An Update- A Clutch and Dye class

For starters- I have 5 knitting projects that I'm working on in my spare time to have ready by Christmas...It's October. I might be kidding myself. We'll see.

I've also started an 8 week yarn dyeing course, which is fun, but nerve racking since I haven't really done much dyeing before. I didn't even experiment with food/non-toxic dyes until week one of the class. Here are those results:

"Violent Violet" (I saw this YouTube video and ran out to get the Wilton's Violet Icing Dye- this was a lot of fun):

"Barn and Silo" (McCormick's Food coloring in Red and Blue) :

Once the class is over I'll show off all of the skeins of yarn I've dyed using the acid dyes- but here's a preview of a few in pots:

 But here's an update on the "clutch" I was working on and mentioned in this post:

The first attempt did not turn out how I had hoped it would...unfortunately.

There's supposed to be an even seam between the flap and the clutch...which there is not- the pattern called for the same number of cast on stitches for the flap as for the clutch...that's not accurate:

And I have a feeling I know why this yarn was in the clearance section at Joann's:

There are little bunches where the yarn is flawed and I didn't want to have to piece the yarn together, I didn't want a lot of joins, so I just kept knitting thru the flaws. It's not pretty.
But I really do like the braided closure:

That's definitely a great detail that is on this pattern.

Here's a look at the back:

I think, once the holiday season is over and I have time for "my" projects- I'm going to revisit this pattern and try to make it correct...once it looks like I want it, then it will get a lining and a zip closure (the braid will just become decoration).

Now I have to get back to my dye class. Like I said, I'll post pics of everything once class is over. I'm learning a lot. Did I mention the teacher is the owner and dyer for Phydeaux? Pretty sure I've mentioned a time or two, in other posts, about how much I love that yarn...now I'm learning how to make it!

Ode to Los Angeles-why can't I like you?

I still can't say that I like living in Los Angeles, it's almost been 2 full years on the West Coast, and I can't say that I like it.
Sure there are things that I do like. For example: The Altered Stitch (yarn a plenty); Gindi Thai (Technically Burbank); Like's Thai and Chinese Food (Sunland- but still a Los Angeles zip code); The seafood (super fresh!); Fruits and Veggies (Also really fresh!); My Home State (run by people from Texas); Mountain views!; And of course this (even though I only get to see it rarely):

There's something really captivating about the ocean. Especially when dinning at a restaurant that is on stilts overlooking it. Moonshadows in Malibu (Malibu...not Los Angeles)...super awesome. Great way to forget about everything crazy, just sit down and stare at the waves crashing in.

But Los Angeles...it's still not my place. It's not home. It's a nice stop over for whatever comes next, but unless I get to see a whole lot more of the Ocean, I can leave it. Although I have yet to visit The Last BookStore (I highly suggest doing a google search to see images of what it looks like inside). It's definitely on my Los Angeles bucket list of things to do before I move on.

I keep waiting for there to be a day that I wake up and accidentally call this place home. Or wake up and not miss another place so much that I wish I was there instead of in the sun soaked land of palm trees, movie stars and ridiculously rude people. I'm not holding my breath for that. But I'm hopeful that one day, Los Angeles and me get along. (Truthfully, it will probably be the day I no longer live here)

Something in the works

I saw a pattern for something not too long ago, and I thought to myself "I must make it!"
Which wouldn't be bad, except I had to go purchase specific yarn for this project. The spare bedroom in our house looks like a yarn store, people...I don't need anymore yarn. I don't. I could knit on all the yarn I have for another 2 years and still have some left. Then I could go to my storage unit and my parents house and get the other stashes of yarn I have and still be able to knit continuously for several years- then spin all the fiber I have and knit some more...this is a sick hobby.

Anyway, the pattern is one I attempted before when I made myself a pair of socks, which turned into short socks with only this pattern on the cuff, because I really didn't like knitting it...with sock yarn. Using this yarn is pretty freakin' sweet.

I found the Buttercream Luxe Craft Soft Knit Solid yarn on clearance at Joann's in a "purple" color. The yarn is 100% polyester, which is bizarre, but actually really fun to knit. For only $3.97/skein I bought several different colors and have this grand vision of making this particular item for all the women I know...Who knows if I'll keep up with that idea or not. But I will at least finish this one. More details on the pattern (which was free) and what it is, to come. I've gotta get back to knitting,  only 3 more inches of this pattern before I get to switch to a different stitch!

Happy 10 year anniversary to this blog!

So the automatic post schedule doesn't exactly work...this should have gone out on the 18th, forgive the inaccurate post date.

10 years ago today blogs were a big deal. You could consider yourself a published writer if you had a blog. You could claim it was your own personal website, if you didn't have an actual website. I started mine with the thought that it would motivate me to draw more, to animate, to paint.

While I didn't do so much animation (sorry college degree, you've collected so much dust), I did produce a bunch of drawings, several paintings, and low and behold I kind of went crazy with the knitting and crochet.

10 years has seen the following:
- 1 relationship that's still going (Hi Gonzo!)
- quite a few job changes
- 2 layoffs
- 6 moves (one of those being across the country...hello CA)
- Approximately 147 pieces of art (Drawings, paintings, vinyl customs) (that I posted)
- Approximately 36 knitted/crocheted pieces (that I posted)
- Approximately 2 sewing projects (that I posted)
- Approximately 3 craft items (that I posted)
- Countless other crafts and art that I didn't post or keep track of
- Many other things...

I've learned a lot about myself in the last 10 years. I've done a lot in the last 10 years. There are some days that it feels like yesterday that I started this blog, and some days that it feels like forever ago.  There have been days that I feel like throwing in the towel and just letting my blog hang out in cyber space for eternity, leaving people who read what I write here, to wonder, "what happened to her?"
Whenever I think of getting an instagram account, I think, "Well, would I still post on my blog?" which I bet I wouldn't. I could hashtag it out, instead of leaving a whole bunch of non-sense here. But I'm a creature of habit. I like my blog. I like that I have low viewership/readership (although, Groot...that post...it's still crazy and I've seen it linked to news stories for crafty people-Say What?! Little 'ol me over here? So many page views- so many messages on my Ravelry account- THANK YOU!!! To everyone who looked at that post or made a comment or asked a question or reached out- THANK YOU!!! That was really unexpected and wonderful!)

The next 10 years? I'm looking into writing (some of you may know that), maybe I'll self-publish something soon (fiction, don't take what I write here as my writing style); I'm even designing some knitting patterns (maybe I'll post another free pattern soon) I'm looking into dying my own yarn and fiber for knitting; I've gotten back into spinning fiber into yarn, so maybe I can sell some hanks of hand spun fibers; I'm still drawing, and don't see my style (of semi-photo realistic portraits) changing any time soon- but who knows what the next 10 years will bring. I do follow Loish online and absolutely love her style, so maybe more digital art...we shall see, we shall see.

Thank you all for a wonderful 10 years. Thanks for reading!

Oye with the Poodles already!

I heard there's a thing called "The Olympics" going on right now. Unfortunately, I've completely ignored them this year. I've opted instead to binge watch all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls (you know, just in time for the next 4 episodes to come out in November- I like to get an early start).

I thought binge watching the episodes would give me plenty of time to knit and finish the long list of projects I have going, but I kind of forgot how amazing that TV show was. So I find myself actually watching the episodes, even though I've seen them all too many times to count.

Currently on my needles:
1. A crochet mermaid tail for my niece. It should be done in time for Christmas (here's to hoping)
2. My dad's knitted socks...I knit them two at a time, I've just turned the heels and am working the foot- a few more weeks of of the easy part of the pattern and I should be done.
3. A Dobby hat for my niece for Halloween. This should be soon, I'm practically done with the hat, I just have to knit the ears and attach them.
4. A pretty little Capelet/Shawlette/short sweater for myself.

I'll post these as I finish them.

I just purchased the yarn for the Virgo Shawlette for the Toshstrology collection. I'm pretty excited about it, cause it's really cute! Can't wait until the yarn gets here! It's my favorite shade of green!

That's it for an update right now. I've got to get started knitting today.

Taurus Slouch Hat

Once again, this is an update for the Toshstrology Collection that can be found on Ravelry.com

This time it's for the Taurus Slouch - a somewhat oversized (hence the word "slouch") hat. I don't know that I'm a huge fan of the Taurus colorway. I used to love the color green, and I still love it, but I think there's some better Madelinetosh Vintage yarn colors. (seriously, the image above and the one below is the same hat...One is at night time-above-and the one below is in daylight...weird)

I'm fairly sure I screwed up on the pattern when it came time for the last leaf (top leaf). I've read and re-read the pattern, and there haven't been any updates on Ravelry, so I'm fairly sure it's just a misunderstanding on my part, as mine didn't turn out as pretty as the example for the Taurus Slouch found here. I wound up with extra stitches around round 37 and couldn't figure out my mistake, so I just kept moving forward so I wouldn't have to frog it.

One side of the hat has no decoration, which is fine. Keep in mind, this isn't blocked yet. My steamer is in storage, so it won't be blocked for a while. Blocking will help make it look slouchy, as right now it fits pretty snuggly.

I did buy two skeins of this colorway, and since I had problems with the first try at this pattern, I may try it again just to figure out where I went wrong. Although, I can't say I'm a fan of this pattern either. I may wait and use the skein on a leaf pattern hat that I like. We'll see.

Hope everyone in the U.S.A. is having a great Independence Day; and for those everywhere else, I hope you are enjoying your 4th of July a.k.a Monday.

Aries Shawlette

It's not completely finished yet, but I couldn't help it. I had to share! (I'll weave in the ends and block it soon)

I've been working on the Toshstrology collection since January, and while I'm severely behind on the monthly projects, I did just finish the Aries Shawlette. (Toshstrology can be found on Ravelry.com- it's $15 for all 12 patterns, yarn is sold separately...I've been getting mine at Jimmy Beans Wool)

The pattern has this cute little short rows section that creates a pretty awesome look.

And the pattern includes this awesome edging around the top. I'm looking forward to blocking this one.

Can I just say, Madelinetosh yarn, is my all time favorite...particularly the vintage yarn (this shawlette is knit with the Merino Light yarn). I love how it feels and how it knits up. It's fantastic (all Madelinetosh yarn feels amazing- vintage is just my personal favorite). I'm using the vintage Madelinetosh for the Taurus Slouch hat that I started immediately after the shawlette. I'll post it as soon as it's done.

"Weatherbea"

A few weeks ago, I was approached to do a drawing for a logo. Since I'm not a graphic designer, or specialist with logo's, I was hesitant. But they assured me they just wanted a drawing of their dog with a hat.
I couldn't refuse that request.
This is Weatherbea, the spokesdog (get it, like spokesperson except she's a dog) for RodaLuLu's Puppy Fancies.
Need a dog collar? Leash? RodaLuLu's might just be your answer. I like it, because they're all handmade. I don't currently have a dog- but the second I get one I'll be purchasing a collar from RodaLuLu's (and they have a Texas shaped dog charm! Of course any dog of mine will be representing the Lone Star state, regardless of my location).

"Weatherbea" was completed using 2b, 4b, 6b and ebony pencils, on 8 1/2" x 11" 20lb. paper. I did have to use a little white paint on the eyes and some of the hairs to make them stand out a bit better. 

"Precocious Penny"

For starters, our internet has been acting up for the past few weeks, this is the first time I have a half-way decent connection, and even then, it's pretty crappy. So I'm sorry I haven't been posting.

This is "Precocious Penny". This little girl is one of the most amazing little kids I have ever met in my entire life. Whenever I'm around her, it's like interacting with someone who is much much older. She's almost intimidating (but adorable so the intimidation goes away quickly). She's also added to my growing list of favorite children (which this list is based off of the kids flipping me the bird, unintentionally. I have the photographic evidence of this little angel giving me the bird while I was reading to her.)

This drawing was completed on 8/12" x 11" paper using 2B and 4B pencils.

Nobody Panic: Knitting and a drawing

I couldn't go thru the month of May and not post something.

I've been busy. I have been working on stuff.

Here's the Koolhaas hat I did in a blue color.

And the Orange Shawl I'm working on (Part of the Toshstrology Collection: Aries Shawlette in Tosh Merino Light: Toshstrology-March '16-Aries...you can join the Toshstrology collection on Ravelry $15 (I believe that's the cost) gets you 12 months of patterns- they come out monthly, so we're all on May right now.)

And of course the completed drawing of my baby niece (which is a year over due so she's way cuter now)

I had been nominated this past week to post 7 pieces of art for 7 days and nominate people daily to do the same (on social media, not on the blog)...I nominated 6 people and I think only 2 people opted in, and only 1 is actually carrying it out past day 2, so yeah. I'm still proud of myself for doing it every day. I've been in a funk recently and the challenge helped pull me out of it. I completed the drawing of my niece and started another drawing that is long over due.

I've got another drawing that has to be completed relatively soon, so I've got to get started. Fingers crossed, June will have way more posts than May :)

Koolhaas hat- FINALLY

I don't think anyone knows this about me.

There has been a hat pattern that I have drooled over for nearly 10 years. I obtained the pattern 10 years ago when I saw it, and lost it. I've had dreams about this hat, and finally. I re-purchased the pattern and began to knit it using the Madelinetosh Vintage yarn in the color way I used for this hat.

It's the Koolhaas hat by Jared Flood. I love love love Jared Flood (I've never met him, so don't get it twisted- everything he creates is drool-worthy- If I had an unlimited supply of yarn and unlimited time to knit I would want to make everything he has created). 

The pattern is pretty easy to work up. I'm actually mad at myself that I didn't pursue this earlier in life. People all over the place could have versions of this hat on their heads. Not that I won't make more, because I will. I love this hat. Love it. Just look at it!

Back to knitting I go, I've got some more hats to work on, I've got some socks to finish for my dad, and a shawl called "Water Lilies", as well as the "Aries Shawlette" from the Toshstrology Collection.

I'll be busy...because on top of all the knitting, I have the spinning thing going on. Not to mention, I'm learning how to Brioche knit...it's going to be a long knitting season.

Tuff Granny Throw

I've been doing a bit more crochet recently, than I ever have in the past. There was a free pattern on Knitpicks.com that I had seen some time ago, using the large Tuff Puff yarn that they sell, which is basically barely spun roving.
The throw worked up extremely quick and the pattern was ridiculously easy. (Pardon the light streaming across the photo above, that's my only large enough, decently lit space, to photo completed work and the sun wasn't having it)

Just know, that if you ever come visit, this throw will most likely be on the bed you're staying in. Decorative greeting piece and all. It's not a full size blanket, but a decent lap/leg warmer, for sure.

Spinning

A few years ago, while I was in Dallas, I took a few spinning classes. No, not the kind at the gym on a stationary bike. I'm talking yarn-spinning, classes.
I loved it.
Spindle spinning, wheel spinning, the whole thing.
I had several large wheels, that were in various different stages of wear and tear (second hand wheels)- which brought my dad into the picture, since he's a work worker- he learned about the wheels so he could make the repairs. I've since sold/traded those wheels for others. My dad has since repaired wheels that are in museums. He's even made several spindles for spinning, which are fantastic!
Well, when Gonzo and I made the move to California, I thought it was going to be a brief stay, so I left my spinning wheel with my parents, only taking my spindles. Thinking that the move could possibly damage the wheel, and I just couldn't have that.
Here we are, nearly a year and a half later, still in CA, and I've been having spinning withdrawals. I miss my wheel.

So I made a rather large purchase, and bought my all time favorite wheel (well ascetically it's been my favorite, but I had never actually interacted with one) - Ashford Joy 2, it arrived this past week.
I would like to thank the lovely people at The Woolery for packing and shipping this puppy with expert precision.
They may have created a monster because I just made another purchase with them for more fiber and additional bobbins.

Last night, I got all the adjustments made to the wheel, so it was drawing in the fiber- I'm still re-teaching myself how to draft quickly, so there are a few more twists in my yarn that I typically like, but I did spend the majority of last night at the wheel.

Since I had two whole bobbins full, I decided to ply them together.

The skien on the left has 138 yards, the one on the right has 146 yards (roughly).
These were a lot of fun and worked up fast. I'm so glad I got a new spinning wheel.

Penny's Pony

What does one do, when an adorable little girl, makes a request for a present?

I create a special surprise.

My friend's adorable toddler asked if they were expecting any deliveries, and her mom replied that they weren't. Then her daughter said how much she would like someone to send her a package. Which resulted in my heart strings being tugged and crafting this:

From the same woman who inspired "The Granite Cape", I crochet a pony for Penny, my friend's daughter.

While mine turned out looking slightly different than the one in the instructions, I think it's still pretty cute.

I'm still figuring out the whole crochet thing when it comes to making creatures. The pony is actually the first crochet creature I've completed. There's a sheep made by the same woman, that I am going to be making for my niece since she was born in the year of the sheep.  I'll post pictures once it's complete.

"The Granite Cape" by Stephanie Lau of All About Ami

In January, I discovered a link, from a crocheter that I tend to follow, that peeked my interest.
She's had quite a few patterns that I have wanted to try, but was too scared to begin because my crocheting skills aren't that great.
She had created what she called "The Granite Cape". The stitch pattern was a fairly simple repeat for a whole bunch of rows. You can click on the link above to check it out in more detail.

I used Lion Brand Yarn: Wool-Ease in Blue Mist. Approximately 10 skeins.

I figured crocheting a sweater would go a lot faster than knitting one (I've made a few caplets and shawls- but not a full length sweater), and while this one did take the better part of January and a couple of weeks into February, it did go by pretty quickly.

The actually Cape crochets up larger than the photo indicates. I don't have anyone around to take a picture of it on me, but I did take a picture of the drape while it is on the back of my desk chair:

The oversized style makes the sleeves come down past my elbows, and the bottom of the sweater comes down past my butt (that's without blocking it). I'm 5'7", so do with that what you will.

The link for "The Granite Cape" will lead you to the creators post where there are photos of her wearing her version. I highly encourage you to give it a try if you are slightly scared about making a sweater. Her instructions are pretty straight forward and easy to follow. You pretty much only need to know SC, and Chain stitches.

Now that I've made this sweater, I'm thinking about making her "Easy Chunky Crochet Sweater" as it's something similar to what my mom has been wanting me to make for her. It'll have to wait for a little bit as I've got other things on my to-do list that I need to complete first.

Stay tuned this week for more things that I have completed.

SHOES!!!!

I know, I'm all over the place! Knitting, crochet, drawing, painting...what is going on?

My sister-in-law had me hand draw Disney quotes on a pair of shoes for her at Christmas, so when she went to Disney World a few weeks ago she could wear them. She liked them so much she asked me to paint a pair of shoes for her for Daytona's Bike Week which is coming up.

She asked for a particular kind of sugar skull and some phoenix's that are apparently a "thing" with the Harley Davidson crowd.

The sugar skulls turned out fairly well...had a bit of trouble with the fabric paint I was using, but I think they look ok.

The phoenix's were a lot of fun to paint, I didn't have a clear idea of how they would turn out, but I'm fairly pleased with them.

Hopefully they won't get too scuffed during bike week...

I'm pretty proud of them.

Materials used: 1 pair 7.5 size Bob's in black canvas; Tulip matte fabric paint in White, Orange and Red; One small paint brush and several wooden toothpicks.

More posts to come this weekend, I've finished one of my WIPs!

Aquarius Hat

Good morning and happy President's day for all those living in the U.S.A. or Happy Valentine's Hang Over Day...you pick.

One good thing about working in the mortgage business full time, bank holidays are usually a good day for me to catch up on projects, blogging and house work- since banks are closed and loans typically aren't funded. No work day!

I saw an awesome, year long, knitting challenge online last month and decided to add it to my ever growing list of knitting projects to complete before Christmas.

The Toshstrology Collection can be found on Ravelry and each month the creator releases another pattern. For January, we had the Aquarius hat:

It knitted up really quick...working on it for an hour before work and an hour after work each day I managed to get it done in a week. The yarn used is from Madelinetosh (Yarn dyer out of Texas and quite possibly my favorite yarn to knit) . The color used is from the Tosh Vintage collection in colorway: Aquarius, which I purchased from Jimmy Beans Wool out of Nevada.

The next item for February is the Pisces Cowl...which quite honestly I'm not sure that I want to knit. It looks cute and all, but I have the Winter Dreams Shawl that I purchased right before I found out about the Toshstrology Collection, and would rather work on it for this month. I'm still going to print the pattern and mull it over in time for my yarn to get here (again, it will be Madelinetosh Vintage in colorway Pisces)...but I do have quite a lot of projects to get done this year, so we'll see.

Fingers crossed I get some drawing in soon...I feel out of practice at this point...but I'm getting really good at my needle art work :)

This year is already speeding by

January is practically over and I haven't completed much.

The hats I made for my niece that were mentioned in the previous post, turned out to be too small. So once I receive them back I'll re-knit and send back.

I haven't drawn much of anything this month. Yes, I have at least 3 drawings I'm supposed to be working on, but there are just some days that drawing isn't my priority. If I don't feel like it's my priority then I won't do my best work.

I've spent most of the month crocheting this awesome Granite Cape. Since I'm not the most experienced crocheter, I thought this seemed like the least complicated garment to attempt. Fingers crossed I'll be finished with it in the next few weeks and can show it off.

I also want to bring something up that I'm kind of ashamed of. Last year, I posted this knitting pattern of Baby Groot. I'll be honest, I set up the link on Ravelry.com, under my account, in case there was anyone who was looking for a knitting pattern, since there were a bunch of crochet patterns available. Then I kind of sort of forgot about my Ravelry account. Sure, that pattern has a bunch of views on my blog, which is great to see, and I hoped it was helpful- but wasn't aware of the messages that had been sent to me via Ravelry. For all of you who read the blog and looked at the Groot pattern, I thank you. I'm extremely grateful to each of you who left a message for me over on Ravelry and I feel completely awful that I never responded. I'm glad I inspired so many kind folks to knit their own baby Groot. You guys are awesome! I'll just go ahead and apologize for the fact that I don't check my Ravelry account very often because I'll get side tracked and take time away from my current projects...I don't need additional help in the procrastination area.

Anyway, I've got a list of knitting projects to work on this year, and a bunch of yarn that I don't know what to do with (I'll find something, I'm sure). I may have a problem, though...I want to go to the L.A. County Yarn Crawl again this year...I don't need any more yarn, but I can't not go, right?

Oh well. January went quick, maybe the rest of this year will go as quickly.

Happy 2016

I didn't get out any of the blogs I had in mind for December, but then again I spent a lot of time in Texas- away from my computer (10 days total stretched between two separate visits).

I completed a bunch of knitting projects, surprisingly.

For my precious niece that I got to meet in person at the beginning of December, I crafted a monster based on one of the monsters in this book. I have crafted my own pattern for hands with fingers and ears (those are not in the book)- and upon her receiving the monster she managed to fit it's fingers and toes in her mouth- which I call a success.

So while I was in Texas (which the first visit just happened to be my birthday weekend), my parents introduced me to two knitting stores located in Farmersville, TX. Fiber Circle is quite possibly the holy grail of yarn...there's so much that I think I walked thru the same row four times and still didn't see everything. But I did find some cute yarn to make some hats for my niece (they come with a small stuffed animal head to attach):

I also managed to knit one with a unicorn but didn't get around to photographing.

I do want to mention another of the yarn/fiber places that my parents took me to in Farmersville, TX... Fancy Fibers, I'm actually quite sad that I didn't know about this place while I lived in Texas. They have fibers for spinning and weaving, yarn for knitting and crocheting and classes for pretty much everything!  The woman who runs the store, I believe her name is Mary- was so helpful and actually got me started on a new hobby...I bought a blending board to start making my own rolags for spinning. It's been quite a while since I've done any fiber spinning, so hopefully this will lead me back to it.

Ok, and last but not least I bought some fun yarn (mystery mini skein set from Phydeaux which I loved simply based on the theme of the colors (Pride and Prejudice themed). They came with patterns and I completed one and decided to give it to one of my coworkers for Christmas:

(Please ignore the spots on the black mat...I had opened a glittery package seconds before and the glitter went everywhere.) It's a fun little shawl that "hooks" around your neck so you don't necessarily need a shawl pin.

I've got things coming in 2016 that should be exciting...a few drawings that are behind schedule, more knitting, hopefully just more of everything.

Hope everyone had a wonderful 2015, and I truly hope that you all have a fantastic 2016.