knitxcore.

sangria and silkworms.

2012-02-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to post today. I've been incredibly busy for most of the day. I finally got around to taking down the Christmas tree. Yeah. You read that right. I just took down our tree today. It takes every ounce of emotional strength I have to do it.

I love the holidays. The house looks so "full" and "festive"" and it's always a struggle for me to take everything down; essentially putting away the magic for another year. As I was wrapping up the ornaments in tissue and putting them back into the boxes, I decided that maybe my house should feel that magical all the time.

So, I'm taking on the project of "adjusting" the things we have, and supplementing them with a more carefully curated collection of vintage. I want it to be Christmas everyday.

I'm thinking of signing up for Rachel Denbow's "Style Your Space" E-course at Red Velvet. The last Red Velvet E-course played an important role in the re-imagination of this blog, and in turn it is making an astronomical improvement in my daily life and in my creative future. But, more on that later...

After taking on the tree, Dave and I went to dinner with his aunts and we tied on a few pitchers of sangria. My cheeks are all tingly and it's probably time to take a nap but, I wanted to discuss something really quickly.

I started taking a new supplement today that helps with pain due to inflammation and a ton of other things, but when I went to further research it I kept coming up with nothing (the same article copy/pasted everywhere). I'm so tired of going to the doctor and coming home with another pill that doesn't do anything, so I've decided to give natural medicine a shot. There are perpetually no side effects, so I think it's worth trying. It's called "Serapeptase", and it's an enzyme derived from silkworms. Does anyone take this, or know someone who has? I hope it helps!

(PS: These pictures are really old, but I wanted to share little bits of my house that I DO love already)

vinyl monday: cat stevens.

2012-01-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

We're cutting back on hours in the shop I work at and that's means that today, I've spent a pretty long stretch of time alone. It's not necessarily a bad thing, it sort of gives me time to arrange my thoughts and reflect a little.

A lot of super great things have been happening to me lately (mostly one very BIG thing, which I'll be able to share soon), and I'm really thankful for the place that I am in. The sink maybe full of dishes, I may have to ride Public transit twice a week, but I'm still happy.

When I get into this mood where I start bubbling over with positivity, I always look to Cat Stevens to keep that ball rolling.

He hasn't let me down yet. He makes my ordinary life seem so surreal.

What GOOD things are happening for you?

WIP: secret swap gifts.

2012-01-29T21:14:00.000-08:00

Let's talk about how I got finished work at about 6:30, cooked dinner and planted myself until front of the TV until just now. However, I did knit and hand felt ten little hearts for a project that I'm making for my Valentine's day swap partner. I hope she loves it, because my hands are all pruny and I'm about to pass out. I still have a lot of work to do before I can mail her gift out, so it looks like another crafting marathon tomorrow. Seriously, I'm not kidding anyone; I live for this stuff!

What are you up to tonight?

intro to ceramics: day one.

2012-01-28T21:08:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, I had my first Introduction to Ceramics class. I was excited, but now I have sort of mixed feelings.

Let me start at the beginning:

We had to go to the campus bookstore to buy the enormous block of specially mixed clay (it takes longer to dry). It only weighed about 25 pounds, but it was enough to make me struggle. I walked over to the store with this giant military guy who took the class because he thought it would be easy, which is fine; no big deal. Embarrassed, I tried so hard to be a tough guy and lift the clay sort of nonchalantly. I couldn't. I ended pushing the big block of clay across the floor with my foot, like a really heavy soccer ball. Giant military guy did the same thing, he probably felt bad for me.

I struggled with the block as I bought a bottle of soy milk and an apple in the cafeteria. after putting my lil' snack into my backpack I carefully carried my block of clay with both hands back to class. Exhausted, I dropped it onto the table as soon as I walked in the door to the ceramics room. I was already defeated.

Our first project was to make a very simple pinch pot. For those of you not familiar, a pinch pot is made by rolling clay into a ball and pinching it into the shape of a vessel using your thumb and forefinger. Seems pretty simple, right?

WRONG!!!!

I tried FIVE times, before I had a pot that I hadn't stuck my thumbnail through and it still looked pretty sad. (It's actually the picture on the right if you want to see). I look across the room and GMG (Giant Military Guy) has the best looking pinch pot in the room. Seriously, this thing looked like it was store bought. Now, when we first started class, I assumed this guy was going to be awful; he'd probably drop the class because it's lame or something. He's not an "art guy".

WRONG AGAIN!!!!!

I studied his technique, and the sixth pot I made was actually acceptable.

I actually learned two lessons this week; people aren't as one-dimensional as I think they are and it's really effing hard to make a clay pot.

five things i'm freaking out about friday.

2012-01-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

I really tried hard not to fall into that "Friday Favorites" trap. It seems like everyone is just sharing the same handful of links in our little corner of blogland. Sometimes, these "favorite" links things seem just like those creepy "advert-torials" in magazines; kinda awkward and shameless.

Recently, I've been getting emails about "endorsing" products and I think it's so strange. I mean, I understand that this is how new media works and that it can be very lucrative but it just comes across as slimy to promote something just because someone is giving you money or free product; dishonest.

Anyway, I'm going to use my "friday favorites" to share things from REAL people that I genuinely love, and think that you should see.

Sound good?

I've just come across Cassie Marie's paintings this week and I love every single one of them! Seriously, Cassie if you're reading this I have about 800 questions for you. I guess I should probably just email you, huh?

Anyway, her series of still life paintings featuring a handful of vintage figurines is some of the most exciting work I've seen this week. I hope she has something in my price range :-)

This banner from Secret Holiday & Co. is so simple and poignant, without trying to be profound. It's very similar to a print we have right above our coat rack that reads "Everything is going to be just fine". I have a tendency to panic or worry about every single thing, and these simple mantras are just so reassuring. As soon as my check is deposited, I'm ordering this banner to hang right above our bed.

This Octopus scarf by Flickr user MandalinaRossa is incredible! I've been following her of Flickr for years and I just want to say that everything single thing this girl has ever made is absolutely perfect! Everything! She has an incredible sense of color and such a energetic spirit that is really reflected in her work. I just recently found her Tumblr and I'm so excited to follow her.

I was so upset to find out that this art yarn from FolktaleFibers had sold out before I had seen it. It's so fun! Hopefully, Abby is able to spin some more because I'm not sure I can live without it.

I don't know how I ever lived before I found Kyary Pamyu Pamyu! Seriously, since I cut out caffeine I need to find new ways to energize my life and she is pretty much the most adorable cup of coffee ever. Watch the whole thing! You won't be sorry.

What's inspiring you this week?

Get Healthy!: 28-day Challenge Wrap-Up.

2012-01-26T21:15:00.000-08:00

As you may have deduced from my last "Get Healthy" post, we have pretty much given up on the strict guidelines imposed during the 28-Day Challenge. That is not to say that we have completely given up on healthy eating, but that our eating habits were exactly congruent with the standards.

In the last two weeks of the challenge, we did still eat the recipes; one of my favorites being the tofu scramble. I made it twice and ate almost all of it myself. The biggest problem we had with the challenge was the amount of ingredients that each recipe required and how much prep and cooking time was needed for each meal was just far too much. Of course, you could say that it would be worth the extra time to know that what we were eating was beneficial to our health and blah blah blah...

Unfortunately, it just didn't seem realistic to be peeling and chopping from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed. Emotionally, it wasn't worth the stress of the "dish wars" that making a billion things from scratch would eventually fuel. Ha!

Instead of looking at this experience as a complete failure, I'm actually walking away with a feeling of accomplishment. The zeal and dedication that we showed in the first two weeks made it abundantly clear that we are taking our health seriously and that we are united in the quest for a better "us". The challenge has brought us back to the regular flexi-tarian diet that we had agreed upon over a year ago. We eat mostly vegetarian meals, punctuated by small portion of meat once or twice a week.

I've actually been reading up on Ayurvedic Lifestyles recently, and have found that some of the foods that we had been avoiding during the cleanse (and some of the foods we were eating) may have caused certain imbalances within each of our very different doshas.

But, more on that next week...

I'm happy that we took the opportunity to participate in the challenge and some of the recipes will definitely be integrated into our weekly meal plans! Whole Living definitely had the right idea, but it just wasn't the right idea for us right now. We'll definitely give "detox" diets another go in the future, but right now I could really go for a latte and donut!

FINISHED!: a terrycloth lion.

2012-01-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to finally share this with you! I've been working on her since November, and she's finally completely finished.

Don't you just love her?!!!!

I used a vintage pattern from a "pack o fun" magazine; those lil' zines are such an inspiration! Of course my lack of editing got in the way, and somehow this lion with a mane turned into the most precious lady; once I get going going I just can't stop.

I had a tough time planning out the eyes. I cut out at least 30 different little circles before flipping out and giving up for a few days. One day, I was fumbling around the internet and finally found the answer; DREAMPETS! We all know how much I love those things. I found an eye shape that I could easily adapt (and that wasn't circle) and that was that. The sequins came much later after a bout of stash diving for more felt.

The "mane" is made of vintage rug yarn someone had given me a few years ago. I used a waldorf doll technique that involved hand sewing tons of loops and anchoring them with satin stitches in between. It took forever!

All of the other materials were vintage and sourced on etsy with the exception of felt and fiberfill. The prints are all so perfect! I didn't even feel bad or guilty about using up those last precious scraps, because it just seemed like it was all meant to be together.

I can't wait to mail her off! Tomorrow night, I'm going to work on some pompoms for Pip's daughter's wedding and toss them all in a box with this lovely little lioness.

Have you finished anything recently? Leave a link in the comments! I wanna see!

tuesday night knitting club; strickliesel edition.

2012-01-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

Sometime last week, I saw a feature in a magazine (Vogue Knitting?) about knitting spools that led to an evening of insomnia. They were all so colorful and kitschy; why didn't I own one? After tossing and turning all night with a horrible bout of tool envy, I decided to go searching on the internet for these lil' guys.

There were quite a few vintage ones on Etsy, but they all seemed too precious (and expensive) to actually use. eBay is always my backup plan when I see something I love but think that it costs too much. After trying a handful of researched terms (knitting spool, knitting nancy and strickliesel), I finally found a ton in my price range.

Even if I had been hesitant to buy one for $10, after reading the seller's description there was no way I couldn't "buy it now"!

See?

"When I was 6 yrs old my sister made a jumping rope for me on her Strick Liesel. Now that I am over 70 yrs young I made some Strick Liesels for children or grown- ups who like to do more than watch TV. The spool knitter is an ideal toy, and a lot of crafts can be made with the cords. F.E. potholders ,headbands, scarfs etc. One way to get rid of left over wool or yarns."

It just melts your heart, right? How could you NOT buy one?

I was afraid to start using it on my on and waited anxious to show my fairy craftmother, Lea, what I had found. Of course, she knew exactly what it was, how to thread it and how to fix the sloppy end I had started.

I'm not sure if it's much easier than knitting i-cord on two DPN's, but it is addictive and the result is very clean and uniform. I can't help but smile when I look down into my hand and see this little guy!

Have you experimented with any new tools?

FO: Jaywalker Socks.

2012-01-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

I first casted these socks on in June of 2008. I frogged them once and forgot about them for a while. I tried again in April of last year and they were still far too small. The leg opening wouldn't stretch to fit my really weak ankles. I don't know if I was doing something wrong or if the pattern was just written on the small side. My gauge was on, but the sock was not.

After adding a second "V" to the chevron pattern and being coached to knit a little looser by Will, I finally ended up with one sock that fit. I tossed it in my knitting bag and left it there for a little while.

Eventually, I kicked the S-S-S (second sock syndrome) and forced myself to finish the second.

And there you have it, a fun pair of socks!

Project Particulars

Pattern: Jaywalkers (free download @ Ravelry)

Yarn: Spaghetti by Chewy Spaghetti

Needles: Addi Turbo US Size 1 circulars (magic loop method)

Cost: Free! The yarn was a gift!

Time: We're not going to talk about it.

Notes: These ended being very small (3 times)! I finally decided to modify the pattern to add an extra "V" to the chevron.

Have YOU finished anything lately? Leave a link in the comments, I'd love to see!

Guest Post: Aminah of The Thrifty Gypsies

2012-01-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Kids!

School started this week, and I knew it was going to be a little hectic around these parts so I'v asked my friend Aminah to jump in and do a fun guest post for you! I'm so thankful to have such a great group of readers and pals that are willing to help out when things get crazy!

After spending the past three weeks in my own kitchen preparing meals for the 28-day challenge, I've noticed that it maybe time for to spruce up the place! Aminah has curated an amazing collection of vintage goodies for us to swoon over.

Enjoy!

Hi KnitXcorE readers!
I’m Aminah from the Thrifty Gypsies! My business partner Jessi & and I run the Thrifty Gypsies together - where we sell great vintage kitchen items from our Etsy shop! So great that we actually love displaying a lot of the pieces in our own kitchens until they’re sold!
So of course it makes sense if this post is all about retro kitchens and how to get the look!

There’s so many small(ish), great items that you can get that will instantly transform your kitchen; these are just a few!

and how lucky are you that (almost) everything shown here is available on Etsy?

1. (Time for a little shameless store promotion!) Our love for vintage coffee carafes is a new one but its a great one - Carafes like this one look so great in any kitchen, people are definitely sure to talk about it!

2. I have a serious love affair with aluminum canisters. I’ve mixed and matched two sets for my own kitchen and I get the most compliments on those than anything else in my kitchen!

3. The colour! The chrome! The design and shape! Everything about this mixer screams retro. Practical and cute - that’s a great way to justify purchases to your significant other, I use it every weekend!

4. Could these look anymore retro?? These dessert bowls are just adorable, even if they were the only retro thing in your kitchen, they would still make it work!

5. Even if you don’t want to shop vintage, but want the retro look, there’s lots of great stores that do a fantastic job of making retro looking modern kitchen ware. Like these primary colour (Pyrex-y looking) mixing & store bowls from urban outfitters!

6. This set of spice shakers is so adorable! Again, instantly add a little retro spice to your kitchen with something as easy peasy as a set of retro spice shakers!

7. Love these! These are in one of my favourite shops on Etsy, and even if you aren’t going to use them for oil & vinegar, they’ll look great on a shelf or with other ingredients in them!

8. This cute yellow dining table is not only retro looking but it’ll instantly brighten up any kitchen!

9. EVERYONE needs a retro wall clock in their kitchen. My step dad is an avid collector and every time he comes over, he tries to steal my retro clock that hangs over our stove.

What’s your favourite piece of a retro kitchen?

Thank you so much to Robbie for having me and thanks to everyone for reading my post!

wip wednesday.

2012-01-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

Even after a marathon of Christmas crafting, I still have a pretty big pile of projects waiting to be wrapped up before I start my still top secret reallybigimportantproject. I figured that I would list them here, both so you could see them and I could get an idea of what I still have to finish. Sound good?

-Jaywalker Socks

-My Softies for Mirabel Submission

-Restore Vintage Stuffed Rabbit

-Pile Of PomPoms for Rin's Wedding

-Gifts for Oh Strumpets! Valentines Swap Partner

-Clay Mushrooms from Martha Stewart

Not too bad! There's an end in sight... sort of.

What are you working on?

Vinyl Monday: Talking Heads.

2012-01-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

*YAWN*

Such a long day!

I didn't even realize it was Monday until about twenty minutes ago.

Tomorrow is the first day of the Spring semester and I'm totally geeking out over "Intro to Ceramics". I can't wait to get my hands in that clay.

I'm gonna take the Instax with me to take pictures. I don't really want to lug around a giant DSLR all day. Don't worry, you'll get a full recap :-)

I'd better go to bed early, so I'll be bright-eyed and bushy tailed in the morning, huh?

Enjoy the Talking Heads, while I get some beauty sleep!

Photo Friday!

2012-01-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

These photos are all so great that I've been considering buying a Bamboo tablet! I saw one on Stela's blog and I can't stop thinking about how cool it is!!!!

Etsy Seller: RubyChicOriginals

Katie Sokoler

Dorothy Fu

Have you ever used one? Is it worth it?

Get Healthy!: Week 2 Wrap Up

2012-01-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

This week, we really dropped the ball. The 28 day challenge began to hamper our already sad little social life, as it became insanely difficult to have lunch dates with friends or each other. On Friday, we threw caution to the wind and joined some friends for dinner at a burger joint and it just went downhill from there.

We ate a little fast food here and there, and I succumbed to the siren song of a super dark bar of chocolate. I was so upset, but also so satisfied.

I began to think about whether the cleanse was right for us. I almost threw in the towel. There were a few times where I bit my tongue about the wrong food decisions we were making.

Throughout the week, I started feeling really strong anxiety at meal time. Was the food I was eating okay? Would I just drop dead if I ate a croissant?

It really didn't seem worth it.

However, we discussed our weekend binge on Monday and evaluated the challenge while still considering our lifestyle. We came to the conclusion that AT HOME we would stick to our planned meals (from the magazine) but if we were out that we wouldn't be the obnoxious friend with tons of self-imposed dietary restrictions.

Luckily, this week's recipes were much more exciting and we've enjoyed eating them. The Lentil Soup and Baked Sweet Potatoes above were spot on! Really great!

It sounds like I'm just making excuses for our lapse of judgement and our lack of willpower, but honestly we just needed to approach this plan more realistically.

So far we've learned about making the right choices, how certain foods make us feel, and their functions in our diet. Who knew that apples make you poop or that parsley was an antioxidant treasure trove? Not me!

Resolution #3: Dress Better!

2012-01-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

So here's the thing: I don't feel like I necessarily dress badly, but in a lot of situations I still feel like it's not good enough. I mean, I regularly wear actual shoes and button down shirts or whatever but it's sort of become a "uniform" for me. I don't feel particularly special or creative in my current wardrobe. It's definitely not fun. There are days where I feel frumpy or out of touch, just because my shirt fits too big or my pants are too long.

I buy things on impulse, or things that are on sale (just because they're on sale); without thought really. I'm not good at waiting for the perfect thing. I end up settling for something because I want to have "something" right away; fully knowing that whatever I bought isn't perfect for me. The fit is weird, or the color is wrong and I just suck it up. I'll wear the awkward piece here and there to justify the purchase, but eventually it ends up in the part of the closet that I never look in (all the way up in the front).

I don't know where my sartorial discomfort stems from. I have good clothes. I have things people would love to own. Still, I toss on the same western button down and jeans day after day. I feel comfortable in these clothes but I also feel like I could be doing so much more.

I stopped doing "What I Wore" posts because after taking pictures of the new "outfits" I'd come up with, I thought who cares if I'm wearing jeans and a tee shirt. I don't, why should anyone else?

I look at blogger's like Colby and Raphael, and I feel like crap about my mundane wardrobe. Don't get me wrong, I'm not writing this to get pity. It's more just me being honest to myself (and to you) about why I feel so stressed about getting dressed. Hopefully, it will force me to evaluate my purchases more thoroughly and also inspire me to purge the things that I don't love.

It's going to be a tough resolution to follow through with, but sharing things on this blog always makes me feel more dedicated to the action. Your support means a lot!

gettin' crafty: pom-pom flowers!

2012-01-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

I guess it's only fair to share what sort of crafty exploits we were up to last night! Inspired by the super cool pompom flowers at Ivey Handcrafted, we decided it would be fun to make smaller ones on bendable pipe cleaners stems.

Honestly, ever since I bought these little pompom makers on Amazon, I've been looking for excuses to use them. I know. I know. It was reckless to spend money on a little piece of plastic. I can make pompom just fine with a piece of cardboard. It's a very "noob" looking device used to do a simple task.

Here's the thing: My homemade pompoms consistently look like crap. I end up trimming them down until there's almost nothing left. I'm wasting entire skeins of yarn to get one good pompom.

This isn't just another tool. It's a necessity. It produces a perfect pompom EVERY SINGLE TIME. There's no way I can ruin them.

After maikng a handful of perfect poms, I twisted some pipe cleaners up and jammed them into the center of each one. I didn't even glue them.

Reckless.

They fit perfectly into this little gnome vase a friend gave me for Christmas! Love it!

What's your favorite craft tool right now?

crafternoon playlist.

2012-01-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

I didn't have the opportunity to take pictures for Vinyl Monday, because I was busy gettin' crafty with my bestie. Instead, all I have to offer is a playlist of the actual music that we listened to tonight.

I'm awfully tired, so I'm going to feed our little zoo and head to bed.

Enjoy!

valentines for the rest of us!

2012-01-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

I am beside my self with happiness after finding these perfect Valentine prints at Little Bird Big City!!!!

It's honestly the first time that I've ever seen Valentine's that recognized alternative lifestyles.

Kudos, Brooke!

Get cards @ thelittlecanoe on Etsy and prints and other goodies at Brooke Weeber's Society6 shop!

dream studio @ boopsie daisy!

2012-01-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

It's not secret that I've been researching studio spaces. I really am trying to pull mine together!

The sad reality is that a majority of the creative areas that I've found have been frighteningly sterile; think hospitals of institutional kitchens. People can't possibly be making anything exciting in an all white room with grey accents. These spaces just seem so droll.

The one above is one of very few that I actually liked. It's visually exciting, kitschy, and still organized.

While I know that I won't have something like Boopsie Daisy's studio, it's still a goal that I can work towards!

Get Healthy!: Week One Wrap-Up.

2012-01-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the last night of week one in our 28 day cleanse!!!! I couldn't be more excited to finally eat some protein (besides nuts and seeds).

Week One had it's highs and lows. The first day was intolerable. I was cranky and I slept most of the day. Neither of us really did much of anything. As the week progressed daily activities became slightly easier in our new, light bodies. Eating clean and eating less actually provides you with an almost euphoric feeling (that may have just been hunger).

Last week's comment about the apples was well received, there was a day were they were completely necessary to "move things along".

It was pretty easy to avoid temptation because we got rid of almost all of the bad food in the house. At work I ate the food I brought with me, or I picked up some fruit or nuts from the coffee shop near our store.

The juices were my absolute favorite part. They were such a great start to the day. I don't really like eating in the morning; I just don't feel hungry before lunch. So the juices and smoothies provide a nutrient packed liquid breakfast that didn't leave me feeling forced to choke down oatmeal or eggs as soon as I wake up. Hopefully, I can keep the ball rolling as far as they are concerned.

Some of the recipes were just plain awful, which isn't anyone's fault but my own, but we still forced ourselves to eat them knowing that they were important to our health. The Kale Slaw and the Beet + Garlic Soup really didn't agree with our palettes at all. I ended up having to eat most of the kale all by myself. I took it to work for lunch twice and ate it at home for lunch twice! That's a lot of raw kale.

Tonight, we're having the butternut squash soup again because it was our favorite of all the dishes so far.

During the entire week, I only "cheated" twice. I had a handful of M&M's before I realized what I was doing on Tuesday night and today Dave and I had a lunch date where I opted for some white rice and a piece of grilled chicken. Not too bad, right?

I've noticed that my skin feels smoother, I finally have more energy, and I just feel "happier" in general. Pretty good for just eating a week's worth of fruit and vegetables, huh?

This week's meditation focus was to evaluate our relationship with food, and to separate nourishment from emotional eating. I think that this week we learned a lot about making the right choices both at home and in public, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Here's to an even more successful Week 2!!!

P.S. Don't forget to swing by "Say It Ain't So", to offer words of encouragement to Rae and Travis, my detox buddies!

Resolution #2: Get Organized!

2012-01-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of discussion about the "authenticity" of blogger's lives lately; do they really dress like that everyday? are their houses perfect? do they ever fail at a crafty pursuit?

Of course, we only show our best sides; our hippest outfits, our cleanest rooms, and our flawless projects. I think that as bloggers we're held to a different standard and I don't really mind that. I love looking at pictures of Danielle Thompson's perfect home and Elsie Larson's too cool for school vintage outfits because they INSPIRE me. They inspire me to vacuum the rugs now and then and to possibly even iron my shirts.

Hopefully, I inspire people to live creatively and to enjoy the process as much as I do. This holiday season was a perfect example of just how much I enjoy making things (and giving them to other people). Unfortunately, in order to finish all of these projects in time to wrap them up by December 25th, I had to let something slide.

My studio is disgusting! There's tape on the walls, stacks of books and tissue paper taller than I am, and piles of unfinished crafts in every corner. It's truly in-navigable!!! There's about three feet of walking space from the door to the work table. I can't find anything. I'm stepping on pins every time I walk in the room. I can barely get to my hamster's cage to feed him. It really is that bad.

And so, now I will look to those A-list bloggers to inspire me once again; this time to finally get my studio organized. I have a very exciting long term project coming up, and I need things to be in order. I can't possibly function in this room in this state. It really is UNACCEPTABLE.

So, this is my honest portrayal of my studio. I didn't move anything or stage any of the pictures (OBVS). It's a mess.

How's that for authentic?

Where do I even begin to tackle this mess?

vinyl monday: joan of arc.

2012-01-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

I've had the past two days off from work to wind down from all the tumult of the holidays and I've spent a majority of the time lounging around on the couch reading Deepak Chopra books and making smoothies for our 28-day challenge(Rae of Say It Ain't So joined in on the fun, too. Be sure to root us both on!!!). Eating only fruits and vegetables can be a shock to the system after years of chowing down on carbs and fat, so I haven't really had the energy to do much more than loaf.

I'll update you on our success on Thursday, so keep an eye out for that! It's not too late for you to take the challenge yourself! If you're interested you can read about it at Whole Living.

Won't you join us?

New Year's Eve + Pizza.

2011-12-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

Dave is sick tonight, so we decided to ring in the new year at home. He's got some ugly sore throat thing; kinda sounds like Bea Arthur.

His mom usually makes homemade pizza on New Year's Eve, so even though we chose to stay at home we still held on to that tradition (even though it meant cheating on our 28-day cleanse) and made our own.

I finally got the opportunity to use the Kitchen-Aid mixer that I got from Santa. I definitely over-salted the dough, but it's still pretty good!

We used Tyler Florence's recipe and subbed half of the white flour for wheat, it still worked very nicely.

There's an hour and a half until the ball drops!!! Untill then, we're gonna hang out on the couch and watch the Big Bang Theory and eat pizza.

Resolution #1: Get Healthy!

2011-12-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

This year was littered with discomfort and illness for me. I tried not to whine about it too much, but it sort of began to consume me.

In the summer, I went to the hospital, thinking that I was having a heart attack. (I'm not even 30 and I eat well, so that was probably a little irrational). However, from that I found out that I have both IBS and something called GERD. I didn't really want to share that, because it's sort of embarrassing. However, I've come to peace with my reality, and I think that other people need to know how debilitating something like that can be. It isn't just a stomach ache, or heartburn. Both of these diseases effect your entire body, making you uncomfortable all the time (which leads to extreme social and health anxiety).

I kept googling my symptoms, and it made things so much scarier. It's awful to self-diagnose. I kept finding different things that explained what was wrong me and they got a little worse each time.

I finally got those two problems under control, and I started having headaches and pain in my arms and back. I can't win this year!

I went to the doctor today, fearing the worst, and she pointed out a ton of knots in my back and arms. She explained that they were small deposits of toxins and that they would take a while to heal and that it wasn't anything to worry about. That goes against my nature. I always worry about everything.

So, I want to explore some things outside of western medicine to help things along. I'm not one to leave well-enough alone. I want everything to be PERFECT; including my health. I'm taking matters into my own hands.

In addition to being a New Year's Resolution, GET HEALTHY is going to become a regular feature in which I share the things I learn about living a healthy lifestyle.

For example, Dave and I have decided to do Whole Living Magazine's 28-day cleanse. Today we went to the produce store to pick up all the things we need for Week 1.

The cleanse is super simple! It's a one weeks worth of fruit and vegetables ONLY, and then you slowly integrate grains and small portions of meat (fish) into your diet. You read more about it on their website.

Tonight we made the Spiced Butternut Squash soup, and it was INCREDIBLE! Prep time took a little longer than it should have because I didn't warm up the squash before peeling and chopping it. Lesson learned.

I'm really excited to begin embracing a healthier lifestyle!

What are your New Year's resolutions?

handmade gift #10: surprise party wrap skirt.

2011-12-26T13:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the super poor photo quality! I had to take this picture quickly, because I had to wrap it up for my friend's birthday party and rush out the door. I hand to hand sew a very small seam, and I really procrastinated until the very last second.

Project Particulars

Pattern: Surprise Party Wrap Skirt from Sew La Tea Do.

Fabric: Jay Mccarroll (from Project Runway) for Free Spirit
Notions: Medium-weight interfacing

Cost: a little over $25?

Time: about 8 hours, because (again) I insisted on french seams everywhere!

Notes: I really wasn't sure if I was going to be able to pull this off! It's been a long time since I've sewn something that someone will actually be wearing and I wanted it to be finished nicely. All-in-all, I'm thrilled with how it turned out. I hope she loves it!

Tomorrow is the first day in months that I officially have off! Absolutely NO OBLIGATIONS!!! I'll probably just melt into the couch and watch some reality show marathon. I can't wait!!!!

What do you do with your "ME-time"?

merry christmas!

2011-12-25T21:50:00.000-08:00

Today was an incredibly long, but exciting day! I can't wait to toss on my PJ's and watch some TV.

How was YOUR holiday?

handmade gift #9: tiny pants.

2011-12-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

Yep! I'm still at it!

Sewing on Christmas Eve, can you believe it?

I just flew through these tiny pajama pants from Pip's book.

I had intended to use this fabric for something selfish, but I'm glad I didn't. These are too perfect!

I actually squealed while I was sewing the hem.

Project Particulars

Pattern: Cute Kids Pants from Sew La Tea Do.
Fabric: Jay Mccarroll (from Project Runway) for Free Spirit
Notions: 1" wide elastic.

Cost: less than $10

Time: less than 2 hours

Notes: OMIGOD!!!!! These are the cutest thing ever! The pattern was easy and it moved quickly, even though I insisted on using french seams exclusively. I don't want my niece wearing pants with raw edges ;-)

I still have a few things to share, gah!

handmade giftwrap!

2011-12-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

Remember my heinous hand painted gift wrap?

Somehow, I was able to turn it into something acceptable!

I used Instax photos as gift tags and I made lil' pompoms with some leftover Lamb's Pride yarn.

Not too shabby, eh?

handmade gifts #2-8: crackers!

2011-12-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

I really wish I had taken the time to properly "research" the construction of these lil' guys! I had originally intended to share them as a DIY, but I missed an important part of tying them off.

I guess we can list these as a "crafty fail". However, their shoddy construction will not hold me back from giving them to co-workers tomorrow. I don't know if the paper was too thick, or if I missed a step? Maybe i should have cut slits into the paper?

I stamped the paper (using the eraser-stamp technique) and I spent about $15 on the things to fill them up. (little bells, candy, confetti, and flake stickers). I mean, they look cute enough, right?

I still have 3 gifts to finish up before Sunday! I'm working until the last minute.

Are YOU finished?

handmade gift #1: the fidget.

2011-12-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

The fidget is my go-to project every year for Christmas! I'll be knitting these until everyone on my list has received one. I can guarantee it!

It's easy and fast but it still looks intricate, and I get to use one of my my favorite yarns: Misti Alpaca Chunky. I found a great deal on eBay and I stocked up a few months ago. I keep intending to keep this brown color for myself, but I keep giving it away :-(

Project Particulars

Pattern: The Fidget by Robin Dodge (FREE!)
Yarn: Misti Alpaca Chunky (The squishiest yarn EVER!)
Notions: 1" wooden buttons (vintage), embroidery floss (stash)

Cost: I had everything I needed on hand. I found the yarn for less than $10 a hank on eBay a few months ago. Such a honey pot!

Notes: While I adore this pattern, and have knitted about three of them, it is very easy to lose your place. A lot of us are visual knitter's, but this pattern isn't conducive to just picking up where you left off. It's funny, really, it's only a four row repeat, but you can really mess it up if you don't pay attention. I suggest counting your rows very carefully.

Are you knitting anything in the 12th hour? Do you think that you'll finish in time?

gifts!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

Can you believe I spent almost the entire day sewing?

I woke up early and went to Lush to pick up a few back-up gifts. I like to have a few "extras" lying around in case I forgot someone; you never know.
I got a few little things for myself, too. (shhhhhh!)

When I got home I cut out all of the pieces for the Surprise Party Wrap Skirt from Pip's book Sew La Tea Do. I forgot to buy interfacing for the waistband, and I needed a handful of other notions from JoAnn's so I ran back out and took care of that.

Seeing no dinner in our future, Dave conned me into eating at the local super giant buffet. I overate and felt deathly ill. My digestive system is crap. So, we hurried home and by the time we got to the door, I was fine; such a fickle tummy!

I forced the cats into a hat and scarf thing we bought at Target and teased them with treat until I got a good picture. It really wasn't easy! In the end Adrienne obliged for exactly 7 treats and a new bowl of water.

And since then, I have been ironing and sewing.

I actually had some really fun knitted FO's to share, but I became so obsessed with working on the skirt that I never took any pictures. Sometimes, you just get in the zone; especially with sewing. Dave watched something like 3 scary movies on Netflix and I didn't say a word (I hate those things!).

I still have to clean up some details and find a way to take pictures of a skirt. Maybe I'll take it to work and make someone model it? Ha!

I can't believe it's midnight! I guess it's time for bed!

baking cookies!

2011-12-18T20:07:00.000-08:00

I kind of love going into work super early! I leave by 3pm and I have the rest of the day to do whatever I want! It really is a beautiful thing.

I got home and sewed the button onto a scarf I'm giving as a gift, finished a second scarf, prewashed some fabric, and baked a bajillion spritz cookies (with Dave's help, of course!). I actually sort of burned a batch. Baking is on the same list as painting as far as I am concerned; two things I really have no business doing. However, it was really fun to use the cookie gun!!!

This is going to be quite a busy week, but I'm going to update you as much as I can.
I have a really fun DIY planned for this week, so stay tuned!!

What did YOU do today? How is your holiday planning going?

gingerbread folks!

2011-12-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

I just got the cutest gingerbread ornaments in the mail from the lovely Sian Lile!!!! Thanks lady!!!!
She sent me a pink and a brown one. I didn't get a good shot of the brown one; I'm still experimenting with the new camera. I'll figure it all out
eventually.

I tried taking some super hip bokeh pictures of our un-decorated Christmas tree, but I'm missing something. They just look like sort of blurry, dark photos. IDK.

I have to be at work at 6:30am tomorrow, so I'd better feed the hamster and go to
bed, huh?

good things!

2011-12-16T18:27:00.001-08:00

Today has been quite rewarding! I finally finished all of my school work for the semester and I finally get to rest.

-I finished my last paper!
-We finally pulled out the Christmas tree!
-Lentil+Barley soup is on the stove!
-I watched "Beauty and the Beast" on ABC Family.
-We're going to make spritz cookies with a big gun thing after dinner!

I'm so excited to have some free time again!

more decorations!

2011-12-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

I'm still so busy! Today, I had my profile assessment for Crafts class. I got an A+ (obvs). I still have a lot of work to share from that course, actually. I should get on it, huh?

After that, I cam home and worked on a paper about the Antebellum South while Dave made the tastiest Orange-Rosemary Biscotti. I was so jealous!

I'm absolutely to the point were I'm struggling to finish this mind-numbingly boring paper. I know history is important and blah blah blah, but I just wanna do Christmassy stuff and have fun!

At about 8:00pm, I decided I couldn't write anymore and I started dragging out Christmas decorations. I actually think the Santa and Mrs. Claus robots are a little creepy, but they've been in family for a long time. I think the were originally my Grandma's in the late 80's.

Can you believe our tree STILL is not up? I'm hoping to have family and friends come over sometime this weekend to help.

What are YOU doing tonight?

my day in pictures.

2011-12-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

It's finals week!!!! The most stressful week of the year. Ugh.

I spent almost the entire day weaving a tapestry for my crafting final, while watching DVR'd episodes of Martha. My lower back hurts from leaning over the frame for 7+ hours but, it's finished! I'm not completely happy with the proportions of the tree but, we just had to showcase the methods outlined in class. I took on a little more than I could handle or was necessary, but that's what I do. Overachiever.

Our vintage shower curtain came in the mail today, so I took a few minutes to hang that up and put out a few more decorations. My house is being overrun by red velvet-y deers and tinsel trees!!!!

Now, I'm going to sit down with our box of Christmas cards and a glass of wine. Maybe return a few e-mails????

What have YOU been up to?

cute mail!!!

2011-12-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

I got the cutest things in the mail today!

The pin is from one of my long time internet franz, Danny Brito!

We've been pals on Flickr forever, and I just found out that he has an Etsy shop. I'm going to buy something fancy for myself later, but this id for a lil' Christmas gift.

The roll of teal washi tape came today , too. I'm going to use it along with some Instax photos and my not-so-great homemade wrapping paper to wrap a couple of presents this week :-)

Don't you just love getting awesome things in the mail?!

i made a book!

2011-12-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

If you didn't already know, I'm taking a "traditional" crafting class. We've made rugs, and baskets, clay pots and tapestries. I still have a lot of things to share from it!

The other day our project was book making. We had to make an accordion book and a stab bound book. I chose to make my accordion book with pockets so I'd have a place to put my growing collection of precious lil' Instax photos!

While my little book is really cute, it's no where near as elaborate as my pal Steven's is! Check his out!

it takes a village.

2011-12-06T15:44:00.001-08:00

It never really feels like December until we put up the Christmas village. The entire house could be decked out with icicles and ribbon and I would still feel a little empty inside.

We've been adding to our little village for 8 years now, buying pieces when they go on clearance after Christmas every year, and the holidays just wouldn't be the same without it.

I can't wait to see what new pieces we find this year!

Anyone who knows me (or reads this blog regularly) knows how much I love miniatures and knick-knacks, so it's no surprise that an entire village of them brings me so much joy.

I really never realized how creepy their faces are close-up!

I love these ladies!

One of my favorite buildings!

See what I mean about the faces?

Are they any special decorations that you just can't live without?

learning curve: how to use my new dslr.

2011-12-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to stop being a Luddite, and I took some time to start learning how to properly use my new camera (a Nikon D60).

My old camera served me well, but I sort of outgrew it's features. So, it's time to step up and learn how to use the big boy camera.

I read a tutorial on Etsy discussing "depth of field" and tried my hardest to take really fancy photos.

I called for the assistance of my most patient models.

This is what I got:

They're not awful, but they are a little grainy.

Do you know of any DSLR tips or tricks?

christmas knitting + rhoda.

2011-12-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

I worked on this scarf for 2 hours yesterday, and it'a almost finished! can you believe it?

I did most of the work while watching 4 episodes of "Rhoda" on Hulu. THECUTESTSHOWEVER.

I'm making a Fidget. It's my go to holiday gift because it moves quickly, and I LOVLOVELOVE using Misti Alpaca Chunky yarn!!! Every time I find it for a good price, I buy a truckload. If I am going to knit gifts, I want to at least enjoy it a little and this stuff is a dream to work with. I remember touching it for the first time at Loop in Philadelphia and I almost cried. It's nicer than any cashmere. I swear. It really is absolutely my favorite yarn. Gah!

What's your favorite fiber to work with?

ornaments!

2011-12-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Last week, this precious littlw mushroom showed up on my doorstep! I won a give away over on Thompson Family Life (one of my favorite blogs) and this was the prize. I love it to bits!

These mod inspired ornaments are created by Karen of Midwest Maude and I would squeal with delight to have any of these accompany my new mushroom on the tree!!!

Do you have any favorite ornaments?

time to decorate!

2011-11-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

We got our first Christmas cards in the mail today! Of course, I tore the house apart looking for the clothespin wreath I made last year to hold them all. That led to digging through every box and taking out a little decoration here and there. Which led to cleaning the entire bathroom, so I could start to decorate it.

The Dreampet deer and the pinecone tree were gifts from my awesome boss and his lovely lady, Paula. The wreath was a really good find from a thrifting adventure last Christmas. We already discussed the record and I've had the snowglobe for AGES!!! Hilariously enough, this lil' vignette is on the back of my toilet :-)

I decided to decorate the bathroom first because it's easy, and some of my favorite decorations hang out there.

Have you started to decorate yet?

vinyl monday: john denver and the muppets.

2011-11-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

I was shopping for records the other day, and all of the Christmas ones were "Buy 2, Get one free". I couldn't resist.

Who doesn't love the Muppets or John Denver?

Miss piggy is a total babe :-)

omigod.

2011-11-28T10:10:00.001-08:00

source.

I'm am absolutely obsessed with the styling of this video. I have watched it everyday for the past week. SERIOUSLY. I need a j-pop intervention.

THIS IS THE GREATEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!

WIP: a terrycloth lion.

2011-11-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

I'm almost finished! I have to work on the mane, and make her lil' bow!!!

I may actually be finished this lil' lion in time to mail it off to Softies for Mirabel!!!!

There's still a small window of time to make a softie to donate! hurry!

What are you doing tonight?

black friday mailbag!

2011-11-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

I really do try hard NOT to participate in the Black Friday madness, but working in retail definitely doesn't help. I heard that the store next to mine had Fuji Instax Cameras for 40% off and I rushed over to make sure that I got one. I shivered with anticipation while I was standing in line; I've wanted one of these cameras for so so long...

I plan on using it sometime next week during our tree decorating party, so stay tuned for that!

Today was such a long day! We ate dinner at around 7pm yesterday and didn't get home to almost 10pm. I knew I had to go to sleep but I just couldn't! I tossed and turned until about midnight, and then I had to be awake by 3:30am to be at work by 4. It was a rough morning; believe me! I should have taken it a little easier on the red wine. With the help of some pumpkin spice coffee and fun music, I somehow made it through the morning.

And after work, I came home to most wonderful things in the mail!!! Four skeins of Lamb's Pride AND some vintage velvet ribbon for a very top secret long term project I intend on beginning in January. All that I can really say right now is that it is VERY exciting and that it will require a lot of hard work.

But, I'm up for the challenge!

How was your day?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

Being a grown-up is so strange, especially in the middle part.

I remember being a kid and sitting at the kitchen table making stuffing, while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on a little red television. I would stand on my knees to reach the bowl and squish up all of the bread while stealing tiny bits of sausage. It was such a lazy day, I could stay in my pajamas if I wanted to. I could watch TV all day. I wasn't expected to eat a ton or forced take leftovers back to my house where they would eventually be forgotten about.

Being a grown-up on Thanksgiving is so much different! I have to get up early and put on nice clothes. I have to stop at the liquor store, so we don't arrive at people's homes empty handed. I have to wear fancy shoes that hurt a little and engage in conversation with the adults.

While I don't mind these things, I'd love to be be able to stay at home, make my own stuffing and watch whatever I want.

This morning I did get to watch the parade and it brought me to tears (the happy kind). As the giant balloons and floats made their way down 34th street, they brought so many memories of Thanksgiving's past with them.

After taking the time to recapture the nostalgia that made Thanksgiving so special before, I had a pseudo-epiphany.

Thanksgiving isn't so bad after all!

I get to eat good food and spend time with family that I don't see very often. I don't have to wash dishes or stick my hands in the turkey butt.

I'm thankful for that.

DIY gift wrap.

2011-11-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

I took a stab at Create Love's chevron paper tutorial, knowing that I should never ever use paint. Ever.

Paint and I have a terrible relationship. Paint never listens to me. It does what ever it wants. It gets all over the kitchen floor and in my hair. I find spots weeks later. I always get fingerprints all over whatever I'm working on. I use wayyyyy too much or far too little.

It's weird really. You'd think that a crafty fella like me wouldn't wince at word like "paint", but I do. It's the worst.

I really should re-frame my thinking and approach the potential gloppy mess with a" can-do attitude". It would probably be reflected in the finished object.

But, I just can't.

Hate.

Paint.

That being said, I do intend to give this wrapping paper another whirl, because I really really love how cute in looks all wrapped up under the tree on the Create Love blog.

I'm a glutton for punishment, yeah?

Are they any supplies that you just abhor?

WIP: a terrycloth lion.

2011-11-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

I started making this lion for the Softies for Mirabel Auction but, I'm so afraid that it's not going to be finished in time. I sourced mostly vintage materials on Etsy and I'm still waiting for a few things to arrive.

I have to decide on a nose and mouth and how I'm going to make the mane. There's a pompom maker (my pompoms are awful, I hope it helps!) and some vintage velvet ribbon floating around America, waiting to to be plopped on my doorstep by our reckless mail-person and I only have two weeks to wrap this lil' guy up AND to have him shipped safely to Australia!

I have no idea if I'll be able to get him ready in time. I really shouldn't have drug my feet in getting all of the supplies together, but I guess that if I don't finish him in time I could always donate him to a local charity that accepts handmade things. Are there any?

Keep your fingers crossed! If you have anything ready to go, or you work faster than I do you should send something!

Retro-Readers Review: James and the Giant Peach.

2011-11-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

When I first read James and the Giant Peach as little guy, I feel like I may have missed/misunderstood alot of Dahl's humor and aesthetic. Upon approaching it as an adult, I found a sort of Dickensian charm mixed with a little of Tim Burton's macabre imagery.

Honestly, in the 115 years that have elapsed since the first time I read it, I forgot a lot about the story. I remembered James and the peach (of course), and his awful aunts, but not much else. While reading this time I paid close attention to the habits and demeanor of the insects; perhaps looking for some kind of correlation or symbols? idk.

The grasshopper takes on the role of James's father. The centipede seems friendly and jubilant, clearly James' best bug friend, possibly a brother. The earthworm is pessimistic and bleak; but also sacrifices himself to save the peach and it's inhabitants. The ladybug could have been a symbol of good luck? I still can't figure out the significance of the 9 spots. The spider and the silkworm are the work-horses of the entire operation, busily creating the strings needed to "lasso" the seagulls.

The bugs create a nurturing and diverse environment for James to grow; a family. In the wake of his parent's tragic (but kind of funny) death, James is still able to reap the benefits of kinship during his journey. Roald Dahl's "it takes a village" theme did not go unnoticed this time!

Re-reading kid-lit with an adult perspective really is rewarding! I'm so glad Pip chose this book as the first installment of the retro-readers club!

You should join us!:

What are you reading?

make: indian corn.

2011-11-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

The Amy Sedaris book "Crafts for Poor People" and our lack of Thanksgiving decorations inspired this kitschy indian corn tutorial! It's pretty much self explanatory really, but I'll guide ya, anyway; just for fun.

I know every is knee-deep in Christmas projects but, I couldn't bear to skip over a few Thanksgiving crafts. I look for any reason to wield a glue gun. It's true.

Materials:

-3 pompoms (roughly the same size)

-A roll of natural colored paper twist

-yarn, twine or raffia.

-a gluestick

-scissors

Step 1: Unroll a portion of paper twist and cut rectangle large enough to accommodate three pompoms with two inches of extra paper at the top.

Step 2: Rub glue across the bottom inside of the rectangle. Roll the edges toward the center and secure with yarn, twine or raffia.

Step 3: Put all three pompoms inside of the "husk" you've created. Push them close together. They don't mind. It's cozy! You can glue them if you want to.

Step 4: Draw another line of glue about a half inch from the pompom at the top. Cinch the husk and secure with yarn, twine or whatever.

THAT'S IT!!!!

This couldn't be easier!

So, go make some corn!

(and don't forget to send me pictures! my contact page works now!)

instant gratification: migraine vs. sewing.

2011-11-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a migraine in quite a long time. I cut out caffeine for a while and it seemed to do the trick. However, yesterday I jumped back on the horse full throttle. By about 8:30 I was three cups in and I couldn't have been happier! I really missed that stuff!

Unfortunately, today has blessed me with quite an awful migraine. I took tylenol. NOTHING. I tried the ice pack thing. NOTHING. I got desperate and went back to my post from a few months ago with all of the remedies that everyone had shared. A lot of them seemed to be preventative, but Lea offered the suggestion of a heating pad. I, too, hate being cold more than anything (except wind. I really really hate the wind.) So I decided to give the heating pad a shot.

The only problem was that I didn't have one.

I rushed into the craft room and cut a scrap of flannel (kinda) straight and sewed as quickly as I could. The migraine seemed to subside a little, so I took the time to mattress stitch the opening closed. Can you believe it? I'm minutes from vomiting all over the couch and I took the time to properly finish the heating pad.

I stuffed it with beans that we use as pie weights, so they kind of stink. I threw in some whole cloves but it didn't make enough of a difference.

After 2 minutes in the microwave, I was ready to go. It was such a relief! The heat really seemed to help!

Thanks, Lea!

Field Trip: The Noyes Museum.

2011-11-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

Dave and I went to the Noyes Museum today, so I could evaluate some work for my crafts class. It's a local gallery that houses the work of New Jersey residents. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside. However, there were tons of amazing things to see.

David was really smitten with the work of Paul Stankard, an amazing glass artist. I'm almost positive that I've seen him on Craft in America. His flowers and bugs were so realistic that we were seriously contemplating whether or not they were actually made of glass. The exhibit housed over thirty year's of Stankard's work and showcased the progression of his style quite nicely. "poetry in glass" was intended to be homage to Walt Whitman's sensitivity to nature's intricacies. The pieces he has created are stunning!

I was obsessed with Robert Lach's installation, "Refuge". Using found material and reeds from a nearby wildlife refuge, Lach created a series of nests. The largest, found in the center of the room, was big enough to sit in. The giant nest was surrounded by a series of smaller nests "floating" at different heights. The back room of the exhibit housed a handful of nests inside of vintage suitcases. The piece I loved the most had a small nest placed in front of a mirror inside of an American Tourister. The installion really forced me to contemplate the meaning of home and my place in it. It weird how a room full of floating nests made out of garbage makes you think.

I really can't stop thinking about those nests. Such a beautiful installion!

Robbie.

vinyl monday: captain and tenille.

2011-11-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

I'm having the most trouble with my internet connection today! GAH! It keeps going in and out. I'm going to call Comcast in the morning and see if there is anything they can do to fix it. They''l inevitably pass the buck, but I'm off from work so I'll waste their time along with my own.

I've been hoarding supplies to start making Christmas gifts, but haven't actually cut, stitched, sewn or knitted a single thing! Can you believe it's only six weeks until the big day? I'm going to have to take extra days off from work or something. I'm a champ in the twelfth hour, but these hands can only move so quickly.

So, while I'm in SUPERFREAKOUTMODE, I'm going to need some pretty soothing music to keep from jumping off of my craft table onto a pile of tapestry needles. Gory, right?! I'm so dark.

Captain and Tenille are one of my childhood favorites. My Grandma used to play them in the car and we would sing along to "Muskrat Love". I never bothered to look up the video until tonight and I've definitely been missing out. IT'S THE CUTEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN.

Coming Up...

-A Finished Pair of Socks!

-MORE Vintage Thanksgiving Inspiration.

-An Easy Thanksgiving DIY!

-Retro Readers Review: James and the Giant Peach.

-Work in Progress: Rewrites Bulletin Board.

-A Parade of Birthday Gifts!

vintage thanksgiving inspiration: pack o' fun, november 1965.

2011-11-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

I love these things so much! One of the best investments I have ever made, I promise.

While I haven't actually MADE any of the projects from the stack of vintage "Pack O' Fun" magazines, I do find them super inspirational!

I've been "shopping for vintage pilgrim dolls all week, but I may just have to make these instead!!! SO cute!

That turkey isn't too bad either!

Are you making any Thanksgiving projects? Tell me about them!!!!

Robbie.

Coming Up...

-A Finished Pair of Socks!

-MORE Vintage Thanksgiving Inspiration.

-An Easy Thanksgiving DIY!

-Retro Readers Review: James and the Giant Peach.

-Work in Progress: Rewrites Bulletin Board.

-A Parade of Birthday Gifts!

eat: vegan meatloaf.

2011-11-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, this isn't turning into a food blog! I just find the process of documenting our meals sort of challenging, so I'm going to keep trying until I find a method I'm happy with.

We have had this vegan "meatloaf" three times since Dave stumbled upon the recipe on Vegan Mofo last week. We both love it!

(disclaimer: we are both "flexitarians"; we eat three to five vegan/vegetarian meals a week, but we still eat some chicken and fish. it's an attainable healthy lifestyle that's easy to maintain without putting extreme limits on our diets. if we go out to eat with other people, we don't have to ask those uncomfortable questions about ingredients in things. i respect vegetarians but i think that at this point in my life, this is the most viable option.)

In a home where we have quite dissimilar tastes, anytime I find something we both like I make it every night until we hate it.

The process was super simple (which is NOT the case in most vegan cooking) and the ingredients were readily available at a regular grocery store. Whole Foods is overpriced and over 45 minutes away, so it's not really an option. I have to work with things that I can find easily.

I'm still not solid on a food photography "style" so I threw in some bric-a-brac to keep things interesting. I'm not exactly in love with taking pictures of food, but it's getting easier.

Do you have any favorite vegan/vegetarian meals? Leave me links!

Robbie.

Coming Up...

-A Finished Pair of Socks!

-Vintage Thanksgiving Inspiration.

-An Easy Thanksgiving DIY!

-Retro Readers Review: James and the Giant Peach.

-Work in Progress: Rewrites Bulletin Board.

-maybe a Friday Vocab Lesson?

belated birthday.

2011-11-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

yesterday was my birthday!

i spent a majority of the day at school, but it was still really nice.

i really don't like a lot of "hoopla" surrounding my birthday, i'd rather just let it pass sort of quietly.

however, i did feel obligated to some sort of special birthday blog post.

i forgot to go get "props" to take a really cool self portrait, but i came up with this at the last minute.

i found these photos in binder i had to make for a psychology project in high school. it seems like no one took any pictures of me from the time i was 5 until i turned 12. strange.

gah! today has been such a long one. i'm going to go lay on the couch and watch "malcolm in the middle" until i pass out!

Robbie.

Coming Up...

-A Finished Pair of Socks!

-Vintage Thanksgiving Inspiration.

-An Easy Thanksgiving DIY!

-Eat: A Vegan "Meatlofaf".

-Retro Readers Review: James and the Giant Peach.

-Work in Progress: Rewrites Bulletin Board.

-maybe a Friday Vocab Lesson?

hey! i wrote stuff!

2011-11-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hey!

A while ago, a crafty idol of mine asked me to contribute to her Holiday Gift Guide. I was more than excited!

You'll find my "Agony Uncle" piece entitled "Dear Robbie" on pages 6 and 7.

I offer candid advice to a lil' wallflower, a budding DIY-er, and a busy hostess.

I'm so happy to have been given a chance to contribute to something so fantastic!

Enjoy!

Robbie.

vinyl monday: she & him.

2011-11-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

These pictures are awful! I waited to until just now (10:30ish) to take them.

I guess they get the point across?

-It's Vinyl Monday.

-I pre-ordered She & Him's Christmas Album.

-I bought the package that came with "She & Him" mittens.

-There was a signed Christmas card inside!

The holidays are upon us!

I'd love to write more, but we haven't even eaten dinner yet! Can you believe it?

a birthday wish list!

2011-11-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my birthday is in 5 days! I didn't realize how soon it was until I wrote down today's date at work!
I've already gotten my gift from Dave (a super fancy DSLR), but I couldn't resist making a list of things that I love anyway...I'm head over heels for this clock! I've been wanting an authentic?vintage cuckoo clock for quite a few years. However, the "kitsch" quotient of this new one is just perfect (and the price isn't bad either).

Vintage Dreampets are so cute, I could cry. I guess that doesn't really seem like a rational reaction, but whatever. I would lose my head if I came home to a pile of the precious lil' bebes. I would.

OMG. This teapot. Can you handle it?

A portable turntable! I have a really nice turntable in the living room, but it's huge. When I'm working on things in the craft room, I'd love to be able to listen to records, too. The most fun! dancepartycraftparty.
So, if I hadn't already received the perfect birthday gift, these are the things I would be subtly* bringing up in conversation.
*subtly = "hey did you see this turntable? my birthday would be terrible if i didn't get it"
<3Robbie.

Coming Up...

-A Finished Pair of Socks!

-Vintage Thanksgiving Inspiration.

-Retro Readers Review: James and the Giant Peach.

-Work in Progress: Rewrites Bulletin Board.

-maybe a Friday Vocab Lesson?

i made a turkey!

2011-11-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

I should probably be doing U.S. History homework right now, but I could not resist the siren song of this screen printed turkey! I haven't even taken down the Halloween decorations!

I'm in love with vintage VIP prints. This turkey just so happens to be the SAME BRAND as the fabric pumpkins from last month. I guess I know what I like?

This was actually grueling to make. I haven't sewn in quite a while, and this had a tiny little quarter inch seam allowance. I should have read the directions first and cut the pattern larger. I could have just clipped of the excess when I was finished. Oh well! Lesson learned.

Tom (the turkey) is going to go onto the little vignette where the ghosts are hanging out, once I decide what else I'm going to put there. We really don't have any Thanksgiving specific decorations. Don't worry. we will. I have a handful of DIYs planned for the next two weeks! I hope I can get to them all!

Isn't Tom a babe?

Robbie.

Coming Up...

-A Finished Pair of Socks!

-Vintage Thanksgiving Inspiration.

-Retro Readers Review: James and the Giant Peach.

-Work in Progress: Rewrites Bulletin Board.

-maybe a Friday Vocab Lesson?

project planning: holiday crafting preview (part I).

2011-11-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I just checked the mail, and our box was FULL of fabric! I'm the most excited! I can finally start making Christmas gifts (and a few Thanksgiving projects)!

The two prints on the rights are both Project Runway winner (Season 1) Jay McCarroll prints that I found on eBay, which will be turned into a top secret project from Pip Lincolne's "Sew La Tea Do" book.

The fabric on the right is a Cut & Sew turkey from the 1970's! (also sourced on eBay). I can't wait to get started on him.

I've been collecting holiday decor and gifts ideas on my Pinterest boards, and I just can't wait to get started.

Are you making any special holiday gifts?

Robbie.

Coming Up...

-A Finished Pair of Socks!

-Vintage Thanksgiving Inspiration.

-Retro Readers Review: James and the Giant Peach.

-Work in Progress: Rewrites Bulletin Board.

-maybe a Friday Vocab Lesson?

...and so much more!!!

tuesday night knitting club; post-halloween edition.

2011-11-01T19:12:00.001-07:00

Busy Bee!

2011-11-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

source.

I didn't forget about the blogosphere! I promise!

I'm busy wrapping up a paper about Elizabeth Zimmermann that is due tomorrow!

Did you know she was the first knitter to be filmed "over the shoulder"?

Robbie.

finished: bird mask.

2011-10-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

I FINISHED IT! YAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!

▲▼▲▼▲Project Particulars▲▼▲▼▲

Inspiration:

♥Martha Stewart Living, October 2009

Materials:

♥Bird Mask from MardiGrasOutlet.com
♥Gold Acrylic Paint
♥Martha Stewart Glitter in Fire Opal
♥Brown Crepe Paper

Time:

♥Over 3 hours

Final Thoughts:

I really took my time making this. I did a little work on it every couple of days. I'm really happy with the results. I can't wait to wear this to work tomorrow!

Coming up...

-MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

eat: pumpkin soup!

2011-10-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

First of all, I understand that these pictures are grotesque. It's the main reason I never blog about food. This soup was so good that it inspired me to give food blogging a second (or third) chance.

We eat a ton of soup in this house. Right after bread, it's my favorite food. I'm always looking for new soup recipes.

I found this recipe (which I had to modify based on the ingredients I had on hand) on the Celiac Chick's blog and couldn't wait to try try. I was so excited that I switched Coconut Milk for Cream of Coconut AND IT WAS INCREDIBLE.

Creamy Coconut + Pumpkin Soup

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 medium to large onion chopped

2 Tbsp. chopped garlic

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups 100% pure pumpkin ( I used Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin in the can, not to be confused with the sweetened spiced pumpkin pie filling in a can.)

1/2 a can of Cream of Coconut (the stuff you use to make Pina Coladas)

1 tsp. of salt or more or less to taste

1 tsp of allspice

1 tsp of ginger

1/2 tsp of turmeric

In a large pot saute onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat, until onions are soft. Be sure they do not brown. Once soft, add the pumpkin, coconut milk and chicken broth. Add the remaining seasonings now. Simmer and stir until well blended, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add salt to taste and serve.

We really loved it! I'm sort of glad we had the wrong kind of coconut in the pantry!

What is your favorite soup recipe?

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

PUMP-KEEN!

2011-10-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

I've been walking past this pumpkin in the hallway at school for three weeks now. I always stop to look at it. I really love pumpkins with big stems (and it's covered in buttons!).

Yesterday, I found out they were part of the Art Club's fall fundraiser and that it was only $5.

I was the most excited! I brought it home and cleaned it off. It's hanging out in a little vignette of fall-ish things under our entry table.

Isn't it cute?!

Robbie.

finished: fabric pumpkins.

2011-10-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

When I first shared the pictures of these little guys' they were still in progress but I thought that they deserved a proper FO photo shoot. The fabric was perfect! I saw it on Etsy and bookmarked it long before making the pumpkins, but I had always sort of had them in mind. I knew that if I had made them out of anything else I would have been disappointed, so I bought the fabric and I couldn't be happier! It's all vintage and I got quite a lot of yardage; this is going to see me through quite a few holiday projects.

▲▼▲▼▲Project Particulars▲▼▲▼▲
Inspiration:
♥Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial by Danielle Thompson
Materials:
♥Vintage Fabric from Etsy seller D'lish's Designs♥Polyfill

♥Yarn

♥Doll or Tapestry Needle

Time:

♥Twenty minutes to a half-an hour (each)

Final Thoughts:

I loved this project! It was super simple and I could make them while watching TV. HOWEVER, the doll needle is very sharp. I was making some white ones to sell at a event and I stuck the needle through my finger, drenching all but one of them in blood. Totes gory, right?! I hate scary things, so I threw them out.

What are you working on?

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

vinyl monday: tilly and the wall.

2011-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

I was going to wait until I could secure a clip from my DVR, but I'm just too excited to wait!

Today, my doily ghost was featured at the beginning of THE MARTHA STEWART SHOW! I almost cried. I'm still not even sure how to react to hearing HER say MY NAME!!!!

I could just burst, really.

TILLY & THE WALL - BEAT CONTROL by Team_Love

So, it's clearly time to celebrate and I don't know any band that captures the way I feel today better than Tilly and the Wall. Beat Control is such a great song and the video seems to capture the sort of dynamic energy that I'm feeling right now.

What sorts great things have been happening to you?

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-EVEN MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

(More) Vintage Halloween Inspiration: Magazines!

2011-10-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

That's right, there's more! I bought three Halloween issues and three Thanksgiving issues, so the fun will never end. Ever.

I love the ghost with chains soso much!

Gah! That kitty cat candy dish is adorable!

The illustration on the left is perfect! I wish this was what Halloween still looked like!

The little skeleton is precious!

I'm not sure when bean bag games went out of vogue, but if you'd like to play a game of "scare the ghost", I'll be sure to have enough juice and cookies for twenty people.

Check out my Flickr stream for close-ups and for the things I left out! These lil' zines are blowing my mind!

What's inspiring YOU?

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-EVEN MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

finished: rug punch.

2011-10-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

This rug is the reason I took a day off from blogging. It was due on Wednesday morning. I worked on it all day Tuesday. I even took to Lea's house (where our knitting group meets) because I had to get it done.

▲▼▲▼▲Project Particulars▲▼▲▼▲

Inspiration:

♥Charley Harper's Owls

Materials:

♥For Rug-Burlap, 4 Skeins of Vanna's Choice Yarn.

♥Frame- 2 18" Canvas Stretchers, 2 24" Canvas Stretchers, Martha Stewart Fine Glitter in Fire Opal, Matte Mod Podge.

Time:

♥Over 20 hours!

Final Thoughts:

I love the finished project, but never thought it would be as time consuming as it was. I have a new respect for any crafters that attempt punching rugs. My back hurt for days!

I had painted the frame with gold acrylic paint first and I hated it. It just didn't pop. It wasn't metallic enough. I was watching Martha one day; they were coating shoes with glitter and they looked amazing! Inspired, I used the same technique to finish the frame and I adore it. Glitter makes me insanely happy.

I'm so relieved that it's finished. I can focus on my bird mask again. Matter of fact, I'm going to nestle into the couch, watch project runway and cut out crepe paper feathers.

What have you adorable readers been up to?

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

An Award!

2011-10-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I was nominated for another blogger award! This one comes from Anastasia at Ugly Plants!

I love that girl to bits. She's a dreamcat, really. The rules are that I have to share seven random things and then pick seven bloggers that I think deserve a little recognition. So, here we go!!!!

1. I take tons of vitamins everyday. (B complex, C, E, Fish Oil and a multi) I've been getting really paranoid about my health after some recent tummy troubles, and I want to make sure everything is working as well as it can.

2. I used to be a "candy raver" when I was in high school.

3. I had dreadlocks for three years! (Only one picture exists, and I have no idea where it is!)

4. I rarely wear socks with shoes.

5. I always have a tube of Burt's Bees lip balm in my pocket.

6. I LOVE PLAID SHIRTS! I wear plaid almost everyday.

7. I have a winter white hamster named "Gus"; he will be getting a whole post of his own very soon.

and now I get to pick seven bloggers:

1. Steven Andrew: the best guy! I've been playing catch-up with his blog this week and loving every second of it!

2. Sian Lile: a quilting queen! She has great taste in music!

3. Erin Joy: a glue batik quilt? I'm in.

4. Sir Thrift-a-lot: a recent find that I just adore!

5. Eliza: cranking out FO's like a machine!

6. Paula: new to the blogosphere! go say hi!

7. Mandi: she doesn't need the traffic, but her blog is just so great!!!

Enjoy these new reads, and I'll be back tomorrow with more vintage halloween inspiration!

Robbie

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

Playlist: Autumnal Hymns.

2011-10-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I have a ton of work to do today, including finishing the owl rug. So, this is what I'll be listening to while I'm wrapping things up.

What are you favorite fall tunes?

Enjoy!

Robbie.

vinyl monday: she & him.

2011-10-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

*yawn*

i don't have the energy to type a cute anecdote (and we're on the way to go get froyo). so, we'll let the cute speak for itself!

gotta love zooey.

Robbie.

Guest Post @ Sparrows and Arrows.

2011-10-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I did a guest tutorial @ Sparrows and Arrows today! If want to learn how to make the adorable doily ghost in the picture above, swing by! Tell'em Robbie sent ya!

Robbie.

Vintage Halloween Inspiration: Magazines!

2011-10-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

"Pack-O-Fun: October 1965"

I found a lot of these vintage "Pack-o-Fun" magazines on Etsy recently for a great price! They usually cost about $6-$9 on eBay, and I only paid that much for a lot of 4 of them

They're all so fantastic! There are so many amazing projects I would have never thought of. I have plenty of "modern" and "hip" craft books and while I love them to bits, nothing beats a good vintage magazine. They are little kitsch and maybe really cheesy (and that's probably why I love them); without all of the pretense of the modern craft community. If you want to tape candy to a paper cone, do it!

They have inspired me to be less shy about all aspects my aesthetic.; not everything has to be sleek and streamlined. I like a sort of kooky, folk art style and these seem like the perfect thing to make me feel more comfortable with my personal place is in the crafting community.

That seems incredibly sentimental. I forgot I was talking about the magazine for a second.

I'm hoping to make this witch soon!

Party Favors!

I guess the reason I'm thinking about this so much is because for the past two days, I've been working on a secret tutorial for a blog that I'm a guest on next Monday. It's decidedly "kinder-craft" looking; googly eyes are involved. I've been wondering all day if it's too cheesy to share. After flipping through these books, I took a few minutes to reflect on the history of crafting and the importance of these kitschy little tomes.

If anything, I'm now severely excited to share the tutorial with the readers of "sparrows and arrows" and I'm almost positive that their readers will love it as much as I do.

The best costume ideas!

I'll post a reminder when it's time to go check things out! It really is the cutest Halloween decoration in my house!

Robbie

PS- There are close-ups of the illustrations on my Flickr page! If if you would like a close up of any of these directions leave your email in the comments!

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

WIP: punching another rug.

2011-10-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

I've been hunched over this rug for 3 hours now. It's due next Wednesday, so I have to get moving. My back hurts and I'm starving so this is all you get today.

haha.

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!

FO: an autumnal garland.

2011-10-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? I actually finished something!

Tutorial: Fall Leaves Garland

Materials: Cheap felt and a piece of scrap yarn.

Time: 2 hours? maybe? I made while I watched TV.

Isn't it cute? I have to figure out how to take a decent picture in the house so I can show you what it looks like hanging in my living room. Until then, enjoy these ones :-)

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.
..

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration
-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins
-WIP: Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.
-A Haircut
-and maybe a finished sock?
...Stay Tuned!!!!

vinyl monday: belle and sebastian..

2011-10-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

I feel like today has been really hectic. I had a lot of school work to do and I *tried* to clean the house a little. A month of feeling "icky" has really taken it's toll on our humble abode. Flylady system or not.

I spent the morning lounging around watching Martha and eating Count Chocula on the couch, so I have no one to blame but myself.

I had a to-do list written out for today, but I threw it away so I wouldn't have to look at all of the things i didn't do.

I ended up ordering a pizza for dinner because I just feel sort of overwhelmed.

Sometimes, you just have to hit the off switch!

I picked Belle and Sebastian for this Vinyl Monday post because I love to listen to them when I relax.

What are your favorite "day-off" things to do?

Robbie.

Coming up...
-the finished garland
-the finished Bird Mask.
-Vintage Halloween Inspiration
-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins
-WIP: Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.
-A Haircut
-and maybe a finished sock?
...Stay Tuned!!!!

Field Trip: The Giant Pumpkin Show!

2011-10-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we went to a giant pumpkin show! Can you believe the size of that thing? Last year's winner was 895 pounds! We didn't stay long enough to see who won this year, but my money was on the one above! The rest of the entries looked like giant blobs. This one was perfect!

These glass pumpkins were amazing! Unfortunately they were $50 a piece; definitely not in my pumpkin budget this month.

Kellyn went fall decor crazy! She has a new house and no decorations, so this is a totally reasonable reaction to a tower of seasonal gourds. haha. This picture kills me!

I'll leave you with this cute lil' pumpkin butt.

Do you have a giant pumpkin festival near you? How heavy was the the winner?

(I think I may have a burgeoning interest in giant produce!)

Robbie

WIP: an autumnal garland.

2011-10-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm certifiable, right?

I should just finish something.

Here's the thing: I love to have something small and easy to work on while I watch t.v. at night.

I'm bored with pumpkins. I needed a break and I have a really good garland spot picked out.

So, yeah.

I'm making another thing.

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-WIP: Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.
-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

WIP: bird mask.

2011-10-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

It seems like I have 50 projects going at once. I do. It's not even overwhelming, though. As it just so happens, I have a project for each mood.

Lazy = making pumpkins on the couch while watching bad TV.

Bored = punching a rug for crafts class.

Super Focused = picking up stitches on the heel gusset of my jaywalker sock.

Ambitious= cutting out crepe paper feathers for the bird mask.

Fortunately, I've started all of my autumnal crafts with enough time to finish them before November (which is really exciting!). I'm usually over ambitious and put far to much on my proverbial plate and then feel overwhelmed by all of it.

Tonight, I'm actually going to do a test run for a guest tutorial on the sparrows and arrows blog. It maybe genius. I hope it works out the way I've planned. Here's to good crafty-karma! Send me some positive vibes, okay?

What are you up to?

Robbie.

Coming up...

-the finished Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-a pile of Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-WIP: Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.
-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

WIP: Fabric Pumpkins

2011-10-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

This is just a sneak peek of some pumpkins I'm making using Danielle's tutorial.

I'm not much for scary Halloween decorations. I tend to like really cute "autumnal" sorts of things. I'll give you all the details when these lil' guys are finished, I promise!

Have a fun Tuesday night!

Robbie

Coming up...

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-Finished Fabric Pumpkins

-Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.
-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

vinyl monday: jens lekman.

2011-10-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

It's less than sixty degrees today! Can you believe it? Fall has most definitely arrived!
I've been cuddled up on the couch reading "Things Fall Apart", while a spaghetti squash roasts in the oven.
I opened up all of the windows and pulled out a few blankets.

My mind keeps wandering through a list of autumnal favorites, while I try to read this book.

Things I Love About Fall:

-Great Music!

What are your fall favorites?

<3
Robbie.

Coming up...

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-Fabric Pumpkins

-Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.
-A Haircut

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

friday to-do list: dance in a grocery store!

2011-09-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Music Video: "Haven't Met You Yet" (Michael Buble) from Alec Rivera on Vimeo.

Friday seems like a good day to dance in the grocery store, right?
I don't know if it's the confetti or the giant smiles, but something about these videos leaves me grinning from ear to ear.
I usually don't listen to music like this, but maybe I need to start! I feel like these videos are some kind of guilty pleasure.

So, how about it everyone! Let's find a place to dance in public today?
I can guarantee it will make your day 300% better!

<3
Robbie.

Coming up...

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-Fabric Pumpkins

-Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

Vintage Halloween Inspiration: Costumes!

2011-09-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

source.

Oh my GAWD!!!! Every one of these pictures is priceless!!!!

What are you going to be for halloween?

Robbie.

Coming up...

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-MORE Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-Fabric Pumpkins

-Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

vinyl monday: dire straits.

2011-09-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

hey kids!

the pears were incredible. a little sweet, but ohsogooood.

(the really sweet "tablecloth" is actually fabric for a project i'm working on. you'll see soon enough!)

today's vinyl monday is inspired by one of my favorite movies, empire records. this is the song playing when mark tickles the ballerina's feet with the feather duster :-)

it really is such a sweet song :-)

enjoy!

robbie.

Coming up...

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-Fabric Pumpkins

-Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

boys and blogs

2011-09-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

i'm so excited to share this post with you!!!!

Five years ago, when I started this blog I never would have dreamed to find an audience outside of a few friends and fellow knitters but it has blossomed into so much more than a place to share my finished knits.

I struggled for years with finding my voice; a boy's voice in a girl's world. At least ninety-eight percent of my readers are ladies, and while I love you all, I can't help but feel a little lonely sometimes.

However. lately I've been having a bro-mance every week!!!! There's a new group of boybloggers that I actually relate to, and I look forward to seeing their posts pop up on Bloglovin'.

First, we have Colby. Colby was the first boy to visit my re-vamped Knitxcore blog, and I've been following him ever since. He's a whiz at makes rooms look pretty and taking fantastic photos!

Second, there's Raynor. He's crochets the cutest lil' babes and has really good taste in music.

Third is Reuben. He's half of the House of Humble. He knits and gardens and makes things. The coolest bro.

And finally, there's Steven. He is a web design genius. His layout changes constantly. He always has great tips for bloggers!

I hope that you enjoy these boy blogs as much as I do!

Robbie.

Coming up...

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-Fabric Pumpkins

-Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

fruit stand faves: seckle pears!

2011-09-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

there's a little fruit stand not far our house that sells mostly local stuff, and every year they get some zany thing i never heard of. last year, i was severely obsessed with fresh cranberry beans. we ate them 2-3 times a week during their sadly short growing season.

this year, there were bushels of the tiniest pears i had ever seen! apparently, they're called "seckle pears" and they are super sweet and super cute. i don't really eat a lot of hand fruits because the size is too intimidating. a "premium-sized" apple could take me over an hour to finish. i'm not a sickly little waif, i just don't like to eat fruit quickly. that being said, the little bebes are the perfect size for a more timid fruitavore.

i found a recipe for honey roasted seckle pears, and they're currently in the oven! i can't wait for them to come out! they smell fantastic :-)

what is your favorite autumnal fruit/veg?

robbie.

Coming up...

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-Fabric Pumpkins

-Punching (ANOTHER) Rug.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

punching a rug.

2011-09-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

This is my punch rug sampler for my Crafts class. I ripped a Missoni print, because Target let me down and I have zigzag fever!!!

The loops had to be 3 different lengths, thus the shaggy sections. If I had had my choice, I would have made it all short or long loops, without the awkward medium sections.

Most other people made little pictures, but I'm happy with my "abstract" rug.

This sampler was just practice for a larger, Charley Harper inspired rug that I'll be working on next. I'm really excited to get moving on a new project :-)

<3
Robbie.

Coming up...

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-Vintage Halloween Inspiration

-Fabric Pumpkins

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

vinyl monday: lawrence welk.

2011-09-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Isn't that the worst picture? I should have taken them earlier today.

My grammy used to live across the street from our house. She would go to the VFW and have a screwdriver at dinner, but she always made it back in time to watch "The Lawrence Welk show". She would dance around the living room and sing every song. Watching Lawrence Welk with her is definitely one of my most cherished memories.

I still catch it from time to time, and I'll make Dave watch it with me. It's horribly cheesy, but I think he understands how happy it makes me.

How couldn't you love this?

Book Report: "The Alchemist".

2011-09-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

The pages “The Alchemist” held a wonderful fable about personal growth and the acquisition of material dreams. It seems as though everything Santiago ever wanted was right under his nose all along, and that the journey he had taken to attain it saw him grow not only physically, but mentally and spiritually. While the idea of spiritual growth is not a new one, Coelho found a way to package it into a less desperate looking binding. People who would not have regularly read a book like this came to appreciate the life lesson. That being said, I felt that the book seemed overly sentimental and simple. For the most part, when people read, they like to figure a few things out on their own. I know I do.

I feel as though the story lacked a certain subtlety in reference to its message, and that has probably fueled my reaction towards it. The repetitive nature of certain “lessons” throughout seemed to steer the book towards a mass-market appeal that turned me off, just a little. “The Alchemist” seems to be a self-help book with a clever story mixed in; a mystical but motivational piece about following your dreams. There are tons of books just like this that people brush off every day; The Secret, The Power and anything by Deepak Chopra have been ridiculed by intellectuals and written off as “new-age”, while this book which shares the same message has found its place between to John Cheever and E.E. Cummings .

The story of Santiago’s journey seemed like an afterthought, and after finding out that the author wrote it in less than two weeks only further proved my suspicion. While the core of the story, and its intentions were virtuous (as a fable should be), it seemed as though Coelho had written an outline of points that he had wanted to discuss and then wrote the story around them. This is most prevalent when reviewing the dialogue of the Alchemist towards the end of the story. Most of the dialogue between the Santiago and the Alchemist is disjointed and generally doesn’t flow with the rest of the book. I understand that the Alchemist is teaching Santiago the importance of his place in the universe, but it just fell short. Each time the Alchemist spoke, I found myself skimming quickly to the next end-quotation mark.

I was hoping that this book wouldn’t have been as transparent as it was, but it wasn’t the worst thing I have ever read either. If I felt someone I knew was in need of encouragement and could not find their way around a more complicated piece, I would suggest this. It was a quick and thoughtful read; it just left me personally unfulfilled. I didn’t really think that much about it after I put it down.

Robbie.

Coming up...

-Punching a Rug

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!

dudecore: it's 60 degrees today!

2011-09-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Retro Read-a-long: "James and the Giant Peach"

2011-09-14T18:14:00.001-07:00

We all know how much I love books and Pip, so I was really excited to join Meet me at Mike's Retro Read-a-long!!!!! We're reading "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl. It has been ages since I've taken the time to enjoy some classic kid-lit, and I'm the most happy that this is the very first selection. I love Roald Dahl!
I found this copy on Ebay for less than $5, and it's in wonderful shape. I'd go dig it out and tell what year it's from, but I really don't feel much like getting up. The pictures are dreamy! You should join!!!! I'm sure it will be super fun!
<3Robbie.

Coming up...

-Punching a Rug

-Book Report: "The Alchemist"

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!!

Inspiration Tuesday: 90's hip-hop.

2011-09-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Today, A friend sent me a Salt-n-Pepa video on facebook, and I first I just giggled. However, once the initial randomness of the situation faded, I found myself watching tons of nineties hip-hop videos on youtube and have come to the conclusion that nineties hip-hop was AWESOME.

It was colorful and exciting; it demanded attention. It was bubbly and infectious. How did I not realize how close it was to my crafty aesthetic? Who doesn't love a gem sweater and a leather jacket with an eight ball on it?

I remember sitting on the front step while my sister and I taught our little brother the words to Skee-lo's "I Wish". I remember going to the skating rink with the girl next door, Bernadette, who always wore a white tee shirt with a picture of Tweety bird on the front in backwards jeans. We would backwards skate to Bel Biv DeVoe and eat gross pizza. The smell of "Exclamation" and burned crust takes me back to that place. I kind of miss Cross Colours and all that came with it.

Anyway this era shaped my childhood and for that alone, it's an inspiration. Ya dig?

Robbie.

Coming up...

-Retro Read-Along

-Punching a Rug

-Book Report: "The Alchemist"

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!!

vinyl monday: devendra banhart.

2011-09-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

Hey! Look!

VINYL MONDAY IS BACK!!!!

I still feel awful, but not blogging isn't helping out. So, I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so hopefully some things will get squared away. It's been the worst month.

I'm currently reading 425 books at the same time, so I don't fall behind in any classes and I have this crazy punch rug thing to work on but all I really want to do is sleep.

I joined a retro read-along, that I can't wait to share with you and I'm wrapping up "the Alchemist" and I really would love to discuss that as well!!!!!

Robbie.

Coming up...

-Retro Read-Along

-Punching a Rug

-Book Report: "The Alchemist"

-A Work in Progress: Bird Mask.

-and maybe a finished sock?

...Stay Tuned!!!!!

halloween preview

2011-09-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

I have a bajillion halloween craft ideas swirling around in my little head that I can't wait to share with you!

This is the beginning of a costume I had planned years ago, and never gotten around to. Dave painted the mask for me last night but it still needs a few more coats. (I have no business painting things, really). There's actually still a ton of work to do before I get to show-off the FO. I promise it won't look so scary. I don't really like scary things.

The timer just went off. Our Dolly Parton chicken must be ready!

STAY TUNEDDD!!!!!!

Robbie.

Coming Up...

-Hurricanes and He-Man

-The Never-Ending Braided Rug Maybe a Failure.

-The First Roll of Film From My Diana Mini

-Acrylic Stash-busting + Vintage Craft: God's Eye

...and much more

My Day in Pictures: 9/7

2011-09-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the unintended hiatus!

School and being sick had kind of overwhelmed me.

In addition, I still cannot access my photoshop program. (ugh!)

Today, I thought I would just share a few photos from my walk/bus ride/class.

I just kinda snapped quick photos along the way, so it's like a little walking tour or something.

I had to get up at 9 to make sure that I could make it to the bus on time. HOWEVER, the bus was over a half an hour late. So in turn, I was late for my crafts class. I arrived sweaty and 15 minutes later than everyone else.

Luckily, we started making punch rugs today and it soothed the stressful morning just a little. There's something about repetitive movement that just kind of puts you in a trance state. I was in punch rug nirvana.

I stopped by Borders (it's closing!) on the way home, and picked up a few paperbacks I'll probably never get around to. The mall is directly across the street from my house, so I popped in there too. Bath and Body Works has hot chocolate scented candles!!!! Of course, I scooped up a handful. I'm totally reckless when it comes to home fragrance.

I'm actually going to light one right now and lay on the couch before my head explodes!

Have a good night!

Robbie

Coming Up...

-Hurricanes and He-Man

-The Never-Ending Braided Rug Maybe a Failure.

-The First Roll of Film From My Diana Mini

-Acrylic Stash-busting + Vintage Craft: God's Eye

...and much more