Knit - R - Done

I've Moved

2010-04-17T21:37:00.003-06:00

I'm not going to divide my life into Art and Craft anymore.

You can catch up with me at http://meetmeinthedayroom.wordpress.com

I'll leave this blog around for the free knitting and crochet patterns.

I hope you'll join me at my other blog. You guys are great!

Odes to Common Things

2010-04-10T20:54:00.001-06:00

pin cushion, originally uploaded by alexcateye.

A friend sent me a book of Neruda poetry for Valentine's Day this year and it got me thinking. I had not read his work for years, but I was always taken with his Odes to Common Things.

So much of my journey in life has been a celebration of the everyday. I'm a housewife and a mother. The ordinary objects that I touch as part of my daily life need to be exhaulted.

This is my Ode to a Pin Cushion.

I hate girls who write like this.

2010-04-08T17:29:00.001-06:00

I hate girls who write like this., originally uploaded by alexcateye.

They eat whatever they want and never gain weight.

I would have died for girly handwriting and a girly name when I was in junior high.

I am Alex and write like a boy. I'm happy to be who I am.

New Sweater for Isabel

2010-04-07T14:57:00.004-06:00

This was supposed to be a February Baby Sweater, from the old Knitter's Almanac. However, I forgot to bring the book with me while I was working on it and improvised the lace. (I've knit gull wing lace so many times, I was sure I had it memorized.) I guess I was off by one stitch on each repeat and ended up with this lace pattern.

It doesn't matter. She loves the sweater! Now I just need some buttons.

The yarn is Vintage Wool from Berocco. It washes well, but I thought it was slippery and splitty. The metal needles I was using weren't working for me, so I switched to the acrylic needles from www.knitpicks.com and I had a much easier time.

Tinker

2010-03-28T10:19:00.004-06:00

In an effort to connect with Oklahoma, I decided to join a stitchalong.

The Air Force Base where my husband is currently stationed is named for Clarence Tinker. I started studying him because I was pissed off that we were sent here instead of England and I wanted to know more about the man behind the name. Tinker was actually fairly interesting and admirable. He was the first Native American Major General in the United States Army. You can read more about him here if you like.

I tried to use a variety of stitches in the less detailed parts of the portrait to add texture and interest. My new favorite stitch is the bullion stitch I used for the shirt button.

The blue-gray areas are more bullion stitch. Tutorial here.

In case you can't tell by all of the photographs, I am really proud of this.

After all, I am a sucker for a man in uniform.

Caw! Caw!

2010-03-26T18:17:00.002-06:00

Caw! Caw!, originally uploaded by alexcateye.

I know that I've been told not to use the term "gay for" as a perjorative on this blog before, but I won't be censored. I support the rights of gay people to serve in the military. Really, aren't we all just gay for eagles?

(What I mean is that military service is an expression of love and devotion to a country, personal love relationships have no bearing.)

You can see more pictures at my other blog: meetmeinthedayroom.wordpress.com.

Godzilla Quillta

2010-03-17T14:22:00.001-06:00

Green varigated quilting thread on a green wholecloth quilt makes Godzilla skin. So cuddly!

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5 and 5 and 5 again

2010-03-15T19:48:00.006-06:00

Steffi likes everything I sew.

It's been a long time.

David went on a mission for the USAF for 5 weeks and I was left with the kids, a full time job, and chronic depression to deal with on my own. I was stuck in Oklahoma, where I don't know a soul, and I didn't handle it well. I've gained 40 (!!!) pounds since we moved here in September. I'm lonely every day.

I need my art back. I know that very few people still read this blog any more. I don't focus on knitting as much as I did originally. I also quit updating for almost 5 months. For those of you still with me, thank you. I plan on sharing again. I need it.

I've been sewing a lot. I got a new Brother machine for my wedding anniversary and I've been honeymooning with it for months now. I had forgotten how much I loved sewing with a machine. I sit at the sewing table for hours. I spend all morning in my pajamas. I hold my bladder for hours. My coffee gets cold before I drink it. The hours fly by and I realize that I didn't plan anything for dinner yet.

The first quilt is a spontaneous number I did for my best friend. I just cut rectangles and attached them at random. Some pieces are larger than a fat quarter and some are as small as a credit card. I don't really know how I ended up with a queen sized quilt, it just happened.

The second quilt is on my bed. It's a giant log cabin square made from 5" flannel strips. (I got all of the fabric from JoAnn's when flannel was $1.99 a yard.) The back is an old sheet with a few leftover 5" strips thrown in here and there.

Using my mad binding skilz

2010-02-21T18:02:00.001-07:00

We have tons of old towels, but never enough washcloths. I decided to practice mitered corners by cutting squares from frayed towels and binding them with bias tape. I'm not bothering to blind stitch them by hand--just machine stitching all of the edges. I love having piles of "new" face cloths ready and waiting.

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Finished!

2010-02-03T21:30:00.001-07:00

More humping deer hats. These were commissioned. It took me 4 months to finish these hats and the guilt has been overwhelming. Now that I'm done I have time to work on some new stuff.

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The power is out due to the storm but we are all doing well.

2009-12-24T16:53:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas from Hell Frozen Over.

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Stitching Along

2009-12-21T13:07:00.001-07:00

Major General Clarence Tinker is my subject for the Okie Stitchalong. I was afraid to do a portrait, but I like it so far.

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Quilt

2009-12-16T20:15:00.004-07:00

I'm required to wear plain scrubs these days. There was a time when I dressed like a Hospital Weird Al. The prints are horrible and unflattering and I actually agree that solid colors look more professional. I can't believe I wore these scrubs in public. Ouch. I am a crafter, though, and I couldn't throw away 30 lbs of fabric without trying to rescue it first.

There are a lot of memories (not to mention blood borne pathogens) lurking in this mess. (Just kidding about the diseases. I've washed and ironed any and all forms of hepatitis to death.)

I cut the tops into 5 inch squares and did a simple 9 patch. The backing is an old sheet. I am really proud of myself for recycling so well. My dog likes it.

I probably have enough 5 inch squares left to make another twin sized quilt. I also have at least 20 lbs of scrubs that haven't been cut. I have a lot of sewing to do.

Apple candy blanket

2009-12-02T12:57:00.001-07:00

A simple blanket for Isabel--thermal knit bound with satin blanket binding.

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Toy soldier

2009-11-29T22:22:00.001-07:00

Toy soldier embroidery with handspun wool.

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2009-11-29T16:57:00.001-07:00

I made a flannel rag quilt for my bed this week. I'm in love with it.

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Dollface

2009-11-15T18:54:00.001-07:00

I took an embroidery class today. I don't have to be so serious all the time.

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Laundry Magic

2009-11-14T18:14:00.004-07:00

I'm working on many projects at once right now. I've started working crazy hours and I don't have as much time to do things as I used to.

Instant gratification projects are really making me happy. I felted a pair of slippers for my BFF. I make her the same pattern in a different color every year. These little clogs are quick and easy. Since the original pattern isn't available online anymore, I might write up my modifications someday. I've made at least 5 pairs of these, but never a pair for myself. I can add that to my list of things to do.

Once these clogs are dry, I'm going to give them a haircut to get all of the fuzzies off.

I also made a really fun baby blanket. The technique is all over the internet, so I won't bore you with the details.

(You stack some flannel, sew on the bias, slice the top layers, then launder.)

The coolest thing was throwing the sewn and cut flannel into the washer and pulling chenille out of the dryer. I am so easily amused. I'd recommend a flannel ragg or flannel chenille baby blanket to anyone who is interested in starting a basic quilt. A crooked seam won't matter much and the end effect is really fun.

I've already bought more flannel to make a larger blanket for my daughter. The only thing I'll do differently this time is to sew the bias lines closer together.

In other news, I've decided not to beat myself up for crappy pictures anymore. If I waited for perfect pictures, I'd never blog. I won't apologize for it anymore, either. I'm not a photographer. I do my best with what I have. Perfection is for crazy people.

Completed project

2009-11-05T14:40:00.002-07:00

I made a Wisp. I used a yarn my best friend gave me for my birthday. It's Schoppel-Wolle Zauberball. It's more of a sock yarn than lace, but I wanted something soft around my neck. My 6 year old has adopted this scarf, though. It matches her coat.

I've been documenting all of my artsy-fartsy projects at my other blog http://meetmeinthedayroom.wordpress.com. Stop by if you're into embroidered weapons and similar nonsense.

TASER, 2009, wool and cotton 11 by 16

Report to Target immediately!

2009-10-22T14:07:00.001-06:00

I found Cindi Paige's Christmas Eve pajamas. Don't lie, you think they're hilarious.

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I'm such a proud mama.

2009-10-18T15:29:00.001-06:00

Isabel's first embroidered masterpiece.

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2009-10-17T15:29:00.001-06:00

Miss Isabel has taken up embroidery.

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2009-10-01T14:35:00.001-06:00

Hand carded rolags for spinning floss.

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Spinning Floss

2009-09-25T17:43:00.005-06:00

I've been dying and spinning embroidery floss for my latest projects. I've been using a tightly wound single. This allows me to twist the fiber tighter or looser depending on the effect I'm trying to achieve. I've had a lot of fun experimenting with dyes.

If you want to see some of my handspun in (embroidery) action, check out my Art Therapy blog.

I knit a bit

2009-09-18T13:58:00.005-06:00

This was my traveling to OK project. I love entrelac and Noro Kureyon. Together? Forget about it.

I was a little disgusted by how many Eucalan washes it took to get this shawl clean.

Here is the first wash.

Here in the 5th wash.

Here is the 10th wash. Ew.

We are getting settled in Oklahoma. I'm going to reserve judgement for a while. I don't actually know if I like it here or not. It's really hard to say yet.

Quilted Portraits and Stitched Scenes

2009-09-06T18:26:00.002-06:00

This is the first time I've even had my work shown in a gallery, so I'm really excited. Here is 360SEE Gallery's words about the show.

Quilted Portraits & Stitched Scenes is the first exhibition at 360SEE to feature fabric and fiber artwork.
While fiber art is often abstract and can feel unaccessible to many, this exhibition shows amazingly well executed fabric pieces that are approachable both in subject matter (portraits, scenes, and the depiction of representational objects) and in (painting like) presentation.
The exhibition will feature (6) wall hanging portrait quilts by, practicing architect and fine art quilter, Luke Haynes. Subverting the traditional quilting form by integrating modern concepts, Haynes' art transforms the comfortably familiar into the visually evocative.
The large Haynes' quilts will be joined by embroidered / stitched pieces by Alexandra Walters and Gillian Bates.
Montana via Kansas City based artist Alexandra (Alex) Walters, explores the identity of illness and the promises of drug marketing from the perspective of a military wife and mother with her sewn series of (5) prescriptions piece titled The Promise of Pills. These "painterly" stitched pills and bottles done in silk, cotton, and rayon floss evoke the promised mood altering result of each medicine with a well chosen found fabric background.
English artist Gillian Bates will round out the exhibition with (3) illustrative feeling works comprised of stitched line drawings of people and scenes colored in with scrap fabrics on canvas.
Works by:
Luke Haynes
Alexandra Walters
Gillian Bates
All of the pieces in this exhibition are exclusive to 360SEE and embrace the sustainable minded media choice philosophy of the gallery.

Here is a review of the show from Claire Haasl: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/art-talk-chicago/2009/09/zoloft-on-cloth-360sees-high-concept-quilts-reviewed.html

I'll be back

2009-08-24T08:21:00.003-06:00

We're moving to Oklahoma this week. I packed more yarn and fabric than I did clothes. TTYL.

Just like a peasant cap

2009-08-06T22:40:00.002-06:00

Pattern is here. This was yarn salvaged from a horrible sweater. Just horrible.

He doesn't ask for much

2009-08-06T22:33:00.003-06:00

David asked me to make him this hat. Urban Outfitters sold a nasty acrylic one a few years ago and my husband wanted a wool one. He never asks for anything, so I made it.
It's lined with merino wool and the colorwork was rough, thrifted tapestry wool. My only regret is that I didn't make it in John Deere colors. My husband is gay for John Deere. Ask anyone.

Packing

2009-08-05T17:23:00.003-06:00

We leave for Oklahoma in a few weeks. I have been sorting through bins of craft supplies and finished projects. It's amazing how much I've made in this house. This bin of socks and mittens is only part of what I knit. So many were given as gifts.

These tubs are full of handspun yarn. I sold a bit and knit a bit and gave quite a bit away, but I still have almost two full tubs. I am kinda proud that I managed to spin my boredom and sadness into something wonderful and tangible.

We might not get base housing for up to 6 months. We'd prefer to buy a house, but the paperwork from the VA is holding up our loan. We don't want to rent and be stuck in a lease for a whole year. We really aren't sure what we'll do. We'll likely be spending quite a bit of time in TLF (temporary living facility) while we scramble to find a place to live. I made this giant tote to make living out of a suitcase more pleasant. I made up the pattern as I went along. I used fusible batting instead of interfacing and the bag is both sturdy and cozy. I might make some more as gifts when we get settled in Oklahoma.

Meet Me in the Dayroom

2009-08-01T20:14:00.003-06:00

I updated my other blog, Self-Guided Art Therapy. I'm still not sure which posts belong here and which belong there. I don't want to repeat myself too much, but if you are interested in my fiber art, the new blog is where it's at. I think of Knit-R-Done as a craft blog.

The best thing would be to subscribe to both blogs. I'm just saying.

My latest piece is Lithium. I hope you like it.

Arm Flab Cozies

2009-07-30T14:05:00.004-06:00

At a certain age, a woman's upper arms start to "flutter." That's the nicest way I can say it. I don't mind wearing sleeveless shirts and dresses around the house, but I don't go out in public that way.

The first arm flab cozy is a handspun linen Whisper Cardigan. I modified the pattern to suit my yarn, but I didn't take any notes. I enjoyed spinning the linen. It's a bit rough against the skin, but it's absorbent and cool to wear.

The second arm flab cozie is a top down raglan without a front. Sorry that the modeled photos shows bulging, sunburned cleavage. My husband was being sneaky when he took the picture. Bamboo actually feels cooler than bare arms. This shrug was my best friend in Korea.

The third one is a One Skein Wonder. I used the leftover cotton yarn from a skirt I knit last year. It's the warmest to wear, but I like it enough.

I made a hat

2009-07-25T18:56:00.004-06:00

I knit a leaf beret. The pattern is from Melissa of www.knittingschooldropout.com fame. I modified it a bit because I wanted a beanie, not a beret. I didn't have the right yarn for a beret. Plus I have a huge noggin. I don't want to call more attention to the vast size and Charlie Brown-esque roundness of my giant head.

The yarn is some handspun I've had sitting around for over a year. I like the deep forest green with the leaf pattern. I love the look of the leaves in the bulky, bumpy handspun.

I've got a lot going on right now. Some good things are happening. I'm working on showing some of my work in a real, grown up gallery. I am really excited about this. It's nice to know that all the pain I've slogged through this year has been turned into something good. Validation is a great selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. For reals.

I recorded a piece for Insubordiknit's podcast. I forgot how bad I sounded while I was battling my allergies this spring. I hope you take the time to listen to this podcast. It's all about fiber arts as therapy. You know I relate to that.

Sewing Again

2009-07-21T20:34:00.005-06:00

I've been inspired to sit at my sewing machine and make fun stuff again. I finally caught up on all of the old Threadbanger podcasts and couldn't wait to start. If you like crafting, you really should check them out.

The first thing I made this week is a pencil case for my 6 year old. If you can't tell, it's a puppy. I modified the zakka bunny pencil case from Zakka Sewing to suit Isabel. She loves it. Rather than pick apart my mistakes, I've decided to throw myself into making stuff without being critical. I'm enjoying. I think I might be relaxing. I can't be sure.

I've been sewing underwear, too. I used the Cheeky Panties pattern from Burda Style to recycle t-shirts. I have a stack of old tees ready to reconstruct. Apparently, any time I buy my husband a t-shirt he sneaks it downstairs to the GIVE AWAY basket. Meh. His loss is my gain.

I went to Joann's and bought some proper lingerie elastic. Even without the right kind, these knickers are wearable. I've made a few adjustments to the pattern to fit my booty. Now all I have to do is sew.

Celebrating my heterosexuality* with socks

2009-07-19T17:32:00.004-06:00

*To all of my gay friends, I know you don't mind as long as we don't make out in public.

I know most of you prefer your socks to match--probably almost all of you do. If you love the symmetry of twin socks, I support that. Most of my handknit socks are heterosexual. Two socks give me two chances to making something unique and special.

I used to wonder why I think of socks as individuals. I think it comes down to two reasons. The first reason came from my second stepfather. He referred to sock mates as "brothers." I really hated that guy. Everyone knows that socks have mates. They pair bond like humans.

The second reason is probably that my dad is an identical twin. I was raised with the attitude that the more two people look alike, the more they are really exactly the opposite. I guess I've always thought that being exactly like something else is somehow bad or boring.

Maybe I'm just thinking about my marriage too much these days. I have to start a new life with my husband after being single for a year. How am I supposed to pick up the pieces of our old life? The thought of living together again is frightening.

I knit this sock couple from Knit Picks Risatta. It's probably the best elastic yarn I've used, but I don't really like elastic yarn--it splits and feels weird. One is knit from toe up, one cuff down. I made up the cable patterns as I went along.

Whatever their differences, these socks are mated.

Lots of color

2009-07-18T21:23:00.006-06:00

I bought some Red Heart sock yarn (Spring Stripe colorway) at Joann's a few months ago and forgot I had it. I threw it in my suitcase when I went to Korea to give it a test drive. I've been in a crocheting mood lately, so I decided to try out a Clapochet.

I've tried to crochet a Clapotis shawl a few times before. I had no idea that a pattern already existed. It was pretty easy and has the distinctive Clapotis diagonal stripe. I like it. I used almost exactly 3 skeins to get a smallish shawl. I am thinking of adding some buttons to make it convertible like Wisp.

My car needed to be washed very badly.I had my camera with me and got a few pictures. My daughter loves riding along. Her favorite part is the tri-color polish spray. I have to agree with her. Both of us love color.

Shortening a toe-up sock

2009-07-16T16:09:00.006-06:00

I finished my entrelac vacation socks. They are gorgeous, but too long. It's pretty easy to adjust sock length on cuff-down socks, but toe-ups and afterthought heels are a bit of a challenge. I'm never willing to unravel a whole sock to shorten it 2 cm and I'm not afraid of grafting, so I do surgery on my socks to get them just right.

I had a camera handy, so I decided to document my process.

The first step is to mark the sock where you want to shorten it. A locking stitch marker works great. Then you start picking up the entire row by putting the right leg of each stitch onto spare sock needles.

Lookin' good!

The you pick up a stitch one row above the picked up row and pull it until it's about an inch long. Cut this stitch. Now unravel the clipped row. I used a crochet hook to pull out the stitches. (It won't unravel the same way as regular knitting because you're working in the opposite direction. You'll need to pull the end though each stitch.)

Ah, that's better!

Now you graft the toe shut. You could use the tail you just unraveled, but I didn't want to deal with kinky yarn. I cut a new length of fresh yarn and wove in the ends.

Brand new toes! They fit.

I love lunch.

2009-07-15T18:30:00.003-06:00

I came back from Korea obsessed with two things: crochet and cooking. Even though we are home for lunch every day, I've been packing the Korean version of bento, dosirak, like a mad woman. The fact that I have a daughter who love white rice more than any other food is only encouraging me. (The girl could live on rice balls.)

I want to share my love of lunch-packing with everyone, so I crocheted this little buddy for my friend's birthday.

All I had to do was crochet a square with cotton yarn. Then I added a few rows of mesh. I crocheted a few lengths of chain to thread through the mesh. When open, the square protects the diner's lap. When the chains are pulled tight, the lunchbox is safe and secure.

I found this box at Walmart for about $7. The lid can be frozen to keep food cool all morning. The silverware were included. The sides secure with clips and seem to be fairly sturdy.

I hope she likes it. I might consider making some more for Christmas. What would you think if someone gave you a lunchbox as a gift?

Catching up a bit

2009-07-10T18:46:00.005-06:00

I'm in the mood for a bit of housekeeping, so I took a few pictures.

I worked on these entrelac socks on my many airplane and bus rides on vacation. I even took them out a few times on the subway. This was the perfect project to bring with me. Sock knitting will always remind me of Korea. They had many stores dedicated to fancy, cute socks. Since you have to take off your shoes a lot in Korea, you need nice socks.

I sewed this purse for my trip. I wanted a crossbody bag that would keep my hands free. I made a zippered interior pocket to protect my passport, money, and boarding passes. (I lose things easily and it was a relief to know that they were safe and sound.)

I got the fabric at Joann's with a 40% off coupon. I really loved the colors. I got more compliments on this bag than anything I've ever made.

I also put a pocket on the strap for my iPod or camera. It was really handy. The pleats on the outside were an accident. I cut the lining too small. I love the look of the gathering. I plan to make other bags with deliberate pleats.

Months ago, I joined the Phat Quarter ATC Swap. I got my package late because the artist lives in England. The card she sent me was funny, a little sad, and very pretty. I was really honored to receive this.

Her packaging was also a treat. She wrapped everything, including some vintage buttons on a handmade card, in sewing patterns. Then she tied it all together with floss and a big button. It was such a treat to open a package like that. I am really inspired by Megan to pay more attention to how I mail things. There is no reason to be plain and boring.

Downtime

2009-07-08T18:45:00.002-06:00

I am back from Korea. I had a marvelous time. Eventually I need to sort out everything I did and saw. I actually got some crafting done. I didn't actually finish anything, so I won't blog about it until I do.

I bought some bento lunch boxes in Seoul. My new hobby is packing cute little lunches to eat outdoors. I hope your summer is as great as mine!

Warning: some vacation photos ahead.

2009-06-29T02:16:00.005-06:00

I'm still in Korea, but we downloaded the SD card, so I thought I'd share a few pictures with everyone. We visited the Teddy Bear Museum. It was very cute. I really wish I could have brought Isabel with me.

Hootchie bear.

Annual design contest entries.

I took entirely too many photos of the bears, but they were really adorable. Kyooto.

The Asian aesthetic I am so fond of is everywhere in Korea. I bought a few craft supplies in Dungdeamun Market and I can't wait to put them to good use. I'll write a much more thorough blog entry later. I'm having an amazing time.

Not a quilt anymore, it's a pillow.

2009-05-30T14:34:00.003-06:00

I finished the piecing for my camouflage quilt top. I decided that I'd rather have a giant, huggable pillow than a tiny quilt. The pocket is for love letters. The pink words are the lyrics to "Stand by your man." The center of a log cabin square represents the hearth. Military wives are left behind to tend those fires. Sometimes it's hard to be a woman...

I'm washing and blocking the needlework right now. I'll stuff it tonight.

I'm proud of this piece. Maybe it's more craft than art, but it's something that can be part of my life and live in my house.

Waste Not, Want Not

2009-05-25T13:38:00.003-06:00

I chopped up one of David's old uniforms from Desert Storm last week. I'm making an art quilt with a pocket to store love letters from his time overseas. It's deeply meaningful...blah, blah, blah. I had a few scraps and I'm trying to use them in everyday objects.

I crocheted a little linen purse with my handspun flax. I like the light, summery fabric. I added a little band of shells to flare out the bottom of the bag. I decided to line it so I can hold a sock knitting project without the needles poking out. The pocket and nametape from David's uniform worked out perfectly.

I got the bamboo handles with a 40% off coupon at the fabric store. I'm happy with the results. The colors worked together perfectly.

I always want something of his near me.

Division of Labor

2009-05-17T13:48:00.005-06:00

Red Heart & Sole socks, ankle high on size 1 needles. One ball makes a pair, what a bargain. Peds are the perfect sock for showing off badass knitting tattoos.

I finished the Wellbutrin piece and blogged about it here. Other exciting self-guided art therapy projects will join it soon.

I lost a percentage of the readers at Knit-R-Done by posting so much about the personal struggle and artistic expression I experience though embroidery. I'm trying to keep the knitting, spinning, and crochet projects over here and embroidery there. I'm a bit in limbo trying to decide what to post and where.

My knitting projects are still going strong. Knitting is a constant in my life. Knitting is easy to do in a waiting room. Knitting isn't going anywhere. I decided to take my Prozac capsule to my daughter's ballet class to work on while I waited. Not. Smart. Did I mention that I live in a tiny town where people look at you like you're batshitcrazy if you're embroidering a giant antidepressant in public? There will be plenty of knitting posts in the future.

If you read this blog for the artsy fartsy stuff, most of it will be posted on my new blog from now on. http://meetmeinthedayroom.wordpress.com/

Handspun Linen Crocheted Bags

2009-05-11T16:36:00.003-06:00

I used all of my handspun flax. I made a few sturdy bags with some of it. I like a crossbody net bag for farmers' markets and vacations.

It's light and strong. It was easy to make. I didn't bother with a pattern. I improvised a single crochet bottom, double crochet body, and a single crochet strap. I can't wait to take this baby to Korea this summer.

May Cause Drowsiness

2009-05-10T15:19:00.003-06:00

I don't think of my years of medication as bad years. Medications can be confusing. Side effects are irritating. Drowsiness sometimes feels like chemical restraints--a straight jacket in a bottle.

The worst years of my life were the unmedicated ones. I'm not saying that I didn't take any drugs in my mid twenties, I just refused to fill prescriptions. Alcohol, weed, Ecstasy, mushrooms, LSD...I'd take anything to get away from reality.

I'm seeing life much more clearly these days. I'm not ashamed of the orange bottles that are always a part of my life. Instead of "may cause drowsiness," I see, "may prevent loss of relationships." I don't take them with alcohol because I don't need alcohol to blind my pain.

A lot of people see psychotropic medications in the same light as street drugs. I don't. A sick person doesn't usually know which antibiotic she needs and I don't know what chemicals my brain needs.

Besides, I'm married to a cop now. I live on a military base. I have a family. I'm a grownup. I'll keep dealing with psychiatrists, prescriptions, side effects, and therapy. I'm never giving up.

Staying Busy

2009-05-02T16:33:00.003-06:00

I finished some knitting a while ago and forgot to post it. A friend sent me some ugly sock yarn that she didn't want. I didn't really like it, either. I knit it into some hand/wrist warmers and overdyed it teal blue. I love the finished hand warmers.

I'm working on another pill picture. I've already used over 50 yards of floss and it's less than half finished. I finally broke down and organized some of my threads. Organization isn't my strong suit, but I like having a palette. I also waste much less time detangling.

I've got a dozen needles threaded and waiting for me. These pills aren't going to sew themselves.

Effexor

2009-04-23T18:35:00.005-06:00

My relationship with Effexor is complicated. It's harder to explain than my relationship with my ex husband. Every benefit came with a price.

16" by 9" cotton and rayon floss on printed cotton background

My first year on Effexor was the only time I ever felt sane. I don't mean zombie-like. I don't mean beige and bland. I didn't feel like a robot. I was sane. I could get out of bed in the morning and want to be alive. I could enjoy watching my daughter's ballet class. I felt my husband's love without insecurity. I made plans. I made friends. I got married again. I smiled sometimes. It was great.

Then the symptoms started. Brain shivers--dizzy spells so severe and sudden that they feel like an electrical shock--started coming throughout the day. It was weird, but worth it. I wasn't depressed. Within 9 months, taking a dose a few hours late caused painful withdrawal symptoms: nausea, muscle aches, night sweats, panic. After a year I started getting these symptoms, even when I took my dose on time. I was strung out and upset.

Then a routine liver test came back elevated. The evil drug was destroying my liver. I had to discontinue. Goodbye, clarity. Goodbye, sanity. Goodbye brain shivers.

I still haven't found anything that works like Effexor did in the beginning. Every other antidepressant known to work on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (like Effexor) has given me some relief (as Effexor did), but has destroyed my liver (the same way Effexor did.) This means I can't take any of the drugs that can relieve my depression.

I'm not 100% depressed anymore, but I'm still not 100% better. I'm working hard to get well. That's something.

More Self-Imposed Art Therapy

2009-04-21T16:23:00.003-06:00

I'm starting a new series.

I've always been intrigued with medicine. I was put on antidepressants for the first time when I was 11. Dr. Roach gave me a bottle of shiny, candy-like pills that promised happiness and normalcy. They didn't work, but I slept all day and didn't care about my sad little life anymore.

I've been through many pills since then. I'm finally ready to explore my feelings about the hope and disappointment of medications.

So many promises broken.

This piece is 10" by 14", cotton and metallic thread on a printed background. I wanted to mimic the feel of thick acrylic paint. I wanted the grainy look of brushstrokes and the swirl of melting colors. I'm really enjoying this technique.

Guts

2009-04-18T19:01:00.003-06:00

I burned out on the human internal organs embroidery last year. Then I burned out on the weaponry. I consider this a happy medium.

14" by 16", cotton and metallic thread on printed cotton background.

Mmm...guts.

I honestly have no idea what my Godzilla obsession is about. But now that I've done this, ideas are coming back to me. I'm inspired to stitch. I have great things ahead.

Closeup of "skin." (French knots)

Some Artwork, Not Mine

2009-04-17T17:26:00.003-06:00

This is Isabel's portrait of Barrack Obama. I had to share it. Cute, huh?

I've got a lot of projects to photograph and I'm missing some vital tools. I'm embroidering again and it feels great to tap into my favorite creative outlet. The sun is shining. Maybe I will, too.

I knit some socks

2009-04-05T18:30:00.004-06:00

I knit three pairs of socks when my husband was home on leave. We were on the road a lot and I don't like to leave home without a sock to knit. The weird thing is that all three pairs match. I guess I didn't get bored because my mind was far from my knitting.

The light pink pair were knit with Patons Kroy Stretch Sock. The colorway is "Sugar." I'll send them to my friend Angela as a random surprise.

I played tennis in high school and never got over the joy of peds. Now that I have a bold tattoo, I'll be knitting quite a few more pairs to show off my ink. They are a great way to get rid of leftovers.

The purple pair are my favorite. I've always like short row heels, but I have never liked the fit. I decided to increase 10 stitches before the short row heel, then decreased them away. The fit is closer to a traditional heel flap, with a deep heel cup that helps the socks stay up. The yarn is a barfy handpaint-gone-bad, so I'll keep them. I plan to knit more socks with this type of heel.

I plan to knit some tabi socks next. The weather here in Montana is wacky. Socks and sandals make sense around here. (I can wear them with my shorts and parka ensemble.)

Craptastic at best (bad photos ahead.)

2009-03-31T18:16:00.006-06:00

Snip. (Extreme sock mark closeup.)

Here are a few pictures of the new tattoo. It's still crusty and peeling and the lighting is depressing, but I'm still excited. I want to add a few flax blossoms here and there, but I am tattooed out right now.

The frogged yarn was important to me because I am such a mess. Life isn't about perfection, but persistence. Plus we were trying to cover the old tattoo completely.

The text says, "Proverbs 31." I recognize the irony of a "religious tattoo." Nobody needs to point that out.

For those of you who aren't familiar, Proverbs 31 reads...

Proverbs 31:10-31 (New International Version) (Colored emphasis is mine.)

10 A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Since I am the only woman at my church who knows what a distaff is and uses a spindle, I feel entitled to own this passage. I'm a wife and mother--it's my career--and I give everything I have to it.

And, yes, it did hurt. A lot. Who decided that the most painful tattoo spots are the most appropriate for women? Yikes.

The Tattoo-ine Salon

2009-03-28T21:54:00.001-06:00

The Tattoo-ine Salon. (part1), originally uploaded by waihey.

My tattoo is almost healed. I took a few pictures, but you really want me to wait until I can shave my leg again. Trust me.

I've been stalking Flickr this week. The secret lives of toys fascinate me. Then again, I'm easily fascinated.

I miss my husband terribly. Whenever I hear someone complain that she hasn't seen her mate for 3 days for a business trip, I roll my eyes.

It takes energy, trust, and hope to stretch love across an ocean for a year. It takes everything I have, but I would give more if I could.

If the one you love is within smooching range, take advantage!

Flax, just like a fairytale princess

2009-03-27T18:42:00.002-06:00

I got my grubby mitts on some flax and I've been spinning like a bewitched princess.

While I prefer animal fibers, I don't mind the flax.

I spun a few hundred yards dry and it's very twine-like. I've been wet spinning since then. Instead of keeping my hands in water for hours, I've been slathering myself in cheap-Christmas-gift-lotion. It works better than water at tucking in ends, and it washes out when I boil the yarn to soften it.

I'm crocheting a topdown raglan in laceweight merino. So far, so fun.

Leave is over

2009-03-24T19:07:00.004-06:00

It was fun. I had forgotten how lovely it is to have a husband.

We got tattoos. Fun, huh? Jami went to our church in Great Falls before she moved to Helena. She is an amazing, interesting person. She has fierce faith. I adore her.

The look on his face is priceless.

I had an old (17 years old) tattoo reworked. I was a little ashamed of this tattoo because it was ugly and meaningless. Jami fixed me right up. I had to sit for 2 sessions to get it done, but it was worth every minute. I'll show a picture of the finished piece when it heals.

Before:

Here is the obligatory picture of me knitting while she tattooed the yarn and needles. I also have a pair of scissors, a spool of thread, a sewing needle, and a crochet hook.

I've decided to go to Seoul for 2 weeks this summer. I can't wait.

I'll catch up more soon. I've got to concentrate on not scratching my tattoo for a while.

Break Time

2009-02-26T20:32:00.003-07:00

Sgt. Husband is coming home tonight. He gets 20 days of leave and I plan on disappearing for a while. I will have lots to show you when I get back. I'm spinning flax and knitting socks. I've got a few more pounds of Merino roving and some natural dyes. I'll be a busy bee, but I don't want to be a computer bee. Take care of yourselves.

See ya later!

Looking Busy

2009-02-21T12:45:00.004-07:00

He'll be home in 5 days. I'm getting anxious. I've been spinning a lot because it's relaxing. I took a bunch of leftover fibers and spun this guy. I call it "Saturday Morning Cartoons." It's about 250 yards of sport weight, single ply wool. It self-stripes in large, uneven color runs. It's the yarn equivalent of a casserole.

I'm getting ready to warp my loom again. I'm knitting another pair of socks. I'm finishing a hat. I'm dyeing some wool. I'm baking bread. I'm organizing my yarn. I'm doing laundry. I'm writing letters. I'm planning menus. Mostly I wander around the house, picking up one task and dropping it almost immediately. I make lists and lose them. I walk to the bedroom and forget why I went there.

I was much more patient waiting for Santa Claus when I was eight.

Ants in my pants. Just 5 more days.

Passing Time

2009-02-16T16:42:00.005-07:00

10 days. He'll be here in 10 days.

I finished a blanket. It's Paton's Classic Wool held double on a 5 dpi heddle. I did one side in a rigid pattern and the other in a spontaneous plaid. It's 8 ft long by slightly less than 4 ft wide. The selvages are a bit wonky, so I'll probably add an attached I-cord to the sides. I tried a crochet edge, but it looked wrong.

The only thing I don't like about this blanket is the bulky, puckered seam down the middle. Good thing I'm so proud of myself that I'm able to ignore it.

When I warped the loom, I used the direct method and pulled a loop from the red through the slot and a loop of brown through the holes. That way everything is doubled and the heddle is only threaded once. The thing I did wrong is that the warping peg kept falling and the warp got tangled. I need a better place to clamp warping pegs.

I picked a color to use for the second ply of my Bedtime Story yarn. I like it so far.

I knit something. Srsly.

2009-02-15T21:41:00.005-07:00

I finished a pair of socks for Sgt. Husband that I started before Thanksgiving. They are boring, but I love having plain socks to work on in those little moments here and there. The yarn is Patons Kroy Stripes. I tried Kroy a few years ago and thought it was scratchy and lacked elasticity. I don't know what changed, but this yarn is bouncy, smooshy, and happy. I hope he likes them.

I also got my spinning wheel out for the first time since my husband left for Korea. The wool is a handpaint I did this summer. The colorway is "Bedtime Story." I dig it. I can't decide if I'm going to ply it on itself or spin another bump of inky, midnight blue. I'm thinking.
I hope you had a great V-Day. I ate an unladylike amount of chocolate and went to bed early.

Cool Beans

2009-02-12T21:02:00.004-07:00

Sorry, but Hulu.com videos only play in the US. I saw this clip and thought it was funny. I've battled clinical depression for 23 years. When I find something that makes me laugh, I just plain wear it out.

Soon I'll have a humping deer hat to show you. Yes, I said humping.

I got tagged for an award!

2009-02-11T21:02:00.003-07:00

Actually, I have been given 2, but I keep spacing out blogging about them. Cher, gave me the helper award and Lynn gave me the BFF award. Sorry it took me so long to blog about this. I've been so wrapped up in my own problems for so long that I forget about the good things that happen.

I am supposed to pass the Helping Hand award on to 5 people.

Fat Free Susan, for all the recipes. I really thought I'd end up one of those people who have to be lifted out of bed with a whale crane. Now I know I can make tons of great stuff that won't clog my arteries.

Zakka Life, for the great craft ideas--even the ones that have nothing to do with yarn.

Alwen, for the everyday life observations.

Tiny Happy, for taking pure serenity, turning it into craft, then taking awesome pictures of it.

Ms. Bellwether, for answering so many of our questions.

Crafty Gryphon, because she's supportive and funny.

I want to tag you all, but I spent hours in a clinic trying to get rid of a headache and I'm tired. I read tons of blogs and it's nice to know all of you. Blogging is a lot like having imaginary friends, expect that I'm an adult and no amount of therapy will make you go away. Yay!

Guess what, my headaches are stress related! Surprised, huh? If I don't stop grinding my teeth soon, I'll have powdered teeth and a permanent headache. My jaw muscles are like biceps, they are so strong.

I have a craft related post coming soon. It's awesome blogging with you guys.

Being in Love is Totally Punk Rock

2009-02-10T20:50:00.005-07:00

I don't remember how I found this site, but I could read these all day. I stole the pictures from their site because I want everyone to like this webcomic.

It's funny, sad, kinda weird. That's how I describe myself to people I don't need to impress. You might like it, too.

http://www.asofterworld.com/

More Weaving

2009-02-09T21:54:00.004-07:00

I've been sick lately. I haven't gotten a lot done. I am knitting two gifts for my husband and I need to finish them before he comes home at the end of this month.

I am actually a little worried about my husband's mid tour leave. It's been 6 months, but it feels like years. I know that I'll probably try too hard to make his vacation perfect and end up feeling like a failure and melting down. You can't turn Montana in February into Disney Land for 3 weeks. I'm pretty sure David expects this from me. He knew I was a super size helping of crazy when he married me.

I know that most of you read this blog for the knitting. I'm pretty sure than my loom lust will fade eventually. There will be more knitting and embroidery soon. I have a wonderful piece of linen that I want to embroider. Uneven weave is the new even weave.

My husband told me that he misses my knitting. I miss slouching on the couch with him and knitting my way through crappy television. I'll have to knit him some more socks while he's here and irritate him by making him try them on every 15 rows.

The purple handspun blanket is done. I put a single crochet edge on it, then got a horrible cold. This blanket has been my best friend for a few days. Kinda like The Velveteen Rabbit, only wool.

I finished a new pillow to replace the blue one the dog has claimed. It's pretty rustic, but I like it that way. I started a new blanket in red and brown, but I've been too tired and sick to warp the second half.

At least we get to buy a new sofa in Oklahoma. This busted-down piece of crap eats scissors and double pointed knitting needles. I'm taking a set of dpns with me to the furniture store when we pick out the new one. If it swallows any of the needles and forces me to flip it over and get pinched in metal bars and snagged by nails, it's staying there.

Wake and Bake

2009-01-31T15:20:00.005-07:00

Fable is adjusting well. She has taken over David's ragged hand knit pillow. She kneads it like bread with her front paws before she takes her nap. So cute.

What a difference 10 years makes. Wake and bake in my 30s means that I get up and start baking with the oven.

I'm making whole wheat soft pretzels. My house smells like the food court in my hometown mall. Yum.

I warped my bulky heddle. This was so much easier. Ashford rigid heddles fit on Kromski Harp looms--and they are cheaper and come in bulkier dpi.

I used my handspun Beaverslide Merino that has been languishing for over a year. I don't enjoy knitting with large gauges very much and I can't wear this color without looking jaundiced, so I decided to weave a blanket. I warped about 10 feet and I'll cut the finished piece in half and sew the halves together to make a square shape.

Weaving with handspun yarn is actually easier and more pleasant than the cotton I started with. Plus the flaws look intentional. Bonus.

French knots make cancer cells look lovely

2009-01-28T21:18:00.001-07:00

cervical dysplasia 007, originally uploaded by alexcateye.

Here's an old embroidery I did. It's my depiction of cervical dysplasia. I know it's no fun, but don't forget get to get the vajayjay checked. I have been dealing with cervical dysplasia (a bad pap) for a couple of years. I don't like the procedures I've gone through, but the sooner you catch it, the less invasive the treatment is. I can say 100% that it's better than dying, losing your fertility, or having organs removed.

I promised another blogger that I'd post this little Public Service Announcement. Check out her post here: http://slapthatpony.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-yearly-post-please-read.html

I believe in the the power of self-imposed art therapy. Take your problem, stab it with a needle a few thousand times, and make it look pretty. Control it. Own it. Move on.

The Thing

2009-01-26T14:42:00.004-07:00

John Carpenter's The Thing with stop-motion GI Joes, from Zombie Zombie

I remember watching The Thing at a drive-in movie theater with my father. It was right before my parents divorced, so I must have been 7 or 8. I was supposed to be asleep in the back of the station wagon, but I couldn't stop watching. I was terrified out of my mind. Nothing is scarier than blood on snow.

When my brother and I were in high school, we drove to my grandparents' cabin in Red Lodge, MT for Christmas. On the way home we passed a horrible car accident. There was bright red blood all over the snow. There were bright emergency lights flickering through the snow. My father stopped to help and we sat at least an hour (it's possible it was only minutes, but this is how I remember it) and my brother looked terrified. This is the only memory of his being scared ever.

His blood and his daughter's blood were on the snow last year. I don't think I'll ever get that image out of my mind.

I saw this stop-motion video on Boing Boing and thought I'd share it. In the interest of slaying demons, I face things I used to hide from. The scariest memories of my life seem much smaller when told with dolls. GI Joes are like miniature plastic Chuck Norrii (the plural form of Chuck Norris.) Maybe everything seems smaller as an adult.

Today is my wedding anniversary. My life-size GI Joe is freezing in Korea. He has promised not to play strip poker with the warm woolies I have knit him. (That was a reference to MASH. I always picture David on the set of the 4077 instead of a modern air base.)

The next month is going to be long, but my love is waiting on the other side of February.

X is for...

2009-01-24T13:00:00.005-07:00

I totally forgot to finish my ABC Along last year. Here is my X. I was proud of the X in my first name as a kid. I got teased a lot for having a boys' name, but somehow the X made up for it. A couple of years ago, I was at a party where everyone was picking out their stage names in case they ever became pr0n stars. Mine was Alexxxandra. My real name sounds more fake than any fake name I could invent. That still cracks me up.

Since a picture of Alexxx is frightening, here is an X I make every day.

I am working on Sgt. Husband's second sock. He gets leave 2/26 for 3 weeks. There is no point in explaining how excited I am since the English language only has a quarter of a million words.

I'm working on a scrap blanket. I have the loom put up until I can trust the dog not to chew on the wood. I am weaving it in two vertical pieces. The yarn is leftovers from everything and a skein of banana silk that I bought in a moment of yarn foolishness. I bought blanket binding to hide my edges. It might be pretty.

Dazed and Confused

2009-01-22T21:34:00.005-07:00

Our animal shelter mutt came home today. She's so sweet, but drugged out of her little doggy mind. Poor thing. At least she won't have another litter of pups. Sgt. Husband was just as cranky when he got fixed. (Even though it was 10 years before I met him, I still hear about it.)

I finished my crazy socks and had the crazy idea to overdye them green to make the colors less eye-searing. I totally forgot that one of the yarns was corn fiber. One sock is striped and the other isn't. Still, I consider this an improvement. I've got to work on more artful mismatching. Right now I still look like voices from outer space tell me what to knit. I need to take it down a notch.

I just spent 20 minutes petting Isabel. She was jealous because I was petting Fable and I had to rub her back until she quit crying. Spoiled.

Here is a link to Fable before we adopted her. She's been hit by a car. She's five years old. She's been at the shelter since October. She was the best damn dog in the whole place. Welcome home, sweetie

Our Little Country Is Growin Up...

2009-01-20T19:35:00.004-07:00

I've always loved my country, but I'm actually kind of proud for once.

I spent the day at the animal shelter. I have wanted another dog for a long time. I adopted the ugliest dog in the place and she is sweet as peaches. She's at the vet getting "fixed." The kids start rubbing her fur off on Thursday.

I wove another scarf. I used Kroy from Michael's. This scarf is really floppy and sleazy. The edges were crazy ugly. I did a slip stich crochet finish on the selvedges and it helped quite a bit. At least this scarf will be light weight enough to wear into the Spring.

I finally picked up my car. One of Sgt. Husband's friends called out of the blue. Happy relief.

I am seriously considering flying to Korea this summer. Humidity, schumidity.

I made it through another day without my husband. When I wake up tomorrow it will be yet another day over. I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...

Cloth

2009-01-16T21:38:00.003-07:00

Here is a little bit of weaving. The bag was made by fulling my woven wool cloth in the washer and sewing. I like the lining. This bag will stay with my loom to hold dowel rods, a tape measure, etc. The needles are in there for scale.

A quick trip through the washer did wonders for this janky fabric.

This piece of gray linen is delicious. I can't keep my hands off of it. I plan to sew it into something sassy, I just don't know what right now. Maybe a knitting bag, I'm not sure. I might go to Joann's at look at patterns for accessories.

My car repairs were exactly $900. Ouch. The overwhelming lonely emptiness of raising 3 kids alone in the middle of nowhere with no friends or family is getting to me. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. I can't find anybody to drive me to pick up my car at the mechanic's. How did my life get here? How did I manage to be so alone?

I'm trying. I'll keep plugging along. It has to get better. Even total assholes have friends. I'm sure my life will warm up again.

That's What She Said

2009-01-15T18:09:00.001-07:00

Ho Made, originally uploaded by ShakyS.

That's my blog philosophy--all ho-made.

The color of teenage joy

2009-01-13T19:12:00.004-07:00

I finished a scarf. I used Vickie Howell Rock and Kidsilk Haze held together for the weft and plain Rock for the warp. It's about 9 inches wide and 9 feet long. The hemp and soysilk give it great drape. The KSH gives it a fluffy halo.

Cindi (teenage stepdaugher) has been admiring this scarf. She watches me use the loom like I'm television. I know how much she likes it. I'm giving it to her with a matching hot pink iPod for her birthday next month. I'm also thinking about getting her a little loom. She's never taken to knitting, but seems fascinated by weaving.

I registered both vehicles today. I brought my knitting and didn't get a chance to take it out of my purse. I got the young rogue clerk today. She got me out of there in 20 minutes and I honestly didn't have my poop in a group. She took my ratty stack of papers and made them work. Some people are so awesome--imagine how great a person would have to be to shine at the DMV.

I got my copy of Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving. I recommend it to anyone who is a new RH loom owner. I also ordered Women's Work: the First 20,000 Years (to qualify for free shipping--I'm a sucker for free shipping) and it's completely, utterly amazing. If you've ever had an interest in Women's History, you'll love it. The author examines ancient textiles as a means to understand the everyday lives of women in the past. It's fascinating. I also recommend Blood, Bread, and Roses, by Judy Grahn if you can find a copy.

Funny how ending up a housewife had inspired me to study feminism more than I ever did when I single and childless. It's easy to take choices for granted when you haven't made them yet.

I am woman, hear me rant.

I didn't think I could do it either

2009-01-12T20:55:00.005-07:00

I untangled that awful mess. Sweet victory is mine. I used thrifted tapestry wool in little skeins for the warp. The resulting fabric was crooked, wonky, and hella scratchy. I threw it in the washer to felt and I started sewing a bag. I'll take pictures after I get the lining sewn.

Isabel has fallen in love with cooking and baking. I got her an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas and she's now my little kitchen buddy.

I'm saving these pictures to show to her prom date.

I've been struggling with the whole military wife thing lately. When I was younger, I thought of military wives as old-fashioned, unliberated, Tammy Wynette wannabe, long-suffering doormats. Their only job was to stand by their man and have no thoughts, dreams, or opinions of their own.

Then I met David and fell in love. Eating my words wasn't tasty.

I still have big problems with some of the other wives. I HATE how any time they don't like something I say or do, they imply that I'm not patriotic enough and I don't love my husband enough. (You're right, ladies. I just plain hate freedom. I kick old veterans in the shins and heat my home with flag burning. Whatever.)

Fuck that.

I love my husband and I love my country. I love them both enough to open my mouth and say something when one of them is acting like an asshole. Just because I have opinions that weren't fed to my by my husband or the armed forces, doesn't mean that I'm a traitor to either of them. I am a woman who put my own plans and dreams on hold, but I didn't throw them away. I am a person with a mind of her own. I am an excellent, loving wife. I am a great American.

Anyway, I left every online group associated with military spouses. I'm over it. I'm done.

Suffering because of who you love isn't easy. I think that's why I love my gay brothers and lesbian sisters so much. (I'm a Christian, you are all brothers and sisters to me.) Sometimes the price you pay to love another person is high, but you still pay it gladly.

Warped and Tangled

2009-01-10T00:35:00.002-07:00

I am pretty sure I'm not doing this right.

Isabel came home from school clingy and needy and pulling on my arms and trying to climb into my lap. She was missing Daddy.

I will not try to warp the loom within 2 hours of the afternoon school bus ever again.

My head hurts.

I'd hang it next to my toilet

2009-01-07T21:07:00.003-07:00

The Polish newspaper packing was endearing.

My loom got here Monday, just as I was coming down with a horrible cold. It took me four hours to put it together and warp it. I was sweating buckets just turning wood screws. I was coughing so loudly that I couldn't hear the instructional video. I also had to take a little catnap before I could wrap the warp. Common sense and I are not close friends.

My first project was washcloths. I warped with Patons Grace and used Cotton Tots for the weft. I did a simple zigzag stitch on the sewing machine for the edges and let the edges fringe like cut off denim. They are a bit crooked and ugly, but fluffed up nicely after a wash and dry. I have a semi-elaborate nightly skincare ritual and I love soft washcloths.

Fringe closeup

The hot pink thing is a hand towel. The warp is more Patons Grace (a good weight for my 10 dent heddle) and the weft is Peaches and Cream. The mercerized cotton in Grace is strong and shiny, but not absorbent. The Cheapo and Cream is absorbent, but a bit bulky for my heddle. Together they make a great little hand towel. I did a double fold hem with a running zigzag stitch.

I'd hang it next to my toilet with pride.

My edges are rough, but I am pretty patient. My cold is going away and I have more energy and concentration.

I am warping a narrow scarf with Vickie Howell Rock. Third time seems to be a charm. This warping went much smoother and was much easier. The yarn has hemp and soysilk, so I am hoping for drape.

Caught on camera

2009-01-04T23:36:00.005-07:00

These pictures just came up on the screen saver. We were driving through Yellowstone Park for for several days and Isabel was getting really cranky. Every time she'd start throwing a fit, I would point the camera at her and she'd suddenly start behaving.

It was hilarious. She'd be screaming bloody murder because she dropped her Ipod on the floor for the 14th time and couldn't reach it. Then she'd hear me turn on the camera and immediately sit up and shut up. I had forgotten about this. These pictures make me smile.

Wasting Time

2009-01-04T22:59:00.004-07:00

I decided to frog some storebought sweaters to make dishcloths with my new loom. Considering how cheap and available cotton is, I am starting to think I am an idiot. I am making a silk purse into a sow's ear. Again.

Once upon a time, this shade of lettuce green was the most beautiful color in the universe. I couldn't get enough of it. I decorated my apartment with it. I bought every Martha Stewart K-Mart home decor item. It was shabby and chic.

Then I moved to Montana and went to work in the dark and drove home from work in the dark and stared at dirty snow and dead grass for far too long. I worked in a hospital with a dismal green morgue. My closet now is full of hot pink, orange, lime. My friend Angela calls me "Clown Hooker" for my color sense. I have been asked before if I am color blind.

Now that Sgt. Husband is overseas, I am drawn to a stormy, watery green/gray/blue that matches his patient eyes.

I decided to make my second stashbuster sock with a different stripe sequence. Working with four yarns for one row stripes was really irritating. From now on I limit myself to working with two balls of yarn at a time. The second sock uses the same stash yarns rolled into a ball and connected with Russian joins. I don't enjoy perfect symmetry as much as balance. Certain things strike me as right and visually interesting that a lot of people find ugly. I'm okay with that.

Anyway, I am a fan of color.

(Food) Bulgogi Seitan

2009-01-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

I decided to whip up some Korean grub today. I don't have kim chee, I don't know how to cook Korean food, and I'm a vegetarian. Plus the snow is going nonstop and the temperature has dropped 24 degrees in the last few hours--going to the Commissary isn't an option.

Like that would stop me.

I Frankensteined a few recipes together. One was a Betty Crocker recipe. One was from Vegan Dad's Cookbook.

Bulgogi Ingredients
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 Green onions minced (We're snowed in today--I used 3 T of freeze-dried chives.)
3 T sugar

3 cloves garlic minced
2 T sesame oil

1 T rice wine vinegar

1 cup vital wheat gluten

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

Mash black beans with a fork. Add all but last two ingredients and mix well. Add gluten and yeast and mix with dough hooks for 5 minutes. (I don't know about kneading by hand. It's really soft dough. I have a flimsy hand mixer with weak little dough hooks and I'm thrilled to find something they can actually knead.)

Roll dough into teaspoon sized balls and rest on waxed paper or parchment. Flatten with a fork (like peanut butter cookies.) Use a rolling pin if you own one--I don't. Heat a large skillet with a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in the bottom. Fry all pieces a minute or so on each size. Serve over rice. Garnish with scallions if you have them.

Don't burn yours like I did.

Fortunately my kids would rather eat green beans than kim chee. Besides, the only brand sold in town has fish paste. I am too lazy to make my own.

It's hard to style food when your children faint at the sight of food touching. Meh. Oh, well.

Does it taste like bulgogi? I don't know. It was pretty good. The kids ate the heck out of it.

The red thing I have been crocheting is the Big Bow Cardigan from the latest Interweave Crochet. I wasn't interested in it until I saw the designer's pictures of the cardigan without the bow. Gorgeous, ain't it? I am such a sucker for unusual construction. The sweater is worked from cuff to cuff and I learned to make a row of single crochet and foundation chain at the same time. How did I live so long without learning how to do this?

Goodbye, Debbie Downer

2009-01-01T13:45:00.003-07:00

2009 represents hope and growth to me. It's kind of like when you're in bed with the flu for a week and you wake up one morning, not feeling 100%, not like you could run a marathon, but for the first time in a while you fee like you won't die, that you will recover and feel good and maybe even eat again.

This is the year my husband comes home!

I'm branching out to other fiber arts. I'm going to learn to weave this year. I'm crocheting more than I used to. I even busted out the sewing machine last night.

I started a pair of socks for David while waiting in a long line at the Starbuck's drivethrough. (There is only one Starbucks in town--the line is always long.) I declared the socks my "waiting for coffee socks" and all progress so far has been in my car. Even though I'm not one to make resolutions, I need to cut back on fancy, sugary coffee, so I'm bringing the socks to my sofa perch to make some serious progress.

I promise progress and growth this year. Goodbye, Debbie Downer!

Crocheted Clapotis

2008-12-31T20:11:00.003-07:00

Not a success. Not a failure. Somewhere in between. I ran out of handpainted silk yarn and didn't have a way to get any more from the indy seller. I tried to extend the length with fringe, but it only helps so much.

The drape and shine are perfect. I will try again.

I hope you all stay safe tonight. My brother killed himself and my ten month old niece in a drunk driving accident last New Year's Eve. Please don't drive drunk. Please. Somebody has to find your broken car and body. Somebody has to decide what to bury you in. Somebody has to pick out music to play for your grieving friends. Your family will sit in a funeral parlor crying themselves sick and smelling the embalming fluids from your casket.

Public Service Announcement over.

Happy New Year--cheers to hope.

Pretty Awesome, Considering...

2008-12-29T19:12:00.004-07:00

We missed David. He plays a great supporting role at Christmas. He has batteries, wire cutters--all the tools required to bring toys to life. He picks up the wrapping paper and takes out trash. He compliments the food. Christmas isn't the same without him.

Faking holiday enthusiasm is a little like faking an orgasm, except that it goes on for months. My kids deserved a bit of joy, so I bucked up. We baked Jesus a birthday cake with a Montana theme, complete with coconut snow. (Okay, I thought I was buying barnyard animals at Michaels, but we made due with what I bought.) We used this recipe and you can't taste the Vegan at all. Isabel dipped all the animals' faces in the icing so they would have Santa Claus beards.

I bought a bunch of brown Lion Brand Wool from the clearance aisle at Walmart. (Don't be jealous of my extravagant military wife lifestyle.) I wasn't crazy about the color, so I dipped it in kettles of Jacquard Vermilion. It's more of a chocolate cherry color right now, but I am not super sure what I think about it. It's still drying. Maybe I'll dip it again. Maybe I'll keep messing with it until I ruin it.

Isabel named the Tiger and Liger I knit for her Edward and Bella. My teenage stepdaughter is obsessive and contagious. I've tried to explain to her that Twilight is a book series, not a lifestyle. She thinks that Harry Potter fans are dorks, but can't see people rolling their eyes when she natters on and on about teenage vampires in Washington. How old am I that I don't get caught up in magical books anymore? Old.

I hope you had a great holiday. I got a 24" Kromski Harp loom, but it's taking forever to get here. I also got a lot of coffee love gifts. My grandmother knit a cute little scarf for me. I got a beautiful mohair stole from a friend back in KC. I seriously need to take some pictures.

My kids need to go back to school. Soon. Seriously. Please.

Carrotcake Pancakes and a Gnome Home

2008-12-23T16:12:00.005-07:00

I decided to treat the kids to a fun brunch on Sunday after church. These carrotcake pancakes were a hit. The kids insist that I make these for Daddy the morning after he comes home.

If you want to join in the deliciousness, here are my simple (lazy) directions: To your favorite pancake batter (you know I used a mix), add 1 cup finely grated carrots, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.

I used this recipe for the icing, but I left out the margarine. I substituted 1/4 cup of grade B maple syrup for 1/2 cup of the sugar. Very pancakalicious.

I crocheted the Gnome Home for Isabel, but I didn't have anything to live in it yet. Then I got a wonderful surprise in the mail from CJ. She sent us one of her cute little rabbits. Isabel immediately claimed it, so Mr. Bunny will live in the Gnome Home. Thank you, CJ!

I used tapestry wool I found at a thrift store held triple stranded for the house and Mode Dea Dream for the grass. The roof is a bulky hand dye I had leftover. The flower is sock yarn remnants.

The mushrooms felted perfectly. I was sure the stems would turn pink. I saw a dye catching cloth at the commissary and decided to give it a try. It worked so well that I've decided I'm going to use one every time I felt something in the washer.

Isabel will probably never be as excited about handmade gifts as she is right now. I am determined to make her everything I can before she starts requesting brand name items for Christmas.

I am actually looking forward to Christmas now. We bake Jesus a birthday cake every year as our special family tradition. Yup, I'm a Jesus Freak. My kids see church service as one of the most fun and important parts of the holiday. We go to a pretty liberal and fun church, though.

I hope you have a great holiday no matter what you celebrate or how you celebrate. Even if this time of year is usually agony for you, I hope you find a bit of joy somewhere.

Attn: Naysayers

2008-12-20T18:41:00.007-07:00

For those of you who didn't think I could knit vomit, I present my first Stashbusher Spiral Socks. After years of working in hospitals and clinics, I can honestly say that I've seen prettier vomit.

Holy crap, huh? In a strange way I really love them, though.

I also crocheted some thrummed slippers for my grandmother. I used my handspun Targhee two ply in worsted weight and roving remnants. I used a size F hook for a tight gauge. I wish I had shaped a heel instead of fudging my way without a pattern. This pair looks like a pair of kayaks, but my grandmother has long, skinny feet. I hope they fit okay.

You should try knitting or crocheting some thrummed slippers. It's like walking around with your feet in fluffy warm clouds.

I really want to crochet some thrummed mittens. I have been to four stores looking for the Winter 2008 Interweave Crochet, but I can't find it here. I guess I'll have to order online somewhere. Marly's pattern is genius.

Inside out and outside in.

These slippers are every bit as warm and comfy as they look. Now if I could just get my lazy self to the post office, life would be great.

Christmas in Korea

2008-12-17T08:51:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by dawalt71.

My husband went to the aquarium in Seoul. It's interesting to see how other cultures interpret Christmas.

Want to send a holiday greeting to David? His email is: dawalt71 {at} yahoo {dot} com. Send him an a quick email or a free Christmas ecard. He's all alone over there. I have three yelling kids to distract me.

Cheesy Mittens

2008-12-15T21:28:00.004-07:00

It's cold in Montana. Cold. It finally warmed up to -16 F (-26 C).

If you have never experienced this kind of cold, it's intense. Walk out the front door and the artificial fibers in your coat freeze and make it crackle as you move. Take a deep breath and the air is so cold it burns like thick smoke in your chest. After you chip through the ice on the car door, you sit on the foam cushion of the driver's seat and it's stiff. You sit several inches taller. Turn on the car to warm the engine (plugged in all night to a block heater to prevent a frozen engine) and the CD player sounds satanic and warped and the cold machine attempts to play. By now your snot is freezing in your nose. Your lips feel like cracking. Your toes are numb. Your forehead stings like an ice cream headache inflicted from the outside.

My poor little girl endured my bundling this morning. I wrapped her in as many layers as she would tolerate. Still, she stood at the front door with tears in her eyes. She didn't want to go into the cold. She said that her mittens aren't warm enough and her hands hurt. I rubbed her hands, blew warm air on them, and tucked them into the pockets of her snowsuit. I hugged her and tried to give her as much of my warmth as I could. (She refuses to wear high-tech ski mittens. They are too crispy and her hands can't get any air. She's a pickly little thing.)

Cold is not an excuse to miss school here.

The thrums look like little hearts.

As soon as she walked out the front door, I cast on for these mittens. I finished the first one before I took a shower. Now she will have the warmest mittens I can give her. Isabel is excited to wear them tomorrow. She loves the thrums. She said they feel like pillows full of fluffy cheese (???) and she loves cheesy mittens.

Obligatory inside-out $$$ shot.

The pattern is my Tip Down Mittens with Gusset (see Patterns tab.) I used handspun remnants and tiny bits of roving too small to sell. The colors match her snowsuit. I used size 3 needles and only increased the palm to 32. They look huge on her, but the roving needs room to trap warm air.

No child of mine will fear the cold. Not allowed.

Touched by Human Hands

2008-12-14T17:13:00.003-07:00

Look at what my baby made me in church today. It's a sheep! It's the prettiest, smartest, most perfect Christmas gift ever in the whole history of all time. Ever.

She made it with her beautiful little hands.

I sent out David's Christmas package last week. I knit him a bunch of stuff. The kids drew pictures. I foolishly fell in love with a shiatsu massage pillow in Bed, Bath, and Beyond and bought him one. (I broke off the pillow affair before Bed, Bath, and Beyond could file for a restraining order. Ooh, it's so nice.)

There is a little flap over the moving parts that adjusts the depth of the massage. Not one to leave well enough alone, I decided to put my touch on it. I didn't print out a font or anything. I wanted my own handwriting on it. It's 100% wool felt with cotton floss.

It's such a joy to give and receive gifts touched by human hands.

In response to Marissa from my last post... You're right, my husband is a gentleman. That's why I fell in love with him. David's kindness gave me faith in mankind that I didn't have until I met him. I guess "redneck" wasn't the right word. I should have said "hero." Thank God for heroes and gentlemen.

Bootie-licious

2008-12-13T21:22:00.006-07:00

I accidentally felted a sweater. Sad. Very sad.

I reworked it with a zipper and cat patch into a jacket for my 5 year old. She wore it enough times to get dirty, then outgrew it.

I threw it into the washer again and felted it tighter.

I was going to make some more slippers like my pink (the handmade item I wear more than any other ever) ones, but decided to try something new. I shoved one of Izzy's shoes into the armpit of the sweater and traced it with a marker.

Then I traced her shoe flat for a sole.

I shoved one cut out sleeve into the other and traced it.

I flipped the sole over and traced. Then I cut everything out. I decided that the sleeves were too long (did not want gogo boots for house shoes) so I trimmed them a bit.

See how the arms make booties?

Then I dyed the pieces in my crockpot with some Jacquard dye.

I sewed the tops to the bottoms with dental floss and a silk ribbon embroidery needle. I used blanket stitch.

Now I have booties for Izzy. She likes them even though they are a bit big like "big lady shoes."

If I were to make another pair, I would nip in the ankles a bit with a dart.

It's below zero outside. There were 3 ft snowdrifts blocking our door this morning. Since I am stubborn and stupid, I did a half-assed job scraping my windows and I drove right into a snowbank in the middle of the street. (I would have seen if I'd defrosted the windshield properly.) I and spent an hour digging myself out of a snowbank with a windshield scraper.

In my infinite wisdom, I managed to leave the house in sneakers and a light jacket. I, an avid knitter and wool enthusiast, didn't have a hat or gloves or boots or a heavy coat on.

A man with the license plate "BIGDADY" saw me struggling and pulled my car out of the drift.

My friends gave me a lot of crap for marrying a redneck. Sure, I make fun of David for the belt buckle collection, obsessive NASCAR watching, and Larry the Cable Guy jokes, but a true redneck won't drive past a woman with no coat digging out her car with her bare hands. I know in my heart that my husband would do the same thing for anyone. Merry Christmas to all the "Big Daddy"s out there. You give me faith in humanity.

(Food) Black Eyed Peas

2008-12-11T17:44:00.007-07:00

I finally broke down and bought a new slow cooker. My old one was was contaminated with dye. I finally moved it downstairs to the laundry room so it won't be in the way. Now I can conduct my diabolical dyeing experiments in a basement, like a true evil mad scientist.

Now that I have a crockpot that's safe for human food preparation, I can cook more warm, stewy comfort foods. Seriously, this is way better than scented candles. My kids come home from school and sigh about how delicious the house smells.

Another effortless (lazy) meal...

1 lb (2 cups) dry black eye peas

2-3 quarts water

1/2 lb (1 cup) pearled barley or brown rice

1 package taco seasoning (read the label, many are vegetarian/vegan)

Put peas and water in the crockpot and cook on low all day. An hour or so before dinner, throw in the barley and taco seasoning. Turn cooker up to high until grains are cooked.

I served my peas with a green salad and pickles. (I grew up in Texas. I was taught that pickles are required with black eyed peas. And BBQ, burgers, holiday meals, baby showers, etc.)

I took out half of the mixture and put it in the freezer to make Southwestern Burgers next week.

The tree is up! The kids had a good time fighting over the ornaments.

Scrapbooking for Ghetto Mamas

2008-12-11T16:27:00.004-07:00

If you have a photo book sitting around and a bunch of children's homework, you have a scrapbook waiting to happen.

My husband and I have been trying to pawn off this album forever. Seriously, who prints out their vacation pictures in 5x7? I would be willing to bet money that this thing has been regifted at least 3 times.

Here is my lazy little idea.

I put Isabel's school portrait in the front. Then I cut her homework into 5x7 pieces, making sure to catch good grades, her name, the cutest bit... A guillotine type cutter makes this easy work, but scissors are fine. Then Isabel stuffed the pages into the plastic pockets. I'll write a letter for the last pocket for her to read when she gets older.

The good handwriting gene is absent in my family.

It's an easy treasure.

(Food) Gingercakes

2008-12-07T12:30:00.005-07:00

I am going to start marking my food posts so those of you who aren't interested can skip them.

We didn't go to church today because 9 minutes before it started, Isabel still hadn't gotten dressed or brushed her teeth. I know I'll feel guilty for not going, so I decided to actually do something Christmas-y and quit being such a Grinch.

Izzy and I have been busy making Ysolda's Gingerbread Cupcakes. My modifications to the recipe were that we used fresh ginger instead of powdered, added 1/2 tablespoon of orange zest. We also used leftover soy nog as a milk substitute. We use fake eggs--the substitute I buy is easy to use and eliminates a lot of fat and cholesterol. Plus you can let your kids lick the bowl without as much worry about foodborne illness.

Ysolda's recipe was delicious and easy. My 5 year old was easily able to stir the loose batter. I totally recommend it as a winter treat.

Here is my icing recipe. My teenage stepdaughter loves this stuff. (Loves! It!) She thinks it tastes a little like cream cheese frosting.

Creamy Icing:

2 Tablespoons fine nutritional yeast flakes

2 cups powdered sugar

2 Tablespoons apricot preserves

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Splash of soymilk (scant Tablespoon?)

Mix first 4 ingredients together. Add a few drops of soymoo at a time until the right consistency for you.

As you can see, I am not a food stylist. I'd rather have a great time with my kids than worry about how something looks. All three kids inhaled these.

Slinky Crochet

2008-12-06T16:01:00.004-07:00

I am still on a quest to crochet a Clapotis-inspired shawl. I made yesterday's scarf as a practice swatch and have started working in laceweight silk now. I will post directions for the Crochet-o-tee later.

These gray-green photos are of the shawl. The silk is luscious to work with. The drape is amazing. The chain sections make a kinetic fabric that biases and twists. It's really fun and will be very wearable.

The scarf was inspired by this Finnish pattern. English directions aren't available, so I went rogue. I didn't want tassels or wide chain sections because I have a tendency to snag my scarves on just about everything.

Here are my modified English directions, with all props going to Ulla Magazine. Their copyright page allows me to post translations as long as I don't charge you for them.

Yarn: Cascade Venezia Worsted, 2 skeins (436 yards)

Hook: US Size F

Worked sideways.

Chain 236.

Set up row: Skip first 2 ch, dc 9, *skip 5 ch, chain 5, dc 10* Repeat between ** to end.
All other rows: Ch 2 (counts as first dc) dc9, *skip 5 ch, chain 5, dc 10* Repeat between ** to end.

My finished scarf was 20 rows wide, counting the original base chain. I blocked it out to 8 inches wide.

The last dc in each row is worked in the turning chain. I add this because nobody told me when I first started crocheting.

Block the finished garment like you mean it. The drape only intensifies.

I also whipped up a Lacy Girly Fancy Hat. The yarn was rescued from a failed sweater and it took 8 separate pieces to make this silly thing. A smarter person would have thrown the yarn away, but I've never bragged about being too smart. It still needs to be washed and blocked, but I like it. I left out the eyelets and ribbon. It took me 3 hours, including considerable time spent weaving in ends.

This is a gift for someone who wears this color all the time.

Easy Peasy Veg

2008-12-05T17:22:00.003-07:00

I noticed that the more vegetarian meals I eat, the thinner and more energetic I am. While I'll never give up my wool, giving up meat is easy and delicious.

Because I spend most of my time crafting, cooking always comes second. While I admire the talent of all the vegan foodbloggers, that just isn't me.

I have been advised by a friend who wants some easy vegetarian recipes for her meat-hating daughter to start publishing my lazy recipes for you all.

Here is tonight's dinner:

BBQ Tempeh the Lazy Way

1/2 bottle KC Masterpiece Original BBQ sauce

2 packages tempeh (about 8 ounces each pouch)

1 medium onion

garlic powder

olive oil

Chop onion and saute in olive oil until it softens. Sprinkle a little garlic powder on it and give it a quick stir. Fill BBQ sauce bottle with water to top. Shake. Pour over onions. Slice tempeh into 1/4 inch slices and add to watery sauce mixture. Simmer until sauce gets sticky and thick. Serve over toast or cornbread.

I steamed green beans and gave the kids leftover Mac and Cheez to bribe them into trying a new food.

I made Shake and Bake Tofu last night and my kids inhaled it. I'll post the recipe when I get a picture.

In other news, I wore a new scarf and sweater on their maiden voyage today. I hate to admit it, but my handspun sweater was a little i-word. (You know the word nonknitters say about wool.) I was actually scratching my elbows at Sam's Club today before I realized I was acting like a baboon and stopped.

At least I was toasty warm and got a compliment on the scarf.

The scarf is crocheted. I'm writing up directions to give out soon. The drape is lovely. My quest to crochet a Clapotis-type shawl continues, but I am getting close.

Leftovers

2008-12-04T19:40:00.003-07:00

My husband sometimes questions my vast collection of leftover yarn bits. There are times when I am tempted to throw them away, but more often I greedily cling to them like Scrooge McDuck counting his coins.

I had a bit of Noro sock yarn left over, so I decided to gobble up every bit. I saw these mittens on Chicken Betty's blog and thought that was the best dang idea I'd heard in a while. I followed Elizabeth Zimmerman's May pattern from Knitter's Almanac. I followed the pattern exactly except that the gauge is different.

They are strung on a crochet chain through her coat sleeves. These are so frickin' cute.

These pictures are of my foyer. It's not a lost and found center at a homeless shelter. I am hoping for better pictures this weekend, but I think we all know that's not likely to happen. When we are having fun in the few precious hours of sunlight, I never think to grab the camera.

BFF Slippers are done

2008-12-04T11:30:00.004-07:00

My best friend ever is Angela. Sadly, she is blogless.

She is the most amazing woman I've ever met.

She is wicked funny and can get you to laugh at your own pain, even in the middle of a meltdown.

She is an amazing artist.

I taught her to knit a few years ago and she has exceeded my skill. She can knit intricate lace with sticky mohair yarn without making a single mistake.

She has survived through horrible things I can hardly imagine and she is still a good person.

If you want to make a pair of slippers like these, you can follow the directions for Fuzzy Feet, leaving off the cuff. My secret to perfect slippers is to make them gigantic and shrink them to a very dense fabric.

I used Bulky Lopi yarn and did them two at a time using a Magic Loop.

It took 4 washings with hot water before I figured out that my groovy natural laundry soap was not as efficient as dishwashing liquid to felt wool.

I suppose I could shave the fuzz off, but I enjoy the Hobbit-like effect of the halo.

These are off to Missouri. I guess the best part about orders to Oklahoma is that I will get to see her more often.

Crochet Pattern: Papa's Hobo Hands

2008-11-30T15:08:00.005-07:00

I decided that my grandfather needed a pair of fingerless mitts for Christmas. His hands don't fight off the Montana cold as well as they used to. He putters around in the garage a lot and needed yarn that wouldn't show sawdust and dirt.

This is what I came up with--another way to justify my many sock yarn purchases.

These handwarmers are worked in sturdy single crochet stitches. The largest size has long palms that can be flipped back a bit for dexterity. The yarn is fun to work with.

All terms in this pattern are American. UK crocheters will work in double crochet.

Materials:

One skein Araucania Ranco Fingering Weight Yarn--I made the largest size and only used 50g for both mitts. A single 50g ball of sock yarn would work for the two smaller sizes.)

Size C (2.75 mm) hook

Sizes:

Keep in mind that crochet doesn't stretch as much as knit fabric. When in doubt, go up a size.

Man Hands (Lady Fingers, Little Monkey Hands)

Measurement across palm 3.5 (3.25, 3) inches across.

Knuckle to wrist measurement 8 (7.5, 7) inches (or desired length.)

Gauge:

5.5 single crochet per inch

Directions (begin at knuckles):

First round: Chain 40 (36, 32) and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Use a removable marker to keep track of the start of the round.

Chain 1, skip first chain space (this chain will count as a single crochet in the next round) and single crochet in each chain around. 39 (35, 31) single crochet this round.

Second round: Do not turn, start spiraling around mitt--one single crochet in each stitch around, 40 (36, 32) single crochet around.

Continue working in single crochet even until piece measures 3 (2.5, 2) inches. [Work the full 3 inches if you want a folded top.]

Thumb Gusset: At the beginning of the round, chain 12 (12, 10), then continue working the rest of the round as before.
Next round: Single crochet in each chain and all existing stitches. 52 (48, 42) stitches total.

Work even for 3 rounds.

Gusset Decreases: Work 5 (5, 4) single crochet stitches of thumb, then single crochet 2 together [Insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook into following stitch and pull up a second loop. Yarn over hook and pull through both loop on hook--one stitch decreased], single crochet to end of round.

Continue decreasing one stitch each round until 40 (36, 32) stitches remain. Work even to desired length.

Break yarn and fasten off.

Finish Thumb: [An extra stitch is worked over the gap to avoid a hole in the thumb.]

Join yarn where palm and thumb meet with a slip stitch, chain one, then single crochet in each stitch around. 13 (13, 11) stitches. Work in single crochet until thumb touches base of thumbnail. If you can't measure the recipient's hands, 8 rounds should be about right.

Break yarn and fasten off.

Weaving in all ends. Block as desired.

Gifts

2008-11-28T22:24:00.003-07:00

Now I have to wrap this stuff.

I made another little sweater for Isabel's stuffies.

It's a February Baby Sweater [Ravelry link]. I didn't have small enough buttons, so I used a few pony beads out of the kids' craft closet. If I were to make another February Baby Sweater in miniature, I'd leave the lace pattern off the sleeves. The lace makes the sleeves a little fussy. (Barbie's bony fingers get caught in there, too.)

I bought Isabel's Christmas dress. Her favorite color is purple. (If sparkly were a color, that would be her real favorite.) The fancier the better for that girly girl. The only problem is that the dress is sleeveless and we live in Montana. I'm going to knit her a little black shrug. I might try Wendy Bernard's Girlfriend Shrug (pdf).

Late November

2008-11-28T21:36:00.005-07:00

It tasted much better than it looked.

We gave thanks for tofu. It was great. Well, everything was great except the pumpkin pie that I inadvertently spiced with turmeric instead of nutmeg. It stunk like home-baked napalm. I still can't get that taste out of my head. We'll recreate the entire meal (maybe with apple crisp) for David someday when he's home.

I finished knitting the Liger. Since I used thrift store tapestry wool, I'm giving it a good soak before I stuff it. The first wash water smelled a little dusty and thriftstore-ish. The second wash smells like oranges and of lovely wool.

I'm trying to get into the holiday spirit. I wish there were some sort of defibrillator to jump start my enthusiasm. I did manage to buy an Easy Bake Oven and a cart full of art supplies. David is shipping the kids a Wii.

In other news, I've lost 30 lbs since David went to Korea. People are starting to ask me if I've lost weight. That is somewhat awesome.

W is for Watchcap

2008-11-26T15:52:00.004-07:00

David needed a new hat. He continues to wear the one I made his last year, even though it looks like it's been through more wars than he has.

I used the Marsan Watchcap pattern. I liked the twisted rib, but I hope it's warm enough. You can see how the purl stitches get really thin when the rib is stretched. At least there is a deep cuff--extra strength ear protection for bald men.

I've knit for over 25 years now. The first 16 I twisted every purl stitch. This little hat reminded me of the years I wondered why I couldn't get row gauge.

I used Knitpicks Swish Worsted. It really is soft. I have heard about the yarn bleeding, so I'm going to wash this twice before I send it to Korea. I really don't think my husband would like a blue forehead.

Have a happy holiday. I've got a tofu turkey waiting for tomorrow. When I ate meat, turkey was my favorite. I love me some Tofurkey.

November Sweater

2008-11-22T16:12:00.004-07:00

It's done. I did a crappy job blocking. The boat neck is too high and gaps in the center. It needs to be pulled down to the shoulders. Also, the sleeves are a little bit baggy. I'm going to steam block everything and try to make it submit to my will.

The asymmetrical cable is fun, but it makes my second base look crooked.

My bare skin can't handle most fibers during the colder months here in Montana. The combination of wind, dry air, and subzero temperatures turn me into a pink, scaly elephant. So I usually wear long sleeve tees or turtlenecks under my sweaters. (I spent 20 minutes scratching myself and putting on oatmeal lotion after this picture.) It won't be a complete disaster if the sweater stays loose.

I used some cheap Paton's Classic Wool my husband found on clearance at Michael's for $2 a skein. $10 for a sweater ain't bad, baby.