Librarylass

Pretties

2009-06-15T02:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Contrary to popular belief, I am still alive and plugging along. Have exam tomorrow so am enjoying the procrastination. I had the perfect post a couple of weeks ago, then got lazy and failed to upload proper photos/get permissions. However here is a quick recap.

The beginning of the month spinner's guild had a (surprisingly large, well placed) spot at the first ever Textile Art Festival. I was the organiser of said space which meant being flat out on my feet all day talking to people, and thanks to the support of the people who helped me run the stall, it was an absolute blast, I loved it, even if, by doing so, I spoke more in three days than I had in about a month. Insanity of the fun variety. Here are pics of the stall as taken by another member (sorry they are so small, this was the only size that flickr would let me steal).

After the first day, instead of doing the sensible thing and having a nice night in, I went out. Much fun was had. The Saturday I went out, but for even more fun. Y'see, one of my sister's flatmates was having his 21st party (awwwww) and to really have some fun, it was decided a gangster theme was the thing. The men wore suits, suspenders and smoked cigars, the ladies found their finest garb and spent hours in the bathroom. While it was technically 1920's ish gangster (think the movie 'Some Like it Hot') I found the cutest dress that was really more of a 1950s style in an op shop (for $3!!!!) so I wore that. This pic I think is one of my favourites of me, sweet sassy and wearing faaaar too much mascara.

Anyway, thatis something for now. I've been spinning and dyeing like a mad woman (who knew that I could spin and read/listen to lectures at the same time? Nuts!) so will naturally need to set up a photoshoot of some description for that.

adios!

That's egg on your face!

2009-05-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

Or, on your shirt. I bought this brooch the other week from the local markets which I can't help think is the funniest thing ever.

Who says you shouldn't play with your food eh?

On another note, look what I designed and made! Designed after having about 3hours sleep (thanks a lot, cat) and needing to quickly make a neckwarmer for a friend in an exchange. The colour is absolutely not my colour, but given that the whole shebang is just 2x2 rib with twisted rib, I think it looks quite striking.

The whole shebang.

Closeup of the pattern.

I reckon the buttonholes need revision, but given that I'm definitely making a second version of this (would I be the only nutter wanting this recipe?), that shouldn't be a problem.

It has occured to me that I haven't taken pics of the handspun I've been producing lately. So here is just a bunch of photos of yarn. Tasty, delicious yarn!

Adios!

p.s. Also, I shall be at the upcoming Textile Art Festival for the duration of the festival. I will be wearing my rav badge, come up and say hi!!

p.p.s Almost forgot! I finally added a big, crazy pompom to my carrot hat! See!!

Blimey!

2009-05-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

I have just seen that it was February 8 when I last updated this thing. Oy and vey. Slackarama on my part, I apologise. Life, as they say, has been topsy turvy as of late, and the trend seems set to continue. However, as I deem this stuff to be in the realm 'not your beeswax, nerny nerny ner ner'. I present you pics of a hat I made, using only the dodgiest of dodgy on hand, and pictures of alpacas, taken on Saturday.

Twisted stitches!

Can't you just smell the lumpy texture?

For reasons you may figure out, I have decided to call this my carrot hat, as it rather reminds me of a carrot emerging from the ground. I am thinking a huge honking pompom on the top using the last of the yarn might be the perfect touch. What do you reckon?

Check this out, 'Jewish alpaca does not eat pork'. See the brown patch on his head? I'm calling that a yarmulke. Because who says livestock can't pursue religion?

Itsy Bitsy Alpaca! This guy was born on Anzac day, he was definitely the perfect size to stow in a vehicle, y'know... so he can mow the lawn... that's right.... (also: I love my camera)

Unison alpacas look pensive, in unison. (Oh the scalding wit! How can you handle it?!)

No witticisms here, I just like that they are both the same colour and eating at the same time.

Looks like I forgot to upload photos of 'the stud'. I just love saying 'the stud' in the sleaziest voice possible. Makes me think I'm cool.

Anyway, adios for now!

Your regularly scheduled update

2009-02-08T03:36:00.000-08:00

In which there is nothing to report. Joy. Well, no CRAFTY things to report. Mainly thus:
- I have a new job (yay!), being an administration assistant. Work isn't as interesting as library, but the pay, waaay better.
- The social life that comes with being in briz is fun, but a little draining. 2 nights plus a fortnight is a huge change from going out once a fortnight plus the occasional afternoon tea with a friend. I can't wait to get used to it.
- Spinning camp at Bornhoffen (I have no idea where it is either) this coming weekend is going to be BRILLIANT. So brilliant I believe all of the participants are wishing friday afternoon was here already. I'm looking forward to a weekend of workshops, socialising, shopping and being in a position where no one wants the top bunk. Except me. I get to sleep in a top bunk!!!
- craft wise, I'm working on a rather large something for my swap partner for the favourite colours swap on rav. It grows larger and larger, and I'm hoping my swap partner loves it more than anything in the whole widest world. If she doesn't love it. It's mine, dag nammit.

Night all!

Quell Horreur! An FO!

2009-01-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I have finally decided that having finished a project, it would probably be a nice thing to actually show it off. Even if it does need blocking and the ends woven in..

May I present: Bad Penny with ribbing!

The original pattern didn't have under the bust ribbing and very little shaping in the pattern, which works well for some body types, less so for me. I followed someone else's modification and did 2x2 ribbing from under the bust to my desired length. Because I could also try this sucker on, I could get second and third opinions about the length as well.

This twisted part is what happens when the pattern tells me to knit and I knit. I was taught to think the reverse of everyone else does. My knit is purl and vice versa. I decided to make this a design feature instead of ripping.

Just look how good this baby goes with my shawl!

Now because I'm cheap and decided to use cheap yarn (pallette yarn on special for $2) which is pure wool, it is scratchy as hell. I'm thinking of soaking in hair conditioner to soften it up. For anyone in the know, does this work? Is there anything I can do to this yarn to make it wearable against the skin? Or will I be have to wear a singlet underneath?

All in all, this project took about a month to do on 5mm needles. easy, customisable and enjoyable.

In other news, I have just scored a job trial, so with any luck I'll be employed for at least three months = money!!

Adios!

Home sweet home

2009-01-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I'm not sure if I have blabbed in previous posts or not, but I have moved and am officially a Brisvegas gal now. While I haven't really done much in the way of spinning or knitting (a bit of fleece and a shiteload of washcloths), this means nothing really of consequence to post. However since this IS the internet (where no-one can hear you scream), here are a few wee shots of my new place/evidence of having made myself really at home.

Toby has really settled in! Never before has a cat had so much freedom and time to snooze on the deck in the sun. It's a tough life, but some cat has to do it.

'The wall'. My bedroom wall with ephemera I've either been sent, or have found myself. I love receiving postcards of exotic locales, and some of the postcards have been picked up on my travels too. Home sweet home.

Okay This is the lamest post yet. But hopefully it's just twee.

Later lovelies!

A quickie for the road...

2008-12-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

My usual fortnightly post. Hope you had a fun christmas day, and hope the hangovers weren't flowing tooo freely!

Firstly. While I can't stand the smell and taste of seafood, it IS an Australian tradition, one that my sister and mother participated in with relish.

'nuff said. I had an awesome day with my sister and mother, with the margaritas flowing, deep philosophical (for drunk people) topics discussed, it was lots of fun.

Secondly. I made felted soaps. Something I think non-crafty peops and crafty people alike can share in. Using this tutorial, which I think is a standard tutorial among people trying this for the first time.

What do you reckon? Three of these already have homes - well one went to the sis, one is a birthday present and one is for a swap partner and the last one is for me. Honey soap (presents mum received but didn't want). What I found worked best is a combination of the following.

1. Wear rubber gloves so that you
2. Can have boiling water. The grips on the gloves really add the the felting action and speed the whole process up.
3. Also, handdyeds bleed when boiling hot water flows, so next time, stick to the commercial fibres.

Close-ups! Click for a better view.

Moving is going steadily. The last ten days have been promised to be the killer ones. As is, I'm living on survival rations of clothing, my fibre/yarn stash is in the new home (survival rations of knitting and fibre) and anything that isn't in a box will be by Wednesday. Also, the house is now filled with all thing carbs, because for some reason, the non-carbohydrate thingies seem to get eaten first. I'm definitely dreading the last few days where food will be entirely fast food / non-homecooked. Unless there is someone REALLY lovely out there who fancies bringing over some soup/anything with veges next week?

Have a good new years, take care, don't spend all your $$ at the new years sales!

adios

I can haz shawl?

2008-12-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

Apologies for not posting in over a month. Pure laziness on my part. Between finishing uni for the year (YAY!) to looking for a new job (not yay!) to spinning something that looks remarkably close to 5ply, and I'm calling it my first laceweight (Yay again!), I've just felt to slack to post.

That said, this shawl keeps looking me in the eye, and begging me for a few moments of glory.

Firstly: Blocking

This thing took up the whole of the teensy laundry space, so no room for stretching.

Cute stitch no?

Edge-a-licious!

Action shots!

Ttfn, got to get back to packing boxes. *sigh* the joys of moving!

adios

Hardy and co.

2008-11-09T02:46:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Hope you are well!

I'm trying to make an effort to post more often (doing this between cleaning atm). Thought I'd drop a line.

I received my package from the lovely srthnx for the No Sheep for you swap in Ravelry. Among the lovely things I received, I got a Quant head band (can't be bothered linking, look in knitty). Check this bag, all done up with snaps!

And stitch markers and chocolate. My partner is a lovely reminder of why I love to do swaps, I would never have picked to use sari yarn for me or anyone (yet I have three skeins in the stash... hmm) but my headband has already gotten loads of compliment and I'm hanging out for a chance to show off the clutch...the chocolates also went down a treat after a long day. What's not to love?

Also sending (and hopefully receiving) a tacky ornament in the tacky ornament swap in the Lazy, Stupid and Godless board in Ravelry. Will show as soon as I finish/receive something.

Meet my brand new pal, Hardy. I needed a (tax deductible WOO!) hard drive, mainly so I could move my pictures and start backing up my uni things. This 640 gig monster the biggest USB I've EVER had lol.

adios!

This post brought to you by...

2008-11-04T01:04:00.000-08:00

Jelly!

This is jelly I made from scratch (well, I didn't make my own gelatin, but aside from that...) from a 1950s recipe ages ago. Adding berries made it eating an experience that could only be described as ethereal.

I'm posting a picture of jelly for the following reasons:
1 - I have been making swap things and dodgy spinning, ergo - nothing to report
2 - Don't you just love my messy desktop?
3 - between uni and applying for jobs, I have honestly been too flat out to give a toss about much else.

adios!

Employers: Please employ me and pay me lots of money. I am friendly and nice and I'm over job hunting. Really.

baa

2008-10-26T03:03:00.000-07:00

Chez librarylass has been so flat out that I've not updated dear bloggy dear in nearly a month! Quell horreur!

Stupid assignments keeping me running *grumble grumble grumble*

look at pretty pictures of jelly and handspun!

mmm silk!

mmm merino silk!

baaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

adios!

Brain dead

2008-09-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I am safely back home and had a huge post with loads of pics mentally lined up. Then, yesterday I got a raging case of the flu. So, until I feel human again, here is a quick run through.

Perth is awesome, the shops close at 5pm on the dot (bleuch) but the free public transport system is great.
I saw (in no particular order):
- Lots of Perth river, some incredible ye olde architecture and the ever awesome London style alley right in the middle of the CBD,
- Museum, which I find overwhelmingly brilliant because there is a old style museum room complete with more taxidermied things than you shake the proverbial stick out. Also more old-style architecture with dinosaurs (witty captions/pics to come) and I also was there when a primary school group went through. Their squeals of delight (and for some, terror) when they saw the dinosaurs made things more fun.
- Kings Park, which is a beautiful spot, again, right near the CBD. A market was on, and to discover a plant with my last name on it was pretty cool.
- City Farm, an organic co-operative right beside a rail line was pretty fun. Also the odd person who talked to me on the free buses, where I learnt their opinions and pointed out local attractions was fun as fun can be.

Okay that's it for now, I'm going to bury my head in ice and hope this bastard flu goes away.

adios

Bleuch

2008-09-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Good news, since my last post (almost a month ago! GAH!) I have completed two assignments, which, by the end probably did a less than spectacular job on, but stuffit, over it!. I have also completed a few minor, rather secret projects, which, given how long it takes me to complete ANYTHING is a miracle in itself.

Also I've been on a sock yarn buying binge, which is really weird for someone who doesn't knit socks. However I'm convinced that the firestarter socks (Rav link) will be the ones that break me in. My theory being that I've started top down socks before and gotten bored/sick of teensy needles, toe up will stand a better chance because I can try on as I go, and also I happen to have aforementioned metric tonne of sock stash to choose from.

Onto some pretty pictures. Here is something I CAN show you.
Meet my teacosy. At present I am still tossing up names for this baby, either 'dready-ful tea cosy'. 'rainbow barf' or for the psychedelia that just won't quit 'duuuuuuude'. I'd also offer a prize for best name, but I ain't parting with my stash for nobody *eyes everyone suspiciously*

Look what mum found when she was doing a major bout of spring cleaning!

This is a tile I made in grade eight, On it is our previous cat, Coco (aka the most patient puss on the planet!,) music note, skirt and email. Nice to know that even in grade eight I was an email addict.

And finally, I'm off at sparrow fart to go to Perth tomorrow! I can't wait to spend a week on the other side of the continent, where I plan to meet the infamous Inoriz and her little girl, and check out the sights and sounds of the area. I simply cannot wait!

So, till at least next week, I bid thee adieu!

p.s. I'm planning to fly QANTAS on the way home, can you please send me non-burning food/safe travel vibes? I'd be ever so grateful! Might even be choccys in it for you ;)

The award for twit of the day goes to.....

2008-09-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

Me. Because I thought my camera was broken and that the flash had died, so I drove 40mins (1 hour round trip) to find out that someone (not me) had accidentally turned off the flash setting. As in, the lady at the repair place took wee camera to the fixing-up blokes, who turned it on and solved the problem in <2 seconds.

Ouchy embarrassed me. On the plus side though, there is $55 I don't have to pay!

adios

I may or may not be procrastinating...

2008-08-31T02:28:00.000-07:00

Okay I am actually procrastinating. Sadly, I have this horrible habit when I get stressed to dig my heels in and stick my head in the sand. You may discern that this isn't terribly conducive to getting said stressy things out of the road. I'm fighting it, but may or may not needs lots of caffeinated tea to survive the process.

Tea brings me to my next point, which is tea cosies, of which I have a need for, so today whilst I was pretending-not-to-procrastinate-while-I-actually-was I picked out a book I bought a while ago, Wild Tea Cosies Which is written by a Qld'er, and uses commercial and handspun stuff. Love! A bit of research (read: Stalking) and I've found her blog with various physics defying cosies and her flickr stream, which is also a nice slice of awesome. P.S. Loani, if you happen to be reading this stalkerish post, HI!!!!!. So now that

Fortunately I will be starting a crochet cosy soon, for devine providence has provided me with: nearly finishing a super secret project, much thanks to having to be a passenger to some looong car trips yesterday, and the magic combination of stashy handspun, the wild tea cosy book and a craving for teh crochet. I've also been frogging some wips lately, so yay! Cleaner conscience for me!

If you are wondering why I sound even more batty than usual, its because I've had faaar too much strong tea, which does have a tendency to make me a little nuts when confined to small spaces.

Finally, Big news. I am moving to Brisvegas next year. Mum got a much-wanted work transfer there, and unless I want to pay exhorbitant rent on what constitutes my wage, I'll need to move too. Which means major work on spiffing up my qualifications, and applying for jobs and doing two uni subjects whilst working full time. Not entirely sure I'll come out of this gig with my sanity intact, especially while I have the mum is nagging me over stuff, and while she's stressed she's no fun to live with, and while I'm stressed, I'm even less fun to live with. Prepare your bomb shelters people, this could get ugly.

adios for now!

Old and new

2008-08-25T02:19:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

Just a couple of pics from the weekend.

Old

Back story: this is the first hat I ever knitted when I first started knitting (my first knitting book: hip knits by Judith Schwartz, still an awesome book and still in my bookshelf). I'm guessing the yarn is acrylic, and the white stuff I know I found in an opshop. It doesn't cling to my head per say, but I did learn 'decorative decreases' (read: k2tog)

New:

On the school holidays, the only bloke in spinning guild decided to host a weaving workshop, having nothing better to do on the hols, I went. The weaving part was fun, the hauling around the loom part sucked (this thing was huge and lived in my car after I had done as much weaving as I could). This weekend, the bloke decided to show up for more thank 2 seconds, and patiently helped me take this scarf off the loom. Picture time! Look at the pretty colours! And the fact that it needs a bath to relax, and maybe a crocheted edging to cover my beginner's mistakes....

That's all for now!

Adios!

Tale of two hats and a meme

2008-08-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

I died in Sock wars, which is kinda cool because the pattern in question is a slouch hat. Now normally, I cannot pull of slouch hats to save myself (don't even go near berets, I just look like someone with a floppy plate on my head).

Because I died most of the way through making my hat, I sent the remaining thing onto the person who killed me. yada yada bla. I failed to take pictures of the hat in question, but imagine a black version of the one in the picture. Same yarn and everything... duuude

Also, I've been tagged by the infamous pixiefarts. So now the fun part is trying to think of someone to tag who might give it a shot. :D

I was tagged by pixiefarts
Thanks for the tag and here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking to them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they've been tagged

1. Tagged by pixiefarts
2. As above
3. I have an irrational fear of sharks. Which is stupid because I live on the Gold Coast which has awesome beaches.
I fear being really famous, something about a nightmare involving being a politician's wife or something.
I scare people with my randomness. Unless I'm with random people, which is just fun.
I love my tea like I love my perve objects: strong, sweet and hot. I also like to perve just as much as I love tea, but not nearly as frequently as I need tea.
I'm a grub. Albeit a grub who occasionally gets cleaning impulses
One day, I'll rule the world, Lord Vettinari style (for those not in the know, get thee to a library and borrow some Terry Pratchett. Entertaining fiction all the way)
When I get involved in a book, I REALLY get involved, to the detriment of the people around me. Ask mum how I reacted to the end of Jane Eyre! (SUCH a good book! And the end... aww the end!)

4. I hate tagging people.... but if i hate to!
I tag:
Jolene http://www.inoriz.com/
Lindsay http://craftandchaos.blogspot.com/
Tia http://blog.vintagegrrl.net/
5. DONE!

I know that's technically three people. But I loathe harassing people, so feel free to do this thing and give me a hola here so I can inspect your fine handiwork. :D

Adios for now!

And the race begins!

2008-08-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

Not the Olympics, although you could be easily fooled into thinking so. I'm referring to the Death by hat competition on Woolaholics. Well, the pattern is out I'm using my own black, handspun, which I fear isn't showing off the detail as satisfactorily as I'd like, (pics when my camera battery finishes charging), and as I know I'm going to run out, I hope I have something that makes gauge that shows the detail a little better. I'm also surprised. I normally loathe slouchy hats, as they just aren't 'me'. But this one, I think I could actually wear.

Tooroo! I'm off to knit some slouchy goodness, and attempt to 'kill' someone in the process. For those who think I'm off my rocker and want to know why I'd want to kill someone, check out the rules and how tos of hat wars here.

adios!

Irony is...

2008-08-01T03:54:00.000-07:00

Irony is:
Taking thirty seconds to cancel a mobile phone account (I thought the blasted thing had been nicked)
Taking two plus days (and counting) to get it switched back on again. I found it beside my bed, which is weird, because I had cleaned and vaccuumed around that area and still never saw it. Arg.

Stupidity is when you dump your armwarmers while trying to get into bed as quickly as possible (I love electric blankets) and wonder why you can't find one of the blasted things. A week later it turns up in some place you have been looking all the time. Wtf?

Hope everyone is well.

adios

Sorry I'm slack

2008-07-24T04:34:00.000-07:00

I'm full of snot. I have loads of pics! (feel free to peruse here - click here! For pics of baby livestock, purchases from Bendy wool and sheep show and gasp! A finished object! I dress that I made, love and took for freaking ever to finish!). Also, if anyone can give me some one on one time to help me learn to adequately sew in a zip, I may well become your slave for life.

Uni starts next week. Uni books plus bills plus head full of snot = fun week. On the bright side, I have clearly marked dates on my calendar for when assessments are due. Said dates have been duly handed onto Mum so she can build a really really strong bombshelter. Lord knows the heady combination of energy drink, stress and two assessments due the same day definitely disqualifies me from being human.

I'm tired, and full of goo that makes be sbeak fuddy. I hope you are all snuggled up with the cuddly pet of choice drinking far too much hot chocolate. Watching cute manly bums on tv. Or something amusing.

adios!

How to nearly treble your money

2008-07-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

This is a monetary scheme that almost cannot fail *coughs*

Step 1. Get spinning, or knitting or crafting.
2. Do lots of it, the more you practice the better
3. Get invited to put some entries in the local show. Find some of your first handspun (euch!) and some pretty stuff you finished recently. do the fancy presentation tricks and fork over $1.50 per entry. In my instance, two entries, = $3.
4. Win second prize in both categories. Guess the number of people in each category I entered (hint, the number before it is 1, and the number after it is 3).
5. Collect $8 prize money. Yay! Nearly treble the money I started with!

Here are the prize winning entries (I haz ribbons! I NEVER get ribbons!). On the
left, 'novelty yarn', why they call it novelty has me beat. I mean they are colourful yarn, not freaking eyelash or something. The one on the right is 'Novice yarn'. If in doubt, invoke the 'amateur rule'. Ie 'of course I couldn't win first prize in the Nobel Prize (when you come a close second) I'm an AMATEUR. Repeat until people tire. :D

(Hey the pics don't look dodgy when small!Must remember that!)

See. A sure-fire way to make zillions. Or not. :D

adios!

Baby has been a baaad baaad blogger!

2008-07-07T04:37:00.000-07:00

But I have been busy (not really, but I haven't been spending money either, which is a good thing.

Firstly, this blanket, I finished it about a week before my sister's birthday, which is this wed. (Happy birthday Darlin'!) We also won state of origin that night. Coincidence? I suspect not (GO THE MAROONS!)

I'm calling this 'the cowl that doesn't end' because it took for freaking ever to make. For what is essentially a strip of knitting (concession: linen stitch) and a freakishly weird looking buttonhole, it took a long time. But! It is bright orange handspun (badly spun, gah!) and rather warm. Though I still need a scarf or something for Bendy.

Which brings me to this:

I'm weaving! I did a workshop with spinners guild, and this is a nice mental challenge (especially with zig zagging twill, gah!). This is a four heddle (correct me weavers!) loom, which means you can do all sorts of cool things on it. At the moment I've very nearly finished my warp yarn, so hopefully I can find out how to finish the scarf on sat.

Also, I'm using stash yarn, kudos to moi!

Not perfect but I'm happy :D

See this headwarmer thingy? Very warm (I wear it all the time, finally! I can keep my head warm and have my hair up at the same time. And look cute. Duh!) I spun the yarn for that, which I entered an extra skein into the show and won me second prize! I also won second prize for novice yarn at the show. Yay! I win prizes for yarn!

That's all for now. :D

adios

Incoming holidays!

2008-06-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

Hey all! School holidays (and Bendigo!) are fast approaching and my sewing mojo just exploded last night. The list making part of my brain has officially gone haywire. Here are some of the things on my mind.

Holiday activities.
1. Organise room. Throw stuff out/Sell stuff (Have been getting itchy feet, I want/need to move out of home, must decrease amount of stuff to move.)
2. Buy Linen. New stuff in previously mum approved colours (I'm told that getting bright red or blue sheets will clash with my previously pale blue/dark pink sheets. Brown is in)
3. Feed the sewing mojo. I have a dress pattern that I've wanted to sew forever, a couple of skirt patterns that'd look great in heavy fabrics, and a nearby spotlight. *sigh*
4. Feed the embroidery mojo while it's perked up. Visit lovely lady from spinners guild who does incredible embroidery. Enjoy what can only be described as the best Indian food I have ever tasted. Which is great because it is the real deal.
5. Take said lovely spinners guild person to op-shops. Enjoy coffee, culture and traffic lights. Remember that despite the goodies on offer I don't actually need more knitting needles/cheap but vintage yarn/quirky vintage craft book.

Bendy plans.
1. Ask mum nicely for awesome qantas travel bag. :D
2. Search opshops/cheap places for bits and pieces.
3. Find warm things that don't take up space,
4. Tell new leather boots nice things to make them last forever.
5. Contemplate knitting project for bag.
6. Contemplate book for plane because I'm still too paranoid to take knitting needles in the regular part of the plane. Consider taking fibre to create the necessary fibre lust. Reject.
7. Repeat above until levels of insanity drive the cat nuts. :D

Okay, I'm hopped up on too much coffee and I need bed. Tooroo!

if you like Sundays and pretty colours

2008-06-09T03:31:00.001-07:00

Then this is the post for you!
First, I like sundays, and here is a poem I've found by Kate Middleton that is just lovely to reflect over, with a cup of tea of course!

Morning Sonnet

1. Today let's take the roof off -
let's ascend easier to God.
But
in the meantime

2. let's glance amorously across
the Sunday crosswords
while you

3. Pour tea decorously through
the teapot's trunk, and sit down
to finger an unusually austere Bach invention
and I

4. Sermonise on the merits of ribbons
and the pink of pink icing.

Kate Middleton

Get that literary goodness into you! Smothered in pink icing, on petit fours. Of course :D

It works! Now look at some fibery fun for old times sake. :D
From left to right:
1. Happy hippy on bobbin (now navajo plied and stunning!)
2. Details on sister's birthday blanket
3. More details
4. Pretty merino - QWSFA open day
5. Undyed Optim
6. Merino/Silk sliver
7. Handdyed Optim
8. Angora! (rabbit!)
9. Tussah silk
10. cotton fibre
11. Mulberry silk
12. Cherry's Ruff Stuff (her spelling not mine, cheap as chips, and rough! But check the colours!)

That is all I can think of for now. Thank heavens for upcoming holidays!

adios

In which purdiness is displayed..

2008-06-01T01:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I thought I'd never get to post! Academia has been keeping me on my toes, which is great if you like essay writing, sadly I hate making up word counts, but c'est la vie.

I have some long overdue pretties to show off, and when I can be bothered, to upload a stack of photos, a veritable tonne of fibre from the recent Queensland Spinners Weavers and Fibre Artists (QWSFA) open day last weekend.

Firstly though, thanks to the awesome Woolie Wombat for 22micron fibre she apparently promised me ages ago, but I really don't remember asking for. This stuff is so soft and is begging for splashes of colour. The staple length is long and makes me want to use it for a pillow so I snuggle in the sheepy goodness. mmmm

Two bags! Can you see why I think she's great (and the fact that she's teaching a group of us to knit lace... online, not even one on one contact. Gem!).

For more bragworthiness, look what I scored at my favourite newsagent!

By Alan Dart, the patterns are cute, and easy! I just love the fact that there are so many patterns in there, and uses for eyelash yarn! Beards, gotta love 'em :D For some reason, this just captures my imagination. I may even knit some of them. I'm not a toy person per se, but I think this book just about has me converted. :D

Thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions re: mitts. I discovered the biggest help was the most obvious. Seam the bloody things! Although that said, they could still use some elastic around the finger and the bottom ribbing. *sigh* Next time...

Non-crafty things, I have just received my highest ever mark for an assessment at uni, 75%! I'm absolutely stoked, as I usually only just manage to pass by the skin of my teeth. I love the subject, but essays well and truly suck. Eugh!

adios

Proper post

2008-05-17T03:42:00.000-07:00

As promised!

Hope everyone is well. Nice to be back :D

Lots of news!
1. You know how I had to reapply for my own job (bureacratic bullshit) well I got it. But now without some selection criteria, an interview (I become speedy gonzalez in interviews, if I spoke any faster, I'd fly!) and the official handshake from the Principal. :D

2. The assignment that was also keeping me nervous, finally nailed, less than 24hours before it was due. Terrifying and I was too slack to make a proper draft, show it to everyone in living memory and submit. With any luck, flying by the seat of my proverbial pants will pay off (or. erm.. not)

3. VintageGrrl has started dyeing fibre and offered her first batch up for grabs. The ice-cream flavoured Peppermint Choc Chip is now mine, ALL mine! And in the interests of free plugging, find her here and here

Also, a finished object! Well, not technically finished, I just need to seam it and but they look done because I've temporarily levelled up the seams up with safety pins (a happy, handy useful hint from spinning guild). The pattern from the latest knitty frankenknits. But they are warm, even though the ribbing at the bottom isn't grippy enough... Should I undo the cast on edge and make it tighter/add elastic? Opinions appreciated.

Anyway, with any luck there will be another post in about a week's time! YAY!

adios

long overdue update

2008-05-14T04:44:00.000-07:00

Coming on the weekend. I might even say something!

Just a quick, mini winge. The more I do my essay for uni, the more I come to loathe my job. By reading, simple, factual ethnographic essays (for the peops who have never heard of ethnography, I hadn't before this semester, ethnography is essentially people watching and reporting on the people. It's a huge part (aside from the paper based research part) of Anthropology). I never realised how so much patriarchy was in my workplace! No wonder I never get any work done, I'm too busy fending off attacks. Grr!!

Update on the weekend! That's a toasted toads promise (pick the author/series, I dare you!)

adios

BENDIGO

2008-04-22T02:57:00.000-07:00

I'M GOING TO BENDIGO! All booked, all set, just need my butt and certain knitted goods :D

Run run run

2008-04-20T01:05:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I have been insanely slack, and rather busy at the same time. The promised holy grail of broadband resulted in cleaning my room at 6am (ack!) and the blokes turning up to discover some telstra hub in next door's garden. They need to do some body corporate crud and sadly that means another 6am start (cruel and unusual torture) next week.

Good news! I am going to be at the Bendigo Wool and Sheep show (surrounded by lovely ravelry peops!) in the middle of winter. I need warm stuff, LOTS of warm stuff. So I have goals. Some of which include busting of stash! Firstly, I am 3/4 of the first armwarmer! Yum! using 4 balls of 100% wool stash. I even have a pic!

the colours are in a random assortment, whatever I felt like at the time, which means the twin will be fraternal. And just to prove that I really aim to bust, I have a recipe for striped 8ply socks around here.. will hopefully use the balls up for that too :D

my plan/needs for bendigo are:
armwarmers,
a warm, thick beanie. probably two.
neckwarmer

The goal is to get one thing done a week so that I can have plenty of breathing time and time for other projects, maybe need to make more socks.. just warm stuff!

Anyway, chat later!

If you don't see me

2008-04-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

It's because my job has been advertised. I am doing the running around thing, and weekends are the time I spend in my daggies doing paperwork. The knitting mojo is definitely starting to return, and hopefully will finish stuff soon.

Oh and this capped broadband has (finally) sent mum over the edge. For what slightly more than what we pay now for broadband, we'll be getting 11 gig more and a download speed that makes your neck hurt trying to look at it. Which means many more pics. Ooh yes! There shall be catness :D

ttfn!

so... many pics!!

2008-03-16T03:05:00.000-07:00

I have been hit by the spinning bug in a bad way, which is good, because my knitting mojo is recovering but still is ill. But mentally, I'm definitely been feeling better. A huge thanks to a random act of kindness received this week!

Like the pretty wheel? Thats a Chrissy/birthday pressie from my father, I've replaced the drive band with four ply, and she spins a treat!

adios for now!!

lackluster

2008-03-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

Apologies everyone, I have no less than two posts ready to zap into creation in my head, but time constraints and internet screwups have resulted in bloglessness.

And its about to get worse. But lets start with happy news.

Happy 1. I've been getting out of the house! I went to the spinner's guild on the weekend, got to try a different wheel and spin alpaca. LOTS of fun

Happy 2. Got to meet people in Bris doing the same uni subject as I am. Had a good 'ol winge at the lack of support services for external students, and had REALLY lovely chai at batavia.

Happy 3. The spinning again, I'm really getting into it, I love it and it is such a release.

Alas we hit the annoying/sad portion (you all knew it was coming)

Arg 1. Due to my procrastination and a certain seller named amazon, a uni book of mine won't be arriving until 2 days before an assignment that relies heavily on that book is due. I paid for express shipping and everything!

Arg 2. I have to do an industry placement of sorts for the archive subject. In fact the whole of the semester's work relies on said industry placement. The inability to find someone who does school hours on the coast, AND has archive qualifications is Nigh on impossible.

Arg 3. My job is due to be advertised and due to confusion and procrastination this RPL stuff has me stumped. Whats required from me by TAFE has me stumped. I feel royally screwed. In fact, I can feel the 'ol depression rearing its ugly head despite any sunny outlook on my part,

This weekend, I organise, I clean and I (hopefully not in vain) keep my sanity in one piece. Why oh why did I decide to do two subjects? I barely have the nous and the organisational skills for one!

Here, pretty pictures of spinning, to make my day, and maybe even your day.

- spun and plied!

more yarn on a cob!

Stage call for Fred Astaire, stage call for Fred Astaire...

2008-02-25T01:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the hot water heater carking it, the stairwell is now a tapdancer's delight! Those tack things are also a unique way of waking you up in the morning. Ouch!

The latest project? socks! Technically I only started these for s'n'b, but now I can't stop!

and I managed to spin non yarn barf! I can't believe it took trying a different fibre to produce said pretty single. That was a bobbin's worth (and the green leader) just need to spin the other bobbin and I

Any ravelers needing a really good laugh, you seriously can't go past the over the fence chat. I've made friends, and can no longer hold a straight face when mention of certain lollies are involved. Ideal time about 7pm EST. Prepare to laugh, lots. :D

adios

More yummy goods with pics

2008-02-11T01:36:00.000-08:00

Technically I am showing off goods/bought recently, so if you are anti brag, leave now. :D

Here is a gorgeous dress I discovered at vinnies. A hand embroidered dress! I really like it, except for the fact there are embroidered flowers right over the nips and the shaped like a tent. I can handle tent shaping and flowery nips, I just need shrugs, or wraps that cover the boobage and give me a waist. Its so unlike anything else I have, I just want to wear it constantly.

Back of perfect hand embroidery. How perfect can it get?

Here is a flower I made using the technique from Prudence Mapstone's book

The books are gorgeous, divine, but in the interests of laziness, I will post them later.

Night all!

random fun stuff

2008-02-06T03:33:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Firstly, I want to apologise to Diane, who pointed out in my last post that Rebekah actually has biblical origins and therefore not actually a silly name. Apologies.

Also, I have my camera back! Only took all school holidays lol. I have stuff I've been dying to show off. Like, best find at an op shop goes to:

I took a punt in getting this for mum, but she loves it. We have a ritual now of waiting for the ads to come on the tv and I read questions and she answers them. Lots of fun and frankly, I love the all the questions involving comic book characters. I would have loved being a geek during the era of the baby boomer. What's not to love? Marvel comics were booming with ideas, the green lantern, wonder woman, spiderman. Beam me up scotty!

Here is the blanket I've started with my sis in mind. I've always had it in my mind to make her a blanket and this one is growing at a rapid rate. Its also a stash buster which is useful as well. Being a granny blanket, its also been great tv work, and I find that a Tunisian crochet hook makes the whole shebang easier on my wrists. A pleasant surprise in the form of the intended recipient coming down on Friday night and going out for what could only be described as a heavenly middle eastern dinner at a local restaurant, ended the night nicely when I brought down the wip to keep sis and myself warm and to work on it. She likes it! She actually likes it!!

Here is a cross section, which I quite like, which shows off the colours quite succinctly. My idea for the finishing touches include a nice crochet trim. This is mainly for the purpose of improving my crochet skill than anything else, but I have set aside some lovely dark grey Bendigo which should provide a nice finishing touch.

That's all tonight. Hopefully I will successfully upload some pics of my recently received package from the awesome addicted2knitting on craftster, and what can only be described as a truly awesome dress (hand embroidered!) that I scored from vinnies. As we speak, I still cannot believe my luck.

A plea.

2008-01-29T01:53:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I write to you today for the sake of your children. I've been entering year eight's names in a database and I want to make a passionate plea. Therefore I wish to simply list some rules when naming your children so that they may avoid a life of bullying, and just plain terrible names.

1. Avoid creating 'unique' ways of spelling a common name. Names spelt 'Rebekah', 'Candi' or 'Beki' look cheap and tawdry, and don't give a good initial impression of either you or your child.
2. When naming your little darling, play with their full name (first and last) in the fashion that another small child would. Make fun of the name and see what savoury combinations you can make. If the names come too easily, reconsider the choice.
3. Virtues like Justice, Reality and Charity sound nice as a first name, but if you really want adults to look your wee sweety in the eye and not laugh, consider using said virtue as a middle name. It will no doubt come in handy as a pick up line later!

I hope this doesn't sound too harsh, but this (dull) yearly ritual often presents classic examples of what I presume is a terrible thing to do to a young adult...

adios for now

THe procrastination continues...

2008-01-27T23:57:00.001-08:00

Hola everyone!

Still without camera (still bugging me something chronic too.. I want to take pictuuuress.. now! Grrr).

So here is a roundup of the crafty stuff I have done:
- beanie, for step mother
- Wheel spun some (rather badly) superwash fibre (can't remember if it's merino or just wool)
- Made a skirt using an easy peasy burda pattern. Planning to embellish/alter the next skirt I make with that pattern.
- learnt to make hairpin lace
- started a giant rectangel granny blanket for the sis. I think this will be done in time for her birthday, and I want to do a nice trim around the edges.
- Started the webs scarf from interweave knits using some handdyed cashmere (ooh the heaven!)
- Started a scarf using abovementioned handspun for father. Am thinking I will frog it, ply it/respin and see if I can get enough yardage/consistency for a hat.

Am thinking the next granny blanket I do will be a ripple blanket for myself. I'm also halfway through an art book cover for my swap partner in the reading rainbow swap on craftster (another reason I need a camera asap). I am utterly in love with what I've done so far, even if the colour scheme is not something I'd normally go for. I've pinned it down, and now need to start sewing those sections down. The final work is going to be a veritable masterpiece.

Also back at school, which is fun, and dealing with computer problems, which is less so. The new teacher librarian is ahem.. more teacher less librarian (for all teacher librarians looking for a job, there seems to be a shortage of such on the Coast. Do yourself a favour, get familiar with ALICE/Oliver, and get thee here!) which means I get to be a trainer of sorts. Fun, and time consuming. Time will tell.

Finally, I am doing the cheesy 'pass it on' thing that has been going around. I will make three people something in the next six months. All you have to do is leave a comment expressing interest in the comments and promise to make something for three people on your blog/Livejournal/whatever floats your boat.

adios for now!

How terribly Austen!

2008-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

I was bored this morning and came across this very cute test, especially with reading Persuasion and still reading Emma. Nothing like a practical personality!

Take the Quiz here!

Also, it looks like I'll be getting my camera back on Australia day, YAY!

Adios!

Funny funny funny

2008-01-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I STILL don't have my camera back, but shock of all shocks, have one FO (blocking as we speak) and some pretty in progress pics to share. I will also be receiving a few lovely things in the mail, courtesy of all these online aussie yarn retailers having sales that got me parting with my $$ rather quickly lol.

The past few days have also been rather amusing, with the onerous task of cleaning up my grandfather's vast and expansive library. (Since being in a high care home for Alzheimers doesn't free up a lot of time for housework). Ten boxes of varying size later and the task is about halfway done. After some really interesting discoveries in the collection, it does make me wonder... What does your bookshelf say about you?

I wonder because amongst the copious quantities of golf books (seriously, how many golf books does one man need?), to books on economic reform and Russian politics (These were in perfect nic, why buy them if you don't need the sleeping tablet?) there were some books that indicated a less than perfect marriage. Soft porn, hidden behind the old school magazines and 'how to please your wife' manuals right under the books on pet care. Funny no? I'm still cracking up with laughter. One dirty old man to go thanks.

Another ironic thing in the collection? No less than two manuals on 'improving your memory'. Icing on the cake. :D

Take care, sleep in and try not to laugh too much.

adios!

I guess I'm not much of a holiday person

2008-01-03T05:09:00.000-08:00

And before I get berated/harassed for lacking spirit of any festive kind, its mainly because at Christmas I get constantly reminded that I'm an introvert, and exceptionally talented at leaving my past (read: people) behind. In other words, I lack friends (much less people I'd drive an hour out of my way for) in the real world.

What has this to do with the festive season? The fact that I'm spending a lot of time, at home reminds me of one of the integral reasons why I love to go to work. People.

To stave off boredom (and kilos) I've gone and gotten a gym membership. The body balance is fun (legalised torture meets easy listening music) and learning to use a treadmill also a new experience. (Now I see why I want an ipod. Walking straight ahead watching/listening to pithy music videos isn't that interesting)

This isn't a pithy wingeing thing. Just an update, a hola, if you will.

Everyone has resolutions. I've been trying to avoid the resolution bug, but alas, there are some things I want to do. With measurable results. Arg.

- Get organised, in fact get so organised that I can tell you what I'm doing at what time in a month's time. This being rather necessary for study, of which I'm doing two subjects and full time work. This is also why I have stockpiled tea (survival!).
- save money for pending move end of semester/year. This will work very well with me studying my butt off.
- Try new things in the craft world. I MUST get around to trying canvas work on my plastic canvas...

That's it. Between trying to plan my life weeks in advance and blessing stockinette for the boring bliss that it is, I will be swamped.

And enjoying work. Now if they would only pay more... lol

adios for now!

Squee!!!

2007-12-10T03:11:00.000-08:00

Two bits of news has resulted in the above title.
Firstly. I finished everything. Now it is in the unmentionable bureacratic people's hands.

Secondly, I have just received emails from the two lovely yarn shops I didn't mention make it your own (who has an ad in yarn mag) who have both sent my various woolly packages my way. So in a couple of days time... I will be sneaking fiber into the house (SO worth it lol)

Pictures when everything arrives. How exciting!!!

adios!

so close I can taste it

2007-12-09T02:49:00.000-08:00

Everyone, I'm on the finishing streak...just a couple more hours of spouting words like I know what I'm saying, then sending the blasted thing in. Which is good, because the spinning fairy has been chatting to me, and she has a seductive voice and she smells like sheep.

I've also been spending big, mostly for my swap partner, but then... temptation strikes and I inevitably buy a wee something for myself too... Take Ewe Give Me The Knits. Wonderful store, and within twenty minutes of looking around I placed an order...lots of roving my way (hence the need to spin the stuff I have!).

Beginning to wind up my stuff for the tea cosy swap as well.. it's mainly finishing details now, plus some sewing. Then the postal orders to arrive, and one swap partner will (hopefully) be very very happy.

Can't wait for holidays!!! Starting this friday, some sleeping in, spinning and general abrogation of 'adult' status type authority. Squee!!!!

adios!

p.s. No photos this week. My internet connection has it out for me, with the slow download and periodic stopping. For no apparent reason. ARG!

Nearly there...

2007-12-03T01:59:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, another week, another abandoned blog. I'm nearly there, three RPLs (Recognition of Prior Learning) saying the same thing over and over (ARG! How can people write these for a living and NOT injure innocent bystanders?) and Two assignments (one almost done) to go.

And dodgy internet. Another ARG if you will.

But I'm nearly there... and next weekend, I will be FREEE!!!!!!!! Hopefully I will attempt to upload photos throughout this week as well....

Take care, remember vouchers are equally good substitute for gifts, and eat your greens (and take your own advice.. arg)

adios!

p.s Thank you for the supportive comments, works a treat to make a gal feel better...

Still knackered

2007-11-25T04:04:00.000-08:00

Still procrastinating. This week, I keep promising... it would help if this work wasn't a load of pretentious crap to begin with. Arg. To be fair, I have gotten a little crafting done. And (all things actually go to plan and I stop being slack) I might even get some sewing done next weekend. MUST. GET. WORKING.... later.

YOu view the internal struggles within.

Also! Link of the day, its being making the rounds

Free Rice The site says that for every question you get right, you donate ten grains of rice. This sounds like those annoying forwarded emails you get, but the word game is fun. That and trying to get a higher score. I tell you, its the American spelling, and some of the words with slightly inaccurate counterparts that get me... or it could be sour grapes. YOU DECIDE!

Yech, back to the hard slog. Besides, how precisely do you demonstrate to complete strangers that you have '3.2 Ongoing planning and implementation are conducted to ensure that effective workplace relationships are developed and maintained.'

Complete, utter crap.

adios!

I meant to do my work today...

2007-11-18T02:23:00.000-08:00

Arg! Sorry about lack of posts, I've been desperately trying to finish off some bureaucratic crud asap. Sadly, the internet, and an extreme reluctance to finish the blasted stuff (innate stubbornness NOT helping!) has resulted in some pretty fun exploration of the internet. (blame etsy, ravelry and bloglines respectively). So the perfect tribute? This poem! (The first line, is, as far as I know, also the title. Very nifty!)

I meant to do my work today -
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went signing over the land
Tossing the grasses to and fro,
And a rainbow held out its shining hand -
So what else could I do but laugh and go?

Richard Le Galliene

adios for now!

p.s. I went to a shindig up in the Q1 (also known as the Gold Coast's largest Phallic symbol) and took a stack of photos, that actually worked, you can see schoolies partying on the beach and everything! But later, always later!

Sorry miss, my wrists are sore

2007-11-13T02:08:00.000-08:00

Your wrists would be sore too if startitis (and a less than healthy serving of nerves) got your butt working on the ribbed cardigan from Jo Sharp's latest book. 214 stitches on circulars, 7.5 cms of knitting, 3.25 mm needle, thats a lot of stitches (now being used as reward knitting so I may have more incentive to complete my tea cosy swap items)

Couldn't help but chuck in a couple of shots, dare I say they would have been loads better if I had been bothered to takes pics in daylight. I must confess I'm easily amused by the oversaturation (that led to frustration that led to the discovery of the 'snow shot' setting... perfect! A camera setting designed to deal with oversaturated colour!) Also the cotton is shiny, and suprisingly, not too splitty.

While the title is definitely in the mind of a school student, can I please have a mini rant about everyone bitching about younger people? I mean, the way people carry on about how horrible every teenager is, you'd think they would all be sex-obsessed, drug-addicted criminals. Not the case. The fact that year ten boys would rather play football than study English is perfectly healthy (a relentless moan by a former teacher no less), I mean they're boys! They like a bit of violence with their ball sports, they want to emulate heroes who are built like the proverbial shit houses, and unless you can create an activity that will drag their attention away from their sport for more than five minutes at a stretch, you will struggle. Shouting won't help. Manipulative mind games and clever tactics will. Distracted easily? yes. Criminals? I think not.

In short, let me say this. MOST teenagers are a perfectly nice, if slightly zany group of individuals, given the pressures your average adolescent has to survive before becoming a fully fledged adult probably exceeds what you had to deal with. The fact that the suicide rate is highest in year twelve boys speaks for itself. Not to mention that a shiteload of teens have to deal with dodgy backgrounds, peer pressure, and worst yet, societal pressures. Before you unload a mouthful of hate about how useless teenagers are, consider: what were the older generations saying about YOU when you were growing up? Did you stoop to societal pressures and become a layabout loser? I doubt it. The cane is not the solution, no matter how effective you claim it to be. Don't class everyone in the same group simply because you hear that some brats did '___' bad thing. *end rant*

Sorry about that guys, but seriously, this young people bashing thing sucks.

Adios!

Hola!

2007-11-06T03:29:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay. It is amazing how one stressed uni student (sister) can so persistently hog the net. And slow the connection down (freaking broadband should NOT EVER EVER be capped. Arg.) So that put the blog in the back seat.

First things first, I got my spindle! Word of advice? If you are thinking about going through the spindlemaker to get your spindle, I totally recommend him. ENABLER alert!

Apologies for the blurry shot, needless to say, its hard trying to take a pic of your spindle and take a photograph at the same time.

Naturally, having gone nuts using the ebay mysterious fiber, I've moved on the Corriedale (comes with free sheep smell, yum)

Look anyone who has ever wanted to shout 'look, mum!' here is my second ever handspun, see I'm getting consistent and skinnier! (this stuff is destined for the dye pot and one custom cup warmer to go thanks)

Also I went to the craft and quilt show, (is it nearly a fortnight since I last blogged? yeesh!) and not only did I manage to stay within budget (a scary enough thought in its own right) but left with a veritable armload of fat quarters and an invitation to join the bookbinders guild (I'm going to the next meeting, those people talked the talk and I really want to create my own books!)

Here is a good sample of what I bought, including Japanese fabrics! I can see why these are so sought after, so pretty! Need to think of something really nice to make from these...

- Japanese

- Teapots! Adding to my growing collection of teapot themed fabric...

This seems to nicely represent a good cross section of my new fabric! Decisions are yet to be made as to what exotic things shall be made out of them..

Okay everyone, I'm knackered, after working a full day with possibly the most useless human being on the face of the planet, I'm ready to go to bed.

adios!

Because life was never meant to make sense... teapot.

2007-10-28T03:39:00.000-07:00

Okay I have been ripping and reripping a teacosy for my partner in the tea cosy swap who shall remain anon. However to help the person who is making lovely things for me, well

I didn't actually buy these for comparison, I was cooking, but damn that chocolate looks tasty. :D

adios

Freely flowing FO's.

2007-10-23T04:12:00.000-07:00

Or one, but did I get you hooked? Did I? huh? huh? Okay I actually have one finished object, and that's been my tv crochet/stash-busting for the past few months. Anyway its an oversized granny square and the plan was to make it huge for yours truly. Well my conscience got in the way when I heard that my grandfather with Alzheimers disease kind of needed something that size.

Actually this photo is when its nearly done, but you get an idea of the size, about 1 metre squared. Oh and just because, I wanted picots. I mean haven't you ever just wanted picots?

And just for laughs, trying to chain stitch said grandfather's name onto the blanket. Double points if you get his name right. lol.

Anyway hopefully tomorrow I will get a teacosy picture up.

So for now... adios!

My post for the week

2007-10-18T04:41:00.001-07:00

Sorry everyone, at the moment I seem to be averaging about one post a week, mainly because I am so damn TIRED. Arg, anyway, in the crafting realms, my mind has mainly been on sewing clothes, I've suddenly got a huge urge to make pleats and light dresses. For a long time, I've also always wanted a tie skirt. and while the blasted thing has taken me seemingly forever (unpicking about 13 ties happens to be not nearly as exciting as it sounds) a few measuring and hemming mishaps, I present: The tie skirt, lovingly modelled by my dress-form. I must confess, the skirt isn't QUITE complete, with having to hem (read: hemming tape and a nice hot iron) to keep the raw edges at bay. A bit shorter that I'd like it to be (just above knee height) but I like the colours, lots of deep blue with just a random red tie to keep things interesting. It also meets my one criteria for a skirt - its swishy, if it swishes, its a definite part of the wardrobe. Also I have enough basted tie remnants to make a matching bag.... eventually.

All in all, another opshop success!

Tomorrow, I'm planning a nice photo session of the current WIPS (That I'm admitting) and a blanket for my grandfather. (mmm granny squares!)

adios!

Bag lady

2007-10-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Having just been on school holidays (an earnt perk) I was all psyched to post a thousand things and... nothing, I slept, caught up with friends and more sleeping, discovered a book exchange, and stocked up (read: hoarded) enough fabric supplies to keep me going for a while. :D

I do want to show the new love of my life though, undoubtedly the best anything I've made to day, and its a McCalls pattern, and took me the better part of 24 hours to do, but I do so love it!

Ooh! so roomy!

The best part of this bag to prove that I'm chea- 'environmentally conscious' is the fact that everything (bar the pattern) is made from thrifted materials! Total cost (again barring the pattern) $9! With enough fabric to make other things!

So nice to finally post this thing! This post alone has been in draft for about a week... slack, tired, all of the above, arg.

adios!

This blog proudly brought to you by...

2007-09-27T02:59:00.000-07:00

Fluffy thing on a stick. This happens to be my favourite thing at present, because it makes EVERYONE happy! Fluffy thing on a stick should really be called 'feathers on a stick' but lacks the same appeal. My cat seems to be enamoured with this item, and I can testify that simply someone waving the thing gives you an insane urge to bat the thing around.

Now onto other exciting things, namely BOXERS! See, I have a love affair with fat quarters, those cheap bits of fabric with patterns that would be far too costly to buy by the metre. This idea has been gestating in my head for a while so it was the best fun carrying it out. In the end I hacked down the waistline to something more 'me appropriate'.
Cats on front (even the patterns are the right way! w00t!)

On the back.. flamingos!!!! There is something about flamingos that just crack me up. Surely they seem like nature's idea of a good laugh? Especially in fabric form lol.

I absolutely love these! Except for where I underestimated the length (needs to be about 10cm longer) They are insanely comfy, and the sis may yet request a some for Christmas.

Adios!

You spin me right round baby

2007-09-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

Another tale of excitement from the weekend (it was a VERY good weekend). I learnt to spin from the lovely Karen. She had some raw sheep (mmm sheep smell) and started me off with a newly requisition wire coathanger and some fleece she had. Learning about tension, staple length and everything was quite an experience... but so fun! Anyway here are some pics..

- artsy shot, it was originally a mistake, but the more I look at the fibres, the more I love it.

Here are a couple of supplies Karen sold me (thank heavens for the spinner's guild!!)
I'm practising so I can spin this nice and finely, I just love the colour. I'm also considering buying a spindle from this guy, as I'd like to have a nice fancy spindle to spin nice stuff on. Did I mention that I'm hooked? I love the challenge, and I've suprised myself with how much I love the deep, musky sheep smell.
- See? Sheepy crimps and everything!

There is a new Stitch'n'bitch that has rather coughing into existence on Ravelry. Called the knittee committee, there have been a couple of meetings, and still trying to find a location that is good for everyone. Clearly its not on the Coast. The next one looks to be at threads and more in Sherwood...if I can get there and NOT get lost. (big IF people) also, this happens to be this yarn store (with not terribly well informed people so I hear), on the holidays. What are the chances that I'll leave with money? Not terribly good stakes sadly.

Anyway, adios for now, and Viva la School Holidays! Sleep in! Not deal with rampant teenagers for two weeks! Whoop!

adios!

Be my dummy, dummy!

2007-09-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

I'm knackered. It has been a really fun weekend, but all this exercise (read: walking) and cleaning and reorganising has me bushed.

So for the general amusement of everyone, I wish to show off a few things. Firstly, my new dressmaker's doll! I've not configured her to my measurements, mainly due to the fact that I don't really want to measure myself. That said, I have this insane urge to take her to a bbq and make silly cracks like 'don't offer her another drink love, she's legless as it is!' or 'She can't hurt you, she's 'armless!'.

See? Everything is looking good! Once I get some more bookshelves there will be more space. The downside is that I can see at a glance that I have too much yarn. Rats.

Anyway, happy 100th post to me! I can't believe I'm still posting (and boring countless invisible friends) bored silly!

Night for now,

Adios

p.s Ravelry people, get thee to the discussion titled 'pet peektures' and prepare to go 'awwwwe'. Really, true cuteness. :D

imposed hiatus

2007-09-07T04:33:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, sorry for being rather... absent. I've been procrastinating, which when things start biting you on the bum, is really not as fun as it sounds. Also my internet has run out of download speed, which makes this thing slower than any dial-up going. However, looking at the bright side of life is the way to do things these days (and MUCH more understandable that 'rap music' whatever it may be. :P

So without more procrastination (you'd think I'd learn, ARG) quite a few things have happened last week. Let the timeline begin.

Friday - public holiday, I baked. Triple choc muffins and ANZAC slice. They were gifted to my sis and her flatmate, where I hear they are being enjoyed *enter ego boost here*.

Wednesday, I picked up a package from the post office, voila! One swap package!

Check this apron, fabric from my wists, is it not the cutest fabric ever???? Apologies for the shot, I'd just gotten home from work and looked/felt like a frump. A very tired frump at that.

anyway enough for now...

adios

:D

pfffffffffffffffffffffffftttt

2007-09-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

I must confess I've been rather lax in the crafty department as of late. I'm recovering from post-postal-syndrome - the shock you receive when you find out it is going to cost you $40 to send a package to the US. On the bright side, I should be receiving a package from the US, which will mean LOLLIES! And totally cool crafted stuff. Never forget the totally cool crafted stuff.

As for the weekend that just went, I went to a family friend's place for a truly AWESOME Riverfest. For those not in the know, Riverfest is basically a one night celebration where the river is celebrated for the important role in play's in Brisbane. Known for some pretty awesome fireworks and the spectacular fly overs/fuel dumps by the F111s - Airforce planes making a big orange streak across the sky as they burn some serious petrol. Now THATS tax payer funded fun!

Had a beautiful breakfast with my sister and my mum this morning at some lovely cafe in West End, Brisbane, and have come to a decision. In the interests of curing 'the University Blues' I am going to start sending random fun things to the sis (she never reads the blog, so its all a suprise). But my question to you lovely invisibles out there.... What can I send relatively cheaply, that would make a stressed person's day? Think about when you were in Uni/TAFE/Educational institution of choice, what would have REALLY made your day????

Adios!!!

Funniest thing ever

2007-08-29T03:16:00.000-07:00

For fiber lovers...How to shear a cat. My ribs are still sore from reading this.

Enjoy!

Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet?

2007-08-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

One wonders, that said, would you really trust a plant called 'ickleberry'? Methinks not. Anyway, the rose thing comes up because I want to brag endlessly about the rose I embroidered for jane_feebles. She wanted me to keep it a suprise, but because I am 99.999(recurring)% sure that she won't come here on purpose, here it is!

It is a sublime stitching iron on transfer (those things are wonderful!)

And for some more proudness... here is the back.. see, it looks neat!

word of the week : ergo.

adios lol

Beautiful things

2007-08-22T02:50:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! Hope you are well...I see the rain clearing, and I tell you, I just want to keep it here! Instant 5 year old, just take away rain.

Just found some stuff that is definitely on a 'need to share' basis.

First things first. Human tetris. Tetris with humans. Its not what I expected.
Here Courtesy of Crumpart - I don't have sound on my computer, I can only imagine how funny this clip is with sound.

Secondly, onto the beautiful section of the segment.

Is this not the most breathtaking quilt ever? (note, picture is linked and SHOULD take you directly to Allie's in Stitches - Allie being the incredibly talented person who created this piece. Hopefully I've hyperlinked this baby to give due recognition/admiration.

Have a good one everyone!

The race is on...

2007-08-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

To get my swap items finished... I'm about halfway through my first quilting project every, and my machine just up and died. Rats. Cleaning doesn't seem to fix it, kind words don't seem to fix it, playing with all the bits and pieces until I'm well and truly OVER playing with bits and pieces. ARG!!!! Two things (three if you counted a cushion cover which was borderline being shelved anyway. Oh and I made bias binding with my clover tooly thing that makes bias binding. Nothing makes your ego float than something doing what it is supposed to be doing without complaint. Take note sewing machine...

Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying this rain (I love rain, except for driving in it... and with 4wds on the road. I'm sorry, but I loathe 4wds, and thinking about how much they pay to fill up at the bowser doesn't make it much better either. Much hehe)

Anyway that's all for one night. Aside from the sewing machine thing... I have a swap package!!!

Adios!

Clarence the postman gets stalked

2007-08-16T03:14:00.000-07:00

What a busy couple of days it has been! Yesterday I went for some professional development (which can be a perk or a pain, depending on the food) and learnt some interesting things, one of the coolest being that the motivational speaker, (hilarious woman, cracked everyone up) was the voice of Blinky Bill! The fact that I still know all the words to the Blinky Bill song is clearly testament to the fact that I never, in fact, grew up.

Then there was today, which, while I was doing lots of running around (good) some rather misguided people decided to emblazon the school with some... considerably tasteless decoration. But the important thing was that I was running around, feeling important, emboldened by my tea. Got home, having done a good day's work, and found this in the mail, sent by the wonderful Craft and Chaos

Check the fused glass pendant! She actually MADE that which is *trying to find right adjective involving, clever and cool*. See the bookmark? Hand embroidered and WAY better than using receipts / leaving the book flat on its face. The book and postcard are two little extras which she put in for fun. Clockwork Orange fits in perfectly with my goal to read a stack of classics. (consider: an arts degree without the HECs and assignments).

I have also been rather creative. Last weekend, my first shift volunteering at the opshop I SO love to frequent, I found these utterly adorable cocktail napkins and glass base cosy set thing. (You slip these things on the bottom of your wineglass, and its like a coaster that goes with you). Because these would ultimately wing their way to the US, and given that the whole point of the swap was handmade stuff, I attempted some SRE (silk ribbon embroidery) on the corners of the cocktail napkins. For a first timer, I quite like them, so cross fingers she does too..
(note those cute little flowers were done by someone else's machine, the roses? All mine.) I got the tute for the SRE roses way back in the archives on here,

basically just winged it. I'm hoping to have as many craft things as cooking books. Does anyone else have an addiction to cooking magazines? For some reason I do, despite the fact that I'm usually too tired at the end of the day to actually make something.

Last but not least (sorry people with slow internet connections!) I thought I'd have a light, easy project that would also be a stashbuster. Meet Granny Squared!
I used ALL my bulky yarn for this, figured that 9mm would be a good middle sized hook, and just went for it. Actually I've done a heap more since this picture (this afternoon!) and if I finish it, it will be a blanket done in just under a week. SWEET!

Also I found this stashbusting game on the crochetville forum. The rules (from what I understand) are thus: Every skein used, +2 points, every ball +1. For every skein bought, -2points, every ball bought, received or inherited -1. I think you start off with -how many skeins/balls you have in your stash. The reward? no stash so you may fill 'er up again! Although this was used on a crochet forum, I'd be interested to see what all crafty peeps can do with their excess supplies (like excess supplies is ever a bad thing! It just means you'll never be bored!)

anyway that is indeed all for now (what a post!)

adios!

duuuuuuuuuuuuudee

2007-08-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

Want a sense of the world's impending doom? Check out this link! Go to the NOW section and find out how many people are getting born and dying this very minute!

Just had to share :D

Hmmm

2007-08-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

As the usual, I can't think of anything remotely intelligent to title the latest blog post, and I would have posted sooner if the broadband hadn't been as embarrassingly slow as it has in the last week. I have however, finally uploaded pics to share

Revel in my garterlac-ness! Actually I've yet to use it, but I tell you know, this baby is SOFT!

Now this is a wee swap spoiler but I have two of these for my wonderful swap partner. just a simple washcloth cotton square (30st x whatever looks good)

Other news, I am entering the gold coast show! I may well be the only person turning up, and I am entering the pincushion section. It looks like a low commitment project, and I would love to start entering shows, for fun. Oh and if I win the Gold Coast Show, I might put my winnings (all $8 of it) into something worthy, like yarn, :D

adios!

So long and thanks for all the fish

2007-08-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

Apologies, couldn't think of a better title, and for some reason that song popped into my head. I've been busy, and I've taken photos, I've just not had time to upload said pics. Firstly, I thought I could learn some new skills, so I tried the garterlac washcloth from here using Anchor Magicline, which at $2 for a 50gm ball makes me not entirely sure if I have had value for money.. but anyway, now that I can entrelac, I'm ready for anything!

Which moves me onto my next point. My weekend, was, despite promises, not as social as I'd hoped. Never fear, I got the swap partners up and running for the Kitchen, recipe and accessories swap. A hint, never assing swap partners before breakfast, although I suspect I am not alone in my mistakes. Between sending people their own information, to sending people information to which they didn't need (err.. whoops) to assigning someone (and this is my big mistake) someone with a cat allergy to someone who doesn't have a cat allergy. Never fear though, now the inboxes are safe to roam, I can't help but eye this swap off. Seriusly, sign now until August twentieth and send out earlier october. All swap obligations should/will be finished by then, and I like tea... eeny meeny minie moe... arg

Now to the brainstorming.. I've had some fun ideas for this swap, and in my mind, I'm two projects down. The unfortunate side effect is that now I really want to knit a hallowig, which might be cute until we are talking a 70's theme here. Even in 70's colours, is a hallowig 'in with the theme'? I wish to know... alas. 3

adios for now...

f**k

2007-08-02T04:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've not been terrible postworthy as of late. Firstly, I'm tired, and I have no idea why. Secondly, I've been doing more driving that crafting, which both sucks and is sad, and thirdly, who knew this swap thing could be so much work?

This week has not been my best. Hence the (rather appropriate) title. Why?
- Had a wee accident, on friday, in peak hour traffic. I've not been in an accident before, much less one where I was the guilty party.
- Not having been in an accident before, and being rather shaken (not stirred)it took a rather reassuring phone call from the insurance agency to realise that I should have received her details as well as forking over mine. The hour of the fool. Arg
- various small things throughout the week, that although minor, are annoying. But they add up.
- Not hearing from said accident victim for five days and then getting a hand delivered letter in the mail, with an insane repair bill and a kind reminder to get going or face the wrong end of a solicitor. Shaken, stirred, twisted, befuddled. All of the above.

On the bright side of life
- I never thought I would say this, but my insurance agency was fantastic, made light conversation even though I was rattled, and reassured me that I wasn't paying for the girl's repairs. Plus the guy who inspected my car for damage was wonderful (I secretly suspected that he liked me, I mean me = damsel in distress, him = manly man, giving kind placating words, ego boost for all involved.)
- I'm starting my volunteering at the op shop next saturday, and I REALLY can't wait. I think it will be super fun. Walking distance from home, people I click with, plus conscience is clear for another week, (cheaper than church, and more accommodating)

Anyway, I have been making progress on the garterlac washcloth. Pics this weekend.

And to leave you, a definition from my favourite king of all things sarcastic Ambrose Bierce and his 'Devil's Dictionary'

Dictionary - a malevolent literary device for cramping the growth of a language and making it hard and inelastic.

adios!

Fun stuff

2007-07-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, hope you had a good weekend! Anyway I apologise for the absence of pics lately. I think I have lost some knitting mojo, which will come back with the kitchen, recipe and accessories swap (hosted by yours truly) . My hexagon blanket however is growing nicely.
I made some mandarin jam. A fellow co-worker offered a stack of fresh tiny mandarins, thanks to the fact that he has more than he needs. I like mandarins, but not a big fan of peeling tiny ones. So I made jam.

I think (in retrospect) that it needed a few minutes longer cooking. It's sticky, but not as clumpy together. But tastes mega yummy.I used this recipe, except I quartered the fruit then peeled them, and used the lot in one hit. Makes 2.5 smaller bottles. uh... Anyone want a bottle?

Also tried the infamous garterlac. I need to frog a section, but so far, so good. Wish me luck!

Also signed up at my second home, the opshop for Saturday shifts. They need someone from 9-1 on saturday, and me, figuring I'd be getting my hands on the best stuff, earlier, signed on. Starting in a couple of weeks, I can't wait!

adios!

ooh ooh! I get to be busy!

2007-07-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

For lack of creative impetus, (I REALLY haven't been doing much.. finished another strip on my fugly hexagon granny blanket) I have been rather madly signing up for things.

Lets see, co-organiser for the embroidery round robin (on that apron I posted earlier)
organiser of a kitchen swap
and participant of a 'shop your swap' thing. Aussies only (go cheap postage!) So hopefully I'll start posting interesting things soon. mmmm knitted dishcloths.

Nothing colourful If I get enthusiastic I may even post a pic of the fugly blanket. Oh how I love that blanket. Another stashbuster, but using lots of bright orange I had in my stash. And green. ooh yeah

proof of production

2007-07-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

I love alliteration, don't you? In the absence of thinking (I'm still knackered from last night - went out till midnight, talked to a really interesting Croatian cab driver. Highlight was definitely the taxi driver, I just love new cultures!). However, as per little mademoiselle's request for an ipod cosy, and need of a challenge, I spent the better part of friday night playing with this one. Her request for the cosy was -
A) - that it have fuzzy things on it
B) - that if has googly eyes
C) - that it actually fit her ipod (a given really)

First - the front

The eyes and fuzzy things aren't where I would put them (on the flap with a maybe embroidered mouth - for a face of sorts) - but its not my cosy yada yada yada. I was kind of aiming for a seventies shagpile look.... did I succeed?

Here's the back. Those bee buttons make me smile every time I see them.

Thats all for now folks

adios

At the end of the day...

2007-07-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Lordy lord lord am I tired! And what a week, from nearly getting the cold to starting to deal with the financial ramifications of the car. On the plus side, I have a car! and She's cheap to fill her up (no name yet), plus, thanks to the radio not working, I am really catching up on the audiotape thing. Dr Zhivago anyone? (I heartily do no recommend it. Its all names. I'm near the end of the last tape and I'm finally picking up a plot.

Things I've been upto? Not much really, been playing around on ravelry, trying to decide what to do with my two skeins of Noro(it's the only big brand I own, and am likely to get for some time. So Noro Noro Noro Noro Noro Noro. Much better)

On crafty things, I've nearly finished the grooviest ipod cosy yet. Its loopy, its for the sis and it will have googly eyes and weird fluffy pompoms. If she doesn't go nuts, I may well never be knitting her cozies (read: beanies) for ever again. GRRR

How is everyone else going? Ready for some serious sleeping in and walking (I need a good dose of both)

adios!

err... wow?

2007-07-16T02:18:00.000-07:00

So this weekend went in an absolute blur, but it was a blur doing things I love - ie sewing. Now Maestro I ain't, but I managed to start and finish an apron. I discovered the magazine 'adorn' the other day - the buttons grabbed me. What a freaking awesome magazine! I wanted to make a skirt too (with appliqué pockets!) but sadly the op-shop fabric I bought was covered with paint. Who uses fabric as a drop sheet for crying out loud?

Anyway -

I added the pockets. Just the right size for crafty things! I'm planning to send this in the upcoming 'Jolly swagman tea towel tour' (working title lol), basically a chosen item gets sent around Australia and everyone embroiders a little insignia representing themselves. Postcards will also be sent - nice to know where your package has been!

Funny thing also happened this weekend, I was contacted, out of the blue, but not one, but four people from my past. Sadly for all four people, I wished they'd stay there. The one I wish to winge about - the ex - should be a firm reminder why you should avoid marijuana - or maybe even just this guy - really. Broke up four years ago - I have since moved onto bigger and better things (car, job, singledom - I love it all) and he sits and stews. He refuses to help himself, makes excuses for everything, and wonders why he is lonely. Yeesh. After his long winded wankery excuse for a conversation/wankery/apology for I know not what for something that happened in the relationship (FOUR YEARS AGO) he wants to know what I'm doing that day. me = errands. He wants to join. Misery loves company and I can't get past the fact that this guy has been the same for four years. Self pitying, jealous of other's success, and always excuses about why he can't help himself. Let it be said I have no time for people like these. Which also puts one other of the people from the past in this category. Doesn't like where life is now - but refuses to look at the bright side of life and make a change. Endless tafe courses that lead to a 'get rich quick' don't count. Arg

End rant. Sorry

Let me leave you with this wonderful pincushion Cheryl from the embroidery group sent me. I've yet to send hers, but check the Silk Ribbon Embroidery! I am in awe!

adios!

All the things I promised and more!

2007-07-12T03:45:00.000-07:00

Last post I got too distracted by Ravelry (which is soo much fun except I can never find the favourites button when I want it. ARG) That I didn't upload photos. But I have uploaded photos. Expect a photo-tastic blog post!

First things first.. Happy Birthday to my sister from Monday, I turned up at her place, and even made her a card! Yes it was a student free day and I did happen to discover the label maker (if that thing ever gets retired, I'm stealing it. No-one uses it anymore and it is just too much damn fun!)

My car! This baby was so worth all the panic and paperwork!

Seriously, I got home early today and went for a walk! I'm exercising! I'm transporting! I'm one happy chappy!

Finally, all these lacy coathangers are from my recently deceased Grandmother, The yellow and lime one is my favourite.

This is the kind of coathanger I wish to make. If I had the resources. Having said that I'm trying to knit with lace, either my tension is off the planet (possibility) but has anyone else had a nightmare of a time trying to knit with knitting lace? Oh well, if at first you don't succeed lol...

Anyway thats all folks

oh and thank you SO much to everyone who has been commenting lately! You've been so supportive and wonderful!!

adios!

Too much newness

2007-07-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

I am seriously drowning in newness here. First and foremostly, I now officially have a car! Photo tomorrow, (needs uploading). The one thing I never realised about buying cars till today, that if you are under 25, CTP (comprehensive third party) insurers love you, and that buying a car in general means haemorrhaging money for the next month and a half. YIKES! But yay! I got a car!

Also I got my invite to ravelry!And if it weren't for my slow internet... I'd be having more fun, more quickly. But oh, the funness

Very quick, very fun update!

adios

Sew sew sew your boat...

2007-07-05T04:30:00.000-07:00

He he cute title, no? Well in my crafty bliss I've been sewing a pattern, and I've even had the courage to deviate from the pattern in parts (no lining for example) and finding flaws in other parts (more on that... later)
(cute, no? I especially like the puffy sleeves - my arm is behind my back because I am pretending that the yet-to-be zip is in place)

In other fun and excitement, on tuesday I went rollerblading with the sis and had a blast, watching her whiz lap me whilst I plodded along. I plod well, except when I'm my butt, then I'm trying not to say nasty subversive things. Two days on and I'm still feeling twinges - exercise twinges.

Also, A bank has decided to give me a loan, to get a car, which they have also found me . I am feeling a little too grown up right now. This is totally and utterly exciting, whilst being a HUGE learning curve. Where did all these costs come from?

I love holidays because...

2007-07-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

I have been totally and utterly crafty these holidays! Not laying on my arse feeling sorry for myself? I'm as freaked as you are. Sheesh! I have been hitting the instant gratification projects as well, which makes me feel one part home-y (as in 'lace pillowcases!' versus 'yo yo protentious arseholes with bad literacy!'). Instant gratification plus home-y (ooh! Lace!) equals knitted coathangers! Seriously what could be less commitment phobic than knitted coathangers.

Lately I've had the urge to create stuff that every home needs but can't really buy in woollies. Fitnit (she's a Gold Coaster as well!) Put me onto a good thing with the patons big book of small things - with my first ever lace project! (future lace project.

So for all friends and family, expect an onslaught of these in the coming months. Especially once you get the hang of covering them with fiberfill... you draught like spinning, which can only be a useful skill... eventually.

Also in the spirit of all things homely - I made a pillowcase! Which I haven't actually tried on a pillow yet - still has the potential to be a disaster, but the cool things is that I used french seams (in the Merde! Sense of the word...) and I'm doing some embroidery using transfers, which I'm thoroughly enjoying..

anyway not sure about you guys, but I'm freezing my extremities off!

adios!

p.s. In every sense of the word... I LOVE holidays!

I can't get no... satisfaction

2007-06-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

Trying to think of an apt song title for tonight's post (originality went to bed an hour ago) and have been wanting to post some of my comings and goings from the past few days.

Firstly, went shopping with sis, spent an embarrassing amount of money, on both her and me, but what a time! What stuff!

Secondly, a couple of days ago I spent no less than five hours on making two needle rolls, I still need one or two more for the approx 100 sets of needles (including DPNS) I happen to own.

Firstly, the upholstery fabric one! (Sorry in advance for the pics, I took them on the deck this afternoon and consequently there are stripey shadows, but better that I took them in daylight, no?

reversible, strong upholstery fabric, with bias binding which was a real trial and error process (vintage sewing books saved the day) and its definitely use-able.

See? Nice needle holders (measured about 3cm per slot.. seems to work, with straights... really should check the DPNs. eek.)

Glamour shot, I love the blue fabric, especially as I realised that I paid $2 (op shop special) and received over 4 metres of it. But what to make????

Check the Betty Boop fabric! It WOULD be on the outside, but unfortunately I found out the hard way the turning ribbon into bias binding requires a certain level of manipulation. Blue won out.

last but not least, gratuitous cat shot. Just wanted to take this whilst out on the deck. Say hello to Toby the cat!

adios!

Holidays have started...

2007-06-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

And I'm literally flooding myself in craft! In the good way, of course...Obligation wise, I've started the Egyptian block for the CQ swap.. but I really need to do more on it... arrg. Anyway, due to a noticeable absence of Anything Eqyptian-y in my fabric stash, and not having the car to travel, I did the next best thing, and bought felt! I'm seriously loving felt lately, its strong, durable and my sewing machine sews through it with not a hint of difficulty! Also consider cheapness, and it comes in so many colours! So really, today is a tribute to felt.

One felt CQ block with a motif I attempted to copy from some books on the subject. That motif is supposed to be a double crown of Ancient Egypt. And thats all I've done. Eek.

Also in the spirit of self gratification / felt loving, I found this freaking gorgeous tutorial on making felt covered barrettes. Seriously, if a fool like me can make them in 5mins, well, anyone can make them.

Voila! Although in the tutorial is says to handsew the buttons to the barrettes, in the spirit of laziness I machine sewed the buttons (trial and error, but doable) and do you know how many photos I took to get that half-decent one? Thirty one. Seriously, it is nigh-on-impossible to get a decent shot of you head with barrettes. In retrospect I wish I had kept some of the duds just for humour sakes. But still.

Last night I also stitched 2 knitting needle holders, took close to five hours, so will take photos in the next couple of days.

adios!

Moses supposes his toeses are roses...

2007-06-19T04:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick crafty show off! I have actually planned (planning? I'm as shocked as you are!) and pieced a CQ block for the Egypt swap, and done some embroidery on it. As soon as I can be bothered to photograph it, I'll show. In the meantime, another FO! For the pincushion swap on the embroidery board, I went with my partner's love of the beach and pastels to create this little beauty.

Took me a while and I'm really sad that I couldn't put a ceramic cat on the beach scene (would have looked pretty darn cool) I stuck with some awesome heart buttons I got in another swap ages ago.

and the back...

adios!

Exams are over, but what now?

2007-06-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, hope you are well. My lord the last week has just been packed full of revelations! My personal favourite include two lovely coworkers who I thought were the bestest buddies... got married on the weekend! I assumed the male part of the couple was gay, hence.. good buddies? Thats just revelation one!

Onto the pictures!
What do you do when you are home alone on a friday night and blog surfing loses its appeal? Try and join the Tunisian Crochet-a-long! Have an explore of this woman's flickr and website, lordy is there anything she can't make cool with crochet? I even learnt Tunisian Purl Stitch and had a crack at the a-long-ness.

but first, where the bloody hell is my crochet hook? I narrowed down the options to either an abandoned warehouse, or my needle case. (In dire need of order... no?. But really, try looking for a long crochet hook in this:

Suprisingly it only took about 7 mins, once I got a strategy going. but still... lotsa needles, no?

Tadaaaaaaaa! In case your curious, the hook is a 5mm, which is just small enough thank you very much.

and finally, just for bragging sakes, my two swatches. Swatch numero uno is Tunisian rib, which is just like like 1x1 rib for crochet people.. but with MUCH longer names for the stitches..Yeesh.

Tunisian Waffle stitch, which is just like the one above, but you try and avoid getting the bumpy ridgy look.

Check everyone else's (much better looking) swatches here

adios!

Doop de do

2007-06-13T03:19:00.000-07:00

No real title for today's post, just saying YAY! Why? Well I scored yarn! Thanks again to the wonderful people at Good Yarn Karma, I scored 3 luscious cakes of yummy green yarn. Its on my desk, and stroking it periodically tempts me towards the project I have intended for them. I have been eyeing off the 12" crochet square of the month craftalong for quite a while, but due to the varying weights etc of my yarn, I've abstained. This green will be the theme colour of the blocks. Not all blocks will be this colour, but they will look awesome with it.

This is my desk, part computer desk, part vanity unit. That spindle is my birthday present, I have decided that I need to find someone (read: bribe) to gently guide me through the processes of the whole thing. For once, book learning has failed me. but look at that pretty yarn! Enough to make you vegetarian really (you know... eat greens...)

Also I should be posting up there soon... given that I have utilised this wonderful website a couple of times.... good to give back.

Anyway, hands are freezing! (anyone else LOVING this cold weather?)

adios

I'm baaaack!

2007-06-10T01:58:00.000-07:00

And boy am I buzzing with a vengeance! Yesterday (for those who aren't in the know) was World Wide Knit In Public Day, (WWKIPD) and as I had nothing better to do and felt like a wander up Brizzy way it seemed like a good idea. Seemed? Was! I must say I had a really really fun day! Between drinking hot chocolate so thick the spoon could almost stand up unassisted in the cup, to making major progress on my Cleckheaton cardi (I really should give it a name) and saying rather stupid things like 'I love 1x1 rib but I loathe moss stitch' (knitters alike are slapping their foreheads right now) to finishing off with a trip to bookfest, (sweet, sweet bookfest!) It was a long but ever so fun day. See you next time gals!

On the necessary knitting content. here is a nearly completed back of the cardi. Need about 10 cms. I did about 8 or nine centimetres, which, if you consider that I used 3.75mm needles and 4 rows to one centimetre, means a LOT of rows baby!)

Okay to the picfest! I uploaded a stack of photos, but I have every intention of uploading more. Such is my love for the books that I bought!
Fame is a fickle creature, as you can see this cute, rather weird two faced doll bears my name, and after a variety of shots in her shopping outfit, wedding outfit (she looks like an Egyptian mummy) and other fantastic concoctions, she gets sidelined by a tart named Geraldine who wears a jacket, a skirt and little else. Rats.

See these books? The yellow ones? GOLDEN HANDS! The other ones are a time life series thing, but they are filled with gorgeous dressmaking advice and, *sigh* I just love them. Thanks Miss Vicki for putting me onto a good thing (p.s. I want her granny trolley. Badly)

And lastly, an overdue embroidery pic. This is a pretty much done one sided pin cushion for a swap on the embroidery thread. Bearing in mind that the middle is going to have a ceramic cat in the middle, I really think it needs.... something... Any suggestions? Just so you know, this is the pretty side of the planned pincushion, the business side is brown felt with some yet to appear purple flowers, and a bias binding tape side... ala Meshell's pincushions. Not as glamorous, but a shite load of hard work all the same. Oh and I need to start (and complete) an Egypt theme Crazy Quilting block. Sans Egypt fabric, I have raded the riot craft store and bought... felt. Seems we will be seeing a LOT of felt soon. Sheesh I've had enough!

Enough for now.. thats what I call a blog post!

adios!

*p.s* I had to recently play with the Wists button. So if you see 'Bookybabe' instead of librarylass. Blame Wists. Annoying people wanted to recognise my email but not let me login or get a new password. Arg. So new account, and yes I am cringeing as much as you are, but at least I can finally add stuff again. Also I shifted my old wists to the new account. Nice to know I still have good taste!

Just a quick heads up

2007-06-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone, just quickly letting you know that I won't be active in the next couple of weeks. Reasons?
1) Exam on Friday
2) My job has called and I need to harass TAFE (so that I in turn, be royally screwed over, repeatedly) so that I can actually KEEP my job.

I very doubt much crafting will be going on. but if my brain remains the way it was today (very slow, very unwilling to do things that require 'thought') I may well pop off a few rows of knitting.

For now, its late nights and a passing hope that I don't catch one of the zillion bugs coming along. ARRRG

Mini break!

ah yes! crafty post!

2007-06-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

I apologize to everyone who actually endured the previous post. So without further adieu, I present: pictures!

introducing the coolest shirt I have ever owned. Mine! ALL MINE! (pardon the boob shot, it is rather hard to take an action shot in the mirror, even while wearing glasses)

As you can see, I have a tendency to see the library side of things as an integral part of my personality, especially given that the library thing nicely mixes three things I like : people, computers (most of the time) and books. Thanks Dave, you really truly rule for getting me this shirt. I mean that in a superhero way too. :p

Next photo, show my attempt to dissect a triangle. I wanted to find the exact centre for a pincushion, silly thrifty me forgot to put said triangle in the MIDDLE of the fabric. My bad. At least my attempt at maths realised that I actually enjoy said maths. Loved it in high school, because with all the hormones flying around, maths had an infallible logic that worked every time. Whats not to love?

Coincidentally, I decided to go with a square pincushion. Much easier to dissect, plus more space for my *ahem* artistic wanderings. You'll see what I mean when I finish the cloud stitch and therefore have the nerve to post a pic. Will definitely love this pincushion when done. Hope the recipient will to....

This is the latest shot on the up and coming cardigan. Actually given that I'm using 3.75mm needles for this baby, I'm going quite fast, using my trusty maths I figured that 4 = one centimetre, so 12 centimetres is 48 rows. Thirty six centimetres is what is required before the arm decreases (on 1x1 rib? I'll cross that bridge when I get there). Remembering that 3x12 = 36 48x 3 = 144 rows. Maths, love it, use it, works every time. Having said that, I dread to think how many stitches I have actually knit, and lets not go there with the mistakes!

Anyway I do need to sleep, so adios!

My lament (people expecting a long awaited craft post, try tomorrow!)

2007-06-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, hope your day went well. As the title of today's post suggests, I'm in the mood for a rather boring love rant. Feel free to return to your mobile phone conversations and online messaging applications.

I was excited about the date. It looked like a promising venture into international relations. A fling in international relations. Hell I practically outlined my strategy at the beginning of said date 'This rather lacklustre shopping precinct happens to be in very close proximity to a casino (grog) and a beach.' (HINT: I was TRYING to hit on you. The fact that you kept chatting about travel of which I clearly had no experience.. well just the fact that your overt worldliness could be slightly intimidating is something I can get past. Hello? GEEZ) Gah. I really thought forwardness was going to work. GAH! Seriously, the more I date, the more I wonder how soon I can legitimately become a cat lady. Four cats can easily provide the company of one male. Consider: Male provides something pleasant to talk about the end of your day. More frequently than not, this conversation will interrupt the flow of tasks that need to be done. So do cats. Also, on cold nights, the helpless male is subjected to a barrage of cold feet and this weird technical 'embracing'. Give me four cats and an electric blanket, and if you aren't sufficiently coddled by the morning, then you don't know what coddling is!

Seriously what is the right approach with guys? Overt flirting gets me some place I'd rather not bed (hint, said place usually contain pillows and a doona), whilst flat and frank seems to get so far, then .... sputter sputter... nothing. Wit doesn't really triumph, in fact wit amuses briefly before getting thrown aside in favour the ability to keep looking interested and desperately trying to find some common ground. Bugger it. I'm going to be a cat lady. Happy cat lady with four beautiful cats and a massive bookshelf, filled with wonderful treasures, old and new.

Downsides to the lone persona, four cats thing, well, social exercises can get a little tricky, not to mention travel, and I DO want to travel, more than anything. Also, unless you are forever content with work social exercises in which an excuse to make more than momentary conversation with people you either respect or loathe but treat them with the same smile and common courtesy, then that can be fun too. Until they hit the 'so is there a man in your life?' question. To the point where I would rather them ask if I'd scored any illicit substances lately because at least I'd have a cutesy answer then. Better than the fumbling crap of 'uh, no I don't, not really looking either, am busy with study and all that'. Typical reply 'I'm sure you'll find someone who will change that perception'. Uh yeah, my shrink. Hey I pay him for the reassurance as well. GRRRR

So yes. After today, it seems to be in my best interests to be a lone wolf... not as in live in the woods and howl at full moons, but at least resign myself to the tedium of the everyday with fantastic dreams of being able to travel around the world, experience everything there is to see, and be safe in the knowledge that the only person who can hurt me is me. God knows I won't be travelling with anyone else. Why? Well circumstances (ie, friends and family are all broke, and have other things in mind than global domination) mean that the only way I WILL see exotic locales is to do the blasted thing myself. Hell I might even have fun in the process.

Enough of my rant. Bring on the cats. Here kitty kitty, here global domination.

adios

ooh la la!

2007-06-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! hope your week has gone well!

It has been a rather busy week for me! I love my job, helping people, absolutely fantastic.

Summarised version of the week
- helped a student teacher with the technical part of an assessment
- She nailed said assessment (she got good feedback, that constitutes nailed)
- That was thursday, which is also her birthday and surprise! She also got engaged that night!
- Stoked that such a nice person got engaged, Go Diane!
- I had a lovely chat with Cute Canadian, and as a result am going on a date with said cute Canadian. This should be fun. Conversation where we are not interrupted every five minutes by someone wanting something? Uninterrupted anecdotes? Definitely fun.
- oh rats, what do I wear to meet said date? jeans and top, but what jewellery? what bag? PAH! details!!!

Anyway I need to get going but YAY!!!!!!

adios!

p.s. WILL be posting pics of crafty things later... just have been so busy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-05-29T02:27:00.000-07:00

Okay I can't actually think of a decent title for today's post. So I will lay out what has been on my mind in point form,

Travel.

Really really really REALLY want to travel
No-one to travel with.
Not really inclined to travel overseas on what I guess will be the first of many travel experiences by myself (like Canada, I have been getting this intense desire to ski. Blame it on those student teachers, with their hilarious alcoholic fuelled SNOW adventures)
Perth is somewhere I have never been, and by all accounts, appears like a good place to go.
Perth tourism website found me a cheap, fun looking bike tour that included a visit to a winery that is cheap.
Youth hostel is also cheap
I figure if I save the way I am saving now, I will have money for cafes and fun there.
There also happen to be online people I know in Perth, with whom I might politely intrude on their time for an hour or so and meet... PEOPLE

Artsy crafty pursuits

Having a zillion and one ideas in head at the moment (for both Egypt block swap and pincushion swap and other embroidery things) That I'm seriously considering a visual diary. Just a small one, but something I can play with!
cheap t-shirts and lovely embroidery, FOR ME!! like Lochers but without the language (I would wear my version to school) of, and make use of that wonderful art-deco iron on transfer book

Thats about it really. I AM getting closer to my target for the car, my uni exam is next week so I am planning to do some major research after that, CTP insurance, what kind of car, loans! This adult stuff is about to bite hard. ouch.

Good night everyone, hope this rain keeps pouring down!!! (but now while I am at work, the urge to jump out and dance in the rain is strong... damn acting like adult-ness!)

adios!

Its raining...rain?

2007-05-25T04:46:00.000-07:00

Seriously guys, this is breaking news, actual physical rain is pouring as I speak! Given that the coast happens to be in the worst drought on record, this is right up there with alien invasions. Yikes.

On crafting news I have pics that I should have posted throughout the week, but well.. you know what procrastination is like...

so first things first, a less than perfect overview of the stuff I have added to the CQ square. See everything on the left? Thats new. Also some outlining on the flamingo, but that's mainly split stitching practice (SUCH a useful stitch!)

Now for a much clearer shot

This really is a sampler. See the stitches that kind of look like honeycomb? Called Cloud stitch... its a filler stitch and I really truly love it. Looks good, and I can see this popping up in future stitching. The stitch with the F.B. under it is fishbone stitch, and there are a few other stitches there too. The cause behind all this sampling? I just borrowed an amazing book from the library, with the very flash title 'crewel embroidery' I'm in love. All of the author's patterns involved hand dyed fabric, which look amazing, but I am definitely in love with the stitches. Including my failed attempt at 'tete de boeuf' which, if my ultra basic French is anything to go by, means said stitches are meant to look like cow heads (they do in the book, so freaking cute). I think this book will have to hit the list of 'books I want to buy when I am not saving for car' list. A list that grows daily. Alas.

anyway this is as exciting as I get... However this weekend I am starting on a pincushion for a pincushion swap, and start a CQ block for an Egyptian swap coming up down the track... I have ideas, but expect to see more cloud stitch.

anway adios for now...

To the people who said they were going to wear a blues Jersey tomorrow...

2007-05-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

Mandy... I'm thinking of you... QUEENSLAND WON! ooh ya! 25points to 18... who won? We won....

Random bragging over rugby league, see why I love State of Origin?

A proper post tomorrow... promise??

adios!

If you head down to the op-shop today

2007-05-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

In case it isn't immediately obvious, I love my local op-shop. I love this shop like some people like their pubs. The sense of familiarity, and the pleasant surprise of something new. However last weekend revealed a haul almost as impressive as a bookfest find. As it happens I love vintage knitting patterns. I am drawn in by the glamour or the outfits, the colour (or lackthereof) in the patterns, and just the vintage-y goodness out there. But of all the vintage goodness out there I've decided to collect patons patterns, based on their availability and their quality. Especially the 'tv knitting' series. Imagine my suprise when I see not two, three or four of these babies, but an absolute STACK of them just sitting in my favourite shop.
See? This is covering my bed in a rather high pile. But oh! what heaven!

Some of some choice picks from this haul include a jumper with a Kangaroo and something else on there (don't ask me what)

Proof that child humiliation is a long standing tradition with a powerful and proud history

and if this isn't an incentive to get fit, and get some fancy underwear, I don't know what is. This may be made on microscopic needles, but I want this baby BAD! Helloooo gym membership! Hello 3ply wool! Hello ouchy corsets....

Oh and this didn;t come from a patons book, but I had to have it for this pattern mainly, and a few other patterns...

also some supplies, very project spectrum-y. (pink, yellow and green) I love those yellow needles, although it occured to me that AFTER I got home that they don't have stoppers on the end. Any suggestions for making any on the cheap and quick?

And just to completely overload you with picture goodness... here is an earring holder I made myself with plastic canvas and a cheapo $3 photo frame. Sadly I didn't have tacks or nails to hold it in, but this is still bright and colourful and useful all the same.

adios!

Flat out like a lizard drinking

2007-05-18T01:40:00.000-07:00

What a week! Yesterday it was just me at the library, and I tell you, I could've been organising troops to go into battle, whipping up a chocolate cheesecake and organising a surprise birthday and keep a smile on my face. Actually I was just supervising, making sure everyone went where they were supposed to and organising hot drinks for teachers, so slightly less busy than the scenario above. But not much. Also I have been getting a lift home from this really really lovely teacher who I work with. I've been getting home at 4pm. That just hacked a 2 hours out of my day... I'm still in shock when I look at the time when I get home (the cat gets a shock too lol)

Thank you to everyone who wrote me lovely comments! I swear every time I look at the comments and I want to sing 'I got comments, I got comments! I got comments hey hey hey!'. So party all round. Good karma and all that.

Anyway I've not done much craftiness. But I have plans for that saved bus fare... and it involves the op shop. Funness!

adios!!!

Whip it, whip it good!

2007-05-15T02:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Hope you are going well! You know how I joined those yahoo! groups? Well I thought I had better actually do some embroidering. So here goes.

Timeline. Friday night, started about 10:30pm, finished 11:30pm

I made the pic rather small for the purpose of obscuring the rather large, *ahem* mistakes. I really didn't plan this block well, I went with the concept of spontaneity and just winged it. The only downside to this approach are the rather occasional bits of topstitching to keep things down.

secondly, this is what I achieved after a good sit down with the cat and Eurovision (Ukraine, you have just sold me a cd)

I inadvertently made the cat whilst watching 'Gentlemen prefer blondes' (still have the music in my head) and was practicing some split stitching. It was chance (or my psyche) that led to that shape. Sweet huh?

Just some practice with buttonhole stitching. This stitch is so versatile as anyone who has been here will testify.

Whipped buttonhole stitch. I quite like the short and long spikes. Sort of remind me of piano keys in a way. And of course those whipped stitches.

Also! Ive been tagged for a Meme by the lovely pixiefarts. I have to list seven random things about me. Now to get thinking....

1. When I created the nic 'librarylass' I envisioned a whole comic strip with comic characters as 'full stop boy' and 'Book Woman' and 'the evil colon of doom'. If its corny, I dig it.
2. Like the stereotype, I wear glasses, and sad to say, blind as a bat without them.
3. I am the biggest wimp when it comes to winter. I am always the first to be wearing a cardigan.
4. I have a million and one secret plans for when I get a car, and consequently, take over the world.
5. If people annoy me, I can hold up a suprisingly solid argument on controversial topics.
6. I have the noisiest, fattest cat around, Toby the burmese cat. But feel free to call him 'Tobi wan kanobi', Mi gato, 'brat cat'. He understands them all.
7. I want to go skydiving in New Zealand as a way of seeing the beautiful landscape. The travel is just not going to happen until point 4.

Now for the hard part. Tagging people. Okay, I tag Aussiepatches, Craft and Chaos, fitknit, Random Knits, My sis, Rose Red and Crumpart. I had a real struggle, thinking who I could harass, and who might or might not actually do this (versus having done it)

adios!

A very overdue update!

2007-05-12T00:50:00.000-07:00

Hey!!!
Am on the sister's lappie at present, however she has given me her blessing for an update. So first things first. How I fought the beanie pattern and won. You know the book 'Hip to knit' by Judith Schwartz? Wonderful book, first book I bought (with my meagre budget, it was a real luxury!) and most of the patterns are wonderful. A lot of the patterns openly encourage you to seek out different fibres to change the look of a pattern. to date the only problem I have found in the book comes from a pattern that non knitting people want to wear. I'm talking the fat hats. I need to haul my camera up to Bris one day and show you my attempt (as a terrified newbie) following a pattern that didn't make sense (and no stitch markers!) making this hat. I assumed all problems stemmed from my newbieness (Yes and no). Anyway, bring on the Rockie music and see this baby finished! On my lovely sister (she claimed it during construction)

ACTION SHOT! If you look super duper closely, You can almost see the cable where I decided to change the cable different directions and then realised my mistake several rows up. Frogging this stuff is a nightmare. You might also like to observe in the action shot that the cables are on either side of the hat, which doesn't look half as nice as the shot below, where the cables are beautifully spaced.

Voila. This is how said beanie is supposed to look, albeit with tassles (on in sis's case, pom poms) on the edges.

In conclusion to the beanie pattern, it still needs tweaking (I need to figure out some maths-y way to get all the cables evenly apart AND leave room for a seam AND keep the moss stitch thing going.)

The next thing I want to show you is this absolutely freaking adorable book that I just got! (it was getting culled from the library, = free book = no budget breaker).

This cute book aims to teach young children how to use the library, but it was printed in the 60's so they used card catalogs then (ie didn't use computers)

I've made these pics bigger so you can see the detail! Oh, and Get the Librarian!

Will somebody PLEASE think of the children!

adios everyone! until next time!

Busy busy busy

2007-05-08T04:36:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! hope you are going well... I am le FLAT OUT!!! First things first, I NAILED THE ASSIGNMENT!! I hit a comfortable 1970 words. Not bad really. Also I knitted a beanie for my sis (which is a whole other story... tomorrow, when I can bothered uploading pics) and life is nice enjoying the view, and if 'the view' in this instance happens to be a Canadian student teacher, then you are I are definitely talking about the same thing.

Said Canadian student teacher is long slim, and... I have no sodding idea what his name is, sadly, these people get introduced to me and being a complete fish brain I am, instantly forget their name. GRR, Oh well.. lets hope cute Canadian student teacher tells me he is single and talk about travel. I love travel, not to mention 'wrong side of the road' iness.

anyway I am knackered, and I still haven't put together my bibliography. Rats.

adios

Motivation

2007-05-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone just another procrastination station post. I'm nearly done (300 words till assignment completion w00t!)

As you all know by now, the assignment is digitisation and libraries and bla bla bla. However I came across this really funny study put out by Yahoo! and OMD (some marketing company in the U.S.) http://docs.yahoo.com/docs/pr/release1183.html if you want to read it. Imagine, how would you go if you knew you had to live life without the internet for two weeks? I'd loathe it, I mean I do uni online, but what about email? Or paying bills?

Classic reading.

Oh and I've joined some yahoo groups (while I was in the vicinity) to start motivating myself to start properly learning embroidery, crazy quilting, and for the hell of it, making bags (I have a few bag ideas in my mind, I've just not translated them into fabric yet. No better time than the present!

adios

The girl is bad for me.

2007-05-05T19:15:00.001-07:00

Ms. S. (the family member who shall remain nameless) has arrived for a few days! While it is wonderful to see lots and lots of this lovely lass, when the old family dynamics come back into play, you know you are in trouble.

Firstly, thanks to no sleep, Ms. S's behaviour turns from 'respectable, busy 21 yo' to 'cranky, the world owes me everything and everyone else are bad nasty liar poo poo heads people. 5 year old.' Not good.

This comes at a time when I am rushed off my arse, trying to nail this assignment, preferably get all the words down before Tuesday. Fortunately, I have grown up since Ms.S. left home and know better than to bite when she verbally jabs me with an unprovoked barb. But the feelings are the same. I know Ms.S. is prone to explosions, resents the fact that anyone else in the natural world could possibly be under pressure (unless its Mum, but then we've all seen mum go through a lot lately) and naturally explodes when she finds her cds here. Bad habits die hard and I can feel myself going through some of the motions I've been through countless times during my 'black period'. Typified by a shocking self esteem. Years later and my self esteem is good. I am indeed happy with myself, and bugger you if you feel (and have the compulsion to say) otherwise.

Damn Ms.S. Get some sleep, (A doctor once told me that sleep gets rid of your mental garbage, and ever since I am a huge advocate of getting a good night's sleep, for your sake and everyone else's sake). Don't explode, and for crying out loud, grow up, lose the superiority complex (I am certainly not your lesser) and go home.

We've all got deadlines to meet.

adios.

p.s sorry about the rant, tried not to go over the top, but it does feel good to have a winge with people who I consider my equals. Equality is a good thing, unless its that fake sugar. Yuk. :P

The girl is bad for me.

2007-05-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Evidence

2007-05-03T02:54:00.000-07:00

Today's evidence is brought to you by "Freeman's turtle soup extract. Made from real West Indian turtles!" (true ad, found in the timeless Mrs Beeton's book). Today's words are:
Codex (try saying that and not get fleeting images of The Da Vinci Code (or for humour, try reading the Va Dinci Cod, by A.R.R.Roberts))
Today's other word is: Googlisation (found in a research essay)

Onto the evidence!

Evidence of study

Evidence of capped broadband (GAH!)

Evidence of procrastination

Evidence of tea!

and finally, just some random things to kill your download speed.

Saint Exupery's 'The Little Prince' Quiz.

You are the pilot.
Take this quiz!

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Weird arse test. Thanks to crumpart

Some rather weird English bloke I met at the pirate party. If you squint he looks a bit like Ross Noble, who is also English (but easier to understand)

adios!

enter expletive here

2007-05-01T02:10:00.000-07:00

I am about to be in the throes of my latest and quickest assignment. Quickest because I have two weeks to do a 2000 word essay that I realised I had the details the whole time (and NOT waiting on a lecturer to deliver them) my reaction? EXPLETIVE. The assignment is about digitisation and the future of libraries, or, will I have a job in twenty years? The answer is yes by the way. But yes in 2000 words would be better. Yikes.

Anyway I have decided on a good analogy about life, or more importantly, work. Work is like tea. You see there are different types of tea for pretty much every job, sleepytime, earl grey, a zillion different takes on chai. So that's the first part of the analogy. Got it? Great. Moving on.

Tea is a combination of a stack of things everyone needs to survive, and thus, work with, I mean who doesn't work with a few different fruits? I can easily name a prune, a grape, and the exotic ones you never knew existed. Also milk (can't find a meaning for this one, but allow it to be like you je ne sais qua (sp?) or your 'Godot' if you will.) And sugar, sweet sweet sugar which is the thing that makes your day bearable, and even pleasant (or super duper good, can't rule that one out) and water. No analogy for water either, go nuts trying though. How it works is this, you have your tea, now you CAN have too much tea, and you can have no tea (dole bludgers) but generally tea in moderate quantities has health benefits. See where I am going? NO? Neither do I but lets continue.

At the moment I have been enjoying my tea, everything is in the right balance, maybe a little short on the sugar but okay. Perhaps I needed the tea to be stronger, and actually do some work that isn't repairing (an occasionally fun but somewhat disappointing/frustrating task at times) and some more gutsy library stuff. Failing that, I wish I'd get paid to do this assignment. That would be good gutsy tea. (But no fruit, assignment work is a lonely task, alas)

So if you think that doesn't make sense, let me reassure you it made PERFECT sense in the midst of a Bowen therapy session (I go to a wonderful woman who does the BEST job! if you want her details, email me privately, I highly HIGHLY recommend her!).

Until next time

A cold and lonely night in Santa Fe

2007-04-30T02:13:00.000-07:00

Okay so today's title is just another tripod lyric, has absolutely no bearing on what I am going to say, but it is amusing nonetheless. I hope.

First things first, the pirate party I was so excited about was a blast. I dressed as a dag, and discovered everyone else made a real effort. Also a LOT of English people. With very strong accents, to the point where I was lucky if I could understand half of the conversation (enter visual imagery of me trying to look very interested, whilst trying to figure out WHAT THEY HELL THEY ARE SAYING). What made this 'lost in translation' effort was alcohol. Not much, but enough to get the internal translator working on 1/2 capacity.

The weekend by contrast was completely uneventful. In all. I studied, studied, studied some more. contemplated tea, made a haughty remark at a haughty waiter, (felt so GOOD!). Got serious work done. Got told off by a policeman (nothing serious, left my noisy-nobody-steal-me laptop out to save my spot. Guy told me it could be nicked. Fair call.)and went home. The end.

Also decided to stop making beanies for sale after I've made this lot. My poor poor wrists can't handle any more abuse and I'm dying to make something nice for myself with all the stuff I already have, something that DOESN'T have a deadline attached. Sheesh.

adios

p.s. I should give you an update on my wallet, I received it in the mail on friday! What I mistook for opportunistic theft turned out to be someone seeing me rush off the bus leaving the thing behind. They (I suspect she) even left all the money in there!!! miracle!! Seriously good karma going their way. So thank you all for your concern, I have been really touched and everything is back more to it's wallet-y self. :D

Hey everyone

2007-04-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

Hope you are doing well! Its the end of the week and I am TIRED. I was going to make a bag for this bash tomorrow, Hell I had marked out of the pieces and decided which fabric to go where... but the tiredness told me to do something that required less brain power. Like typing. The only downside of typing is trying to read my own writing. See? I barely know id I'm using brackets or the letter c. self induced grr!!

Rats, I had something (slightly witty!) to say but now it has disappeared. RATS!

Till later!

adios

The sunny side of the street.

2007-04-24T02:54:00.000-07:00

Things are looking good.

Sure I don't have my wallet (or this fabled, rather expensive ID card either) bust the smiling gods are telling me that I need to party. And I'm planning. You know, I have long suspected that there just simply isn't enough dress up parties in this world and as a result, I get overly ecstatic when one is coming up. Alas me being a first class stinge (stingey/can't bear to part with money) I am not spending a cent on the costume.

Ideas thus far. (feel free to contribute)
- make a beanie then make one ear flap = pirate with eyeflap (Told you I'm stingy)
- Use existing scrawl somehow.
- Make a bag using a combination of black fabric and map fabric. Best excuse to practise putting in zips and a good chance to get acquainted with some TAST stitches and embroidery improvement (I've been feeling the embroidery bug lately)

Anywho, I can't think of anything more of interest today.

Have a safe ANZAC day!

adios