Owlies

Back in August, when I was attending my cousins wedding, I met several of my other cousins' children for the first time. Most notable was when I was standing in the kitchen talking and one of my cousins' wives came in carrying their little girl. When they got close she leaned forward, as if wanting me to hold her. However, her aim was my shirt. I was wearing Threadless' Doctor-Hoo shirt. She pointed at the owls as if counting (I think she's two...maybe?). Her mother said that she simply loved owls. It was really adorable. So because it was amusing and cute, when I came across an Owl pattern to knit in Kate Boyette's KnitWit book, I knew there was something a little extra going to their house this Christmas. I knit the owl up and stitched on the face so things couldn't be pulled off and swallowed. I think it turned our pretty good if I do say so myself. :)

Owls are so interesting. We had a Great Horned Owl that lived in the woods in the backyard when I was growing up. I haven't heard him in ages though. :( Mum collected them for ages and I still think they are neat (we have dozens of them around). Now with Harry Potter's popularity and the use of owls in the series, was it any wonder they are still really neat. I also love the train, so when I saw this pattern pop up today on the Ravelry side bar adverts, I had to click. Titled the Hogwarts Express but is in fact a shawl with owls?! Awesome! Don't know that I really talked about it too much in the post-letter receiving Pottermore post, but I "bought" an owl. Just seemed more fun to the experience over a toad or cat. I don't think I ever really determined a name for him, but still like Priestly. :D

When I was rooting around the internet for Halloween things and came across the Gleeful Things crafting website, I discovered a little Etsy shop, Mini Tidbits, that makes great owl pillows. There are tons of them all over Etsy, but i really liked the look of that shops, especially that Halloween on featured on Gleeful Things in October.

Tentacles Ahoy!

I did not always have this fascination with the octopus. It is a recently re-discovered interest that has been cultivated by my re-invigoration with knitting. When I was first looking at patterns and geeky things I came across this little guy. It took me a while, but I found the pattern and vow to knit him one day!

I blame my random trip to the zoo, for the inital intrigue. I was attending a conference downtown when the lecture room was declared too full and any further participants would make it a fire hazard. So to not waste the trip, I walked over to the zoo...in February. It was early morning and I discovered that the zookeepers were feeding many of the animals. So wanting to go ahead and see as much as I could, especially when it was inside, I wandered over to the invertebrate house. Here I discovered an octopus named Rachel. I learned some amazing things, such as, they change colors and they can fit through any space as long as their beaks can. That is most fascinating.

Needless to say, this fascination expanded when I discovered steampunk. I can only deduce that the octopus is part of the genre due to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Jules Verne. However, even with the confusion, that doesn't make them any less awesome.

So as I mentioned before, I've been knitting up this pair of mittens. I finished them after getting a bit side tracked due to other projects, the holidays creeping up, and general busyness with classes starting up and work.

I love how the colors turned out. I wasn't sure if they were going to work, and they actually photograph better for the contrast, but I really love how they look. It's almost like the octopi are mid change and blending with the seaish color of the background. ;D The yarn feels amazing, and they are toasty warm.

This was the first pair of full mittens I've completed. I've started two pairs in the past, but frogged due to size and not liking the color combination. I'm so pleased with these. Even if I occasionally felt like this guy while knitting them.

Something else I started with this set and the recent knittings I've been working on. I was looking through projects for a fellow Raveler and saw they listed what they'd audiobooked or watched while knitting, so I've decided to document it myself. I don't really remember much for the first one mitten of this pair other than it was Thanksgiving and there was a brief MythBusters marathon while I was finishing it up. The second one was knit in the car with music and Neil Gaiman's Stardust on. I still have a good chunk of the book to listen through. Love it (even if I've read it three times)!

Finally, in honor of the octopus and its eight tentacle glory, I found some fun and amusing little odds and ends on Etsy.

From a mountain of chunky yarn, Bellissima accessories...

A while ago, when I was renewing my interest in knitting, I stumbled upon a fun knitting book. That book is Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller. Most of the contained patterns have something to do with Twilight which I could care less about. But a few of them are awesome in spite of that book series.

However, the pattern I was knitting up before, is a direct inspiration from Twilight. I was gifted yarn for my birthday, tons of it in fact, in a really neat blue. So when I decided I wanted to knit up the Bellissima Mittens, I pulled out that yarn.

I really love the length of them. They are floppy and big going over the cuffs of my coat well. If I was to knit them again, I would use a solid color so that the cables were really visible. With this yarn they are a bit hidden and I really do like the large link cable that goes up the back of the mittens.

Since I had lots of yarn left, I went looking for a hat pattern. I figured there had to be one out there. And low and behold, I found one. It took me a few hours to knit Bella's Hat which was pulled together from various Ravelery patterns of the mittens from the movie.

Yes, I got a little foam head to put things on. Partly for modeling hats, since I am horrific at taking pictures of myself; partly for my blue Coraline wig.

But whatever the reason, I like being able to photograph my hats at any angle. This doesn't really show the big link cable to well, but it looks neat paired with the mittens.

I actually wore them together on an excursion where it was quite chilly. While wandering about, I decided I would need a scarf too. And since I have a good chunk of the yarn left I would like to make it cabled and long.

Perhaps I'll get to the scarf one day, but for now the mittens and hat will have to do. 

Rainy Day Productivity

My days off have been days full of rain and dreary weather. The solution? Knitting comfy things and catching up on tv. I've been knitting mittens (for me!) and watching Castle. Days of Nathan Fillion, yarn, and soon to be awesome things are wonderful.

I started off working on some funny fair isle mittens. I found these gems of mittens with octopi on them. I feel very steampunk about them...though I don't think that was the intent of their creation. I came across them and found some amazing yarn from the suggested yarn. Dragonfly Fibers. I love the feel of this yarn. And the colors. *squee* I'm so pleased with how these colorways are knitting up together.

As a break from the stranded fair isle knitting. (It can get exhausting knitting with two colors and both hands to tension the yarn.) So I was browsing Ravelry and came across Bella's Mittens. And while I deeply loath Twilight, I do like these mittens. They look so amazingly comfy and warm. A cuddly blanket for the hands!

The color for these is really off since pictures with flash really washed out the blue. I decided to make the mittens with the yarn that had been gifted to me by my BFF's family for my birthday. I have enough that I'm planning to knit this hooded cowl with the same yarn.

Overall, the yarn is soft and cuddly, but very splity when knitting with it. The pattern is knitting up fairly quickly, so we shall see how soon I have these suckers knocked out. ;3

I also may or may not have had the Sailor Moon English song, Rainy Day Man running through my head...

Coraline Craftings

A while back I had an epic day of crafting that included making a few Coraline inspired things. Things that I made in massive preparation for Halloween. I also broke down and bought the mini-me, but went scavenging for the panther beanie baby.

I also tried the weekend of Halloween to tye dye strip a shirt orange and pink. The dye didn't go completely through, so I will have to try again at a future date.

I haven't strung the ghost children soul pearls or the seeing stone (as you can see) but the button skeleton key held up ok. I will have to continue to fortify it with crazy/gorilla glue to keep it together.

I cast on for the sweater a while back, but I've gotten caught up in other projects for other people, so I haven't made much progress. But it does look nice with what I've done so far. :D

The blue cotton is super soft and I think it'll be really comfy. The silver threading is really subtle and pretty. I'm also excited to be using the Supernatural inspired stitch markers I made. Though since all of them went to marking this project I want to make more with the charms I have left over.

I'll have to be sure to work in some major knitting time for the sweater. *nods*

Periodic Table Elements of Awesome

I like Chemistry. It is difficult and challenging and geeky. :) So when I came across this little gem of a duvet, I knew I would have to eventually make myself one. So on to the queue of projects to make it goes.

The creator has a listing on Craftster that I will likely need to reference. This would of course be helped along if I rocked at sewing...or was at least marginally better than I am. But it might be a nice project to improve the sewing capability. It also might be a good project to wait for an embroidery machine for so I can embroider the element info on them...printing (as she did) seems like it wouldn't last. However, either would be fun as I would still end up with a Periodic Table Duvet!

I think it would fun and entertaining (and because I don't match in most of my life except in clothing) to make the squares in the random one of yards of fabric. I would definitely have to plot it out and do color scheme ideas for the bigger sections, but again...loads of fun! I would likely put it all on black too, not sure if both sides would be black or if something zany fun would be cool too.

In light of this little wonder, I went browsing on Etsy as they fill my geeky heart with glee.

And yes, I bought a GeNiUS mug...in palladium purple. :3

This little treat of fun also makes me want to cast on the awesome little chemistry geekery hat I found many moons ago. What's better than a hat with the important structures of penicillin, serotonin, caffeine and theobromine? I don't even know. XD

Halloweeny Craftings Part Deux!

Halloween is here!

I really wanted to make this TV jack-o-lantern, but I couldn't find any of the vinyl for the face...I have an ulterior motive scheme for the vinyl so finding it would have been marvelous.

But just wait, I will eventually make this. *nods* Oh yes.

And speaking of jack-o-lanterns here are a few of the products of the craving festivities of yesterday!

I ended up carving four of them to my BFF's one. Her sister chose to play with the pumpkin guts and clean it all out for us. I'd also purchased a build-the-haunted-village gingerbread house kit so her sister (being an architect) had a ball with that and ended up using it in a kid mentoring lesson later in the week. We only kept two of the carved ones I did, the other two went to other homes one with the BFF and her hubby and one to her parents.

Unfortunately, Jack-o-lanterns look much more amazing in person, but the cat-in-the-boot looks okay here. Cerberus (or Fluffy, depending on what you know) looks really strange. He looked awesome in person and I would totally carve him again.

I did do glow stick guts in a jar of water. It looked pretty cool (again, didn't photo well). It made a nice addition to the candy staging table inside the door. It would be nice to figure out how to get it to really streak on the glass like the original one. Maybe next year...Muwahahaha!

I would very much like to make this for next year! An un-welcome mat would be very welcome! Our cat one is cute and funny, but the other would be entertaining for the rest of the month. :D

And the whole reason for the blogging this month, the luminaries. They turned out really well, and I might have to take my Aunt up on making her a few. It would be fun to also make a few Nightmare Before Christmas themed ones as well. I'll have to ponder on that a bit. But I doodled and took inspiration directly from the tutorial I found for this years. Next time I can get a bit more creative.

As I was discussing Halloween the last few days while prepping for the carving festivities and decorating, I have vowed to fully celebrate the holiday in grand style next year. That being said, a friend posted this lovely little history of Halloween write up from the Library of Congress. The history and such is one of my favorite things about Halloween. Also found this little gem of a timeline. A co-worker has also lent my books on a few of the major monster myths so I'm hopeing to read through those soon even if the holiday will technically be over.

Halloweeny Craftings!

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I remember being a fan growing up, but it is with adulthood that I really took to it. Its not even about the candy and movies (mostly cause I'm not so much a fan of horror movies). I love the time of year with Fall literally falling on us. Yes, the leaves have been changing, but there are still days when it is really warm with those hints of summer. When Halloween arrives I know it is now time for sweaters and sweatshirts! I can wear my new hand knits comfortably without worry of taking them off when I overheat. Found a neat entry on Etsy about Halloween and parenting. Granted this is still a few years down the road for me, but it got me thinking... I need to revel in Halloween a bit more.

And hey, who doesn't love a pumpkin-piggy bank? He's so cute! I did not make him though, I'm not entirely that awesome.

Last week it was painting my toes a-la-Frankenstein. Which is about as festive as I've gotten thus far this month. Though I was changing up the fingernail polish to various fallesque colors since September. I really need to remember to celebrate Halloween all month next year. Making decorating and such work it like at Christmas time.

So the question becomes, what does this week have in store pre-holiday?

Low and behold, when I find crafting ideas, I have a compulsion to do them. So when I came across the GeekCrafts link to these de-lights I had to try (and these glowstick ones)! This resulted in me finding myself in Tuesday Mornings (my crafty grandmother would heartily approve) for glassware. :D I also headed out to Micheal's and ended up with a few more Halloweeny crafty things since they were starting to be mark down what little merchandise that was left.

So I made this pile of random bits and bobs into these awesome luminaries! And I will play with glowsticks on Halloween to light the other jars. Those pictures will have to come later. *nods*

Overall, Gleeful Things has provided some really excellent projects for the future for me to craft that are outside of the knitting realm. I do love knitting, but sometimes I want to end up covered in glitter and glue. ;D

On a side note, I was perusing Gleeful Things and came across this little gem. Um, yeah, here's my converse from before and after. I might actually have to make myself an avatar with my awesome new laced shoes on my feet.

My poor Chucks are so worn. I guess it make it obvious I walk funny given the wear on the inside heel, hn?

Mittens of Yggdrasil

In the midst of trying to make all kinds of projects, I knit up some fingerless mitts for myself so that maybe I can take advantage of the nice fall weather and knit outside. This will hopefully help me to get some sunlight so I'm not quite translucent when in the sunshine.

I'd found this pattern on Ravelry. I love the tree! This was also recently after seeing Captain America and renewing my interest in Norse mythology. I still have a burning desire to pick up a mythology book. It's been so long since I read up on the Norse pantheon.

Thus, I waited to find the perfect yarn to knit these up. And low and behold, Etsy came through. AnotherCraftGirl had some other yarn that had caught my eye and when I scoped her shop, she had this luscious chocolate and caramel hand dyed colorway.

It knit up rather quickly once I got the hang of the pattern. This was also a project I semi/pseudo cabled sans cable needle. O_o

That was interesting. It might be a skill I should foster more, but I have a tendency to drop stitches so maybe when the cable isn't overly complicated. Like this pattern I'm itching to knit up from the same designer. I want to find another nice colorway to use, but I'm not sure what. I also kinda want to make them a bit long since the Yggdrasil mitts took less than 50 grams of the skein. They might look cool in some of the semi-sparkly yarn I have lying around.

I was also able to use this opportunity to pull out the recently purchased pumpkin stitch markers. Aren't they cute! The leaf is the different one to mark the round beginning. Oh Etsy, why do you have such amazing things? I wish I was half as crafty as some of those people on there.

As you can see, the mitts look pretty fantastic if I do say so myself. :) They are shorter on the fingers that I'd generally knit, but I wanted to be able to wear them while knitting so need greater finger room to properly tension the yarn.

And yes, this was an excuse to take a picture of my glitterly orange Halloween nails.

Since I got side tracked on discussing other projects, I'd like to add that I have stalled on the last Pay It Forward Project. I might have to change what I make again. We shall see. I won't have too much time since I wanted to get it done for Christmas. Lots of ideas and a few projects started for her that I could finally finish. >_>

Crochet mystery cracked!

I always find cute things I would like to crochet, then I read the book and get horrifically confused. I'm 75% sure finding such awesomely cute patterns was the reason I decided to learn to crochet. Anyway, I've had this cool Creepy Cute Crochet book.

The whole starting part was always very confusing. I really really wanted to make a little grim reaper and a ninja and...ok I wanted to make most of the little critters inside. I also would find more amigurumi books (like this one) that I wanted to make little animals from. The real kind, not the creepy. And of course while browsing for the other ones I found Crobots! I might have to put it in my queue!

Therefore I'm beyond excited that while browsing Gleeful Things, I came across her video. Now I know I could have googled for it, but she makes tons of them from what I can see and it is nice a clear. I have learned most of my knitting techniques in the past from the internets, so don't see an issue with continuing the trend! :D

So this little dream that I've put by the wayside out of frustration might actually see fruition soon!

Not a SQUIB, but MAGICAL!

Ahahahaha...yeah. I haven't posted in a while since my strategic management class ate my life. I turned in the final project/paper after not learning anything. Fortunately I had Dad (who teaches this stuff too) around to bounce ideas off of. I'm happy to say that I learned from him and that I did it by myself. He was also happy that he'd done what he could to help without walking me completely through it or doing it himself.

Anyway, *washes hands of class* that prof is off my list. :P Hopefully I'll end up with a good passing grade.

As I mentioned ages ago. I've been waiting for my Pottermore letter. Well they announced today that all the Beta letters had been owled. I got mine yesterday and was up until 5am battling the site crashes and plowing through. In the midst of this I was knitting a certain pair of glommitts. :D Rejoice in the return to knitting!

OMG! It's really amazing! :D There is information galore and all kinds of neat graphics. It's almost too much to take in. I know that I'll have to go back through and read again after a reread of the first book.

I was having a blast yesterday chatting with Rika as she and her beau were plowing through too. XD

I forgot how much I love the train. I might have to figure out how to knit a mini-plushie Hogwarts Express. *nods* I also need to knit myself an owl. I bought one, but have no clue what to name it. Leaning toward Priestly. ;D

There was little doubt, but I still feel validated. RAVENCLAW ALL THE WAY!

Now to work on brewing potions and waiting for dueling to return so I can cast spells! Book 2 comes out next year! :3

Gifting fun giftys!

Got together with KA and her lifemate Bean. I'm going to be screwed when they get married since I've known the girl by first and last name forever...I don't know that I'll be able to change it in my head.

Anyway, had dinner with them and finally gave birthday gifts...a month and seven months late. Eh hehe. Yeah. Figuring schedules, so not my strong point.

Interesting, and humorously, enough Bean and I wore the same shirt without consulting. HAHAHA! That's what happens when you are nerdtastic.

Anyway, I gave each a coffee cup cozy that is hand sewn and reusable from sewtara's Etsy shop. I actually had to get one for myself since I got a ceramic coffee cup with lid that didn't come with a cozy. *pouts* Ah well, I picked a good one.

Along with that KA got a little panda pouch. I am a firm believer that one can never have too many pouches to store things in. Bean got a set of teacups that are cupcake molds. KA had told me when we were last out and about that he wanted them, soooooo. Yesh. :D

As you can see I knit a panda plushie too. This was for KA. She's a big panda fan. It was entirely too entertaining making this little cutie from Katie Boyette's KnitWit book. I have plans for a few other patterns within. *cackles*

There was also a knitted little wonder for Bean. KA and I discovered that there was a mutual love for Dr. Who. That being said I decided Bean needed 11's sonic screwdriver a la yarn.

In the midst of the shopping and browsing of Etsy, I realized I forgot to include a small item for each. *headdesk* I'll have to remember for next outing with one or both of them. *sigh*

They actually got me something pretty freakin' sweet too. KA commented that she loves journals, but doesn't journal well. So I reap the benefits since I do both things. Well, perhaps not well, but I use journals for various things. Anyway, they gave me Keri Smith's Wreck this Journal. I'd seen this when I worked at BN and always meant to buy it. Muwahahaha! I was doing a little googling on it and came across pictures of people following the journal's directions. It got me thinking, I might document this and post about that. Then I found a blog that is doing so. She calls it Wreck this Journal Wednesdays. I'm not sure if I can stick to that schedule, but I can certainly take pictures and post what I do to it.

Yes...this is going to be entertaining. :D

knitting in pop culture

I've been really amused to come across a few knitting references in movies and literature lately.

I think another part of this is the yarn bombing movement. It's been making the news so putting knitting in the spot light. I really love the Wall Street Bull yarn bomb. :D

Dumbledore refers to knitting the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:

"No, I was merely reading the Muggle magazines...I do love knitting patterns."

Mostly, I completely understand this compulsion. I have ridiculous amounts of fun looking at knitting patterns. Whether I knit them or not is irrelevant. They are creative and inspirational. Then again, I like to stock pile them away in hopes that I might knit them in the future. I also have a compulsion to buy yarn. My stash is huge.


Tangled refers to it twice. I love that Rapunzel knits. Look at Pascal hidden in her scarf! He's so freaking adorable. Hehe! She's knitting English style too.

And one of the ruffians does later on in the movie. It's part of the listing all their dreams.

If you haven't seen it, go and watch. One of the better animated non-Pixar movies to come out of Disney's studios in a while. Cracks me up every time I watch.

I look forward to finding more knitting references.

Cap for the Cap't

Went to see Captain America (for the second time) today and had lunch with a friend from high school. Hadn't seen him in a few years. It was nice. We had a good chat and I was able to gift him my fifth mystery project. (The fourth is still on the needles slowly being knit...)

Since he was the only male to respond to the Pay it Forward challenge, I had some trouble determining a pattern for him. This is also due to the fact that most patterns seem to be made for women by women. Nothing wrong with that, but trying to find something for a guy it rough.

I chose a hat pattern called Windschief. The guy who wrote it has some really neat stuff that is masculine, but also simple as he does patterns with knit and purls, no fancy stuff that makes it flourishy. I think it turned out well. :) He seemed to like it. (And it fit!)

It really decided me when I had the thought, you can't really have too many hats.

This didn't turn out to be the best picture, but it was better than the ones I took without the foam head. Which, haha! I bought a foam head so I can model hats and hold my blue Coraline wig. :D There is actually a mild level of excitement about this.

Anywho, really enjoyed being able to catch up with my friend, and he was all Captain America, yes! So I told him I'm calling him Cap from now on. :D

Leaf your thumbprint please...

I had an awesome vacation going home to Grandma's farm. I hadn't actually seen a chunk of my family in about 4 years due to various circumstances. I was so glad to make it up to see them. Saturday was the big day! I did the poster reveal to Kels on Friday while there were a bunch of us sitting around at Grandma's unfurling large tissue paper pom-poms. :) She liked it.

The wedding was so neat. Casual, fun, and light. Lots of rustic little details that made it memorable. I'm glad that I could be a part of it with my tree. Even if I haven't really drawn much in a last few years...actually I don't remember the last thing I drew. >_> Anyway, the tree turned out great, both before and after! I had the most trouble doing the lettering. OMG. The thing took me about 6 hours to pencil, ink, erase and detail. O_o I'd forgotten how time consuming art could be. Also, I found a tree I would totally draw for my own wedding. :D Cause even with no prospects, having some ideas is never a bad thing.

There was pizza making, rope braiding, pom-pom fluffing, and 40s music pumping out during the reception. It was loads of fun and lots of family visiting. :)

I did take a knitting project with me too. My first shawl. Ugh. Did I struggle. There is so much attention in the pattern with YOs and various knit togethers. I ended up casting on, knitting, frogging, and restarting several times. Mum actually said to me at one point, "this is supposed to relax you." HA! I like the challenge even when it drives me bonkers. :P I ended up knitting most of what is show on the road coming home...so about a 2 hour drive and a 3 hour plan trip. Go me!

Also, the pattern is called Allons-Y and makes me giggle when I think on it for Dr. Who and 10. ;D I actually have a few other shawl plans but they will have to do on hold. My project queue keeps getting added to by friends asking for things. I think I'm just about over my no in the round stage for the moment too. So next days off hopefully I can knock out a set of mittens... *fingers crossed*

Shark Bait!

I walked into work last night and was greeted by my glomitt wanting co-worker. (He actually asked about my blogging and declared that he needed an awesome nickname...I'm leaning toward Shark Bait.)

I had to tell him his glomitts were on hold. However he had a new request for me. He wanted a Baby Shark Sleeping Sack. It's pretty fraking cute and hilarious.

So I went hunting for pictures or maybe even a pattern. Found a few pictures of the one he found (along with the Etsy listing) and a few other amusing shark related knits.

Mostly I love the hat I found. On Ravelry and the knitter's webpage. I also completely adore the girl's expression.

So because he's a geek and declared he'd take amusing obnoxious photos if I knit him the Sleeping Shark Sack, he might end up with a hat or ipod cozy (see the Etsy treasury) in it's place while I figure out a few of the other projects I've got going. I'm pretty sure that making the hat would actually help me suss out the construction for the sleep sack.

But it is amusing as hell...and I like being entertained. XD

Round and round she goes...

I love knitting in the round. I've made several things that way. This is probably because I don't like purling since I am slower at it. :P

However, for the last week or so, all projects I've cast on for knitting in the round on circulars has resulted in twisting. Which I don't notice for a few rounds, then I have to rip it all out. Thus I shall work on something knit flat. Like my Coraline sweater. Between that and the mystery project I have left, I should get through the small vacation we're going on for my cousin's wedding. :)

Mostly I'm frustrated since a few of the things I'd like to get made for friends are in the round on circulars (like that neat purple swirl hat shown). *pouts* Just need to take some time away from it I guess...

Just around the corner...

I love autumn. The colors changing. The cooling weather. Everything about it. I'm always so excited for fall to arrive. When I was still in school, I loved the start of school. It meant fall was coming. :D

I think one of my favorite things about fall is Halloween. I love the holiday and October in general. October always had the best weather change and leaves on the trees.

To celebrate fall coming soon...if even in a month, I made a Jack-o-lantern treasury.

I can already smell the cooler weather and falling leaves. Fall also has some of the best food things and spicy smells. Mmmmm.

Guess what came by post?!

That's right! The Coraline sweater yarn has arrived!

Now to print the pattern, knit a swatch, and decipher the pattern.

After glancing through it, I think this one is going to be a big learning experience. There were a few terms and notes that I didn't fully understand. KnittingHelp and Google will be my BFFs.

But for now, I think I'm going to knit the TARDIS.

Pottermore

So my dear friend Lucy alerted me to a site that was established for Harry Potter fans to enhance the experience by Rowling. It is Pottermore. It looks very exciting.

Right now they are on Day 6 or 7 for early admission. It goes up for all in October. The way they do it is quite interesting. They open it up at random times for a short time with a clue. You solve the clue and find a quill. Then register. :) I finally got in today after trying yesterday unsuccessfully and missing the window for a few days.

I look forward to exploring the world and gaining new insight. Now I wait for my email confirmation.

SHARK WEEK!

I haven't watched any of it yet, but there will be sharking this week. I have no clue why I love shark week other than there are really interesting shows on. Notably I love the Dirty Job and Mythbuster episodes. :D

In honor of Shark Week, I give you an Etsy treasury!

I might have to try making the shark ipod cozy...I do have 2 ipods. XD And changing it up once in a while is good.

Warm hands for the Apocalypse!

Gifting of Mystery Project 2 completed! She's a big Supernatural fan, and we're coming to realize how much fandom crossover we actually have. Supernatural, Dr. Who, various books...the list goes on.

I am particularly proud of these as they were the first project that I made major adjustments to and charted on my own. It was a lot of work and research, but they turned out awesome!

Each thing had a meaning. The pentacle is a representation of the Key of Solomon they use to trap demons of exorcism on the show.

The car is Dean's 1967 Chevy Impala (the Metallicar) that they cruise the country in while saving people and hunting things.

The script along the bottom is the Latin phrase Non Timebo Mala (I Will Fear No Evil) which is inscribed on the Colt revolver in the show that can kill anything.

The runes don't have an actual show meaning, I simply needed something to fill the space. Across the back of the hand: protection (algiz), secrets (pertho), ice (isa); Across the palm: journey (raido), strength (urtz), man (mannaz), torch (kenza), tyr (teiwaz), force (thurisaz), need (nauthiz), wealth (fehu), birch (berkana)

The sites (2) (3) explain different things about the runes and while I was reading through them, I found that a lot of them felt/sounded relevant to the show and themes. That is why they made it on to the mitts. That and trying to find a good shot of the Enochian sigils to chart wasn't my cup of tea. The toned down key of Solomon was a bit complicated to knit and chart. But maybe some angel writing next time.

Overall they went over well. I'd randomly decided to make them with vague recollections of her being cold all the time.

iTARDIS

This weekend I had ambitious knitting plans. Those went completely down the drain after I tried knitting and had to keep frogging. I finally decided to pick up the needles again and knit something quick and satisfying in hopes that it would restore my desire to knit bigger projects. I have a feeling this is something I'm going to have to do when I begin to get discouraged.

Anyway, I was perusing tumblr and came across an iPod cozy. A TARDIS iPod cozy. Did a quick search on Google and Ravelry to find a pattern (also here). I ended up utilizing the pattern as more of a guide line and did my own thing. I used some worsted weight Red Heart yarn in my stash. I used the gauge the pattern suggested (which ended up being 5 DPN size US 2/ 2.75 mm because I knit very tight). There was some splitting and such, but I'd knit this the same way again.

Here's what I did:
CO 40 sts in MC (blue); divided between 4 needles (10 each needle).

TOP

1-3: K1P1 in MC

Don't break yarn; carry yarn up through CC2 (black) section.

4-7: K in CC2; break leaving a tail to weave in.

8: K in MC

9: P in MC

WINDOWS

With MC and CC (white) working as follows.

1: MCP1, [CCK3, MCP2] 3 times, CCK3, MCP1

2-4: repeat round 1

5: Knit all in MC

6-9: repeat round 1

Break CC leaving tail for weaving in.

BODY:

1: Knit

2: Purl

3-10: [P1, K8] 4 times

Repeat rounds 2-10 three times

BOTTOM:

1-2: Purl

Cast off with 3 needle bind off in purl. Found this Planet Purl video very helpful.

Weave in ends.

I chose not to add the Police Box lettering, but you could embroider that if you wanted.

Supernaturally Coraline!

I decided this weekend to do some craft projects that I've had languishing around in my mind. I finished up a gift for KA's birthday (pictures will have to wait until after giving.) I also finished the wedding tree details and acquired a tube for transport!

Finally made myself a set of stitch markers (since I have multiple projects cast on at a time and always need to find stitch markers). These were inspired by another's crafting of cell phone charms and bag charms. I made them a la Supernatural. :D Mostly they make me smile and I know that will help when I am knitting and need a pick me up mid row/round.

I have many charms left over so I will be making bag charms, zipper pulls, & cellphone charms for friends who are fans. Mostly I am terribly pleased with myself.

I've also taken steps toward making myself in to Coraline. If for no other reason than dressing up as her come Halloween. I don't know that I'll be making a mini-Coraline, that is still in reserve. I have also stumbled across peoples' plushies of The Cat. He might be fun to make, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll be digging through my beanie babies for the panther one to carry about. I know my crafting limits...maybe. :D

In the mean time, there is a great little pattern I could use as a base line for The Cat. This was inspired by mtnb's flickr stream. It looks like it wouldn't be too complicated. Of course, too bad my cat is gone. Salem would have been perfect!

I did determine that I wanted to make a key necklace, a seeing stone necklace, and the three pearls she finds. I thought those would be cool. The results seem rather awesome. The pearls glow in the dark, which resulted since I bought the filmo intending to use with the seeing stone and forgetting that I wanted to paint the thing. Then I remembered the pearls. So having those to hang from my beltloop or something should be cool. :)

As I was searching for pictures of the key and seeing stone I came across a neat showing of Coraline inspired fashion.

Molding these didn't really take too much time. Yay for easy shapes. Actually it took most of my hand strength and time to soften the glow-in-the-dark clay. :P And there was a slight clay cooking malfunction. Hot glue was a no go, I was really hoping that it would work since there is no krazy glue in the house. I'm also too lazy at the moment to go out and get some. The painting and the glittering will have to wait.

FYI, my glitter thread has shipped and is in-route. Now to head to a LYS or online one and peruse the choices for base sweater. Still leaning to the cotton in a dark/mid range blue. I'm also wondering how to make a stripy pink shirt. Found a tye dying method that could work, but I'm also debating on doing it in paints or searching for one that is already out there. Then again, if I tye dye some of my old work under shirts, they are great for sleeping/working around the house in!

I am currently debating between making a steampunk shirt, gift plaque, glass etching, or knitting up a storm. I'm sure I'll end up doing at least two of these.

Coraline Sweater

I mentioned before about knitting a star sweater from Coraline and cosplaying as her. I think it would be kind of awesome. Not only cause it's a relatively simple outfit, but comfortable as well. :)

My biggest challenge will be getting the sweater made. I think it'll be a fun project.

Not sure what I'll end up doing with the stars. I think stitching them on after would be a good plan. I just need to wait for the glitter thread I ordered to come and determine the color blue I'd like to use. I'm leaning toward making a cotton sweater so that I'll be comfortable wearing it in heat and cold. I'm also thinking that making it fairly large will be good so that I can layer if need be in cooler weather.

If I go to Comic Con next year (like a really really want to) I might invest in an obnoxiously bright yellow rain jacket with matching galoshes for other days outfits. I will end up getting a short blue wig and need to see about the hair pins she uses. Overall I think it'll be a fun project adventure. :)

I think I'll have to also figure out how to make a little Coraline doll to carry around if I do the raincoat outfit. :D A lady on craftser has made a good inspiring version!

Here's to being creepy!

leaving a mark

My youngest cousin Kels is getting married and she's asked me to look after her guestbook. In addition to the guestbook she wants a tree. I honestly had no clue what she was talking about, but finally got some enlightenment from her. She was talking about a thumbprint tree, which is an awesome idea. She's also asked for use of my artistic talent in drawing the tree.

I've done some looking and determined a fairly good size I think. I had to call her and ask how many guests (around 300). Hopefully it's big enough. Though some of the ideas I've seen with "leaves" on the ground are kinda cool too. I have plans for both directions, be it so many or so little.

My biggest trouble was finding a tree that fit her. I know nothing of the groom... Heh.

Anyway I did a massive search and poked through various listings on Etsy. I honestly don't remember where I found the one that I really liked. I did a lot of it similar to the drawing, but added branches and smooshed it so it would fit my piece of paper.

In addition to the names for the bride and groom with the wedding date beneath, I thought a quote would be nice. I was going to do the love is patient bible verse, but decided I needed something shorter. So after googling a bit, I found a few. I asked Mum's opinion and decided on David Viscott's "To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." I thought that with the tree it was quite fitting. :)

So I've been drawing and tracing and erasing. Now my hand is very tired. I think that I'll finish it up tomorrow with details on the wood for the tree. I'll have to post pictures in a few weeks since I don't know if she pokes through here. :)

and sometimes, when you fall, you fly

I have a ridiculous amount of love for Neil Gaiman and his various works. I've read a few and have stacks of other to get through yet. But I don't know that I'll ever forget my first foray into his genius head.

I was in high school and a friend in my creative writing class suggested Neverwhere to me. After that I picked up other novels. I think it's a tie between Stardust and The Graveyard Book as my current favorite and I poke through The Sandman comics from time to time.

I love that there are a few references to his work in my favorite television show Supernatural as well.

He's created worlds that are simply awe-inspiring and incredible. The stories are often creepy with a good dose of humor in there to keep you on your toes. As I was stumbling about the internet I came across a video of knitting for the movie Coraline based off his book.

I can promise I was fascinated and enthralled.



Here's an actual person sized pattern of Coraline's sweater. I really really loved that sweater. I might actually have to make one for myself...yeah, that would be kind of awesome to dress up as at a convention. I actually have this awesome glow in the dark yarn that I could use for the stars. Hmmmm...this might be a good first sweater project.

In the mean time, I would love to see him speak. I've watched video and he seems completely awesome.

Ah well. One day.

Glomitts, take one...no two...oh whatever

I'm working on the last Pay It Forward Mystery Project, but I like to be working on a few things at once. I really liked this pair of glittens (mittens + gloves, get it!?). I found the original pattern and I believe I will be trying these out in the near future! (But most likely I'll alter the top design a bit. :))

I mentioned before my friend/co-worker that asked me for a pair of flip-top mittens. Well, I have the gumption for them now.

These convertible mittens seem to have so many names. Glomitts. Glittens. Whatever. Needless to say, I came across a masculine pattern on Ravelry (Soldier's Glomitts) since the pattern above seemed boring without a design and he wanted them in black or brown. He didn't want them in wool (it's itchy) so I found a worsted weight cotton yarn with acrylic in it.

I started them a few days ago and then really got to knitting yesterday and today. It has been an interesting experience. I like to choose projects that are going to be fun and challenging to knit. Especially if there is something new to be learned. This time it's a buttonhole, picking up stitched mid-pattern, and creating a thumb gusset.

I'm hoping they aren't going to be too big. I think they'll end up a little large on him, but I'd rather that then be too small. Also, I'm thinking they may shrink a bit in the wash when I block them. If they won't work with him, I'm sure I can figure someone out to give them too.

I almost finished the first mitt when I knew it was too big. So I frogged it. All that work down the drain.

*sigh*

I went hunting for a different pattern and came across two. The Beer Mitts fingerless gloves out of the Debbie Stoller's Son of Stitch 'n' Bitch and Tornado off Ravelry. I'm hybriding them. Making the base out of the Beer Mitts but adding the Tornado flap. Hopefully I can work this.

I was doing really well and the first mitt was knitting up pretty quickly, but I hit a slight snag. And I have to frog it again since I screwed up and made them a tad too long in the hand area.

It seems to be for the best as well since the cabling on the back needs to be worked over a shorter pattern than called for according to a few other ravellers. I'd also like to reverse the pattern a bit and do stockinette instead of reverse stockinette. I think it will make it easier for me to pick the flap up later. Overall, hopefully third time is the charm.

In the mean time I'm starting a neat swirl patterned hat for a friend who is leaving the country for very cold places. I plan to make her a pair of Podster Gloves too. :) (I'm also going to make myself a pair.)

This is of course in hopes that if I leave the glomitts for a bit, the third time really will be the charm.

My co-worker might end up with a semi-matching hat if I have enough yarn left over from his mitts as well. But all in good time.