Crafting Casualty

Cleveland Rocks!

2008-08-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, so I'm finally at school.
This all feels so strange, but good. I mean, yeah, I cried when my parents left. But right now I'm sitting here on my own, with my own space. It's just awesome! The room's a little small, but honestly my side is very private. It's like having my own bedroom, I just don't have a door. Hopefully pictures will be posted soon!
Cleveland is a beautiful city, and I have a great view! I can kind of see a little bit of the lake from my window, so I'm pretty excited.
If anyone lives/has ever lived in Cleveland, tell me all the cool places to check out!

Class starts on Monday. I have to say I'm more than a little nervous! I have an 8:30 Math class! I'm not a morning person, and I hate math, so I'm sure I'm going to be absolutely miserable, but we'll see. Hopefully I'll meet some nice people in there.

OH MY GOD

2008-07-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

So I did what I promised I wouldn't. I forgot about this!
But really, I have so many legit excuses it's not even funny.
Getting ready for college, family issues, the fact that I'm going to be 18 in a week and a half. I've had no time for knitting, or crafting in general.
Okay, so I've made a few simple things. You know, pillows, a rug that's currently a WIP, no knitting what so ever.
I haven't picked up the needles in almost 6 months. Unbelievable right?
I'm hoping that I'll be knitting while I'm in school, but will I have time for that? Who knows.

Fortunately, while I haven't been crafting, I've been getting more and more into photography. I've actually even opened an Etsy shop...artesaniatambien.etsy.com. I'm selling prints of most of my photos, at least my best ones (I hope!). I'll also be selling some of my mom's homemade jewelry in the near future, as well as any other crafts I do.

A few examples include:

Anyway, they're reasonably priced I suppose.
I hope I'll be updating this more on a regular basis.
I also plan on starting a personal blog, since I'm sure I'll have plenty to bitch about when school starts.

I promise I didn't forget about this!

2008-01-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

I know, I've been seriously neglecting the blog lately. It seems like no matter what I do, I always run out of time for something. I've been as busy as ever lately, for better or worse. Between school work and getting ready for college next year it seems I never stop working. Even knitting seems impossible these days. I'm hoping now that we're into the new year and I'm starting my last semester of high school I'll be ready to update this more often.

Not only am I knitting now, but I got a sewing machine and a new camera for Christmas, so I've been getting into sewing and photography lately. I've also been getting things ready to hopefully open up an Etsy shop by the end of the month. We'll see how that goes.

I can't go through this again...

2007-11-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

Most of you don't know, but last spring I was fighting to save the greatest (in my opinion) TV show ever, The Black Donnellys. Unfortunately, no matter what the fans did, NBC refused to open their mind to something other than reality and game shows.

Now with the writer's strike going on, my other favorite show, The Office, is being shut down (temporarily, I hope).

“The Office” showrunner Greg Daniels has joined the picket line at his production company’s Van Nuys location in an attempt to shut down production of his show.

“We’re trying to shut down ‘The Office,’” Mr. Daniels said. “We have the star of our show and the entire writing staff behind us.”

Read the rest of the article here at Give Me My Remote.

This is not a new post

2007-11-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

I'm just posting this here because I need it for an art project and the original website is blocked at school.

Yes, I know, I suck

2007-10-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

Here it is, finally. This was my first time knitting lace, and it honestly was not hard at all. I didn't add the buttons, I intend on just wearing it as a scarf. The yarn is Plymouth Baby Alpaca Brush and it is insanely soft!!

I'll have pictures of me wearing it as soon as I get my senior pictures on CD.

Yay!

2007-10-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

No new projects, but I would just like to congratulate Al Gore and the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on winning the Nobel Peace Prize! I can't even explain how happy I am. If you want to find out more, check out this article.

ATTN: Anyone who has any experience with stenciling or iron-on transfers!

2007-10-09T16:24:00.001-07:00

Wow, long title.

The picture I want to use:

(Picture quality sucks, but I'll be using a better, scanned image)

I want it on 2 black shirts and a black tote bag.
However, I want them all exactly the same, so I'll want to do an iron-on transfer, right?
The problem is, the last time I used an iron-on transfer, it was clearly an iron-on transfer. It looked terrible! And It kept peeling off the shirt. Also, I wouldn't be able to wash it, would I? I have no clue.

If you know anything at all about stenciling or iron-on transfers, please help!

I've Been Tagged!

2007-09-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

I know, I know! I said I would work on this last week. But like I said before, I have no time. I would love to take one of those Time Management classes, but I don't have the time for it.

Tina in Wonderland tagged me, here are the rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post rules
2. Share 7 facts about yourself, some random and some weird
3. Tag 7 people at the end of post and list their names
4. Let them know they were tagged by a comment on their blog

I can almost guarantee the things I list will not be interesting, and probably not random or weird, but here it goes.

1) I'm planning on going to college at Cleveland State University, and I'm double majoring in Journalism and Spanish.

2) I've considered myself a Democrat since the age of 13. I'm still not old enough to vote, but I'm counting down the months until I can in the next presidential election. My friends think I'm crazy for wanting to vote so badly, I think they're crazy for not caring.

3) I used to play trombone in my high school marching band. I quit after a psychotic lady that can't keep time became our new director. She's still there. When I was in the band we had over 110 people in it. Two years after she came, we're down to under 50. You'd think someone would notice something was wrong.

4) I have a miniature dachshund named Ravenclaw the Half-Blood Princess. Yeah, dogs and Harry Potter are the loves of my life.

5) My favorite food is Chicken Parmigiana. I think it's quite odd that Italian food you get at an Italian restaurant is (around here at least) terrible, but the people in my non-Italian family make amazing Italian food. We also make some pretty awesome Chinese food as well.

6) I used to want to be a veterinarian so bad, but then I realized I might have to hurt animals (you know, shots and stuff), and possibly put them to sleep.

7) Comments on my blog make me happier than a kid in a candy store, so seriously, comment.

Well you know what? I don't know 7 people that haven't already been tagged for this, so I'm just going to go ahead and tag everyone that reads this! Are you up for the challenge?

Finally an actual post

2007-09-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

I've been a very very bad blogger as of late. But really, I have an excuse!

The not so fun stuff:
College Applications and Essays
Homework
Tests
School in general!!

The fun stuff:

Monster Hop Film Fest:
Me with Tom Savini!!

Me with Bill Hinzman!!

Honestly one of the best days ever!

Pgh Renfest!

The gorgeous handmade wand my dad bought me!!

Don't you love it?

Progress on my Wisp!

It's about half finished.

Wow

2007-09-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Nearly 2 weeks since my last post. I guess I'm busier than I thought. I've made significant progress on my Wisp. I've also been up to quite a lot in the past week or so. I'll be sure to update tomorrow, with plenty of pictures of what I've been doing.

Wouldn`t it be so nice to have time?

2007-09-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Nothing new...at all. I've started on my Wisp for my September Do Something New KAL project. I'm getting frustrated with the House Sweater. 2" on US 3 needles? Yeah right!
I also don't really have time for anything. I've had a crazy amount of school work. I've been in school for 3 weeks, and I've had 6 tests and a research paper already. It's crazy.

I'll update when I have some pictures of everything.

Latest FO - Tampon Case

2007-09-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest project. I designed it myself, but that doesn't really mean much since it was so easy! The buttons came from a woman that was friends with my grandma. Aren't they gorgeous? I think they go really well with the yellow of the yarn. Oh, and see that pretty teapot and platter that the tampon case is on? That's my latest yard sale purchase. I got the set for $12. It's so beautiful. It has a Chinese dragon on both sides and on the platter, and it's hand painted

You can fit quite a few tampons in here. It's pictured with 4, but there is plenty room for more. It's about 3" x 6 1/2". If anyone would like the directions on how to do this, I'd be more than willing to post them here, but really, it's one of the easiest things in the world to make.

I've also casted on for my House Sweater! I'll post pictures once I've gotten a few more rows done.

Also, thanks for all the kind comments on my last post! Now that I'm back in school and have gotten used to it I feel a lot better. I guess I just had a case of the back to school blues.

This is just venting

2007-08-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

I have to go to school tomorrow, which on it's own just completely sucks!
To make it worse...this is my senior year.
I know, I know...this is supposed to be the best year, but honestly, I'm terrified.
I'm not sure why exactly.
I know what I want to do, and I already know where I'm going to college. Nevertheless, I'm scared.
I think I just don't like the fact that in a year I will be moving out on my own. I'm not ready to be an adult with responsibilities. I just want to be a kid for the rest of my life, and in a year I'm being forced to grow up.
I'm also scared I'm not going to have time for fun.
I'll be in class, studying, working. When will I have time to knit, or just hang out and relax?

Everyone keeps telling me this year is going to go fast and I'll be out of school before I know it. The bad thing is, that's the complete opposite of what I want to hear.

Oh, and I haven't figured out my gauge problem! I haven't knitted for a few days actually.

Gauge Problems

2007-08-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm knitting my swatch for my House Sweater, and I cannot get the right gauge! First the stitches didn't match up, so I started knitting a little tighter and they were okay, but now the rows aren't matching!

The gauge for the pattern is 22sts and 30rows = 4" in St st on US 6 needles. I keep getting 22sts and 24rows = 4". I'd hate to have to go buy bigger needles. I suppose I could always take these ones back, but I'd much rather change my tension, if that's at all possible.

Anyone have tips on what to do?

We're not all made of money, are we?

2007-08-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well it appears that there is no such thing as cheap DK weight yarn. At least that I can find, anyway. I looked all over Michael's, Joann's, Wal-Mart, and online. Nothing! I've decided to just go ahead and start the House Sweater. The only thing I'm really worried about is the blocking. I can practice blocking with pretty much anything though, right?

Alright, this was a boring post. Sorry

House Sweater Yarn

2007-08-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a week. I've been insanely busy with birthday stuff and getting ready to go back to school. My box of yarn came on Saturday! I've never received such an awesome package in the mail before!

Isn't it beautiful! I'm so excited.

I haven't decided on a yarn for my practice sweater yet. I want it to be cheap, but still pretty enough to wear. I can't wait to get started on the real one though.

I also completed a newsboy cap on Sunday. It didn't turn out exactly like the picture in the pattern, because the yarn I used was thicker, but it's still really cute.

I'm kinda thinking it would look good with ear flaps, but I'm not sure. I'll see how much yarn I have left.

The brim is kinda folded down a little in this picture, but oh well. It's really comfy. I'm planning on making a pair of fold over mittens to match.

Anyway, I think that's it for now. Comments, as always, are love <3

I DID IT!

2007-08-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

The good news:
I actually bought the yarn for my House Sweater! I'm using Plymouth Encore DK. Half the price of Jaeger Matchmaker Merino DK! I bought 2 balls extra of the grey, just so I'm certain I have enough yarn. I spent about $75, but that's really only $5 over my yarn money I had for my birthday, so I'm happy.

The bad news:
The store I went to actually has 2 locations in Columbus. The one I went to only had 6 balls of the grey, 1 ball of the red (thankfully that's all I needed) and only a sample of the gold. I spent $75 and only walked out of the store with 1 ball of red yarn.

More good news:
Sometime in the next few days I will be receiving a HUGE box of yarn in the mail! And the shipping is free!

Yeah, I'm excited!
Oh, in case you didn't notice, I went for Gryffindor!

Since this is my first time making something that involves shaping and blocking, I'm going to go ahead and use the same pattern but with really cheap acrylic yarn and taking notes just to make sure I get everything right. I don't want to destroy my good yarn by frogging over and over.

Oh, and what's with this 100 degree weather?
We went to the Ohio State Fair for my birthday yesterday (to look at cute animals!), and we were only there for like 2 hours and we left because it was so hot! We heard later that day that pretty soon after we left all of the rides were shut down because of how dangerously hot it was. I say we should get our money back!

Yarn for House Sweater!

2007-08-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

My lovely stepmom bought me a gift certificate for The Yarn Shop in Columbus. I just checked their site, and they have the recommended yarn for the House Sweater! It's still the same price as I saw on other sites, but at least I'll be able to see/feel it in person, and I can compare it to cheaper yarns! If I can find yarn similar but like half the price, then 3/4 of the yarn needed will be covered!

So now I need to ask my wonderful readers (Do I have any?) a question.
What House should I go for?

I'd like a Gryffindor sweater, but I'm not sure if the colors are right for me.
Based on most of my wardrobe, I'm more of a Slytherin or Ravenclaw girl.

Cable Wallet with Pattern

2007-07-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

I needed a wallet, and I had this gorgeous yarn, and I NEEDED to do something with cables!

Cable Wallet

Supplies:

Yarn: Moda Dea Cartwheels in Raspberries
Needles: US 7 and Cable Needle
1 Button
Yarn Needle
Lining (optional)

CO 30

Row 1 P10, K2, P6, K2, P10
Row 2 K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 3 P10, K2, P6, K2, P10
Row 4 K10, P2, sl next 3 sts on cn and hold at back, k3, then k3 from cn, P2, K10
Row 5 P10, K2, P6, K2, P10
Row 6 K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 7 P10, K2, P6, K2, P10
Row 8 K10, P2, K6, P2, K10

Repeat 6 times

Front Flap

Row 1 P
Row 2 K
Row 3 P
Row 4 K14, make buttonhole, K to end
Row 5 P
Row 6 K
Row 7 P
BO

Fold bottom (CO edge) up until pocket is approximately 2.5" deep.
Line up button with buttonhole, and sew button on.
If you're going to line the wallet/clutch, do that now.
Turn inside out, and seam.
Turn rightside out, and there it is!

Edited to fix error! Slip 3 sts on cn, not 2! SORRY!

If anyone actually uses this pattern, please email me pictures! Who knows, they might even get posted on here =]
If anything doesn't make sense, email me and let me know!
coffindontwantmeAThotmailDOTcom

Personal Use Only Please!

My Hedwig-ish Owl

2007-07-29T10:57:00.001-07:00

Here she is! I think she's cute, but she could be better.
In the pattern, they clearly state that the yarn does not have to be the same gauge as the recommended yarn to make an owl, and that using thinner/thicker yarn will just change the size of your owl. THEY LIED! The yarn I used was really a lot thinner than the recommended yarn for Errol, but I figured it would work. I had a hell of a time getting this thing sewn together! The base piece was HUGE! I had to fold it in half to sew it on! And the beak!! It's HUGE too! The yarn I used for the beak is the same gauge as the rest of the owl, so it should be proportional right? WRONG!
But I'm pleased. I think it's cute, but next time, I'm definitely getting the recommended yarn!

Also, here's the scarf, just a few inches from being done.

Why am I not showing it off better? I'm sick, and in my pajamas...that's why!

I think I'm taking a break from Christmas knitting, and getting started on....MY FIRST WEARABLE! My mom mentioned paying for half of the yarn needed for my House Sweater as a birthday present! I've looked into some of the yarn recommended in the comment on my last post (thanks Samantha!), and it's definitely more affordable.
I'm hoping to cast on in a couple of weeks.

Oh, and you know what else is coming? My first pattern! I'm just hoping I typed it up right and there's no mistakes, but it's going to be free, so I'm sure it'll be fine.

Current WIPs:

Aunt's Scarf

Too Scared to Start a Wearable!

2007-07-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

So I posted before about the Beginner's Raglan KAL. I was so certain I would actually do it, but I chickened out. Now that I finally have Charmed Knits, I want to make a House Sweater, but the yarn they use will cost about $150, which is just insane! I could substitute, but I can't find anything similar. I don't know what to do.

Anyway, I finished my owl. I used the Errol pattern from Charmed Knits, but I kind of made Hedwig, sort of. I didn't have grey yarn for the talons or for Hedwigs beak, so It's just a white owl with a yellow beak and no talons. It's cute though!
Oh and I didn't use buttons for eyes, because I didn't have two of the same plain black buttons.

I'm over half way done with my aunt's scarf. It knitted up really quick. I did the majority of it in a day. Ok, I started a couple of weeks ago, but I stopped because I bought Charmed Knits and had to make something from there.
But I should be done in the next couple of days probably.
Unfortunately, I never finished the other mary jane slipper. I just got bored!

I also tried my first cable project.
A little cute wallet. I love it.

I'll post pictures of everything soon. It's just been really cloudy here today.

Current WIPs:

Aunt's Scarf

A Second Christmas Scarf...SPOILER

2007-07-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Again...if you're related, don't read!

After finally finishing my grandma's scarf, I decided I needed to get started on another one for Christmas. I'm working on one for my aunt. It's hot pink, which she'll totally love. I've only done a few inches of it so far, so I'm not going to post a picture of it yet.

I finally got a copy of Charmed Knits, and it is so AMAZING! I love everything in it! I definitely want to make Ron's Ragg Raglan, and Ron's Animal Cracker hat, and basically anything involving Ron (and if you love Rupert Grint, I suggest seeing Driving Lessons! FANTASTIC!) Right now I'm working on an owl. I'm making Hedwig instead of Errol, only because I have white yarn on hand, and none that is Errol-colored. I've just casted on, so no pictures of that either.

Pictures to come when I've made some progress.

Current WIPs:

Hedwig
Aunt's Scarf

My WIPs and UFOs are out of control

2007-07-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's the heat affecting me or what, but I cannot finish a single thing! I get so close, but as soon as I screw up I just stop. The sad thing is, when I stop I don't go back to another WIP or UFO, I decide to start something else! And as soon as something goes wrong with that, I start another! My WIP shelf is overflowing right now. I currently have 4 WIPs and 2 UFOs (that are collecting dust until I stop being disgusted with them!) that need to get finished! I just hope it cools of soon so I can start concentrating more, and I can stand the feel of yarn. Wool on a 90+ day is just about the worst thing in the world.

Anyway, enough ranting. I'll post again when I get something finished, or at least close to finished.

Current WIPs:

Don't even go there!

First wearable! Top-Down Raglan

2007-07-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Beginner's Top-Down Raglan KAL

Mine will likely be without the cables and stripes, but this looks easy enough.
Best part, you get to use cheap yarn! I'm trying to decide what color to use. I'm thinking purple, but maybe like a teal color instead. I'll just have to see next time I'm at Michael's.

The raincloud didn't work out.
I need to knit it on the round instead of flat. I figured I would have to, but I just wanted to try. My DPNs are currently holding something else (more on that another time), but whenever they're free I'll start working on the raincloud again.

I'm working on a pattern for a little surprise right now.
Ok, it's not great, but it's cute, and at least I'll be able to share a pattern on Craftster! I always feel bad that I use everyone's patterns, but never come up with one to give back.

Current WIPs:
Grandma's Scarf
Mary Janes
Surprise!

Knitting Needle Roll

2007-07-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

So I haven't really been knitting anything new, just working on my grandma's scarf. I figured I would show off the knitting needle roll my mom made me. I picked out the fabric and told her how to do it, and she sewed it for me. She even made 2 bigger pockets for my circulars and some small things like yarn needles. My sewing skills basically suck.

Anyway, I've been thinking of knitting a raincloud, after being inspired by this one at Mochimochi. Mine will be different though, but I haven't really thought out a design yet. I'm thinking of putting lightning on it as well. I'm sure pictures will be coming soon enough.

I've been cleaning/re-organizing my room so I can have a craft area. It looks horrible now, but hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of my new crafting zone soon (which includes a Johnny Depp poster!)

Current WIPs:

Grandma's Scarf
Mary Janes
Designing raincloud

At a loss...

2007-07-01T18:01:00.001-07:00

Rainbow Sock Yarn
Originally uploaded by thecoffindontwantme

So I bought this gorgeous Lana Grossa Meilenweit sock yarn on vacation. The colors are absolutely beautiful, and it is so soft. Problem is, I don't want to knit socks. I've never desired to knit a pair of socks. Why did I buy the yarn? It was pretty.

So, anyone that reads this, have any ideas on what I can do with it? I know there are some books out there just for sock yarn, but only a couple of those patterns are for things other than socks, so I don't want to actually buy the books.

Current WIPs:
Grandma's Scarf (I've more than doubled the length since I posted about it)
Mary Jane slippers (Finished the 1st, taking a break before the 2nd)

Grandma's Scarf SPOILER WARNING

2007-06-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

So if you're related to me, you better not be reading this!

For Christmas my mom talked me into making scarves for our ENTIRE family. I figured it wouldn't be too bad. I can knit up a scarf in a day or two.

WRONG!

I am so tired of this scarf. I'm only like a fourth of the way done with it, and I'm so bored with it! As soon as I finish my mary jane slippers I MUST start working on this again. I have to do 31 scarves. 31!!! I can't even finish 1! This is going to be so crazy.

Well here it is so far:

I'm using some unknown yarn. It's cheap (acrylic), but surprisingly very soft.

Anyway, here's a cute little mp3 cozy I knitted a couple of days ago. Just for fun.
I love turquoise and pink together.

Current WIPS:

Grandma's Scarf *ugh*
Mary Jane Slippers (almost done with the 1st one)

First Post!

2007-06-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

Woohoo first post!

So I just got back from Chicago a few days ago, and I came back with SOOO much yarn! It's amazing. Anyway, I got this list of knitting stores in Chicago from a user on Craftster, and I wrote down all of the addresses of the ones I wanted to go to. I ended up being satisfied with only going to 2 of them. I spent about $80 on yarn, and I got a ton of stuff. I went to Loopy Yarns and Midwest Discount Yarns. Both were amazing. I got a skein of some beautiful rainbow sock yarn and some purple baby alpaca. I can't decide what I'm going to knit with either of them. Well clearly a pair of socks, but I don't know what style. At Midwest Discount Yarns I got a few cottons, a few acrylics, and some wool. I got the best deal ever on the acrylics. I got a bag of hot pink thick and quick, 6 skeins total, for about $9, and a bag of lime green thick and quick, 7 skeins, for about $10. AMAZING! I was so excited. It's not the best, but it's good for when I just want something cheap and easy. I also scored some cheap black cotton at a thrift store called Hidden Treasures. Two small hanks and a small ball for $1. It's awesome.

Anyway, here's some pictures of the yarn I got:

Current WIPs:

Mary Jane slippers
Grandma's Scarf