Package for raina.storms

Here is what I sent to Craftster user raina.storms for the January Jamboree. The purse is my own design, made of cordoroy and wool. The book was really fun, 'cause I haven't made a book in a while. And the ATC is my first! What do you think?





After some inspiration on Craftster, I broke down today and bought three Stitch Diva patterns that I've been eyeing for a while. Behold: Simple Knitted Bodice, Slinky Fitted Shrug and Sahara. I think I'll tackle the Sahara first, in the shortsleeve version, with some kind of a cotton blend for the summer.

Happy Valentine's Day!

...because nothing says love like a sassy pinup.

EDIT: I stand corrected. Nothing says love like a Horny Devil bear delivered to your office! I will never live this down at work. ;)


I consider myself to be a relatively mature twenty-two year old, but a teddy bear will reduce me to the mental age of six every time. :-D Yeeeayy! Thanks, boy. :-*

Starsky, fin

At long last, I have completed every last bit of work on my Starsky. It is my new favorite sweater, as all newly finished sweaters tend to be.




I have nothing but praise for the pattern and the yarn. The pattern was written very clearly, and I don't think it really deserves an 'extraspicy' rating from Knitty. If you're thinking about doing a Starsky, I say go for it! I found it very straightforward and fun. I used the yarn called for in the pattern, Knitpicks Sierra, in colorway 'Cinnamon.' It is soft and warm, and I was able to join skeins by felting the ends together. Less ends to weave in is always good!

The only modification I made was to increase the length by about 2.5". That little extra made it come out just perfect for my taller-than-average frame.

As with all FO's, I am eagerly looking forward to my next knitting project. I have to finish a few swap packages first, but then I have my eye on an adorable cotton cardigan for a friend's baby.

That's the news for now...stay tuned for some swap packages coming soon!

IKEA = <3

So I know I wasn't supposed to get any more fabric. Until 2010, at least. Well...

...I got these with an IKEA gift card, so they don't count, right?



Both are heavy cotton, 18" wide, and came hemmed down both sides. I'm thinking throw pillows, or purses. Seeing as how I have about a thousand purses, and no couch, I suppose I really didn't *need* these, but they were too pretty to pass up.

So what does 40+ yards of fabric look like?

Crinkle cotton. 4 yards. Destined to become a loose three- or four-tiered skirt.


Sheer. 5 yards. I bought this because the pattern is awesome, and it matched a green bikini I have perfectly. This will be a beach coverup/sarong.


Slightly sheer. 5 yards. Unfortunately, this picture does the fabric no justice. It is a beautiful dull gold, with black velvet flocked cherry blossoms. I'll use this as an overlay on a simple black evening dress.


Lightweight silky print. 6 yards. I've actually already made a (90% complete) dress out of this fabric. It's a pain to work with, but I love the pattern. not sure yet what this will be.


Denim with copper print. 3 yards. Yes, I know it'a kind of tacky. My shopping partner pointed this out to me. However. I think that used in serious moderation as an accent on purses and wallets, this could be really cool. Stay tuned to see if it ends up looking like a hot mess.


Heavyweight green denim. 2 2/3 yards. Love the color. This will be a fitted blazer.


Cotton. 3 yards. I have no idea what I'll do with this. But aren't the colors great?


Lightweight silky print. 4 yards. The wild child in me screams "Make a dress!" But I know in my heart of hearts that I am not capable of wearing such a bold fabric head to toe. A fluttery tank/shirt, maybe? Lining for a blazer?


Poly blend. 2 yards. Skirt for work.


Poly blend. 3 yards. Another skirt for work.


Cotton. 3 yards. Yet another skirt for work. The white flowers are printed on, and the gray ones are flocked over top. Looks better in person.


All in all, a *very* fruitful trip to the fabric store. :) Now, someone please put a zap collar on me so I don't go back for a good long time!