bgH9JRndWb0kN6PB4-kFt11WK0ke1HIc7znOP2pY/s320/il_430xN_7612561.jpg" width="252" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHJGyrk0GkSAY5BkhjAop-6UKyKfIlWwj3HVpxsmgbykyYWa0NxWHYXd6MIXfTKEgBPUsfznwkhc21dq4a_bouCcRp9Y-NosHw99e7lWm9Pph7dylAPhzMjm7gTxB_QBvR8AwiuI9QaU/s1600-h/il_430xN_6549218.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069823811567443746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" height="172" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHJGyrk0GkSAY5BkhjAop-6UKyKfIlWwj3HVpxsmgbykyYWa0NxWHYXd6MIXfTKEgBPUsfznwkhc21dq4a_bouCcRp9Y-NosHw99e7lWm9Pph7dylAPhzMjm7gTxB_QBvR8AwiuI9QaU/s320/il_430xN_6549218.jpg" width="207" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Please visit Red Panda's Etsy Shop for these designs and more:</strong> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=22621">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=22621</a></span><br /><br />I've become obsessed! Did you know that there are Roman patterns, and Chinese patterns? I'm thinking about useing chainmail on jeans, purses and jackets. What do you think?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">BTW - if you really want midevil protection against dragons...get it here:</span> <a href="http://www.ancient-weapons.com/products/chainmail.html">http://www.ancient-weapons.com/products/chainmail.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-13263957175346401732007-05-24T09:46:00.000-07:002007-05-24T10:47:08.871-07:00The Salty Step-Wife<div>I wanted to share about the most wonderful website. It's called "Life In A Blender." It's for parents, both biological and step-parents. It's absolutely a life saver. When I first married my husband and moved into his house, I was at odds end with my own life. I suddenly had three children instead of one, my house was not my own, and my child was to be shared. I made all of the typical mistakes. I tried too hard not to be the "evil step-mother." I over compensated for the perceived lack of attention to my own daughter. I tried to "blend" our family and exclude my step-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">children's</span> other family. Then I found this place...where everyone understood; where they told it like it was. Where they let me vent and patted me on the back. It really helped me move through that period of transition in my life and now I give advice to others. I have a new family and a new group of friends. Here: <a href="http://www.lifeinablender.com/">http://www.lifeinablender.com/</a> on the message board.<br /><br />Someone recently asked me for this post that I made after an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">epiphany</span>. I've been asked for it other times too. I'll post it here so that I can refer people back here too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8oJzuq12eTaj8Bu2OdpPWF3cQr8EB72wCWWb2Hlgr0cdfsf0Qg8o5f-2askZVAnACvjFisWa2UV_hcqUAQLdB9-vwp206cDbe72c2vRUBdK5RPZTXJk2Mtmv9P6wFtDlWLpUOF8_aS0/s1600-h/Salt+Shaker+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068184916471799554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 391px" height="408" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8oJzuq12eTaj8Bu2OdpPWF3cQr8EB72wCWWb2Hlgr0cdfsf0Qg8o5f-2askZVAnACvjFisWa2UV_hcqUAQLdB9-vwp206cDbe72c2vRUBdK5RPZTXJk2Mtmv9P6wFtDlWLpUOF8_aS0/s320/Salt+Shaker+3.jpg" width="261" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Loss is loss and grief is grief. People think that there are different kinds of loss or different levels of loss.I've learned through training, and counseling that loss hurts. And the amount it hurts has no relevance to the amount of time it takes to be able to cope. Notice I didn't say, move on.She has lost her family foundation. Whether it was good or bad doesn't matter. Like the death of a loved one, that kind of pain never goes away. Some days are relatively easy for her to deal with and some days are harder.Liken it to a physical wound. A paper cut is small and takes forever to heal if it's in a peculiar place. It also hurts like the dickens! A surgery incision is usually much larger, requires stitches and leaves scars. Does it hurt more? That's subjective. You are the salt. Just your presence hurts. Doesn't matter if the wound is large or small. Doesn't matter if the wound was self-inflicted or not. Doesn't matter how long ago it was inflicted. Chances are if she's reacting negatively towards you, the wound hasn't healed. For some women it never heals. They just get used to the pain. (And we label this as "moving on.")My SW isn't scabbed over yet. Neither is yours. And my SW (step-wife) picks at her wounds too. So it may take her longer. I (as salt) try to stay away from her and only flavor my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DHs</span> (dear husband) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SKs</span> (step-kids) life.You can't help being salt. She can't help being wounded. Just don't rub it in if you can help it.It's virtually impossible for someone who is wounded to see the wonderful flavor of salt. It's presence is always going to be a threat to their wounded heart.</em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-78298628401844243962007-05-23T13:56:00.000-07:002007-06-03T22:59:13.183-07:00Inventory & The Studio MessWe made a small dent in the inventory. My husband took pictures of each fabric while I described it and measured it out. Then he made a fantastic spread sheet with all the information. I'm currently looking for a way to link it to this blog so that people can look at what I have and custom order items that are specially made for them.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067873952249634498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd-13yvilfmXbIlCHxogB-KmazxyP7jAYGKjTBhpS1yPBWnNpmCjrdANypf4U7AIXkNuMTnfJbSV7tlwGQyjKf4dehyphenhyphenf23ryJfbWVVmb9sQ-FUuQwIezKY0Xv95u4Jk8ZSC9PjkWbRHo/s320/Workspace+2.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067873724616367794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1VHTZEv-j14cbQnDaOGtgPUhSkxm9Lq2LGHrgY7XpldDx6K1RO5TuoCxCsqoHhkWZpxc890klw1J9M3eBEskjyQXC1iuDI8JAPAqswIljKbUxOi9tLfIPi0oSs1tlcSiH0A87DA0QP0/s320/Work+Space+1.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKYztCTr4KnJ3LJ_Q7OshatVs-5YKqESe4QVbWlzBiJOK3pkIb7x-cvm6IOnBs9gJVeFdYRfdlp_Y65jR03JDZ_5Pmj4JBgXtDIcxF3ej0YCZZzPpiaB1QyzQiwN5-G69_6TMZVKYSU0/s1600-h/Garage+Cabinet+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067874175587933906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKYztCTr4KnJ3LJ_Q7OshatVs-5YKqESe4QVbWlzBiJOK3pkIb7x-cvm6IOnBs9gJVeFdYRfdlp_Y65jR03JDZ_5Pmj4JBgXtDIcxF3ej0YCZZzPpiaB1QyzQiwN5-G69_6TMZVKYSU0/s320/Garage+Cabinet+1.JPG" border="0" /></a>Now I have to organize this mess. My wonderful husband allowed me to sell the living room furniture to make room for my studio and to make an office. He's very generous. And THIS is how I repay him. Ugh! I need to be way more productive and clean up after myself.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGTfnCLZRJ9TN4Xdg7YtI6VDqw-ayuqFj0pbrfDbc1XbrlJ7brKsF-_yom5DyupukpIf6D1e3iz5x-EH_nLkqX_qxoobrf44-VY599tJQRoY4j5fRel3HdewGB4fwxuMw9TAzFAdRXPo/s1600-h/Garage+Cabinet+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067874454760808162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGTfnCLZRJ9TN4Xdg7YtI6VDqw-ayuqFj0pbrfDbc1XbrlJ7brKsF-_yom5DyupukpIf6D1e3iz5x-EH_nLkqX_qxoobrf44-VY599tJQRoY4j5fRel3HdewGB4fwxuMw9TAzFAdRXPo/s320/Garage+Cabinet+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It just seems to be against my grain to be a neat person. Maybe it's the artist in me...maybe not. I know how to clean...I just don't. I'd rather be sewing! Maybe I didn't have enough messy art parties as a kid, or maybe I had too many.<br /><br />Check this out! <a href="http://www.cookiemag.com/food/party/2006/09/finemess">http://www.cookiemag.com/food/party/2006/09/finemess</a><br /><br />Maybe it just shows that I think outside of the box, like artist Larissa Meek. <a href="http://www.larissameek.com/new-messy-art/">http://www.larissameek.com/new-messy-art/</a><br /><br /><div><div><p>I think it's proof that I'm busy and creative and ... well a terror on cleanliness </p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-80072220955783221462007-05-18T14:38:00.000-07:002007-05-18T17:37:36.816-07:00Promise to Inventory & The Lack of Stuff in My ShopI've promised myself and several other people that I'll create an inventory of items that I have for sale and items that I still have to make. My husband has volunteered to help me with this. Is this an adventure that he should join me on? I'm afraid that he'll want to throw away things that I want to keep or that he'll decide that I never need to shop again or start another project again. I was very excited that he was interested in helping me...but the more I think about it, the more I think that maybe I'll keep my mess to myself.<br /><br />On another note; I've brought great numbers of people to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span> to check out my shop. I've found out that most people are shopping at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span>...just not my shop. One dear friend was even honest enough with me to tell me that my shop seemed a bit empty. This is all understandable, because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Etsy</span> isn't my full time job. It's also understandable because all of my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">products</span> are made with the utmost care and therefore take a while to create. So with the fact that I'm only "creating" my art in my spare time and that each piece takes a while to finish...I can see how the shop would look empty.<br /><br />Has anyone else ever noticed that your loved ones tend to eat up all your profits? DD wants the retro girls bag and some earrings too. If DD gets something, SDS will want something too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-76079611553902610962007-05-16T08:16:00.000-07:002007-05-16T21:19:23.404-07:00Retro Bag & Over-Cycle Upholstery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLNbodr5bVzs3j0vg6uSiRuW53KQnOBbmtEd1y72ABXyk6C3RQY92bL1oTGzxH154hQx-zarN0AGif0YPpaxOO4gL_aw1VbXNL4TM662KhgaJ6an_m6YOeTke_HwCNLo4RbwbkW81IkA/s1600-h/Nikki+Bag+2"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065267328007757474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px" height="234" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLNbodr5bVzs3j0vg6uSiRuW53KQnOBbmtEd1y72ABXyk6C3RQY92bL1oTGzxH154hQx-zarN0AGif0YPpaxOO4gL_aw1VbXNL4TM662KhgaJ6an_m6YOeTke_HwCNLo4RbwbkW81IkA/s320/Nikki+Bag+2" width="225" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDLskzm8eQlF_NXym8A8jdjvGZoLsGN-x02kkjsl46AjQX-U4MKlgLC7ErOqIWxiuh01s7C-3Ui0RK5Pg3SyS-hzvmDWkn9t0PJhEP6om2jqeL97sfM5z2c1tU0bHdBJdZCEMX6mrPi0/s1600-h/Nikki+bag+1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065267190568803986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px" height="246" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDLskzm8eQlF_NXym8A8jdjvGZoLsGN-x02kkjsl46AjQX-U4MKlgLC7ErOqIWxiuh01s7C-3Ui0RK5Pg3SyS-hzvmDWkn9t0PJhEP6om2jqeL97sfM5z2c1tU0bHdBJdZCEMX6mrPi0/s320/Nikki+bag+1" width="220" border="0" /></a>Well the retro bathing beauties are up on the site. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep Nikki out of the pictures. She chose that exact moment to demonstrate her amazing ability to "shake" at all the most inopportune times and beg for treats. So almost all of the pictures contain the wonder pup. I think she adds a little glamour to all of those fabulous ladies on the bag. Don't you?<br /><br />The bag came out really well. I was surprised that the grommets worked as well as they did. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NuvLMrUHJfCZw9rBeGzeoradKIFY42GK921uSaw1SfqFAuuayd-4-3L7a8DPgLspi8lylVhV-5Ee9aEMYzVBI4aCimNp9QbYQlHrgXDik4eO22VTOAKEk5FPd642kNSESAQAE_K9aU0/s1600-h/bag+3"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065261860514389474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 114px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px" height="201" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NuvLMrUHJfCZw9rBeGzeoradKIFY42GK921uSaw1SfqFAuuayd-4-3L7a8DPgLspi8lylVhV-5Ee9aEMYzVBI4aCimNp9QbYQlHrgXDik4eO22VTOAKEk5FPd642kNSESAQAE_K9aU0/s320/bag+3" width="117" border="0" /></a>They're originally <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnAcxbN2ztrZWoflZ0GiN69QGfmSIujNB74LxvrR_dSZVpwuf2LG-V0vspb6EgMz82EMuyebhiW8yzbZ_i1IcS8fkwXgVgouickVmNFi6VpJ8jNL0NNYEKzyU9JWD3_PUOJZ7I5tsK0g/s1600-h/bag+tie"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065262251356413426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" height="117" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnAcxbN2ztrZWoflZ0GiN69QGfmSIujNB74LxvrR_dSZVpwuf2LG-V0vspb6EgMz82EMuyebhiW8yzbZ_i1IcS8fkwXgVgouickVmNFi6VpJ8jNL0NNYEKzyU9JWD3_PUOJZ7I5tsK0g/s320/bag+tie" width="235" border="0" /></a>intended for paper and I found them in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scrap booking</span> section of my local craft store. You see, the design of the bag called for the sides to be pleated so that the bag wouldn't fall open when walking. I didn't like that because it limited the size of the mouth of the bag and would only allow one large book in at a time. From my University days, I know that sometimes I'd like to be able to just shove all of them in at the same time. So I used a draw string on the sides. Lesson learned <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">from</span> the messenger bag: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzuVAqmwYvGfwCBXvAOehuGGR9VF7KZDhy-RqzDB1np40eN2oU-777W4dzjJ7pEFPbcnetHwoIUpJfBeshen706uzJBCcUdARs9SMCIIt3u7GvZ7-66KJcQFfXAO2dlR0YUQoAXu26P8/s1600-h/bag+untie"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065262586363862530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" height="148" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzuVAqmwYvGfwCBXvAOehuGGR9VF7KZDhy-RqzDB1np40eN2oU-777W4dzjJ7pEFPbcnetHwoIUpJfBeshen706uzJBCcUdARs9SMCIIt3u7GvZ7-66KJcQFfXAO2dlR0YUQoAXu26P8/s320/bag+untie" width="168" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#3333ff;">Don't be afraid to venture out of your own "isle" to find what you need.</span> Sometimes it's not even called the same thing and may require some extra time to look for it. Other times, it's not even the same store! I've found that plumbing fixtures work wonders in a pinch for some projects. Fishing weights work well for weighing down curtains that fly too much in the breeze or have a tendency to bunch in the wrong places. Also, tiny woodworking hinges make great purse closures. By visiting different places to find your art or complete your vision, you'll not only expand your horizons; you'll also make your options virtually limitless.<br /><br /><strong>Check out these links for some outrageous supplies made beautiful:<br /></strong><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Insect Art</span> <a href="http://www.insectlabstudio.com/index.php/item/287">http://www.insectlabstudio.com/index.php/item/287</a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Money <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Origami</span></span> <a href="http://members.cox.net/crandall11/money/">http://members.cox.net/crandall11/money/</a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Eggshell Art</span> <a href="http://www.avoova.net/products.htm">http://www.avoova.net/products.htm</a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Phil Hansen</span> <a href="http://www.philinthecircle.com/influencedetail.html">http://www.philinthecircle.com/influencedetail.html</a> Seattle artist Phil Hansen, painted 30 different people that influenced him, on on top of another on his own torso!<br /><object style="WIDTH: 384px; HEIGHT: 275px" height="275" width="384"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zRVts7TFw-Y"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zRVts7TFw-Y" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />This last weekend was mother's day and since we had no children here, my husband hired me for a little project. We have two vehicles I call the retro-minis. One is a Turbo Sprint and one is <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5y2La_qR9yMZjV-FKO42iFYJefH_aPF7HxHz9v8N2XrHqXO782H2p_4SUT3wE_NJcTh7ZS-Ju_AH5AxhPxxmH2Is4bXNaxbR6dFsmnM4JNOe0Lvuf63okcbGgKncBjYXh3Mglh0dzOE/s1600-h/Sprint+before"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065266056697437794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px" height="137" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5y2La_qR9yMZjV-FKO42iFYJefH_aPF7HxHz9v8N2XrHqXO782H2p_4SUT3wE_NJcTh7ZS-Ju_AH5AxhPxxmH2Is4bXNaxbR6dFsmnM4JNOe0Lvuf63okcbGgKncBjYXh3Mglh0dzOE/s320/Sprint+before" width="229" border="0" /></a>an automatic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Justy</span>. Both are only three cylinders and two-doors. Both are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdRLMjjYFhu_otShg5uLnqaXEqrvXoDy788y1bMkb1ALL8TNnqIHRF0hoLb4BXofOAJ59myGFOY4cgCVZXvVyFIDdH0HU8djDxnN6AdHQXhd3o1XrX8r80o50f7tLHVUSLe3YvyvYk1s/s1600-h/turbo"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065263767479868946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 67px" height="57" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdRLMjjYFhu_otShg5uLnqaXEqrvXoDy788y1bMkb1ALL8TNnqIHRF0hoLb4BXofOAJ59myGFOY4cgCVZXvVyFIDdH0HU8djDxnN6AdHQXhd3o1XrX8r80o50f7tLHVUSLe3YvyvYk1s/s320/turbo" width="211" border="0" /></a>excellent on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">gas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mileage</span>. Unfortunately, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Justy</span> was made with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">carburetor</span> (YUK!) and the Sprint has a TURBO (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">vroom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">vroom</span>!) The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Justy</span> is in perfect shape and was given to my by a very dear friend with the promise that I would love it and take care of it. The Sprint was a junker that I fell in love with and my husband rebuilt the engine for.<br /><br />The project: reupholster the Sprint seats. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065266752482139778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="158" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN8Ggy2cXR0QAEXQnB22DCTRlkULnPfQbUCe6_v-xn-nTygRbqhh2uQ9Hg-zquWTsLVPTGo9KHSlLdvjOGEGlbZWGfCawthFgS866di7qxa_Rhf_gaVedlLCTfiYli2TF8hA33NBzTqQ/s320/seat+frame" width="238" border="0" />The answer? Hand tailor the J<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">usty</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">upholstery</span> to fit the Sprint! The original Justy seat is on the left and the new, hand tailored Sprint seat is on the right.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065265528416460370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTGQejyqvZVbUbvbUQVqgYYNbvg5EuHECVgddYqaXrVgQKAOB8cKjbsQvt8JtUh00QJC34yl06vyHOErmWkS3KGHwilagdBqQmtIvLuLIwJZ4M_Qhyo2tUGVqEr7WLXrOrCrj6NdZCa0/s320/compare+2" border="0" />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Justy</span> has been not working for quite a while and frankly we were thinking of donating it. However, with my promise to my friend and the total beauty of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">interior</span>, we really didn't want to see it just get parted out. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065266447539461746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="149" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW8lF6HbEFf-8XKMG6Bi39Ta_dtj4YqkSILFK7y0fT6hRBw2XVCJZdhuT1F8aZ_hMBfhkh1xrZKYUUd9KymnIORmwFDAGDMR6IDzGIrb859OzfF4-bGlqt0g4SsYEkM2D-f626hjVsyE/s320/seat+wip+1" width="258" border="0" />So, I switched the fabric and with little (yeah right) adjustments here and there...Voila!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijYMOhXpFe0amtergVQ1XfO8ZnnwfWTCeWDluCeq0KdZgmuSLGMmllrKwDCarw4xmrv4NxDIDCjzJr1bIfJKAYQLIvcAUEMzA0l58ZLouiVd76_YxQZO18M8QJiltJJ0nGbFmuIQLNtg/s1600-h/new+cover+1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065264205566533154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px" height="118" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijYMOhXpFe0amtergVQ1XfO8ZnnwfWTCeWDluCeq0KdZgmuSLGMmllrKwDCarw4xmrv4NxDIDCjzJr1bIfJKAYQLIvcAUEMzA0l58ZLouiVd76_YxQZO18M8QJiltJJ0nGbFmuIQLNtg/s320/new+cover+1" width="211" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065264699487772210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmeJZ4RODhyPcoEWrwsRgzPAjQbwCEjZ0D8Ccqi2g3Y2nnLDY-S5Agt8AzzbcVwGGxUvZJRtH0h4rq-iPzRuEv2GJiOW9Z6ErwQsmUKTaxysCEU1rQVFjqU1xl3_Fk6trQQgR3PplXdE/s320/new+cover+2" border="0" /><br />I like to call this type of project "Over-Cycling," because it's not really an up-cycle, since nothing better has come from a lesser original product...and it' not recycling, because it wasn't really garbage to begin with. It's just received an over-haul.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065265013020384834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lZQznDpMsqGKzLr8QJHr6Pjqmxm3ltu2noBJ_iO_NUgEcFDGGpXqN0kYtKX5g3GDvF8cOCYi3XP_7Syo4dzllN_gcCo4IbAqGY5SlT3GrT2i40PJDUVyQCKMZHJ6sxiGKZ6wYkEAfFI/s320/seat+compare+1" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-86268645054004372422007-05-11T22:39:00.000-07:002007-05-12T13:37:55.654-07:00Musings About Recycled Knit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL3ahMpklxnoccBuZUEZWz5ZJ9eB7nNTZb7wv0yYWoqYx8crFrcsiUUav4vv0a0LtILR2nMcW69-l-nVYIAuKrF7ObuxYVl2xprPUF0rL9wQTVPV6s_z1A05ybNulUVTdjnmWFOY9clM/s1600-h/knitting_tote_lg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063775210356697618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL3ahMpklxnoccBuZUEZWz5ZJ9eB7nNTZb7wv0yYWoqYx8crFrcsiUUav4vv0a0LtILR2nMcW69-l-nVYIAuKrF7ObuxYVl2xprPUF0rL9wQTVPV6s_z1A05ybNulUVTdjnmWFOY9clM/s320/knitting_tote_lg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I think I'll finish the retro messenger bag this evening and it'll be available in the shop soon. I have the same bag in denim that I made several years ago and it's one of my favorites for toting around projects. In fact, right now I have a beautiful cross stitch that needs to be finished in it...note to self: finish the cross stitch.<br /><br />I thought of an idea this morning in the shower. I have several old sweaters that are still extremely beautiful but very small for me anymore. I want to make drawstring backpacks out of them, I think. I can recycle them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div>I could make one like this with some nifty drawstrings or leather straps, and just line it with some pretty fabric. Or I could get fancier too, an try to duplicate the green bag above, by adding some tassels and handles.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063754633168382354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="188" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZdb4py26oPQhr7yyny7p4rRFGAfSK6rX0s7qLIdhIlKDJFbbEmhSqn5rD8OUeXC6_oEYS6V5cpvfcYbP76gAWhuX6KPZVM_pZGvoW_U9BDEdxEUqaPzjvyZoN2gWpBq-4pn5ZkMY9Ow/s320/BP_Drawstring_InsideOut_e.jpg" width="255" border="0" />I could also make a tote like the ones hanging here. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aLMBu7MloD_k87LydOGp0Kembah3SYjJTRtL5IMSfQEwVCVl4xZJXqKXzu8aWfwuJ1YpOpOnxPP5UcKHxznA2VlqHX1hHwHUV5eHzRsv9EKgniPKDj5HP830kuRKM3kDS6KHh4mf2yA/s1600-h/sweat44616.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063771362066000322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="258" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aLMBu7MloD_k87LydOGp0Kembah3SYjJTRtL5IMSfQEwVCVl4xZJXqKXzu8aWfwuJ1YpOpOnxPP5UcKHxznA2VlqHX1hHwHUV5eHzRsv9EKgniPKDj5HP830kuRKM3kDS6KHh4mf2yA/s320/sweat44616.jpg" width="270" border="0" /></a>(sigh) Too many ideas to count.</div><div><br /></div><p>After the post yesterday, I realised that I need to go through my stash of supplies. I have so many ideas that I'm absolutely sure that I've packed many many away in boxes. (Like I need more after the list I've already posted.) It would be nice to see what I've got. I think it would help me to make an inventory too. Does any one else have any ideas as to how to keep track of all my ideas?</p><p>I started a sketch book, but I lost it in the great stacks of stuff I have. I also started a portfolio of all the things I've already done, but I keep forgetting to take pictures of them before I sell them and never see them again. I guess this blog will help with that!</p><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>For instructions on how to make the above bags see the following links: </strong></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-lnGVBM5J68fN527AshAavq8ivyhzyeuxGgSFioL6hAOAxY6EiU4w86x8kkc1t_Em2cD1AdjjLPeMxcdayi7jNWg2TjUSG0Cu-69eSoMUAdOpFLqfBaPeCQtgSkbStuPlT3r2bzZM-Q/s1600-h/sitefooterBG_light.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063774097960167906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="44" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-lnGVBM5J68fN527AshAavq8ivyhzyeuxGgSFioL6hAOAxY6EiU4w86x8kkc1t_Em2cD1AdjjLPeMxcdayi7jNWg2TjUSG0Cu-69eSoMUAdOpFLqfBaPeCQtgSkbStuPlT3r2bzZM-Q/s320/sitefooterBG_light.jpg" width="60" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_sewing_accessories/article/0,1789,HGTV_3321_2173915,00.html">http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_sewing_accessories/article/0,1789,HGTV_3321_2173915,00.html</a></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIE_cJlPz7OH5njldFNNpQlH1cV1uTq8nlQNxLS4y1hRmwTcAGbt2lDZZ3lqvrxr8KD4IFJwZ4aThyeFSLa8iet5rwwxsEJHs_6qroQP21jHwLHxmSMwlWbDzUm1SP19lnMbaNSMQmRM/s1600-h/headerlogo.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063774359953172978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 71px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 19px" height="35" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIE_cJlPz7OH5njldFNNpQlH1cV1uTq8nlQNxLS4y1hRmwTcAGbt2lDZZ3lqvrxr8KD4IFJwZ4aThyeFSLa8iet5rwwxsEJHs_6qroQP21jHwLHxmSMwlWbDzUm1SP19lnMbaNSMQmRM/s320/headerlogo.gif" width="89" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/knitting_tote/knitting_tote.html">http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/knitting_tote/knitting_tote.html</a></div></div><div></div><div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Qxu8lC4SPhD1MG-N9FBRCriezpzUNNbO-3dQLLWKJ8cDaETQj6vPzkWTJmm6LkMYAMtqilaNs_KHKp0hJAvTFpNsjjNTsh3gs-5-NGf-OFivzosSzgLYbcmrA_ksCGUSnKaRJCydtcQ/s1600-h/img-logo-cons.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063774896824084994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 24px" height="39" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Qxu8lC4SPhD1MG-N9FBRCriezpzUNNbO-3dQLLWKJ8cDaETQj6vPzkWTJmm6LkMYAMtqilaNs_KHKp0hJAvTFpNsjjNTsh3gs-5-NGf-OFivzosSzgLYbcmrA_ksCGUSnKaRJCydtcQ/s320/img-logo-cons.gif" width="170" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/CanadianLiving/client/en/Crafts/DetailNews.asp?idNews=233920">http://www.canadianliving.com/CanadianLiving/client/en/Crafts/DetailNews.asp?idNews=233920</a></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-73559435698237421272007-05-11T12:29:00.000-07:002007-05-11T23:18:35.461-07:00What Would You Rather Have?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrHVNVj_IiffgsehwX8pGak4aUmjnx70uhhxfwXDvoJQGXEysAhFUwcnXaeJrsB1nCxsKL2og72r8EjturN5mZRlEAWXtx4o7tSNDuo1fcMpJFh4CHX1-1beUmNecIkNlJvY8Y3HEZdI/s1600-h/hand+lamp.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063436801293511042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="135" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrHVNVj_IiffgsehwX8pGak4aUmjnx70uhhxfwXDvoJQGXEysAhFUwcnXaeJrsB1nCxsKL2og72r8EjturN5mZRlEAWXtx4o7tSNDuo1fcMpJFh4CHX1-1beUmNecIkNlJvY8Y3HEZdI/s320/hand+lamp.JPG" width="183" border="0" /></a>I think my problem is that I'm too spread out in my tastes. I love to make jewelry, knit, work with polymer clay, make clothing, makes bags, paint, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">decopage</span>....<br /><br />I also think I'm distracted by the things around me. For most artists, being surrounded by multi-colored, multi-textural elements helps to spur the imagination:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SM7PmCYGJzZSt8I1nO7gS7ILMmsVRzHpDQiFToSl7r3oUeT7rRZbY8ZpKG3tnvHjIx1MUJ0WqiUqSduTI9MYlg7Nx-ClqPSO8p-782dSCSEmmD-ggILhZfqGAq7j99eZFzWv-1V7e0M/s1600-h/two+heads.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063424221334301010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px" height="177" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SM7PmCYGJzZSt8I1nO7gS7ILMmsVRzHpDQiFToSl7r3oUeT7rRZbY8ZpKG3tnvHjIx1MUJ0WqiUqSduTI9MYlg7Nx-ClqPSO8p-782dSCSEmmD-ggILhZfqGAq7j99eZFzWv-1V7e0M/s320/two+heads.JPG" width="168" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiNDaLHH9uivAJlZsL7WOQLneQv7mwIPEsEKqQhj4tlsWOQXe67xX7OHe7jqmbw1qNjlt_VHlSHACVSozXn8S_C19EuO3x3pzbMWfVoYWhHuhC0ktim7GcZpcPO7Ot9upjaYeaMpyHuU/s1600-h/red+dog.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063424083895347522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="121" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiNDaLHH9uivAJlZsL7WOQLneQv7mwIPEsEKqQhj4tlsWOQXe67xX7OHe7jqmbw1qNjlt_VHlSHACVSozXn8S_C19EuO3x3pzbMWfVoYWhHuhC0ktim7GcZpcPO7Ot9upjaYeaMpyHuU/s320/red+dog.JPG" width="187" border="0" /></a>My issue is that I'm surrounded by stacks of projects that are half done and projects that have yet to be started. I have so many ideas that I've forgotten more inventions than I can possibly write down.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div>I would just love to work at home full time on my business and be creative all day.<br /><br /><br />Then there's my other problem; The Internet. If there were any shortage of ideas in the world, the problem was solved with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internet</span>.<br /><br />Look here:<br /><a href="http://www.naughtysecretaryclub.com/">http://www.naughtysecretaryclub.com/</a> and here: <a href="http://www.missmalaprop.com/">http://www.missmalaprop.com/</a> and over here too! <a href="http://www.adornmag.com/blog/">http://www.adornmag.com/blog/</a></div><br /><div>I was just lost on the net when I came across <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">some</span> pictures of someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">else's</span> "Craft Cave" and realised that mine wasn't so bad.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodrpMBqA41sPBf6bS-GPmcixXGjeF1lnrNxMc1ePUn5SawOd4D_LkkwrF3ih2UZL6qKpBS_UcGIEWJFd4MJ9LxxFNKN3I6lsi8f11G13ebJQsmqNWG5136GSKcGLSdRpm4331kcuN4SY/s1600-h/studio.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063434739709208930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodrpMBqA41sPBf6bS-GPmcixXGjeF1lnrNxMc1ePUn5SawOd4D_LkkwrF3ih2UZL6qKpBS_UcGIEWJFd4MJ9LxxFNKN3I6lsi8f11G13ebJQsmqNWG5136GSKcGLSdRpm4331kcuN4SY/s320/studio.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mannequins</span> that need names though. Any ideas? I won't post pictures of the boxes, or of the shelves in the garage, or the baskets by the rocking chair, or under the bed...Ok...ok...so maybe I am that bad.</div><br /><div>Maybe if I start a list of ideas here I can keep up.</div><br /><div>1) the retro messenger bag</div><div>2) 50s polka-dot dress</div><div>3) aprons</div><div>4) wrap around pants</div><div>5) tiered skirts</div><br /><div>That's just what I have sitting on the floor in front of my sewing table!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063436410451487090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="185" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBsGMw4ZOj0vAgceOZRhkFqDB0NXHQC_yK2lF8qv3BzrJMrpeDjF5khtctBywwiRFM-PRGFIl3ly33Rf3lj-0bh9Bb_VAAEiFTLeFnuI7D-7Sn6fmuIdp70-HwO8HIq2BUTu6bhh8yRE/s320/headless+baby.JPG" width="150" border="0" /></div><div>6) necktie dresses and skirts</div><div>7) wallets</div><div>8) printed bags</div><div>9) printed Ts</div><div>10) girls knit blankets (not for sale)</div><div>11) toddler clothing</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sheesh</span>! I could be here all day!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495723696293400433.post-40514633417732996422007-05-09T22:22:00.000-07:002007-05-22T17:29:23.216-07:00The Knitting Bug Has Bitten MeToday I need to make 5 capes for a dance recital and last month I altered a lime green prom dress. I'm just loving having my own business. I'd like to do more but I have to work sometimes too. (grin) I've recently taught myself how to knit socks and I'm hooked! I bought this beautiful yarn: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5386586">http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5386586</a><br /><br /><div><div>And then I used the traditional, <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062798951405414546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 80px" height="203" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhANuurM2MF4jZgRgPkAdpMl7iAE3KYyvoWaC3PiCY-1_3LyeYnBVyJ3TXGvjpxXZ-o3bXDfxuksut8vplKSFhqbs_qHhRtrDLvnwTjHZdKRLvxuk1qwB80YEDunVV34JWjVF8ClhsjG4/s320/tri+needle.JPG" width="305" border="0" />multi-needled method to learn to kint this sock!!!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBARDppbxO6ViqLlrQe0cJ32NdCCarzH_tme16yqBPpRFPG7zt1iHa9tOELoTncubILO-IzY4UEtxojqbqLWmBMAeO4dymTMeDS9Z2Iu1Tw5vdblQB0IEQbsikXQcCMv0WeLqWkTp2Yg/s1600-h/red+sock.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062799552700836002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px" height="261" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBARDppbxO6ViqLlrQe0cJ32NdCCarzH_tme16yqBPpRFPG7zt1iHa9tOELoTncubILO-IzY4UEtxojqbqLWmBMAeO4dymTMeDS9Z2Iu1Tw5vdblQB0IEQbsikXQcCMv0WeLqWkTp2Yg/s320/red+sock.JPG" width="328" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Then I tried a different method with a self striping yarn to begin to knit another pair on two circular needles.</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeLT4rtHezeEeu7S8HZtZ6ZQtBWFXahyD-wKnmYMrbQHcJ0H-grM428m2p4w-zuNTGVrXc58hBAlum1695ScWJPCAHxWmZuqpo2VFwW-cGNt2eV7rD1eRRAwIsfnrUxTbuV0l1jkCMBk/s1600-h/striped+sock.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062800420284229810" style="WIDTH: 363px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" height="143" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeLT4rtHezeEeu7S8HZtZ6ZQtBWFXahyD-wKnmYMrbQHcJ0H-grM428m2p4w-zuNTGVrXc58hBAlum1695ScWJPCAHxWmZuqpo2VFwW-cGNt2eV7rD1eRRAwIsfnrUxTbuV0l1jkCMBk/s320/striped+sock.JPG" width="131" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><p align="left">Here's my long term project though. You'll think I'm crazy at first, but keep reading....I'm using my dog's fur to knit a scarf. Yup! A scarf! No. I'm not the crazy cat (dog) lady. It's actually just like angora. Here read this:<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=584156">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=584156</a><br /></p><br /><p align="left">I send this wonderful woman all the brushings from Nikki, my Akita. Akitas are known for blowing their coat twice a year. She washes and spins up the fur into a super soft and very warm yarn for me and I buy it back from her. It usually costs about 12$ for a large ball of yarn that has been made from a trash bag full of hair. Here are the beautiful results!</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqk5x03COVfGYTpuOMdv2IruejSPgOZpdFzsXueWaEfQ5rn0Q0SlLgis53DM6rDsUYJzgcIGqDVyiGUw-UJrAbpoIvQgdqxqI55k_fODf0-Rc2v8c28P9YigeAQiKMREgWC7M1kYFgtY/s1600-h/Nikki+Up.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062801695889516738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqk5x03COVfGYTpuOMdv2IruejSPgOZpdFzsXueWaEfQ5rn0Q0SlLgis53DM6rDsUYJzgcIGqDVyiGUw-UJrAbpoIvQgdqxqI55k_fODf0-Rc2v8c28P9YigeAQiKMREgWC7M1kYFgtY/s320/Nikki+Up.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062801906342914258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZxOBwTQXmWo0IQLjVsg50TQ71txsyftaZvo79KuY7MnFsTqznS9m6bZ3XSKDwhzXWfK8EAfvDQP8c0VlyJh2E_rAPJqZKkHWNMFbfcU9n_kEFOvft9luCQBV72XDiJDjRnhh75R7bwA/s320/nikki+yarn.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062802511933303010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPd1IoRuTq04UxJNnil6cBJQn1MrKNoQu7CRF-nra052TegCRUKmMwCjG1Y6DEKJZ3FrCzf99-8Io98T2JUrq6UXFAcX3af88-bJq8ksos_Vg4gmRsEiscNLui04CRrsyhBQWmDuzhIc/s320/nikki+scarf.JPG" border="0" /></p><br />You may then ask me, "What are you doing for the Shop while you're doing all this knitting and altering?" This: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5350040">http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5350040</a><br /><br />Cheap Threads offers all kinds of fabulous fabric and I just couldn't resist. I'm making a messenger bag out of this one and if it sells, I'll have to get more!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062804491913226482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KJbo7s907mRcO1jPcDBqdySczaMUcX-52S1H__9ERaTsU6c9vPAQJelnS0tTtYtRPgZkN0P75JqhP0Eq0P90ZCB69DUZdiE4Bwx8EnbPSuF5JDytKFt9-41NUckrNU27nBsUOfrmw7k/s320/bag.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><strong>You can check out the shops mentioned above here:</strong></div><br /><br><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6H-Qs-fN-5n9BrQTm6nt6eAxFbAzvb7cTyuTkYjdL-rzHLL65WxWRSpgg6khM6caI9vYOnGfaWqE9spEMr7AWQi2dZHZV5Jn8hOVtxVHqfeQev852Ok66MISDOvPQPvHOKB-v4S_sYY/s1600-h/iusa_50x50_5043224.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062805295072110850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6H-Qs-fN-5n9BrQTm6nt6eAxFbAzvb7cTyuTkYjdL-rzHLL65WxWRSpgg6khM6caI9vYOnGfaWqE9spEMr7AWQi2dZHZV5Jn8hOVtxVHqfeQev852Ok66MISDOvPQPvHOKB-v4S_sYY/s320/iusa_50x50_5043224.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Kindred Spirits Yarn</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=16546">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=16546</a><br /><br /><br><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzF4bkZRzVNMfHk7go06ZlBg6NArB9df8k5DQ4NuzEsgd-qfVlIp0SGVDoUVfDYHcfaREMLdysWPXRlD4rV3tDMPeDWsP04H0B7A5AIhzVx-MYaDh2_b6jEgdKtG1jzcnU-xKcEeNL9o/s1600-h/iusa_50x50_5051647.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062805849122892050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzF4bkZRzVNMfHk7go06ZlBg6NArB9df8k5DQ4NuzEsgd-qfVlIp0SGVDoUVfDYHcfaREMLdysWPXRlD4rV3tDMPeDWsP04H0B7A5AIhzVx-MYaDh2_b6jEgdKtG1jzcnU-xKcEeNL9o/s320/iusa_50x50_5051647.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Spazspun</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=21385">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=21385</a><br /><br><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigd0SKL_fKCtFtnoFI4NHLxjBIivCN_EDd16vJnqrb1adR7FO4ejj9TEyb9AKf7q9Qdm9WNB65O0Fx1D-FliEcSagicf-ozFWTxCt7ATzqcYBpG4-Do3TwkK-pMrjOThpzZLRgP1u8WA/s1600-h/iusa_50x50_5008394.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062806519137790242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigd0SKL_fKCtFtnoFI4NHLxjBIivCN_EDd16vJnqrb1adR7FO4ejj9TEyb9AKf7q9Qdm9WNB65O0Fx1D-FliEcSagicf-ozFWTxCt7ATzqcYBpG4-Do3TwkK-pMrjOThpzZLRgP1u8WA/s320/iusa_50x50_5008394.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">cheap threads</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5021470">http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5021470</a> </div><div>or <a href="http://www.cheapthreads.com">http://www.cheapthreads.com</a><br /></div><div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBARDppbxO6ViqLlrQe0cJ32NdCCarzH_tme16yqBPpRFPG7zt1iHa9tOELoTncubILO-IzY4UEtxojqbqLWmBMAeO4dymTMeDS9Z2Iu1Tw5vdblQB0IEQbsikXQcCMv0WeLqWkTp2Yg/s1600-h/red+sock.JPG"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0