I would just like to take a moment to let everyone know that today, I am basically being paid to knit. I have finished 30 rows of my double knitted scarf of doom (you know, the one I started like 8 months ago and then more or less abandoned). The end is definitely in sight, and it looks like it will actually be able to be given as a Christmas present this year. Go me.

Monkey!

Weird as it may seem, I actually made something for me. I know, I know, it's crazy, right?


This used to be a very tiny skirt that I bought at Goodwill for $1. I satin stitched the monkey on the pocket, from a Sublime Stitching pattern that I believe ladygwyn bought for me. Cut off part of the bottom to use for straps, sewed the bottom up, and lined with yellow monkey print fabric (also bought for me by ladygwyn). It has lots of useful pockets for carrying things in, and has got monkeys, which are always good for a smile.

Sadly, I should have used a different color thread on the bobbin, as the stitching is very obvious on the yellow now, but since it's for me, I don't really mind. I certainly wasn't going to take it out and redo it. Bad enough that I had to sew the lining in by hand because my sewing machine just would not go through the 8 or so layers of fabric where the belt loops are. Go figure.

Anyway, here's a closeup of the monkey, 'cause he's all cute and stuff.

Knit/Crochet Goodie Bag Swap

My partner received her swap package, so here's some pics of the stuff I made for her:


Knitting needle roll, made with skull/flame fabric in black/grey and black/red. I need to make myself one of these, I think.




The Koi bag. I am very happy with how this turned out, thanks for the words of encouragement, everyone. I really didn't want to give it up, actually. It's lined with a dark blue asian print satiny fabric.


Some handspun yarn, named it "vineyard" it's shades of purple, green and grey.


And some beaded stitch markers.

I also sent a bunch of various yarns, knitting needles and other things from my stash. This ended up being a good stashbusting swap, and now I get to look forward to receiving my goodies in the mail.

Thanks to all of you for your support. I feel much better about the project now. And because some of you asked, the design is made of iridescent dimensional paint on fabric, and in case you were wondering, the finished product is going to be a bag for a swap I am doing. :)

I am working on this project, and I have reached a point where I just don't know if it is working. So, tell me, what does this look like to you?



And it's okay to say, "a blob" because that's kind of what it looks like to me at this point.

If you have suggestions about what might help this look less blobby, I'd love to hear them.

Was just realizing that I never posted pics of the stuff I made for the Firefly/Serenity swap, and I thought I would share.

First up, we have a Serenity logo bag, with a pretty satin brocade lining (my first attempt at sewing something with pockets, so go me!


I am pleased with how it came out, but I never want to work with that fabric again. I had little bits of it everywhere.

Next are some strawberry shaped stitch markers made from felt.

I was really just looking for an excuse to make cute felt foods.

A set of felt backed coasters (seen here with my crafting partner: Smirnoff Twisted Watermelon)


A handmade journal, inspired by Kaylee's room sign (inside also has rub on flowers and butterflies)


A Kaylee inspired windchime (there were originally supposed to be tool parts in here as well, but I couldn't get them to work, but I still think it is cute and colorful and makes pretty noises)


And finally, Zoe and Kaylee dolls. I am not as happy with these as I would like. I don't know what was wrong with me, but I just couldn't get them to work the way I wanted, and almost considered not sending them at all. I am definitely having another go at this project when my wrist feels better.

You can't take my Firefly goodies from me....

I received an awesome package from my Firefly/Serenity partner.

Here is all my loot together; a little star shaped box, shot glasses, magnets, cards, and a mini Jayne hat pin.


The shot glasses (collected from my travels round the 'verse)


Magnets of all the main characters.


Cute note cards.


The theme song box (useful for putting things in)


And last, but certainly not least, the wee Jayne hat. Just about the cutest thing ever, right?

I am very pleased with my haul. Thanks to my partner for being so great and crafting such perfect things for me. :)

works in progress

I have been a busy little crafting bee. I needed to keep myself occupied this past weekend so that I didn't spend too much time thinking, and I got all of my Firefly/Serenity swap items completed (just in time, too), and also dug out the sewing machine to work on stuff for a knit/crochet goodie bag swap. I never did much sewing at the Crackhouse, as I didn't really have a good space for cutting out fabric and the like. It's amazing what having a table on which to work will do. I am really enjoying the whole sewing thing, and can't wait to share some pics of my stuff (once my partners have received, of course).

Also, I got a very nice message from my partner in the little stuffie swap, telling me that her husband was impressed by my stuffie. There's nothing like an unasked for compliment to make my day.

And finally, jadefu, I might finish these mittens sometime before it gets cold again, but I hope you don't mind if I don't do the thumb gussett. For some reason, I am currently completely incapable of performing this function. Don't know why. I have done it successfully several times before with no problems, but I have had to rip these out 4 or 5 times and am getting kind of frustrated. Hope you understand. :)