red cardigan

red cardigan
Originally uploaded by genegrl1

big red is finally done. it turned out a bit big. still, not bad for a first attempt.

Here kitty kitty

cozy kitty front
Originally uploaded by genegrl1

I know, for some reason I'm on a kitty cat kick (say that three times fast). I just needed a new project to work on. Today, all i could think of was sewing. At first I was going to make a bag, but lacked a few essential items. As I was flipping through In Stitches, I remembered that I has downloaded this pattern. I think it turned out cute. I aslo learned a few things... 1) drawing the seam allowence is really helpful 2) setting the machine on slow helps make lines straight and even. Does the face remind you of The Scream painting?? Its the wrong side of the back fabric.

I needed a punch

crafty sign front
Originally uploaded by genegrl1

to kickstart some creativity. I was tired of my knit sweater (still needs sleeves), beading had me in knots, crochet just wasnt doing it..... what was left but a simple sign. I had put this project on the backburner for quite awhile, while everything else ws going on. Then it all stopped. I didn't want to do anything. I even tried to sketch...nothing. Started by winding a few bobbons, then a spark. Plus, I got one of those wonderful daylight lamps (40% coupons rock!). It makes the project go by faster.

hello, kitty

kitty face
Originally uploaded by genegrl1

my cousin wanted a hat, well I finally got it done. Had to do some creative stitchery to correct some issues , but it worked out in the end... i hope. She still hasn't seen the final project.

As for other things, the body of the red sweater is done, just need to make the sleeves and hood. The fish blanket is done. And I found another use for swatches. Look in my flicker photo albums to see what I have been up to.

Here fishy fishy

Wow, its been ages since I've last posted. Well I 've got plenty to show. First up, another baby blanket: One of my friends is having her second one and is being difficult by not finding out what she is having. But I was strolling around the Internet when I found this cute knit fish pattern. The blanket is not done yet but getting there.


I've also been working on my red sweater. I've also come to the conclusion that I am knitting the wrong pattern. I have fallen into the "it looks pretty on paper but not on me" problem. I have the right side along with the sleeves to finish but have lost the will to finish it. Maybe it will be a donation to charity. Good thing I didn't spend a whole lot of money on the yarn.


I've been dabbling in beading as well. I made a necklace for a friend's birthday. I hope she like it. I also saw this cute little tree pendent thing around the Internet as well and tried to make one. Not bad for a first try. I'll have to keep practicing.

sidewinder

sidewinder
Originally uploaded by genegrl1

so have you? Nona did an awesome job on this pattern. Instead of legs on the socks, i made them into ultra low anklets. The first one is ready, the second one will probably be started this weekend. GO NONA!

Cleo, is that you?

cleo 1
Originally uploaded by genegrl1

I finally finished Cleo. I messed it up about three times, I think. First I strung the beads on thread. Then the ends I bought needed wire. So, I took a few strands and strung them on wire. Then the cones didnt fit the wire. So I restrung them on thread. Then I cut the end very short. After a few suggestions, I came up with a plan, which somehow worked. Then finished up and Cleo was done. More pictures available on flickr.

hooded cardigan

hooded cardigan
Originally uploaded by genegrl1

So, awhile back I started on the hooded cardigan from Knit.1 . Its been going kind of fast. My goal is about 5 rows per night..which for my gauge is about an inch. So far I have about 6+ inches, with a few mistakes. I cant wait for it to be done.

got wood?

wood 1&2
Originally uploaded by genegrl1

I felt that I needed to get some instant gratification. I ordered some wooden beads for a cardigan that I was working on. I think I need to retake basic math again. The beads were a bit small for the purpose, but they make some cute bracelets.


here are a few other shots of the bracelets:

is that a FO?

Well I have finally finished my aunt's blanket. It took awhile (3 months), but it is out of my hair. It id not come out like I planned, but hey, it still looks great.



I also finally got the cosmetic bag pattern down. I just need to buy some interfacing and i'm set.


I have also gotten on a beading kick. I'm calling this one Cleo. I just need to find the cones to finish of the ends. I'm thinking of a blue/green one for my next one.

Sew what?

jewelry case inside
Originally uploaded by genegrl1.

What happens when you totally fuck up something? Once in a while you get something really cute. I wanted to try my hand at sewing a cosmetic bag. I found this tutorial online that seemed easy enough. Instead of printing it out or having it nearby to glance at, I went by the seat of my brain...not the greatest idea. Of course, let me remind you I cant sew or cut straight, never have I sewed in a zipper, or really have any common sense. So I went on about doing it. I made a template, all nice and straight. Cut it. Instead of that thing you put in, cant think of the name, i put in batting to give it a puffy feel. The pieces came out all different sizes. no problam, i'll think of something. It took a few tries to get the zipper right. Then I forgot the next step. Did I go and look for the answer, hell no. I made shit up. So in the end instead of a cosmetic bag, I got a jewelry case. I dont know, but I really like. Some days it pays to fuck up.

Mail Call

A while back I signed up for the Knitterly Letter Swap hosted by Domesticat. It is turning out to be lots of fun. Its been ages since I've hand written a letter and had a pen pal. Seriously people, join in on the fun.

Learning Curve

I cant believe its been this long since I've blogged. So, what have I been up to. My aunt's blanket has been going slow. I have had to adjust the pattern a bit, again. Details when its done. Last month I finally finished my first pair of real sock, heals and all. You can really tell that its my first pair... can you spot all the ladders?




The project that I started a swatch for was a pattern for a cardigan I saw in Knit.1 . I did the swatch the EZ way. At first I thought that was an odd way to do a swatch, but I had a lot of fun making it. Way to go EZ! This cardigan has been driving me crazy, even though I haven't started on it. I have been trying to find the perfect yarn for it. I've looked all over the internet for a cheap way to do it. All the yarns I want would cost me around $60. I thought that it was a bit steep. I wouldn't even pay that much in a store. I was looking for very springy colors... greens, aqua, coral. But, I was walking around Hobby Lobbyland yesturday when I can across the perfect yarn. The name of the yarn " I love this yarn". It is cheap... $2 for over 300 yards. They were limited in colors, so I went with red. I got to thinking... since this is my FIRST sweater try, maybe some cheap yarn would be best to work with. I wont feel bad if I mess really bad. Plus, if it works well, I could always make another one with better quality yarn.


I almost forgot, I got a sewing machine, a real one. So far its great. I cant wait to start some of my sewing projects that I have lined up

thoughts

I was finally able to take some pictures. The first one is of the blanket that I am working on for my aunt. I am about 1/3 of the way done.





I was going to hold off on my punchneedle project, but I needed a break from knitting.






And lastly, I was putting off blogging about it, but I had to. It was my first rejection letter. I submitted a beaded bag for Interweaves' Beadwork contest. I knew it was going to be a long shot, but there was a bit hope there.

shhhh.....

I know i havent written in quite a while. I have been working on my aunt's blanket. It's going kind of slow but i keeping chugging along. Totally messed up on the gauge. It will be 2/3 of what i wanted. In others news, I have SSS. I just cant find my groove for the other sock. I made it past the cuff, yet i cant seem to get past the first pattern repeat. well, thats about it. just waiting for the weekend.

Mardi gras

Every Febuary in Saint Louis we have our Mardi Gras parade and drunkfest. This year I got to go with my friends Mel and Chris. Two others chickened out due to the cold weather and snow. But not us. The above pics are my haul for the year. Half were caught and the other half I scavenged from the ground (what else is a short person to do in a sea of giants???)And if your wondering if any skin was bared....nope. The reasons for it are 1)its a family parade (drunkfest after) 2)too fricken cold 3)dont want to scare others 4) I dont bare for crappy beads...only REALLY good ones (FYI... the rubber ducky one was bought ). But it was a blast. After the parade, we walked around Soulard a bit. Enjoyed the drunks making fools of themselves, had some hot food and drinks. Came home with wet feet, a bit of a sunburn, and ready crash on the couch.

Gotta love mardi gras....if you are in the area next year, you should come on down

I was Broken

I am so weak.....I broke down and bought .....

life

i was recently forwarded this picture and I thought "so true".

yarn vomit

need i say more???

Just Swatch it

This whole blanket pattern thing is driving me crazy. I have found a great idea from all the swatches at nonaswatches. I still think swatching sucks but i guess when you have to, you have to. I also got inspired by the curve of pursuit in Mason Dixon. I think i want to combine them for the blanket. Tomorrow I think i will sketch them out. but here are a few of the swatches that i worked on....the dark one has the colors i want to use, also see previous posts for the rest of the colors. DOnt mind the other one, the colors are just scrap. ALso, my short rowing sucks, any suggestions how to keep from getting gaps???

Star light Star Bright

My first FO that was on my list. The design, Star of India, is by Cristie Prince from Beadwork magazine dec 06/jan 07 issue. It was fast and easy. There is a matching necklace pattern but I really would like to make earrings that would go with the bracelet. And yes, I did have a mini photo shoot with the bracelet.

january projects

january has been a busy month for crafts. I finished the first sock and started on the second. I also started and finished two unplanned projects. The first is a necklace kit I found on cleatrance at a craft store. After forming a lot of loops, my form has improved...kind of. I have already found a home for the set. I also decided to knit up an odessa hat by grumperina. I like the blue areas. Still trying to decide what pattern to use for my aunt's blanket.

Help, my mind is blank

okay fellow knitters, crocheters, and anybody that stumbles onto this blog. I need help. I would like to make a blanket for my aunt. The room this would go in is of contemporary design. I am having a hard time deciding what pattern to use. At first my thought was a log cabin design using the first five colors (cream, gray, red, burgundy, and black) with the teal as an accent color. I swear these colors look better (not by much) in person, and yes, they are the cheap ones. So does any one have any ideas??? patterns???? please.

That sock thing

Can you guess what sock I'm working on??? I started out on dpns but they were a bit, how do you say, annoying. I switched to 2 circs and things went a bit faster. I'm almost done with the leg. I think another one of my goals is going to be to learn to make two socks at once. I must say I love this yarn. Its soft and warm. Its knitpicks gossamer. hope i have enough to do both pairs.....

Happy New Year

well a new year is here and time to start things anew. No resolutions this year since i never keep up with them. Instead I decided to make a list of projects that I want to complete this year. I know the list is short, but some of the projects will take a whole year, plus you gotta leave room for new patterns that show up. So here is my list:

1. potamous (sp??) socks...from knitty.com
2. top down sweater (Barbara walker inspired)
3. blanket for my aunt (??????)
4. crafty punchneedle sign...mine
5. star of india bracelet...beadwork
6. sewn pillow....denyse schmidt
7. modern quilt...denyse schmidt
8. reverse chevron scarf....iris schreier
9. patchwork handbag....amy butler
10. find way to reduce my a$$

I have started on #1 and #2. and will need help on #3. and with #6,#7, and#9 I need to get a real sewing machine and practice before I start on the real projects.and for #10 , I'm looking for a good elliptical.