Mocking the bird

I have chosen three pieces of work to submit to the Mockingbird. I can only hope that I am chosen for one of its pages. I decided a newbie of mine, Admitted Intent, shoud go in along with two others, Patient and Comprehension. The first is only a week or so old and is somewhat dark but stunning. It has a hard hit and stuns the reader. At least I hope. Those were Bobby's words. The second is one that I entered into the Johnson City Public Library poetry contest. I had to choose a different name. We will see if the choice was helpful or not. The third can be seen as more light-hearted but it really just speaks of how different people can take writing differently and about the ambiguity that some poets choose to create within.
I think there is some rule about publishing anything in a blog before it is used in a contest, so I can't do so. But if you want to email me, I will happily share my choices.

Halloween was a win-lose. Syddie was an adorable little dinosaur who was so great during trick-or-treating. After we got home, though, the tummies of Mommy and Daddy went downhill. I was sick as a dog while dropping her off at Mimi's house. When Bob and I went out that night, we were back home within the hour. I was horribly sick at the Hideaway so we left. When we got home, we were both pukie and truckin to the bathroom all night. Sucked a buncha. So, we will have great memories of our little girl asking for seconds from almost every house we stopped at and of her singing "I like eating candy. It's what I do-do-dooooo-do-do" which she made up as we walked. And of her saying "Does this house have pumpkins?" after she realized that only the jack-o-lantern adorned houses had candy. AND of her saying "Alright. You stay right here. I'll go get candy." when she wanted us to stay at the sidewalk. (which we couldn't because a group of 6-9 year olds were running and pushing in front of her - Syd is so unused to that she said "Hey stop running") And of her telling us in the car later that "It was so much fun trick and treating for Halloween candy." It might not have been the anniversary that we wanted, but it was a much better Halloween than we could have imagined.

Hope springs eternal with two good arms.

The sling has been slung and the splint is off. I still have some stiffness (and a lingering dread of toys that spin). I think it will be fine after a few days of good stretching. I feel like I haven't stretched this arm in years! Oh, the relief you feel from a good stretch. I used to hear,"I'd stretch a mile if I didn't have to walk back." I don't know how far I want to stretch my tender limb but it will be good to reach up again.
Knitting is not as tough as you'd think when in a splint. Since it was my left hand, I could just hold the needle and do all the manuevering with my right. It still hurt after a few minutes, but I accomplished a bit.
Today is costume creation day. Circus Side Show was the theme, but Syddle wanted to be a dinosaur instead. Bob and I will stick with the theme even without our tiny Barker/Ringmaster. That is fine, she is happy with her green suit. It has padding around the bottom that gives her a pear shape that is adorable in its wrongness on my skinny little girlie. I hope she doesnt't change her mind since she destroyed the tag first thing. I know, I know. I was supposed to make the thing instead of buy it. Well, laziness and a tough German test kept me from trying a brand new pattern with very little free time. Chastise and berate, go ahead, I deserve it.

fell down go.... OH MY GOD IT HURTS

i fell today over syd's sit n spin. not her fault. i wasn't watching where i was going. i was griping with bobby about the way he washed the dishes. why complain? i mean he did them. i should let it go. anyway, i fell. cut my hand, landed hard on my alrealy arthritic knee with a mean 237 pounds, and caught my balance with my left wrist against the corner brace stud of the livingroom. in other words, fuckin ouch. i thought i was fine, but now bobby and i think i need an xray, weird swelling and stiffness along with some freakin pain.
all i fucking needed was to nearly kill myself by falling. bobby even asked if i thought i needed an ambulance when it happened. must've looked bad and with all the screaming, must've sounded bad too.

Nothing to do with crafting at all.

Today I skipped merrily out of Relaxation class into the rain after figuring out that we were simply going to lie there for 45 minutes. I am not interested in getting a sore back just to have 45 minutes of "sleep" in the dance studio. Others were excited since they had no additional homework and multiple classes after that one. I, however, cozied up to the instructor on the first day and she said I could go if I promised to relax somewhere for 45 minutes. I will eventually do so.
After leaving class, I took the Bucshot to the car. It seemed to take forever. I am sure I could've walked there faster, but my prevailing laziness and the downpour talked me out of my athleticism. I was stuck at a redlight so long that I pulled out of the turn lane and into the straight. I was then greeted by several road closed signs while trying to get back to my original destination. I ended up driving across town (maybe I relaxed whilst driving?) and poked around in Office Depot. Crazy, but true, I love walking around in there. I am a paper and pen hoarder and the isles just screamed to me. I was a good economy minded girl. I walked out empty handed. The Dollar Tree beckoned, though. Syddie got the cutest apron and chef's hat set in Purple. She "cooked" for me after getting her "surprise". I got to betend (her word for pretend) to eat plastic corn and later she made the dog drink tea. It was the single cutest thing I had seen all day. That dog might be trouble (ALOT) but Syd loves her. I picked up a book of Non-fiction essays and I am already happy from flipping through the pages. I enjoy a good essayist who can wrap me up in words and tickle me with letters. (How cliche and geeky.) I miss writing as if it were an old date who left without taking his jacket. I smell his cologne on the collar each time I pick up the notebook I haven't used in months.
Later CVS provided another shopping excursion for diapers (cursed potty training) and a set of doggy steps. Roswell now has the ability to climb up on our tall bed. Getting down is tough, so she sits and whines for a lift. I was hoping that the steps were tall enough to help eliminate the ... well, elimination on the bed. She peed this morning, on the bed, because we hadn't awakened her in the middle of the night for a pee. Her bladder is only so big, of course, so I can't be too mad.
Tonight after my Sociology class I waded into the muck and mire that is my homework pile. I made a good dent. I am quite excited that I may be caught up (knock on wood, salt over my shoulder, rub an unlucky rabbit's foot) by fall break. How nice to think I may relax when I am supposed to!!!
Maybe I can craft a bit. I finished a scarf the other night during Silver Bullet (love that movie). Its just a simple bobbly thing that I might give someone as a thank you. I have tons of scarves for myself and after spending countless hours making them year before last, the novelty has worn off. I may give it to Kim. She is my German buddy (meaning buddy in German class not buddy who is German).
I long to write again the way I used to. I miss the balcony where I sat listening to crawling thick jazz seep out my windows. I used to roll a joint and have a glass of wine at 10 am if the mood struck me (and I had the day off). I would sit for minutes sometimes, hours at other times, and write. I was a genius then. I was Anias Nin writing melting erotica. I was Woolf and Kerouac and Cohen. I had something that I have since misplaced.
I loved my big closet in that huge apartment. I had a walk in room that had a window. Not so much a closet except for the bar to hang my clothes on. I had stuffed into the space a dresser. Big and brown with a mirror atop it. I had scarves draped across the edges of the mirror. I has feather boas and purses and shoes galore. I had dresses and clothes of the most odd styles hanging there. I was a star when I went into that small, rectangular room. It was jumbled like some backstage dressing room for some stage queen. Jewelry tossed here and there on the dresser top. I even called it the dressing room. I was something else then. My hallway smelled like mildew the way old buildings do. The backdoor led into a mudroom with big screened windows that let in the perfect amount of wind when it was raining. Some creative soul had painted the floor back there with every shade of spray paint made by Krylon. The kitchen wasn't huge, but big enough. The front door was red. Everyday coming in from work, I was greeted by a glossy red that enlivened that place. The shower was ancient, the tub a clawfoot cast iron, the back yard unkempt and weedy but mowed regularly. My bedroom was a refuge. My windows faced onto the balcony and during cool mornings I fell in love with the breeze that tiptoed through. High ceilings, wood floors, tall white walls begging for art. Incense and lipstick and memories of my lovelies that lived there before I did. I hope, when I am old and senile and memories escape me that I do not forget that old brick apartment building that made me feel welcome and loved and so very much like an artist.

Sweater Weather

I suppose it is time to create something of love and snuggles for my Rozzie. She shivers when she has to go outside and the temp is in the 60s (I'm guessing). She is such a lap dog that it will have to be fancy. She is just begging for a new sweater. I think I will try this coat pattern I found online to make a sweet fleece coat. I have some pink (won't need much) and will line it with the same. If I am clever, I can make it reversible in case of stains. She is low to the ground and the grass grows mighty tall sometimes.

I finished Sydney's sweater a couple of months ago. She will be wearing it now that the temperature has dropped. She looks so cute in it. Grape is the color. Super cute. I should start something for her for the spring...I might finish it by then! I am such a lazy knitster. I am just so damned tired all the time. I don't even have the energy to knit while I watch tv anymore. Project Runway was just on and Hubbins had to wake me up to watch it. I had zonked out on the couch! Before 9 pm!! I'll blame the ear infection.

I also owe him something of substance to wear. I was working on his vest (previously mentioned) and it was a miserable failure.

Kiddo is screaming "Momma, Momma!" Gotta run.

Ketchup catch up

Well, actually, no ketchup. I rather hate the stuff. I am currently avoiding a Sociology paper that is due tomorrow, along with crafting a great excuse as to why I have yet to turn in a paper in Relaxation. Yes, I have a relaxation class...and yes, there was a paper due. It was such a strange request that I have yet to attempt it. Feeling under the weather still. I have a few days of antibiotics left for a raging ear unfunction that I suffered with last week. I had to miss school on Monday. Not a fan of the absences. However, last semester was so much more hell than this one so I no worry. I'll catch up.
My neighbors (not directly, but across from the condos in front of us) have quite the fight going. Over the past few weeks, we have heard at about 2 am a woman screaming unintelligible somethings in a "No, please" manner. Another night around 9 I heard a man shouting, then around 10 I heard "FREEZE POLICE". I didn't hang to check it out. I figure stray bullets happen and I have no interest in those things. Tonight I heard one yicky scream that kinda made me wonder. I don't want to get involved since I am so far away from the actual place. I can't even pinpoint THE apartment. I can only hope for the luck and pluck of strangers.
I have not been crafting. My solemn oath has fallen by the wayside. My apologies. I finished quite a few items and sold most to my pals months ago. I haven't undertaken the Etsy task yet. I have the account, but haven't posted anything yet. Nerves? Esteem? Lazy? Who knows. I miss my old crafting nights. Whether I was just knitting with a couple of girls or sewing away with Miss Jordan and my fancy new sewing apparatus, I was doing something. Sometimes I think I am doing nothing more than cleaning a mess that will be remade tomorrow, over and over.
I want to open the bakery NOW. I don't want to deal with school first. I don't want to wait years. I want it now. I can't have it now though. I feel like I'm stuck. I want to take off to culinary school, can't. I want to run away to stalk fantastic cake bakers who I love to watch on Food Network, can't...and also illegal. I want to marry Duff from Ace of Cakes, can't... kinda married already. I want to quit school and work in a little bakery in Jonesboro. I have only walked inside it once, but it smelled so good that I want to live there. I have no idea who owns it or anything about it except that smell. I can't wait to smell like cake all day. Someone asked if I would grow tired of cakes since it would be my job. How could that happen? Oh, the magic that I feel when I am crafting a dessert is amazing. I love to make people feel happy with food. It is the one thing that we all need and it is the most honest craft. Chocolate cake tells no lies. It is good. It is great. Or it is not. Honest and chocolate. Freakin awesome.
This was not a craft post. But it was a post by a crafter, so cut me some slack. I'll right myself eventually and climb back atop my crafting steed. And when I do, you will all question how on earth I do it. My fabulicity will astonish the masses.

Lovins, Kitty

Lately...

Rarely crafting. I finished the cute purple sweater that I had started for my wee one. It is adorable on her. Kinda big right now. It is the "Knit for Kids" sweater from the Guideposts site. She loves it and calls it her "fancy sweater". If only the rest of the world was so appreciative, yes?

Not sleeping much at night. Napping alot during the day, when I can.

School starts soon. Incoming stress and worry.

Soon, my friendlies, I'll post again.

Bearly busy at all.

These are two enormous pictures of the lil brown bear that I recently needle felted. He took hardly any time at all and barely put up a fuss. I was, however, wounded during battle by my own weapon. I poked my thumb with the barbed felting needle whilst looking up to be nosey instead of focusing on the furry face I was fiddling with.

At any rate, I love the little booger and have yet to allow him into the care of my little girl. She is just turning two Friday and, well, she might not appreciate the fine craftswomanship that Mommy put into this furry friend. I am trying to find an excuse to carry him everywhere with me and say loudly to all who'll listen, "Look what I made!" I have yet to find a good one.

I am quite happy that I have begun to craft again as it has been a long while since my last completed project. The purses that I finished last week turned out well and if I could ever find a great way to photo them I'll post. I must sleep, my lovelies, finals are around the corner and this History isn't going to learn itself. Loves to all.

Green thumb

Today I played in the dirt. I planted azaleas and petunias. I potted my cilantro and peppermint plants for the kitchen. I have yet to crafticize anything more than a plain lap blanket that I am currently knitting. Just a 36 by 36 square with some yarn from the dollar bin with a cotton candy appearance. I love the softness and my little girl says its "sweetie-soft". She'll get it when its finished... as she does with everything I make.

Suddenly it is spring again...

Oh, my little knitting goodness. It is already spring. I have definately dropped the ball (of yarn) with this blog. I do solemnly swear to attempt to avoid this in the future.

I have been leapfrogging from project to project. I finished many, many goodies a month or so ago and have yet to craft anything new. I decided that the vest I began for the Hubs was a huge disaster. Last night, I pulled this entire thing apart and decided I would use the yarn elsewhere. I got the pattern from Domiknitrix and it lost me. Apparently, there are a couple of steps that aren't listed...or I just had no clue what I was doing. Either way, I've destroyed hours and hours of work. Well, lesson learned and knitting skills practiced. Let's stay positive, people, I just dumped about 17 inches of knitting in the round for a men's large vest. Four skeins!! Anyway, let's chitter-chatter about something happy.

I just got a massage. My friend Allison (Alice, to my 2 yr old daughter) brought her table over and got me all floppity. I felt like a drunken ragdoll when I slid off the table. Loveliness. Mmmmmm. She has a wonderful idea for a craft. Its one that I have yet to see around here. I shan't share it until I get the go-ahead. Its a doozy. Keep out an eye.

Family vacation this summer is planned for Savannah, GA. Very happy about that. We were going to NYC and Canada but, oh my, I am not up for that.

My health has been progressively worse in the past couple of months. Things seem to have rolled downhill after my February surgery. I have ideas, though and I hope to discuss them with Doc at my next appt. I have been researching alot and have armed myself with loads of info. I had to. At 30, I should not be lying down 90% of the time in great pain. That is why my darling friend came to visit with massage table in tow.

I promise pics of my newest crafter-pieces. In fact, I do solemnly swear...oh, you get the picture. Smile everybody. The paparazzi may be sneaking a peek and you don't want to be on the cover of Star with a frown. Also, put on some lipgloss.

Avast ye mateys, hoist ye yarn and make some knots.

Felt up...

I ordered some felting needles and some wool roving. I got just a bit so I could practice and see if I liked it before I spent alot. I LOVE IT!!! I'll post some new pics soon.

I have also found that a large mini M&Ms container from the gas station is the best container to hold your felting needles. I put a small piece of styrofoam in the bottom to protect the needle points. I am carrying 20 needles with no problems. So cheap, so easy, so happy I am.

What is next, my lovelies?

The big X-mas is around the corner. Its newly November and already the grocery stores and shopping malls are playing "Jingle Bells". Terrible ploy to start your pockets shaking. Well, Crafters, it doesn't have to be this way!!! They do serve a purpose by reminding us that we only have 44 days til Gift-apalooza. They remind us that Cousin Jimmy's sweater won't finish itself and Grandma Betty's afgan will be Grandma Betty's scarf if you don't get your needles moving!!

Come on troop, left, right, left, right, knit, purl, knit, purl...

By the way, I totally stole the sad little boy's image from the internet. I have no idea where, so don't give me credit (or take any for yourself, greedy booger).

Backpack Baby, oh yeah

I am so proud of this project. I made my little girl the characters, Backpack, the Map and a star, from Dora the Explorer. Dora (she says Dee-uh) is my 19 month old daughter's favorite show. I hope that she will love this cute little trio. I love to see her little face light up when she is excited. Christmas should be fun (if I can wait that long to give it to her).

I machine sewed most of the project with only a small amount of hand stitching. I used a standard stitch with no frills so this is, by far, an easy thing to create. Freehand drawing means no pattern, so one step is eliminated. The faces are painted on by hand with washable/dryer safe Tulip paints. (The kind of paint we made t-shirts with in middle school.) This entire project took about two evenings. It takes a while for the paint to dry and, well, I have a 19 month old who requires ...demands attention. Honestly, the cutting and sewing took only a couple of hours.

The bag is lined with pink flowered flannel. It makes the bag soft and ready for a bit of a beating. This was helpful when I ironed the bag (which should be done BEFORE painting on the face) to smooth out the folds. The star and the Map are both stuffed with basic fiberfill and hand stitched closed.

The best part about it is that the whole project is washable. The instructions call for a painted garment to be turned inside out for washing. I simply drop it in a pillow case (trusty old laundry saving friend) and tie it closed for a normal wash. Drying is up to you. Machine drying of a handicraft item is for the brave of heart. I find myself being the "lay it flat" type for something I put alot of time into. Give me a few years, though. With a few kids around, I'll be saying, "Who cares how it gets dried, they're lucky its clean!!"

Ready, ready, sweaty...

I am not afraid of commitment. I have gathered the courage to try my first sweater. I'll be attempting the Skully Sweater from Stitch n Bitch.

I have lost weight due to medication and dietary changes from this illness. I am in need of a few new wardrobe pieces, but I don't want to go shop. I'm not through losing weight yet. I plan to make the sweater for myself and make it a little too small for my current size. This way, it should fit by the time I finish it. Weightloss will inspire me to knit and the sweater's imminent completion will inspire me to drop some more weight.
Now, off to the yarn store....

Check out the website:
http://www.knithappens.com/

Halloween furfest

Unga-bunga.

I have (just in time) finished our costumes. We're cavemen! I made a smock type for him and a dress for myself. Our shoes are covered in fur to look like boots and also to add some warmth to our costumes since it will be freezing tonight! I made a cute little purse as well since I have no pockets for my id and things.

For the purse, I used:

one bank bag, rectangle with zipper
fabric cut large enough to fit around the bank bag wth a 1/4 to 1/2 inch seam allowance ( i used fur to match my costume)

Fold fabric and sew up sides (right sides facing). Turn project right side out. Place bank bag inside (pocket) that you have just sewn. Tuck the edges in to give it a hemmed appearance. Use sewing maching to stitch around top edge to attach the fabric to the bag (like sewing in a liner). It is kind of tricky to maneuver the bag around since the zipper is already installed, but have patience. This is the easiest way to "make" a bag. No zipper to sew in, no liner to measure.

Its cute, simple, fun and the most original addition to my costume. Buttons, flowers, or other small items could be glued or sewn on to add some flavor. Match or contradict your fabric. Make it original! I glued a bone on the corner of the front side. Its Cave-chic.

Have fun, Kiddies, don't eat too much candy.




****Whoo-hoo to Walmart's fabric counter for having the perfect Woolly Mammoth fur for our costumes. Only $6.97 a yard I think.

Monster bag

The finished product!!!!!! Lining and everything!! Read the adventure below...

Oh, my. I've knitted a blister. Terrible really. I began a new project and its kicking my tushie.
I'm doing a variation of a monster bag I found online forever and ages ago (it is unfortunate, but I cannot recall the pattern's creator OR the site where I found it). I'm trying a few different things with it, though, so hopefully that lets me off the hook. This pattern is so very, very flexible and you can make changes as you choose. **Keep in mind: larger needles will make more space between your stitches. It may ruin your hopes of a trustworthy bag.

*Try your local Dollar Tree, Everything's a Dollar, Big Lots, or other one price store. I've found a great stash of yarn for $1 a ball. The same yarn is $4.99 at Michael's craft store!!! Oh, savey savins, fun, fun, fun...

I am using 2 strands of lime colored Boucle yarn and 1 strand of a green eyelash yarn. I have no idea how many ounces I'll need, yet. Best bet would be to try this with a yarn that is unlikely to dissappear on you since you may realize you need another ball or two near the end. Remember, the dye lot rule!!

*10 1/2 straight needles

Cast on 38.
Rows 1-3: Knit every row.
Row 4: Knit 12 stiches, bind off 14, knit 12.
Row 5: Knit 12, cast on 14 stitches, knit 12. (I used single cast on. Cable would work, too.)

Knit every row for 16-18 inches.
Next row: knit 12 stitches, bind off 14, knit 12.
Next... knit 12, cast on 14, knit 12.
Knext...... knit 3 rows, knitting 38 stitches each row.
Lats row: Bind off all stitches. Weave in ends. (I'll be tying a small knot on the inside/wrong side of the fabric to solidify the last stitch. Before weaving in ends of individual strands in separate lines.)

White felt eyes and teeth will be sewn on one side of the folded work to give the appearance of a monster head when the bag is finished.

I plan to fold finished work in half and sew the sides using the green eyelash yarn. Leave a space at the "top" of each side to allow handles to move with the dowels in place. I will be sewing a short, thin dowel into the 3 row space at the beginning and end of the work to give the bag more structure. I'll post pics when I get there. Don't fret if you can't picture the dowels being comfy, its another take it or leave it suggestion.

Lining is possible, though not necessary. If your stictches are tight and consistent, you should have no problem of holes in the work. If you want to add a lining, measure the lining fabric against the finished knitted work before sewing the sides. Machine sew fabric right sides facing, bag measurements ( I won't go into detail here, because I'm sure you know how to sew a "pillowcase" type liner) will need to be measured since not all bags will match this pattern. Hand stitch the hemmed liner into the bag with right sides facing so that the patterned side of the lining will be visible when looking into the bag.

This should (cross your needles) have worked out magnificently for you and there should be an adorable bag sitting in your lap. Toss in your change purse, a lipstick, wallet, pack of gum and a power bar. You've got some yarn shopping to do and this "scurry" bag will be just the thing to warn the other shoppers, "Back off. That's my skein."

*** I finished the knitting and sewing of the bag. I love it. The "fabric" is strong and tightly knit so I am using it without a liner right now. I chose not to use the dowels to strengthen the handles. I ran a simply stitch through the handles (straight across) to add some invisible strength.
I ended the project with quite a callus on my 1st finger on my left hand from fighting my needles, so make sure that you choose needles that the bulky yarn will slide on easily. Multiple strands make it tough on novice knitters, so....make a swatch to practice. (Arrgh, the dreaded swatch)

******Kelly gave me the wonderful idea of using this method to construct a laptop cover. Oh, the fun....

Begin at the beginning...

(pssst...thats me in a new hat I made for my kiddo)

I am not at all original in this idea. I saw a crafter's blogspot and thought "what a great idea". She uses this as her motivation to finish projects. So, I steal. I stoly-stole the idea and ta-da...

I have an illness that shakes up my emotions quite a bit. Crafting is the best way to deal with it, for me. I create something with all the energy that the worry stirs up. I grow tired alot, so projects are usually quick, easy, or done in steps so I can return to it later. (I hope to post exact directions so you can stealy-steal the projects, too.) I knit, paint, sew, sculpt, decoupage, build, and just generally make something out of something else. I would love to learn to crochet, but I'm all thumbs when it comes to that. (Is there a craft using all thumbs? That is your first homework assignment.)

Some projects will be my own creations, some will have been dreamed up by others. All crafts will be attributed to the right creator and I hope you will do the same if you choose to repost in anyway. (I know you crazy kids will do that.)

Craftitude is about attitude. The stranger is no danger here. Strong, fun, crazy things are waiting to be dreamed up by anyone willing to think outside the box. So, grab two things and glue them together, hey you made something... now, figure out how to get the remote unstuck from the dog.