Sunday, December 31, 2006

Success!




I have been trying to post the pics for days but Blogger wouldn't let me. Finally, here they are!

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Holiday Sewing

Here's a few pictures of what I've made over the last few days. I seem to have entered a phase of commercial sewing, brought on by an intense desire to be able to do what I want. I've always wondered if I could really make a living off my sewing, so I am going to take a real stab at it. So I started sewing Christmas morning and have been at it off and on since then. I made the tye-dye corduroy bag first. In addition to the green mountain looking things on the front, I also lined it with one of the green batiks. The other bag I made today from a pair of gold cords I picked up at Salvation Army. John got me a great book of images for crafters for Christmas, and the applique was taken from the book. The fringe is bits of yarn I cut from different skeins we have laying around, and I embellished the center of the applique with little glass beads. The pants took 2 days for me to make, and were originally a ladies pair of size 20 light tan pinwale cords. I took them apart entirely and recut them using a size 14 pattern. I added patchwork side panels made from 5 cottons and scraps left from hand dyed hemp I had. I've seen the Jerry Bear doing a handstand a few times; once I decided to do that for the applique I knew there would be the bolt on the patch pocket. I think they turned out very nice. I am listed them on E-bay, and had an e-mail from someone who is interested in them but in a smaller size. I wrote her back and said I couldn't make the exact same pants, but would be happy to make a similar pair; now I am just waiting for her response. The bags are going to a store over in Lombard. I also started a corduroy skirt with a patchwork band at the bottom and a kangaroo pocket with a pretty involved Celtic applique. I think it is going to be pretty cute, and warm too, for this time of year. Although with the above average temps we've been having you almost don't need really warm stuff.
Melissa and Gregory went home yesterday. I think they had a good time while they were here, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were both nice, and they spent a lot of time downtown. We went bowling a couple of times, too. Melissa was disappointed that there was no body with the King Tut exhibit.They both go back to work and school this week.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

More dolls clothes




After taking a good look around, I realized that one of my china heads, Rachel, needs a new dress too. Actually, she only has one dress that I made for her, and then one that's a little too small for my other china head, although it's still big for Rachel because it wasn't made for her. So, armed with Rachels measurements and the Colemans book " The Collectors Book of Doll Clothes", I am going to make her a dress almost from scratch. There are several patterns in the back that have been taken from the original sources, and are reduced to fit the book. I am using a pattern originally published in La Poupee Modele in 1864. There is also a picture on the front cover of a china head and her wardrobe, she's about the right era. I really like the blue silk ball gown on the cover, and I will loosely base the bodice on that dress. Rachel's will be cotton, and trimmed with dark green ribbon. I am posting pics of the book, the pattern, and Rachel overseeing my choice!
I may be selling some of the American Girl doll clothes to a woman who was at work the other day; she is a friend of Mai's and her granddaughter is getting an American Girl for Christmas. She's going to call and maybe come over tomorrow to see what I have. It would be ok to sell some of the clothes, I have so many of them!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Getting ready for Christmas

I haven't felt much in the Christmas spirit, with Siobhan gone, but it's starting to creep in. I have all the dolls dressed for Christmas except my little porcelain red-headed Rose that Chris gave me years ago. She doesn't have a Christmas dress, so I am going to start one for her this afternoon before I leave for work. After I have them all dressed and arranged I'll take pictures of them.
I have worked on the embroidery for the christening set a bit, too. I realized that the motif had to go in every other scallop; if I put one in every scallop they would be almost touching. I'll just put a little bullion rose in the other scallops. This is actually a very nice thing, as it cuts the dress embroidery by almost half.
Me, Carla, Rich and Mom took Chris out for his birthday lunch this Saturday past. It was a lot of fun, we went to Olive Garden and I got Chris to try calamari, although he didn't like it. Then Mom, Carla and I went shopping. I asked Chris to go, but Rich warned him that shopping with us was like torture and why would he want to subject himself to that?
I think I'm off tomorrow ( I don't know for sure, I forgot to check the schedule), and if I am I'm going to make shortbread, and maybe cranberry bars. One way to for sure get into the Christmas spirit is to make cookies.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Alone at home with the dolls!




Siobhan is in New York, she got in this morning. She was supposed to fly out last night but her flight was cancelled due to technical difficulties. Anyway, she went early this morning and Melissa met her at the airport. I am sure they will have a great time together, knitting and bopping around NYC.
I am taking the opportunity to get some much needed organizing done while she gone. I am doing a bit this afternoon before I go to work, and a lot tomorrow when I'm home all day. I have cleaned out space in the storage closet in the basement and a lot of yarn and fabric is going down there for a bit. I'm also going to keep working on the Tiny Tears christening set, and maybe make another antique dress and hat; I just got a new pattern for a 22" Patsy type compo doll. I also finished Chatty's holiday set this morning and am posting the pics. It's really cute and I almost don't want to list it on E-bay. I have piles of fabric slated for doll clothes and I need to see what I need to complete outfits. Plus I have a couple of Christmas presents to make yet, I'll get to those on Saturday.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Chatty Cathy



Well, here's my Chatty Cathy dressed in one of the dresses I made for the American Girls. I sent this dress to the craft show on Saturday, I didn't go because I had to work. I haven't talked to Mai or Holly so I don't know if I made any money or not. Siobhan and I talked about mostly focusing on one or two thing for craft shows, and then maybe just doing the shows ourselves. I think that's a good idea, although I've heard that websites are better than craft shows. Since I don't just focus on American Girls and Bitty Baby I think maybe I might do ok at Kane Co., it's just that the spaces out there are so much. Anyway, I'm going to see if I can get John to make me a website, I'd like to get it up and going in time for people to order Valentines Day dresses for their dolls. Then I could also have St. Pats, Easter and then summer outfits.I really like sewing for the vintage dolls, they are so much nicer than the American Girls.
I am going to finish up a Christmas outfit I am making for Chatty and get it listed on E-bay, and then if I have time do a bit more embroidery on the christening dress.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Shadow work motif II


I used the other cotton and embroidered the motif on it yesterday, and it came out so much nicer. The pink bow is a little more shaded; I also switched the pale minty green for a more spring green color. I'm not sure which I like best, but I think I'm going with the spring green for now. One thing for sure, when I bought my magnifying lamp a few weeks ago it was one of the smartest things I've done in a long time. The only thing that would make it better is if I had gotten one where the actual magnifying surface was a bit bigger.
I don't know why my pic is sideways; sometimes it's just that way.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

New links, NYC, and beautiful cotton

I was at work last night, putting stuff away, and when I went to get what was laying on the cutting table, I saw it was the prettiest, silkiest 100% white cotton solid that I've ever seen in the store. It was very lightweight, like a batiste; it was part of one of the designer series of fabrics. There was only 4 and 3/4 yds left on the bolt. I had a 1/4 yd cut, and I put the rest of it away and I will buy it tomorrow.It's only $4.99 a yd! I would have gotten it last night, but I didn't have enough money. It's so much better than the voile, it's more stable but still sheer enough that the shadow embroidery will work. I was so excited when I saw it, I don't know how I missed it before. Holly said she thinks there is some in blue and pink, too. I didn't look, but I will tomorrow. I don't need 4 1/2 yds, but I'll just put what I don't use in my stash. It isn't heavy enough for the coat and bonnet, I'll still have to order the broadcloth for that.
Siobhan is going to NYC on the 5th and staying with Melissa til she and Gregory come out on the 20th. I'll miss her while I'm getting ready for Christmas, but she will have a really good time so I'm glad she's going. Melissa said there are a lot of studios where she can rent space by the hour so she can make some pottery while she's out there. And I'm going to make John do some stuff with me. We won't have kids around forever, and we don't do much together, so we can while she's gone.
I added a couple of new links, both having to do with sewing.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Shadow work embroidered motif


Well, here is the motif I decided on. I've never done shadow work before, and I think this turned out pretty good for a first attempt. The right side of the bow is definitley better than the left; I can see how much nicer it looks after I got the hang of it. I haven't done bullion roses in years, and this one looks ok, all things considered. I will just make this the center back motif; I need to make 10 altogether, one in each scallop. I decided on a very pale palette of colors, the darkest is the pink I used for the bow, and except for the outline on the front you never see that darker pink. It's kind of hard to tell in the picture that the yellow is little daisies, and there are not quite white French knots to make the wreath shape at the top. I'll have to adapt the pattern for the bodice, I might just do the bow with one bullion rose underneath it, or I might do a vine across the bodice with bullion roses and daisies spaced along it; that's what I'm doing for the bonnet. I realized that I will have to make a slip, too. I could use white muslin, I have enough of it, but I think I will just wait and order some white cotton batiste from here: http://www.fabric.com/ I have ordered from them before and the prices are really good. I'm ordering the cotton broadclth for the coat and bonnet from them, too. I've been watching E-bay for some vintage trim, I figure if I get about 20 yds. of a gathered 1/2" lace it should be enough. The pattern calls for 6 3/4 yds for the dress, 3 1/8 yds for the coat and bonnet, and 4 for the slip, but that's for flat lace that they have you gather yourself. I figure if it's already gathered I'll probably need only half to 2/3rds that amount. But I'll get 20 anyway and then I'll have plenty to do the blanket if I decide to make it.
We have had unseasonably warm weather, it's been in the 50's. I have my sewing room window open and the birds are singing outside. It seems more like spring than Christmas. It's supposed to get really cold on Thursday though and snow. I hope it does, I can't get in the Christmas spirit while it's so warm out.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Am I crazy or do I just have too much time on my hands?



I finished the American Girl outfit I was working on and it turned out cute; I'll take pics tomorrow and get it listed. I'd like to get as much stuff sold as I can, my goal is to buy a Bleuette, I already have one picked out.
In the meantime, I've been looking at this little christening set to make for Tiny Tears for awhile. It just so happens that I have 2 yds of a nice white voile, and I am going to make the dress at least out of that. I am also going to embroider the contrasting band, which is where the crazy comes in. It's about 4 inches wide and goes around the entire skirt. Of course I will probably have to embroider the bodice too, or it won't look nice. And the bonnet. And if I make the coat (which I probably will, I found a source for 100% cotton broadcloth for cheap on the internet) I will have to at least embroider the cape part. And I may make a little blanket out of the broadcloth, too, and embroider the corner. And I need to find some really nice lace, I've already started looking. It will take a very long time to do this, I think; I haven't even started to look at possible embroidery patterns yet. I'm glad I saved all the pull-out sections from my Sew Beautifuls.If it turns out really nice I may be able to sell it for a lot, and if I can't, well my Tiny will have a beautiful ensemble that I can put on her for Easter or whenever. I hope it sells though, it could go a long way towards my Bleuette. I have a Chatty Cathy coming, I won her on E-bay the evening before Thanksgiving. It has been a really nice holiday weekend, the only thing missing is Melissa and Gregory, but they will be here in less than a month. Yay!

I Hate Blogger





I tried several times to post pictures here when I wrote the other day and finally I just gave up. I'm trying again this morning. I actually finished the little dress now, so I am including a picture of it as well. It is being modeled on my Effanbee Babay Dainty, she is a bit too small for it, so the dress looks too long and big on her.I didn't make the cape, I will eventually. Maybe later in the week. Anyway, here are the pics from the antique pattern. I also made and listed on E-bay another Tiny Tears outfit, and am currently working on an 18th c. Christmas for my American Girl. I really like making doll clothes, it is a lot of fun even if it really serves no real purpose.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Antique Patterns

I have been busy with the doll clothes recently. I ordered a reprint of an antique pattern from www.olddollpatterns.com, I've ordered from them before and have been very pleased. The patterns are printed on nice heavy paper and are nice clear copies. The pattern I ordered doesn't have a copyright but the style is from the late teen's/early twenties. Working with those early patterns is not easy, they have very scant instructions, and very few diagrams. There were only 3 for the dress I'm working on, and one for the slip. The pattern pieces have nothing printed on them except the pattern piece number and the occasional construction notch. There are cutting layouts, and they have to be looked at carefully to understand how the garment should be cut. I had a lady come in the store the other day and she had to buy more fabric because she hadn't cut a piece on the fold even though the pattern piece was clearly marked CUT ON FOLD. She admitted she was a new sewer, and new sewers do make mistakes like that. However she would have been lost looking at the pieces for this little doll set; there was a definite assumption by pattern makers of the day that the person buying the pattern had some prior sewing experience, as well as a lot of common sense. I admit I changed some of the construction methods as I went along just because I know of easier ways to do some of it. Anyway, I am posting some early pics now, I can't finish the ensemble til I get some ribbon rosettes (the pattern says to make my own, but I've tried half a dozen times and am admitting defeat!) and a lining for the cape. I'm making it from red velveteen and I was going to line it in red taffetta, but now I'm thinking cotton would be better and I don't have a big enough piece.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I have some things to do today to get ready. I am making cranberry sauce from the recipe I used last year; Siobhan loved it and has asked for it again.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Vintage doll clothes




I am still working on doll clothes, I made another Christmas ensemble for Tiny Tears, this one is 5 pieces, and I made a dress and combination for a 14 inch Patsy type doll. I have a reprint of a pattern from the 1930's that I used. It was really hard to work with, very different from modern patterns.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Tiny Tears Christmas Dress


I just listed this on E-bay. I think it turned out so cute, I kind of hope it doesn't sell because my little Tiny Tears looks so cute in it! I made the tights too; it was my first attempt at making tights, and they did not come out quite as nice as I had hoped. I didn't use a pattern, I just cut off part of a leg sewed across the bottom, part way up the center and back down across the rest of the bottom. I then cut between the two lines of sewing to make two legs. I also made a casing at the waist and slipped some 1/8 inch elastic in there. Anyway, they are still a bit loose, and the crotch is kind of weird. I have a pair of tights that I bought and I think I am going to try and make a patern from them.
I was in Salvation Army yesterday and came across a crewel embroidery kit of a butterfly from the 70's. It was started, but not much was done. It had all the yarn, a hoop, a needle and the instructions. I had seen a bag made with a piece of 70's embroidery, and it looked really nice, so I snatched the kit up and am already half done. The colors aren't my favorite, but that's ok, I still think it will sell when I finish the bag. I'll post pics when I do.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Craft show sewing



One of the craft shows is this weekend, and of course I have to work. Siobhan is off, so I'll just send my stuff with her. I made some scarves yesterday, and Sat. and Sunday I made some cone ornaments. They were really easy, and very cute. I made them like a machine crazy quilt, and sewed trims to the seams. I tried to post pictures yesterday, but for some reason it wouldn't work, so I am trying again today.
I am making a Christmas dress for my Tiny Tears today, and if it turns out nice I'm going to list it on E-bay. I have a pair of overalls on there now, but with it getting closer to Christmas I am going to try and have 3-4 things minimum on there all the time. I saw a Saucy Walker doll today who was really cute, so when I get enough extra money in my paypal account I might bid on a new doll. I haven't had one in almost a year.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

More craft show stuff



I didn't realize how close we are to the first craft show, I think it's next weekend and I will probably have to work. Oh well, I'll just send Sio with my stuff. I made some cute crazy quilt ornaments using the cone shape. I just sewed the fabrics straight to a muslin cone shape and then sewed trims over the seam. I then added a trim to the top, sewed up the back, added a hanger and stuffed it, and then tied the whole thing closed with a piece of cord or ribbon. I've used the same pattern for sachets, too; they are really easy and look nice. I'm making scarves today, too. I have some done but would like another half dozen or so. I guess I'll just have to sew all weekend!

Monday, October 23, 2006

Blackwork sachet cones



I took pictures of the sachet cone I started yesterday.I found the all over floral pattern on a website a long time ago, I saved the picture but not the site, so I don't remember where it was. Since I have 1/4 lb. of dried lavender, I decided to embroider the cone in a lavender thread. I am working it on 14 count white aida, although once I have the magnifying lamp I bought yesterday set up, I should be able to work on linen, which is so much nicer. There's so much work to an allover design that they make good gifts, but wouldn't be worth making to sell. However, just a small flower or star or something could be ok, it would still be hand embroidered and could still be sold reasonably.
I have to make 3 more fleece scarves today; they are sold already and I didn't even get the fabric for them til the other day.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

New link

I have had a long, stressful 2 days at work, my boss has been gone and I've had to deal with his boss. Sometimes I get so short sighted that I forget that there are way more important things going on than whether or not I actually keep a low paying job at a national chain store that actually goes against most of what I think we should be doing about the coming energy crisis and other global/US concerns. I try and keep politics off of this site just because it's supposed to be a fun thing about needlework/crafts with the occasional foray into whatever music is inspiring me at the moment, but sometimes the other stuff is so much more important, so I have added a link to the energy clearinghouse. I like this site because it gathers all kinds of news from all over the internet and it's not just about Peak Oil, but also covers a lot of other energy related topics. I also have to admit that I have been thinking more about what to do about things. For me there always seems to be this tension between believing something and acting on it. It's very easy to sit and say I'm such a hypocrite because I work for a company that uses millions of gallons of oil a year to satisfy the wants of a bunch of suburban women who don't or won't know that the party will soon be over, and that unless we try and really conserve now there won't be a future for our children and grand children. And I am a hypocrite, I think about that every day. But on the other hand, it's really hard to know what to do.I should quit my job, and look for something else; I should tell other people that this is a real issue, the most important one that the human race has faced; but I just drift along and do nothing.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

More blackwork



I have 5 more blackwork ornaments finished for a total of 6. They are really nice, I went to Hobby Lobby and got some tiny gold beads which I added to two of them. If I have time before work today I am going back to Hobby Lobby to buy some linen. Linen is so expensive, but I have my 40% off coupon that Hobby Lobby has so often. I found a holly and ivy black work border that I think I am going to do for a pillow inset. I am still working on the stained glass rug, too, although the ornaments are for the craft shows, so I'm spending more time on them.
I caught Siobhan listening to the Chieftains Christmas cd the other day. I had to invoke the no Christmas music before the middle of Nov. rule. I have to admit that I have been thinking about Christmas more and more though. I'd like us to Christmas carol this year, even if we don't really go house to house. We could just go to people we know or something. It's something we used to do when we were young. Too bad Melissa doesn't live close, she was in choir for years and she has a beautiful voice. We could sing Christmas carols that are popular, plus do some of the really older ones, like A Virgin Most Pure, or Gaudete or (my own favorite) Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day.
I bought 2 yards of PFD (prepared for dying) corduroy on E-bay, and 4 ozs. of lavender. I'll put the cord in my stash, and later on will dye it and turn it into a skirt. The lavender is for sachets; I'll embroider some and also make cone shaped ones. I have a bunch done that I filled with rose petals; I was thinking of doing some out of Christmas fabrics and filling them with some kind of Christmas potpourri. I think they would probably sell well, too.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Blackwork ornament



Ok, here is the blackwork ornament I made this morning. I guess I could call it blue and yellow work, since I did it in those colors. It isn't very big, just 3" x 3". I sewed it together on the machine and put in just a bit of stuffing to plump it out. I have so many blackwork designs that this could be a way to try them all out, and I can sell the finished ones at one of the craft shows I'm doing. I'd like to do a blackwork shirt some day, I think it would be really pretty. I have done collars and cuffs before, but never a whole shirt.
We are having some fall/wintery weather here, we had a bit of snow the other day. Nothing major, and it didn't stick, but it's kind of early for snow still. Today it's supposed to be near 50 so I might take a walk later and take some pictures.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Overalls and blackwork

I finally have the overalls finished, and when Siobhan wakes up I'm going to make her put them on so I can take pictures for E-bay. I hope they sell pretty quickly, I am going to start them at $30 and put a buy it now of $35. There was some prepared for dyeing corduroy on E-bay this morning, 2 yds. of it and I put in a bid of $7, I'm the only bidder so far, and I hope I win it, I'd like to dye some corduroy and use it in a skirt.
I have been going through my needlework files and I think I might make some blackwork ornaments or something. Maybe little cone shaped ones that can be rolled up and sewn and stuffed with lavender, like the sachets I made earlier. I could add a little lace at the top, and they would be really cute. I have so many blackwork patterns. I also have a lot of Palestinian and Israeli traditional cross stitch patterns. I need to print some of that stuff up and put it in my file cabinet. I back up my files every once in awhile, but probably not often enough and I would be so upset if I lost a lot of it.
I'll post pics of the overalls later.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Labor of Love



Here's an update on the stained glass rug. This is trully a labor of love for Siobhan, because I really don't like this rug much, which is part of the reason it's been taking so long. I am doing the next one with flowers and scrolls in the corners, and I am going to have a lot of fun doing dip dyes and shaded colors for the flowers and leaves. I have been keeping my eye open for a cutter on E-bay, I do so much rug hooking now that I am ruining my Olfa mat. I haven't had it that long, either, but it's already in pretty bad shape. If I had a cutter I wouldn't have to use the mat and rotary cutter.
I also am posting a pic of the applique on the overalls for E-bay. I hope I can get them posted tomorrow,all I have to do is sew in the patchwork side panels and then get Sio to model for me.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Nothing new in the needlework sphere

I still haven't been able to get back into the routine of things. I am almost finished with the other pair of overalls, and I've been working on the rug now and then, but I seem to be in a bit of a creative slump.There just seems to be way bigger things to worry about lately. I suppose I am really more worried about the political situation now than anything else. Melissa says John and I should do something, and she's right. I think we need to really look at where our involvement can do the most good, and then make a commitment. We used to be very active, and we haven't been in along time, and now is an excellent time to start.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Not much

I haven't been doing much because I've been so sick. Yesterday I felt a bit better and finished the applique I was working on for another pair of overalls. I have has the worst cold I can remember having for a long time, but the weird thing is that it kind of settled into my shoulder, or something, and it reaaly hurt. It still does, but it's better than before.
I also did a dye run with my new Cushings dyes and Maryanne Lincolns book. I wanted some true blue colors for Siobhan's rug, so I did a 5 swatch set , using the jar method. I like the jar method because it gives a nice range of shades of the same color.Actually the blues are more of a navy then I was looking for, or then they looked in the book. I'll try again when I get home tonight with a bit less black in the mix. I have started a dye record book with instructions and swatches, and I think it will be really helpful when it comes to repeating a color or colors.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Nothing New



I haven't posted for awhile because I have had the worst cold ever. I haven't done anything since Sunday. It settled into my arm and shoulder and it really hurt for a few days. I finally am feeling a bit better and am going to see about finishing the other pair of overalls tomorrow. I figured I would have sold them by now, but they aren't even finished yet. In the meantime I am posting pics of the ones I did sell. I got a bit more of Siobhan's rug done today while I was sitting in bed and watching MSNBC all day. I've also re-read Interview With the Vampire; Sio was watching it the other night and it's been so long since I've read it that I wanted to again. We don't seem to own a copy anymore so Sio went and bought one. I think I will re-read the Vampire Lestat now, but after that if I still am in the mood for more Anne Rice I think I'll move onto the Mayfair witches, they are more interesting anyway.

Saturday, September 30, 2006

pictures!



Chris' comission before it's painted. I got to pose!

Thursday, September 28, 2006

My Internet is Back!


John fixed my computer today with help from my brother, and I'm back online. Yay! It's so much nicer using my own computer instead of someone else's. I really miss having my own stuff.
I am posting a picture of the stained glass rug. It's actually a little farther along because I worked on it today. I took the picture in the hall at the head of the stairs, and I realized that if it were just about an inch bigger all the way around it would be the perfect size for that spot. I think I'll make the next one for there.
The overalls I had on E-bay sold, so I am making another pair. I got them at Salvation Army today and I think I'll applique a butterfly and maybe some grass and a nother mushroom. The mushrooms seem to sell pretty well.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Huge haul!

As we all know, sunday was my birthday! I had an excellent day with my boyfriend, and he suprised me with a yarn shopping spree. We went to hobby lobby (their yarn bee line is really very nice yarn for very cheap) to get more bang for the buck, and it was a good thing too! The woman at the registar thought that all the yarn was half off. So instead of thirty six it was only eighteen :D My aunt carla gave me some money on the condition that I did something nice with it for myself. So, of course, more yarn! We got these beautiful shell and wood shawl pins in at hancock in four colors, so I got some. I acutally put all of them except four on hold ;) They're only two dollars a piece! I also had to get a little yarn to go with it. I started a beautiful shawl with a mohair/wool/acrylic boucle that was on sale for three dollars a ball. I may post pictures later of my huge haul! if i can find chris' camera. I'll also be throwing and rewriting my resume today.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Computer Problems

We had a big storm come through on Friday night and knock out our internet and cable tv. My computer is still not online so I am using John's today. It's pretty astounding how much I miss it when I think that less than 10 years ago we didn't have a computer, let alone one for each family member, and I never really thought we would have one. Now it's one of the things I miss the most when it's gone. I actually think I would do without some major appliance, like maybe the fridge, than be without the computer. I could buy cold things on a daily basis and just put them in a cooler. I know it's crazy, but there it is. I love my computer and the internet, and I will be so happy when mine is back online so I can just scoot from sewing machine to computer without having to leave the room.
Anyway, I worked all day Saturday, and Sunday was Siobhan's birthday, but I did get some fleece scarves made for the craft show, and I already have 4 sold. I will post pics later when I am online again. The overalls are sold on e-bay, too, and they still have almost 3 days to go, so I hope they go higher. They are at $28, but 3 people have them on thier watch list. I also did a couple of dye runs with reds and oranges using my new dye book. I ordered some dyeing spoons that have a 1/32 tsp. measure, which I really need. I also need a 1/128. And I got a bit more of the broken glass rug done. I'm sewing scarves today, and hooking a bit in odd moments. The odd moments really add up, before I know it I have another section done. I have the next rug kind of in the planning stages, too. I'm thinking something classic, like maybe some center floral with scrolls in the corners. I'm looking forward to dip dyeing for scrolls, it will be a fun experience. My new mesauring spoons will be here by then and I can keep more acurate dye records too.

Friday, September 22, 2006

Stained Glass Rug



I've been busy the last couple of days. with work and other things. I did, however, get a nice bit done on the stained glass rug I started. I'm a little bit further along than the picture, I did a bit more last night. I also ordered Maryanne Lincoln's Comprehensive Dyeing Guide, which came yesterday. I looked it over last night, and I am very excited to start trying some of the formulas. One nice thing about the stained glass rug is that I can play around with a lot of different dye formulas and the resulting pieces of wool can be used. Siobhan and I also gathered a nice bunch of rose hips that I am going to do a natural dye run with, so I have a fun day ahead of me. I have some sewing to do this morning, but then I can play with colors all afternoon. Pat at work said she wouldn't have time for that, but as I pointed out to her, dyeing is a pretty long process, and you don't just stand over the dye pot. I wash dishes and do laundry while I am dyeing, and I can clean the kitchen, or even be on the patio. Actually the only things I can't do while I'm dyeing is sew, since the sewing room is upstairs and I don't want to leave the stove on when I'm not near it; and cook, since I don't want to accidentally poison my family. And they are all used to the fact that generally speaking, a pot on the stove doesn't mean food, anyway.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Crikey, we'll miss you

I watched the memorial for Steve Irwin last night. I've been a Croc Hunter fan for a long time, I never got tired of watching him wrestle big crocs or picking up poisonous snakes. The kids had bought me a video, and one year I got a Crocodile Hunter t-shirt for Christmas. I've spent some of the morning reading through articles, and I have to say that while he may have at times appeared to be a lunatic, or that he was taking chances that maybe most people would consider crazy; it was exactly that crazy, larger than life personality that really reached out to people and made them understand that conservation and protection of animals is so very important. I've read the criticism as well as the praise, and I believe that it will be a long time (if ever) that we see someone as willing to show the enthusiasm and genuineness and dedication to the cause of conservation that he had. They say that touching others is the way to really change and educate and make a difference; and that's what Steve did; in his crazy, larger than life way he touched millions. I guess, along with those millions, all I can say is goodbye, Steve. You may be gone but some part of you will always be here, exciting and encouraging people to be involved and care about wildlife.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

aaaaaaah math!


I have been working on an afghan with no pattern, and I must confess, math is getting the better of me. I'm using chunky weight yarn and I believe size thirteen needles, and 150 sts is 69 inches. However I am having some problems, and after just asking eric, I fear even more that this will never be done. Please refer to my picture (i made it in paint!)

*Note! The border originally started as a scarf, but I decided it would be better as an afghan. I started with chunky weight, but I used one that was discontinued! I can't find another chunky, white acrylic that's cheap anywhere! I even called Kmart!!! So I have to use a super chunky, which totally throws a wrench in the works.

Let me explain figure 1(a)
The A represents the long side, which was one hundred and fifty sitches long and six inches wide. B represents the short side. C represents the short side as well, however D is the short side that I will be using the super chunky weight on. What I had originally done was 150/69 = x/56 (six inches wide two times, subtracted from 69 is 53), and I got 115. This is for the chunky. The super will just be a big white square in the middle. 20 sts = 8.5 inches. So again, I used proportions and I would need to cast on 125 sts. Well this obviously isn't right, since not only is it bigger than side C in sts, since it's super bulky it's got that going on too! Please help me!!!!!

I will post pictures of my baby hats soon.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Finally Finished!


Well the chair pads are finally finished! I have to say I'm not so sure of the last one, I was going to take all the beach out and just do a light brown sandy one, but I just wanted them to be done. I think they are ok, I'm sure I'll get much better the more rugs I hook. I ordered Maryanne Lincoln's Comprehensive Dyeing Book and I can't wait til it gets here, her book shows how to make a ton of colors with just 5 of the Cushings dyes.
I did another dye run using crab apple leaves with alum as the mordant and got almost a golden tan. I am going to try it again using vinegar and see what happens.
I think I am going to make a hit or miss rug with all of the bits of wool I have left over, but I am going to make the overalls for E-bay and get some more craft show stuff done. I'm off tomorrow and I am going to make myself get the overalls done before I can do anything else. They shouldn't take that long anyway. But since I have a couple of hours before work I am going to draw out the hit or miss one. Sio saw one she likes and I am going to do it, I will post a picture of the pattern once it's drawn.

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Not so rocky beach



I thought the rocks would give me problems, and they have. But it seems I can see things better when I take a picture and look at it that way, and they really aren't as bad as I thought. It looks more like a beach with maybe small rocks and mounds of sand. It's ok, I kind of like the mounds in the foreground. I ended up dyeing some of the gold colors, I just didn't have enough different shades.
I am also taking all my dyeing info, formulas and notes and typing them up in an organized fashion so I can find info easily when I need it. I am also going to start trying to write down what I am doing to get different colors; maybe I can repeat things if I do that.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

4th chairpad




Well I got a nice start on the 4th and last chairpad yesterday. The water is looking pretty good; dipping the dyed strips in a navy bath after the blue green really toned them down and made them just right . I decided to just give up trying to make anything else til I get this one finished, then I'll go back to sewing for the craft shows and E-bay.
Today is Thursday and that means going to Salvation Army to look for more wool. Yay!