Sticks & Stones

Stuffing those stockings...

 

This is going to be a Christmas gift for my sis-in-law (she doesn't do the internet thing, so I'm not concerned she'll see it).  It has a sort of Asian feel to it.  There's green and brown jade, vintage glass, acrylic, and Hill Tribe Silver.  The hardest part was picking out the beads and findings.  The actual putting together of the bracelet was super quick.  I used a lobster claw clasp, but next time I think I'm going to use a round bead as a closure.

Here are a couple of other projects I started by playing around with some 16 gauge wire, hammer, and bench block.  I created a frame and used it as a base for wire-wrapping the beads.  The middle photo is an earring and the one on the right is going to be part of a necklace.

   

I have managed to get some knitting done.  This is the swatch for Orangina. 

It's right on gauge.  All I need to do is get myself to a yarn shop for some circulars.  Or just order them online.  December has been crazy busy.  I'm sure you all are experiencing the same holiday frenzy.  It's sometimes hard to find a moment to relax.  It's as if I need to actually write it in my planner...9:00am - 10 minutes to do absolutely nothing.

But sometimes those moments pop up out of nowhere...and force you to take some time out.

Sensing that I had been working non-stop on gifts and in need of a break, my wonderful daughter surprised me with a snack of grilled cheese.  Made using her secret method.  And she sliced it on the diagonal, which she has always claimed she just could not do.  It looks pretty good to me.  Thanks, honey.

Very nice...and yummy!

It's Knitty-time!

Yo-yo...

Awhile back, Emanuela wanted me to create a tutorial for her on how to create the yo-yo's I posted on my old blog.  Emanuela is from Rome, Italy.  Isn't the blogging world wonderful?  I am amazed at the connections I've made with people all over the globe. 

Emanuela...this is for you.

Supplies needed are:

• Fabric
• Sewing thread(I used a cotton thread in cream, but you will want to use a color to match your fabric)
• Very sharp scissors(I like to use a smaller craft scissor)
• Manila folder/cardboard for template
• Compass or any thing round to create various sized circle templates

Cut out templates using your compass.  This is not an exact science.  Just remember that the finished yo-yo will be about 50% smaller than the template size.  My templates are about three inches across and the finished yo-yo is about an inch and a half across. 

I don't even trace the circles, I just hold the template up to my piece of fabric and cut.  As you can see the edges are not perfect.  They are going to be hidden anyway.

Fold over about a 1/8" inch hem and baste around the edge of the fabric. 

Start pulling thread to create the ruffling effect.  Continue pulling until the ruffles/puckering are taute.  Leave the needle on the thread.  You are almost done!

 

Now you want to push the needle and thread through the hole in your yo-yo out through the backside.  Continue this and create a stitch in the back and come back through to the front.

Tie off your thread and you are done!

Now sew up a bunch of these in various sizes.  You can use them as decorative accents or sew a bunch together to create a tissue box cozy.  I have a project in mind for my yo-yo's and will post that as soon as I am done.  This is my first tutorial...please let me know if any of the steps are unclear.  Yo-yo's are so easy to make and small enough to carry around in a little box that you can make them anywhere.

Ciao!

Trying the crochet...

I'm still trying to learn the crochet thing.  Picked this up at the bookstore this week.  There is a little booklet to start learning the basic stitches.  There is a little bag of crochet hooks and markers.   And project cards ranging from the easy bookmark to a more complicated granny square bag.  There is even a bit of yarn for a small project.  I've tried crochet before...even attempted these...

and this...

But it was mostly asking my mom how do I do this?  And how many more of that?  Oh, and tell me one more time how to do this part.  I wanted to learn to read the patterns so I can make these...

     You can purchase patterns here.

I also wanted to replicate this doorknob cozy my mom made years ago.  I wanted something with a more updated look and I knew I could create my own design.

So I spent the better part of today crocheting and ripping...crocheting and ripping.

Before I finally managed to finish a version that I liked...

 

I used some leftover Bernat's Sox yarn I had in my stash.  I think it came out really cute.  My first original crochet creation.  No help from mom.  I'm going to attempt to write the pattern out next.

I had a discussion with my sis-in-law about the knitting-vs-crocheting thing.  I prefer the look of garments knitted.  And felt that crochet was perfect when creating fun, whimsical stuff.  Hey , if anything, it's a great excuse for having to buy more yarn.  I think they can co-exist.  I've heard otherwise...

I'm hoping to finish the shrug grafting tomorrow.  I may have a finished object next post.

Have a great holiday, y'all! 

A day in the life of me

8am-

Kashi Autumn Wheat cereal, soy milk, and green tea.  Nice little wake me up.

11am-

Two hours worth of treasure hunting at the bead shop.  I spent way too much(but so worth the fun!) on vintage beads, a couple bags of Charlottes, Miyuki seedbeads, super cool ear wires and findings.  And these buttons...

The variety of buttons there is astounding.    I found the two on the left to use for a bracelet.  The button on the right is for my Sophie bag which has been waiting for a good felting and closure for over a year.

1pm-

I made a trip over to L'epicier at Ala Moana Center.  They changed their name.  Same tea...different name.  Which was strange.  But they are now called Lupicia Fresh Tea.  The shop originated in Japan and the shops there are called Lupicia, thus the change. 

Anyhow, I picked up a couple of boxes of teas.  The Afternoon Tea which is a black tea blend of Assam and Darjeeling.  The other is called Puer Tea and according to the clerk there, it is good for "washing down the oil after a meal".

3pm-

My mom requested these be made for a karaoke event.  Super easy...just a bunch of wire wrapping, Swarovski crystals, and jumprings.  These hoops already have the design set. 

6pm-

Dinner by mom.  Pork stew and rice.  That's daikon in the bowl with a bit of shoyu.  The daikon is grated.  Thanks, mom!

Later-

I've also decided on my next knit.  Drumroll, please...

I am going to tackle Orangina by Stefanie.  I have the yarn.  All I need is the right needle size.

Overall, a productive day.

Oyasumi...

Oh, mattress stitch!

How you torture me...

This is about 30 minutes' worth of sweat and angst, better known as "the mattress stitch".  Yes, grafting the shrug has beat me down.  Isn't there an easier way?  For lace?  Anyone...someone...?  I've done this before, there is proof.

Done over a year ago is my first sock.  Simple.  Sweat and angst-free.  There is a Honolulu SNB meet-up this week.  I may have to attend for some knitting 911. 

Then head on over to a wonderful tea shop I discovered in Honolulu for something yummy to drink.  The L'epicier World Tea Company is located at the Ala Moana Center.  It's such a nice space to walk into when I am feeling harried.  I've recently converted from coffe("triple venti caramel macchiato, please!") after a bout with some very bad PMS...surge of hormones/icky nausea stuff/emergency room visit.  There's a ton of buzz on the health benefits of tea.  I not only enjoy the immense varieties available, the preparation of tea has become a daily ritual which I find quite relaxing.

And if you haven't done so yet, visit Juju Vail over at Juju Loves Polka Dots.  Her life and art is an inspiration .  Check out her felting and beads in the beads and stuff photo gallery.  So colorful, fun, and organic!  I love it.  She's also a published author...I have ordered her Creative Beading book.  Looking forward to seeing how she accomplished her seed bead projects.

Today is the very last day of my vacation and I' m hoping to accomplish a few more things before I begin the dreaded retail holiday season.  I'm hoping to add a few more rows to the socks I picked up again after the shrug fiasco and fix a full dinner for the kiddies.  Mmmmm...cheese tortelini with tomato, spinach, and carrot sauce, crispy garlic bread. 

Now to decide on dessert...

Trick or treat?

Happy Halloween!

I am the tortoise

I have finally finished the second sleeve of the IK Bias Shrug.  All I need to do is to block the pieces and graft them together.

And to celebrate the end of what has been a long and difficult year with my career, I have decided to move over to Typepad.  Change is good.  A new home.  A new name. 

I've also found a new love...jewelry making.  I want this space to reflect all of my creative endeavors.

I hope you enjoy my new home...