a trip to the yarn store...

Yay me. Today is my birthday and I decided to treat myself to a trip to River City Yarns. I had a nice time browsing, had lots of help in terms of customer service trying to find the correct needles etc. It is an ok shop. I have yet to check out any of the other stores in town. Some day.

Anyways, not to leave empty handed with bday money unspent, I picked up a few things

Inset picture here soon

I grabbed a skien of undyed trekking, a bag of gorgeous superwash roving, a drop spindle, 1 cheapo circular needle and 1 addy turbo circular needle. Yay! I would have bought 2 turbos but I couldn't afford it right now.

Also I got a copy of Knitting Circles Around Socks from Amazon. I plan on trying to knit 2 at once with a quickie no frills pair (or is it a quad?) or dog socks. My dog has cold feet lol. 2 days in a row I have had to carry him home from Livia's bus stop because his feet were so cold. I plan on knitting a wool ribbed tube, sew in a thick felt liner circle bottom then glue a piece of suede to prevent slipping. I hope they will stay on by themselves.

The poor dog is going to rip out my throat when I am sleeping some night for all of the abuse I inflict on him with the flannel maxi pad lined girlie belly bands, silly santa coats and now socks lol.

Wonder if he needs a hat?

Ok. It is finally snowing and actually staying on the ground. I have donned the Canadian Military crazy gynormous white boots and 25 lb parka and my new mitts (did I mention that I made new mitts?) and have shoveled the front walk twice thus far. Obviously I am a true Canadian. I don't care how stupid I look, I am W-A-R-M. That is all that matters.

Now picture this.... Standing on the corner, waiting for the school bus is Me, snug and warm in said crazy outfit, standing next to my 7 year old, in a skirt and tights, winter coat, no hat, no scarf, NO SNOWPANTS! She is complaining that she is cold.

WTF! I just spent a half hour arguing with her about the virtues of her snowpants and hats and scarves and frostbite and blackened dead ears and noses etc. It isn't cool to wear these things. She wants to be cool. She will be cool all right but in a different way. Dumbass. It's bad enough the kid will not wear pants under any circumstances but to now boycott her snowpants! Maybe I need to find some yummy frostbite pictures online to show her.

Oh ya. Also this... my dog is annoying.

Super Low Fat Cookies. Diabetes and weight watchers friendly recipe

I spent the morning racking my brain, scouring the internet and my cookbooks looking for some cookie recipes for my Xmas baking that would agree with the entire family's circumstances, be it Type 2 diabetes (my husband), Weight watchers (Me) or sweet junkies (my kids). I found none. I decided to invent a low fat, no sugar cookie recipe that Is weight watchers, kid and diabetes friendly. They turned out great! I like them, my kids like them and my husband likes and can actually eat them . :) I am calling them Happy cookies because they made us all happy.

Brown Sugar Happy Cookies

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 Tbsp. margarine or butter
1 egg & 2 egg whites
3/4 cup Splenda Brown sugar mix, packed
1 Tbsp cinnamon
3 cups of all purpose flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 F. cream together margarine, applesauce and brown sugar. Add in cinnamon and eggs. Mix well.

In a large bowl combine flour, salt and baking powder. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Using hands, form into 2 equal balls.

Roll out to approximately 1 cm thickness. for maximum amount of cookies, I used mini cookie cutters. place on parchment lined cookie sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes. Test back one cookie to determine the exact time.

This recipe makes 120 mini cookies.

Lucy Neatby workshop and more...

So I was mixing up some gingerbread yesterday morning (the xmas baking has begun) when I recieved a phonecall from a fellow Edmonton Stitchers yahoo group member, Anita. She had paid for many workshops being held at River City Yarns and apparently did not feel she was far enough along in her knitting to be able to attend the workshop being held in 45 minutes. She asked me if I would like to be her pitch hitter and attend in her place.

Who me? Of course! So I throw the half mixed gingerbread into the fridge, throw socks on my daughter, wake the husband, run a brush through my hair and in about 10 minutes am on my way to RCY.

I was very delighted to have been able to go to the workshop. It was taught by Lucy Neatby who is a very cool british woman fron Nova Scotia. I learned all type of nifty finishing techniques I had not known previously. We touched on blocking, grafting (also known as kitchner stitch by some), mattress stitching, japanese short rows (awesome for smooth sleeve shaping!), button holes, 3 needle casting off, and a very fast cast off method called modified conventional bind off.

So needless to say, I learnt a ton, chatted with a bunch of felow yarn obsessed peoples, had a yummy lunch and had a great time.

I was also asked if I wanted to take someone elses place in todays workshop which is advanced sock techniques, but only if the weather was terrible because she would have to drive in from Devon. As much as I would love to take that one as well and even though I lay in bed last night wishing for snow and freezing rain....It didn't happen and I sit here blogging instead of getting ready to go. :( Oh well. I should just count my blessings I was able to attend yesterdays.

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here are a few more wee bits i managed this past weekend



you can't really see in the puctures but I did machine stitching lines on the argyle, so it is true argyle, not just diamond patterns :)


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Not alot of knitting or sewing has been done lately. I havd to finish making a polly pocket sized dollhouse for Livia's bday. Here she is in all her post bday party glory (and mess)


Did I mention my first ever experience with decorating a 3d bear bday cake? Here it is. Damn I look bad in this picture lol

She wanted a "fancy" teddy bear party. So I accomplished this with faux silver and crystal bought at the dollar store. No way was I going to let them use the real thing lol. We went to Build-a-Bear workshop, made bears, brought them home and had our party. Livia had a blast, claimed it was the best day of her life. I guess I did good :) She is pictured here with her new Princess Kitty build a bear.

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NOTE: as I was writing this, I got a call from Anita, asking if I would go to the sock workshop in her place because her stitching is still too tight etc etc. I managed to convince her to go. I think she would learn alot and get a ton of help on her learn to knit quest.

DAMN! I should have been selfish and went lol Stoopid morals!

* oh ya. My embroidery machine should be repaired soon! I can't wait to get it back. Xmas gift making needs to begin soon~

Oh boy!!!

You are #10759 on the list.
43 people are ahead of you in line.
19027 people are behind you in line.
35% of the list has been invited so far


Tommorow is my Ravelry day! Yeah!

still haven't signed up or even looked at the details: Go now!

https://www.ravelry.com

Updates on many fronts

635 people are ahead of you in line.


Wow! I am getting so close to Ravelry I can taste it!


On another note. I attended my first stitch & bitch last night. We met up at Boston Pizza, Ate, stitched ans most definately bitched (just a tad). I had a great time and look forward to the next gathering (hopefully on a weekend).


Haven't had anything to blog about. Working on the same stuff. I cast on my second primary colored sock and and up to the heel back. The hello kitty sweater is what I need to concentrate on now as I want it ready for Sept 28, my daughters 3rd bday. I might do a matching set of leg warmers if I have time.


Hubby bought me a new laptop for a 10th anniversary gift. I am laptopping away! Also, the embroidery machine has been in the shop for 2 weeks getting repaired (finally). I just put annthegran's catalog Xpress on Malice (the laptop) and and trying to slowly organize my overly vast amount og embroidery designs (damn internet! Making me collect too many!)

Thats all for now!

where are you on the Ravelry List?

I decided to check my status as to how llong it will be before I get my invite.

You signed up on June 23, 2007
You are #10759 on the list.
4732 people are ahead of you in line.
7520 people are behind you in line.
32% of the list has been invited so far

I'm sad. It will still be awhile. I wonder how many invites they send out every day?

You can check the status on your place in line here: http://www.ravelry.com/antsy/check

I almost forgot these! They fit amazingly and the colors rock. Perfect for summer in my birkenstocks. YAH! They are also out of Bernat Sox in Jazzy Hot colorway. I love how this verigated colorway knits up. I have another ball of it so I might have to make another pair in a different pattern.

This is to be a pullover sweater for Faedra. It is yello, her favorite color and has Hello Kitty on it, which is her favorite character. Looks good right? See below for...

...the hellish loose ends that will need to be sewn in. I think it is going to be frogged and restarted with 2 balls of each color so that there will be no need for loose ends, stranding etc. I have entered HELL-o kitty.

Anyone have any ideas as to how I do this without the stupid ends or long stranding in the back of the work?

The sock that never will be....

Thanks to the mysterious knitting unravler whom I shall call from this day forward FAEDRA.

Yes. Here is the smallest black and white striped anarchy sweater you will EVER encounter. I made this on a whim out of sock yarn for one of the asian dolls I have.

"

"

I know it has been a while since I posted anything worth looking at :) But things have been in busy summer mode lately. Ever since Livia finished school, I seem to be occupied almost all my waking hours coming and going here or there. Here are the few socks I am working on at the moment

These socks will be anklets once finished. I LOVE these socks. The stitch definition and patterning is really cool to look at. I made up the pattern myself using my favored sock knitting methods combined. The yarn is one of the Bernat Sox colorways...can't remember what it is called exactly

Must Get Ravelry!!

I am on the list but the wait is killing me. I am dying to get my invite and disappear into the Ravelry world. If you don't know what it is go take a sneak peek here: http://www.ravelry.com/tour/peek

I took a leap and joined Six Sox knitalong on Yahoo groups. The goal is to make 6 different pairs of socks at the same time as many others, knit, discuss, curse the pattern etc. The current pattern is Victorian Lace Socks. They are really pretty as well as annoying as hell.

I cast on 6 times. SIX TIMES! It took me that many times to figure out what the hell I was doing. Now that I have it all figured out I managed to get almost halfway through a sock, got very mad because I screwed up the pattern so it was all crooked, frogged the entire thing and had a drink. Then I watched mucho Buffy the Vampire Slayer (s 2) on DVD and cast on a different sock in a different yarn in a different pattern.

I'm all better now. I am tempted to go buy another set of needles so I can cast on the cursed evil lace sock again. Probably not a good idea seeing as I allready have 1278674347 UFO's stashed in various nooks and cranny's. damn.


RAVELRY!!!!! I want RAVELRY!

Tapestry Wool

So what should I do with the 2 garbage bags of tapestry wool I had given to me?


I tested it and it felts up really nice. I am going to start out by knitting then felting a throw rug for Faedra's bedroom in wacky color combinations. Maybe some placemats....going to have to do some research. I might have to take up weaving or possibly do a tapestry if I find a pattern I really like. I am pretty sure I have every color available from patons.


I will take a pic of the haul tommorow once I buy new batteries for the camera

Friday craziness

Well today has been rather interesting. I finished 3 more doll outfits, took pictures, listed on Ebay then went shopping to Micheals to buy a couple of T shirts, fabric paint and dye for Livia. All with the intention of doing tiedye etc with her this evening.

Then the dog crapped on my allready stained (from kids) carpet. Livia stepped in it, then proceeded to be grossed out (i dont blame her) then smear it all over the hallway trying to get it off. So Up I go to clean it up, use the green machine etc. Well after spending a hour cleaning the carpet I decided it still looked like shit (no pun intended) so I decided to rip it out hoping for hardwood. No hardwood, just thee same crazy lino that is on our stairs. No more stained carpet....clean crazy 60's yellow acid flashback!

Gave the kids a bath....gave the dog a bath and I still haven't even looked at the tie dye project lol. Maybe tommorow as it is allready 7pm and Liv goes to bed in 1 hour anyways. I might follow her lead and go to bed.

Ebay sewing mania

I've been sewing up a storm the last few days. All doll related creations to sell on Ebay:

http://tinyurl.com/y3euow

Hopefully I will make enough on this batch of auctions to be able to afford to repair my embroidery machine. I miss using it and I have a million and one ideas, all of which require it's use.

Sooo Many Projects on the go at once!

Or More lol

The above is one of the pictures from a photoshoot I did for a 10 piece Yo--SD sized outfit with accesories. I plan to list it on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=017&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=270127059948&rd=1&rd=1

Doll Display Project. I have laid hardwood flooring on the attic floor (popsicle sticks with the ends chopped off) Need sanding and staining etc. I will have room for maybe 1 or 2 more tiny BJD's Yah! Just need to make some money to buy them, not to mention fix the embroidery machine.

This is the fronts, the back and one sleeve of the Matinee sweater mentioned in an earlier post.

Purple, black, white & Lavendar striped socks. My first knit pair. I am scared to do the heel but I can't make them any longer or I will never wear them.

yikes! These are all tiny doll clothing that need either straps, buttons, snaps or all of the above. By Tiny I mean really tiny for all you non-doll folks. These all fit a kelly sized doll.

Why I don't get an opportunity to sew during the day....

Need I say more?

Skirt #1

Ok please excuse these craptastic photos (I look oh so hillbilly with my doggie footprint entrance floor, bare feet and my dughters jewellery box on the floor). They were rushed and my lovely posing and messy background look amazing! lol I made this out of a biege linen and hand embroidered it with an awesome pattern I found on http://www.needlecrafter.com/ . I changed a few things such as the powder puff theme and turned it into a cocktail. I used a simple sidezip A line skirt pattern ( Simplicity NewLook 6382).

Retro Style Sundress

(the white one with the trim at the hem)

I chose this dress as my summer sundress. I think it will be light and airy to wear around on a regular day, but can easily be dressed up with a crinoline, espadrilles and the right hairdo. I am making it out of black (of course) cotton to go with the rest of my SWAP items.



This pattern has given me a few issues, mostly because I didn't read the instructions ha ha oops! I am now on my second bodice, and it is going smoothly so far KNOCK ON WOOD! Why do I always seem to have problems with the curved front and straight side front pieces? I sewed and ripped out and resewed a few times before I finally hand basted it to ensure there would be no folds and puckers. This had better be a damn nice dress with all the issues it has given me. ARG I can't wait till it is time to put a zipper in it. Abundant cursing will be heard for miles for sure.

Retro Sweater

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60582A.html

I have found the most amazing FREE pattern on the Lion Brand website. I have a nice big ball of verigated yarn from a special Walmart boxing day sale I have been saving and this is the perfect project for it. I have the back and both fronts finished, and need to do the collar and sleeves. I hope to get on sleeve finished tonight. HOPE lol


Insert project pictures here (later)

Spring/Summer Wardrobe In the works

I am in the middle of an interesting undertaking. I am attempting to make the rest of my Spring/Summer wardrobe. It is kind of like SWAP, however I am including store bought items to the mix.

I have thus far made 2 skirts in linen, hand embroidered them and am now working on a dress as well as crocheting a sweater. See future posts for the details on these projects.


I hope to be able to accomplish the following by the end of May (12 more days!)

* 2 skirts
* 1 dress
* 1 sweater
* 1 capri pants
* 1 blouse

Spring In My Studio

It is official. Spring is here! Hooray for bright sunlight, BBQ's, evenings around the fire pit sipping cocktails with good friends, and having the kids go outside to play so I can hear myself think and possibly get some work done for a change :)

The above bouquet was a lovely gift from my friend Shane and his crew. They are gorgeous!