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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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 Melissa 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!