Have you kidnapped a gnome today?

My first knitting bag sewing project

2012-03-03T21:57:31Z

I spent today sewing a knitting bag in my studio! Thanks to lattesaremylife I had a great tutorial to work from. Also thanks to my fabric addiction I had some fun fabrics to choose from... and away I went.

It's pretty basic stuff, but I thought it would be fun to document for the future. I'm really happy!

The tutorial is from In Color Order

Okay first up, I needed 3 fabrics for the project, and to cut out all the pieces.

My husband raised his eyebrows at my choices, but they all go together!

Cut out all my pieces (which was the longest part of everything to be honest. I wasted some of the zig zag because I can't cut a straight line.)

I sewed all the pieces in order.

Folded in half and sew up the sides.

Pulled it inside out through one of the holes I left for the draw string. (tricksy!)

I broke a needle sewing the draw string. Whoops!

But I fixed it! Yay for learning something else.

Drawstring in!

It's a great size for a sock knitting bag. I bet I'll make a bunch of these in all sorts of fabrics. Next time it hopefully won't take me all day though.

The zig zag was supposed to be the exterior, and the leaves the inside- but I cut the pieces wrong. Glad it turned out well though! Next time I may do the draw string in the same fabric as the interior, so it gets a bit more notice. But then again, it may have been *too* busy that way. Hmm..

Thanks for taking a look!

Writer's Block: B.Y.O.B. Holidays

2011-12-13T15:51:07Z

A sewing machine! I've wanted to learn since my Mum used to sew me capes when I was little, but then I went through a phase where I refused to do "girlie housewife martha stewart" stuff. Thankfully I grew up and now I'm addicted to checking out fabrics, and just need the machine to be able to sew cute things.

Writer's Block: What’s on your mind?

2011-12-11T02:39:51Z

Two main thingsL\:
1) I day off down, 2 to go. Totally feel like I wasted today sleeping too late- but I got the stockings up and the mantle (mantel?) decorated.
2) I wish I hadn't had that 3rd guiness.

Writer's Block: It's payday!

2011-11-15T18:06:44Z

Buy a house, entirely with cash. Nothing extravagant though, just an old house (love the old new england homes! Like a 100 year old one with a ton of character) with a yard and maybe a wee bit of land.
Pay off our bills/cars.
Help family.
Go to Italy/France/England/Ireland/Scotland

I figure that would take care of maybe half- then save the rest.

What the heck is a Kettlebell?

2011-07-10T19:21:53Z

I was asked what a kettlebell is and thought I'd take a moment (wow I'm posty today!) to explain.
Please don't take this as any sort of expert advice. I'm brand new at the kettlebell myself, but really enjoying it!

Okay so the kettlebell is a round weight with a handle. You can get all sorts of weights, but you really want it to be heavy because a lot of your work is done with swings and such. I currently have a 10lb one I got at Walmart (heaviest they had), although I really should be using one that is a bit heavier I believe. I'm good for now though.
Seriously these workouts are *short* but super effective, and great to do at home. I did a 15 minute workout and thought I had more in me, and only got 5 minutes into another before practically falling over.

Here are a few videos to show you what it's like. I love the kettlebell swing. OMG. My gluts totally felt it because you do a bit of a hip thrust to help control the weight that really works your core and bum muscles. It's awesome because you're using your arms, legs and muscles you don't even realise as you control the weight.
MMA fighters do a lot of kettlebell from what I understand, because it helps create explosive muscles (ie instant quick power.) and it really does get in some cardio because of the swinging etc.

Knitting on Set

2011-07-10T17:02:50Z

This made me smile

Writer's Block: See the music

2011-05-08T00:40:33Z

Hmm. Probably Thriller.

Writer's Block: Get up

2011-04-29T02:59:06Z

Ahhh!
I love breakfast foods, and this question got me all giddy at even just the *thought*.

Okay first off- Eggs Benedict. Ham and a medium poached egg with hashbrowns and fruit. Basically the eggs benny from Cora's.

But if I ate that everyday I'd be a fat cow in like... a week.

Sooo.... Corned beef hash!
No wait.. fat cow again

Um... 2 eggs over medium with country ham and hashbrowns.
Wait. Fat cow and

Bacon omelette with hashbrowns from Clemmons Kitchen.

Oh gosh. Fat cow.

Are we sensing a theme in my breakfast foods?
I'd gladly work out 3 hours a day if it meant I got to start off with Eggs Benedict though.,

Writer's Block: Taking a trip with Mrs. Tibble

2011-04-28T03:19:55Z

Already have! My scooter is Irma Bernice and my bike is Pearl. I have an old lady name theme going on....

Writer's Block: Available: 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with hot and cold running chills

2011-04-21T18:57:32Z

I know this sounds odd. But I'd have to *feel* the place. If I walked in the door and got the skeevies? Yeah, I'd have to pass. Even if it was an awesome old gothic dream house. But if I walked in and didn't feel icky? I'd live there, sure. I live in the south currently, people died all over where my house is. Where *haven't* people died when you think about it?

Writer's Block: Teenage dream

2011-04-07T16:21:21Z

I would give him a massive hug and probably start crying happy tears because I haven't seen him in years. Mike is an amazing person and one of my best friends ever, but he's still back in Vancouver while I'm in NC. He's like a brother to me now, and I'd totally die for him, or in the very least give him a kidney if he needed. 17 years of friendship! He's my longest and oldest friend now that I think on it. Definitely the only once I've kept in touch with from high school in any capacity.

Almost Done!

2011-03-30T00:43:30Z

Still plenty of pretties left! So close to being empty and on vacation. GNOMEBREAK!

Etsy
Dyeingforewe

Shop Break. Clearing out Stock

2011-03-26T23:17:12Z

I'm not sure if anyone here checks my other blog (with the domain name that I paid good money for that isn't working now? Yeah that one)

But I have a big discount to clear out items. I'm taking a break from the shop and concentrating on getting healthy. No point in having all these bins of fiber around when I'm not spinning as much as I used to. The handspun is on as well!

30% off your entire order using the discount code: GNOMEBREAK

Link for information is here: http://dyeingforewe.blogspot.com/2011/03/huge-discount-because-im-taking-wee.html

Shop is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Dyeingforewe

Writer's Block: Into the night

2011-03-02T17:47:56Z

I consumed mass amounts of sushi.

(hee hee. I'm obsessed eh?)

Writer's Block: Food glorious food

2011-02-28T23:44:12Z

Sushi. I didn't even have to think about it!

Writer's Block: Sweat it out

2011-02-19T06:02:55Z

Yes. Because America is generally unhealthy. (I'm included in this.) Also because setting children up for success includes physical activity and a knowledge of healthy choices and exercise.

New Musical Obsession

2011-02-14T17:55:51Z

Anyone else watch the Grammys and cheer at The Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan? Then when that set started become instantly obsessed with Mumford and Sons?

So. Good.

I'm putting these here because well.. I'm obsessed and want them in a central location so I can play them over and over :P

You know a band is cool when they ride up on scooters (may be my own bias of course)

State of the Wild Veggie Union

2011-01-16T05:12:34Z

Cabbage hasn't been around for a few days and when he finally showed up for food today I noticed a dramatic chunk of his face fur missing. Funny thing about wild cats? They don't like to stand still so you can check out their faces (and we're not at cuddly petting yet... or petting in general although I've gotten brave a few times)
Tonight I got the brilliant idea to take quick photos so I could have a way to make sure his face was okay and didn't need vet intervention. Many photos later I managed to get a decent shot. Thankfully theres no blood and doesn't seem to be an open wound. Just a chunk of missing fur. I hope he sticks around here and learns to stay safe. The coyotes have been going nuts howling in the field across the street. Carrot doesn't venture far, but Cabbage disappears for days.

I also got this cute photo of Carrot. I call it her "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout Wills?" face

She's been super cuddly lately. Last night she jumped up in my lap, curled up into a ball and started purring like a lawnmower.

Buffy Owns my Soul

2011-01-13T06:08:56Z

Have I mentioned that I've been living in a rose coloured haze of weaving, knitting and constant Buffy episodes? I'm on season 4 now. I'm hooked beyond hooked. My loom's name is Drusilla.
I was going to go back and forth between Angel and Buffy once I hit season 4, but I just... couldn't wait to keep watching what happens with Spike. That is one funny vampire. Bit skinny for my tastes, but hilarious.

Crazy Yellow Catepillar Yarn

2011-01-09T22:09:34Z

***Whoops I meant this to be a post for spinning_squee but I'll leave it up here too!***

Hey all! I just realised I haven't posted here in ages so I thought I'd drop in with a picture of what I have on my wheel currently. I have absolutely zero clue what I'm going to do with this art yarn, but it's been super fun to spin.

It started off as raw fleece wool and mohair that I washed, dyed and drum carded together into a poofy batt. Then singles, and now it's some crazy bulky caterpillar yarn. (I think this style of art yarn has a name- anyone know it off hand?)

I've been busy with the shop, dyeing, spinning and learning how to weave. (Weaving was my 2011 learning goal)
Does anyone else set learning goals instead of resolutions?

Loki and Odin are apparently in high demand, name wise

2010-12-28T06:19:32Z

This is the silliest thing to complain about, considering they're both happy, healthy and wonderful pups. But I really dislike Odin and Loki's names. They don't suit them one bit, and lately it seems every second dog I see online has the name Loki or Odin. My ex named them, I had no input to be honest. Odin was either going to be Haggis or Odin, and Loki I just agreed to because I didn't want to fight and we were in the bad end bit of the relationship. Plus both were *his* dogs so I didn't really have much of a right, I guess. (Although he didn't even consider keeping either once we broke up, but that worked out good for me in the end. No way was I leaving them.) They feel pretentious, and sometimes I feel a bit silly when someone asks their name and I say "Um.. Loki and Odin." Then they say "Aren't those God names?" and I sheepishly say "Yeah. Norse Gods." And then I feel dumb and pretentious while Odin licks his balls and Loki fancy prances. The opposite of Gods. They're more like:
-Angus (aka Odin. He'd fancy a pint down at the pub after a long day of working on the docks. He's a good looking stud who works hard and likes to relax at the end of the day)
-..and Horatio (aka Loki. He's my fancy lad. He'd wear a lapel corsage to a fancy dress party or take Salsa dancing lessons.)

Anyways. Just saying. I dislike their names. One day I really want to be able to pick out a pet and name it. I've always been given/rescued my animals, but it would be nice one day to have my English Bulldog. I'll probably be 60, but it will happen!

Oh wait. I have named animals mind you! I named my kitty Frida in Vancouver (who was a random gift from a friend after my bird died and I was depressed. He thought a cat would help close the wound.) I named Carrot and Cabbage, my two wild kitties as well.
Maybe it's not about choosing the animal, but rather having the animal choose you? One day an english bulldog will choose me though, right?

Now I'm going to love on my pups because I feel bad for saying I hate their names. :(

New Year, less boring! Hopefully....

2010-12-27T03:34:32Z

I was on the phone with my Mum yesterday and she said "I thought your blog was going to be more stories and stuff, not you just trying to sell things." I *hate* when all someone does on twitter etc. is post etsy updates and such and it appalls me that I've been so busy lately that is basically what my blog has become. I blame the holidays.... but really I need to blame myself. I'm boring now! Where is the super dramatic reinterpretation of real world events that most people wouldn't even think to tell their partner if it happened to them?
Gosh I can turn even the most boring event (say... walking the dog) into a multi arc blog post (haunted house!).
I have lost my way.
Thankfully Boxing Day is almost over, and with it my last sale and obligation to myself to make my first holiday season on etsy a good one.... and time to get back to the idle prattle I am know for. Just to make sure it's not an incredibly boring prattle, I've taken up a new hobby! (Wait for it...)
Weaving!
I am the first to admit that despite having a Mum who creates museum pieces with her looms, I know absolutely NOTHING about weaving. I've been tootling around the internet reading up (after I bought the loom of course) and keep having "aha!" moments when someone refers to something that I didn't even consider would be part of the process. I thought I'd just magically have it all together and get to do the fun part with the beater (yup, beater. Love it!) and the end process. There is a lot more to it then that. So pretty much prepare yourself for my defeats and minor victories as I learn the ins and out of my new 15" Schacht Flip loom. Will this interfere with my dyeing and spinning?
Possibly. But it's the slow season coming up right? Plus I have 3 bins of yarn. BINS. So I figure this will help me with my stash. I have vast hopes of weaving handspun items full of rustic charm. That is the plan at least.

Oh right, and we got snow but I rode my scooter anyways. Take that Mother Nature! The power of the salt trucks and snow plows left me with nice clean roads for a bit today and I took advantage of it. (When Irma would start, it wasn't looking good for a bit.)

(Okay. I know perfectly well that last bit was ultra random, but I was really impressed with myself so I had to brag. I'm a bad ass I know.)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas (if you celebrate) and a great holidays (whatever you do celebrate) and an amazing 2011!!

I'm alive!

2010-12-17T18:57:56Z

The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. Not dead, just lazy and preoccupied by:
(In no particular order)
-Sickness
-OCD knitting
-OCD sweater knitting (required it's own listing because I'm trying to get it done by Christmas)
-Holiday shopping/wrapping/shipping etc.
-Frantic searching for my missing engagement ring (to no avail thus far.)
-New Blog

How is life treating everyone? I hope to go through everyones' journals soon and catch up on everything!

<3

Cyber Monday?

2010-11-29T01:54:57Z

I have been neglecting Livejournal. I have no excuse. I have a shiny new toy (http://dyeingforewe.blogspot.com/) and have been posting over there. I'm going for once a day, but I'm not going to beat myself up if I miss a day or so.

Anyone else planning on staying up for Cyber Monday? I didn't buy a darn thing on Black Friday so I'm going to see what I can find tonight/tomorrow. I need to stay up until 3am to find out what the Knitpicks sale is, and so I figured I may as well take advantage of whatever eyeballs there will be out and pop back up my sale. Same discounts and everything, but hopefully I can sell more of the handspun this go around.
*fingers crossed*

What do you have planned? Anything?

Oh! I should explain- this is my first ever Black Friday/Cyber Monday since I came to the US. In Canada we have Boxing Day (Dec.26th) for sales, and before this year G and I just never had any money this time of year to even think about shopping. I'm not going nuts or anything (totally against my nature) but if I can find some things to help me restock the store and get some yarns or whatever to add to my dwindling stash? I'll be happy.

Black Friday Morning

2010-11-26T13:38:38Z

My Black Friday Sale is Live! Gosh I was so worried the mod wouldn't change the prices, but everything seems to have worked out right.

*knock on wood*
*knocks on wood again*

I have a few sales to package up to keep me awake while I pound back coffee. Yay!

I was wondering, will this LJ become incredibly boring if I keep all my fibery things at my blogger blog? I don't want to cross post to both, that just seems... intrusive to anyone who wants to read both. But I have a feeling there will be some overlapping because lets face it, I'm not that interesting all on my lonesome without all the fiber gushing eh?

Okay, enough trying to make a lucid post when I have barely half a mug of coffee in me. To the coffee pot I go! I hope everyone is sleeping off their turkey comas soundly, and dreaming of um.. world peace and giant friendly gummy bears. (Mmmm...)