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!

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.

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 clients. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.