Yarn Over The Rainbow

Folding Fans

2012-01-08T03:14:00.004-07:00

These are a few of my favorite folding fans purchased from Daiso. I plan to hang them on a wall in my hallway.

This fan is made of silk and bamboo in green and gold.

Black Cotton and bamboo.

Paper and Bamboo with The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

cha_cha_ring (1)

2012-01-04T10:59:00.002-07:00

Via Flickr:

Cluster ring or what I like to call "Cha Cha," made from a tutorial from the Interweave website, by Margo Farrin O’Connor. I had to add extra loops due to my larger ring size. 16 gauge silver plated copper wire. I'm not found of the tool marks but I wanted to try and use the cheaper stuff before using Sterling.

I ran out of head pins and had to stop and make more.

The finished ring. I used Swarovski Pearls in Cream and AB Crystal butterfly and flowers.

And here we are the first ring of the new year!

silver_tube_2374

2011-04-03T09:17:00.001-07:00

silver_tube_2374, a photo by blacklovelythang on Flickr.

This bracelet started out as an ankle bracelet for my mom. I made it for her years ago. It was one of my very first creations. I even used stretchy cord so it will still be comfy when her ankles swell. After a while it started to patina and she didn't like it anymore. I don't know how or when I took it back from her, but I must've been attracted to the patina. Sometimes different sources of silver patina differently, but not this bracelet. The color is very uniform and also delicate. I haven't been able to get this tone with chemicals. I shortened it into a bracelet for one of my guy friends. It was perfect for him because he's not the type of person to wear any sort of adornment, except glasses. He wears plain white tee's without graphics. I just had to make him something. He liked it!

Via Flickr:
Natural patined Sterling Silver tubes and red Czech Glass on stretchy cord.

Mirror Ring

2011-04-03T09:05:00.001-07:00

mirror_ring_2686, a photo by blacklovelythang on Flickr.

I wanted to add a the Rhodolite cabochon, but I'm so out of practice that I couldn't get the bezel soldered on straight. So, I did what comes most natural, I hammered it very constructively. In hind site I wish I'd made the band slightly narrower, but I think the customer will like it anyway.

Via Flickr:
Sterling Silver, hammered ring, with tapered band.

Another Beret

2011-02-19T13:25:00.007-07:00

I knit this on a whim. I just wanted to do it. It'll make a nice gift for someone one day. I put some of my Knit One Crochet Too Babyboo to work on this All-Day Beret from Debbie Stoller. It was fun and knit-up pretty fast. I've seen other knitters finished Beret's on Ravelry and many have the same net drape like I do. My favorites are the people who used the recommended yarn Bamboo Ewe. Such nice colors. I want some.

Pillow Cushion February KAL

2011-02-19T12:20:00.009-07:00

This is my first KAL in the UAE. I'm really excited. I chose a huge pillow to cover. It's 44cm's square. I bought it from Ikea already covered to go with this woven stool.

I thought it would look nice with a knitted cover in a fancy pattern. Some of the nicest pillow patterns are with cables and I was trying to avoid them because I've never done them before. I originally chose Knit One Crochet Too Babyboo and the Willow Bud and Carillon Pattern, but I didn't know how to k1 p1 k1 p1 into the same stitch. I don't think the yarn and this pattern would've worked anyway.

So I switched to the Embossed leaf pattern instead. It's very easy to knit and the stitch count makes it versitile enough for any kind of panel. I love this pattern but it didn't work with the yarn either. The yarnovers at the base of the leaf was too open. You'd be able to see the white cushion underneath.

Then finally I decided to shop for new yarn. I found Dream Classy, from the LYS Magrudy's. The suggested needle size is 5.o but I think a 3.75 would net better results. I chose a new stitch pattern called Firefly. It's originaly from the Vogue Stitchionary book, but I found it on the Lion brand website for free. Although I think it works best with finer gauges, I think it's going to work.

Red Bone Hoop Earrings

2011-01-15T03:31:00.001-07:00

redbone_hoops_01
Originally uploaded by blacklovelythang

I bought these in S.A. They had base metal earwires, linked with a jump-ring and a black seed bead. I refinished the red bone and refashioned the metal findings with Sterling Silver. I like the sideways placing of the subject but I have to be careful with the focus. The camera wants to focus on the front earring or the back one. It's difficult to get both in focus. I want more shadow around the corners but I don't know how.

Raspberry Beret

2011-01-15T02:36:00.003-07:00

I made this for my little cousin Acacia. Her mother had a navy wool beret at the same age. I thought Acacia should have one too. The little girl likes glitter so it's no wonder that we've become friends.

Facebook Snapshot

2010-09-11T05:20:00.004-07:00

What really got me about this article, was when Roger Ebert explained the cravings for the foods he could no longer eat. He craved foods that had a long history with his life. Childhood candy flavors and dinner favorites. He didn't crave any foods from famous restaurants or chefs. I thought that was a bit of truth about never forgetting where you came from especially if it was a good place or subconsciously wanting the foods that are comforting.

Claude is just a little off sometimes.

Another Baby Kimono

2010-09-04T17:17:00.015-07:00

I made another Baby Kimono from the same Jacki Kelly pattern. I didn't knit it exactly by the pattern. I didn't taper the sleeves and I made the ties I-cord. I love the green color. I also used metal snaps again for the inside closure. I'm not happy with the blemish caused by sewing the inside snaps. I don't think I'll make this sweater again until I find another way to avoid it. I used Gedifra Extra Soft Merino purchased from Leslaines. I really like this yarn. It's so springy and stretchy. I'm still a big fan on The Complete Fabrication . I've learned a lot from her patterns.The photos are pre-blocking.

This is a picture of Baby Landon and Uncle Brenden, modeling the first Baby Kimomo. I was afraid the sleeves would be too short so I'm glad he'll get more use out of the beanie. There may be a teddy bear around somewhere for the sweater. Isn't he a cutie? Of course I mean the baby.

Bird Charm Bracelet Re-shoot

2010-08-28T14:19:00.002-07:00

Well, I'll try again in the morning.

1. bird_charm_teal_04,

2. bird_charm_teal_05,

3. bird_charm_teal_06,

4. bird_charm_teal_07,

5. bird_charm_teal_03,

6. bird_charm_teal_02,

7. bird_charm_teal_01,

8. bird_charm_aqua_02

Jewelry Repair

2010-08-28T13:59:00.002-07:00

This poor necklace was in pieces. I don't know how Granny broke it. I had to figure out where to put the charms. I tried to use symmetry. Now that I see it in photo form, I'm thinking that it's too much symmetry. Besides one of the anchor's looks lopsided. Granny's repaired Nautical Enameled necklace. It's now ready for the next nautical season.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Baby Bamboo Sweater

2010-08-28T12:59:00.005-07:00

My newest creation for Baby Mahdi. I'm very proud of this sweater, if you can't tell already. Also, playing around with my camera and Photoshop again. I used Baby Boo by Knit One Crochet Too, Bamboo and Nylon in Olive. This isn't my favorite stuff to knit which is too bad because I have loads of it. This little sweater only consumed two balls. I don't like the feel of it, nor do I like the loose ply. I think the nylon is there to give it shine. You can see how the camera picks up the reflective properties of the nylon. I'm not going to rag on it too much because it works well with this particular pattern. It gives it good weight and the gauge works with size five needles. The neck has an opening over the left shoulder for the baby's head. I crocheted the button loops. Yes, I used a hook and didn't muck it up! The closure doesn't overlap completely but it's fine. I constructed this using The Complete Fabrication's (Jack) Seamless Baby Kimono as a size reference. I don't need to tell you how much I adore her patterns. I also used concepts and formula's from Barbara G. Walker's Knitting From The Top down. Sometimes I'm a slow learner. It's taken me four patterns and ten projects later to finally fully understand this book. Did I ever say how much I love Schoolhouse Press? I think the lovely wooden buttons are German and therefore not cheap. I'm trying to decide on which material to use next just in case the success of this sweater was a fluke. I'll tweak the neck opening along the way. Wish me luck!

1. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_09,

2. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_04,

3. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_05,

4. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_06,

5. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_03,

6. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_02,

7. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_08,

8. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_07,

9. green_bamboo_baby_sweater_01

No Superwash?

2010-07-22T22:23:00.003-07:00

Why doesn't Elann.com keep superwash wool in stock? I can never get enough of the stuff and they're my main mail order supplier. It's difficult to get the yarn I need living in the U.A.E. Not very many yarn companies ship here. My next trip to the U.S. isn't going to happen for a few months. Elann.com let me down.

Dress Forms

2010-07-13T06:48:00.005-07:00

This is my collection of dress forms bought at various stores here in Dubai. I was amazed when I saw my first one. I'd never seen anything like them in the States. Of course I had to have them all. I was experimenting again with photoshop and with my camera. I don't know what I was thinking by arranging the plant like that. Maybe I'm just proud to have a healthy plant. As if no one would believe me if I didn't take a picture of it.

I decided to change the look of the mosaic. I think the black border makes them look professional. Big Huge Labs is my favorite new website.

1. dressform_0467, 2. dressform_0470, 3. dressform_0466, 4. dressform_0465, 5. dressform_02, 6. dressform_01

Mosaics

2010-07-13T06:02:00.006-07:00

After looking at Steph's Flickr page, I decided to try a mosaic. It works better if you have the correct ratio of images. I'll be more careful the next time I edit a set.

I'm still learning to use my new camera. A new light bulb comes on every time I use it. I've started using a UV filter and little different colored flash diffusers. I also love the portrait setting and adep setting.

1. IMG_0517, 2. IMG_0480, 3. IMG_0493, 4. IMG_0516, 5. IMG_0494

I knit these booties for Baby Oliver using Lorna's Laces, superwash worsted in Camo. I can't correctly remember the circa 2005? Pattern by Uniform Studio, but I think I found the pattern first on Ravelry.

1. camo_booties_03, 2. camo_booties_02, 3. camo_booties_01

Johanna and Hassan's Wedding

2010-04-24T06:59:00.007-07:00

It was an experience that I'll never forget. Everything was perfect. I was a little tired after working a twelve hour shift. The picture with the bride shows my tired eyes.

Gemma, Theresa and I

The Beautiful Bride and I

Later that night at the bar next door. Dodging creeps and hookers.

Cookies

2010-04-24T06:55:00.002-07:00

Peanut Butter Cookies. I haven't made these in years!

My Craftland in Dubai

2010-04-24T06:30:00.008-07:00

New purchases from CraftLand. Bear shaped buttons, Louet Gems in Baby Aqua, Baby Willow, and Aqua.

Cari's Bracelet

2010-03-10T00:43:00.004-07:00

This is Cari's wedding bracelet. It took three different tries to finally setttle on this design. I added the chain as a size extention. I ran out of crystals and one more pattern repeat would've been too long anyway. I used swarovski crystals and silver plated TOHO beads. I'll make matching hair combs next.

Baby Kimono

2010-01-31T18:57:00.005-07:00

The pattern Seamless Baby Kimono is by Jacki Kelly. I found it fun and easy to knit. It's also pretty fast for those last minute surprises. This was supposed to be Baby Author’s sweater but he’s growing too fast. Too bad this is more like a dress :( I think Derrick will forgive me. I knitted the hat randomly. I used Hand Jive Knits Nature's Palette Fingering Spring Grass colorway. The dye rubbed off on my needles and my fingers, otherwise it's good stuff. I added little metal snaps on the inside closure.

I have no idea why this loaded sideways. I'll fix it later.

Vintage Lampwork and Peridot Bracelet

2010-01-31T18:46:00.005-07:00

I made this bracelet for a coworker who decided not to buy it. It was based off an earlier design. It's made with brown vintage lampwork beads, faceted Peridot roundels, and Bali Silver. I put it up for sell at Letoyagoff.Etsy.com.

I really love faceted roundels. I found these on Ebay. The lampwork beads are from a thrift store necklace.

Collared Sleeveless Sweater Vest

2009-11-04T12:34:00.002-07:00

collared_sleeveless_top
Originally uploaded by blacklovelythang

I should really try and make this again. It would look good with my new Gap skinny jeans. I could even accessorize it with a handmade silver stick pin or with long necklaces, that fit under the collar. I just have to remember which magazine had this pattern.

Flirt Charm Necklace

2009-11-04T06:35:00.002-07:00

flirt_charm_necklace_02
Originally uploaded by blacklovelythang

I had an open ring blank in my metal stash and wanted to make a charm necklace. I wanted to include a stamped word charm. The word, "FLIRT" is always a good choice of words to stamp. I also wanted to be tough so I stamped the next charm with the word, "MAFIA." I've been playing around with recycled gold for a while and I wanted to add some of it here. It was easy to incorporate. I gave it a little texture and used a little blackener for contrast. The chain isn't long at sixteen inches. I'm not sure I like the gauge. I may swap it out for a thinner link. I used Paua Shell Fetish carved birds and Tourmaline rough cut.

The Relations Ring

2009-09-06T13:25:00.005-07:00

I made the ring as a request from a new coworker. He and his girl are new to Etihad and Abu Dhabi. He needed a birthday gift for her and he was already late in coming up with anything. I told him he should be ashamed of himself. The fact that I was admonishing a future customer didn't bother me one bit. Charlotte just looked up at him with fond admiration like it was cute. I gave up picking on him and got down to business. I had an idea of what she would like and so he trusted me with the design details. I brought my ring sizer to work and asked Charlotte to find her size. She was excited to do it but was a little confused with the tool. So (as a joke) I told her to place her hand on a piece of paper and draw around her fingers, notating each ring size. She did it with enthusiasm and even drew the left hand on the back of the paper. It was so funny that I kept the paper. I think I'll give it to her boyfriend as a gift and future reference. The rings are called Relations as in, "I didn't have relations with that woman." Just kidding! Really, these five rings are seriously hammered. I used masking tape to keep them together as I turned the mandrel. The tape gave it a pitted texture that I liked immediately. Relationships can sometimes be smooth and rough. **SHRUGS**

Please forgive unimaginative pictures. I was in a hurry.

Knitters, Photography and Flowers

2009-05-07T11:25:00.024-07:00

This entry is for my knitting sisters and brothers who love plants and flowers. You know who you are and if you can help me identify some of this stuff I'd be grateful. I also have one question that may or may not have been asked before. Why do knitters love flowers and photography? It seems to go beyond the useful blog pic or simply liking pretty things. I don't think I really appreciated flowers until I became a knitter. I've always been interested in photography but I found it to be an intimidating and expensive hobby. Now I can't stop taking photos and I'm even more conscious of what people think. Help me out.

Some of you have already viewed Flickr but here's a few new pics. I wish I could've taken more but I was constanlty being told to come on and hurry up. It was also winter in Capetown. The next time I visit Capetown, I'll go with knitters during Spring.

Capetown Fiber

2009-05-03T08:41:00.005-07:00

I was delighted to buy fiber in South Africa. It was much less expensive than I expected. We were on our way back from Boulders Park and The Cape of Good Hope when we passed The Wool Boutique . They stocked some pretty good stuff, even though I didn't recognize most of the manufacturers. There wasn't any superwash but the shop stocked lots of handmade wool crafted by local artist.

Handspun

Elle Brand

Rowan

I also found fiber the Waterfront Craft Market and Wellness Center and bought a few squares of handmade felt and wool roving. I believe they were crafted by an artist named Karen?

Baby Surprise Jacket

2009-05-03T08:13:00.004-07:00

The BSJ by Elizabeth Zimmerman is finished. The baby doesn't have it yet but it's ok because he may not be big enough. The mother thought I was making booties. Um well maybe I can crank out a cute pair real quick. Although I used the BSJ DVD, the help pages on other blogs were invaluable. I can't wait to start another one.

Blocking:

After adding the buttons:

The buttons were a little too small, but I didn't have much to chose from at the time. I have to sew the holes smaller so the buttons won't slip out.

bird

2009-03-11T04:36:00.004-07:00

It's all about orange and buttons

2009-03-10T11:55:00.006-07:00

I published most of my Paris photos on Flickr. But I forgot this one. Some how I was smart enough to visit La_Droguerie before going to the Louvre. I was searching for a knitting shop, but it's actually an embellishment boutique. Knitting is a very small part of La Droguerie, but they have all the trim, feathers and buttons you'll ever need. The yarn, patterns, and needles only exist so you can embellish the end product. The patterns are simple and suitable for beginners. Unfortunately I won't be going back unless I need something specific because they're really expensive. My total was about 127 Euro for everything pictured. Yep, I needed buttons really bad.

Kiki made this for me as a gift. It's perfect for my new Moo.com cards. Can you guess what yarn she used?

It's all about orange. Below is Ikea's 2007 Orange Fabric by Sissi Edholm and Lisa Ullenius. I fell in love with the birds first then the orange background. It's heavy upholstery weight. I have no idea what to do with it. I'm happy to hold on to it for awhile.
My recent Gap purchases include orange suede shoes and an orange and cream woven scarf. These two purchases brightened my wardrobe. I like to wear them with my green colored stuff. Now I can't help but add more orange by visiting How About Orange I subscribe and enjoy it.

Orange Accessories GAP

Purchased Handmade Items

2009-02-24T07:00:00.003-07:00

I've been dreaming of a pair of black crochet earrings ever since seeing Anthropologie's really expensive pair last winter. Or was it two winters ago? Anyway I stumbled upon a pair while using Google image search. These are made By Ann Libertini at WithoutAPulse.com. She crochet's wonderful pairs of earrings in four different colors. They're stiffened then shipped carefully and expedisiously.

I wanted to receive something in the mail and I needed a pincushion. Thank goodness for Etsy. I purchased this cute Tomato Pincushion from SarahKladzyk.Etsy.com. It's soft and plushie.

Swap-bot Swap Partner

2009-01-25T11:13:00.003-07:00

I just got my Swap-bot swap partner and yes she's an Aussie! It's an awesome match. Just like me she loves stationary, notepads and postcards. I'll add a few postcards to the box. I already have notepads in there. There's an Ikea south of her but it's a long drive. I can't imagine making the trip too often, so I'll leave the Ikea stuff in the box. I'm mailing it tomorrow so I can hurry and get a response.

Swap-bot

2009-01-24T16:19:00.005-07:00

I entered a swap on Swap-bot. It's the "10 Surprise Items" swap. You send 10 things with a collect worth of $5. I have a lot of stuff that I collect so I only had to buy one thing. I hope the person I get doesn't have an Ikea. That was probably an evil thing to say. I'm sorry. I'm sending Ikea stuff. Maybe it'll be a surprise anyway. I'll have to send it right away so it'll arrive ontime. Maybe it'll be another international swapper. I'm so excited! There're already 287 swappers. A lot of them are Aussies. This is too much fun. I'm signing up for the "Gain Eposure to Your Blog" swap. The deadline is January 31st. I've done this one before. It was fun.

Ravelry

2009-01-10T14:24:00.001-07:00

Does anyone know how to set Ravelry to send you emails if you receive messages? I Also found it hard to find my friends. So here's me. http://www.ravelry.com/people/Letoya

Christmas Wreath

2008-12-23T06:40:00.009-07:00

I finally got the chance to create my version of the yarn ball Christmas Wreath. The inspiration for this creation was featured in the previous post. I was sad at first, because I wasn't optimistic about finding the materials to decorate it. Lucky me, I found cheap poor quality ornaments at Carrefour. I covered them with yarn. I bought the gift boxes and stuffed hearts at Ikea. The lights came from a really cool housewares store called The One. They're battery powered, so no wires to plug in . It took an hour and a half to construct. I used craft wire to attach everything. This wreath cost about $15 US Dollars to make. I made the wreath hanger from a dry cleaners wire hanger. It works perfectly. I'm really proud of it.

I'm also proud of the Christmas tree. My roommate Henry bought me the Hello Kitty ornament. Brenden sprayed the windows with fake snow. HEHE! The hanging lights are battery powered from Ikea.

I know the spire topper is crooked, but it'll have to stay as it is. It's handblown glass. It'll just break if I mess with it.

Anywho!

Starbucks Yarn Ball Christmas Wreath

2008-12-04T07:19:00.006-07:00

I'm in love with this Yarn ball wreath from Starbucks. They don't sell it in the shops here in Abu Dhabi. I can't even find enough supplies to hack one of these, but I won't stop looking. Has anyone else seen it? I think I even recognized some of the yarns. They look like Lion Brand.

Plastic Rainbow Heart Earrings

I bought these charms in the Target dollar section. I hacked them into cute earrings.

Knitting Fashion's of the 1940's

2008-11-12T03:26:00.006-07:00

Knitting Fashion's of the 1940's by Jane Waller. I'm mezmerized by this book. You can see why. I'm planning to make the water bottle cover first. Because the other patterns are a bit complicated but I'll get to them in time.

The Reluctant Anti-Heroes

2008-11-08T03:37:00.006-07:00

I've just finished the first four episodes of Showtimes comedy Californication. I know I'm late but you can't that stuff here in Abu Dhabi. I watched all of them straight through without a break. I had no Idea what to expect. Is it a coincidence that lately, I've been reading books with the same sort of character. May be it's somekind of Noir writing trend. I would compare Hank Moody to Death's Head, Sven Tveskoeg and Altered Carbon's, Takeshi Kovacs, but without guns. David Duchovny's Hank Moody has a lot in common with these guys, like the restless demons that try to pull you into the black or the complete disregard for scum who prey on the lesser. He's a real badass and the women love it. Forget about the fact that he hates himself and then self-medicates with boose, sex, and drugs. Somehow he manages to uphold some type of chivialric honor and express a bit of sensitivity. There're still lines he won't allow himself to cross. There must be some hope left for this self-loathing, violent, vomit stained mess of a carbon based unit. Now introducing your reluctant and unasuming anti-hero. It's entertaining like a car wreck. David Duchovny is believable even when he's muttering through his thin upper lip. Enjoy.

You're Welcome Mom

2008-11-07T05:24:00.004-07:00

While back in Kansas City, my mom spied my GUESS by Marciano Gelato Large Hobo with envy. She asked me for it. I said no. Later, after arriving back into Phoenix, I realized that I'd left the bag in KC. I asked Mom to look for it along with my Prada sunglasses. I went to Ross's in Phoenix to find another pair of sunglasses. I found the same Guess bag for half the price of what I paid retail. That was a big "Abu Dhabi sucks" moment. They don't have Ross Stores here or anything close. Anyway, mom ended up with the bag after all. She put my sunglasses away for safe keeping.

My New Bag

2008-07-23T22:37:00.002-07:00

GUESS by Marciano Gelato Large Hobo

I finally found a casual bag that's big enough to carry all of my stuff. I mean ALL of the things that I can't seem to leave home without. I bought it in the Guess Boutigue at the mall. It had to be fate. Guess clothing and handbags are not my style. I'm not a fan of stores that sell items that won't allow me to wear undergarments like a bra and lycra slimmer. Their handbags are usually too fantastic with monograms and large reflective metal logo plates. Yeah, I know this Gelato bag has a big shiny metal plate. I used its reflection to apply my lipgloss. But what I'm trying to say is that, dispite my objections, this bag still called to me. I'm a handbag Diva. Holla!

Baby Socks

2008-07-18T13:23:00.004-07:00

The two little cream puffs have arrived. I'd show you a photo of my new twin neice and nephew, if I had one. I ashamed to tell you that I haven't started the baby socks. The baby sweaters will be finished by the time the temperature drops in KC. I'm also ashamed to tell you that I hate to use my pretty yarn from SpritelyGoods.com. The socks will get ruined or lost. My brother and sister-in-law don't really have a lot of nice things and they wouldn't take care of a nice sweater if they had one. Some how I have to get over it because 1. I'm tired of being ashamed, and 2. I don't have anything else to knit with at this moment.

SpritelyGoods.com Bird of Paradise

Here's the new baby sock project bag. I love it!

Cat Bordhi socks knitted in Brown Sheep superwash worsted. I forgot the color. My tention is wacky, but I haven't blocked them yet.

Weekend Knitting toddler hat

Letoya's First Blog Entry From Abu Dhabi

2008-06-16T04:47:00.003-07:00

My last blog entry was last year. I'm so ashamed, again. So this is going to be a big one.

Abu Dhabi has treated me well. So far my new job is absoutely crazy but my coworkers are very welcoming. I'll tell you more about them later. I found a huge magazine stand at a small grocery around the corner. They sell craft and hobby magazines like Craft: I don't know why they sell them. I haven't found a yarn store here anywhere. I think camel wool is used for rug making. There's no such store like Michaels. I found this knitting mag that came with a free gift. It's a UK publication. The patterns are unimpresive, but they advertise some of the best products like Rowan and Habu. The magazine is trying to appeal to lots of different knitters and cross stitchers, instead of specializing. Anyway, the mag as a whole is still worth the price of 3.99 GPB.

Here's what today looks like in my neighborhood of Kkalidya, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. I took these pictures from my apartment balcony.

Partly cloudy, dusty 94F

Feels Like: 111F
Wind: W 31km/h
Relative Humidity: 50%

Flickr Photo Set

2007-12-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

I just added my flickr photo set. I love it! now you can see more of my photos. I spend more time uploading images than posting blog entries.

www.flickr.com

blacklovelythang's Jewelry photoset

About as crazy as the holidays

2007-11-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is the Chicken Viking hat.
I'd love to present this hat as a hostess gift. Sometimes it's hard for me to give serious gifts and my friends and family know this. They would never see this coming tho'.

Easter Egg Hunt Scarf

2007-10-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Kiki gave me the Ironstone yarn and then I added the Splash and Fizz. I had to break out the size 35 needles. This scarf seriously bordered on ugly. But somehow it works. I knew of one person who would go completely nuts over it. It just happened to be her birthday too. You are so welcome Lori. She thinks it matches her eyes. I just let her keep thinking that.

There's wacky Ironstone Circus in there!

Wire Pin with Pink Tourmaline

2007-10-19T21:05:00.001-07:00

I made another pin.

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

Tooth Ache Scarf

2007-10-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm making this scarf with GGH, Crystal Palace, and Trendsetter. It's so sweet my teeth hurt. You gotta love the macro camera feature. Pink isn't one of my favorite colors unless it's accompanied by brown or green. The Trendsetter Perla definitely fits my criteria with it's bright green strands of tinsel. The Crystal Palace Flowers has lime green fibers and gold tinsel. This stuff is too much fun!

Wire Pin

2007-10-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

I made this for KiKi's birthday. Again the idea came as a project from the book Jewelry Making: Tips and Tricks Of The Trade , by Stephen O'Keeffe. It felt great to get such a reaction from her. I'm very happy with the way it turned out. Kiki gave me an Alexander Calder book to explore. The pin brought him to mind. I added it to my Amazon.com wish list. I was serously inspired and amazed. Isn't that what friends are for? She knows me well.

Swap-bot

2007-10-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

I 'm really enjoying Swap-bot. Although I screwed up my first swap. It was the one inch button swap. I didn't know that the moderator meant pin-back buttons and not sewing buttons. So I emailed an apology to my swap partner and then sent the pin-back buttons. I was proud of myself for follow through. I never received a response from my partner/moderator. I sent at least four emails and an attached note with the new shipment of buttons. I hope she's still alive.
The sticker swap was fun, but I think that I may have offended my partners by sending them 13 year old stickers. The adhesive was beginning to break down. I added them as an extra treat. They were vintage Suzy's Zoo, so I thought anyone would be glad to have them. They still had very good usage left and were hard to give up. I also worked really hard on the Postcard Quote Swap. I collected cards mostly from book stores. But the independent book store Changing hands had the best cards. I already had a few quotes ready to copy, but since I'm such a movie fanatic, I couldn't resist adding a few of those too. I'm going to avoid joining so many swaps at one time. It's a lot harder to execute than I'd thought.

Cheese

2007-08-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

Happiness is yarn in the mail. I ordered this from Spritely Goods. I got the package super fast because we're in the same state. I like that. The color is Parrot. I'm planning on making socks with it. I'm trying to finish my other sock project first. I also bought eight balls of novelty yarn from Big Lots. They were one dollar each. I'm using it to make scarves for people who may want to purchase them for Christmas gifts. Hopefully I won't get rushed again this season even though it was fun.

Quartz Wire Ring

2007-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

This ring is a project from the book Jewelry Making: Tips and Tricks Of The Trade
by Stephen O'Keeffe. The finish isn't as perfect as I'd like. I had to darken the silver so the overall design wouldn't look washed out and flat. I just bought a fine new rotary tool tip that will smooth the lumpy solder mess. Then I'll refinish the dark patina. I'm particularly proud of being able to set an open bezel inside the wire knot.

Green Jade Wrap Ring

2007-08-24T12:18:00.001-07:00

This ring was fun to constuct. Making the rough finish was he most difficult part. I made the ball end by melting silver scrap.
This ring is inspired by Debra and Marco. jewelry.novica.com/rings/wrap/dichroic-art-glass-ring-blu...

Disorganized and Dusty

2007-08-23T07:53:00.001-07:00

I believe in organization and a neat work area. Currently the truth of this statement isn't being practiced. The photo doesn't lie. In defense, I haven't worked at this table in months. It's about to become a place where I can neatly stack those storage containers with the gemstones. The actual work area will be about the size of one table setting. There's a lot of stuff in this room that isn't in the pictures. I have a closet full of yarn, paper and fabric. I also have a shelf full of book in my bedroom.

This is my jewelry worktable. It's MDF and a metal cart that I got at Goodwill for ten dollars. It works for now. I like my caddies and the soldering pan. I'll move it into the garage when it gets cooler. Then I'll set up a real shop. I'll buy another workbench and bolt a vise on top of it. I'll also look into buy a jewelers bench. Yes those are sawed off knitting needles. They are perfect for getting inside ring bands. I have another set for knitting. I also have a big shop fan on top of the counter for ventilation. The white towel isn't hiding anything I don't want you to see. It's covering my bench pin and rotary flex shaft. I'm drying a new project that was just washed. I don't use the kitchen for much cooking. But it's possible. Wine, cheese and raisins don't need cooking anyway.

Delayed Entry

2007-08-07T09:56:00.001-07:00

This blog entry is a year late. But I'm ashamed of not sharing, so better late than never. I felted this a very long time ago, back when I wasn't very good at lining bags. In fact, this project was a challenge from the very beginning. What was I thinking? God only knows. It all started when a fellow Stitch-n-bitch attendee, showed me her cute little felted striped bag. It was clutch size without a closure. She said that I didn't need a pattern because it was too easy. I had to knit a rectangle, then pick up the stitches around the rectangle using a circular needle. My first mistake was made by picking up too many stitches. The end result was a disaster of course. Someone even suggested that I should cover it in resin and use it for a rowboat. Yep, you know who you are Funny man. Anyway, I finally got the dammed thing knitted correctly, felted, blocked and I'd done a fair job of it. Later, I added the the funny lining and made the straps from one of my belts. One day ,at my house, Hannah noticed it and liked it. So, I gave it to her for her 16th birthday. She was gracious enough to model it for me.

That's my pocket from an old pair of jeans. I used it because it was already reinforced with it's own backing.

Hannah asked me to make this scarf as a Christmas gift for her mom. Yep. That's Brown Sheep bulky and look at those nice poms. I used my brand new pom pon maker. It's one of my most valued tools and for a good reason. Believe me.

Hannah and her mom loved the scarf. I felt warm inside. I knitted a few gift items for Hannah last Christmas. I improved my skills in the process. It was a good thing.

Thrift store find for a dollar. Vintage Boye needle set.

It's in great condition. Only the middle length cord is missing. I'm always on the lookout for yarn and stuff but this was still a lucky find. I haven't used them yet but I'm happy to have them when I need it.

Baby Bolero from One Skein. I made this for a coworker and her new baby girl. She pulled my name from the Secret Santa drawing and bought me he book. She was surprised to get the sweater. I just knew she was looked threw the book and wondered if I'd knit anything for little Sophia. But really, she'd never even thought about it. Again, I felt a warm inside :)

Go Bears!

Oh well they lost. But Anna, my coworker, was stylin' anyway. I like this scarf it was fun to make. To bad it didn't come with a drop of luck.

I used Brown Sheep Bulky and Lion Brand.

Etsy Google search

2007-07-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

I'm still having difficulty searching for my Etsy items on Google. Yahoo isn't much help either. I'm sure it an Etsy problem. I'll email them and ask. Meanwhile I sold another one of my handmade items that desperately needed a home. I'm excited!
Esty has the cool thumbnail generator. I once tried to build on of the by hand. It was a freakin' pain.

I'm working on more novelty scarves for this winter. I have to say that at least three will be mine to keep forever. The rest will be gifts and such. Most will be made with Trendsetter Shadow and some other cotton/wool background yarn. I just love Trendsetter Shadow, Metal and Crystal Palace Splash and Fizz. I'm also ready to turn the heel on my first sock. I'm using Mega Boots Stretch. I like it but but this will be the first and last time I knit with it. The 2-ply splits too much.
My last jewelry class was last night. I learned so much. I made so many things. I have to take pics of them and post soon. Last night I made post earrings! They're so cute. I'm happy that I finished the class as a success. I was always confident in my ability to do the work, but I wasn't so sure of the terms and definitions. I didn't need to worry. I soaked it all up like a sponge.
New pictures coming soon. Here are pics of my summer vacation tho".

Star Charm Necklace and other encounters

2006-11-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

I made this using a Swarovski crystal star, silver ceramic star and pearls on a silver chain. I wanted to use charm on a necklace instead of a bracelet. I've seen designs where the charms are strung directly unto the chain. I like the dangle/Y look. I string the items in groups of threes. It feels completely wrong otherwise. I think it's fung shuish or something. Anyway, I've made a few more with heart and key charms. I'm making another using a cherry charm with a mother of pearl shell fetish bird dangling from it and a crystal butterfly. I think it'll turn out nice.

I sold three girlie beanies at FirstFridays. People didn't hessitate to take them home. The black and white beanie it the only one that got to come back with me. I hope my beanies will be happy with their new owners. I feel so alone without them. I'm making more of them as fast as I can. I was googleling for the southwest trading company turqouise colored yarn, when I came across Al's picture at an Ebay auction for Karaoke. I couldn't stop laughing! Al, you are too cool! Do you even know this person?

Vroom! Ach Ach! Hairball

2006-07-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

A knitted Ferrari was shown at the London Car show and that's the gal that did it. Can you see the seems? I can't imagine patterning this without a computer. I hate sewing pieces together. Maybe I wouldn't be so bad if I was as good as Lauren here. Gees! I found this link to an article on another blog.

This is my 4-wool drive

Goodwill Hat

2006-07-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

I made this hat useing yarns that I got from Goodwill. It came in a bag of mixed acrylic balls. I also added a few rows of Dale of Norway. It was to much fun to make. I'll make another mixed color hat for myself soon. This one makes me look like a Conehead.

Slinky Cut-out Tank

2006-07-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

Amimono Slinky tank
I really like Plymouth yarns but Wildflowers is hard to knit. The fibers split and create ratty loops. I have to stop and fix it. So it's no wonder that this tank is slow going. I rib for about 13 inches. I'm not used to Addi's chrome yet either. I can really get going if I sit in a quiet room and concentrate. If I'm undisturbed, "disturbed" being relative, then I can fall into a trance. Yeah, a trance. I get a few rows done this way. I feel positively refreshed and productive afterward. Then hungry in that order. Kidding! I'm always hungry.

I haven't blogged in like forever!

2006-07-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a lot of jewelry making. I upload as many pics as I can. I store them at Photobucket. I knit every chance that I get, but I'm slow to finish anything. I completed the Ipod cozy. I used Noro and a pattern from Grumperina. I read somewhere that another knitter used the Grumperina pattern but added a back pocket. I added a pocket too. It's slighty crocked but sturdy. I used a pack of Bubbalicous to keep the shape. I don't own an Ipod. I cut a piece of shower curtain liner for the protective cover. The plastic, as expected, gave me problems. I changed the presser foot on my sewing machine to reduce the friction between the plastic and the face plate. I used brass buttons and an adjustable strap.

better late than never

2006-06-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

I'm finally back on my diet. It's a little late for the Summer season, but I need to get back in shape. I'm absolutely commited to eating correctly and working out. My plan is to regain flexibilty and reduce my body fat ratio. I'll eat a low sugar, low salt, low carb, high protien diet. That's the easy part. The hard part is to stay away from fast food and Cokes. I need a Coke right now. Eat to live and not live to eat. Right!

Sample breakfast:

2006-06-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

This month I started my Etsy store. It's really cheap to list and sell your handmade goods. So far a few visitors have come by to see my stuff, but no sales yet. I Googled some of my items and they didn't show up on the search. Then I Yahoo searched my stuff and didn't get any hits at all. I'm shocked! My items should be reached by search engine. I'm so discouraged. I don't know what to do about it. I need to fix it in a hurry!

Here's a few bracelet's that I made for gifts.

Charms from Disney World

Magnetic Hematite and Garnet Bracelet

Drugde

2006-05-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today at work (I'm still here), I became the extra person. I hate being the extra person, because my sups try to find dumb things for me to do. It's as if they think I shouldn't be allowed to do get paid doing nothing. It's not my fault that the schedule overlaps on Tuesday mornings. So thank goodness I brought my scarf project. I surfed the internet looking at local bead stores. Then the firewall failed to keep me from accessing Myspace. I messaged my friend Tina a coupla times. I discovered Victoria's Secrets bra and panty sale. It was another firewall lapse. I also read a few book reviews. By this time coffee was failing me, so I got out my scarf and started knitting it. I got a few rows done before I started falling asleep. I managed to add one stitch and drop another. Big warning! Don't knit at work while falling asleep. I'm spending the last hour of my shift, ribbing the last five inches of rows. *SIGH*

Mosiac knitting

2006-03-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

I got a tip from an anonymous blogger. Schoolhouse Press is publishing Mosiac Knitting by Barbara Walker in April. It's more afforadable than the 1976 copies. They even offer free shipping with a pre-order. It sounds like my knitting library will be greatly enriched. I'm very happy for the opportunity to own a copy.

Rare Knitting Book?

2006-02-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Mosaic Knitting
By Barbara G. Walker
Could this be the most expensive knitting book currently for sale? While searching the internet for book written by Barbara G. Walker, I came accross a copy of Mosaic Knitting on E-bay. Part of the money gets donated to charity, so that may explain the $627 asking price. Biblio is selling a copy for a book store called Ventura Pacific Ltd. It's priced at $494 and it's a second addition reprint. Amazon sellers have copies available for about $150. I've only reviewed one of Barbara's books, A Fourth treasury of Knitting patterns, and I'm impressed. I about fell over when I saw a picture of a cabled tote knitted in the round. The instructional charts are written in plain, uncomplicated terms and are easy to follow. She also makes references to Elizabeth Zimmerman's style of knitting. After further internet searching I realized that all of Barbara's books are expensive and the prices are highly competative. It may be impossible to find any of her books at a discount price. I think they're worth every penny. I'd be willing to purchase her knitting book for $150. I've spent that much at one time buying yarn. I'll add it to my Amazon.com wishlist.

busy bee

2006-02-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, I stayed up late to watch Project Runway. When I went to sleep, I dreamed that I was in a jewelry making competition. I had to make a necklace out of beads and other stuff. They gave me until midnight to come up with a design. I was concentrating hard and working furiosly to put my design together. It was too weird. It was just like the show. Now If I can just dream of myself as a competetor on the Iron Chef's of America show. Especially if cheese is on the menu.

I've been busy knitting and making jewelry. It's been so much fun. I started making earring like these using paillettes. I got tired of constructing the heart themed ones so I took a detour and made a pair with green stars.

Stripes!

2006-01-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

I finally made myself a striped scarf. I've been wanting it for a long time. I could never figure out how I wanted to knit it. One day I decided to cast-on 210 stitches and go for it. I love the results. It blocked nicely, but Brown Sheep tends to come out right. Later, while digging through my belt drawer, I realized that I almost copied my striped web belt from Old Navy. HUH!

Ski hat and scarf

2006-01-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

I knit this for my nephew. I told him That I'd make a hat for him two years ago. He'd been asking me the whole time if I'd made it yet. Well I finally shipped it to him just when it started to get cold in Kansas City. He was very excited when it cam in the mail and he likes it very much. I used Brown Sheep Bulky and two strands of worsted doubled. It was a lot of fun to make. The burgandy color is a worsted superwash that was made by I-can't- remember-who. I can't wait to make another one.

Vintage beaded choker/bracelet

2006-01-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've I just finished trying to post this blog using http://www.photobucket.com/ , but it lost my entry after I it asked me to log in again. I'll add more coments later. After I've calmed down.

Craft Fair/Christmas 05

2006-01-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

During the first week of December 05, America West Airlines held their annual craft fairs. This picture is taken at the airport. They also had a craft fair at 52nd ST in the vacations workplace. I started out over at vacations. There were a lot of women with a lot of stuff. I learned a few tips from jewelry makers. I was fascinated by the volume of merchandise. They were heavy on the Thai Silver and Swarvosky Crystals. Some vendors made food to sell. I ate a Manwhich, chips and cookies. It was pretty good especially since I was so crazy with excitement ,that I forgot to bring my lunch. They scoped some of my pieces too. It was very enlightening to socialize with the other vendors. I received a lot of info on how to save money on jewelry making materials. Everyone was very helpful.

I made the wooded ladder specifically for displaying scarves. Illanna gave me the idea. I have to say that it should've been easy to make, but my drill decided to quit working. I had to tighten all of the screws by hand. It was hard to turn the screws without a pilot hole. When it was finished, I was so proud of my ladder, that I didn't mind the extra closes. They were hard earned. YEP! I didn't sell anything at the airport. I got there too late. Foot traffic had slowed down and no one had any money left to. This year, I'll setup at the airport first. Later that night. I went to First Friday's. Mel and I surprised each other when she came to hang with her friends. She found me set up at the table next to them. We sung Christmas Carols and cavorted with passerby's. I sold two scarves and had a blast!

Kate gave me this adorable knitted sweater and several other mini ornaments for Christmas 05. I have to be honest and tell you that these were the cutest things on my tree. Everyone just loved them. They zoomed in on the little dress, then got excited when they spotted another one, like the little stocking. My other ornaments must've been chopped liver they only earned a disinterested glances. That's OK because these mini knitted gifts are on my "best Christmas gift ever" list. They didn't seem to make much of my tree topper. I don't care what anybody thinks. I love my "L!" (for Letoya) This year I'll learn to make mini knitted ornaments, so I can give away the gift of happiness for Christmas.

See the little dress? Unfufu made an appearance. I coolant pack her away for the season. The tree skirt is pink flurry fleece with silver threads. That was fun to make. OK, not really.

Photobucket

2006-01-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

This is a test post from Photobucket.com

UM.......

2005-11-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Grey Wicca. you are the grey Wicca,
soiltary,energetic, and shady. you come out at
ducks to worship the godesses and nagels, and
come out at midnight to worship the moon. you
are the helper of the Death Moon Witch. your
song is "3 1/2"(three and a half) by AFI.

Ok I'm done. I'm also going to look up the grey wicca thing. Yeah, I'm a night person. I hide in the daylight. Did you catch the typos? HEHE! "Ducks"

What witch are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

blog filler

2005-11-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Your beauty lies in your soul.

There are so many unlike you in this world. You're
like a very rare diamond. No, diamonds can't
shine as much your soul.

Your motive:

To help others in need and maintain happiness
withen others around you.

Your quote:

If you fall either I fall with you or I'll catch
you pull you back up.

Your colors:

Silver and Gold

Your song:

Wings of a Butterfly - HIM

"Come on and show them your love. Rip out the
wings of a butterfly."

Please rate and message.

Where do You Find Your Beauty?
brought to you by Quizilla

RIT-tastic!

2005-10-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after work, I decided to dye a skein of brown sheep bulky. I've been craving rich dark brown colored bulky yarn. I had already dyed this same skein with variagated koolaid colors. I liked the coolaid colors

Mini Market shopping.

2005-10-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

I got out and about this weekend. The weather was still too hot at one hundred degrees. I had lunch with a good friend on Friday, then went shopping. I did chores around the house all evening and went to bed early. Saturday morning I went to the downtown market. I bought a skein of beautiful yarn spun by Lisa Takata. She calls it Greenjeans. I don't know what it will be yet, but for now I'm just happy to have it.

I milled around the market talking to different craft vendors, mainly beaders. I can't wait to sell my own stuff. It looks nothing like what they were selling. I don't make lampwork beads or create jewelry with it. It's pretty, but usually too heavy for the stuff I like to make. Natural stones are nice in small beads, but they are expensive. Another seller at the market made novelty pieces. They were very creative. Anyone, would want to wear her stuff or buy it as a gift. She made dangle earrings from an old fashioned weight scale numbers. She snipped the tin in sections that displayed the metric markings. It was too cute.
I left the market and met the Hartley gang at City Market Bakery. We knitted and ate delicious food. I cheated on my diet and bought a large peanut butter cookie. After that we drove to Jessica's Knits to see Illanna and shop for yarn. It was her birthday. I think she had a good a pretty good one, because she walked around the store in a contented daze just smiling.
Sunday morning, I worked like a crazy person. After work I went to Michael's with my forty percent off coupon. I bought a frame for a photo print. Yep, I actually bought a brand new frame. I didn't "acquire" it away from a Goodwill customer or deconstruct a perfectly good framed print. I can't wait to hang it on the wall.

Cattle Drive

2005-09-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

On the way home yesterday afternoon, I tried to get on I-10 at 7th st. Traffic was extremely heavy so I kept driving south on 7th st. I wanted to go east toward home, but I couldn't make a left turn. Traffic moved me south. I was able to go east on Washington or Jefferson. I decided to keep going and go to the bead store in Tempe. They moved. I'd forgotten that Beads International moved closer to Mills Mall. I went to another bead store in Scottsdale since I was so far south already. The store is in the shopping center on the west corner of McDowell and Scottsdale RD. It was closed. It was supposed to stay open until 6pm. They closed early. So I went home. I need eye pins and a few beads. I'm working on another bracelet and Jollygreen dangles. I'll try to find Beads International after work today. It will before the traffic rush, so I shouldn't be forced to detour with the flow of traffic.

Jolly Green Dangles

2005-09-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my lastest creation. My creations and technique gets better with each project. I think of my earlier work and cringe. I gave a lot of bracelets to family, friends and coworkers as gifts. They probably thought I was being mean. I know they were just too happy while accepting my ugly bracelets. LOL!
I used pailettes, crystal, silver and glass.

Amazing find

2005-08-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

I found the pailettes at SAS yesterday. They have a huge variety of sequins. They charge about 25 to 50 cents for a small bag. They also charge my the ounce. I bought as many large hole pailettes as I could find. I am most surprised by the silver trapezoid. I remember looking everywhere for them when I made that dumb granny hat in the SnB book. The buttons are wood and they were 10 cents each. I'm going back for more as soon as I hit the ATM. Cash works best at SAS.
I made these dangle earrings using sterling silver, Thai Silver, glass and crystal. I only had two glass beads. So I can't make another pair. I don't remember where I bought them.

Tears 4 Spheres

2005-08-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's another finished Tears 4 Spheres bag. Can you tell Steve's a product of the MTV era or what? Really? This time I casted-on 52sts and added more holes for the drawstring. I'm going to add a handle and carry it as a purse. I learned a few things while making this bag. It opened my mind up to the many ways this pattern formula can be applied to kettle shaped designs. Can you tell it's getting close to Halloween? YAY! "Kettle" Get it? Anyway, I'm frogging the whole Winhara Poncho. I'm going to make my niece a sweater with the yarn. The poncho turned out to be a disaster. Details will be forthcoming in the next post.

Forgive the blurry picture. The auto focus was disabled and I couldn't keep my hand steady. I was going though cheese withdrawal.
Also below is an old picture of me. I can't remember how old I am in this picture. Can you guess? Obviously I was taken by surprise. I recall someone wanted to finish of a roll of film. If that picture was taken today, I could've been a boy with long braids. Let me explain a little more about this picture. The day this was taken, is very important to me. It captured a day I remember being happy. Of course I was happy to be at my grandparents house. I'm sitting at their kitchen table working on puzzles from the kids section of the Saturday paper. I remember it took awhile to get settled, because I had a hard time finding a pencil. Some things never change. I'm wearing a t-shirt my granny brought me from her Vegas vacation. It said,"My grandma went to Vegas and all I................." You know the rest of it. I didn't really like that t-shirt but I am wearing my favorite belt. That belt never needed to be adjusted because by this time, I was growing straight up. I'm wearing new jeans. This was the beginning of my love and appreciation for them. My mom had just started buying them for me. I don't know where the candy cane tube came from. It was nowhere near Christmas. Do you see the voter ID card? I remember being fascinated by it. I've been strangely fascinating with them ever since. So If I ever visit, just leave your voter ID card around and you'll make me instantly happy. To my knowledge "Normal" has never been an adjective used to describe me.

Mini me

2005-08-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's my finished Tears 4 Spheres bag. I cast-on 44sts. It's kinda small so I'm making a bigger one using the same yarn. It's easy and fun to knit.

Shout OUT!

2005-08-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

I was reading the new issue of "The REP", when I came across an old picture of Illanna, Kim and Brooke knitting at Mama Java's. The caption gives info about SnB and our Yahoo link. Don't be surprised if thrill seekers show up to watch us knit or join us.

What! What?

2005-08-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

Why didn't anyone tell me that Knitty reveled its suprise knitters. Congrats Steve on a fantastic presentation. I enjoy reading the Numbers pattern very much. I hope everyone else feels the same way.

Oh HORROR!

2005-08-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Sock Monkey Slippers
I have this thing about sock monkeys. They scare me. I don't know the reason but they freak me out! The red lips and red butt makes me shiver from my head to my elbows. My reaction to viewing these slippers doesn't require a martini. Maybe because it's a knitted garment. What's a phobia of sock monkeys called? Sock monkey phobia?

Nice Karaoke

2005-08-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I finished sewing in the lining for my pencil case. It turned out as planned and I'm happy with it. I used Karaoke Yarn and Brown Sheep. I knitted it in the round, closed the bottom with three needle BO and felted it twice. Now I don't have to hunt for a pen when I need it. On the flight from Kansas City to Phoenix, I started experimenting with fair isle. This is my first attempt at it. I'm using the same Karaoke Yarn from my pencil case, Brown Sheep, Cascade and forest green Serendipity. I don't know what it'll be yet, but I'm leaning towards a bag. Some sort of bag. I'm unraveling the white part to add the forest green. I'm just having fun playing with it.

Sidebar

2005-07-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sidebar reorganization time. This will probably take me two days, at least.

Marble Magnets

2005-07-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

I got the marble magnet idea from a coworker who emailed me the link to NotMartha.ORG. I've been making them ever since. I made some of these last year and I just started making more last month. I cut out images from mostly magazines. I recenly bought scrapbooking tags and used a few of them for marble images.The big marbles are about 2in in length and 1 1/2in in width. I'd like to experiment with small acrylic cabochons(last page), but they are expensive every place I look. I use Goop 2000 Craft Glue. You have to wear a mask to filter out the fumes. It dries clear and has a strong bond. The hard part is smoothing out the bubbles, but I've had a lot of practice.
I rarely print images from my computer. I don't like them. The last time I printed pictures, they were for a special custom request. I made a set of Clay Aiken marbles for a fellow crafter. She loved them.
The dangles were created mostly for gifts. I will make them available for purchase as soon as I've enough made. They are made with recycled beads from a thrift store necklace, crystal, glass and silver. I sprayed a thin layer of polyeurythane so they don't have to be cleaned too often. I need to buy more beading supplies to make more earrings. I'm also trying out a list names to call my creations. I've narrowed them down to seven. I am giving the names to my friends for a vote. It's fun to find out what everyone thinks. Most seem to like any name that's part French.

Unfufu

2005-07-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

I made these bracelets last night. They are being modeled by Unfufu my new doll. I used a necklace that I bought from a thrift store. I disassembled it and used the lavender, blue and vermilion beads. The silver beads are round spacers. The brown beads are from Ghana. They are made from recycled glass. I like the rough look but I can't understand why they are so expensive. They cost me about $13 a strand. Maybe it's the import fee. I find it interesting that they are made from crushed glass fired in ant mounds.

Ed-Dee!

Update

2005-07-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back on the A.M. shift now. It's killing me. I set the alarm clock for an 0400 wakeup. I don't actually get up until 0445 or something. I know it will take some adjustment. It's better to be at work on the A.M. shift. I'll get to blog and knit more often. Speaking of knitting, I haven't been doing much of it. I've been making other stuff like earrings and toe rings. I am currently working on knitting a dress for my doll. I'll post a pic of her later. I still have two t-shirts to reconstruct and a skirt to sew. Well, back to work for me. Blog ya later!

Hit Me Baby!

2005-06-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yes Baby! I've finished the cut-out turtle neck sweater. The yarn is Knit Picks Palisades. I can't remember the color, but that doesn't matter. KnitPicks doesn't sell Palisades or any other super bulky yarn anymore. It's a shame. Palisades was a joy to work with. It feels soft against my skin and responds well to three different needles sizes. It'll keep me warm this winter also. I used the pattern from The Leisure Arts Trendy Tops book. I like it and I'm going to make another one, as soon as I finish the edges on this one. [Deja Vu'?]
And yes, I got sheered. My hair is cut way short. *SIGH*

This is Leigh. He's been getting a lot of my attention lately. I can't blame myself. I like him, but not only because he respects me as a knitter. What more can a girl ask for? Plenty, but he has other admirable qualities too. He's wearing a beanie I made for him. He likes it a lot. I used Lorna's laces Shepard Bulky in Cami print #708. It's the softest beanie that I've ever constructed. Too bad Lorna's is so expensive. Here is another beanie made with Lamb's Pride Superwash Bulky. It's a prototype of my own design. I will publish the pattern for free as soon as I make a few changes.

I just received this in the mail. It's Noro Blossom. It's fabulous darling!

Finally!

2005-06-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

My Knitdiva halter is done. Surprise! Kiki and Illanna, I love your halters. I hope you like mine too. I used Berroco Quest in white. It only took three balls. The pattern came from The Leisure Arts Trendy Tops book. I like it and I'm going to make another one, as soon as I finish the edges on this one. I think I should give myself a few more millimeters tho'. Look what the mailman brought me today. It's so soft! I'm going to knit something for my new guy friend and it's not a sweater. He's partial to army green and cami print. I can handle that.

Tah Dah!

2005-06-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here's the finished rose tote. I felted it twice in my top loader with a pair of jeans. It felted nicely. I would like to felt another bag and use grommets in place of tabs. Maybe leather straps too!

Project Pics

2005-06-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of my current projects. The turtleneck sweater is made from Knitpicks bulky weight 100% wool. I like knitting with it because you don't get a large degree of difference when switching needle sizes. The waistband was done using size 9 needles. My t-shirt was a size too small for me when I bought it. I pulled out my sewing machine and got to work. I added side panels and lace around the collar and armholes. I'm pleased with the results. I'll work on two more t-shirts this weekend. The tote bag is a test knit for SWTC. I'm using their new Karaoke 50% soy silk, 50% wool and worsted weight. It self stripes. They don't have a color card on the website yet. I've managed to get an idea from two other test knitters Allison and Stephanie . I love this stuff. It felts wonderfully. I will post another pic when it's completed.

Temporary Entry

2005-06-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting a lot of stuff lately. I temporarily put down the washcloths. I will knit more later. I'm test knitting a felted tote bag. I'm almost finished with it. I am almost done with a sleeveless turtleneck sweater, and I started my halter top with secret yarn. I have two other sweaters still on the needles and another scarf.
Nothing much else going on except work, and it's you know. Work!
I will add several pictures tomorrow. One picture will include my new reconstructed t-shirt. So come back tomorrow and see it.

Dog Gone

2005-05-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday, I made the mistake of leaving my dishcloth pattern on the coffee table. Abby the Terrier got to it and chewed it into tiny unreadable bits! She only half ruined my paper with the row counts. I was able to salvage that. Oh well it was my fault. She got a bedtime treat anyway.
I was able to log onto the Lily website, signup under a free membership and download and copy of the pattern. I finished the dishcloth last night. I'm starting dishcloth number four.

Evocation

2005-05-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

I visited LusciousGracious today. I needed an evocation of feeling. I know art is many things but isn't emotion a by-product of art? Maybe like a catalyst. Even if I don't get it, I feel something anyway. It's made by human beings in the act of expression. I am grateful for the artist in my life. I am privileged to know them.

Cross posted

Dishcloth/Washcloth

2005-05-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

I got the idea from my knitting partner. In the past, I thought knitting washclothes were a waste of knitting time and talet. I was a snob and I was wrong. They are quick and easy to create. You can use very inexspensive cotton yarn. They make great gifts. Just make a few to provide a fun distraction from your other complicated works in progress. I'll give these washcloths away as gifts. I used a free pattern from LILY's Sugar N' Cream. They have over ninety colors. The patterns are available at the website (with free membership) or on the sleeve.

Lookie Lookie

2005-04-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

I visited Illanna's Blog (all links open into a new window) and viewed her new background design. It's really cute. I browsed the designer Explodingdog.com's website and I liked just about everything. I'm adding one of his t-shirt's to my wishlist. I want this one called Thinking. It's cute huh?

My Flowers

2005-04-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

I used and modified the flower pattern in the Knit 1 magazine. I used Plymouth Encoure.

My New Button

2005-04-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

Target's "Knit This" Knitting Kit Review

2005-04-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Here is Kiki's unedited review.

Ok, so the knit kit was cheesy. I took it back today. I really, really liked the yarn, but there were NO KNITTING NEEDLES. It was a crochet kit. And nowhere, nowhere at all on the box, did it say "Learn to Crochet". And the dvd was ONLY about knitting. There was a little blurb of specific written directions tacked onto the learn-to-knit pamphlet (which was tucked clear down inside the box) for this particular project that basically just said "crochet the belt". How disheartening for someone who really wanted to learn to knit. They have the yarn, and the book, and sit down with the DVD, ready to go, and think "Why is she using TWO sticks? I only have one, and it is funny looking....."
Also, I think that, judging by the host and the models, they are really appealing to small town Minnesota Future Homemakers of America teen girls. Overweight with acne and longing for something to fill the hopechest Daddy made them. I guess that knitting is no longer hip. The host actually wears (I am shuddering just thinking about it) black stonewashed jeans. And her makeup, which is quite thick, is the same color as her face. Like the no-makeup look, with all of the hassle of using quite a lot of product. Same for the nails. Band-aid colored.
I will say that the instructions on the actual DVD were VERY good and thorough. I found myself slipping into a coma, as she repeated everything again and again, and in slow motion. Like Teletubbies. "Tinky Winky, again, again!!!" And the basics were all covered, except for any mention of crochet at all. It was a little bizarre. And you got to see her pale fleshy fingernails from so many angles, to make sure you really learned to knit by watching another person, which is helpful to many, many newcomers to the practice. What else would help? Actual knitting needles.
It would be like buying a "LEARN TO SCULPT" project, being attracted by what you saw on the box, and then getting it home to find that the kit contained the clay, but a paintbrush to use instead of a chisel.
That is my review. Feel free to post it on your blog. And warn others of the singular evil that is "KNIT THIS!" learn-to-knit kits. I am a little sad that Target, my favorite place in the world, would let something like this slip into the store. I think that to make it up to all knitters, but especially to me personally, they should produce and sell their own lines of high-end yarns in luxury fibers and great Target colors at their awesome prices. I would take a huge $10 ball of Japanese handpainted wool or Irish laceweight with a snappy yarn band featuring beautiful jet-setting young people wearing original designs (free on the ball band, of course). And they should carry Addi's at 20% discount. Hey, I am not unreasonable.

I agree with Kiki. I bought the Knit This Wine Cozy Kit. The price is right. It is much less expensive than the overpriced Lion brand scarves and hats kits, which cost around $19.99. Target's Knit This kit starts at $9.99 to $15.99 for a variety of projects like bikinis and belts. I really liked the yarn. My kit came with a set of four, size ten, unfinished bamboo DPN's. I was very disappointed with the condition of the needles. The tips were flushed! Yep, that's right. The tips were not rounded. They were flat, blunted and utterly useless. Who, at Target, came up with this poorly constructed kit? Any person who crosses their heart with knitting needles would not have allowed this kit to be put on shelves as is. Target single handedly created frustrated first time knitters. Now, we fellow Stitch N' Bitchers, have to pick up the pieces, and be the shoulder to cry on for all of the first time knitters, that were led astray by Target. GEES!

After that I need a Martini. Thank goodness I found this tumbler set for one buck a peice. Isn't it cute? Target's .99 cent bin is great! The shot glass is freezeable.
Cheers!