Yarn Porn Hawaii

2008-06-23T23:17:00.004-10:00

Too much Harry Potter?

My oldest has recently taken to listening to books on tape. I introduced her to Harry Potter on tape, read by Jim Dayle, and she's never gone back. We got portable tape recorders, battery operated, with handles, and now both girls wander around the house in a semi-daze, listening to their prospective stories. Wizard of Oz for the youngest, and HP for the oldest. She's gone through five, count 'em, FIVE HP books on tape in about two months time. And that's after listening to several of them over and over and over and over again. The last one she finished is The Order of the Phoenix and now she's ready for Half-Blood Prince. She gets to watch the movie after listening to the books. I am a huge HP fan. But hearing HP stories and the awesome Jim Dayle's voice in the background almost constantly is beginning to stir higher levels of madness in my house.

I find myself getting lost while driving to familiar places if I let her listen to it in the car. Because then I listen to the story and forget where we are going or miss off-ramps and such. It's truly terrible!

I have even found the words "No Harry Potter at the dinner table!" issuing forth from my lips! Imagine, not wanting to talk about Harry 24/7! Previous to this tape-recording period, I would not imagine not wanting to discuss Ms. Rowling's series til my children graduated from college (a yet distant dream). But now, I find myself with little to say on the matter as my child has asked all sorts of questions and upon watching the movies again with her or hearing certain parts of the story, I find myself nearly in tears over parts about love and friendship or involving characters who are not yet dead.

She listens first thing in the morning. While getting ready for bed. While taking a bath. This last is a problem as it causes her to take an undue amount of time preparing for the bath and then relaxing in the bath while not much bathing gets done, or done rather slowly. This proves to be a problem not only for the other bathers but also because we are currently in a drought and the less water used the better.

And I have even banned HP as a punishment when nothing else phases her! "What?! You hit your sister while watching Order of the Phoenix? You have to wait til tomorrow to finish the movie! There will be no sister-hitting over a movie, no matter which movie it is." "I don't care that she was being a pain and waving her fanny at you!" "No, I don't care that she was kicking you at the same time." "(youngest's name), don't kick your sister or wave your fanny at her!" And so on. Or I'll take her tape recorder away for some particular insolence. Oh boy, that brings the tears on like only taking away a beloved privilege or playtime with a friend can do.
So, I think I'm happy that they've discovered the world of books on tape, because it certainly is a marvelous one that I enjoyed growing up, and still do. But, is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? The sound of silence is precious amid the otherwise noisy voices and sound effects of literary cacophony. Fortunately, they have lots of other activities that cause them to run around, swim, hang upside down, climb walls, paint pictures, and such, so they haven't turned into complete turnips listening to books on tape all the time.

When it comes to audio books, old-fashioned cassettes are the best because you can stop and start them just where you want. Small, portable CD players with speakers are hard to find. I haven't seen any. My own CD player needs to be hooked up to ungainly but small speakers to be heard without headphones. The plug-in type of CD player loses its place when you stop it or remove power. Audio books must be stopped and started at the exact same spot. Even my ipod pales in comparison with the humble tape player for ease of use and portability, without requiring head phones. I hope they never do away with cassette tapes. I love my tape player!

2008-05-27T20:48:00.003-10:00

In other surfing, I came across this lovely scarf while reading my amigurumi yahoo bulletin board and thought the colors, the photograph, was just really lovely. Looks very soft and would make a cozy, loving gift. From etsy shop Curls of Sunshine.

2008-05-27T20:34:00.002-10:00

ZOOREKA A WINNER!

My good buddy at Keiki Gifts gave my younger thing Zooreka for her 4th birthday recently. At first I thought, "uh, parts" but then I thought, "ok, not that many". So we sat down to learn to play. It is supposed to be for ages 8 and up, but after a good deal of cheating on the 4 year old's part (she just loved to throw those die), she settled down and now plays with her 7 yr old sister and myself quite well. It is a very good game! Fairly simple and after weeks of play, I discovered that exchanging food, animal, and shelter cards at the Trading Post can teach some algebra. One animal card = 3 food cards, one shelter card = 2 animal cards, therefore, if you have 6 food cards, you can trade them in for 2 animal cards. And, if you want to buy a zoo exhibit (naked rats, tortoise, orangutan, etc.), you can with just food and animal cards even though you don't have exactly 1 shelter, 2 animal, and 4 foods.

And then, there's GAMBLING!!! Okay, educationally speaking, it's really basic probability. The resource dice does not have random pictures on it as I originally thought. Since shelter is the most valuable, equal to 2 animals or 6 foods, it appears only once on the dice. Food, having the smallest value (like a penny), appears 4 times on the dice. Part of collecting resource cards is placing your token, or bet, on one of the resource pictures you hope the dice to roll to. So, although you are likely to roll a food (banana), are you gonna bet on the smallest value or the largest, shelter (tree), or the mid-value animal (paw print). It's pretty neat. And great to discover that aspect on your own, as opposed to explaining to players at the very beginning. They will probably get that all on their own. But my esteem of this game shot way up when I figured that out. Neat and a definite value. I can play Zooreka every day with those aspects!

Thank you, Keiki Gifts!

2008-05-24T00:01:00.002-10:00

This is the most awesome site I have seen in a long time. Great kid and parent projects, inspired by single parenting and things dads like to tinker with. Free pdf downloads of clear, simple instructions for a lot of really amazing stuff. Dads Can Do dot com. Wonderful Harry Potter stuff section. Amazing, simple, beautiful wands! And mini-spell book! And quills! Oh my!!!

2008-05-23T21:58:00.006-10:00

There's so much going on with the internet now, I just barely have time to check and respond to email nowadays. That and my computer has trouble reading my camera's memory card. So putting images on the net has been challenging. Haven't been reading or commenting on anyone's blog for a long time. Must get back on the writing horse and put some articles together - for the Hawaii WAHM blog and our state's 4H newsletter on the joys and challenges of camping with 3-6 year olds almost monthly.

I love to write and comment but I've been trying to keep computer time down to a minimum, handling MOMS Club board duties, organizing things, email, keeping track of our family's calendar, etc. I even stopped shopping online!!! (horrified gasp) That's really a good thing because I didn't know I loved to shop until I started doing it online. Yarn. Books. Craft stuff. It was out of control. With no children nagging and clinging to my parts, I could look and click and buy now at will. Wow. Talk about addictive, destructive behaviors. It's a good thing I never got into physically destructive things, cuz shopping online is bad enough.

It's hard to think about business things when there's so much family things to fill a life! Geesh. I marvel at women who were able to be SAHMs and then pull their heads and bodies out of full-time child care to join or rejoin the business world. Out. There. I don't even know if I could do THAT again. I mean, I shall never don pantihose and heels again. NEVER. Not even if it paid half a million dollars a year. And makeup, daily?! Like with face stuff...whatchu call, ummm, foundation? Nuh uh. Blech. To the male coworkers, I'd just say, "you first!" Women already have to sit to pee, lose bodily fluids on a regular basis, and wear extra underwear. We don't need to walk on unsteady sticks, yank on tight, uncomfortable stretchy stuff over our legs, AND spend our precious dollars on makeup and hair products too. Am I a feminist? Dunno. Did tell my oldest that she didn't even have to shave anything if she no like. We'll see how that goes.

Eh, aloha, you all. (You one, J?) ;) Got a family thing to work on before I try to stay up way too late watching the season finale of Grey's Anatomy and knitting socks or sewing cinch sacks. Kam swapmeet tomorrow morning for cheap, fresh carrots and cucumbers. I get wacky if I don't eat enough cucumbers. Sorry no peetchas today. Next time.

2008-04-08T17:38:00.003-10:00

BABY BIRD IDENTIFIED
We have decided that it was not a Hawaii Creeper as originally thought but a Mejiro, or Japanese White-Eye. The main differences being the Mejiro is the most common bird in Hawaii(!!!) and has white around its eyes, whereas the Hawaii Creeper is endangered and has black around its eyes. The Mejiro turns out to be a good bird to tame, very friendly and adaptable.

2008-04-07T17:21:00.002-10:00

LOCAL KINE GAMES launched!
Want a fun game with real Local flavor? Try my new game "No Say Dat!" Local people, phrases, food, music and places are all listed on laminated cards with Zzzz words beneath. Try and describe the Target word, without using any of the words on the card. Website, pictures, two editions, templates, and PDFs all available from www.localkinegames.com. You can also visit the forum to see reviews and get ideas for other games to play using the game cards.

2008-04-07T16:25:00.004-10:00

BABY BIRD FOUND
Last week we found a baby bird on the ground, blown out of its nest. I wasn't up to personally trying to feed the baby every few hours as my mom has successfully done, so instead I put it in our spare bird cage with the door open and a few potted plants to break the wind and help it feel more secure. For one whole day, its parents visited and even entered the cage to feed it, but my husband thinks it was seriously injured in the fall and as a result, the parents stopped feeding it after the first day. I found the little bugger make on the second day and disposed of the body before my girls saw its poor little lifeless body. Today we finally figured out what kind of bird it was. As a homeschooling assignment my daughter was to find and identify the bird on the Net. I'm reasonably sure it was a Hawaii Creeper.

Photo credits:
Hawaii Forest and Trail This site has some beautiful, closeup bird pictures.
ARKIVE

In Jay Conrad Levinson's updated Guerrilla Marketing, he says an effective business blog has at least 3 postings a week. Jayne has nudged me into renewing my blog's activity by linking to it on her Hawaii WAHM site. Thank you, Jayne!

2007-10-18T21:29:00.001-10:00

I haven’t posted in forever! Busy getting ready for a December craft fair and finishing up putting together my mom’s personalized sight word reading program. Am missing crocheting fun thingies! While waiting for playing bathing kids yesterday, I was able to whip out a giant…um…for want of a better term, heart-shaped butt pad! I was just thinking of making something I could throw on the ground at the park to sit on so the ants don’t bite me, and had tons of this bright, nuclear-colored Lion cotton yarn and Lion cotton ease purple yarn. (It will haunt me forever, there is always more in the closet! I think it’s breeding in there, behind closed doors. I mean, how many giant purple octopi can one person make out of the stuff?!) Yes, that is supposed to be a heart. The original pattern is from the Lion yarn website and I used 8 strands of yarn at once, with an P sized hook. That actually was too small, needed to go bigger. This perfectly fits on my computer chair also, and fits my butt!

Christmas? I haven't even thought about it except to roll my eyes in dread and slight horror. Yes, it's supposed to be a happy time, but the thought of all the presents to make or procure, fills me with a fear and need to scream akin to entering a haunted house. A really scary one!

2007-10-14T22:50:00.000-10:00

I have not posted on etsy in forever. I hate the time it takes to get a good shot and then find out it wasn't a good shot. I need a light box so i can do the deed at night or inside or wherever, when ever. I so sad. :(

Remember reading that the most brilliant artists are also...um...nuts. I mean, really NUTS! So there's hope for me and big kid yet. We're both freakishly bipolar in temperament. It's a wonder my family manages to breed, I tell you.

Many projects underway but happily willing to put nose and lip and forehead to grindstone to create something that will help someone read better, happier, easier, and affordably decorate others. Ya, ya, two very different things but both are my babies (well one is my mom's baby and i just provide the sweat to produce the final product) and I am very excited to see how these two businesses will do in the long term.

Photos to follow, when I can manage to Take Decent Pictures!

2007-10-11T16:19:00.001-10:00

photo by Eduardo Amorin

Doing that web surfing thing again. I keep getting side-tracked. Supposed to be finding creative commons images that can be used in the reading books my mom puts together and saw this amazing image. There's another one that looks like a Spanish rodeo shot. Very, very breathtaking shot. My daughter used it for a get-well card for her best friend's little brother. Which made me think that if two good friends have a row, maybe they could send nice cards saying how much they care about each with a cute or funny photo printed on the front, via snail mail.

2007-10-08T18:22:00.000-10:00

Confession

I had one of these

and

one of these

today.

Now, I am not on a diet, mind you, but a healthy food plan. That means, lots, and lots, and lots of vegetables. Boy, eating lots of vegees is WORK! You gotta wash um and cook, steam, peel, chop, or otherwise prepare them. Not like fruits or bread that you just aquire and stuff in your face.

Epiphany:
The pooch is not from...well, i dunno what i thought it was from. But I have recently realized that it is a result of lax upper abdominal muscles. Ones you can make good with angled sit-ups. Cuz I know regular sit-ups don't do much for that poochy thing that sits right below your navel and just stares at you, begging for attentions, a name, squishige. My pooch reappears if I stay away from the gym and the slanted sit-up thingy for more than a few days. And the fat rolls. They like to reappear for extended visits if lots of vegees are not consumed, along with the regular cardio sweat fest.

2007-09-09T16:35:00.001-10:00

New developments in Yarn Co nfections:

Jewelry for big or little people - chokers and matching bracelets with varying closures in two rayon cord colors: Bamboo and Pink Beach.
Closures available include decorative toggle, lobster claw, or wood bead and loop. For kids I would advise the wood bead and loop. It is very easy to fasten and pretty secure. Just loop the bead through the opposing loop a couple of times. However, my three year old was able to manipulate the larger flowery toggle-loop closure easily. I was pretty surprised. Also known as rat tail, this material is gently hand washable so you can easily clean off sunscreen, dirt, and sweat . Custom orders are available. Just measure your neck or wrist for the desired snugness and indicate what type of closure you would like. Bead or lobster claw is recommended for bracelets.

How about a bookmark for party favors, office gifts, graduation goodies? This bookmark is made in baby shower friendly colors. I can make planny! Just let me know.

2007-09-07T15:38:00.000-10:00

Make your own Charms Bracelet
This is a fun and easy bracelet to make, for much less than ones you buy with $5 per charm cost, or more. Good for kids, teens, fun adults, fundraisers, etc.

Materials:
hair elastics
jump rings (6mm in this picture)
one or more buttons (these charms will clump together as there are not stopper things, so using just one well-chosen button has a nicer effect)
two jewelry or beading pliers, at least one should be needlenose

Instructions:
1. For each button charm used, take out three jump rings. These will be linked like a chain to the hair elastic.

2. Open up two of the rings using the needlenose pliers. Hold one in each hand and TWIST the ring ends open (bend one side forward and the other backward). Do not pry them apart; this would weaken the metal.

3. Slip a button and the closed jump ring on to one open ring. Close this ring with the two pliers and then carefully squeeze the ends shut. Squeeze the ring right around the opening to make it as smooth and non-catchy as possible.

4. Slip the hair elastic and the never-opened jump ring on to the other opened jump ring. You should now have three linked rings that link a button on one side and the hair elastic on the other.

Do this for each charm and you are done!

Note: Ideally, split rings should be used on the elastic for more secure holding power, but at this small size I just couldn't get the thing to stay open so stuck with jump rings. We'll see how long the buttons stay on!

I will work on more detailed pictures of the jump ring opening, but it's pretty simple.

Even at camp...

2007-08-29T10:32:00.001-10:00

For SALE. $20
I'm a gonna put these up for sale on eBay real soon. Anyone interested? They will be available to the other public maybe next week or end of this week, for same price plus whatever book rate and a shipping package or box will be. I can drop them off at the next Aloha Knitters meeting if anyone wants um. But ya gotta take 'em ALL, cuz I don't wanna take um back home with me.
Funky Knits: Knitting Know-How for hip young things (I am sorry to say this book is too young for me...)
minnies: quickknits for babies and toddlers by Jil Eaton
25-Hour Crochet Projects by Rita Weiss
Crochet: 20 Simple and Stylish Designs to Wear (a Weekend Crafter book) by Jane Davis
Hollywood Knits by Suss Cousins (i really thought I'd make a few things in here but it's not happening). I think this is the same one as the link, just different cover, earlier edition. Mine also has 30 patterns, including the one on the cover at amazon.

If you want these and need them mailed, I would just charge you the book rate plus the shipping materials. email me if interested.

2007-08-28T17:59:00.001-10:00

Working on various t-shirt designs. Some clip art, some hand drawn. It's FUN! Still working out how to do the cafepress thing. Neato to actually design your own shirt graphics.

2007-08-20T18:23:00.001-10:00

Work hat

And this is how I'm supposed to get all my work done?

2007-08-19T19:12:00.000-10:00

I'll do the six weird things later. Wanted to share these I found out about on local craigslist. I do not YET move enough product to purchase the minimum (5 rolls of 1000 stickers each), but perhaps other local crafters would like to band together and get some. I am posting the closeup of the stickers here, as sent by Francie, the seller. Here is the original link: http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/art/398661448.html

2007-08-12T21:08:00.000-10:00

I have all these great ideas and often when I share them, people look at me like I'm a space creature from the planet Sif. Except for my husband, bless his heart. (mebbe cuz he bounces all his ideas off me too). So I'm just going to start a series of lists that neatly categorize some of these ideas for my type A personality.

Community
Every community fixture should have a way that community members can get to know the employees better while also utilizing available services. For example:

Community Library - have a place that posts a library employee's or a library patron's recommendations and current reading. I want to know what the people who work there are reading!
School library - how about getting various school staff and parents and community leaders to read a favorite book on tape to be lent out, with or without the book it goes with
Police Station - their bulletin board can have a monthly safety tip along with a picture and name of the officer who offered it
Don Quijote has started offering a lot of Mexican food ingredients. I don't know how to cook Mexican food but I'd be willing to try. Why not put take-away recipe cards using some of those ingredients next to this section, or by the entrance along with the weekly specials, or at the customer service counter. Every week or two, a new recipe. Every month feature a different ethnic food group. Or all kinds of recipes featuring kabocha, which would be on sale that week, or bok choy, etc.
Blockbuster - put specific employees picks on display, along with his/her reviews of recent releases
Post Office - is there a way I can find out about my mail carrier (kids? hobbies? how long been one?) and his mailing tip

I suggested the thing about the library recommendations, twice, and both times the response was "well, we have the Hot Picks" which is a list of a few national bestsellers that all the library branches carry. My response to that response: but I want to know what MY library's peoples are reading! That was six months ago, I guess they were not amused.

Fundraisers
My kid's school does various fundraisers all year. All year. Mostly selling stuff entirely unconnected to the kids, the community, nothing. It's just stuff. Anyway, I was wondering, why can't fundraisers for kids be stuff or services made or provided by the kids. The kids would learn that their ideas and tangible production have value, as well as a host of other relevant business skills being gained. The other way, they're just learning, maybe, to ask people for money. And their parents are probably doing most of the work, so where's the learning. So what can kids (and teens) make/offer? How about:

service coupons (wash car, rake leaves, clean out the garage, walk the dog, read the newspaper to someone with limited vision)
handmade wrapping paper
take your bottles and cans to the recycle place for a fee
organize, copy and bind all your family recipes
bookmarks
decorated spiral notebooks and composition books
shop for a younger student's school supplies
design school or community shirts/mugs/towels/etc. and sell on cafepress.com
design logo stuff for school clubs other than their own
videos of school events

Now how much ownership, pride, and learning would those fundraisers have gained.

Now, do I have to personally offer to coordinate each of my ideas for them to be taken seriously? Put them in writing and submitted to the pertinent place? I may try that. Not the offer to be in charge of each, but the in writing part. I'm good at the in writing part. That would be an awesome experiment. See what kind of response I get. Not like I don't have enough on my plate. I'm supposed to be doing some etsy forum learning as I type.

20 Reasons Why Living in Pearl City Rocks:

larger parking spaces than town
wider roads that are also easier to navigate and change direction on
the library
2 craft stores
Daiei now Don Quijote
elementary, intermediate and high schools
WalMart
Wendy's
lock Buster
Longs
3 Zippy's (with fabulous mid-priced sushi at the closest one)
a wholesale fabric store
malasadas
a Thai restaurant
Dave's ice cream parlor
YMCA
free trolley
2 BordersALL the above lie within 3 square miles of my house!
Moms Club
my kid's school is small

Favorite Ice Cream Flavors:
something with coffee and chocolate
chocolate
mint chocolate chip
haupia
lychee serbet
green tea
ube

Things I like to read about:

good friends
smart, funny women (if they swear, it's a bonus) who get the guy
plot twists

Okay, that's it for now, but these lists will continue!

2007-08-08T18:16:00.001-10:00

Yarn Confections 25% off Keiki Lei SALE

Quick! Any keiki lei, 25% off. Just wait for the revised invoice before clicking on the final payment in paypal. I will send a revised one. Just put in the comments to seller portion "yarnpornhawaii" so I know how you heard about the sale.

In other news, I am discovering that I simply need to revamp my typing skills. I haven't taken a typing course in DECADES and am realizing I need to type faster and more accurately. I hate hitting the delete key every time my letters get jumbled.

I am also learning all kinds of little interesting business things. Like, it's important to keep your company's name in the target market's sights, whether by keeping the blog current, or posting new items often, or keeping on top of different crafting and online business sites, being aware of business opportunities. Wow. No wonder it's called WORK! It's fun though, I like having something new to learn about an area I am passionate about all the time. Keeps me going "oh!", "think of that!", "I'll try that!"

Oh well, I'm off to wash off gym sweat and read to sleepy kids.

2007-07-31T19:41:00.000-10:00

I just joined this great bunch of ladies who work from home. Check out my featured bio! Whoopee!

My Sisters Petal FunRings:

Off to get the kiddos ready for school.

Oh, and I have 13 days to finish knitting that sweater I posted about earlier. Fronts done. Back taking LOOOOONG time. Not. Good.

2007-07-27T08:00:00.001-10:00

I missed my knit group last night preparing the kids for camping today. I yelled so loud at them to go sleep my mouth hurt afta and I was very grumpy. And now we're off to CAMP. I'll be less grumpy after coffee...and chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

Big one lost another tooth this week. That's two gaps in her mouth. She's thrilled to pieces.

And been making bookmarks. Lots of bookmarks.

2007-07-26T10:24:00.000-10:00

I just found this blog, I think i was reading posts in my creators of crochet daily digest on yahoo. And this thing this girl made is AMAZING:

Those are KNIT lemmings. Jumping off a KNIT cliff. And swimming in the KNIT ocean!!! Is that KNIT-F'ing cool or what??!! There are more detail shots on her blog and they will leave you speechless.

By the way, she also has patterns for sale that are very kawai'i.

2007-07-21T21:21:00.000-10:00

Trying to get this last pair of Soldier Socks off my back. Making good progress on the foot of one, what with the thicker yarn.

Also trying to complete my first sweater in a long time and the first sweater for my husband. Mid-August deadline. The location of his business trip is said to be chill. From Interweave Knits summer 2006. I have the worst luck substituting yarns and getting gauge so I just used what the pattern calls for, cascade 220, in a lovely deep shade of brown. Oh, ya, it didn't hurt that the model was totally yummy. The simple lines of the piece are really what made me think my guy would wear it. (and, yes, i do just keep telling myself that, sort of. Hey, i need some kind of incentive to keep working madly at that sheer volume of back and forth stockinette.)

2007-07-18T11:21:00.000-10:00

I'm reading various etsy threads about pricing and pricing formulas and valuing your time, and omg, i'm getting a headache. Considering how much time it took to change my prices the last time, I'm reluctant to go through THAT again. Maybe if there were a quick and easy way to adjust prices on etsy...

In any case, I price for what I would and could spend - on things for kids, my main target. Because kids use things, and abuse things, and LOSE things, I make and price items that I or the buyer wouldn't be overly distraught if something HAPPENED to them. Cuz you know it will. If the item is loved and used, something will happen to it. I'd like my craft to be liked and loved and USED. And because of that last word, and the kid target, I try to make things washable, durable, for multiple uses, and that took limited time creating. I am a very practical gal, and I want that thing I toiled over to be used so much it literally falls apart from love and wear, thus my kid recipients. So I price so that a busy parent can say "Oh, I like that!" and if another or more are needed, wanted, she won't think twice about ordering a bunch more.

Also, it is not really fair to devalue "non-professional" (hobbyist) because they cannot drop everything else to pursue their dream. Buyers will buy what they like and not what they don't. How one makes her living should have nothing to do with the value of a particular item. It should stand on its own merit.

I'm a full-time mom and a crafter. You bet your ass I value my time.

And that's my take on the whole pricing fiasco. (as posted on the pricing thread in the etsy forum)

2007-07-15T15:25:00.000-10:00

In trying to promote my etsy shop I am trying to do some advertising, crafter style. I tried to make these iron-ons with my site name but had a little trouble getting the iron to be hot enough. Results after washing are abysmal, but now I know why screen printing is better. Your site on a shirt is a good idea, though. We wear brand names all the time, that we've paid for! So why not our own. Also, I got decals for my car off etsy from monster promos. They're cute.

And also working on other ideas for incorporating neato buttons into cute wearables. Unfortunately, I only remember to adorn myself with these things I've made when my body is the only one leaving the house. When kids are involved, I'm lucky to have my teeth brushed, bra on, food packed, and phone in pocket.

2007-07-13T21:35:00.000-10:00

CRAFTY!
Keiki Gifts purchased some of my crocheted flowers and she did the most amazing things with them! I am so stoked! Will post link to her actual blog entry if I get her permission.

This was the "potion" created by older. It included some pretty expensive essential oils and some foam alphabets that accidentally got dumped in the toilet afterwards, but creative, and documented by older one, all the same. She and younger she collaborated on this effort.

2007-07-10T17:09:00.000-10:00

Today we took it easy, again, because just yesterday morning the big one says "my throat REALLY hurts!" Today she says "It...doesn't. Can I have some candy? How about some ice cream?" So in the spirit of she's already sick, and the little one is asking me for all kinds of forms of sugar, I gave in and let them have one mochi ice cream each. They preferred chocolate but settled for strawberry.

That and they requested outside naked baths. Ya, that's exactly what it sounds like. So, obviously no pictures. This time. We did it in the front yard as it was sunnier, but only off and on. The big one got shivery in the breeze and the little one just ran around with her towel afterwards refusing to get dressed. And after both were clean and dry, both ran around sky-clad, refusing to get dressed. Fortunately, they remembered they had a video to finish (Night at the Museum) before too long and finally came in before Child Protective Services was called.

On the crafting side, my self-designed surfboard knit shape is not coming along too well. Looking like a Zulu warrior shield so I ripped it all out and will try different frequency of increases. I should have snapped a pic but changed to working on a girl's version of the keiki kane lei. Maybe an anklet.

2007-07-06T14:43:00.001-10:00

Nya nya, I swooped in and scooped up all keikigifts' fairy tiara stash last week! Okay, I shouldn't gloat. Sorry. But I so happy I now have some more wondeful, original, handmade gifts. Yippee! Now if I could just get organized so I don't panic at last minute because I forgot I already have the presents.

We celebrated July 4th by dying yarn using Kool Aid. I turned one skein of Cascade 220 into six and the girls had three chances each to hand-dye, single color in the microwave, and single color on the stove. Boy, that was easy AND fun! We need to find more colors of Kool Aid. Only three available in Times Supermarket in packets. I wonder if other brand drink mixes work. I would like to dry a green and a blue. I'd also like to try REAL yarn dyes like those offered by Knit Picks.

Just finished photographin the keiki kane lei and new Ringos. I had especially good time taking the lei pictures. See!!!

Looking at it now, the picture seems a little dark to me. Maybe I'll make a light box like Kai's.
And most exciting: I met up with the Aloha Knitters last night! Whooooeeeeeee! That was FUN! I got to meet real people whose blogs I read and who are also a little loony about the yarn. We looked at each others' knitting magazines, yarn, projects, stitch markers, and dog! Everybody was really nice and I was just so happy to be there. So many came out to knit! That was awesome!

2007-07-04T10:37:00.000-10:00

Being in Hawaii my family and i use words like boob or cheechee. I think cheechee is a kid or guy word. In any case, did you know...there is no such word on the net as chee chee or chi chi or cheechee or chichi referring to boobs? My hubby just looked on google with zero accurate results. Like that was worth spending time on. But he did. And now we know. Okay then.

I wanted to share, my really nice older lady knitting/crocheting/crafting group with whom I meet on Thursday evenings, share no crazy yarn lust kinship with myself. SIGH....I think they just see it as a tool but not an ends!!! I brought the green stuff I had recently purchased and only one person actually touched it (nobody's fingers itched to just grab the stuff) and the only comment was "Ho, expensive, eh!" So. so. I so sad. I like them really, but they just don't understand! That must be why so many knitters have online communities and frenz. Because no one they actually know in the flesh understands this color and fiber craze that has us gripped so tightly it is our drug. Before when I thought about drugs, I imagined the high from cough syrup. Now I just imagine YARN, LOTS AND LOTS of yarn. I think if I ever made it to Mocha Java one of these days I would never leave. I would be there til closing and nobody in my family would be happy about the bather/teeth brusher/flosser/story reader/go to sleep body not being there for ONE whole evening a week. That does it. I'm gonna try it. Maybe tomorrow!!!

I tried to find a decent image of yarn and boobs together but couldn't.

2007-07-01T09:12:00.000-10:00

Do you think sitting and knitting/crocheting/crafting can make fat stay on your butt, despite frequent exercise and plenty of veges? That and the pooch on your tummy? Or my tummy, rather. It just sits there comfortably, stubbornly refusing to leave, no matter how many angled crunches i do (the ones where your feet are hooked over this thing and your body is at an angle, either downward or upward). I'll take picto next time i'm at the Y.

I thought i was ready to start the heels on both soldier socks but i just reread the instructions and apparently i have to knit 2 more inches of legs.

2007-06-28T16:27:00.001-10:00

I got this in today! Woohooo! All the way from British Columbia off etsy: See Jayne Knit Yarns. The stitch markers are beautiful and they came with the yarn! It took three whole weeks to arrive but it was worth the wait.

My kid is actually shouting at me to read to her...So i guess that's a good thing.

2007-06-27T08:59:00.001-10:00

Do you Ringo?

I do!

Get to the store to see more!

2007-06-23T13:10:00.001-10:00

I'm taking pictures of my latest thingies for Yarn Confections and my kid has to get in the picture...

Come visit Yarn Confections!
I've opened another storefront on etsy that is more aptly named and doesn't make proper people go "uh-oh." The items from the original site will either be moved over or saled off. Ringos are my latest confection. Check them out! I have to snap pics and bag 'em quickly before the girls or I try to hoard them ALL.

Oh, and my friend who makes those beautiful fairy crowns also has an etsy site, KeikiGifts.etsy.com. She only has a few of those handmade wonders available...going for a TOTAL STEAL. You won't believe it. Please check them out.

2007-06-22T14:14:00.000-10:00

My friend made these absolutely beautiful fairy princess crowns for my girls. I took loads of pictures to try and capture some of the workmanship and intricacies.

It looks like she first wrapped eyelash yarn and thin ribbon around the wire base.

Then pieces of that wedding veilish stuff is tied all along it, along with lots of pretty fake flowers that have bead centers.

Also, ribbon streamers are tied at the ends with different beads tied along the lengths and at the end. Wire circles with beads and charms are also attached at various points. These crowns are really the most amazing things I've ever seen. Soooo neat! The best part is the base is a thick but bendable wire so I can shape it very easily to the wearer's head. Oh yeah, and my kids LOVE them!

Thank you so much, J!

2007-06-16T21:46:00.001-10:00

This is my child 10 minutes after a bath.

Solder socks are about 4" into the second sock's cuff. First sock is 13" into leg and waiting on needles for second leg to be pau.

2007-06-10T15:40:00.001-10:00

We just got back from camping and this is how we all feel. Wiped...out...
Washing clothes and putting stuff away for the rest of the day. Next camping: July!

2007-06-08T10:12:00.000-10:00

I just posted a review for this book:

You think I was too harsh?

2007-06-07T12:50:00.000-10:00

OH. MY. GOD. I just bought yarn....I just wanted to look at my favorites! And then there it was. But the caption also said: buy now, only 1 remaining. And that was after the original one i had favorited had been sold. So i HAD to buy this one. And then I had to buy ANOTHER SKEIN of a different yarn from the same seller to maximize the shipping. (NOT said in a whiney voice).

Do you see?! Do you see why I HAD TO BUY YARN?!!! After months of self-imposed yarn diet. These will be socks FOR ME. Because I sold two things on etsy that combined don't even add up to shipping of the yarn, okay, maybe they do.

2007-06-07T12:12:00.000-10:00

I forgot to mention: I made my first two online sales!!!! Whoopeee! Two hairpins sets sold.

And all the kindergarten graduation leis have been bowed or rosed and handed out. Whooo. I tired. Took way long to make those bows, and attach the roses. The normal way to finish a lei is to attach a ribbon bow. But with more than 20 to do, I attached a bunch of fake roses instead to some of the lei. Only trouble was, I thought I would be "assisting" in the leing process so that they wouldn't get tangled up, dropped, faster dispersion. WRONG. Kid insisted on doing it all herself, so I don't know who got what and I know roses were popping off their stems right and left. boohoo. Didn't get chance to take pics after bows and roses attached. They looked way good! The bow really is the finishing touch! Felt like completing works of art as I selected bow and rose colors to go just right with the lei.

And last thing is the Kikaida hairpin for my littlest one. Made matching barrette sets for oldest ones fellow muskateers as their kinder grad. gift.

2007-06-03T12:25:00.000-10:00

So two of our parakeets died this past week. I changed their diet to include fruits and vegetables on advice of the bird guy at the vet and I guess the birds couldnt adapt. One 'keet is fine but sad to be alone again. I'm pretty sure the other two died of starvation when I cut their seed amount to force them to eat the fresh stuff.

Four Friends barrette is pau. Mostly the bear has been wearing it.

And this is me enjoying a very rare chocolate milkshake while on a Girls Nite Out with my budz and special visiting bud on her way to stay in Okinawa. We ate dinner and desert at Chili's in Waikele. The chicken strips were tender and the milkshake was AWESOME. And the girls were asleep when I got home before 10 p.m.!

I watched the first episode of Starter Wife with Debra Messing. I like her. Not overly impressed with show otherwise. Maybe too much hype. It looks like they may have killed off my favorite character! On to watching more back episodes of Grey's Anatomy. They just killed off my other fav character on that show - Denny the heart patient. So sad. So so sad. And then those bomb guys bit it! This series is so riveting I can only knit socks because my eyes are riveted to the screen. It's the most compelling hospital show EVER.

Older one's recent works from her class Adventures In Art:
The teacher is very good. Art in the schools is not a priority for the Dept of Education any more so I am glad I can provide her with this opportunity.

2007-05-30T16:42:00.000-10:00

Flower hairpins just added to my etsy site. Great for giving mom a lift when all our energy and activities are directed at THEM, you know, the offspring!

It's pretty hot today. But outside in the shade there is a nice breeze. Good for working on craft projects while the kids play dirt, as long as they don't spray the house or me with the hose!

Now kids are getting TV time watching the Mandarin version of Muzzy. I think it's taking. Helps when I can learn some of the words to use with them.

2007-05-28T20:06:00.001-10:00

Have about two weeks to finish the kindergarten lei for frenz. Red, white, and blue ones are Kikaida themed. I love using cotton yarn for lei because it is not scratchy against the neck, even in our hot, humid weather. And it is completely machine washable!!! Always a plus with kids.

Pink and white is the one I am working on now. That and more stuff for my shop.

Kid birthday party also successfully completed this past weekend. Had planny food, typical of local style get-togethers. Hubbo grilled hotdogs, chicken, and made poke. Yum! I was surprised everybody ate up the cucumbers and carrots I put out too. Usually my vegees go neglected. I know why, only had grapes out besides that, i forgot to slice the oranges and put them out too. At least the kids had fun and the breeze kept things cool out back.

I think if I quite moaning and groaning about party planning it would go easier. This wasn't that stressful. However, in the subsequent unwrapping of presents later, a card got separated from the gift and I'm not sure what was given. Kid liked all the gifts though! Especially the clothes and girly stuffs. Surprisingly, she readily shared a few gifts with her sister. I have a feeling SIX will be a lot easier to bear than FIVE (in age not number of kids).

Party activities included a modified cake walk, build a bad guy (out of stuffs found around the house that would otherwise be thrown away), coloring pages of Kikaida, Kamen Rider, and bad guys, playdoughing, and sidewalk chalking. The kids here are working on their totally open-ended craft activity of building a bad guy using all found stuffs, some scissors, tape, acrylic yarn, and a hole puncher. I am soooo glad they got into it after a while.

Clay mostly kept my little ones busy the day before while I finished last minute preparations.

2007-05-26T12:25:00.001-10:00

Getting ready for end of our 4H year with goodies for the girls.

Barrette with flowers and beads.

And progress on soldier sock while watching subtitled movies - surprisingly fast. Most of this was done in one night!

2007-05-11T08:54:00.000-10:00

Fourth? blanket panel has hearts. In progress. Oops. Forgot to take a picture.

In search of kona coffee beans for the dedicated soldier sock knitting maven. Looking into Halawa swim classes for oldest right after school ends next month. And prepping to post a few more items to my etsy shop, Yarn Confections.

2007-05-06T14:43:00.000-10:00

Have joined the Leeward YMCA. Brand new facilities. HEATED pool! Open til 9 at night. How great is that!

Continuing to knit third strip of Hubby blanket. Going fuzzily. Heart cables with seed stitch inside heart. Pattern from vogue stitchionary cables. Also still churning out bookmarks. Started trying out this cool dim sum pattern. Only made the custard thing in size 10 thread.

2007-05-02T17:22:00.000-10:00

Am currently using this lovely but extrememly fuzzy organic cotton, bulky yarn that I got off eBay a while back, to make a multi-paneled blanket for hubby. I'd actually like to make his out of wool, as the stitch definition is clearer, but I had loads of this lying around and it is so very soft, so....

I hope it's less fuzzy after the washing. The fuzz is really bothering my nose as i knit with it. But after just two weeks I am already almost pau with two panels. I think I overplanned when this yarn first came in. Pored over Vogue stitionary 1 and 2 for hours trying to choose just the right designs to go with each organic color. Filling pages and pages in my knit planning notebook with notes and calculations. This time I just flipped though the stitches and picked. I already knew I liked the oxo pattern as the recipient would be a loved one. I want to try a leafy one too, in keeping with the organic theme, but the yarn texture may decide otherwise.

Here is the oxo pattern, unblocked, as it is still OTN.

Next are the two panels side by side; although this is not the final order.
The first, brown panel is in a feathery looking pattern. My kids love how the panels feel and are already trying to wrap themselves up in the strips.

I just bought a yarn ball winder off eBay as my arm got tired that last time I wound the green ball. Now I have to make a swift. YES, I said MAKE.

2007-04-30T13:03:00.000-10:00

Taking clear close-up pictures on my camera involves busting out the tripod to hold the camera still long enough for the longer exposure time. Since that is an extra step, I no more FO pics fo' you. However, we did go camping recently and here are some pics from this past weekend and when we went right before Christmas.

It is very beautiful and we are very lucky and I can't thank my friend Jessica enough for all the times she has arranged, encouraged, organized, and cheerled us on to...sleep outside!

Plus a silly pic of me. Wow, that's enough of a puzzle piece to recognize me on the street even!

2007-04-18T13:57:00.000-10:00

The weather pixie shows sunny skies but it's been raining off and on all day. Got wet walking into that open all the time exercise place, dropping my kid off at school, picking my kid up from school, getting the mail, moving the car. No laundry hanging today.

Latest, coolest projects: TRIVETS. All-cotton, multi-stranded, ocean themed trivets.
Crab pattern from crochetroo on etsy
with 5 strands and a P hook.
Sand dollar used 3 strands. Free pattern online.
Fish used size 17 needles and 6 strands. Made two and slip stitched them together. Free pattern online.

I gotta tell you, these were FUN! My smart friend K tasked me with making here three trivets of varying sizes, with specific dimensions to fit her pans, and gave me free reign from there. At fist I was going to make the Hot Out of the Oven potholders using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky Hand Dye. I've been dying to get that yarn! But then I thought about washability as well as thickness, and I came up with using lots of strands of dish cloth type cotton yarn. Using 6 strands for the knit fish was quite a tangly challenge! But the results were better than expected. I worked from fresh balls each time, so as to avoid running out of yarn mid-way and having extra ends to weave in. If you don't use beads, these trivets are squishy soft, thick, and machine washable and dryable - definitely a bonus.

I realize I'm only posting weekly now. Found that in posting more often, I was spending too much time surfing the net instead of doing whatever task I had turned the computer on for in the first place. This way, at least I have planny pitchas to share.

Have also learned that if I'm lazy and don't take the pics using hubby's tripod, the image is not as clear. Just can't get around that in micro mode with the slower shutter speed.

2007-04-10T14:12:00.000-10:00

Feverishly trying to finish up lesson 2 of 3 of my TKGA Basics correspondence course begun last May. Got sidetracked by all other knitting and crocheting goodnesss. That and the lack of readily available light colored wool in Hawaii to work the swatches in.

Anyhoo, biggest pair of Big Black Socks, sized 14 after wash & dry are done and shipped off to some lucky big guy.

Bookmarck exchange recipient's package also sent out. Forgot to tack picha.

Hubby ordered bookmarks to send to clie nts. I chose a freebie octo pattern found online and crochetroo gecko.

The wings are off etsy. Very fun to maker, harder to rig up. I removed middle section and extra cast on stitches after lace pattern pau so would fit my child. That and removed one pattern repeat. This pattern is so beautiful i think i'll make a sweater thing out of it at some point.

2007-03-29T08:15:00.000-10:00

BBS

The gigantigous, humongufying supergallopagus Big Black Socks are almost pau. Just the toes of both to finish. Actually just the toe of one. Will kitchener the first one shut when I am absolutely sure they are both the same length. These are size 15. These may be the last pair of BBS is do. My hands really hurt from knitting them after each session. The foot is knit very snuggly in larger yarn than the cuff for more durable wear.

I saw a picture of a widow sleeping in her sleeping bag next to her husband's flag-covered coffin the night before the funeral. And I just felt so sad for her, for the other families who'd lost people in this war. Knitting these boring socks is also a reminder to me to be thankful for my blessings and that my husband is safer for not being military. We don't think about it that much, but as Americans, we pay a heavy price for our freedoms.

2007-03-19T12:06:00.000-10:00

We went hiking recently with the little 'un. We got far enough to see strawberry guavas, icky big snails, and lots of mud. She did great!
This is a good family hike.

2007-03-17T15:23:00.000-10:00

LOTS TO TELL:

Wow, didn't realize I had not blogged in so long! Have been knitting and crocheting away, of course. Just forgot to chronicle it.
A bunch of bookmarks recently put on my etsy site.Here are two. Simple, easy and fun. Was hoping to send one to my Great Bookmark Exchange buddy but I have not hear neither hyde nor hair from her about her preferences. And only 2 more weeks to go before deadline.
I don't starch my bookmarks because I like the soft feel of the cotton and the slightly uneven handmade look. Thus, I choose patterns that will lie as flat as possible.

A medium sized polar bear from pattern mentioned on crochetville. Was going to be a baby gift for a one-year old but thought the octo was a better gift and quickly worked that one up. Gotta use all that stash Lion Brand Cotton Ease!
Pattern: Bear Rug Body by Marylou/Meribears
Yarn: Lion Brand Microspun double stranded, 2 balls for body; stash acrylic sock yarn (Bernat?) for face and claws
Hook: G
Time: 2 days?
Cute. My hubby wants to give it to some hunter guy he knows. I'd think a hunter would want the real thing, but maybe he'll give it to his kid? This might make a good preschool nap matt in a much bigger yarn. Although my kindergartner says "No way! That is just crazy." So...maybe not.
Although this yarn is soft and pretty, it is multiple strands that can be tricky. It just takes one strand pulling out a bit to ruin the effect. And this stuff catches on my dry fingers like crazy. I totally have to lube up to work with it. (that so sounds not right, but you know what i mean)

Pattern: MoMo the Octopus by roxycraft.com
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 2 skeins; and that same acrylic sock yarn for eyes
Hook: E
Time: 3 days
Another favorite place to BUY patterns from. Her stuff is really cute and very doable for beginner crocheters as well. It's all single crochet! I only make machine washable things for kids and with the little bit of acrylic in this yarn, i love how it works up in amigurumi.

And while crocheting away, i finally got to watch this. I was pleasantly surprised! It is a great romance! Go figure. I had to watch it twice. There is a kiss in there that i just loved. I love passionate kisses like that. It didn't look contrived but you knew it was coming.

Both Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti are exceptional actors. I was surprised by Norton's ability to play a romantic leading man, with a different kind of strength. After M. Night's Lady in the Water, I became a huge Giamatti fan. His warmth and genuineness (? is that even a word?) appeal to me. I like actors that convey plenty while also seeming like the kind of persons I would want to know.

Sorry for the yammering, there's just so much to say! Am also continuing on with my very large, size 15 soldier socks. They look dreadfully huge. Huge, I tell you, HUGE!

Finally, here is the youngest playing with some crocheted puppies and her baby. That's what i like - use! She's actually asked for another baby. My kids don't usually attach to things, I guess because they are so attached to me! So I am very happy to find something they can fuss over instead of needing me so much.

2007-03-05T10:16:00.000-10:00

Movie Talk: The Prestige (Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johannsen, and Christian Bale)

You have to watch this movie. YOU HAVE TO SEE IT! It is an uncommonly well done movie. I like the kind of movies that make you think about them after. The kind that make you say. after the fact, "Oh...Oh?...Oh!!! Oh my gosh! OH!" Okay, that sounded kinda kinky, but, you know what I mean. So I'm waiting for the book to come in at the library. I'm sure I am at the end of a very long hold list.

The writing. The plot twists. Acting, of course. All very compelling. Hugh Jackman is a hottie but that Christian Bale did a wonderful job. Although less flashy of an actor, he is nonetheless very Ben Kingsley-ish in that he conveys so much without being a "look-at-me" actor like Tom Cruise. I very much respect Cruise' charisma, but it's just a different kind of thing.

I used to really dislike Bale because of the first movies I saw him in: American Psycho, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. He was a BAD GUY in those, and a really good one too. Thoroughly unlikeable. But since, I've altered my perception. Even Batman Begins didn't entirely win me over. I think it was Equilibrium that did it.

My husband warned me not to be let down when watching The Illusionist in comparison to The Prestige. I said, of course I won't compare the two. It's just another magician movie. Of course, I won't think of the first movie when I watch the second. Of course...not.

Well, I haven't seen The Illusionist yet. Waiting for a day when the small kid actually goes sleep before 10 p.m.! With one teensy weensy nap she can go and go until almost midnight if I don't take steps! Like read a book over and over and over and over again. Reading...slower...each...time...until she passes out, without putting myself to sleep first. It's hard to not pass out first! Cuz if that happens, then the kid just pops up and wanders off, and upon rousing from unconsciousness, I gotta start the whole process over again. Most times I'll just get up and try knit or something, or maybe catch up on saved episodes of The Closer, House, or Monk until she comes back in. I know that makes me a bad parent but I feel like I'm fightn' the tide trying to get that kid to sleep.

So yah, I watch a lot of movies. I knit, don't I? Gotta use something to exercise my eyes and change focal lengths between staring at all those tiny little stitches. It's eye exercise!

2007-03-03T17:45:00.001-10:00

My kid is making her own books! How cool is that!!! She is kind of prolific and intense when she gets into something so she'll get in a mood and them pump one or two illustrated, mini-chapter books out at a time. She tells me how she wants the sentences broken up on the page so that there is enough room for pictures.

I am hoping this dedication to her craft continues in whatever field she chooses so that she will be happy AND successful. Not easy for us crafters.

Of course there is the small problem that having a Chinese, sales guy dad, she picks up on certain cues and attempts to hard sell much of her artwork to anyone in the vicinity: library staff, parents, cousins, uncles, family friends, school friends, you name it. She and her friend actually got in trouble at school for atttempting to sell their crafts. Now, I find something wrong with the school pushing fundraisers and SELLING stuff, but frowning on other types of junior economics that have more meaning to the kids involved. I mean, I understand the thinking, but it still doesn't feel right.

Also, a completed puppy for my hubby. He is an amigurumi fan and actually wants one of everything I make. Where he will put them is beyond me.
Pattern: Little Puppy and His Mommy by anapaulaoli.com
Yarn: Red Heart
Hook: F

2007-02-24T17:40:00.000-10:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been TWO WEEKS since I last posted! I guess I've been busy with Chinese New Year preparations and trying to do something clever for Valentines' Day as well. The major project I've just completed is bookmarks for the local library staff and volunteers. We didn't give them anything for Christmas or New Year's and I really wanted to show our appreciation. Have also been wanting to use these materials in something simple and striking.

size 10 crochet cotton for most, leftover sock yarn too
size 8/0 beads for fish eyes and bookmark tails
size 11/0 beads in the hearts
size 1.3 mm steel hook
various patterns, both paid and free online

I like this two strand bookmarks tail as it leaves less of an indent in the book, compared to the more elaborate knit bookmarks I usually see. Also, it nicely shows off the variegated colors. Now, I could have blocked and starched the motifs to lay perfectly flat, but I found that I liked the homemade look and feel of a slightly curled motif. These are very simple, wonderful gift ideas for your favorite word-pushers and users!

Also, I've been spending far too much time looking at all the wonderful things there are to see online! I'm on a yarn diet so I have resolved to not even purchase another skein of acrylic until I finish these giant Big Black Socks I've committed to. I decided to cast on 80 stitches in fingering weight on size 1 needles, with a 15" all-ribbed cuff for some lucky size 15 foot soldier over thar.

So no new yarn since...January?

A knit charity organizer recently commented on how disappointed she was in the knitters who had signed up to knit for her organization but then had continued to work on other things and not complete the items to be donated, talking about these other things on their various knit-alongs. She actually scolded them for wanting to knit other things.

Now, I've made several things for this organization and I believe in its mission. I also commend the amazing commitment this person has made to making this thing happen. It is no easy thing. But, when knitting is no longer fun, and becomes an obligation, a duty, a job, then, why knit. Why make those thousands of stitches if IT IS NOT FUN. I've broken up my charity knitting thing with various other very fun things. And, yes, it has caused the thing to take longer than it otherwise may, but, it's my time, and my energy. And I don't want to resent the thing or any person for the handwork that goes into creating an item of love and dedication. That would be counter to its purpose. I do not want to feel like it's a monkey on my back.

So I will continue to occasionally throw in a fun, quick thing while continuing to toil on the charity objects I have committed to. But I do not think anyone has the right to direct or guilt knitter time. It is precious and priceless.

2007-02-12T10:45:00.000-10:00

Taking a break from endless rows of tiny, black sock ribbing on size 1 needles, I knit this:
Yes, it's a pie. Needed something completely frivolous.
Pattern: Dad's Blueberry Pie by Jennifer Tallapaneni
Yarn: Red Heart
Needles: size 6
I was supposed to use size 8 needles on the top crust but missed that part when I was going over the directions. I've been wanting to make this thing forever, but couldn't find the occasion. Then my kids were driving me crazy yesterday so I decided to finish it up instead of yell any more at thems.

This thing was so fun, I wanna make all kinds of colors now!

2007-02-10T19:26:00.000-10:00

Pie, Bacteria, Baby, and Kid
I feel like I'm always trying to post this as fast as I can before am needeed by a kid.

The soldier socks are taking forever because I'm using only size 1 needle and cast on 80 stitches! There's a reason knitters don't make big people socks all the time! I just thought some big guy could use a pair of big black handknit socks from the states. I am seriously wondering if I can pump out two pairs of these puppies. Maybe I'll change the ribbing to make it novel the next time around.

I have joined a real live, VINTAGE, stitch n bitch!!! This group has been meeting for 20 years! They are listed in the Department of Parks and Recreation adult classes in my area. Currently they meet at the community center every week! I am so thrilled! I think I probably knit the most far-out stuff: creatures and such. Not sure they had knit socks before but they are fun to hang with. (My kids are screaming at the top of their lungs right now but they ain't bothering me so I'ma happy!)

Had to knit a last-minute gift for a two-year old and this is what came out of my yarnage:I'm thinking of naming it after the Staph bacteria I recently read about that is penicilin resistent, can cross the skin barrier, and can lead to a flesh-eating bacerial infecton. If that doesn't freak you out, I don't know what will. This critter is bigger than the other bacterias because it was for a younger person than the other recipients. I used Caron Softee Chunky and size 4 dpns. The little leggies are in double stranded Caron Simply Soft on same dpns.Before working on the bacteria, I tried making this blueberry pie slice. But it was taking too long so I stopped to whip up the bacteria. After, I finished the filling. Now to do the crusts. I have wanted to make this thing for a while, but what r ya gonna do with a fake slice of pie?! It sure is more fun than that black sock ribbing, I tell ya.
And this is my youngest's newest baby. She doesn't want the hat that goes with it but will settle for a diaper. I'd like to modify the velcro attachments to buttonholes for faster finishing. The baby is adorable, smaller than its older sister made for the older sister. I think she needs a piko (belly button in hawaiian). This is the third baby I've made. They are fun and fast.
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, but with Lisa Souza deep purple sock yarn for eyes
Pattern: Oli's Baby by anapaulaoli.etsy.com
Hook: F

And last but certainly not least, this is why I stay home:Just think, I'd miss this stuff if I worked outside the home. In a SANE environment.

2007-02-07T11:12:00.000-10:00

Soldier Socks!
I recently started knitting big black soldier socks for socks for soldiers. The organization run by Kim Opperman sends handknit socks to soldiers oversees. Button on my sidebar. She wants mostly black socks the soldiers can wear under their boots, but colored leisure socks are accepted as well. So this is my third pair of BBS (big blac socks). First time with Knit Picks Essential and Swish for the thicker foot.

Yesterday my kid actually sat in a box and sang her heart out. I have video. It was so cute. Very few video of the second kiddo, mostly of first. Taking her to nap now. Hopefully. Then to pick up older one from school. It's raining so i can't kick the kids outside and tell them "go play!" Since the bigger one is into art, watching less tv, thankfully. Little one, however, started asking for the boob tube more often, what with the rain.

2007-02-03T12:45:00.000-10:00

YARN!
I decided to knit two more soldier socks for Socks for Soldiers. Just received the yarn. It's from Knit Picks. And I won neon colored double pointed needles for living in Hawaii! Woohoo! Waiting on them to start the socks. Will be making combination or hybrid socks - the foot is thicker, in sport weight, and the cuff is thinner in sock weight yarn.

The other pic if of a sunshine bookmark with dragonfly end. Sun pattern from 300 Crochet Stitches, the motif section in the back. I like the motifs are more interesting to me.

2007-01-31T14:39:00.000-10:00

Music Talk: Kimo Watanabe
If you haven't listened to him, you hafto. HAF TO! he sings in a laid back, soulful, local boy style with only uke accompaniment. And when I hear him, I feel I'm home. I'm in the exact place I want to be. My heart actually swells and sighs, and rocks languidly in a hammock when I listen to his songs.
And after downloading just 3 of his songs, I CAN'T FIND HIM ON ITUNES ANYMORE. It's tragic! Like when you LDR boyfriend suddenly stops writing or calling.
Where are you Kimo Watanabe?! I must have more! Think drooling, bloodshot-eyed, strung-out - okay, don't think that. I just miss you, that's all... :l

Okay, I just found him!! He has a myspace page and a podsafe music network site selling a few of his songs. Guess who else has a myspace page: Jake Shimabukuro!

2007-01-31T14:17:00.000-10:00

Socks!
Been working on socks for my dad, what with the weather being cooler lately. Everybody could use more socks. Also I felt bad that the only handknit socks he owned and apparently wore all the time, are this garish pink grey and blue color. Cute on a girl but lots silly on my dad.

This is the first sock. It is a beautiful brown Regia stripe color in an Eagle wing pattern. Full info. to be posted upon completion. The red heel and toe are because my mom complained she wouldn't be able to see the sock on their wood floor.

And I think my sister's received her bunny, so here is the original posting.

2007-01-31T14:08:00.000-10:00

Amigurumi!
Lately, I've just been working on crocheting critters. Big critters. Little critters. Bookmark critters. The bunny got a lei. Another in the works. Bunny, I mean. Small fighter dudes in the works. I'm having so much fun making other people's patterns I haven't given a thought to working on stuff for my etsy shop. (awww, do i haf to?) It's probably because acrylic stuff is the most readily available and affordable fiber for me to work with. I keep wanting to order a plethora of wool from elann.com or knitpicks because those sources are affordable, but as they are not right in front of my nose and under my fingers, the other stuff gets picked up faster. I felt Red Heart Soft yarn. It is a lot softer than the regular Red Heart. Comparable to Caron Simply Soft, but little heavier, still worsted. Until RH Soft, Caron SS was my acrylic amugurumi fiber of choice. That may change. Have this farm mat I would like to try after this spate of amigurumi are out of my system. Just wanna knit the fields, grass squares, sew um together, and then make the sheep (SHEEP!) and cows and things that go on top of it. Forget the kids, I'll play with it!

2007-01-30T08:49:00.000-10:00

You Tube!
Have you seen this awesome phenomenon?!! It blows my mind that I can learn the twisted german cast-on in real-time from someone NOT IN THE ROOM. For any craftser or do-it-yourself-er, the possibilities of learning things via video with the easy accesss of the internet are endless! Endless I tell you! I am so excited about this! Of course I'm gonna search for knitting stuff, but my husband can look for survival techniques, my kid can search for clay crafting, anything! More prurient learnng opportunities run through my mind as well but it's the online yarn manipulation knowledge that I will mostly peruse. Ya right. Really!

2007-01-28T18:19:00.000-10:00

SEW!
My kid got this doll thing from a friend. She loves it but I have doubts about the clothes. Mainly, they are not really age-appropriate. But that's okay because...we can make more tasteful clothing for this blank slate! The A-Line dress pattern is actually for a Blythe doll, but it fits this Bratz one just fine. Needs one more snap closure in back. I've never made doll clothing before. It was sort of fun! I may even try another pattern (Puchi Collective). Maybe the kid can sew the thing next time...

2007-01-27T16:43:00.000-10:00

BATTERY!
I have been having trouble with my digital camera's battery pack. It keeps acting like a baby and needing recharging after every few pictures. I think I need to replace the charger or the battery itself, maybe both. So, every time I want to take a picture I have to pop that sucker into the recharger. Gets kind of distracting to posting after a while.

Just finished one side of socks for my Dad. It is in this beautiful Regia brown multistripe...with these horrid red strip parts - the heel and toe. By itself, this red color is okay, but combined with earthy browns, it just doesn't work. The reason I've added this bizarre color element is at the request of my nearly blind mother who claimed she wouldn't be able to locate brown socks against the brown wood floor in order to wash them. To which I told her just tell him if he wants the socks washed to put them in the dirty laundry area. Sounds simple, no? But you know men...So it's got red. In. It. The pattern is absolutely beautiful, particularly for a man's sock.

In other news, sent my friend in D.C. this crocheted turtle bookmark. There seems to be something wrong with the pattern because it is not symmetrical. Bought pattern also from Crochetroo. Cannot find on etsy still, to ask about that. I love the use of beads in crochet.

Also, trying to teach my 5 year old to crochet. She kinda learned to knit one day when I thought she was watching too much tv, but hasn't practiced much in the past few months. Instead of her learning to crochet, she decided to become the jewelry designer and I became...the poorly paid labor! So she created the beading order and I dutifully crocheted these large pony beads on to this cotton and rayon twisted yarn we bought at WalMart. We discussed costs, pricing, and profit margins, as my hubby encourages her to start her own business and work for herself so she can control her time. Aside from the slave labor part, it was kind of fun.

2007-01-22T10:08:00.000-10:00

I get so engrossed in other people's sites I forget to post my own! Or run out of kids-not-pestering me-needing something-fighting with sharp instruments-time.

Finished another bunny for youngest. Added flower necklace after pic.
Pattern: Lion Brand freebie
designed by one of my favorite amigurumi designers roxycraft!
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Hook: F
This is the first time I've used buttons for eyes. Since it is not going to a baby I figured was ok. Kinda cute. Haven't bought thouse safety doll eyes yet. Those really make amigurumi look so kawai!

Another bacteria. Waiting to see which of my family members will make a request. Otherwise, goes in the nonexistent-but- really-should-have- standby-gift cache.
Pattern: Knitted Bacteria by loxosceles
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Needles: size 4 dpn

Fish are for bookmarks!
Pattern: (off etsy but cannot find link now) Crochetroo designs from Australia - Queensland rock -pools and beaches
Yarn: sock yarn in stash
Hook: don't remember, sorry. Did bunch in a crocheting frenzy one day while kiddos playing outside.
Loved using a bead in the crochet, even if it was only one each.

2007-01-17T09:23:00.000-10:00

Hints for my ister's birthday present...

Previous post with picture has been temporarily removed as it gives it away! To be reposted after she receives gift.

2007-01-15T10:41:00.000-10:00

Knitted bacteria lady has kindly sent me her site address for any interested in also trying. Thanks!

Also working on thing for Sis's 20 something birthday but bogged down by pattern errata...

2007-01-12T16:12:00.000-10:00

More Bacteria!!

These for the children of two nurses. My husband kept the pink one. They are so fast and easy to knit! The kids are still patiently waiting for theirs.

2007-01-08T13:21:00.000-10:00

Newly gifted:

knitted bacteria!!
pattern: Knitted Bacteria by Beth Skwarecki of knitty.com Nautie fame (her blog no longer features this pattern, sorry, folks)
yarn: mostly Caron Simply Soft
needles: size 4 dpn
These were SO FUN to make! My husband wanted them as soon as he found out what they were. He has requrested a bunch for his nurse friends' kids.

and

Flower Power bracelet from crochetme
yarn: Lion Brand Microspun and Sugar n Cream for flowers
hook: F
notes: The bracelet turned out too long but doubled it could easily become a ponytail decoration or baby bracelet. I could have used more contrasting colors to bracelet to make effect more striking.

and

It's a giant insect thing!
pattern: Phil from Jungle Bugs by Me lissa Mall
yarn: Red Heart - the thing is actually blue but the flash makes it look purple
hook: G
Red Heart is stiffer and slightly thicker than Caron Simply Soft so I used the hook called for in the pattern versus the one size smaller hook I usually use. Another fun critter to craft. Another covetted by hubby and kids. A winner! Of course, another gifted away, to my kids' great disappointment. I've promised to make more for said offspring but you know, it's hard to see the fruit of your labors tossed about, left on the ground, kicked, sat on, forgotten, and all those things you know the gift recipient will probably do as well, but at least I won't have to pick it up, put it away, or clean it!

2007-01-08T11:15:00.000-10:00

I think this is a mag knits pattern. In Lion Brand cashmere. The baby recipient apparently enjoys it. I am happy. The other pics of her are SO cute! It will fit her for a while. Good, considering only gets cold enough to wear a hat for maybe two months out of the year over here.

I wanna knit myself a sweater but by the time I start thinking about it and trolling for yarn and pattern, the cool weather will be a distant memory before the sleeves are even cast on. Ah, but that cascade 220 sale at ben franklin got my juices going. Found great cabled bag pattern requiring only 2 skeins of cascade AFTER the yarn sale was over. But there goes my excuse to buy even more yarn. It's a beautiful bag, don't you think?! And it was FREE! Click on image to go to her webpage.

2007-01-01T19:46:00.000-10:00

There is this sweet little boy I know who is expecting a new little sister next month. This is for him.
Pattern: Oli's Baby
from anapaulaoli.etsy.com
Yarn: Red Heart (!) Supersaver No Dye Lot buff for baby
Hook: F for baby, G for hat and diaper

I wanted it completely machine washable and dryable for easy care. Also created a birth certificate to go with it. Made one for my daughter and she definitely needs a mini daiper bag to keep the baby's things together. Also added straps to hat cuz kept falling off!

Picked up some supplies today because of Ben Franklin Craft Store sale. Oh my gosh! It was packed! I stood in line with my things for half an hour! Good thing I had stuff to work on. Sewed the purse handles I was planning to purchase on, sewed up one side of the purse, and started sewing the velcro onto the diaper of the second baby I am working on for oldest daughter.

And Cascade 220 went on sale for $5!!!! I picked up some beautiful brown for a sweater for my husband for when he travels to mainland on business. Cambridge Jacket by Ann Budd in Interweave Knits Summer 2006 issue. (Pic is of sweater not hubby, although he is juicy!)

Not enough skeins so gonna check tomorrow to make sure had enough of same dye lot. The bubblegum pink color beckoned but I couldnt reach it.

2006-12-29T16:48:00.000-10:00

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb. Remembered it last night while reading Berenstain Bears to my kids. Weird how the brain works. Anyway, this book was memorable because it was from adult viewpoints in teen bodies. Plus the writing was just really compelling. I only read books that cause me to care about the characters and their outcomes. Very much so in this case. I can relate to the characters feelings of discovery, regret, confusion, and longing.

And in crochet news...the sunny side up egg from anapaulaoli.etsy.com. The designer uses safety eyes, which i think are cuter but don't have. So this one is just french knots.

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft yellow and white, bits of black
Hook: E
Time: 1 hour?

Most amigurami patterns using worsted weight yarn call for G hook but I use E or F, depending, so I don't have to hook tightly for a nice effect.

2006-12-26T19:01:00.000-10:00

I just finished this stupendous book about a girl ghost who haunts a high school english teacher and meets a boy in his class who can see her. And i cant remember what it was called. This book made me cry rivers and i cant remember who wrote it or what title was. I know it was a new book, or first book for this woman author...just returned it and am desperately trying to look it up again so can post intelligently about it instead of going on like a ninny about how i canna remember it...

gotta put the kids to bed. they are having too much for right now...

Merry After Christmas, all.

2006-12-26T12:01:00.000-10:00

Christmas cards on sale at etsy.com!
For any thinking about next year, we have a few sets of daughter's lovingly designed Christmas cards for sale here. They are blank, so you get to write your very own personalized message inside. And you can add a family photo on one inside flap.
Merry New Year!

2006-12-24T16:29:00.000-10:00

Wala!
For all those i am pretty sure I will be seeing very soon this holiday season, all gifts for the young 'uns are done. DONE! This year the mom-friends gifts were mostly ...ummm...put on back burners as I raced to finish their children's gifts - all handmade, I am proud, and exhausted, to add.

Sushi Puff (pronounced poof like that english thang) adopted from Sushi Roll by MK Carroll (it's the same thing, i just renamed it for the kid and put a bottom on it to make into a cushion)
pattern: Sushi Roll on crochetme.com
yarn: Caron Simply Soft
hook: G for rice and size 4 dpns for knit nori
time: kind of long for a kid's thing but it is SO CUTE and squishy!

Scarf for the Sis
pattern: Shelly by Emily Nelson on Crochet me
yarn: 2 skeins CascadeYarns Dolce
hook: K
time: 3 hours? FAST
The hook seems too big but the drape is wondrous! Yarn so soft!

Shhhh. Don't tell but I actually had to use this thing while camping. It was so cold at night I draped it over my head to sleep, right after completing it! Wowie! I am so glad I got to use that softy drapey thing.

And the last handmade thing has been delivered!!! On to something fun and purple I saw in the most recent Knit Simple magazine. That purse on the cover - sans the puff balls. I think I'll line it too. For me this time.

2006-12-19T16:56:00.000-10:00

Kid Lei
Time to complete: 2.5 hrs.?
Yarn: flowers in Lily Sugar 'n Cream, swimming pool (used more than half the ball)
centers in Lion Brand Micro Spun french, vanilla
Pattern: Pansy (Paneki) from Fancy Hawaiian Lei in Crochet by Roberta E. Wong
Hook: G
This is my new favorite kid project. Kids play dress-up all the time. And with the time invested in one of these yarn leis, the color does not have to match the actual flower, and recipient will wear it more than on that one special occasion. Plus, it is completely washable , gently, like other yarn confections, and very one of a kind. If you have not checked out the yarn lei pattern books out there, you are really missing out. They are AMAZING. Beautiful, easy, and long-lasting. My friends use their leis as decorative items, but the kids actually WEAR them. So I have not regretted gifting any to a child. By child, I mean at least 4 years old, with some amount of common sense. Shorter length is better for a kid, less likely to catch on something and choke. Of course, remove lei when involved in active play with anything that can catch on something around the neck. Or you can just leave the lei untied so it is more like a scarf.

2006-12-18T15:09:00.000-10:00

Two things

Finishing last minute girl gifts (gifts for girls between the ages of 7 and 12) and working on last-minute little boy gifts (between 1 and 4 yrs.). Those little boys are hard to knit for if I've already given them my standard wash cloth and soap set! I guess I could always change the design of the wash cloth and the book given with it.

First pic of a choker, using the fastening button as the centerpiece.

The second pic here is of a knitty thing that looked fun to knit. I used big yarn and a FUN color! It still needs a face and neck shaping, but my older daughter has seized it for her very own and refuses to allow it a face. Could be disturbing...I thought initially to gift these critters to the little boys, but worried about long appendages causing some choke/barfing episodes and changed mind.

In any case, a purple one with lime hair and tail is in the works. Hopefully, with a face.

These are both Walmart yarns. Bernat, i think.

2006-12-13T18:27:00.000-10:00

I should be bathing. Myself. The kids. Or shopping for groceries for tomorrow's dinner. Or some other useful gettng ready for Christmas thing. Instead, I'm doing stuff like this quiz about my accent (see sidebar) and cleaning up my bookmarks folder on mozilla. While the kids fight and not get ready for bed. Ah me. Well. See, it's all the fault of this excellent book I didn't read but readily discussed at my Moms Club book group today:

Finding out that we just have to let our kids have play space and play time and let them try and let them fail and and...just be there for them to become happy, well-adjusted individuals. That and, get a pet, help them feel part of some kind of community or group, and a few other really key things thay my friend K had the total skinny on. Highly recommended book. Now I HAVE to read it. She and I both wanted to wave it in our mother's faces and say "see! see how you warped us!!" I guess that's a little disturbing. But honest!

But there are finished object pictures to share:
beaded choker

dinosaur washcloth & soap

dino wash cloth and choker (not a set)

wristlet

I wrapped all our pesents in this brown craft paper with a simple, boldly colored purple ribbon and it was SO EASY! Usually I moan and express great anguish over bulk present wrapping. I get stressed, my back hurts, and the gifts come out looking like my kids wrapped them anyway. With the craft paper, I was so arted-out over the lovinly hand-crafted things inside, that I just wanted something simple, fast, easy, and preferably low-cost (read FREE) to gift them in. The plain paper was perfect. The kids helped decorate it before and after wrapping, SOMETIMES, but there was a lot of little things to wrap and after awhile, my eager artists wandered away. So I happily completed almost all the gift-wrapping for friends' kids in a few evenings, while listening to harry potter on CD, and a few knitting-related or harry potter related podcasts. I LOVE podcasts. They are the coolest things ever for this book-on-tape girl.

I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO REGULAR WRAPPING PAPER AGAIN.

2006-12-10T22:09:00.000-10:00

Oh the insanity!

Today I wrapped a bunch of handmade gifts, some partly purchased. I think I was in constant panic-attack mode, what with trying to keep the different presents separated and correctly labeled, while fending off my two children who constantly want this, that, and the other thing, all at the same time. I feel done! There is so much more to do, and I just want it to be OVER! Why do I do this to myself every year? I suppose if I bought more gift wrapping accessories (printed chinese take out box, gift bags, gift boxes, etc.) it might make the job easier, but I kinda want to be done with the purchasing part of this holiday. I spent a lot of time and energy on these endeavors, and i just don't want to spend any more moola for a little while. But on the other hand, it feels SO LIBERATING to just buy the darn gift!

And then, what do I get for the really picky kid? The kind who will throw the thing over their shoulder the second it is opened if it just does not suit him or her? Hmmm. Ah, I know! Something the younger sibling will latch onto once it is discarded by the older one! Inspiration strikes. Thank you blog gods!

2006-12-08T17:33:00.000-10:00

More FO for Christmas
This digital pic taking at the macro setting is tricky! The shutter speed is slower so I have to hold the camera still longer and there's no flash so there has to be adequate illumniation for the picture to come out right.
First pic at right is a bunch of dino wash cloths piled on top the baby gift octopus, with the red beaded choker on top. The colors looked so striking together. Too bad all going to different peoples.

Tyrannosaurus and Brontosaurus dino wash cloths for some lucky little boys, to accompany the board book How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. I bought a slew the last time I ordered from Scholastic Books.

2006-12-07T21:52:00.000-10:00

Christmas is coming!!!
Somehow, this phrase fills me with dread and stress. Many more gifts to make. And just when I feel like I'm doing okay, I remember that I haven't made the item labels so the recipients are aware of the contents and care instructions. Wrapping is a whole 'nother issue. Hand decorated paper, of course.

I am thinking to create a new gift-giving holiday so the timeline will be less crunched and more sale-friendly. Perhaps we will celebrate Chinese New Year with extra gusto this coming year, and make up the gifts that were not completed on time for Christmas as well as celebrate the THIRD time I've seen the pig year come around.

I'd like to just sack out more often, like my little one did on the Waikele trolley the other day.

2006-12-06T08:53:00.000-10:00

Gifts for older girls
Finished two of these. This is what i did:

Simple Crocheted Chokers
12" length (for best results, measure the neck of recipient and make a gauge swatch. multiply gauge by neck length for starting chain number. any soft yarn can be used if this is done.)
size 1.65 mm hook
size 10 crochet thread, NOT South Maid - it feels too stiff against skin
gauge: 9 sc/1"

Directions:
leaving a long enough tail to sew button on, ch 97
sc in 2nd ch from hook and all the way to end
turning ch 1
sc to end
make total of 3 sc rows
last row can be slip stitch to end for a nice finish.
when get to end, make button loop by chaining to fit around the button and slip st to choker
sl st again to choker
go back and sl st in each ch of button loop and finish off
weave in end
sew on button with tail and weave in end.

Optional:
String on a bunch of beads (5/0 strung easily but smaller possible if you have a dental floss threader to assist) then begin and just place them randomly throughout.

2006-12-04T13:16:00.000-10:00

I must confess and apologize, but I am still learning how to take good close-up pictures with my digital camera. I think these are the best so far.

Patten: simple granny square
Yarn: Size 10 crochet cotton. Variety of brands. South Maid is NOT the soft thread.
Needles: size 1.3 mm crochet hook

2006-12-02T16:50:00.000-10:00

Finally pau octo!!
For a newborn to snuggle with without choking on button eyes or longish tentacles. Perhaps orange for the eyes would have made them pop out more but the green is a little more laid-back island style. Good for me!
Dubbed: Holoholo He`e
Pattern: Deep Sea Babies from Roxycraft.com
Yarn:Body & legs - Lion Brand Cotton-Ease sugarplum
Features are a variegated sock yarn from Knit Picks Simple Stripes in color modeled but no longer carried
Hook: comfort grip size F.

To be honest, I tend to understuff because I like the squishiness factor. But it is recommended that amigurami be stuffed within an inch of their little bugger lives for optimal cuteness.

2006-12-02T09:10:00.000-10:00

Octos almost pau.
Two more legs to go since last night, then assembly required. Hope this thing is cuter than Violet, the Lion. My kids think she's creepy but she doesn't want to change her eyes out!

Off to 4H!

2006-11-29T16:44:00.000-10:00

Dinosaur wash cloth
I can't figure out how to take the picture so the design comes out clearer...Sorry.

Got weary of making crocheted motifs all the time so started an Octopus for a baby gift. Yeah, I got LOTS of this purple Lion Brand Cotton Ease lying around.

Also OTN, prehistoric Nautilus thing from Knitty. This project was the first xmas gift break knitting I started, before the octo.

Opinons:
Finished this a bit ago for a two year old. Yes, there is lots of room to grow. That was the point. However, it is unadorned. I ask you, should I continue to add heart shaped bead things on the sleeve, to mirror the buttons, or should I let the design and yarn speak for themselves?

2006-11-28T15:41:00.000-10:00

Parent book.
Picked this up from my kid's scholastic book fair. Title reminded me of Confessions of a Slacker Mom which I thoroughly enjoyed. After reading, plan to pass around among my mom friends, make that $10 cover price s-t-r-e-t-c-h.

Another dino wash cloth pau. Got pattern here: Knitted Kitty on yahoo groups. I think I can pump one out while watching a movie. The crocheted stuff I have to do while listening to podcasts so I can look at the stitches. I can even watch a foreign film and read the subtitles while knitting one of these dish cloths!

Hubby and I checked out Kill Zone most recently. Better than expected. I liked checking out Donnie Yen's muscles. Hey, not often a girl gets to check out some Chinese hunky guy's bod in American cinema. One of my favorite Chinese films is Infernal Affairs, upon which The Departed is based. Yeah, I got a thing for Andy Lau (House of Flying Daggers).

2006-11-25T16:36:00.000-10:00

Hiking. Knitting.
Boy, have we been busy! Happy Hollidays! Hiking at Ho`omaluhia Gardens in Kaneohe. What a view! And yes, I got some knitting done on dinosaur wash cloth for a boy. In my tent. By flashlight. When the kids refused to go unconscious at 10 o'clock at night.

2006-11-22T06:48:00.000-10:00

Tails! Lots of 'em.
Have a pile of these little guys to put on ankle socks and barretts. Little girl sets for Christmas. Most are simple two row granny squares done in crochet thread or sock yarn, using a real small hook (1.65 or 1.3 mm). I started making the squares as tight as possible so they would be smaller. Problem was, they wouldn't lie flat, and my 5 yr. old noticed. So started to loosen up my crocheting and the squares lay flatter. I use the variegated yarns because I just love to buy variegated and because I'm too lazy to change colors every row. The pattern still comes out nicely with variegated.

One sock yarn leftover I used had long runs of dark blues, so to jazz up the motif, I added a few beads. The beaded ones will be for baretts only since those won't go in the washing machine.

The younger one likes to carry these around by the long tail, calls them balloons.

2006-11-20T09:34:00.000-10:00

FIXED!
Woohoo! I don't know how, but when my hubby went to look at my site today it was ok. Yippeeee! Maybe I just needed to restart Mozilla. SOOOO relieved.

Finished the kid wristlets except for button. Except...I tried them on the five year old live-in model and...they're too small! By a good 3/4" or so....rrrrr. So hafto dig out those yarn ends or rig up something else to bridge that gap. Have since taken measurements of her wrist and neck.

In case anyone interested, these crocheted motifs are from Lion Brand, Crochet Motif IV Circle in the Square, in some yarn that is like Patons Grace but isn't. I'll go look at ball band later. This stuff is just great for making these small motif thingies with tiny hooks. Really brings out the beauty of the design. My Kikaida-loving daughter loves the color combination.

2006-11-19T18:22:00.000-10:00

Screwed!
In trying to add one of those smiley zwinky things to the html of my site i think i've completely screwed it up. And I don't know how to fix it!! Aarrggh!

2006-11-16T08:18:00.000-10:00

Carrots pau. Pattern here. On to more fruit or veges. Trying to think of what I can make the fastest. Need more orange yarn if I make some oranges. Modified a dog ball pattern from a kids' crochet book for that.

Sometimes, while in a knitting frenzy, I get this niggling question in the back of my mind: are you crazy? you're knitting/crocheting carrots (or other fill in the blank item)! Does anyone really care that they're handmade? Anybody else ever get those doubts?

2006-11-14T22:27:00.000-10:00

Before I shut down for the night saw this and had to share. It is Lang Pearl yarn: acrylic, mohair and polyester. In worsted weight, it is THE PERFECT color for my sister who's been living in Michigan for a few years with boyfriend. You know, the whole experimenting with college, work, and living away from home thing. Anyways, she's the roughest to knit for because i know she won't handwash anything and just does not really appreciate beautiful wool. That and I'm not sure how long this whole living on the mainland thing will last, so I dont wanna knit her anything major, like a sweater, that will be useless once she returns for good.

However, she has confessed to being fond of deep blue, red, and green. Dark, true colors. And then I found this cute Hermione's cable-and-bobble hat with just the same weight of yarn required and I thought, hey! There's a possiblity. Of course, I'm the Harry Potter fan, so maybe I'll just make it for myself and wear it around the house when the air conditioning is turned on (like my lovely wool hiking socks) and pretend it's actually cold enough to need one of these. Hmmm... I love the swoosh meandering around the bobbles. Not found of those bobble ball things but this pattern is very interesting.

2006-11-14T21:40:00.000-10:00

Am working on kids' xmas gifts. So here is part of my fourth(?) crocheted carrot. Plan on making food baskets, all knit or crocheted! Sweets, veges, fruits. Will see how far I get before C Day! My pointy sticks and hooks are flying! Trying to work on those things that will get me the most gifts for the time, then will work on the bigger projects (socks), as the deadline is more flexible for those recipients (family vs friends).

2006-11-13T17:49:00.000-10:00

There are times when I view a yarn online and my eyes start to roll back in my head because it is so out of this world gorgeous! That's how I felt about this one: Trekking XXL 78. Do you guys keep a list of DREAM yarns? Just so you can look at them daily on your monitor or next to your bathroom mirror and moan with ocular pleasure? Anyone? Anyone?

2006-11-13T08:31:00.000-10:00

I saw this on Astrid's Dutch Obsessions and thought: so cute, in an odd, really odd, kinda way. Definitely shouts "sock knitta" at ya. Now honestly, I don't know if I would wear this thing, but I sure would have to go up and give the person I did see wearing it a really big hug of appreciation and admiration for her daring.

And have ya guys seen these? They are called Regia Sock Stoppers. Also on Astrid's. They're perfect for folks with wood or tile floors! My kids are always slipping around in their handmade socks.

2006-11-12T18:49:00.000-10:00

Here is purple lion. Her name is Violet, inspired by one of my favorite podcasts Lime & Violet. I like it, the lion, I mean. Even if it weirds my kids out a little.

And crochet motifs for possible chokers and wristlets.

Fast Christmas gifts!

Anyone have other small project ideas for crochet motifs? Ones using only a few motifs at most?

2006-11-11T21:42:00.000-10:00

Pau! (finito in Hawaiian)
The purple lion is done and...and...well, see for yourself. I added eyebrows and whiskers. Not cute but definitely interesting. Next project: last-minute Christmas projects!!!!! Oh no, it's just around the corner!

Made a bunch of these crocheted motifs and they just looked to pretty to be lost among a zillion identical ones in a large project so perhaps something simpler and smaller would be more appealing and show off each motif's charm. Things like chokers, with or without beads, wristlets - who says you have to have a watch on that wrist - and I even attached one motif to one of my daughter's plain white athletic ankle socks. She LOVES it! I'd show picture of last but the younger one snatched it and it has run away from view, hopefully not home.

Sorry, computer not reading my camera's memory card. post pics later.

Okay, okay, surfing, surfing, and just found this pic that just made me laugh! So here, not leaving you pic-less:
you gotta ask, what the heck is that wolf doing/thinking? Is that for real? I think it is.