Studio T - Creatively Celebrating the Spirit Within

Coming Soooooon!

2010-08-20T19:54:00.003-04:00

Yeah. I'm still around. I took a pause to restart my life and... I'm doing just that! I left the corporate world, went to culinary school (graduated with honors!) and have been working at a lovely little French restaurant for almost 2 years now. 2 years!

So now it's time for the next round of adventures. This blog will be for the crafty, artistic, traveling, writing, dancing, etc... parts of my life. My other blog will focus my personal cooking endeavors (in depth method studies, recipe creations, and stuff like that there).

Should be back on track within this or next month (September 2010).

Holy Pointy Sticks Batman!!!

2009-07-20T11:38:00.005-04:00

I have actually knit a gauge swatch to completion. It's now resting before blocking. Hell hath frozen overfolks!!!

Today I graduated from culinary school...

2009-06-12T19:16:00.001-04:00

WITH HONORS!!!

The medal around my neck is the honors award, the bottom certificate is my culinary diploma, and the top one is the President's Award for perfect attendance.

I did it! I did it! I did it!

I'm so damn proud! Excuse me while I glow for a few more minutes. LOL! =)

I'M DONE!!!!

2009-06-10T07:41:00.002-04:00

I did it! I did it! I did it!

Monday was my last class and final cooking exam... and I did it! I went in terribly distressed and just disillusioned. Nothing seemed to feel right. But I cooked my little heart out and completed my portions of the 6 course menu each team had to present.

The gazpacho was considered bland and needed something to make it POP. That and they wanted it more refined. I agree on all counts. The yellow tomato sorbet we did turned out pale in color and didn't have the flavor we were hoping for. I wish we'd have stayed with the original recipe rather than changed it to what was suggested. I know now that to make it "refined" I should have peeled the tomatoes and roasted the peppers (then peeled). This would have given the mouth feel some smoothness and added a bit of extra flavor. Live and learn. Another team had also done a kind of gazpacho and added a ceviche to it. The judging chef's thought that the ceviche would have been better in our version of the gazpacho. Something to think about for the future. Idea alert!

As for my graded dish (the one that really counted), the Potato Wrapped Cod with Creole Remoulade. THEY LOVED IT! One of the chef's went so far as to say that it was her favorite of the competition and that she'd definitely order it at a restaurant! Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh, oh, oh yeah! They did give some suggestions on how to really take it to the next level which I much appreciated. I had to laugh because it was the original idea that I wanted to present but couldn't figure out how to make work. The answer was very simple and I'll definitely give it a shot at home. I also should have asked my chef at work because he had another suggestion (also super simple) that would have worked just as nicely. Ah well. I PASSED! I ROCKED! THEY LOVED IT! I kept it simple and went with what I knew and I DID IT!!!

Happy girl!

So Friday is graduation day and I am too pleased to see straight. Bryan hasn't stopped beaming at me and I'm just so proud. I did it! I was determined and I did it!

Thank you for all hanging in there and giving such wonderful support! YAY!!!

The Invisible Woman Becomes Visible Again

2009-05-20T19:27:00.002-04:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've said it more than once but I'm determined to try to be around here much more often dang it! =)

So much happening and so far all for the good. Fibery, beady, and cooking goodness to talk about. Hopeful start adding some travel (local and far away) too. I miss my neat online friends and want to stay in touch!

Let's try this again shall we?!?

2009-05-15T08:56:00.002-04:00

To school that is!

I know, I know. Where the heck have I been? School, work. Work, school. It's been an amazing experience filled with the usual ups and downs but I wouldn't give it up for anything!

Graduation is June 12th and you will all be proud to know that at a minimum, I will graduate with a 93 average though I'm hoping for higher. Phase 3 (which is what I'm in now) counts for 50% of my grade and I've been kicking butt! I love working at Tersiguel's and the future is wide open.

My last class is June 8th. This is the big "cook off" I guess you could call it. We've been put into 5 teams where each team has to:

- Design a 6 course menu for 4 which includes a cheese course
- Stay within a budget of $50 per person ($200 total) wholesale
- Try to be local and seasonal
- AND prepare it for a panel of 4 judges. The judges are Chef Francois (owner of the school), Chef Sam (one of our pastry teachers), Chef R.J. Cooper of the restaurant Vidalia, and Chef Amy Brandewein of Fyve Restaurant and Lounge at the Ritz in Pentagon City (former student at L'Academie). I've been judged by sous chefs from the White House, famous chefs from France, and chefs from well known restaurants around the area. This is different because this is the big one. The last one.

So after MANY tweaks, we had a test run this past Monday at school.

Thankfully my dishes only need minor adjustments based on commentaries from Chef Francois and Sam. As usual, I need to up the salt content in my food. My chef said not to worry, that skill comes with time and experience.

The menu:

1st course: Smoked Gazpacho with a Yellow Tomato Sorbet
This is a joint project between myself and J.J., the pastry student assigned to my team. I made a rustic version of the gazpacho and Chef Francois recommended that I make it a bit smoother to go with the more upscale menu we're presenting. A touch more salt and sourness is needed. I'm going to add lime juice to my recipe rather than up the red wine vinegar content. J.J. has been asked to adjust his sorbet recipe as it was a bit too sweet for a savory dish, but who knew that tomatoes make a delicious sorbet!

2nd course: Creamy Corn Ravioli with Shitakes
Ula's dish. This is fresh ravioli filled with a puree of corn and marscapone cheese. The sauce is also made with corn and it is topped with sauteed shitakes. Very tasty though I would try to find a way to thicken the filling. She is going to add some basil to the sauce to give it more color per the suggestion she received.

3rd course: Fish In Chips
Me again! This is a play on "fish and chips". My original idea involved layering disks of potato over the cod fish but getting them to stick didn't work out as planned. Chef Francois said to go with what I know so I'm going to the back up which I've made several times before. I'm wrapping each portion of cod fish in thin slices of potato, then frying them. This is placed on a Cajun remoulade sauce (French remoulade makes me think too much of tartar sauce and has no color) and topped with an herb salad.

4th course: Australian Lamb Chop with a 3 Bean Ragout
This is Nick's dish but he was out sick Monday so we have no idea what to expect. He said he's made it several times so we have to trust him. We have no idea how long his dish takes and what help he may need. I'm concerned because I know his past track record and... well... *sigh*

5th course: J.J. has found 3 very nice cheeses that we are going to present simply with a matching nibble. One is a goat, one is a sheep and the last is a cow's milk. Each has a covering of some sort (ash, herb, etc...) which will be the tie between them.

6th course: Chocolate and Vanilla Bavarian with a Fruit sauce
He was going to do a roasted banana bavarian but Chef Francois and Sam voiced concerns back during the menu review that it might be considered a bit Wintry. This presentation is simple and soothing. Should be a nice end to a full meal.

And yes, I really need to sit down and start updating this poor blog more regularly. =)

6 Months Down and It's Externship Time

2008-12-18T13:56:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update that I've just successfully completed the first 6 months of culinary school with a 93 average. YAY!!!

I've now begun my externship for the final 6 months of training at: Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant (http://www.tersiguels.com). SQUEEEEE!

Two days down and it's been exactly what I hoped it would be. I'm so glad I chose here.

Take care everyone!

4 X 4

2008-10-27T16:12:00.000-04:00

I know, I haven't been around if FOREVER.

I need to work on that since there's really no excuse.

Here's a silly survey for anyone interested in the mean time:

4 Jobs I’ve Held:
- Fast food cashier
- Software Technical Support
- Business Analyst
- Configuration Management Analyst

4 Movies I’ve Watched Over and Over Again:
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
- French Kiss
- Fifth Element
- Mary Poppins

4 Places I’ve Been:
- San Francisco
- Walt Disney World
- Paris
- London

4 Places I’ve Lived:
-Babylon, NY
- Lexington, KY
- Columbia, MD
- Emmitsburg, MD

Part A: 4 TV Shows I Watch:
- Ghost Hunters
- M*A*S*H reruns
- Mythbusters
- Dirty Jobs

Part B: 4 Radio Shows I Listen To:
I don’t listen to radio enough to have a particular radio show I listen to. Instead I'll list 4 Podcasts I Listen To:
- EscapePod
- Cast On
- APM: The Splendid Table
- PseudoPod

4 Things I Look Forward To:
- Seeing my mom when she gets back from her latest storm duty
- Knitting
- Traveling
- Being cuddled up to by my cat Pierre

4 Favorite Foods:
- French fries
- Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
- Shepards Pie
- French Onion Soup

4 Places I’d Rather Be:
- English countryside
- Quiet island beach
- San Francisco
- Deck chair on a cruise ship

4 People I email regularly:
I don't email anyone regularly. I occasionally send text messages to family and friends but I'm really bad at the email thing these days.

4 People to Tag:
I'd rather just leave this to anyone who's interested and hasn't already played this one. =)

News Flash

2008-08-09T14:39:00.006-04:00

School is going well, you can check my other blog for all the pretty pictures! Here's a shot of the gazpacho appetizer we made last week. YUM!

Crafting has slowed down a bit due but I have finished a few projects to show you:

I made 3 of Lucy Neatby's "Scrunchie Hat". It's quick and makes one cute hat.

The hubby's hat.

My hat and then there was a purple one that I made for mom but I forgot to get a shot of it before I gave it to her. HEY MOM!

Similar to the hat above are these Slinky Socks by Rae Blackledge. I definitely will make these again just not do the short row turnaround to avoid purling as suggested in the pattern. Just not necessary.

And last but definitely not least, we have a new member of the house...

Let me introduce you all to Pierre!

He's a 12 week old seal lynx-point Siamese. He's quickly won our hearts and knows it (he's at this moment sleeping behind my knees while I lie on the sofa writing this). He's going to be a big boy when he grows up too! He's already 4 lbs +. Let's all say it together now.... AAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

School Adventures Blog and News from Belle Armoire

2008-06-30T12:17:00.003-04:00

TWOFER!

First, to follow the adventures of me in culinary school, I've started a separate blog that can be found HERE. I'll put a link to it in the side bar as well. I checked and the school said I can bring a cmera to class so I'll take as many pictures as I can. This blog will remain for regular posts on evyerthing else I get myself into. =)

AND... Trumpets please!

I received back the scarf that mom wove and I beaded the fringe for back from Belle Armoire.

Attached... A LETTER THAT THEY ARE GOING TO USE IT IN ONE OF THEIR ISSUES! Which one, I don't know but I'll post the minute I find out. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Break Out Your Cameras!

2008-06-02T17:18:00.004-04:00

I thought it would never happen but.....

I'M GOING TO COOKING SCHOOL!

I've been accepted to L'Academie de Cuisine!

Details to follow.

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Thank you friends for all your support. =)

It's My Birthday! Oh Yeah!

2008-04-15T11:30:00.003-04:00

Who's 38 today? I'm 38 today? No wonder I'm the biggest kid in the sandbox. LOL!

Home Sweet Home

2008-04-01T18:09:00.002-04:00

Other than going to settlement... WE OWN A HOUSE!

It shows as active but we just got the final confirmation from their agent. I have lots of paperwork ahead of me but at least this part of my stress is over.

Next hurdle? Cooking school!

Kung Fu Theater!

2008-03-29T20:13:00.002-04:00

This is just a quick post to show that I'm still here. Life did try to sneak up on me and bite me in the butt... but I'm making progress. Hopefully I'll be able to report some seriously good news this week and then get back to being "around" for a change. =)

Hugs and love to my friends and family (Hi Mom!). On with the show!

When a Picture “Is” Worth a Thousand Words

2008-01-21T15:26:00.000-05:00

Several years ago I’d heard from a friend about a remarkable concept for a new book being “written”. It’s called SKIN by Shelley Jackson and her idea is to create a book where the only true printing is on the skin of 2095 participants. Word by word, an entire book made up of tattooed people. Each participant becomes a word in her book and as a living book; it is also a dying book. For as long as she can, Shelley will remove words from her book as participants pass away, taking their word with them. She even plans on attending the funerals of her words.

A few years ago that same friend had written to the author requesting to participate. After some time she was accepted and given the chance to become a word. I say chance because you as the participant have no control over the word you’re given. It’s in a specific order and you can take it or leave it. If you leave it, you’re out. No second chances for a better word. The word is put back into the pool to be given to someone else who wants to participate. 2 years ago my friend finally received her word (delay due to illness of the author at the time) and what a glorious word it was. She received the word “world”. This word suited her so remarkably it was as if it was truly meant for her and no one else. Some months later she found the right tattooist to emblazon this word on her and he did and it was beautiful. All of us in attendance were so proud and awestruck.

So now it’s 2008 and the book continues to ebb and flow. So why am I posting about this? I’m sure you’ve guess by now haven’t you? I wrote to Shelley back in 2006 asking to be in her book and I was honored with my own acceptance into the book this past Wednesday. I’ve filled out my release form and mailed it back to her Friday. I replied to Shelley with my sincere thanks and to let her know how timely this all was for me. 2008 is going to be my year. Not a resolution but a promise. It’s still a daily struggle at the moment, but truly being the smiling girl inside that everyone sees of me outside is the path I’ve chosen to take; to become me.

I won’t know what word has been chosen for me for at least a few months if not a year from now. She’s doing this project alone so I have to be patient. Once it arrives I promise to make it known. Whether it’s as simple as the word “the”, as thought provoking as the word “oasis”, or surprising as “end.”, I’m looking forward to another piece of my transformation. Let’s just hope my word isn’t “butt”.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

Regardless of what you celebrate (or even if you don't)... Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, Joyeux Noel, Seasons Greetings, Peace, and all that good stuff! Hope you and yours are well this day. =)

TV Part 2 - The Cool Stuff

2007-12-24T16:22:00.000-05:00

This is the part I wanted you all to see!

http://wjz.com/video/?id=34324@wjz.dayport.com

*SQUEEEE!*

What makes this even more exciting is that the last bit, though we knew they were going to do something wow for the camera, those of us in the background didn't know it was going to go SO amazingly well.

I'm so proud because this all came about from an email I sent the station suggestion they come to the studio and check them out for their 'Coffee With" segment. They did me one better and did 2 segments Friday on their "People are Talking" program. YAY!!!!

*crossing fingers this really gets the attention the gym deserves*

I'm On TV!

2007-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm in the background but I'm on TV!!! I'm in the middle of the group (the one with the freakin' HUGE ponytail) working out with Teri (the little lady in the purple top). If I can find the second section which is even better, I'll post that too!

I'm so proud of our gym!

Maybe My Arithmetic Is Off

2007-12-12T09:16:00.000-05:00

Something has been bugging me for the last few weeks that I just have to express and see if I’m missing something. While over at someone’s home (not saying who to protect the innocent and avoid getting the idiot in question stoned), one of their young boys, 7 years old, was fascinated by the socks I was knitting. He came and sat with me and wanted to try. The other ladies in the room didn’t say anything and I thought it was sweet so I showed him as best as I could on a sample piece. He thought it very funny trying to get the needle to go where it was suppose to go but he kept at it. Someone even took a picture of us trying to knit together. Well, at about this time the boy’s father walked in the room and nearly had a fit. The little boy proudly looked up at his father and said something to the affect of “I’m knitting!” A very angry father barked that he was not happy his son was interested in sissy stuff. From what I later learned this apparently was fueled by an earlier incident in the week where the little boy was found playing with his baby sister’s dolls.

So let me see if I have this straight. Knitting + Male = Gay? What the hell!?! He’s only 7 years old! He’s fascinated by everything and toys are just toys to him. I let it go and told the little boy I’d make him something so he didn’t have to but still… GRRRR!

It just annoys me to know end when I run into people like this. When I worked at a bookstore during my college days, I remember all to well a little boy coming in to get a book with his father. His father was outraged that the book his son had come to get was “Amelia Bedelia”, a series of books his teacher had been reading to the class. Instead good old dad proclaimed when he saw the book, “Why don’t you get a boy’s book, something on football or baseball?” I was furious. Listen you idiot! If he honestly has a desire to read, let him read whatever he likes.

I run into this foolishness far too often yet it keeps surprising me. While at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, wanting to walk up and slap the father who told his young son that they weren’t eating at one of the ethnic food booths they were standing at because it only had weird food. Instead, he was taking him to go get a hamburger or hot dog from a normal food booth. *sigh*

And should you think this is only an issue I have with males, oh no! I’ve known plenty of women whose minds are also closed. When a woman tells you she hopes her baby is a girl because otherwise she can’t do things like pick berries at the local farm and such with a boy, “Boys love their fathers best anyway.” you just feel sad for her.

I want to start my own version of Scouts but mine will be co-ed and everyone will learn to knit scarves, climb trees, read books, cook food from a culture other than their own, and just enjoy life. So there!

Climbing off my soapbox now…

Disappearing Act

2007-11-26T21:31:00.001-05:00

OK folks. This is your warning. I start my classes tomorrow and depending on how bad the commute is will determine how often I can post between then and 12/6. I'll do my best but I ain't guaranteeing anything.

Ciao!

Can I Quote You On That?

2007-11-25T22:18:00.000-05:00

I was reading the latest issue of "The Craft Report" earlier today and came across a quote that struck me, "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." That was from the oh so talented Ella Fitzgerald. It's a very poignant statement at this time in my life. One I hope to commit to memory.

I've come across quotes from time to time that make me take a pause. I thought I'd share a few with you:

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure." ~Bill Cosby

"To create one's own world in any of the arts takes courage." ~Georgia O'Keeffe

"Not all those that wander are lost." ~J.R.R. Tolkien

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared to what lies in us." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." ~T. S. Elliot

"You can't run away from trouble. There ain't no place that far." ~Uncle Remus in Song of the South

"Follow your bliss and doors will open where there were no doors before." ~Joseph Campbell

"The trick is growing up without growing old." ~Casey Stengel

"Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway." ~Mary Kay Ash

"The most potent muse of all is our own inner child." ~Stephen Nachmanovitch

"Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience." ~Victoria Holt

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." ~Joseph Chilton Pearce

"Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody is watching." ~Mark Twain

"Saying no can be the ultimate self-care." ~Claudia Black

"Come to the edge, he said. They said: We are afraid. Come to the edge, he said. They came. He pushed them and they flew." ~Guillaume Apollinaire

I Pledge Allegiance...

2007-11-24T19:15:00.000-05:00

I pledge allegiance to making and buying handmade gifts this holiday season as well as in the future.

While sorting through email I came a cross a wonderful item in my BeadingDaily newsletter. It's called the "Buy Handmade" campaign that encourages people to shop for handmade gifts and support independent artists. If you don't make it and least buy from other artists however you find them; online, art and/or craft shows, from family and friends... I'd actually seen the email a few days ago and saved it to look at it again in more detail. Now that I am, it fits nicely into an earlier post about gift giving and Christmas.

The thought of making something to give to someone I care about just appeals to me whole heatedly. I've regularly bought handmade items over the years as presents but I want to include more and more work from lesser known artists (the ones that don't get into the shows or galleries). And I have a selfish reason as well. I want to be able to sell my work one day soon and in order to give me that chance, I need to support and encourage others so the world knows the value of handmade.

I'm behind on my gift making, as in haven't even started, but for those items I don't make or IOU, I'll be buying them. From Etsy, craft shows big and small, co-op galleries, studio tours, friends and wherever else good things appear.

Anyone else wanna take the pledge? Click above or on the sidebar icon and check out this worthwhile effort for yourself.

The Art of Fighting Without Fighting

2007-11-23T23:55:00.000-05:00

So today several of us met at the Combattitude gym to watch the full (missing footage added in) version of "Enter the Dragon" starring Bruce Lee. To say we had a great time is an understatement. Firstly because here was an opportunity to see the version of the movie that Bruce Lee had wanted to make in the first place. Then we had narration/explanations from Chuck, owner of the gym, who has lived the martial arts life since he was a young child. How cool was it to watch a scene and recognize some of the moves we'd been learning. SWEET!!

Nostalgia hit me while watching the movie. Except for the fact that I wasn't sitting on my grandfather's bed back in New York at the time, the afternoon reminded me of watching "Kung Fu Theater" with him. Every Saturday, there I'd be with him and my brother watching some guy kicking some one's butt while flying through the air for an incredibly long amount of time. When the more modern movies came on, they weren't always as interesting unless they have Bruce Lee in them. He was just too smooth for his own good. There he was, surrounded by 10 guys and after taking out most of them, he'd motion one guy to take him on with the "come here" waggle of his fingers. The guy would of course foolishly come at him and Bruce would send him flying. Taking out the guy sneaking up behind him at the same time.

I never wanted to be the person who got into fights. I had no desire to ever get hurt. I'd never had the desire to take karate, tae kwan do, or any other form of martial arts because I didn't think I'd understand it and again, I didn't want to get hurt! Falling into Combattitude was purely accidental (visiting the school as a favor to a friend). Chuck and Suz, his wife, don't teach fighting so people can go out and kick 10 guys butts whenever they want to. They teach fitness, confidence, and how to defend yourself if necessary. What they teach is adjusted for everyone's needs and abilities. Some people are there just to stay fit or lose weight. Others for self defense. A few want to get into the movies (stunts) and here's an opportunity to learn from a real Hollywood fight choreographer. Once you have the basics, it's just a matter of where you want to go with it. Me? I'm a sponge and have been taking in every blasted thing they've shown me. I'm even taking stick fighting which looks beautiful when done correctly.

Sounds terribly violent? Not really. It can be but it doesn't have to be. Everything is taught with a respect for the art, a respect for one's self and a whole lot of fun mixed in. Where else can you learn how to disarm a person holding a stick and find yourself laughing hysterically in the processes? Chuck and Suz (and everyone else at the school/gym/studio) aren't here to show off. Those that come with that intention end up not hanging around. This is the Cobra Kai dojo from "The Karate Kid" movies. No trophies in the window. No taking a person out nonsense. There are no mirrors anywhere so you can primp and show off. My mom is even having fun doing it!

When we're not learning how to do the various techniques, we're learning how to think. That's where the famous quote, "The Art of Fighting Without Fighting" comes in. Rather than be this emotional wild child, think. Either to avoid a fighting situation or to quickly end a situation so you can get out of there, think. To not be locked into a set series of movies or a single style, think.

Oh and when we're not learning how to fight, we also have the opportunity to learn cosplay combat. Think Star Wars fans in full costume not just holding a lightsaber but actually doing a skit that looks like it's right out of the movies!

Yes, that's me near the end of the video. =)

Thankful

2007-11-22T22:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

The food has all been put away (in the tummy as well as the refrigerator) and everyone has smiles on their faces.

It was a pleasant Thanksgiving overall. We drove over to the eastern shore to visit the hubby's parents and have lunch. Then we headed back to our place so that I can get dinner going before my brother arrived for dinner, movies, and lots of laughter. Roasted chicken, braised carrots, roasted purple potatoes and TWO kinds of pie. For 3 people there was plenty of food let me tell you. I could have had any brother in the world but I am thankful that I have my brother. He is dear and special to me and I am so proud of him. Now to find him a girlfriend.

Tomorrow we have hangout time at our gym, they're screening "Enter the Dragon" which I haven't seen since I was a kid. Then we're seeing either one set of friends or another though which is still in the air until we narrow down timing. Regardless they are all wonderful people that I am very thankful for having in my life.

The only sad note is that my mom is working in Ohio at the moment so I didn't get time to spend with her but we did get to talk lots this morning. We're debating, no plotting, going to Convergence next year. We've been wanting to attend the convention for years but either the location was too far, the classes were of no interest, or we had other plans that conflicted. This year the convention is in Tampa, FL and the classes are incredible!

So now it's getting late and Bry and I are getting sleepy (actually he's out cold on the sofa now). Thank you all for being such wonderful people. I hope everyone had a great day and have only joyful memories.

Pay It Forward

2007-11-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

I was just reading through a couple of blogs that I like and came across this idea on FiberFish's blog. She found it elsewhere, but I think it's a great idea.

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

So, if you are interested in receiving a handmade something from me, leave a comment. The first three will receive something...........knitted, beaded, food? Who knows?

This post actually feeds nicely into a discussion I was having with my mom and then again with a friend today. Presents and gifts should be meaningful. Something you want the person to have rather than some item that will be forgotten a day after the wrapper comes off. It can be as simply as a handmade card to your favorite couple saying you'll watch their child one evening so they can finally have a night out to themselves, or as extravagant as buying every movie your loved one's favorite actor/ess ever made and then creating your own movie marathon (don't forget the popcorn!)

In something I was reading recently, there was a challenge to only spend $3.98 (or something like that) on each person and have the receipts to show for it. What makes the challenge a real challenge is that not only can they not spend more than the set amount, they also can't spend less. They have to spend exactly the sum agreed to. I think one person said they bought a beautiful card and a pack of the person's favorite gum to get the right amount.

For years my mother and I made most of our Christmas gifts and all of our cards, spending months and months getting everything together. One year we were so busy we only did bought presents and cards and several family members and friends thought we were mad at them or something until they realized no one received anything handmade that year. LOL!!!

The point is, the old adage that it's the thought that counts is real. I'm hoping to get back to this sentiment this year and all future Christmases with my family. What I'm hoping to convince everyone to do is that we should have a family trip each year, either before or after the holidays, and make the Christmas presents themed to the trip. Maybe a new camera or journal for the trip or something neat from the destination. Whatever the outcome, I just want present giving to be special again.

Cooking Up A Plan

2007-11-20T21:44:00.000-05:00

So now is the confusing process of deciding what I want to do with my life next. No, not what I want to be when I grow up? I’m never going to do that. I just want to figure out what I want to do with this current phase of my life.

I’m researching culinary options at the moment. It’s probably my greatest love with arts and crafts following right on its heels. There’s no reason why I can’t do both though one will have to be the bread and butter and the other more a hobby. I’ve received so much negative feedback from family and friends about becoming a chef but with the culinary arts I don’t have to be limited to working in a restaurant. I think that’s what everyone who told me I shouldn’t go into that field years ago only saw. There are so many other options! Cookbook editor or author, recipe tester, recipe or product developer, catering, sommelier, cooking teacher, private chef, personal chef, etc…

I’ve loved to cook since I was a little girl; pulling out the various kitchen drawers in order to make myself a little step ladder to get up into the spice cabinet. For what you ask? Why to get the container of parsley to sprinkle on my buttered toast. During the entire process I would do my best to imitate the voice of my hero Julia Child; a budding young gourmet was I at age 6. As I got older and my grandmother allowed me to cook more food on my own, I was again the little chef as I doctored my Campbell’s soup or worked on my perfected recipe for blueberry muffins (they where from a box but still) when visiting my great grandmother.

Once I was into my teenage years, I was cooking all the time and even considered cooking school then but was “convinced” out of it. I loved going to restaurants and then go home and try to figure out how the meal I had was made. Cookbooks and cooking magazines could be found all over my room along side magazines with pictures of the members from Duran Duran or John Stamos in them.

My grandmother and great-grandmother were both excellent scratch cooks and I know it was their influence on me that made me love cooking so much. The best yeast rolls in the world, so soft and yeasty and dripping in butter. Beef stews that made every nook and cranny in the house smell divine. Macaroni and cheese to make a grown person weep for joy! And one of these blasted days I’m going to figure out how to make fried chicken like they did! For now I have to be content buying it already made but it’s just not the same.

Through high school and college I watched my friends go to cooking school, even helped several of them with their projects. Tried to help my brother look into pastry school (his talent among others is baking) though he decided to go into computers instead. THEN, once I realized that computers weren’t of any interest to me did I finally look at cooking and say, “Hey stupid! Why not look into cooking school yourself? And I did but for one reason or another it didn’t work out. Bills to pay, no night courses at the school I wanted to go to (they’d canceled that track the year before I decided I wanted to go to school again), immaturity on my part, and on and on.

Jump to the present day. I’m looking at two schools at the moment, L’Academie de Cuisine and the Baltimore International College (BIC). L’Academie is my first choice but it’s terribly expensive and getting more so every year. The curriculum is intense but exactly what I’d want to stay committed and motivated. Right before I started working where I am now (a job I took because I needed something, anything at the time) I took a tour of the school and got to sit in for lunch with some of the students. They made me lunch which was part of their course work and chatted with me about themselves, their goals, and of course the school. I was giddy with joy when I left but rather than start the application process I got a job where I am now. Ugh! I know nothing about BIC though the head chef at the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World told me he did have someone under him who came from that school. I’m still investigating but it’s definitely on the table.

So here I sit, trying to figure out which I should attend, when I can afford to attend, and what should my focus be on. That last one will probably change as I learn more and more about my options.

I hope to say one day soon that I’ve been accepted to one of these schools and can then report on my experience as I go through it. Here’s crossing fingers!

I’m Back! Honest!

2007-11-19T13:12:00.000-05:00

Anybody out there?

Really and truly, I’m back! So grab a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Nestle down and prepare for a big make up post.

First let me apologize for being MIA for so long. There are lots of good excuses. Well, some are good. Some are just what they are. I do promise however not to go disappearing from the blogosphere again without fair warning. Like, FAIR WARNING: I’m going to be in Configuration Management training (let’s all say Ooooh! Aaaaah!) from 11/27-11/30 and then 12/3 to 12/6 and may or may not have easy access to a computer for blogging purposes.

So let me explain my disappearance in 3 acts.

Act 1: TeAntae promises to not spend so much time on the computer at work doing non-work things. We have a policy at work that states we can go on the internet for non-work reasons but it should be kept to a reasonable minimum and of course, no porn surfing or anything criminal like that. No, I wasn’t doing anything naughty on the computer but I was spending more time that I felt was smart reading blogs, checking out sites like Crafters.org and such. I was getting my work done but apparently I work too quickly and was feeling BORED and completely unenthusiastic about my job! “This is just not who I am!” I screamed inside my head.

[Fade to black.]

Act 2: TeAntae spirals into a deep state of depression but tries to tell herself and everyone else she’s A-OK. Yeah, who was I kidding? All the signs were there. I wasn’t beading, barely knitting, not seeing-call-emailing my friends, not posting, daily psyche-out sessions to get myself out of bed and into the car so I could go to work, staying in a crappy mood more often than not which got dumped on my poor hubby who I adore for being the sweet, wonderful man he is for putting up with me. The list goes on. I have two weird habits when I get like this. I either clean everything within an inch of its life (I hate to clean) or buy magazines and books like it’s the end of the world and just read, read, read. There are piles of magazines and books everywhere right now! And you can only pretend so long that the tears are from something in your eye or from waking up, or whatever the lame excuse might be. Some say the truth will set you free so here it is. The truth is: I hate my job. I’m not doing what fills my heart with happiness. I’m doing everything for all the wrong reasons and I feel like I have no choice but to continue like this because I don’t know what else to do!

[Curtain closes with a collapsed figure on the floor sobbing]

Act 3: TeAntae goes on a much needed vacation to clear her head, sails the HIGH seas, and gets her wedding vows renewed by Captain Stubbing. Sing it with me now! “Love, exciting and new. Come Aboard. We're expecting youuuuu!” OK, I made up the Captain Stubbing part but we did get our vows renewed by the captain of the Disney Magic for our 5th wedding anniversary. Pictures and stories galore in an upcoming post! I put all of the past insanity into the cabin safe until the end of the cruise. Not now, not this time. I was able to sleep soundly and smile daily. I think my body was a bit confused at this sudden change but it loved every minute of it. I sat one day and just grinned until my face hurt as I looked out at that beautiful azure blue, laughter all around me, and felt the stress just wash off me. Somewhere in the back of my brain I knew I’d have to face the craziness again but this time I couldn’t just live with it. I had to make a plan.

[A determined woman sits in a teak deck chair watching the ship sail into the first port]

So now I’m back and though much of the angst has come crashing back onto me (damn tears), I’ve decided to make some drastic changes for myself. You, my faithful readers, get to hang on for the ride and when necessary bonk me on the head when I’m caught slipping.

Change 1: Ala the always inspiring Margot, I’m going to post every day as of right now! I can’t guarantee they’ll all be winners so be forewarned. When I first started blogging, I was on another popular site that became a trip back to high school with all the nonsense that was being posted and petty squabbles. I just don’t care who’s not speaking to whom or whose boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife is better. I promised myself when I started on Blogger that it would only be about my various crafting endeavors and the occasional off topic but still fun. To post daily though that won’t always be the case. That being said, it still won’t be a school girl’s diary. There will be rants, recipes, observations, and of course craft/art goodness.

Change 2: Make time for myself to pursue my artistic side much more seriously. I have an Etsy.com store setup for my mom and me but it’s been languishing unloved and unused for about a year now. What’s the hold up? That damn fear thing. Fear that I have no talent. Fear that no one will like my work as much as I do. Of course there’s no way of even knowing if it’s true until I try so why play the fortune teller? I’ve tasked myself and my mom once again to make 5 things. Anything we want, just make them and make them good. Then we’ll put them up on Etsy and see what happens. Maybe nothing. Maybe something, but we have to at least try.

Change 3: GET OUT OF THIS JOB! I need to figure out a game plan. One I can live with and then just do it. No looking back. No second guessing. Just do it. I have two dreams: being an artist and being a chef or something in the culinary field. I love being creative and seeing people made happy by my work. It’s what has always made me happy; I just foolishly never thought I could make a living doing either and always got talked out of trying by family and friends. No more! I’m leaning towards culinary with the craft/art part on the side, but I will do one or the other and as soon as possible. I’m already researching culinary schools in the area.

So if you’ve hung in this long, thanks so much. The journey ahead is going to be like Alice falling down the rabbit hole at times but I intend to win this croquet tournament.

Beads Do A Body Good

2007-09-17T21:15:00.000-04:00

Figured I'd let you see some of the beadwork I've done (it's been awhile... too long):

Oh and one of the early dolls I sculpted. Mind you, I still stink at hands and feet. *sigh*

One Word...

2007-08-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

RAVELRY!

I'm listed by my first name (TeAntae) over there. Come and say "Hi!". =)

Mom is Safe and Sound

2007-08-02T09:27:00.001-04:00

To those of you who've called or sent emails, thank you so much for all of your concern. To everyone, whether you're aware of this or not, mom has been working storm duty in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region since she got back from her European trip in June. THANKFULLY she was not in Minneapolis-St. Paul this week. She has been in Orlando, FL since Sunday at a training seminar/conference. She flies back to Minnesota today.

I didn't even hear about the bridge collapse until Mom called me last night. She found out from a friend of hers who'd called to see if she was ok. Then the flood of emails and calls starting coming in.

I think the one spooky thing about the whole thing for us is, though mom doesn't regularly travel that bridge (her territory is in the surrounding suburbs) we traveled that bridge a few times while I was up there visiting a few weeks ago.

Again, thank you for all of your care and concern. Everyone is breathing a huge sigh of relief believe me.

Got That Monkey Off My Back

2007-07-23T20:11:00.000-04:00

And on to my feet!

Though slightly delayed, my Monkey socks are DONE, DONE, DONE, DONE, DONE!

Thanks to Cookie A. and to Phoenix Fiberworks, these socks are just lovely.

I love to name my creations so these regal looking socks are now named "Hanuman" after the Hindu monkey god.

I definitely will make theses again... and again... and again... =)

Etsy, Etsy, Bo Betsy

2007-07-10T19:33:00.000-04:00

I did it. I succumbed to the power that is Etsy. I was editing my shop and looking around for layout ideas (no, it's not ready to officially open yet) and just happened to look at the yarn dyers. Silly me! I bought! I couldn't stop myself and I bought!

One of those gorgeous yarns was the "Bittersweet" by Phoenix Fiberworks. I hope to finish the second sock by this weekend. LOVE THEM TO PIECES!

On to the other yarns:

These huge skeins (550 yards!) of gorgeous sock yarn are by Fearless Fibers. From left to right, the colorways are: Butterscotch, Lavender Whisper, and Midnight Passion. Not sure if all will be turned into socks (plenty for long ones) but... EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

This drool worthy skein is by Sunnyside Ellen, and is called Light Breeze. It's the skein that started this whole mess in the first place. You just don't understand. I. HAD. TO. HAVE. IT! And when it arrived, it was as gorgeous as it appeared on screen.

These three are from the yarn talents of See Jayne Knit Yarns. From top to bottom you are looking at: Lime and Violets, Green Tea, and Plum Camo. Yeah, I got on a green kick but how could I turn these beauties down?

And if that wasn't enough, Yarn4Socks.com was running a SALE! I had resisted right up until the evening of the last day of the sale and then... well see for yourself...

The loot above:

Lorna's Laces "Vera"
Lorna's Laces "Daffodil"
Yarn4Socks "Casapa Seaweed"
J.Knits "Boston"
Seacoast Handpainted "Gilded Lily"
Seacoast Handpainted "Peanut Butter"
Fleece Artist "Stone"

And finally (for this entry) I just have to show you 4 stunning balls of yarn that mom brought me back from Italy. The single ball is by Sesia and is called "Ricciolo". It will be used to trim something. I don't know what but something. The other 3 balls are by BBB and are called "Vanity". I wish you could see the colors better. It's lovely. Again, no ideas on the use yet. But for now I'm content just gazing at it in happiness.

Still need to post yarns from swaps and clubs!

Catching Up

2007-07-05T16:59:00.000-04:00

Hi there folks!

Sorry for the long pause. Work (and life) sometimes has a way of running you ragged. Quick example: I worked a 17 hour day back on the 21st trying to wrangle 27 documents prepared, reviewed and out the door (electronically) by midnight. Then all those documents had to be printed (1 color copy, single sided and 5 B&W copies, double sided). One of those documents was over 500 pages. AND THEY DIDN'T WANT TO GO TO KINKOS!

Anyway...

This is just a little quicky to let you know what I've been up to on the crafty side.

- My first month's beaded journal page is done and I'm working on the second. I'll post pictures of both later this month.

- I've finished one of the Monkey socks out of a gorgeous colorway called "Bittersweet" by Phoenix Fiberworks. It's coming out fabulously! The pattern is lots of fun and the yarn is just gorgeous done up in this pattern. Don't you think? =)

- Slowly but surely the two socks one two circulars are coming along. Not a technique for zipping along but it does work.

- I've finally gotten the nerve to cast on for my first "sweater". Pictures as it progresses.

The next posts will be with pictures of the TON of yarn I've gotten over the past month (yep, mostly sock yarn) and other neat stuff.

Persephone's Folly

2007-06-05T18:03:00.001-04:00

When Persephone ate those three pomegranate seeds, she broke her mother Demeter's heart. Hades tricked her into eating food from the underworld, forcing Persephone to return to the underworld for 3 months each year. Every time she does, Demeter grieves and stops blessing the world with warmth and abundance by plunging the world into a bitter cold (Winter) as she despairs. So what does this have to do with crafting you might be wondering? Well over the weekend I finished my fingerless gloves!

With these beauties, I'll survive the coldest office or dreariest of Winters!

The details:

The Yarn: An exclusive colorway from Scout's Swag in the first round of the Indie Swag Club called.... POMEGRANATE!
The Pattern: Rock Opera by Lisa Shobhana.

Now to wash, block and then use them so much I'll need to make another pair!

Happiness Is...

2007-05-31T20:19:00.000-04:00

Getting to talk to your mom when she's so far away.

Mom called! She bought an international calling card and called me a few hours ago. I was so excited even though I knew the call was coming (she emailed me she was going to call). I MISS MY MOM!

We squealed and talked for a bit though I didn't want to keep her up too late as it was 11PM her time. She was wide awake though since they'd just come back from the Eiffel Tower!

I'm so happy she's having a wonderful time and look forward to spending lots of time with her hearing about her adventures.

LOVE YOU MOM!!!

I'm The Queen Bee

2007-05-31T19:49:00.000-04:00

Over the holiday weekend I finished my second pair of socks, this time using a kitchener stitch toe. I'm not 100% sure I did it right but it looks good. I LOVE MY SOCKS!!!

The pattern is the "Seduction Socks" from Interweave Knits. The absolutely gorgeous yarn came from a wonderful seller I found originally on eBay, Susan Sarabasha. Her website is: www.spinningbunny.com. The colorway is called Golden Sunset. I've named my socks "Queen Bee Socks" because they just remind me of bees and beehives and it just screamed "Look at me!" I am definitely getting more of her yarn, and once I get better control of my spinning, her roving too!

And as an extra reason to smile, my mail carrier delivered the following a little while ago!

Ordered from Phoenix Fiberworks on Etsy.com. The colorway is called "Bittersweet" and is a lovely shades of burnt orange and maroon. It's 440 yards of DK goodness. Nice warm socks or something will be made out of this.

These two yarns are from the Destash blog. I picked up these from Valerie who happens to be one of the owners of Yarn4Socks. The one on the left is called "Run Like Hell" and is from an older Scout Swag yarn. The two balls on the right (the left came off of the larger ball on the right) is by Twisted Fiber Art and is called "Lizardman". Yummy yarns aren't they!

These two balls of Regia Jacquard are also from Destash that I got from Adelle. These will get turned into socks for the hubby.

Randomness

2007-05-28T13:25:00.000-04:00

Goodness! I've been tagged all over the place. Ok, ok! I'm playing already. ;-)

Here's how it goes. . .each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag 7 others & list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you tag a note in their comments letting them know they have been tagged and to read your blog. So here it goes!

7. Up until my adulthood, I'd never owned a store bought costume (bought a costume. My mother always made them for me. We would spend months researching and preparing, seriously! I was a Spanish dancer one time with layers upon layers of taffeta. I was a geisha and the local Chinese restaurant retied my obi and re-did my hair (using nice lacquer chopsticks!) for me when I went in to visit. It's one of the many reasons why it's my favorite holiday.

6. One of my favorite hobbies, though I haven't had a chance to do it in a long while, is figure sculpting. On a whim, I took a figure sculpting class over a Summer at the Torpedo Factory and absolutely loved it! Mom of course has my little naked bodies all over her apartment. Sadly I never got around to getting them fired so they'll slowly disintegrating.

5. Hmm... that leads me into another one. My mom and I use to make porcelain dolls a few years back. One time we had so many body parts for dolls in the trunk we just knew a police officer was going to pull us over one day and arrest us! A little after that I moved into sculpting dolls from Cernit, Fimo and Sculpy. Once I find some more time, I'll get back into it.

4. I am a big fan of old radio dramas (yay XM Radio!). I've got "X Minus One" on right now in the background. Back with the Disney Institute was in full swing, I took a class on radio dramas and got to record a small part (I'd come down with a cold right before class) as Bunny Fryer, you know, daughter of the hot dog king Oscar Fryer. LOL!!! I broke into a Southern accent out of know where and just went with it.

3. I have a fairly decent size collection of action figures and fast food premiums currently sitting in boxes, waiting for the day I can take them out and display them again. When I was living at home, I had decorated my room in them, pinning the action figure packages to the wall. One day the neighbor's child came over to sell something for school and while standing in the doorway looked over into my room. My mom said his eyes got huge and he asked if she had a toy store in there. *giggle*

2. I've never learned to swim, even after numerous attempts at lessons. Part of it was because I could never figure out how to turn my head to get a breath while swimming. The main part was because I could see where I was going and would panic. It wasn't until last year that by listening to someone else mention the same thing that the solution was communicated to me! Prescription swim goggles! Though I hope to get Lasik surgery so I don't have to worry about glasses at all, if I don't get it done, I'm getting prescription swim goggles!

1. Some years ago I had a fairly successful cookbook review e-newsletter that I started purely by accident. I was testing out online services for my company and on a whim created a e-newsletter on reviewing cookbooks. I love to cook so this was an easy subject to play around with for a short time. In a fairly short time I had 500 subscribers and growing at a nice rate. After 2 years, my life got a bit... out of control, and I had to let it go.

I think I'm one of the last to people to play so I'm tagging anyone who wants to play along.

No Sheep For You Questionnaire

2007-05-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

To my swap partner, here you go!

No Sheep For You Questionnaire

1. Are you vegan?
- No but I enjoy vegetarian and vegan food. I cook that way several times a week.

2. Look at your yarn stash. What colors do you see?
- The amount of blue doesn’t surprise me but the greens and magentas (that I bought) do. I'm in a few yarn/sock clubs so I have yarns I don't think I'd have bought on my own but really like!

3. What sizes of needles do you own, or do you pretty much have a full range of sizes?
- I have that Denise circular set so I have most of the major sizes there. I have a bunch of size 10.5 straights because I either forgot and bought another set or received them as gifts. I have a few sets of DPNs now that I’m sock knitting but not a wide collection. I need to sit down and actually make a list of what I have so I can just knit as necessary.

4. Out of the following, do you prefer:
- softness or durability: Softness. I know I should pick durability but durable yarn wont get worn if doesn’t feel good.
- generous yardage or quality of fiber content: I struggled with this one but I’m picking quality of fiber content. A lot of crappy yarn is just that, crappy.
- knitting or crocheting: Knitting. I don’t know how to crochet yet.
- making bags or small wearable accessories like hats, socks, etc: Technically both but small wearable accessories are what I prefer to make.

5. What are your favorite non-animal fibers (include silk as a non-animal fiber, if you are not Vegan, since everyone else seems to do so)?
- I haven’t tried a large range of non-animal fibers yet so I don’t have a favorite at the moment.

6. Is there a specific non-animal fiber, or family of fibers, that you have not yet tried but really want to try?
- Ceramic, Seacell, or corn.

7. What non-animal fibers do you absolutely hate, if any?
- Still experimenting so I don’t know yet.

8. Are there some qualities of certain yarns that you especially like or dislike (by this I mean things like: prestrung beads, metallic threads, thick/thin texture, nubby texture, slipperiness, etc.)
- Excessive slipperiness. I have done beading crochet with nylon which looks gorgeous but trying to wind that stuff up is a pain in the butt! I have a couple of skeins that sit in a bag, waiting to be untangled. A few others are in bags until I can figure out how to safely ball them up.

9. Anything else you want to add?
- I’m a kid at heart. I’m easily amused by cloud formations, Cheshire Cat moons, and pretty colors. I love to travel, read, and just enjoy life as much as possible. Ask me questions and I’ll do the best I can to answer them.

Knitflix Summer Blockbuster Swap Questionnaire

2007-05-23T09:16:00.000-04:00

To my patient partner La Verna, here is my questionnaire finally filled out:

1. Since this is a summer blockbuster swap, would you rather receive a summer action/adventure movie, a light romantic comedy, or a suspense/thriller?
- Hmm… of those three I’m leaning towards the action/adventure movie but that’s because I’m waiting patiently for Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End to come out! Most light romantic comedies these days are the same tired old formulas so I tend to avoid them. Suspense/thrillers can be enjoyable but I’m not into the espionage/government spy kind. Unless it’s James Bond of course, then all bets are off!

2. What is your favorite film genre or type?
- I’m all over the place but generally fantasy, intellectual/clever comedies, and period pieces are what I enjoy most.

3. List 3-5 of your favorite films and why you like them.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: I remember clearly the first time I saw this on TV as a child. The whole family made a big production of getting ready to watch it (popcorn, candy, etc…) and we ooh’d and aah’d through every scene. Totally entrancing I had to watch it every time it came on after that and this brother surprised me with my own copy on DVD. I have the Johnny Depp version as well which I enjoy for different reasons.

- My Fair Lady: The movie that made me want to be Audrey Hepburn growing up. Her transformation from flower girl on the street to lady at the ball, while still being herself is something that caught my attention. It’s something that Audrey Hepburn embodied in many of her movies as well as in real life.

- Alice in Wonderland: First of all it's Disney! Beyond that, it’s one of my favorite children stories that makes me smile every time I watch it. I've collected many things from this movie including the autograph of the lady who did the voice for Alice (she did Wendy Darling too!)

- A Christmas Story: Ok, I know that “It's a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol” are suppose to be the Christmas classics but you have to have this one too! It’s funny, it’s sweet, and it reminds so many people of their own lives. I was that kid with too many layers on in the Winter!

- French Kiss: An emotional movie for me. Though a comedy that makes me laugh out loud, my mood deeply influences how this movie affects me. Good mood and I’m quoting all the lines and laughing myself silly “People make my ass twitch.” Sad mood and I’m balling for no reason. Bad mood and I’m thinking cynically how that just doesn't happen to real people. Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan have such chemistry in that movie!

4. Do you like foreign films? Would it annoy you to watch a film with subtitles if you are knitting/crafting?
- I do enjoy foreign films (especially the period martial arts ones) but don’t do any sort of crafting that requires heavy concentration while watching them. Stockinette stitch or stringing beads for a project is about as much as I want to handle while reading the screen. I want to rent 'Amelie' but never seem to have a good time to do it for that reason.

5. Is there a movie that you've always wanted to see but haven’t?
- I’m working my way through the classics at the moment. Still to go are such movies as: African Queen, Funny Face, Roman Holiday, The Sound of Music, Vertigo, and Rear Window.

6. Do you have any favorite actors?
- I live in two worlds when it comes to movies:
Old movies: Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Rex Harrison, Errol Flynn
New movies: Emma Thompson, Minnie Driver, Johnny Depp, Will Smith

7. What kind of movie night treats do you like? Type of Candy? Popcorn?
- Popcorn, cheese doodles, pretzels, and potato chips. For sweets I like Raisinettes.

8. Are you a sock knitter, lace knitter, or hat/mitten/scarf knitter?
- All of the above.

9. What are your favorite fibers?
- Haven’t met one I haven’t liked yet except for those listed below. There are plenty of fibers I’d love to try that I haven’t played with yet such as soy silk, corn, ceramic, cotton, bamboo.

10. What fibers do you dislike or are allergic?
- 100% acrylic and any other fibers that just feels horrid to touch. No allergies to fiber that I know of.

11. What are your favorite colors?
- Any color that reminds me of the beach, sea, ocean, and the islands. Colors that say “Travel” like magentas, mustards, Spanish tile orange, and indigos. Warm, relaxing colors like lime greens, orange sherbet, washed pinks. But I’m willing to try all sorts of colors.

12. What colors do you not like?
- Bad combinations and extremely bright colors (e.g. 80’s neon). I have however been surprised by colors I would never thought to put together working because of the tones used.

13. Is there anything else that your partner should know that will help her spoil you?
- Let’s see. Keeping on movies for a moment longer, there are movies I love to pull out or rent because they are guilty pleasures such as Joe vs. the Volcano, The Pirate Movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Popeye (with Robin Williams).

I don’t drink coffee. I’m a hot chocolate and tea drinker.

I don’t have pets at the moment but I hope to have cats once we get a house.

I’m a HUGE Disney fan. I was married at Walt Disney World, member of the Disney Vacation Club, pin collector, etc…

Beyond knitting, I’m an avid beadworker; predominately beadweaving techniques. I've just started playing with altered art such as altered books, artist trading cards, and such.

I love to read, travel, and if it’s not listed here, but you’re curious, just ask. =)

La Dolce Vita

2007-05-22T08:18:00.000-04:00

Quick update on mom's adventures through Europe:

She's in Italy and I think if she had her way, she'd move there permanently. Two days in Venice and she was totally taken with the city. I had to laugh because I'd already warned her that in reading Rick Steve's book Postcards from Europe, one of the ladies on a tour fell so head over heals in love with the city, she tossed her medication (she was on sort of depression pills) into the Canal and swore she was home!

Right now she's in Florence and as it's a hot bed for fashion, I wonder if she'll find any good yarn or fabric stores? LOL!

My Summer Knitting Goals

2007-05-20T22:09:00.001-04:00

While reading Jennifer's blog I found out about a contest that Ali is running on her blog. It's a Summer Goals Contest and it's truly easy to play along.

What's the contest for? A copy of her Fitted Tank pattern that she did for Blue Sky Alpacas and 4 hanks of the appropriate yarn in your color choice.

Go to her blog for all the details and then mention who referred you to her blog and the contest. That would be me if you're hearing about this for the first time. =)

Get a move on though as the contest will run through the end of the month (May).

At first I wasn't going to enter this contest but I realized that since I'm setting the goals, why the heck not!

My Summer knitting goals are short, actually only 2 but for me they're HUGE goals. Especially with me also particpating in the 2007 Bead Journal project. Anyway, they are:

#1 Complete the wrap sweater from Kiparoo Farms all the way down to the finishing!

#2 Be caught up on all the socks I need to either to be on track for the 52 Pair Plunge project or my own personal modified goal of 12 socks in that same time period.

That's it. I know it's not much compared to others but it's realistic for me.

Lots of Pretty New Yarn

2007-05-18T19:17:00.000-04:00

I didn't get the chance to post the pictures of the yarn I received from the Socks that Rock Club or Scout's Indie Swag Club before the Maryland Sheep and Wool and now I've received 2 more skein of yarn. One is from the Y4S Sock Club and the other is my reward/trade for completing the Yarn Focus Challenge '07 last month. Here are the goods:

First let's start with Scout's Indie Club goodness:

This gorgeous skein is called Lavender Mint and the shot simply does not do it justice. It's a a subtle colorway that is just luscious in person. I'm slowly going through all of my sock patterns trying to find just the right one for this. I may have to just go "ennie meanie minie moe".

I didn't take a picture of the swag that came with but I also received:

A container of "Heal My Hands" hand balm in a Lavender Mint scent. I wonder where the colorway got it's name from? =)

A tube of "Heal My Lips" lip protectant in a Madagascar Vanilla scent. Smells lovely!

A sample of "Heal My Heels", notice a theme here?

A sample of "Heal My Face" 3 grain scrub and mask.

I'm going to test the products when I will be at home all day. The "Hands" and "Lips" products both contain avocado butter and I'm apparently allergic to avocados. Nothing dangerous but eating avocados makes my mouth tingly in disturbing kinda way. The "Heels" contains tea tree oil which I tried once as part of a mouthwash and broke out into hives. Quickly went away as fast as it came on but still... The "Face" seems to be the only one I dont' see anything in it that might be a problem. Now mind you, all of this is purely unscientific. I tried an avocado once and asked my husband if my mouth was suppose to tingle while eating those things. He quickly had me wash my mouth out. The tea tree oil mouthwash was by process of elimination after the hive attack a few days in a row but it could very well have been something else in the product. Anyway... back to the good stuff!

This exotic colorway is called "Walking on the Wild Tide" from the Socks that Rock yarn club. It undulates and is surprising and oh so stunning up close.

The accompanying pattern is called "Grasshopper" and it's a lacey kind of sock that has a neat seam up the back. I'm debating order the second skein to make the tall version (the seam is more pronounced in that one) or just do the shorter one pictured with this skein and do the taller in something else. Hmm...

Next we have the skein of sock yarn I received for completing the Yarn Focus Challenge '07. Thanks Rebekah for hosting this. It was truly an eye opener. I think the hubby is eyeballing this one for socks of his own. =)

The last pretty little number is from the Y4S Sock Club by Yarn 4 Socks. This is the June package that they decided to send early. The yarn is by Seacoast Handpainted Yarn in their Melonballs colorway. It's 60% merino, 30% bamboo, and 10% nylon.

The accompanying pattern is called Giotto and is a hot little lacy number created by Anna Bell of My Fashionable Life. I definitely want to make this one exactly as is.
I've been in ball winding heaven these past few weeks along with knitting away among other projects and am trying to find every spare minute I can to create something. I simply must have more free time! *petulant foot stomp*

Mom's In Europe!

2007-05-15T08:20:00.000-04:00

Mom and I had always dreamed of one day taking a Rick Steves Europe through the Backdoor vacation. Well, at least one of us finally did it. =)

Mom left last Friday, May 11th, for the Netherlands to begin her 21 day tour (that officially started Mother's Day) of Europe.

She's been able to send me emails and a couple of video postcards so far to let me know what she's been up to. I got the "brilliant" idea last night to start posting some of those things to her blog, partially to keep her friends up to date and as a surprise keepsake for her for when she gets home in June. She'll probably kill me for doing it but hey, she should never have given me the password to her account. >=)

Anyway... the first post is up and I'll post more tonight. If you want to follow along too, just head on over to her blog.

Commited

2007-05-14T19:19:00.000-04:00

I'm taking on a project that I have mixed feelings about. Not bad mixed feelings, just nervous feelings. I want to participate because I want to open up my horizons, let out all those ideas bouncing around in my head, let my beads sing out. But then there are the feelings of "can I really do this" that peek around the corner of my mind. I've quickly squashed that. I know I can do this and I'm going to definitely try my darnedest to do this. What am I rambling about? It's the 2007 Bead Journal Project that artist Robin Atkins has just started up.

What is this project I've put myself in? Here's the basics:

I'm making a 1-year beading commitment to create 12 "journal" pages (one a month) with bead embroidery. If you've seen or heard anything about the various quilt journal pages going on, you know what I'm talking about. Page size is my own choice though each month should be about the same size. Other than that, it's up to me how to proceed. Flat or 3D, bound or not, mixed media or only beads.

This madness starts June, 2007 and apparently there is a possible exhibition opportunity at end of year. The journaling aspect of beadwork is exciting me. The challenge makes me vibrate with ideas. I'll officially start June 1st; from idea to completion. The only thing I want to decide on now is the format of my pages. Hmm...

How will this affect other projects I'm working on? I don't know yet. I'm definitely not trying to overload myself. I will definitely make sure that all commitments get made in some fashion or another.

If you want to experience this as well, check out Robin's blog from the link above and if you're game, email her and get ready to PLAY!

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Recap

2007-05-11T23:21:00.000-04:00

I had a plan. Really I did. Then I actually walked onto the fairgrounds and that wonderful plan went out the window. Honestly though, I did pretty good compared to past years of random buying with no thought in mind as to what I would do with everything. This year all the yarn was bought for a purpose, and of course plenty of patterns for future use (but patterns don't really count anyway.)

So let's get to the yarn porn!

First up is this gorgeous yarn and pattern from Kiparoo Farm Studio. I love their stuff and the people of Kiparoo. If you're out this way, they have a cute little studio/shop you can visit too! All of this is going to be the VERY FIRST SWEATER I've ever knit! What's not shown are 3 skeins of a solid green that they are dying for me and should be here in another week.

A close-up of the pattern. It's a wrap-around sweater/pullover. It's so very beautiful! I'm a little nervous since the trim around the neckline and the end of the sleeves is crochet but mom said she'd help and the people at Kiparoo said to come by on a Saturday and they'd assist too. There are several buttons on it that I think I may bead but we'll see when the time comes. First things first, I've got to actually do a gauge swatch (EEK!) and get the right needles out.

What's this? Could it actually be? Yes, I'm going to finally break down and make a Clapotis! I hope it comes out as nice as the colors look like in those skeins.

I wanted to know what the big deal is with Koigu so I picked up some yarn to make the Traveler's Stockings from Interweave Knits. I had planned on doing the entralac one's from a different issue first but I think this is as good a place as any to start.

There was a lady at the show selling among other goodies, skeins upon skeins of recycled sari silk yarn! She runs a shop that helps support women in other countries by having them help themselves through craft and this yarn is one of those products. The large skein and skein to the left are for the Unbiased purse. If I run out, I have the extra skein for that. If I don't need it, I want to make a cute little cap out of it.

These two skeins of tropically yarn almost became socks but instead they will be turned into the Morning Glory caplet from Interweave Knits. I had a lot of colors to choose from but this colorway caught my eye.

SOCK YARN! No more need be said.

Mom and I chatted with Anne at the show and she was a pure delight. I picked up this kit to felt onto a felted purse later on. I have a good idea which pattern it will be but I think I have plenty of projects to work on right now at the moment. Don't you agree?

When mom and I came upon Elaine Eskesen's booth, it was pretty well wiped out and it was still the first day. We saw samples of the work in this book, Silk Knits, that she had out but when we went to buy the book from her, she was sold out! We walked a few booths down and found 2 copies sitting there just waiting for us to buy them. SNATCH! Trotting back down to Elaine's booth she laughed and happily autographed them for us. Such pretty patterns!

Two gorgeous shawl patterns by Hand Jive Knits. When I first saw the Criss Cross Poncho (Clapotis-like with all the dropped stitches) on the left, it was in a booth that would only sell the pattern along with their yarn. My problem with buying kits of any sort is that I don't always like the colors being offered and sometimes I'm not ready to buy everything at that moment. I do however want the pattern so I can remember to work on it later. I was in luck this time because a booth several barns away had plenty of the Hand Jive Knits patterns for sale so I grabbed a couple.

An elegant fingerless glove pattern and an interesting spiral sock pattern also by Hand Jive.

A lovely sideways knitted shrug and a gorgeous shawl by Maggie's Rags. I'm new to these patterns but I was impressed with how they looked knit up. I'll report later how it went.

I plan on making the cropped version of Amanda's Romance by Green Mountain Spinnery. The people are Green Mountain Spinnery are just so pleasant and they have a nice selection of products. I have their Slouch Hat pattern already and I really need to make it soon.

Another stunner from Kiparoo Farm. Just gorgeous!!! I just can't resist their stuff. =)

And as for bead stuff, though I had all the books I wanted that were offered at the festival (there were several "coming soons" I was drooling over however), this year offered several glass button makers so I picked up these gorgeous buttons to turn into a necklace and possible earrings.

Yeah, I know. I can get all this stuff from stores and online but nothing beats the excitement of a fair, festival or convention. =)

Hilton Head Island... Disney Style

2007-05-09T22:48:00.000-04:00

I don't play golf, I don't play tennis, and I don't own a yacht. So why did Bryan and I go to Hilton Head Island for a long weekend vacation? I have a membership in the Disney Vacation Club (DVC), they have a resort on Hilton Head Island, it's only a 10 hour drive away, and it was a belated birthday adventure that's why.

I love road trips so if nothing else, I hoped to have a fun drive and spend some relaxing time just laying around doing not much of anything. Little did we know what awaited us.

We left Thursday after work, drove until about 30 minutes from South of the Border and found a hotel to crash before finishing the last 3 hours to Hilton Head. Friday was an easy drive to the island though the first impression was of Bluffton (or Bluff-ghanistan as Hilton Head Island folk like to call it), the town that used to be 1 square mile and has mushroomed to 55 square miles of outlets, luxury car dealerships, restaurants, and private golf communities. We were not impressed.

Crossing over the bridge however was another thing all together. At first glance, it felt like a scene out of "The Stepford Wives" but quickly calmed down to just being pretty and green and manicured. Lots of gated communities, all signage has to be small and unobtrusive, and plenty of old trees covered in Spanish moss. And yes, lots of golf courses.

Arriving at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort was entertaining as it's on a little island of it's own adjacent to a marina and shopping area. We thought we were in the wrong place at first but no, there was the signs directing us to keep going, we were almost there. Check in was easy and of course we were greeted with the lovely, "Welcome home!" from the cast members.

Wanna see where we stayed?

Our building.

Our door, #1614.

Home (aka our room). The balloons were attached to a card from the check-in cast members wishing me a happy birthday! And my name was on TV, listed among the other DVC resort celebrations going on during my stay!

Looking out into the courtyard from our balcony. From here I can see two horseshoe pits, a grill and picnic bench and paths leading off to all sorts of different places on the property.

Part of our balcony. The balcony across has a picnic bench on it because it's a larger room.

The boardwalk in the back of the resort. The tide is out so there's no water to see. This place gets 8 foot tides! When the water goes out, it goes out.

The campfire pit is shaped like a Mickey. How could it not?

Cute signpost showing where all the DVC properties are in reference to where we stood.

The slide into the pool. There's also a kiddie pool and a Jacuzzi.

My most favorite tree. As a little girl I was a notorious tree climber. The resort was full of old trees just begging to be scrambled up but this one, my tree, I wanted to figure out how to take home with me. It's just stunning!

Remember I said I don't play golf? Well I played a round of golf each day to be official. Mind you it was miniature golf but I think that counts. Don't you? We ate at some fabulous restaurants but how could we not. This island has over 150+ restaurants to chose from.

Two highlights from the trip were getting to bicycle on the beach. Yes folks, the way the tides work and the composition of the sand, you can bicycle on the actual beach and we did. It was a blast! You can get from one end of the island to the other that way. Just watch out for little kids who are so tickled with the shell they're running to show mom and dad that they don't notice you pedaling right at them. The whole island is set up for bicycling and with it predominately flat, it's an easy and enjoyable time.

The other was typical Disney magic. On the way back from our island bicycling we stopped off at the DVC beach house to check it out and relax a bit. Sitting at the pool bar we struck up a conversation with Carol, an outstanding cast member who had us laughing as well as learning about all sorts of interesting island facts. She asked us if we had any plans the following day and we told her that other than our nature excursion to Pinckney Island refuge in the morning, we were basically just winging it. She told us about her favorite jazz club, The Jazz Corner, that on the last Sunday of the month has a 3-6pm Dixieland Jazz happy hour that wasn't to be missed. Nor were the excellent desserts. So we figured why not and while walking to the little club the next day, who should we spy but Carol heading there too. She invited us to sit with her and her husband and they'd show us a great time. Boy did they!

The place was jumping as we walked in but we were able to get a good table in the middle of it all. The music was outstanding, the company was hilarious, the drinks were stiff (Phew!) and the raisin maple carrot cake Bryan and I shared was sinfully good. If you get to Hilton Head Island and it's the last Sunday of the month, don't walk, run to this amazing place. I don't know what it's like in season, but we had to laugh when we realized we were the youngest people in the club. No one seemed to care. Actually it seemed to give everyone an excuse to show off. The end the time with a rollicking' rendition of "When The Saints Go Marching In" that turned into a second line, dancing around and between tables. With colorful umbrellas and all! And of course one of the ladies dancing handed me an umbrella and had me up there dancing away. I looked around on my second or third pass when I realized they'd gotten Bryan up there too and he was hamming it up for the crowd, flipping around and balancing his umbrella on his finger tip. I think the second drink might have helped too. LOL!

Will we be back? You betcha! And for a week next time with our own bikes in tow and our dancing shoes on. Anybody wanna come along?

Winnings and New Beginnings

2007-04-21T08:22:00.000-04:00

First I want to thank everyone who wished me happy birthday! I'll never grow up, don't worry about that. =)

Also, I wanted to mention that, I won the International Tote Exchange III Knitters Award!!! My resolution to put my all into all my artwork from now on is paying off. Not just in that way, but across the board. I have pictures to come of all sorts of works in progress. Stay tuned. As for what I won, well, I took the pictures and then forgot to post them. I then deleted them! I need to retake the pictures though it wont look exactly like how I received everything. I already wound up the two skeins of Patons Kroy Sock yarn!

For my birthday I decided to treat that day as my official New Year since technically, it is! I promised myself that by this time next year, even if I don't completely make the break from the computer industry into the creative arts (I'm still flipping back and forth on where exactly I want to go with this), I want to have made serious progress in moving into a "career" I really want.

Have a great day everyone!

Pink and Yellow and Green Make...

2007-04-18T08:36:00.000-04:00

Pretty pictures, that's what!!!

I've never been into scrapbooking. Most of what I'd seen was, well, too cute for my tastes. Then all the art scrapbooking projects started showing up and I thought "Hey, this could be kinda cool after all." But where to start? The ideas flitted in and out but with all the other things I was into, did I really want to add one more hobby?

Enter the evil that is Recollections. A store that's almost around the corner. A store with loads of ideas to get a girl like me excited. And then they had the nerve to not only show samples of some really neat ideas, they had to offer classes in them! The nerve I tell you. So what could I do? I took a class...

AND LOOK WHAT I MADE!

Using pictures from the cruise mom and I took back in 2005, I had a blast creating this "exploding box". Though it's a bit Easter-y and cute, the technique lends itself to all sorts of possibilities. Bigger boxes. Taller boxes. Boxes with more levels. *rubs hands together in anticipation*.

And now my mother tells me there is another store called The Queen's Ink that I must visit. Privately run, exactly our style of art so it's even better than Recollections, and (can you believe it) also not far from me. Project Spectrum strikes again because I think I'm going to need a bigger studio!

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby!

2007-04-15T12:51:00.000-04:00

Yes, that's right. Today is my *dances on tippy toes* birthday! I'm a joyous 7 years old. That 3 in the front doesn't count, thank you very much.

It's been a silly weekend. The hubby and I went to Rehoboth Beach yesterday and a great time. Eating ice cream in the middle of the night, in the rain, is just fun. We got up this morning and high tailed it home though because that Nor'easter was coming through and we didn't want to get stuck should the Bay Bridge close due to high wind. Now we're relaxing before heading off again to meet up with friends for an impromptu dinner.

The real celebration will be at the end of the month when we head down to Hilton Head for a long weekend and to do more relaxing and some exploring. Yay, road trip!

Hugs and kisses to you all!

Did I Happen To Mention That My Mom ROCKS!!!

2007-04-14T08:15:00.000-04:00

This is just a quick post to show off some goodies my mom made me. The first being MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT (I'm a tax baby) she spun for me! She came over yesterday to have a birthday lunch with me and suprised me with this:

422 yards of the prettiest handspun yarn you ever did see! And here I was drooling over this yarn on her blog, never knowing it was MINE! ALL MINE! BWAHAHAHAHA!

Now of course I'm agonizing over what to use it for. It's 422 yards of sportweight yarn. 100% (not superwash) wool. Socks? A shawl? Something felted? Hmmm....

Also, Janice had posted on her blog about the denim blanket her daughter Kristin made. It's so beautiful. I had promised to show her the one my mom made for me after my wedding, soon to be 5 years ago.

It's big and I was trying to take the picture by myself but I think you get the idea. It's made of old jeans, some pretty fabric she had in her stash and the leftover fabric from the wedding clothes she made everyone.

Quick explanation: I was married at Disney in a small ceremony on Sunset Pointe, behind the Polynesian Resort, overlook the Magic Kingdom. We had the whole wedding themed to fit the location. Since the wedding party was so small, just 8 people including Bryan and I, mom made all the clothes for the women and men in the party while Bryan and I went sort of traditional. I'll post pictures, promise!

This is one of the pockets used in the blanket with one of her cute little labels.

At The Movies

2007-04-11T19:05:00.000-04:00

'cause I'm a lemming and Jennifer did it.

1) Name a movie you've seen more than 10 times. WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY!

2) Name a movie you've seen multiple times in the theater. I don't remember how many times but I know I saw "Fright Night" numerous times as a teenager. I thought Christopher Sarandon was cute.

3) Name an actor who would make you more inclined to see a movie. There are a few but off the top of my head, Johnny Depp.

4) Name an actor who would make you less likely to see a movie. Adam Sandler will make me running screaming.

5) Name a movie you can and do quote from. The Fifth Element. Mostly the quick lines that Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) did. "Badaboom. Big badaboom." "Cheekan!" Don't ask; it will only hurt your head.

6) Name a movie musical to which you know all the lyrics. My Fair Lady. One of my most favorite Audrey Hepburn movies.

7) Name a movie you've been known to sing along with. Mary Poppins. I'm a big Disney nut. My brother and I learned the entire soundtrack as kids. We'd sing "The Perfect Nanny" song all day long.

8) Name a movie you would recommend everyone see. French Kiss. It's not Academy Award wining but it's a fun, check brains at door and just enjoy it kinda movie.

9) Name a movie you own. I own a bunch, mostly Disney so I'm going to randomly pick Lady and the Tramp. =)

10) Name an actor who launched his/her career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops. Will Smith. Who knew the skinny little rapper could act his butt off!

11) Have you ever seen a movie at a drive-in? If so what? Yes. Lots of movies, mostly Disney. I can't remember the last movie I saw at the drive-in but it was a double feature. I hope to go to Bengie's Drive-In in Baltimore once the nights are a little warmer. It's a hold out theatre that has found a way to capitalize on the kitsch.

12) Ever made out at a movie? Smooched, yes. Made out? NO!

13) Name a movie you've been meaning to see but just haven't gotten around to yet. Casablanca. It's on my Netflix list!

14) Ever walked out of a movie? Yes, on 3 occasions that I remember. Had to leave to pick up friends from airport (movie ran longer than I expected), got too scared, and got grossed out and waited in the lobby playing video games.

15) Name a movie that made you cry in the theater. I've never all out cried (I had something in my eye) in a theater but I've definitely choked up. Forrest Gump was one of those.

16) Popcorn? Of course!

17) How often do you go to the movie theater? Once a month maybe. Depends on what's playing.

18) What's the last movie you saw in the theater? 300

19) What's your favorite/preferred genre? I like them all except for romance and corny comedies.

20) What's the first movie you remember seeing in the theater? It was a Disney animated film and it was at the drive-in. Cinderella I think.

21) What movie do you wish you had never seen? Though most movies have some redeeming value, I wish I'd never wasted money on "Bowfinger". I should have known better since I typically don't like Steve Martin's work.

22) What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed? Nothing. Seriously, that's the name of the movie, "Nothing".

23) What's the scariest movie you've ever seen? One that I watched through slightly spread fingers, Alien. I have yet to see the scene where the face hugger grabs the guy in the very beginning of the movie. Never! And I've seen the movie multiple times.

24) What's the funniest movie you've ever seen? That I laughed so hard I cried and still do when I see it now, The Incredibles. Bob Parr being an insurance agent (MOM!), there's a scene were Mr. Incredible bonks a bad guy with a rock from long distance (something about the way his head rings like a bell), and of course Edna 'E' Mode! I laugh myself silly every time!

Me Thinks I Have A Little Problem

2007-04-06T17:50:00.000-04:00

OK, so as part of my yarn diet ala the YFC '07, I thought I'd start to organize my little stash so that:

I'd know what I had.
By winding everything into balls, I could just grab and go as I needed for any project.

Well I started to wind, and wind, and wind and then I wondered what exactly I had in all those bins, bags, and totes. I began dumping them on the floor just now to see. Now I know I don't have as much yarn in my stash as most of you do (my bead stash is where I'm truly in trouble - picture next time) but I honestly didn't think that I had this much yarn!

Oh. There's a small piece of a clear bin at the top right that is full of spinning fiber for my little drop spindle. That technically doesn't count... does it?

The Colors for April/May of Project Spectrum Are...

2007-04-05T21:50:00.000-04:00

Green, Yellow, and Pink

Those colors just scream Spring don't they? Now I wish the weather would figure it out as well. LOL!

Though I'm still finishing my project for the previous 2 month stint of Project Spectrum (finally got the beads I want to use with the Kyanite), I'm nearly done with one of the projects for this round. It's my first scrapbook project and yes folks, it's looking like an Easter egg with all those colors. As for what I plan to have as my beading project for this new round, I'll be using 15/0's which for as much as I like using the little beads, I've never gone smaller than 11/0's. This should be interesting.

So off we go. Spring is calling. Let's get go outside and play!

I'm Nominated!

2007-04-03T22:43:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!

I just popped over to the International Tote Exchange III blog to vote for bag I think deserves the "Knitters Choice Award" and... I'm one of the nominees! *SQUEAL*

The all green "Plentiful Pockets Tote" I made for Leslie made the grade! OK, I know this sounds cheesy but win or lose, I'm just tickled I'm nominated. =)

*does the Snoopy Happy Dance*

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

2007-04-01T11:15:00.000-04:00

Talk about getting in just under the wire!

My delightful ITE3 swap partner Britta has been keeping me guessing and in stitches about what she wanted to make for me for the tote swap. We knew it was going to take a little bit of time to get here from overseas (she's in Denmark) so there were no panics. Yesterday was the official last day bags were suppose to have arrived to their partners but I figured mine would get here after. What a surprise it was to stumble in late last night (too much yakking into the wee hours of the night with friends) to see a pretty box sitting in front of my door. You know I was exhausted because I recognized who it was from but was too pooped to open it!

Well this morning I bounced out of bed and ripped that box open to find this wonderful color coordinated haul:

A gorgeous tote bag with the cutest button closure. She knew I liked color but didn't like odd color combinations and wanted to know if this was ok. YES!!! You can't see it in this picture but there is just a hint of sparkle where the pink stripes are.
A skein of the same hand dyed wool yarn made by a friend of hers (Kathe Lewis) that was used in the top and bottom of my tote. 630 yards of the stuff!
A 460 yard skein of soft hand dyed pink sock yarn (wool and nylon) that I wonder if will be just enough for the "Retro Rib Socks" from the Favorite Socks book. Hmm...
A cute little notebook that will fit perfectly inside the tote for jotting down inspirations in.
3 cute little stitch markers.
A package of coffee that I suspect my husband or mom will fight over.
A BOX OF CHOCOLATE FROGS! These will never last until the next Harry Potter movie. *munch munch munch*

Up close of the bag.

Better shot of the fiber goodies.

Thank you Britta! You have just been a load of fun for this exchange. =) *BIG HUGS*

April Showers Bring...

2007-03-30T18:55:00.000-04:00

Sock yarn!!! Ok so it's a couple of days before April but our first package from the Yarn4Socks club arrived today. *giddy squeals*

My colorway is the blue and grey one called "Stormy". Doesn't it remind you of dark and stormy seas? Hmm... I think this would be perfect to knit with while watching the tv series "Deadliest Catch". LOL!

Mom's colorway is calledpurply one called "Boysenberry" and is very luscious. I wish I could keep both but that wouldn't be a nice daughterly thing to do now would it? >=)

Here's the fun pattern we received to go with the yarn. It's hard to see in the picture but there are tiny cables around the top of the sock, a few down the sides and then a strip of them right before the toe part of the sock. NEAT!

And I didn't break my YFC yarn diet either. I purchased this club as one of my free days!

But I Don't Want To Be Among The Mad People

2007-03-29T22:22:00.000-04:00

I'm in a fiber art group called "Fiber Art Traders" on Yahoo and I just hosted my very first trade. What made this extra special was:

It's my first contribution to the group.
It's the first swap/trade I've hosted with the group.
It's my very first sewing project!

My theme was "Alice's Mad Tea Party" tea carrier/postcard swap. I just adore the Alice in Wonderland stories. Below is the tea carrier I made for the swap.

Tea carrier closed

Tea carrier opened

I actually lined up the inside flaps properly but if you look carefully, you'll see the little pockets on each side to hold the tea (and sugar packets if you want).

I'm so pleased with how it turned out, mistakes and all. So much so that I want to make another for myself. LOL!

Here's what I wrote for the swap introduction:

Welcome to Alice's Mad Tea Party trade!

Like everything in Wonderland, nothing is as it seems so take the Doorknob's advice when he said to Alice, "Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction."

Make 1-2 teabag carriers AND/OR postcards (yes, you have a choice) depicting what comes to mind when you think of a tea party in Wonderland. Poetry spouting dormice? Topsy-turvey unbirthday cakes? Queens who have a serious thing for red roses? Catless grins? For those who'd like to make a teabag carrier, there's a tutorial from Embroidery Library you might want to look at: Tea Carrier Instructions

Here's your chance to go a little crazy (because we're all crazy here) and create a bit of whimsy, Alice in Wonderland style.

Pics are due Tuesday, April 3rd

Partners will be assigned Wednesday, April 4th

Trade items should be mailed out Friday, April 6th

Sound like fun? Then what are you waiting for! Sign-up for my very first trade! =)

Funky Convertible

2007-03-26T22:40:00.000-04:00

I've completed the bag for the Knitted Purse Swap 2. Now I just need to fill it with goodies and get it mailed off. I'm pleased with the way the Jayne's AP Bag came out and will definitely be making more, especially one for myself! I made one modification to the design and that was in the strap. So that it can be worn over the shoulder or in the hand, I put snaps on the handle so the length can be changed as seen fit. Hope my partner likes it as much as I do.

The bag with straps all the way out.

The straps buttoned up short.

Side shot of the strap buttoned up short.

The strapped opened up so you can see all the hardware.

It Ain't Over Until It's Over

2007-03-25T13:26:00.000-04:00

I just received my last package from Scout's Indie Swag Club. It's a gorgeous 400 YARDS skein of a lovely colorway called "Marina Piccola". This is a colorway that speaks of beachside cottages, sand and seashells, sipping lemonade while dangling your feet in the water... *sigh*

A close up of the gorgeous pattern that came with it.

This is one that will definitely be knit "as is" because it's just dreamy for lack of a better word.

And you'd think I'd be saddened by this being my last package from round 1 of the club but I'm not. Why you ask? That's because...

I GOT INTO ROUND 2!!!!!!!!!

Oh baby! Oh baby! Oh baby! The lottery gods were smiling on me (though I wish they'd do the same on the MegaMillions drawings) and I got the word! Now to wait for April for my next lovely skein from Lady Scout.

PSA: Mark Your Calendars!

2007-03-25T13:25:00.000-04:00

May 5 & 6, 2007

Howard County Fairgrounds / West Friendship, Maryland/ http://www.sheepandwool.org/

The money not spent on tons of yarn these past 3 months is being set aside for THE MARYLAND SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL!!! Knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners, beaders, and other fiber crafters get here anyway you can! Ran or shine, this event will put you in fiber heaven!

Mom and I have regularly attend (when other events don't keep us away) and once returning home, we want to just roll, roll, roll in the yarn! Rovings, skeins, supplies out the wazoo! And not just any old fiber or tools either. Handmade drop spindles in luscious woods, silk caps in drool worthy colors, and did I happen to mention the alpacas? There are other crafts and live animals to see. Competitions to enter and view the results of. A midway of food that will keep you nourished when you dive in for more. And best of all, it's free to get in! More money for spending!!!

I've got a whole month to wait but there will be pictures, lots of pictures. Once I can see straight again of course.

Incoming and Outgoing

2007-03-21T22:25:00.000-04:00

Purses, purses everywhere!

First look what Rose, my Knitted Purse Swap 2 (KPS2) partner sent me!!!

Not one but TWO purses plus cute goodies. The green cable purse is both beautiful and clever. She knitted it over an existing purse she'd picked up. New handles and voila! Instantly lined and gorgeous new purse! The second purse is a lovely little black shimmery number that will be perfect for going out on the town or just when I wanna feel uber-sexy. And then she had to go and include beads! YAY!!!

For the International Tote Exchange 3 (ITE3) I sent my partner the following treat:

The tote bag I made her, a bag of caramel kisses, the book Knitting for Peace (I liked it so much I want to pick myself up a copy) and 3 skeins of yarn in her favorite color. The solid skeins are an alpaca blend!

This is the tote bag held up so you can see more of the colors. I'm making myself and mom one of these. It's really nifty!

This is the tote bag filled with goodies before posting to the mail today. I hope she doesn't explode before it arrives. I've kept her in suspense long enough.

My Super Girlie Good Power Mom!

2007-03-16T19:48:00.000-04:00

I just want to beam with pride as my very own mom was presented with the Super Girlie Good Power Award over on the lovely Ms. Margot's website.

You know you have to find out what I'm talking about, so check it out!!!

Go Mom! Go Mom!

Goooooooooooo Mom!

Dragons In My Life

2007-03-12T22:18:00.000-04:00

Scout put a call out for pictures of people's tattoos so.... here's mine!

Yes, I have a tattoo. It's on the back of my right shoulder and I would never have it removed because I it's so much a part of me (and not because it's on my skin). It's a little over 10 years old now.

I've loved dragons since I was a little girl. I loved the stories (always rooting for the dragon), the pictures and other artwork of dragons growing up. Part of my fairytale castle bedroom (bunk beds built into the wall to look like a castle) had toy dragons from the Dungeons and Dragons era hanging all over the place. I still have one from that time, the Dragonne , that sits on a shelf in my studio.

After a lot of discussion with my then boyfriend/now husband and a co-worker who also wanted to get tattoos, the decision was made to find a quality studio (Dragon Moon) and get something meaningful done if we were going to do it at all. The inspiration for mine came when I got a copy of the Dancing Dragon catalog and starting thumbing through it. A t-shirt caught my eye and I quickly became taken with it!

The inspiration (of which the original shirt hangs in my closet):

The text reads: "Drag'on: N. A timeless creature of wisdom, benevolence, and inspiration to the high qualities of life."
It would be an interesting discovery some years later to find out that Bryan's Chinese astrological sign is the dragon. =)

As for future tattoos, yes, I'm thinking of one or two more. I have an email out to Shelly Jackson of the human book "Skin", but it may be a long time before I hear if I can participate or not. So the search continues for the right image to adorn my body.

Gonna Rock These Socks, Rock Them Inside Out!

2007-03-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

A Mr. Setzer, if you only knew...

After a loooong day at work on Monday, I came home to two large packages sitting on my mailbox. It took me all of a second to realize what was inside, the ROCKIN' SOCK CLUB PACKAGES HAD ARRIVED!

I have two packages, not because I'm greedy but because mom had her club goodies sent to me so she'd be sure they were safe when she's out of town. Of course that means if one of those packages happens to be extra awesome, well... we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. =)

In this starter package we got:

THE YARN. This skein is called "Monsoon". It's 380 yards of 100% superwash merino!
A, and I'm not making this up, teenie tiny skein of "emergency yarn" in the same colorway. Yeah, that's that tiny green splotch near the bottom of the picture. LOL!
A Rockin Sock Club button.
A Notorious Sock Knitters sticker.
A real neat sock pattern called "Inside Out"
Not pictured: information for the 2007 Camp Cockamamie Rockin' Sock Camp
Not pictured: a card to get 10% of my next order with Blue Moon Fiber Arts
Not pictured: all the information inside the binder like how to size socks and such.

Here's a close up of the yarn and the pattern:

The hubby has already claimed the yarn and socks for his own. That is, he wants me to make the socks for him using the "Monsoon" yarn. COOL!

We're the Pink Ladies

2007-02-28T21:41:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, my February yarn and swag arrived from Scout...

I had a feeling the go-knit pouch would be one of the swag items at some point (crossed fingers it would be anyway), but the matching yarn was a total surprise. It's called Punk Pink and is just wild! It's a merino/bamboo/nylon blend and is so soft and shiny.

And talk about timing. I was over a friend's house a few days before and while playing with her daughter Emma, the little one dashed to her dresser and brought back a little beaded bracelet/anklet (it's kinda big) that she made and wanted me to have. She's always making me things and I wanted to make something for her. With this yarn, I want to make us matching socks! The question is, what pattern to use? I'll be digging through my patterns but I've never thought to look for kid sized sock patterns before. Anyone have any ideas? She's 8 if that helps. I've got 400 yards so I think I can make some shorty socks for the two of us.

Spinning Dragons

2007-02-26T19:57:00.000-05:00

Over the last year or so several of my friends have taken up poi spinning as both a way to have fun and be creative at the same time. I'd seen poi spinning at the luau at Walt Disney World and of course my friends at it, but it wasn't until I actually borrowed a friend's pair of poi and tried it for myself that I knew I had to get in on this!

Flash forward to this January when I got it in me that it was time for the hubby and I to have our own sets of poi. I ordered the poi from Home of Poi (if there's anything to know about poi, this is the place) and in an incredibly short time, we had poi to play with all the way from New Zealand.

My Pink Poi

Now let me tell you, spinning poi is not exactly easy. The basics are straight forward but once it's time to move on, that whole rub head, chew gum, pat tummy mess comes into play. Good thing these things have tennis balls inside or I'd be black and blue from repeatedly whacking myself in the head with them.

I've made it up to this far! http://www.homeofpoi.com/lessons_all/teach/3_8_19 (example of what's called a high turn)

Mike & Whittney of candle making fame were so delighted that we'd taken up the poi that they surprised me (Bryan's set is in the works) with handmade sock poi! Sock poi are yet another form these things come in and allow for different types of tricks. Isn't it gorgeous? It's hard to see here but that's a pretty turquoise brocade with Asian dragons on them. Whittney was trying to get the phoenix image in the print to show but it wouldn't lay right. No matter, I think they're still gorgeous. =)

Example of spinning sock poi

http://www.homeofpoi.com/lessons_all/teach/3_16_73

Once I get this under control and fairly well mastered... I'm thinking it's time to spin FIRE!

Knitting Like A Crazy Woman

2007-02-23T16:54:00.000-05:00

Knit! Knit! Knit!

I'm knitting on the sofa, in the bed, at my desk... You name it, I'm probably knitting there.

The tote bag for the ITE3 swap is almost done. No, it's not a weird green sweater! Let me try to explain what you're seeing (note that everything is laid out funny just so I could get all the colors to show):

The large green area is the body of the bag.
The two skinny flaps on each side are the small exterior pockets.
The dark green panel in the back and the lighter one in progress are the large exterior pockets.

Once the last pocket is finished (only 20 more rows to go), I do an I-cord for the lip/trim of the bag and another for the handle. Then it's off to be felted and filled with goodies! I would have been done last night but I left the bag with everything in it under my desk at work yesterday. Yikes! I have it now so back to work.

M swap partner (she commented over on the host blog) likes it which tickles me silly. When I make this for me, I'm going to vary the colors more. It's a bit too monotone for my tastes.

This is were I am on the purse for the PE2 project:

The colors are working out even better than I'd thought. I hope my partner likes the combination I chose. The only color I'm concerned with is the chocolate brown (which is the main color of the purse). I think it ties the other 3 colors together nicely. Don't you? My partner sent me a list of colors she liked which covers those 3. She said she didn't like neutral colors but I think this shade of brown isn't a neutral; and any other color should made it too LOUD in my opinion.

Sign Right Here

2007-02-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

While doing a little pre-Spring cleaning this holiday weekend, I found my autograph pants! Yeah, I was one of those funky art kids in high school meaning I couldn't do things like everyone else.

Instead of signing my year book, I had several of my friends "sign" my pants. It was a great conversation piece and is still a wonderful piece of art. And all because I accidentally got black marker on my favorite pants and refused to throw them away. I doodled over the spot and from there it just kept going.

The front and the back of my pants

"Pocket Dragon" by Dave (part of the tail is not shown because this dragon is partially in the pocket!)

"Merman" by my high school boyfriend Ian

"Happy Elf" by Ian's mom

"Protecting Dragon" by James

During college I did something similar to a pair of jeans that had gotten bleach on by accident. Instead of having other's sign it though, I use bleach and a Q-tip to "draw" on the pants and then around that used fabric markers to do graffiti on them.

Come to think of it, I've got some clothes that need altering!

Crafting, Crafting Everywhere!

2007-02-07T19:16:00.000-05:00

Saturday my mom came down so that we could have a Craft Day as part of her belated birthday present. This included shopping and eating good food, then going back to my place for some crafty goodness before more food that night (the hubby, my brother and I surprised her with a trip to one of her favorite restaurants, The Melting Pot.) Well.... we got as far as the shopping and eating portion of our day.

We were both looking forward to the day, especially the shopping since my mom knew I'd buy her lots of birthday goodies and it was my first "free day" of the YFC. Well my first purchase happened before I even got in the shower. I was checking email that morning when I saw something from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. Hmm... I figured it was probably a sale flyer. WRONG! It was a heads up that the Rockin' Sock Club was filling up now that it was open to those on the waiting list as well. I called mom with one hand and pulled up the site with the other. I got my order in, confirmed with mom that she wanted in too and took care of her membership while she was reading off her credit card while she was driving down the road to me. WOO HOO! Now to keep an eye on Scout's blog to see when she'll be taking orders for another round of her Indie Swag Club. Yes, I'm greedy. BWAHAHAHA! Can you blame me with such gorgeous yarn out there? =)

Mom arrived and I took her to the Orinoco Cafe for breakfast (a beef empanada and a hot chocolate make a great breakfast by the way) then we started working our way through the LYS trail. Working from farthest to closest, we went to Cloverhill Yarn Shop, The Celtic Knot Yarn Shop, and finally All About Yarn. During the next "free day" excursion I'll take pictures of each shops and tell you a bit about them. We also stopped at 2 machine embroidery/quilt shops and a scrapbook shop but more about that later.

At all the shops we stopped at, yarn and other crafts, there were Super Bowl sales going on. Well, except for Cloverhill. They got the brilliant idea to only have their sale on Super Bowl Sunday. I know they figured lots of women would not be watching the game but I know lots of people who would be, as well as those watching the DIY marathon, having Super Bowl craft parties, etc. Oh the sales they could have had. Mom ooh'd and ahh'd over various yarns but was looking for just the right sock yarn so she didn't get anything here. I picked up the pattern and yarn for my ITE3 partner and the latest issue of Interweave Knits. We would have been out fairly quickly but a woman started chatting with me and proceeded to follow me around the store telling me her tales of knitting and such.

Finally we were off to The Celtic Knot. This fun little store has moved around and moved around trying to find the right home and I think they may have done it this time. Here I picked up the yarn for my PS2 partner with the help of one of the ladies at the store. Trying to pick just the right combination of colors that suited the bag as well as my partner was a bit trying but I think we came up with a lovely selection. Lots of chatting and giggling then we wandered next door...

and into the Ellicott City Sew Vac shop. Though this unassuming shop doesn't look like much at first, it's a sewing/machine embroiderer's haven. Beyond the rows and rows of machines, supplies, and books, you can tell this shop is run by people who love to be creative. Mom went wild over an embellished fleece jacket, I think I might sign up for the Beginning Sewing series. Vicky, the lady who helped us, was charming and funny and seemed to have a great time showing us around the shop. I bought mom a book on fabric wrapped bowl making and then we were out the door yet again! Next stop, Bear's Paw Fabrics. Though more of a quilting shop, here too we found loads of neat classes to consider (the Art Cards class sounds like a blast) and a friendly atmosphere that was most inviting. No purchases this time but we'll be back.

Last stop was at All About Yarn. Here, the store was much more bustling than the others and we ran into other knitters we'd seen earlier who were doing their own LYS trail crawl for Super Bowl sales. I flopped into a chair with pattern books while mom dove into the sock yarn bins. After calling over several times, "What's my spending limit?", she came out with several skeins of gorgeous yarn and handed them over to me. I left with several patterns (The Lucy Bag, Colors Backpack, The Kati Cross-Over Bag, and Butterfly Wings Socks), a second pair of sock needles and DPNS in size3 this time, and of course mom's yarn.

We were hungry by then and need a little nourishment before dinner so we stopped by ZPizza for a slice of pepperoni pizza and a soda, and a chance to look over the spoils of the day. As we were heading back to my apartment, I wanted to stop by a shop that I'd been wondering what it was for sometime (boy do I wish I'd gone in sooner). We went into a fairly nondescript shop called Recollections. WOW! Double WOW! This is not your mom's scrapbooking shop. Yes, you can do the simple stuff here but they also love and encourage the unusual. Creativity and then some. We spent a looooong time in here giggling and playing and the staff were definitely taught to be joyous enablers. LOL! We left with class sheets and promises to come back for classes and crops. Wowzers!

Back at the apartment, we once again went over the haul and killed time until my brother arrived and the hubby had a chance to rest (he'd been putting last touches on his parent's deck he'd built them) before heading off to dinner. Much laughter and a late night was had. Mom crashed on the couch rather than driving home and we had a slow, happy Sunday morning before everyone headed off to the next silly adventure.

My Haul (Minus Mom's Goods)

PS2: yarn to make Jayne's AP Bag

ITE3: Tote Pattern

ITE3: yarn for tote

Belated Christmas Gift from Mom

Whatcha Makin'? Huh? Huh?

2007-02-06T17:22:00.000-05:00

I've been such the craft girl lately.

Two weeks ago I went over to a friend's house for a hand dipped candle making party. Mike and Whittney enjoy making them and haven't owned store bought candles in ages so they thought they'd get their friends in on the fun. Everyone arrived, the potluck dinner was devoured, and then it was time to get messy.

I am totally amazed at how easy and how fun it is to make your own candles! It's something I can easily see doing every once and awhile and having a similar themed event (once I get a house of course).

3 of the hand dipped candles I made:

You really don't need much except for room to make a mess. Ok, that and your pot to keep hot water in, a way to keep the water hot, a container filled with cold water tall enough to dip your candles in, a couple of dipping tubes to put the hot wax in (and something to hold them down should they want to float as the wax gets used up), wax blocks, wax dyes, wicks, and something to weight the wicks down (we used metal nuts).

It may seem like a lot but it's really not, nothing goes to waste for the most part and you get to be creative!

And guess what else I did?

Drum roll please...

After much determination, set backs, lack of time, etc...

MY VERY FIRST PAIR OF SOCKS ARE DONE!

and

Aren't they spiffy? =)

They're now washed and blocked and fit even better. Love my socks! Thanks everyone for all your help and thanks Scout for the inspiration in this lovely yarn (that I have a little leftover to use for something else too!)

I've already got supplies so I can cast on not one but TWO pair of socks next. *giggle* This is so much fun.

Project Spectrum 2.0 Has Begun

2007-02-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

Project Spectrum: February/March

Blue

White (pretend this is white)

Gray

I joined Project Spectrum in order to find new ways to inspire my creativity, especially in my beadwork. So I've pulled out a few bead boxes with white and blue pretties in them to see what might be calling to me.

My eyes fell on a strand of kyanite spikes that I bought in a fit of madness at a bead show. You don't want to know how much they were... trust me! They have been sitting there, glanced at but not used because I've been too afraid to mess them up. What if I don't make anything to do them justice? What if no one likes what I come up with? What if? What if? What if?

Well this is the time to to throw caution to the wind and go for it! I even have an idea of what I want to do with them; now to pull my thoughts together. Results in the coming weeks.

The Alphabet Meme

2007-02-02T18:55:00.000-05:00

Sneaker tagged by Janice!

The Alphabet Meme:

A - Available or Taken: Taken

B - Best Friend: My mom

C -Cake or Pie: Pie

D - Drink of Choice: Ginger ale

E - Essential item you use everyday: My glasses

F - Favorite Color: Blue

G - Gummy Bears or Worms: I was never a gummy candy person. Give me caramels!

H - Hometown: Babylon, New York. How I miss the place... Today I'm in Columbia, MD

I - Indulgence: Cheese Doodles! Especially those by Wise.

J - January or February: Neither because their both cold months but if I had to pick it would be February as it has Valentine's Day and the hubby's birthday in it.

K - Kids & ages: None.

L - Life is incomplete without: A book in my hand

M - Marriage Date or Most Memorable Date ( and why): Wedding Date 10/31/02

N - Number of Siblings: 1 brother (Roger)

O - Oranges or Apples: Neither. I prefer lemons.

P - Phobias or Fears: Failure

Q - Fave Quote: Today? "You people make my ass twitch." (Meg Ryan as Kate in French Kiss)

R - Reason to Smile: Laughter

S - Season: Summer

T - Tag 3 or 4 People: Anyone willing to play along

U - Unknown fact about me: I really want to become a chef one day or get into some other profession within the culinary arts. Caterer? Food scientist? Recipe tester? Food stylist?

V - Vegetable you don't like: Mushrooms!

W - Worst Habit: Procrastination

X - X-rays: Just 3. Twice for the same pinkie as a kid (different incidents). Neck after a car accident.

Y - Your Fave Food: Chili

Z - Zodiac Sign: Aries

YFC #2 Secret Pal Questionnaire

2007-02-02T07:18:00.000-05:00

To my partner in the Yarn Focus Challenge swap, here are my answers to the questionnaire:

1. What type of yarn do you knit with most often?
Wool

2. Is there any type of yarn that you would love to try but haven't yet, such as bamboo, banana fiber (seriously they make it - although I've yet to see it in person).
Bamboo, koigu, soy silk...

3. In your opinion what is a luxury yarn?
Something unique; something not found everywhere you turn. Doesn't necessarily have to be expensive, just something special. Hand dyed sock yarn in my opinion is a luxury yarn. A wool/alpaca blend can be a luxury yarn if done in an unusual way (maybe a soft wool yarn with tufts of alpaca sticking out here and there).

4. Is there any type of yarn or fiber content you dislike or would prefer not to receive?
Scratchy acrylics.

5. What type of garments do you most often knit?
Though socks look to be my new most knit, scarves and shawls are what I've knit the most of.

6. What types of knitting books do you enjoy?
Those that are on unusual topics. I'm currently eyeing "Romantic Style" and "Naughty Needles" (talk about contrasts) to give you an idea of what I mean.

7. What is a color you like but rarely or never buy yourself?
Green. I just tend to forget it exists though in the right shades, I think it's a lovely color.

8. If you were pregnant and had to name your baby a fiber, what would her/his name be?
First of all, me? Pregnant? Uhm... no. But if I were to, I think "Cashmere" would be a lovely name.

9. Do you spin?
Not in some while. I gave my spinning wheel to my mom to use but I've recently picked up a drop spindle and am SLOWLY teaching myself how to use it.

10. What is one fiber you've never spun?
Silk

11. If someone in your family or a best friend had to describe you in one word, what would it be?
Eclectic

12. Please tell us one odd thing about you.
Only one? Hmm... I have no intention of ever growing up. I like to look at the clouds and figure out what I see in the shapes up there. I get excited when Mickey Mouse waves at me as he goes by on a float. I still make snow angels. I still read cartoons in the newspaper. I enjoy going to the movies to see animated films like Lilo & Stitch and The Incredibles. "No capes!"

13. What was your favorite cartoon when you were little.
UNDERDOG!!!

12. Do you have animals? If so, please name them and tell us a little about them.
Not at the moment though I want to have cats one day.

13. And last but not least, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
San Francisco

Have fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

2007-01-31T16:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

Kids don't get to pick their parents but if I'd had the choice, I would have definitely picked you!

Well Look What We Have Here!

2007-01-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

This stash busting stuff has now spilled over into my beadwork. Bryan and I went on our regular pilgrimage to IKEA and on this trip picked up some new shelving for the studio (pictures when it's closer to organized... which could be awhile). While sorting the bead piles I realized I had 5 unused bead kits I'd purchased over the years.

One, the Coming to the End netted cuff, I bought while taking a 3 day Cynthia Rutledge class for the Granuaile's Crown necklace a few years ago along with another kit I really need to finish. The other four were bought at a weaving guild table sale that I bought for the beads more than actually doing the kits. There's a bolo version of Linda Richmond's lariat necklace, and 3 kits from the Beadwrangler (2 different colors of the Rayna's Vine Wave kit, and a Sedona Ridge bead crochet rope kit.)

Now of course I need to decide if I'll go ahead and make the kits or scavenge any of them for parts. This stash busting is getting to be loads of fun!

Why Revisting Your Stash Is A Good Thing

2007-01-26T16:54:00.000-05:00

Thank you Rebekah, thank you!

I was recently thinking about what yarn and supplies I'd need for my two swaps (PS2 and ITE3) and what other yarn I'd want to buy for personal projects. Trying to stay with my one free shopping day a month for the next 3 months, I wanted to make these trips good ones. Well I knew I wanted to make this stunning wrap I saw in the Spring issue of Knitscene so I started adding the accessories to my list. Then it hit me. Check out your stash silly; you just might have the yarn already in there. That or mom had it in one of her piles. Yes mom, some of that is mine. Don't think I forgot. ;-)

So I looked and guess what? I pulled down the very first bin and saw that I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED!!! YFC #2 saved me a goodly amount of money because the yarn called for was 630 yards of a mohair, wool, and nylon blended. The skein I have from a local artisan (Roz Houseknecht) totaled 968 YARDS!

I wonder what else I have?

The Magazine

The Pattern

The Yarn

Kung Hei Fat Choy (January Indie Swap Goodness)

2007-01-25T18:14:00.000-05:00

When I originally signed up for Scout's Indie Swag Club, I did it half because I just wanted to get my hands on that gorgeous yarn and half because I wanted to force myself to learn to make socks (at least one pair). Then I joined and thought I'd lost my mind. What in the world would I do with all this yarn, especially if I didn't like making socks. My mom had the "brilliant" idea of giving the yarn to her. To my delight, I like making socks though my first pair is taking longer than planned for numerous reasons and I love the yarn!

In today's mail... THE JANUARY SWAG!!!

I received a vivid skein of 100% Merino called "Kung Hei Fat Choy" in this luscious shade of reds pinks, a little white and a splash of orange. Along with that yarn was a HOT sock blocker with the cut out of a ball of yarn and knitting needles through it (No Mom, you can't have it!) from Chappy's Fiber Arts & Crafts. YAY!!!

Here's a close up of the yarn.

Socks? Of course! The pattern I'm not yet sure about. I'll have to peek through my patterns and see which will do this yarn justice. *with a big grin hugs yarn and blocker tight*

Purse Swap II Questionnaire

2007-01-22T12:25:00.000-05:00

Hi secret purse pal. Here is my questionnaire to help you get to know me. Let me know if you have any other questions.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Except for acrylic (unless it's the fun and funky type), I like most yarns. I haven't tried bamboo so I can't speak for that one though it feels nice.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
At the moment a large plastic bag for all my straights, double pointeds, and accessories. I do have a circular needles kit so that's taken care of.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Hard question to answer across the board. I learned to knit maybe 8 or more years ago. Went all out (e.g. my fourth or fifth project ever was a lace shawl) and then other hobbies got in the way. Especially when I discovered beadwork. Now I balance between beading and knitting though I am now learning to sew and do machine embroidery (my mom's fault).

As to what I consider my skill level, I'd say I'm intermediate. I'm willing to take on just about anything and I still need to refer to my books from time to time for certain stitches and techniques.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
For knitting: My Knitting Wish List on Amazon

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I'm not much on rose and strong florals though I do like honeysuckle. I'm more into edible smells and fresh smells like chocolate or ginger. Basically nothing heavy. They give me a headache.

My favorite place to get scented oils/perfumes is Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (aka BPAL). *sigh* Example description of one of their oils:

BLACK PEARL- Evocative of the sea's unplumbed mysteries. Gentle and lovely, but menacing and profound. Coconut, Florentine iris, hazelnut and opalescent white musk. And it really smells like that too! You can get what they call "imp's ears" which are those little glass samplers for $3.50 a shot or 6 for $19.50. They also tend to include extra samples to tempt you.

I tend to use incense over candles. One day I'd like to try to blend my own incense.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
My husband has the sweet tooth. LOL! I do like really good chocolate, especially truffles and caramels. My guilty pleasure would be Reese's Cups though. I'm more of a salt fiend and can wipe out a whole bag of Cheese Doodles by myself! Yay Cheese Doodles!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Again, I'm a beadweaver as well as a knitter. I'm now learning to sew and do machine embroidery. I haven't spun in a long time (my mom has my spinning wheel now) but I do have a drop spindle I'm determined to learn and master darn it! I use to be into mail art but got turned off by project partners and mail pals who were putting no effort into their work (one stamp on a blank card) because they were only in it to get the art and cards and such. I have been in to all sorts of arts and crafts over the years but this is my current collection.

8. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I can't think of colors I don't like though I do favor earth tones (rusts and such) and beachy colors (sea greens and washed blues). Where my issue is when bad colors collide. For example: green, yellow and purple are colors that should just not be put together. Yuck!

9. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I've been married for going on 5 wonderful years this coming Halloween. We don't have children or pets.

10. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Don't know just yet. I've just discovered the fun of socks so I can see myself making many more of them. I love making bags and I haven't made any lace shawls in awhile but I want to get back into that. I've yet to knit a sweater (fear of finishing) for myself or anyone so that's a goal I'm shooting for.

11. What are you knitting right now?
I'm finally getting around to finishing my first pair of socks. I was making great time and then work and holidays got in the way and I just crawled to a snails pace.

12. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Either. I prefer bamboo or some other wood needle so the stitches don't slip and slide about, but it's not mandatory.

13. Is there anything that you collect?
DISNEY stuff! Especially pins. Unusual glass beads. Interesting cookbooks.

Final Secret Pal 9 Package... WOW!

2007-01-20T13:37:00.000-05:00

This arrived a few days ago but this is the first chance I've had to post/thank my pal about it.

This is the WONDERFUL final package my SP9 pal Karen sent me.

Where to begin?

The brand new knitting book "Knitty Gritty Knits"
4 skeins of so soft Moda-Dea "Dream" yarn. I saw it and new immediately that some of it is being used for a cowl.
A luscious skein of Savvyminx sock yarn in the Gaia colorway. Can you say DROOL!?! 440 yards of the stuff too! It's just so pretty. I think I need to come up with a way to just show off my pretty yarn skeins until I get to knit with them.
Ginger smells! A bottle of royal ginger scented body lotion by Jafra. A bottle of royal ginger body oil by Jafra. A bottle of ginger and seaweed massage oil by Jafra (Spa line). A bottle of ginger and seaweed body massage cream by Jafra (Spa line). I love ginger!

Thank you again Karen for spoiling me these past 3 months. I've been a lucky recipient of great goodies!

Oh Magoo! You've Done It Again!

2007-01-13T10:52:00.000-05:00

Well... I did it... again.

I've just joined, say it with me now, twooooooo purse/tote swaps. Why? Because I had so much fun last time and made a wonderful new friend here in the blogesphere to boot. The lovely and talented Janice! Yes, she's the one who made me that absolutely GORGEOUS tote bag and coin purse from the International Tote Exchange II. Double the pleasure. Double the fun.

The International Tote Swap III. Sign-ups end January 24, 2007.

The Knitted Purse Swap II. Sign-ups end January 31, 2007.

What helps with these two swaps is that the finished bags are due about a month apart so I can get them both started, concentrate on finishing the one for the ITE3 first (due out 3/19/2007), then go full steam ahead on the one for KPS2 which is not due until my birthday (4/15/2007). Sounds like a good plan to me!

I get extra bonus points since I'll have to shop for the yarn during my free day (YFC '07) between next Monday and February 15th.

This should be interesting. VERY interesting. *drums fingers together*

Follow the Leader (aka Projects to Join)

2007-01-10T15:15:00.000-05:00

OK, I thought I had will power but apparently I don't. I've joined two new creative projects and it's all Jennifer's fault (thanks hun). Actually I don't feel guilty at all as part of joining these projects feeds into my 2007 goals.

So now I'm going to post about them here so I can drag you into this obsession with me!

The first is Project Spectrum 2.0 run by Lolly of Lolly Knitting Around. This is an inspirational project that starts in February (so hurry and sign up) and each phase lasts for two months. Using whatever arts and crafts medium you want, make as many things as you want using one or all of the colors for that phase as the focus. No pressure, just have fun! The full details and sign up link can be found on her site. The February/March colors are: Blue, White, and/or Gray.

Why am I participating: Because I find the concept totally inspirational! It gives me something to ponder on rather than just pick a random project or none at all. And for items I want to make that month, it lets me re-imagine them in a whole new way.

The second is the Yarn Focus Challenge #2 run by Rebekah of Knit Knack. For 3 months you can go shopping for yarn only one day per month, your "free" day. The premise behind this challenge is to truly think about your yarn purchases rather than walk into a yarn store and buy like crazy. The challenge runs from January 15 through April 15, 2007. Sign-ups will be accepted until January 20 (you just need to email her). Read all the rules on Rebekah's blog so you can properly participate. For those who want a different commitment, there is Stashalong which doesn't let you shop at all but does allow you to choose how many months you want to go for (you can go month to month), or Stash and UFO Bust-Along (running from 1/15-4/15) which has no shopping at all for those 3 months.

Why am I participating: First, because I have plenty of yarn in my stash plus the gorgeous stuff I get each month from Scout. I really need to work with that rather than buying stuff that just sits in the bins collecting dust, being totally forgotten. Secondly, I'm banking on bad weather across these 3 month making the desire to trek to one of the LYS not pleasant. Third, I really need to plan out my yarn shopping trips better. Fourth, it ends before May which is the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Not shop for 2 days straight? Are you kidding!?! And lastly, IT'S AN EXCUSE TO BEG FOR PRESENTS! LOL!

I'm thinking about a few other projects (in various mediums) plus of course starting a few swaps, challenges, etc... myself. I am going to be a busy little beaver!

Plans For 2007

2007-01-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

So what have I been up to? What to I want to be up to? Good question.

In 2006 I accomplished an assortment of personal goals such as getting myself out of debt. *does the Snoopy happy dance* I still have bills like rent, insurance, and the Disney Vacation club membership mom and I bought into but those are life necessities. Yes, Disney is a life necessity. Besides, we could always sell our membership if it ever came down to it... Not likely!

Creatively, I ended 2006 with the successful completion of my first sock. Sadly I'm still working on the second sock due to numerous factors but I'm back on track and plan to start cranking socks out now! *grin*

I also sent the woven and beaded scarf that mom and I worked on a couple of years ago to "Belle Armoire" magazine for hopeful publication. It was interesting to look at the scarf as I prepared to FINALLY mail it off and realize how much farther we've both come in our abilities. Still, it was a fun shared project and I've already pulled out one of the 3 woven purses mom made that I will add beaded embellishments to.

The "pink hooded baby blanket of doom" was finished on time though I can't say it was well received. Possibly my imagination but I got the impression the recipient was expecting something more "grand". C'est la vie. I can't please everyone. I can only please me.

I created two beaded ribbon necklaces as gifts that came out nicely and I can definitely see ways to run with them to make them even more my style.

On to 2007.

Personal goals are typical: get into shape, get into a career (notice I said career not job) I really want, travel more, etc...

Creatively, I ~~plan to~~ will become far more serious about what I make; putting more effort into producing something I'm truly proud off, even if it means pulling out stitches, starting over, or scraping the idea and trying something else.

I will use my creativity as a means to squash depression rather than let depression keep me from being creative. There will be "craft breaks" twice daily at work. I don't smoke or drink coffee but I can take a few minutes to take time out for me. There will be daily creative work at home as a means to leave the office day behind.

I will take on creative challenges. Try projects using new techniques or combinations of techniques. Run swaps, trades, bead-a-long, knit-a-longs, etc... Share more in the various creative communities I belong to rather than lurk because I don't think I'll be accepted.

So with that, I'm off to get things done. =)

Ya' Dead Yet?

2006-12-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

No, I've not been strangled by the craziness of the holidays. Life just got a bit busy and time slipped away from me. At the moment I'm battling a cold that I got from my loving hubby who picked it up from one of the sniffling guests at his parent's Christmas party last Saturday. Aah, the joys of living together. Achoo!

Anywho...

I have lots to report but I just don't have the energy to type at the moment. *Honey... Where's the tissue?* I'll leave you with a shot of my December Indie Swag from Scout to tide you over. Isn't it just gorgeous! The yarn is called "Glampyre" after the wonderful knit designer of the same name. Glampyre also created the funky cool sock pattern specifically for this yarn.

And last but not even close to least are those two cute snowmen yarn markers! Look close, their scarves are in the same color as the yarn!!! They're from Good To Be Girl and are a riot!

More later when I can breathe again. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Line Between Genius and Insanity Is Very Thin

2006-12-10T16:51:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Mamarox to share 6 weird things about myself. Where to start?

1. I am always reading. Regardless of where I am and what I'm doing, I'm reading something. I take a stack of books/magazines with me on any length of car trip. I've even attempted to scan magazines while driving. *lowers head in shame* I read billboards, the postscripts in magazines, even the stuff written on toothpaste tubes. You name it, I'm reading it.

2. To go along with the above, my husband had to point out that when I'm reading and drinking something at the same time, I do it from the side of my mouth. Even if I'm using a straw, it's stuck out of the side of my mouth so I can apparently see what I'm reading. Never even noticed that before. Thanks hun! =p

3. I rarely if ever eat the edge crust on bread, pizza, Pop Tarts, pie, etc... I'll pull it off or stop before I get to that part. If there's bread sticking past a hot dog or the meat of a hamburger, it goes too. Why? Because when I was a kid I was watching the show "Zoom" and one of the kids said something about eating crust made your hair curly. I wanted straight hair so I vowed never to eat crusts again! Of course I know better but I can't seem to break myself of the habit.

4. Whenever I make chocolate milk or hot chocolate I sing this song about it that I made up some years ago. It's sung with a 6 year old's voice according to the hubby. I've got a cute little dance to go with it too! "Chocit milk! Chocit milk! Love meeeee some chocit milk! Chocit miiiiiiilllllk!" Just let it go folks... just let it go...

5. I do not, do not, do not, like cream filling in Twinkies or those Hostess cupcakes. If I'm given one, you will find a pile of the creamy stuff sitting on the cardboard the cake came on or in a napkin. I'm not a fan of icing on cakes either and happily give up the end pieces of cake to someone who does.

6. To this day, I have an issue with my food touching. Blame this one on my great grandmother who, when we'd sit in her TV room, would eat using these funky blue/green TV dinner trays with the little dividers. At my grandmother's house, I'd eat off of several saucers to keep everything apart. Now? No I wont pass out if the corn ends up in my mashed potatoes but you will notice that my dinner plate in the beginning looks like a painters palette with everything spaced just so. My husband did buy me these pretty ceramic TV dinner trays from Crate and Barrel that I pull out every once in awhile when I'm feeling homey.

Yes, I am apparently and certifiable odd!

If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged!

Oh, Oh It's Magic

2006-11-29T10:53:00.000-05:00

My mom is one who loves to come up with truly unique gifts. Decade candy boxes from Hometown Favorites for Valentines day, birthday fortune cookies for Bryan with special messages from her in them, a customized romance novel for our anniversary, etc... This time she truly out did herself.

Some months ago she was working in Texas and found out she was not far from the Scarborough Renaissance Faire. Having got her hooked last year on Faires, she just had to go. Well one day I get an email from her that she needs a photo of Bryan and I in our Renaissance Faire garb. I didn't question why because I just thought it was to show some of her co-workers that she was trying to explain the whole Faire thing to. I promptly forgot all about it. Flash forward to Thanksgiving day last week.

When Bryan and I arrived at her place that afternoon, she was very excited and just had to give us our anniversary/Christmas present right then (she didn't know when she'd see us next). She hands us a large flat package and when we ripped off the paper, this is what we found:

Isn't it gorgeous?!?

I grin from ear to ear every time I look at it. It's even more wonderful because I've always wanted something like this but never found anyone's work I truly liked or knew how to contact. Now to either attach the frame it came with or pick up one that looks old. Not sure which I'd like better.

Below is the photo I sent mom that Christine Angele of Poetic Portraits worked from. Apparently Ms. Angele has a booth at the Texas Faire and mom fell in love with her work. I think she did an excellent job hiding my purse. I'd forgotten about it until mom mentioned it.

Mom also got photos of the painting/picture made that just came in so I'll pick them up Friday when she comes down for lunch. I'm a happy daughter. =)

I See... I See... I See A Sock!

2006-11-28T23:04:00.000-05:00

Yes folks. You read it correctly. I've finished my very first sock! I now need to make the other sock but I'm currently doing the *Snoopy Happy Dance* because I finished it and I'm pretty proud of it. Oh I know it's not perfect and I haven't blocked it or anything yet but I LOVE MY SOCK!!!

A huge thanks to: my mom, Scout, and every single one of you who encouraged me and helped me through this. It was really a lot of fun. OK, off to go knit my second sock now. =)

Under The Sea (aka Gift from the Sea)

2006-11-27T15:31:00.000-05:00

I made this a couple of years ago and typically wear it only when I'm dressing up. It's so fun and fuzzy!

Well I just recently had a V8 moment and I realized how very silly of me to not wear my more bolder pieces, for me anyway, out and about just because I wanted to rather than wait for an occasion. So this morning I put on a gold colored turtleneck, my black slacks and this necklace and went to work. With the reactions I've been getting all day I think I need to make a few more of these to put in my Etsy shop (still working on stuff to put in there before opening).

Need to pull out some other stuff that I've been hiding it appears.

First Sock Progress and Swag Is Here!

2006-11-22T19:03:00.000-05:00

Not a very interesting title but it will do...

My very first pair of socks are coming along. I had a slight pause trying to understand how the pattern wanted me to pick up stitches. Overcame that little problem last night with some suggestions/websites from you wonderful folks. I got the stitches on and then... ran into a step that I just don't understand. I've got all the stitches back on the needle and am ready for the homestretch but there the next line says I'm suppose to "Knit half the heel stitches." Then "K 1 round." I understand the K 1 round part but the knitting of only half of the heel stitches doesn't make sense. HELP! Tomorrow I'm taking my little sock over to mom's and hope she can explain what in the world I'm suppose to do. I would really like to finish both socks by next week.

And.... MY NOVEMBER INDIE SWAG IS HERE!!! Oh Scout, you sneak you. This is just fabulous!

The colorway is called Pomegranate and there's a ton of it to play with. Bryan took one look at it and said, "Cool! Redskins colors!" LOL! As soon as he said it though, I immediately knew what I wanted to do with this yarn. Long fingerless gloves!!! Perfect for the cold weather around here, perfect for when I attend my first professional football game (next year?), and perfect for my next knitting challenge after the socks! I've got a bunch of patterns I've collected for them. Now to see which one will work. *does the Snoopy Happy dance* The accompanying glittery goodness/swag are handmade knitting themed note cards and gift cards from Glamscience!

SCOUT YOU ROCK!

What To Play With Next?

2006-11-17T23:47:00.000-05:00

I was moving some of the bead boxes around and just happened to open a few to see what I might experiment with next. No I'm not starting a new project, just playing with ideas. HONEST!

Goddesses? I see something wild and Earthy for the first two; maybe a swirling ocean for the mermaid.

A funky shape? A romantic heart done with fringe from the bottom? That next one reminds me of a flower bud of some sort. Maybe flip the brown with green swirly one on its side. Turn the blue and yellow with clear dots upright perhaps? The snake one looks tribal to me. Would be good with natural materials incorporated into it. The donut sun bead (that what it looks like to me) called to me from the artist's basket of beads. What I'll do with it I honestly don't know... yet.

Sharkey? Isn't he the cutest! I've been just hanging him from a thick neck wire but he really needs a happier home. Nothing that will overshadow though.

Frogs? Lizards? At first I thought these two needed something similar to Sharkey; nothing overpowering. Now though it might be fun to do something that is more sneaky. Let them be subtly shown, a surprise.

Hmm.... Bead embroidery for the leaf? Something simple that picks up the purples and blues for the bead?

What do you see?

The Many WIPs

2006-11-16T18:38:00.000-05:00

OK, so now I'm beading AND knitting. I seriously need to be independently wealthy or figure out how to make my hobbies pay for themselves (and the rent, groceries, etc...). At least they keep me sane.

These are my current Works In Progress; projects that are far enough along that I really need to finish before I dare start another:

Here is sock #1 of my very first pair of socks. I'm using the sock yarn "B-Marie" that I got from Scout's Indie Swag Club. There is suppose to be a picot type edge on the top but it drove me nuts so I'm going to come back and fold over/stitch down that section once I've finished the sock. You don't want to know how many times I had to frog this thing before I got this far. Sailors don't curse as much as I did during this process. This is suppose to be fun right?

This is the hooded baby blanket I'm making my husband's niece for her new baby girl. It will be ready by Christmas and I never want to see another pink skein of yarn for as long as I live, or my eyes stop bleeding, which ever comes first. Oh if you could see how truly pink this thing is! Hubba Bubba bubble gum pink!

I also have several crocheted ropes that I need to finish. The ropes are done, I just need to decide what clasp method I want on them and what extra embellishment I want to add.

This one was a challenge in that I was using irregularly cut square beads and then used round beads to combine the two ends into one piece (not really that hard after all). I'm tempted to do a beaded clasp for this but I'm not sure what look I want. I was also thinking about doing some silver beaded bands to add to it but now I'm thinking a simply wire and bead wrap to gather it together would be nicer. Hmm...

This is actually the first beaded crochet piece I ever did. I was all set to finish it and then kept changing my mind on what kind of embellishment it needed. I went with one idea that just never worked out so I ripped that out. I was thinking of other ideas when Bryan said it looked pretty just the way it was. Looking at it, I have to agree. So now I just need pretty yet simply end caps and a clasp to call this one done.

This was an experiment with variegated thread and clear (iridescent in this case) beads. I finished it while sitting with my mom on the balcony of our stateroom on the Disney Wonder. We were relaxing and watching the sunset while we prepared to disembark from Castaway Cay. I looked at this and realized how much it reminded me of that sunset and thought how nice it would be to somehow incorporate some of the shells I'd picked up from the beach into it. Still playing with that idea.

No, that's not all my WIPs. The others are either basically kits (pieces gathered but not started), or sorta started but not enough to call it "in motion". I really need to finish these before I move to the next piece (unless it's quick of course). Like I said, I NEED MORE TIME!!!

The "Hesitation" Tote

2006-11-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

Finally finished and sent my tote for the International Tote Exchange II swap last week. How I got so far behind? Hesitations with the finally details. Had never sewn in a zipper before and hesitated. Silly, because it came out fine. Had forgotten to incorporate the beaded fringe and didn't know what to do next. Again, silly because I sewed it in along the top edge and it looks so cute there. Finally, trying to decide on the strap and the button/loop flap. In the end, I used a simply I cord for the strap and used a leather cord to secure the button and loop flap.

Added some really nice smelling soap and a package of chocolate and off it went. It's hard to see in this photo what the bag looks like. I just couldn't seem to get a good angle on it. It's a simple rectangle, initially knit in the round. The zipper goes in in the opposite direction of the seam (so it's torqued). What you're seeing in the photo is the top edge folded over and attached to the lower opposite corner with that button/loop I mentioned earlier. I have a cloth version of this exact bag and really enjoy it. I want to make one of these for myself (LATER!) . I hope she likes it.

Not Even Christmas Yet

2006-11-10T22:45:00.000-05:00

It was so nice to come back from vacation to find PRESENTS waiting for me. =)

First was the prize I'd won from Jennifer's Knitflix swap/contest. It's a "Gettin' Knit Together" kit from Purl of Knit and Plenty...

Inside this gorgeous organizer (the color is called "Water"), I found:

A retractable measuring tape that I will be keep inside the organizer where it will be nice and handy (and not buried like my regular measuring tape tends to be).
A flexible magnifier and ruler called a Site Minder. This is going to come in so handy for many of my craft projects when I need to see the fine print to figure out what I'm suppose to do next.
3 of the cutest sew on garment labels that you can imagine. They have "Made by Hand. Knit by Heart" written on them. I can already tell I'm going to need more of those.
A big (16" x 11 1/2", yes I measured it with my new measuring tape!) and heavy duty plastic bag that zips LONGWAYS! It's called the Project Minder and I can't believe someone didn't think of this sooner. No mangling of a project getting it in and out of a plastic baggie here. Nice!
I have 3 nifty plastic labels, Yarn Minders, to attach to yarn so I don't lose the label or if I don't want the label, there are cards inside that I can jot the information down on.
The Needle Minder is something I wish I had sometime ago. It's a card that I can identify what knitting needles (and crochet hooks) I have without guessing and stores in a nice thick plastic sleeve. Now I know some people have all their needles nicely organized but I don't and because of that I have 3 pairs of 10.5 knitting needles!
There are 3 Measure Minder cards that once I'm more confident in my knitting skills will definitely be putting to use for presents. Actually, I'll use one for myself now so I don't have to keep remeasuring myself to figure out the right size of a project.
The 4 Pattern Minder cards appear to capture a lot of information about a project in a nice and tidy way. One side lets you record all sorts of information about a project, from beginning to end. The flipside is for taking notes, allowing you even date the note and put down which row you're suppose to start the next time you pick up the project (THANK YOU!)

I see myself getting a few of these as presents for my knitting friends.

The next package I tore into turned out to be from my Secret Pal 9 partner. Inside I found:

2- 50g balls of 100% wool yarn in a neat black and deep red blend.
A 50g ball of this interesting yarn called "Summer Net". It's this beautiful soft green yarn with a "net" of white over it. I need to dig through my patterns for something Summery to make with it.
A nice size bottle of fraganced lotion/body silk (oh la la). Perfect timing as Fall is quickly making way for Winter and the skin is going to be begging for moisture. And why not smell pretty in the process? =)
Tucked inside card that accompanied the goodies was a package of 4 stitch markers with millefiori glass beads on the end. Me likey!

All signs point to more wondrous things from my very sweet SP9 pal.

One package was sitting amongst the pile of mail waiting for me that I wasn't expecting. It was from my adorably sneaky Vegan Swap pal. Very original and I LOVE THE MINNIE PIN! It is going straight in my collection. I'll have to take a picture of that particular stash one of these days.

And to your question, dear pal, about which I wouldn't use/like (mittens, scarves, purses, sunglasses, hats, totes, legwarmers): until I get my eyes lasered hopefully in the next month or two, I can't wear sunglasses at the moment and I haven't worn legwarmers since I was in high school (along with mini skirts). LOL!

Peek-A-Boo

2006-11-08T09:13:00.000-05:00

Quick check in to let everyone know I'm alive and well. LOL!

The husband and I decided to disappear last week for our 4th anniversary for some much needed down time and snuggling. We drove down to the Outer Banks (North Carolina), found a classic old motel to hunker down in called The Blue Heron, and played tourists with no particular place to go. Watching birds and porpoise play in the surf, collecting shells, checking out local artists, and eating beachy food.

Details and pictures to come tonight, including the packages I received from my SP9 pal and Veg pal. THANK YOU!

Wait A Minute Mr. Postman

2006-10-22T07:35:00.000-04:00

Since coming over to Blogger and meeting so many wonderful people in crafty blog-land, I have come to love my mail box again, my studio is once more a place of wild creativity, and I feel I've made some really inspiring new friends.

So now let me show you what's brought on this love fest:

This is the wonderful Knitflix swap package that I received from Maggie who I must apologize to for not posting this picture sooner. Isn't it fabulous!?! It's based on the movie "Finding Neverland" and Maggie stuffed the box with:

- The movie "Finding Neverland" (can Johnny Depp do anything badly?).

- 4 skeins of gorgeous yarn ( 2 are Jaeger which I am lusting over and their mine)

- the knitting magazine Knitscene (totally drool worthy)

- a big box of Whoppers (lasted 3 days)

- a big box of Junior Mints (hiding in my office at work for emergencies)

- a big box of Milk Duds (sadly melted during the trip here),

- 4 cute candy rings (two were presented to a dear friend's daughter and her best friend when we went to Faire for her birthday. Princesses need bling you know)

- a bag of white chocolate M&Ms (the first to go and barely lasted one day)

This stunning brooch is called "Blue Skin" by Grace Danel which I received through the 2nd Annual Face Brooch Swap (click on the image in Mamarox's post to see all the pins). There is something about it that is very mystical and grand. I have plans to make a necklace for it so that the brooch can be used as a pendant.

I found this little card in my mailbox earlier this week from my Secret Pal 9 partner. *SQUEAL*

This is the skein and swag I received from Scout for my first Indie Swag Club package. Love it! The wild bag is something I'm going to have to hide from a few people because it's so very them. I'm especially tickled by the sock yarn because it's similar to what I sent Maggie for the Knitflix swap, and I really liked it. I think I've figured out what my very first pair of socks will be using this. I just need to get the needles and go for it! To all you sock knitters out there, stay tuned because I'm going to have LOADS of questions.

I received this wonderful package Thursday. I knew it was coming but still wasn't prepared for the kindness inside. This package is from Kiki and Lucy of Luscious Gracious. Kiki and her daughter Lucy were who I had as my One Skein secret pals. That is, I was the one sending them goodies. Between the emails and reading their blog, I discovered a family who truly loves craft; they enjoy a creative life that is inspiring. Inside the package, along with a letter from Kiki that I devoured ever page of, I received:

- A funny postcard from Lucy showing a 10,000 pound saguaro cactus squashing an old station wagon.

- The prettiest handspun skein of Merino wool yarn in peach and pink. Lucy recommended the "Candy Wrapper Sachet" from the One Skein book and I must agree. The yarn's colors remind me of salt water taffy so I think it would be perfect.

- A little bag of beautiful Cat's Eye beads that I've already got ideas for. >=)

- And a whole handblended batt of Merino wool in "Wild Blueberry", made by one of her dear friends and for me to practice my drop spindle spinning on. I wish the photograph did this one justice. It's this lovely bluish purple color with wisps of soft pale silver. If you've seen fresh blueberries, you'll know exactly what this looks like.

I am not stretching the truth in any manner by saying I absolutely LOVE YOU ALL!

Vegan Pal Questionnaire

2006-10-19T14:25:00.000-04:00

Blame Jennifer for this one. ;)

1.) What is your craft, & how long have you been doing it?
- I have two main crafts, beading and knitting. I've been beading for the last 4 years and knitting for a total of 3 years (I learned to knit years ago but was... distracted... by other crafts). LOL!

2.) Are you a vegan, vegetarian, veg-curious, veg-friendly or other?
- Veg-friendly.

3.) What is your favorite color(s)? Do you particularly dislike a color(s)?
- I like most colors, it's bad combinations that make me cringe.

4.) Do you have any allergies (such as pets, foods or cigarette smoke)?
- I'm allergic to avocados. Strong pet odors and cigarette smoke make me sneeze.

5.) Do you have any companion animals? If so, names and types?
- Not at the moment though I plan on getting cats when we get a house.

6.) Do you collect anything?
- Beads, yarn, dragons, Disney pins, cookbooks, etc...

7.) Do you have a favorite vegan food, snack or dish? If no fav that's vegan (for those who aren't vegan), what's your favorite food? (Hopefully your pal can find a vegan version!)
- My favorite vegetarian dish is called "Asparagus and Lemon Fettucine". Yum yum! I make it with regular cream and Parmesan cheese but the soy versions work fine for those you are true Vegans. As for snacks and such: I'm a rice fiend; cookies, ice cream and chocolate are my sweet downfalls; and for the salty stuff, give me CHEESE DOODLES!

8.) What tools/supplies/accessories for your craft(s) are you wishing you had but don't? Also, what do you have TOO many of? (basically a wish and anti-wish list)
- Hmm... In the beading camp, anything is appreciated except for those grey flocked beading trays. Just don't like them. Over on the knitting side, again anything is appreciated but I don't need stitch markers. I'm good there.

9.) What type of handmade item would tickle your fancy? What don't you like? (Keep in mind this swap is open to all types of crafters.)
- Surprise me. I'd rather not pigeon whole my pal into having to make something they'd rather not do. Make me something that tickles YOUR fancy. Whatever you do best, that's what I'd like one of please.

10.) Is there anything else you would like your pal to know about you?
- Best thing would be to read my blog (and the older posts) to get to know me. I'm an eclectic person and am easily fascinated.

I Won! I Won! I Won! (and Another Surprise)

2006-10-18T08:33:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who voted on my "Black & White Knit Flix Package"! On Monday, I received the following message from the adorable Jennifer:

"Congratulations, Te! You are the winner of the Knitflix Swap contest. Yay! You win a Gettin' Knit Together Kit from our very own Purl of http://www.knitandplenty.com! Purl will be in contact with you to get your mailing address! Bravo my knit and bead friend! Bravo!"

*GIRLIE SQUEAL*

I didn't participate in the swap/contest to win anything but I'm not going to lie and say that I'm not pleased I entered. =)

The day was capped off by a package waiting for me from talented Scout. It was the first package in my 6 month subscription to her "Indie Swag Club"! I'll post details tonight. All I can say is if this is what I'm to expect in future packages, I'm going to be one happy knitter. =)

Now to find someone who has something like this for beads. >=)

The Orange Dreamsicle

2006-10-13T22:02:00.000-04:00

I have come to love getting the mail these days. Today's delivery brought me my very own funky scarf goodness from my sneaky Funky Scarf Swap partner, Debi aka SpunMonkeyBean.

I read the card she included first before checking out my scarf and from how she described herself, I was immediately intrigued about what was hidden inside the pretty starburst tissue paper.

Wanna see what I got?

So very funky and beautiful, and it will definitely be getting worn lots.

Come closer. It's all in the details you know. Debi wrote that one of the thinks she enjoys is spinning yarn which makes this scarf even more special, and it's so soft! Besides being properly funky in design, the colors are really great. I'm reminded of an orange dreamsicle shake. It's in a soft shade of orange with tufts of white and one little spot of magenta on one end which could be the cherry on top!

Each end is different. One has dangly fringe while the other is solid. Can you guess which one is my favorite?
Thank you so much Debi. It's just wonderful! =)

There's some magic in this scarf as well, you can smell it (it smells really good). It makes me wanna get funky!

OK, apparently it's past my bedtime, or maybe it's the Dulce De Leche liqueur. Either way, it's time to take my silly funkiness to bed. Night all!

Get Out There And Vote

2006-10-10T12:38:00.000-04:00

What wonderful news! Jennifer just let me know that I'm one of the 3 finalist in the Knitflix Swap for my "Black and White" movie box. YAY!

She also said that I could campaign for votes so.... VOTE FOR ME! Pretty please? =)

The voting has begun and runs until Sunday night (10/15/2006), midnight PST. Just go to the post and leave a comment.

Thanks so much.

Secret Pal 9 Questionnaire

2006-10-06T22:31:00.000-04:00

Hello Secrete Pal!

Here is my questionnaire for Secret Pal 9:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
- I've not tried them all so I can't say what my favorite is just yet. =) As for what I absolutely do not like, 100% acrylic because it itches. Blends are ok because they usually result in some fun and funky combinations.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
- Uhm... a large plastic baggie. =(

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
- This is sort of a tricky question. I learned how to knit around 10 years or so ago or so but... it went into unused limbo for 8 of those. I started up again in ernest with the One Skein Swap and am loving every minute of it.

I learned to knit totally by accident really. I was running around with my mom looking for yarn shops that sold yarn for weavers. We entered a shop somewhere in Eastern PA (converted old house) and the owner was really a trip. She and my mom got onto the subject of adding knitting to trim or combine with her weaving and the next thing we knew, she sat my mom down and handed her some pointy sticks to teach her the basic knit and purls stitches. She then looked up at me and said, "Well don't just stand there, take a seat." Next thing we both knew, she'd taught us to knit and purl a few rows on a little swatch, helped us pick out a simple pouch pattern, and the needles and yarn for it, and sent us on our unsuspecting yet merry way. Mom stayed with it for the most part, discovering the fun of socks, I let it slide when beads entered my life.

Skill wise, I'd call myself an advanced beginner because though I've done plenty of lace and such, I've not YET tried socks, changing colors, or cabling. Or finished a sweater for that matter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
- I made one just for this project: Knitting Wish List.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
- I'm not a fan of strong floral scents. I like honeys, lemons, cucumbers, gingers, chocolate, and edible things like that. I can sometimes find Demeter Fragrances, but the site that gets me in the most trouble is BPAL or Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. Those dang little imps! Beware, once you start experimenting, your money is in serious trouble.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
- I have more of a salt tooth than a sweet tooth but when it hits, chocolates and caramels are my top two favorites. I love most kinds except the cheap stuff. It just tastes... cheap.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
- Beadwork is currently my #1 love just over knitting. I spin some and am "trying" to learn how to use my drop spindle. I've done all sorts of things in the past like mail art, figure sculpting, porcelain dolls, and a slew of other things I can't remember at the moment.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
- I like just about everything except country and rap. I enjoy just about everything else, including the genres that don't end up on the radio unless it's an obscure station or satellite(acapella, big band, etc...) I'm always interested in discovering new artists and have found all sorts of wonderful indie singers/groups that really knock my socks off such as Four Shadow and 4 and 20 Blackbirds. Yes, I can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
- I can't think of any color I really don't like. What I don't like, can't stand, however you want to say it is horrid color combinations! Some colors were just never meant to be together. Hot pink and olive green? Run away! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
- Married, no kids or pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
- All of them.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
- Once again, I don't know just yet but at the moment I guess it would be purses/totes. Socks are my next thing to tackle and I keep getting told that I'll be hooked once I make my first pair. We'll see.

13. What are you knitting right now?
- Two things at the immediate moment. A tote for my partner in the International Tote Exchange II, and a hooded baby blanket in... BUBBLE GUM PINK for my husband's niece. She's due soon so I'd better get a move on.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
- Oh yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
- I like them both as they each serve their own purposes. Bamboo and wood are my favorite in material. The sound of knitting with aluminum makes my teeth hurt. My circular kit is done in plastic. It has its issues (stiff) but they work well.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
- I do own a yarn winder but not a swift. I currently use the back of a chair, my knees or my husband for that. LOL!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
- Uhm... when did I say I started knitting again? The first, and only, sweater I ever tried to make was out of Vogue Knitting magazine. I made all the pieces for it but didn't know what to do when it came time to put it together. I don't even know if I have the cone of yarn now to finally put it together so I'll probably just pull it out and make something else with it.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
- Halloween. Favorite holiday as well as my wedding anniversary.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
- Disney pins, cookbooks, and autographs. Can I count beads and yarn too?

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
- Books, see my Amazon wish list above. When it comes to yarns, just surprise me! For needles, I should probably get some nicer circulars though I'm not sure which as I hear different reviews. I'll have to peak around for knitting patterns and post them. Most I've found I've gotten out of magazines or free online. I don't have any knitting magazine subscriptions at this time. I pick up Knit.1, Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, and now Knitscene.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
- Cables (that thing goes where?), color knitting (you want me to change colors?), and continental knitting (but I like throwing my yarn!)

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
- I'm about to become one. I've never tried but I just joined Scout's Indie Swag club where I get sock yarn each month so I'm going to definitely try. I'm a size 10. Measurements: 10" from heel to top of my big toe, 3 3/4" across at the ball of my foot. What else do you need?

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
- April 15th