BethToddCreatz

My blog is growing...

2010-07-13T18:13:00.007-04:00

My blog has decided to grow up and move to a new 'city'.

You will find all my current posts including awesome videos and tutorials here:

www.BethToddCreatz.com

Please come visit, and don't forget to add the new blog's address to your Reader so you can follow me!

Thanks, see you over there!

Roses brighten my day!

2010-05-07T22:14:00.007-04:00

These beautiful roses were sent to me at work by my beautiful daughter, Katie.

They are a birthday gift. I'm so lucky to have a sweet and thoughtful daughter!

Thank you, dear Katie, for thinking of me and surprising me in such a wonderful way that brightened up my birthday.

More Random Food Inspirations

2010-04-17T17:38:00.006-04:00

Isn't this fun? A happy smiling tomato slice on my sandwich.

I just had to share this 'cause he's so cute!

What kind of funny food stories can YOU share with us?
Please tell us in the comments!

Knitted Spring Flower Tutorial, for Beginners too!

2010-04-04T20:27:00.027-04:00

This knitted spring flower was inspired by SisterDiane's Stiffened Fabric Jewelry Tutorial on CraftyPod.com. I translated it into knitting, I just couldn't help myself. Of course I do plan on doing her tutorial with actual fabric eventually, but this just had to be made! Now I'm sharing it with you!

The materials you will need are:

- worsted weight yarn
- size US 7 knitting needles (notice I used double pointed ones with rubber point protectors on one end- because they are shorter than regular needles and I couldn't find any of my other size US 7 needles except the super long 14" and these were much easier to use!)
- one button, whatever size you want - mine happens to be 5/8"
- tapestry needle
- pin back, or headband

To make the flower you will need to knit two squares, one in Garter Stitch (knit every row) and the other in Stockinette Stitch (knit one row, purl the next, repeat these two rows).
If you don't yet know how to knit anything but Garter Stitch, have no fear! Just knit the second square by casting on 11 stitches, and knitting until you have 10 ridges. The squares should be, well... square!

Garter Stitch square: Using the US 7 knitting needles and the worsted weight yarn, cast on 14 stitches, leaving a yarn tail of about 3 inches. I used the knitted cast on (I plan on having a tutorial soon to show how to work this cast on), but feel free to use the cast on that you are most comfortable working. Knit the Garter Stitch square until there are 14 ridges then bind off. Fasten off, but don't weave in the ends.

HINT: You can check to make sure you have enough rows to make it a square by folding it into a triangle by taking one of the cast on row corners diagonally across the piece up to the knitting needle. If it matches up to the opposite top corner stitch on the needle, then you're ready to bind off.

Stockinette Stitch square: Cast on 14 stitches. Purl the first row, knit the next, continue in Stockinette until there are 15 rows, ending with a purl row. Bind off on the knit side, fasten off but don't weave in the ends.

NOTE: In the photo above you see the Stockinette Stitch square on top of the Garter Stitch square. Notice how much bigger the Garter Stitch one is, even though both squares were worked with 14 stitches!

Next, we make the flower petals!
Decide which side of the Garter Stitch square you want to be the outside of your flower, and place the square with the inside facing up. Use the tapestry needle and one of the yarn tail ends. Insert the needle into the opposite corner from where the yarn is coming. Sew the two points together.

The square should then look like the one in the photo above.

Next, sew the other two corner points together in the center.

After all four corners are sewn together, it will look like the photo above.

Insert the needle down into the center of the flower until it comes out on the back, as above.

This will draw the petal corners down against the inside of the square, sew them down at the center points only. The folded outside part of the petals will be puffy- this is good!
Use the tapestry needle and sew the other yarn end through to the back as well.
Sew the other square in the same manner. See the next photo for info on the Stockinette Square.

The Stockinette Stitch Square above on the right, is sewn with the knit side to the inside. I just think it looks prettier this way, you may certainly make it either way you wish! The Garter Stitch square is on the left.

Place the smaller square on top of the Garter Stitch square. On my finished flower, I placed the smaller one at an angle so that the bottom petals showed more, and I used the open petal sides of both squares facing up. Actually, in the photo above, it shows the flat side of the bottom square facing up. Again, you are free to put your own twist on this project!

Sew the petal squares together through the center, and sew on the button on the outside top. Fasten off the yarn ends on the underside so they won't show. You can sew on a metal pin back to make a brooch, or as I did, sew your finished flower onto a headband. Secure all the yarn ends, and VOILA! Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did!
I'd love to see your photos of your finished Knitted Spring Flowers, please feel free to contact me.

Crocheters: Would you be interested in a crochet tutorial for this project?
Just let me know by leaving a comment, thanks!

Maniacal knitter completes crazy knitting project.

2010-03-31T21:23:00.018-04:00

Sometimes it takes a challenge to push us outside of our comfort zones. This is what drove me to knit with newspaper ads: the Ravelry Project YarnWay group's March Challenge. I explained about this crazy challenge here.

I wrestled with this material until I fashioned it into this mail holder, perfect for holding junk mail, right?
I thought so.

The materials I used for this desk caddy were simple - strips of newspaper advertisement paper, adhesive tape, and florist wire. I used the wire to give the caddy its shape and stability. The tape is used to attach the strips in order to make a longer paper strip for knitting. I had to cast onto the wire. Then for binding off, I just threaded the wire through the last row of stitches.

The wire was also woven through the stitches on the side edges to make it stable, and bend it into shape.
Incidentally, I did this last part while trying to participate in an online chat - not exactly easy!

There's actually one more material I used for this project (besides knitting needles!).

Hand soap. My hands were quite messy after the ink from the paper covered all my fingers.
I should probably wash off my knitting needles too, come to think of it.
Don't worry, I used aluminum ones, not bamboo!

KnitNews, Make It Work as Tim Gunn says!

2010-03-26T19:20:00.018-04:00

This is my Project Yarnway Design Challenge for March on Ravelry. I decided to call it KnitNews.
It is supposed to grow up to become a desk caddy for holding mail. I can hear Tim Gunn saying to me "Make it work, designer!"

It started out as those annoying and wasteful newspaper-like ads that get delivered in the daily mail. I ripped them into strips around 1 1/2" to 2" wide, tearing with the grain of the paper. I did have to sacrifice some as I experimented to find the right direction to tear.

I really love the way the colors are blending together, I think it's looking cool.

I tape the strips together using regular adhesive tape, only creating about a yard of paper 'yarn' at a time. I twist the paper yarn by hand as I knit, sometimes turning and folding it to get the right color to show up. I add strips as needed.

I cast on with the Provisional Cast On using florist wire - because of the fragile nature of this paper yarn it was my best option. I am knitting every row on size US 11 aluminum knitting needles, and the Garter Stitch makes the fabric nice and sturdy. Yes, I have problems sometimes with the paper ripping as I knit, I just slap a small piece of tape on it and I'm good to go!

By the way, in case you aren't familiar with Project RUNway, which our Ravelry group, Project YARNway, is modeled after - the clothing designers on the reality show have to design garments based on whatever challenge they are given for each episode.

Recently they had to shop for materials at a hardware store and create fabulousness out of unusual items, such as garbage bags, screening, cord, washers, and even copper flashing!

Fortunately for me, in our challenge we didn't have to make clothing! Could you imagine if I had to knit a garment out of this paper? Anyone want a paper bikini?

Inspired by 'art' growing in my pantry...

2010-03-16T16:48:00.014-04:00

Ok, well, what can I say really?

I was struck by the cool weird way this potato was sprouting out when my hubby found it waaaaay in the back of our kitchen pantry and set it on the table. So of course I grabbed the camera!

Haven't you ever been inspired by food before? How about that cheese sandwich that looked like the Virgin Mary?

To me, this potato looks like some kind of crab-like alien potato monster. It makes me want to grab some yarn and a crochet hook and make an amigurumi version of it.

What do you think? Should I go for it?

This last photo shows the really lovely grouping of sprouts that could easily be translated into a beautiful beaded creation. Did I really just say 'easily'? Well, I already see it in my mind, hmmm, now where did I put those glass beads...

Spring is on the way! So are tutorials...

2010-03-06T17:17:00.006-05:00

Hooray! Now that it's March and it's beginning to creep back up to a rather normal temperature (what is normal, really?), we start thinking of spring cleaning, organizing and starting new things!

I've been wanting to add tutorials here for a long time, and I think it's about time, don't you? So if you have any particular knitting or crochet technique that you would like to see explained, let me know, and I'll see what I can do!

I'm working on new designs, and writing patterns, and some will probably be added here as well. So, keep posted for new updates.

Skulls keep you warm.

2010-02-05T17:06:00.007-05:00

Did you know, it is a documented fact that a skull could keep your neck warm and cozy? It can if it is on a yummy soft and cuddly neckwarmer!

Yeah, I know. I get a little crazy sometimes.

Well, anyway, here is one of my favorite new designs - a retro ascot with a skull decorating right smack in the center of it. In your face!

Or, you can play it conservative and turn it over to wear the plain boring side, if you have to (like my husband would do - he added that by the way, no sense of adventure I guess).

So cozy up to a skull this winter, stay warm and look cool.

My Petals Capelet

2009-12-13T18:08:00.000-05:00

Snowball Treasury on Etsy.com

2009-12-08T21:34:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Katarzynna for including me in this beautiful treasury!

This is way cool!!

2009-12-05T17:30:00.001-05:00

I have four of my original designs featured in this awesome new book, 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse by Garth Johnson of ExtremeCraft!

It is a great inspiration book with some very interesting things in there. You should totally check it out, as well as his cool blog.

Here are some of my pics from the book...

Holiday Sale Continues...

2009-12-03T19:57:00.001-05:00

OK, so I decided to extend my Holiday Sale because saving money is so much FUN!!!
I have lots of great items available to ship now for gift giving.

Thanksgiving Holiday Super Sale!!

2009-11-25T14:29:00.001-05:00

Now's the time to shop in my cozy boutique on Etsy, BethToddCreatz.Etsy.com .

I'm having a wonderful sale on all of my Ready-to-Ship items. I'm giving 15 percent off the original price now through Monday, November 30.
All the items are updated with the sale prices and are ready for you to do your holiday shopping!

Here's a few of the great gifts available.

My Handspun Flower Pin dyed with natural dyes.

Autumn Skies Warm Fuzzies Neckwarmer

Blackberry Jewels Lariat Necklace

InterWeave Chunky Cowl

Fall Fashion Trends: FrankenGarments, Plaids, Retro, and Ruffles

2009-08-17T22:00:00.002-04:00

Etsy Front Page

2009-08-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

I made it to the front page of Etsy!
My Chained Melody Scarf.

Flowers!! This month's Etsy Street Team contest, VOTE NOW!

2009-05-02T09:05:00.001-04:00

Our Etsy North Georgia Street Team is having a contest featuring Flowers this month. You may win a prize if you go and vote for your favorite- hopefully mine # 7 the Retro Flower Curtains, Les Fleurs.
Please go vote at www.EtsyNorthGeorgia.com

Sawdust & Diamonds, Joanna Newsom

2009-04-24T19:48:00.000-04:00

Heard a new music artist that I find quite intriguing this week. Joanna Newsom.

A unique modern folk-style singer who plays the harp. Of course, being a harp player myself, I was instantly hooked when I heard the melodious chords of the harp coming from my car radio.

It was on one of those radio stations that plays lots of great indie songs and THEN much later, probably after you have to go inside your house or work, they will announce who was singing what. I was thinking in my head, please announce it now, and then, hooray!, the girl dj said that it was Joanna Newsom's song, Sawdust & Diamonds, from the album "Ys".

There are some interesting vids on YouTube, along with equally interesting comments. Apparently she is one of those artists people either love or hate. She is definitely different, unusual and very talented.

Etsy Day!

2009-04-24T17:05:00.001-04:00

Today is Etsy Day. Read more about it in The Storque article.
I've been at work today and just found out about it!

Have you always wanted to sell your own hand made items but never knew where you could get the price they deserve?
You need Etsy.com, click here to go to the sign up info page. When you get to the question about who referred you, please type in BethToddCreatz. Thanks!

Now, I'm off to go get an "Etsy" tattoo!

Totally forgot to post that I WON!!

2009-04-24T16:54:00.001-04:00

Man, I guess I've been too busy lately. I forgot to update here that I did win the Easter Challenge Contest!
I appreciate those of you who voted for me. Thank you so much!

March Challenge, Easter - Etsy North Georgia Street Team

2009-04-05T14:41:00.002-04:00

Happy Glorious Spring to you!

The Etsy North Georgia Street Team is having a contest and YOU could win a prize if you vote!
All the details are here in our street team blog: www.EtsyNorthGeorgia.com

I hope you like my Lacy Handspun Woven Flower Pin (#18) the best! Please vote for me!
Thank you for your support!

Little Bee by Chris Cleave, a non-knitting book review.

2009-03-17T19:40:00.000-04:00

I haven't read such a raw, spellbinding novel in quite a long time. This book has that wonderful British humour sprinkled throughout its magically told tragedies. The characters are so incredibly well portrayed they must be actual people. Well done, Chris Cleave.

I enjoyed the author's use of dialects for the characters. It really brought them to life. In fact, I think they will haunt me for a very long time.

Warning: This book is not for you to read if you want something light and happy. It is gutsy, raw and dark at times. With snippets of laughter along the way...

French Girl Knits. A review.

2009-02-20T17:11:00.002-05:00

Lately it seems that designers are creating new designs and publishing books every time we turn around, doesn't it? Well, for most of them I can look at the projects that I would actually make and know that I already have something similar in some other book somewhere in my 'reference library'.

This book is different. And beautiful. And wonderful. It's nice and fresh.

Being a southern girl, I have no real need for big bulky sweaters that would keep an Eskimo warm. I like lightweight garments that I can actually use and this book has them.

Kristeen Griffin-Grimes has created a collection with beautiful styling that is young, hip and trendy while still being classic enough for the styles to last. This versatile wardrobe ranges from everyday chic, casual, to dressy. Some of the garments have romantically feminine details and innovative shaping, including lace. There are a variety of needle sizes and yarn weights used, so there is something for every knitter. If you like thin yarn and thin needles, it's there. If you like bulky yarn and larger needles, it's there. If you are not a southern girl and need a warm sweater, it's there!

I absolutely love the fact that she gives yarn size for each project, not just the name of the yarn used, saving us knitters from aggravation when substituting yarns!

For those of you on Ravelry, Kristeen is on there as frenchgirlknits. Check out her featured projects to see the collection of designs from this book, French Girl Knits.

Morse Code On the Beach

2009-02-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

This week my hubby and I watched a movie from 1959 that was based on Nevil Shute's novel, On the Beach.

Since both of us are ham radio operators, we enjoy opportunities to watch movies that have anything to do with amateur radio and Morse code.
This particular movie is a post-apocalyptic drama film. Among the notable stars in this film of Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner and Anthony Perkins, is a surprise one- Fred Astaire. I guess I'm used to watching him only in movies where he sings and dances. Trust me, he wasn't in much of a singing or dancing mood in this one! It takes place partly in Australia, so in one scene there was drunken singing of "Waltzing Matilda", but I'm pretty sure that was the only singing!

Anyway, back to the Morse code. As I mentioned earlier, this is a doomsday story. The Australian Navy survivors receive Morse code signals, but are unable to decipher them because they don't make any sense and are not real code. They eventually track down where the signal is coming from, but don't find anyone alive. There was a Coca-Cola bottle hanging by a shade pull hitting the straight key and sending "code" whenever the wind blew through the open window. Interesting....

The thing that bothers me about this movie is that you don't actually see anyone that is dead, what's that about?? Everyone just disappeared. Well, it was done in 1959, guess they had ethics or something. Mind you, it's not that I WANT to see the dead people, it just seemed quite odd that there were none!

Back again to the Morse code. I went on my favorite info site, Wikipedia, and looked up this movie. Well, then there was a link to info on Morse code and that is where I found this most awesome chart of the Morse code alphabet.

This is "a binary tree of the Morse Code adapted from the dichotomic search table in the en:morse code Wikipedia entry."

For anyone who has studied or is studying Morse code, and is visual, this is a wonderful find!! This makes it easier to grasp than just the audio, which is how I had to study it. So, isn't this just awesome?? I'm so excited about finding this chart! Thank you Wikipedia! Maybe now, I will actually be able to remember those pesky code characters, and have a DX QSO in CW without help from Hubby!

Amigurumi Skull

2008-10-31T21:01:00.003-04:00

Happy All Hallows Eve!
Just thought I would post my new amigurumi design, Skully.

I am working on the pattern to offer in my shop as well. Yes, I know, I still need to finish the many other patterns I am working on. It's hard being a perfectionist!

Etsy Treasury and Front Page

2008-10-14T09:48:00.002-04:00

I have been really busy lately creating new designs and patterns. I did want to share my most recent news though.

My Autumn Wrap was featured on the Front Page of Etsy in the Fall Fashion in the Virtual Labs Treasury recently!

(If I had all my wits about me I could edit the screenshot photo of the treasury to put it up here since the treasury is no longer active, but I don't have time to figure out how to do that right now. So I will just post the photo of the wrap instead.)

That's not the only exciting news! My Autumn Evening Wrap was also chosen to be in a beautiful treasury, Fall into Autumn, picked by MissKnits!

I am working on writing up the patterns for these beautiful wraps so they will soon be available in my shop.

Next time I'll show my newest design, an amigurumi...

Projects update....

2008-09-19T20:11:00.000-04:00

Well, I decided I needed to share a few photos of some of the projects I'm working on.
The turquoise and brown beads will become a knitted cuff bracelet for my wonderful and beautiful daughter, Katie - and no, I'm not biased!

The second project that I am working on is a cross over front sweater for my wonderful and beautiful Mom - yes, it runs in the family, and no, I'm still not biased!
This sweater has had to be reworked at the shoulders to shorten them, and I'm going to use this to my advantage and do the seam as a three needle bind off. As you can see, I haven't gotten very far on the full length sleeves. I could blame the fact that I'm working them in the opposite direction from the written pattern which starts at the cuff and goes up the arm to end at the shoulder - but that's not really a problem for me, just taking the time to work on it and not putting it off in favor of more exciting projects! I know you all know what that's like!

Well, maybe I'll get the sweater done for my Mom by the time cold weather gets here... but that pretty green silk yarn is calling my name...

Woohoo! I got an Etsy Showcase spot!

2008-09-04T14:15:00.002-04:00

I got one of the spots for the Main Showcase on Etsy for Friday, September 5. This is my first time being able to secure one. So check it out - on the home page, near the top, just click on Main Showcase.

I have been working hard on many new items for my shop, and finalizing some new patterns too.
Soon, I'll show more photos of what I'm up to!

If you get Knitting Daily, I hope you saw the article that was on color not too long ago. They mentioned Deb Menz' book that I think is absolutely the best book for fiber artists. Also in Interweave Knits magazine Summer 2008 issue was a very good article by Beverly Roberts called Color for Knitters, Color Theory 101.

Creativity - Not just a job. It's an adventure. Or -It's not all about the destination, it's the journey that's important!

2008-07-17T16:57:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know, cliches are so cheesy! But in this case they are both so true.

Creativity has to be a constant companion if you want to stay inspired. When you get an idea for some new project, whatever your media may be, write it down! Sketch it out! Keep a file or notebook of these ideas. If you are looking through a catalog and see a picture that causes you to think of using certain colors together or implement some new shapes or patterns, then cut out the picture or page and put it in your notebook (provided that it is your own catalog!). Be creative to capture these fleeting ideas of inspiration so that you can use them in the future!

I have a file folder, or two or three, that I keep ideas in. I also have a notebook that I put all the scraps of paper that I sketch and scribble on, in clear plastic sheet protectors. I like organizing all these bits of information so that I can find them when I need to. It's like getting inspired all over again every time I look through these notebooks and file folders.

Now, I have to be realistic and know that every idea that I have for a new design or project won't actually be 'born'. Some ideas that people have should have stayed in their notebook! I know you can remember one of those interesting (read hideous), knit sweater designs in a magazine or book that made you wonder what the designer was smoking and/or drinking!?

Well, being creative as a job can be difficult. It is hard to consistently come up with good, viable ideas without copying other ideas. There are not that many different ways to create a standard sweater, for instance. You can get creative with the texture or colors used, or how you combine the shapes of the sweater. Since we are talking about knitting here, what I use for inspiration for knitted garments, for example, are stitch pattern books like the Harmony guides and Nicky Epstein's books. For inspiration on using colors in designs, I sometimes use Deb Menz Color Works book, art books, and one book I recommend for combining colors as well as different textures of yarns is the Yarn Stash Workbook from Laura Bryant. I used this last book for a class I taught on working with colors in knitting and crochet.

There are many ways to get inspired to creativity. The important thing to remember is to stay open to new ideas, collect them, but don't just stop there. Next time, we'll look into how to go beyond the idea stage into the actual creative process.

Being inspired, getting creative, and making it happen!

2008-05-03T14:23:00.002-04:00

Who needs inspiration? Everyone! Look around at every aspect of daily life. The clothing we wear, the items we use to decorate our homes, the foods we eat, the movies and TV programs we watch, the computers and their programs we utilize. All of these were designed and created by someone who was inspired to do so.

In creative pursuits, like crafts and art, inspiration can produce a finished piece that further inspires others. These artistic pieces may have been a result of the creator's trying to express an emotion, or a thought that came to them while looking at nature, or an idea that came to them doing ordinary mundane activities. Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything if we are open and receptive.

In this photo I show how I was inspired by the pattern and colors in fabric. I love how the colors look together, so I just HAD to purchase beads in colors as close as I could get. I still need to sketch up the ideas in my head to see what this becomes, probably a cuff style bracelet using the circle shapes, or maybe squares...
I'll add pics of the sketches and progress soon, and go into more detail about how I get inspired to create.

"A Bit of Humor Concerning Radar Guns"

2008-04-07T16:24:00.001-04:00

This funny article comes from the February issue of the Motorcycling Amateur Radio Club (MARC) newsletter. Enjoy!

"I became aware of this unusual story- and thought you might enjoy reading about it.

It seems that two California Highway Patrol Officers were conducting enforcement on I-15, North of MCAS, Miramar. One of the officers was using a hand held radar device to check for speeding vehicles approaching the crest of a hill. The officers were suddenly surprised when the radar gun began receiving a reading (of) 300 miles per hour. The officer attempted to reset the radar gun - but it would not reset - and mysteriously turned its self off and shut-down.
Just then a deafening roar over the treetops revealed that the radar had in fact locked onto a USMC F/A-18 Hornet which was engaged in a low-level flying exercise near the location.
Back at the CHP Headquarters the Patrol Captain fired off a complaint to the USMC Base Commander voicing their displeasure. Back came a reply in true USMC style: Thank you for the message - which allows us to complete the file on this incident. You may be interested to know that the tactical computer in the Hornet had detected the presence of, and subsequently locked onto your hostile radar equipment and automatically sent a jamming signal back to it. Furthermore, an air to ground missile aboard the fully armed aircraft had also automatically locked onto your equipment. Fortunately the Marine Pilot flying the Hornet recognized the situation for what it was, quickly responded to the missile system alert status and was able to override the automated defense system before the missile was launched and your hostile radar was destroyed. Thank you for your concerns.

Top this for a speeding ticket story..........................Billy N6EDY"

Sunshine. Wind. Cool.

2008-03-02T20:23:00.000-05:00

Why didn't I remember that just because it feels great in short sleeves standing in the yard with the sun beating down on me, that the wind chill on a motorcycle out on shady back roads seriously changes the way the temperature feels?!
Those who know me and have wondered if I ever really get cold, the answer is affirmative!
Good thing I actually brought along a denim jacket, "just in case". This jacket, however, is not a motorcycle specific jacket, meaning that:
1) it has awkward buttons instead of a nice zipper- trying to button up with only one hand while driving, not easy;
2) it has "normal" sleeves, not quite long enough to keep the wind out while extending the arms to the handlebars;
3) denim is not leather = cold when wind is involved

This is proof that I haven't been riding lately nearly often enough to have remembered this. The beautiful sunny day befuddled me to the point that I totally forgot how I usually suit up when we go for rides even when Ron just wears shirtsleeves, I usually feel the wind more than he does. Oh well!

All this aside, I did enjoy the ride. Even though in the background I kept hearing a voice saying "I wish I had on my leather jacket" "why didn't I wear more than this?" "hope I don't get sick from this" "oh, for a cup of hot coffee..."
(Almost every other biker that passed me had on leather.)

The ride.... it felt great to be out on my Harley. If you have never had the opportunity to ride on a motorcycle, even as a passenger, you can get a similar experience by riding in a speedboat on a lake. But it needs to be at speeds to pull a water skier! Not trolling for fish.
It's exhilarating.
It was also nice to come home, put on a warm woolly sweater, get a cup of hot coffee, and watch a sci-fi smack down between Dracula and Van Helsing (as a werewolf) on tv- [at least that's who I think it was since I got back at the interesting bits so I assumed that part.]
It would have been nice also, like those of you with furry family members know, to have a warm cat sit in my lap and help warm me up!

Busy time of year- "The Holidays"

2007-12-31T20:01:00.001-05:00

Doesn't that really sound like a good name for a garage band? The Holidays... and on bass guitar, we have Tom (as in Tom Turkey); and on drums, our very own Drummer Boy; lead guitarist, Kris Kringle; Carol is the lead vocalist... man, it's not like I don't have other things to do here, especially since it's getting a bit cheesy anyway, don't you think? Somehow in my mind, it started out good, then went terribly wrong! oh well.

I began with the intent to talk about how busy I've been. Not much time off. No time for the extras like posting on the blog, or reading emails, etc. With the end of the year slapping me in the face, it makes me contemplate and reflect on the past year.
Can't believe another year has zoomed past. Why does it seem that time accelerates as we get older? I feel like I'm in hyperspace mode. Good grief! What will happen in another ten years? Will it be like using a time turner and watching myself going through life? who knows... man, what a weird frame of mind I'm in.

New Knitted Skirt Pattern Now Available!!

2007-11-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

My latest pattern design, Gore-y, is a felted gored skirt. It is available at my Etsy shop. Check it out and let me know what you think! Better yet, buy it, make it and send me pics of your Gore-y skirt so that I can include it in my gallery!

Launching of my newest patterns...

2007-11-27T21:53:00.000-05:00

I am working feverishly at tweaking my patterns for self-publication.
They will soon be available as downloadable pdf patterns through my Etsy shop.
I'm so excited to be able to offer them this way!!! Check back soon...

Musical Quote of the Day...

2007-11-17T23:40:00.000-05:00

If you want to destroy my sweater,
pull this thread as I walk away...

from Weezer

The Journey Begins...

2007-11-13T19:44:00.000-05:00

It is November, and the golden sun slants heavily upon the earth.
Soon we will walk through the cold shadows of winter.
Maple trees glow like the flames of fire. Rich with color. Intoxicating in their beauty, for now...
I revel in their gloriousness, my breath catches and my heart aches that this will not last, for long...
This is a season of changes.