Artistical Attempts

I heart Sooshi

2011-09-05T10:04:00.004-04:00

I decided to make a fish to that transforms into sushi -pattern below.
The whole thing only took a couple of hours to complete.
However, I have learned a few things. I doubled up the yarns of the fish to get the desired fishy colour. Bad idea, even if the yarns were thin.
I added plastic eyes which made it difficult to flip the fish in and out.
I know I am going to make another one, at least I know what I will have to change and alter.

I might not like to turn Soosh inside out to make the sushi roll, but he does make a mighty fine cellphone holder!

Pattern by Irene Kiss Craft

Iphone'd home

2011-07-18T18:46:00.001-04:00

Tah-dah!
Behold my iPhone/iPod case that has been shipped off to a friend. I should have actually measured, instead of just estimating, but it does hold it well (a tiny bit of the top comes out). I guess that's one thing I should actually get going on - measuring.
Made with fleece.

I have recently become enamoured with the lilies in my backyard, so I made her a lily case. As her backyard projects have been ovewhelming, she now has a flower that she can take with her.

I am hoping that she enjoys it. In return, I am getting a tardis iPod case. I LOVE swaps!

Stay tuned for the tales of my recent PlushSwap.

Yeti done right

2011-07-10T14:16:00.000-04:00

I attempted again at making Lucy Ravenscar's Adorable Snow Monster. I like how this one turned out.
I made it for a friend's child. At first she just looked at it. Once she got used to it, she was holding it, dropping it, doing what kiddos do.
Her words: "Its a fattie".
I am just glad it turned out.
I will be making another one....once my wrist heals.
I tend to power crochet, which is not good for someone with Raynaud's.

Animal Crossing - Meet Zoe.

2011-05-22T14:44:00.001-04:00

I love the Animal Crossing games. The character on the left has one of my favourite hair styles in the game and in the colour that I like mine to have. If you have never played the game, your facial features and hair at the start are all randomly generated. I have been known to restart a few times until I look cute. Even though they are just pixels, there are some might unappealing characters.

I have been at a loss of what to make lately, so I went on Ravelry looking for "animal crossing". Nothing there caught my fancy- there was really only one to choose from (sorry). I was going to have to make my own.
Since I was making my own, I decided to try to write out the pattern.
I have done what I could, and now have 3 testers from Ravelry going to attempt it.

But wait! She doesn't have have a nose or lips!!
I never seem to add noses or lips to anything I make. Even when I doodle, they half the time my people have no noses or lips -or I just draw eyes. I always have.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, I am assuming that my soul just wants to connect to everything that I do/make.

If you crochet, feel free to leave a message if you're willing to try a first timers pattern. I guarantee it won't be perfect, but I sure hope it's simple..even if her hair was slightly wonky to do.

Sew Soon?!

2011-04-24T12:27:00.002-04:00

In July, there will be another plushie swap on Facebook (Plushie Swap Group).
The theme is Stars and Stripes.
Because I like to think of my self as an over-achiever when a project is due, I like to get started right away -plus, if I do something and I don't like how it turns out, there is always time to change it.

The above picture is of a ballerina cavegirl.
She is yet to be named.
Over a foot in height and arm span, she is great for cuddling.
I am unsure about if I *really* like her.
My boyfriend's friend said it was neat looking.
My boyfriend said it looks like it was designed by a 2 year old.
My response: WELCOME TO MY IMAGINATION!!

The one thing I really like about her though is her skirt. Pink silkish material. The middle is pulled taught and there's another layer under it. It reminds me of a skirt from the Victorian age..but a tad bit more modern.

I was trying to stay away from the typical Stars and Stripes -as swap day is July 4th (and I'm Canadian).
The only stars and stripes currently popping into my head is the USA flag.
I shall keep thinking of something else, if nothing else to keep me making things...

...but if not, I hope someone likes .

Spring has sprung

2011-04-14T18:07:00.003-04:00

I have not done anything crafty in a while, so I took 2 hours to make a Flora. I sewed her by hand while watching Neflix. Go me.
I feel like something is missing, aside from her neck.
I know she does not have a mouth, but that is only because I feel like eyes say everything. Even in things I draw, no mouths.

What I have done

2011-03-05T17:18:00.004-05:00

I made a squirrel! He is 3.5 inches of adorableness!
The pattern came from here.
I really love her work, and they're all so simple to do.

I started this pattern off thinking I would turn it into a chipmunk as a memorial for the ones that were killed in traps in our basement.R.I.P. However, because it was the first time making one, I decided to stick with making it a squirrel.

The skeleton body on the inside, I made too short, so there is only a limited range of bending, but just enough so that he can still hold on to his acorn.

I am not sure if it's the eyes, the little arms, or the fact that I thought GIANT eyes would be adorable, but I am reminded of Scrat from IceAge. Gawd, I love Scrat!!!

Anyway...

March 14th is my boyfriend's birthday. He's not one to celebrate anything, but I love to. I would celebrate Fridays if I could (and usually do).
I decided to make him his very own minion.
When I made the body, I should have double stranded it, as the "denim" yarn was already doubled up. Let's just say that the shrink ray was involved.

What am I doing currently?
I am working on making an acorn purse for Spring. The squirrel can't be the only one to look all stylish with an acorn.
I am taking Brigitte Read's pattern and am going to add a branch with leaves for the strap. I am hoping it works out. Of course I never really frog anything, so any who read this will get to see it (and either laugh at it with me, or love it).

Add me to your Ravelry!
Hi, my name is ________

A Whole Lotta Crafting Going on

2011-02-19T19:11:00.002-05:00

I have been busy, but I've not been busy.
I've recently started working 4 10 hour days a week, which gives me 3 days off. In those 3 days, I get things that needed doing done -but I would like to continue finding time to craft and make things.
While bouncing around Ravelry, I came along the pattern for Gorge The Monster. Seeing how amazing the original looked, I HAD to make one.

Like all the other things made from a pattern, compared to mine...the original always looks MUCH better. I love mine...as long as I don't look at Gorge1 too much.
The same night last week that I made the monster above, I decided to work on a friend's birthday present.
I made her a monster that has a friend. The little friend is a little seed of Happiness. Happiness is made for sharing.

The same awesome friend that is getting a small bit of Happiness will be recieving a Ponyo doll.

Along with crocheting, today Riana and I made bubble tea and little birds.
After everything was cut out and we were starting to sew did I realize something weird. Our colour choices matched the colour of shirts we were wearing. In the words of Riana "If we were going to do a totally *girl* thing, today is it. Colour co-ordinating our crafts".
The pattern for the birds has them made in printed fabric which has a different feel to it than what we used -felt.

Let the yarn sing to you

2011-02-12T00:02:00.004-05:00

What started off as a small idea, quickly turned into a vacation away what I would normally do.

For a swap on Facebook, I decided I was going to crochet while others were sewing and what have you.
When I first started to make her, I actually did not like how she was looking. I was thinking that I was going to frog her and end up sewing my own plushie to swap anyway.

After her tail was done, I had to add some frills to match the tutu frill around her waist. From the fringe frill, I had to add some spines up the tail.
The spines on the tail made me add some to her arms. Her arms are bendy due to the pipecleaners in them, all the better to help her swim.
The muted sea-ish colours made me want to add bright, lively colours as her hair.

I don’t know. From Frog Pond to Open Sea is a big leap. I am so glad I like her.
That is one thing about me. I never give up. Eventually, the project will show the creator what he/she/it was supposed to be.

Nibbler

2011-01-24T21:52:00.004-05:00

For the upcoming Hallowe'en year, I want to be Leela from Futurama.
..and what is Leela without her little Nibblonian friend?
3 days of crocheting, and I have my very own Nibbler.
I still have to make him a diaper.

It didn't take too long to make him up. Granted, he's not as perfect as in the picture.
Because they're from a cutesey planet, and it's almost Valentine's day, he might be a very special boy. Maybe one of the women from his planet would like to stop over for a visit, wearing a cute little pink bow?

The pattern can be found here. I highly suggest it if you or someone you know is a big Futurama fan!

<3

And now for other pictures

Geekgarumi and Sir Grows Alot

2011-01-22T21:27:00.004-05:00

For my brother's 23rd birthday, I decided to make him Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy. I decided this around Christmas time and his birthday isn't until Febuary.
However, it took me about 3 weeks to actually get up the nerve to make it.
First of all, there were no patterns. Second of all, I needed money to buy new yarn. I had no black or grey, and I didn't like the yellow I had.
For Christmas, a friend of mine gave me a set of new crochet hooks. I love them, and I love her. They proved to be very handy.
It took me about 3 days of looking at the picture above to come up with what I have. I am super in love with him. I hope Eric is too. The one downside is the hair. I don't think I could make it stick up, which I suppose is the trademark.

Ok, serious opinions needed.

As per the summer, a little info on plants.
I recently picked up the cactus that's in the picture with Cloud. To accompany that lone cacti, I bought 200 seeds cheaply off eBay (can you say "addict"?)
From this summer, I was trying to hybrid my lily plants. It worked. I came out ahead with a whole buttload of seeds.
I placed some seeds in some seed-starting mix, and they have started to grow roots.
Today, I decided to take them out of their zipper bag, and place them into their own containers -a great use for the old plastic travelwear I have.
All of the seeds started to grow. Makes me glad that I didn't plant them all just for the heck of it.
They have to live in their containers for a year.
Like I have said before:
If they provide the pretty, I can provide the patience.

Tis the season to make things

2010-12-30T12:47:00.002-05:00

My boyfriend's sister was quite happy with the hood I made for her -even if I didn't really like it. She said it was very warm and would keep everything else warm when she was walking around town.
I am pleased.
For my boyfriend's aunt, we picked her up an iPhone case (later to realize she had an iTouch). Because I wasn't fully sure, I made a case for the case.
Quickly I made up a rectangle and crocheted the sides together. I added a frilly lip to it, because I thought it would look neat against the yarn pattern.

For my friend Sam, I made her a cow -which still has to visit the post office (I did not forget you).
I picked up Super-Super Cute Crochet by Brigitte Read.
The cow was super cute, and super easy to do.
I like things that are simple. The best thing about the book, is in the back is a glossary of stitches and a diagram of how to do the stitches. It definately comes in handy because I usually have to Google them, only to go "Right..I knew that".

My brain decided that I wanted to make a penguin. Not just any penguin, a PINK penguin.
So, I did.
No pattern, just m brain.
I am amazed by how well it turned out.
The only problem is, it reminds me of something...and I just can't place it.
If you know, help a girl out?!

I am also working on a blanket. No picture yet.
I showed my boyfriend and said I was just doing it free-hand and mind. His response: "I can tell".
Gee thanks!

My dad bought me 2 of those plastic storage containers with drawers for my yarn -instead of it sitting in a giant bucket.
One of these days before the new year I shall untangle the mess and put them all in their new home.

And I leave you with this:

I am surprised that my broccoli plant decided to bear some vegetable....but also sad. When I was out to take the picture I exclaimed - I COULD HAVE EATEN YOU!!

Azuzu the snow yeti

2010-12-12T12:19:00.004-05:00

Azuzu lives in a small village. Thursdays were her day to go down to the dock to go fishing. She gathered up her rod and snatched her neckwarmer before heading out the door. Yetis might be furry allover, but they prefer to have some sort of stylish flair.

She arrived at the edge of the ocean and set her hook. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.
Azuzu watched the birds soar above the water. She listened to the waves crash against the ocean. Her rod jiggled. She grabbed it and quickly reeled it in.

TAH-DAH!
She took the fish off the hook and looked at it.
"An orange fish? I have never seen an orange fish?!"

*******************************************************************************

I bought the snow monster pattern from Lucy Ravenscar because I fell in love with the adorableness of it.
The yarn I used to make the body was not very co-operative. I could have ripped it out, but as I was attempting to it ripped. From that point, I decided to just keep going.
Since it was not quite accurate to the pattern, I gave my monster the same hands as feet (but obviously smaller).
Mine is still 6" tall.
I am going to re-attempt to make it with a yarn that is not so fluffy.

The goldfish was just something quick from my head.

A Dolls Life

2010-12-05T23:15:00.003-05:00

I enjoy making dolls.
I don't really need a pattern, because I can see the human body shape in my head.
With people, you can customize them and they can become anything you can dream. Famous people, family, friends, aliens, anything.
For my most recent, I made my friend Riana.
The hair is not quite right, and after 30 mins of brushing it -I gave up. Most of it is loose.
I was trying to make it as if she straightened her curls. The front was the hardest. She usually pins it to the side...but the bangs were cut a little short.

When I made the Marie doll, I basically gave her no hands. With this newest, I tried to see what would come of "hands". She kind of has flippers, but you can tell they're hands.

Riana has a classical style. I was going to give her a simple cocktail gown, but I than came up with an everyday dress with a little bit of flair.

Here she is from naked alien baby to human being:

Its a girl....

2010-11-29T19:07:00.003-05:00

I can't seem to crochet without having someone or something implanted into my head.
I decided to make my friend Marie her very own "Marie" doll, based on her.
She is 6.5 inches of adorable.
I had nothing better to do on a lazy Sunday, so yesterday I made the base. Today, I tackled dressing her.
Upon attempting to make a shirt, I know I made the bust a teeeeny bit too big. She just keeps popping out all over the place.
I settled on a tank top, after my attempt at a tiny hoodie failed.
I knew I wanted to give her tiny flipflops and capri jeans, so the tank seems like it just goes.
I don't see the Real Marie in animal print, so this just adds the little bit of fun, flirty confidence -along with the feminine touch of a bow in the back belt.

Doll Marie was super fun to make. I wonder who else I could make. I know if I try to make myself, she will get wrecked. That tends to happen when I make something for myself.
I like to give what I make away...so this works out fabulously.

It's almost Christmas, so maybe summer dressed Marie will hang out in the green house with the plants to stay warm --and safe from the kitties until Real Marie flys into town in less than a month.

...who or what should I make next!?

Fancy that, Annie made a hat!

2010-11-06T19:54:00.003-04:00

I found a hat pattern.
First time I started with the 19 stitches, and it was not long enough for me.
I undid it, and re-started with 25. Not too many, just enough to add a little extra length.
The pattern was super easy to follow, once I got passed the "how will this work" moment. Staring at the pattern, it did not make sense in my brain, but once it was on the hook, it was definately easy to visualize.
I would say this hat took about 3-4 hours. The skills needed were just basic.
I always forget what a HDC (half double crochet) is, but Google and I re-unite.

My brother wanted a dark hat for Christmas, but he is getting this one. It's made a little longer so he can have a fold down/up brim to keep his ears warm. It's got some dark colours. Plus, its made with bulky yarn so it's super warm.

I dont wear hats myself, but I was considering making myself a pink and white one.

Need Moar Scarves

2010-11-04T22:57:00.002-04:00

I am about 2 scarves short.
I have also made them all different lengths because in all honesty, I got bored.
They just seemed to be taking forever.
The first pattern crocheted up quick, but then the others dragged on and on.
I do like the pattern, it's quick and easy.
I do like the style, it's unique.
I do think that trying to make a bunch of them, while working for a month straight, killed my creative buzz.

I know I have to make a hat for my brother..so hopefully that works out alright.
I should troll Ravelry right now and find a good, quick crochet pattern.
The downside of it being colder out is my Raynaud's is acting up.
It's not as bad as the pictures in the wiki, but my hands get cold and than hot and than refuse to work. Sometimes they just refuse to work due to pain.
To combat the winter owwies, I bought USB gloves..however, they do not work so well while crocheting.

I know some people will be without a Christmas scarf - a crochted one anyway. I have a tote full of fleece. If you're not disgusted by fleece, you might get a scarf.
Yes, I know a few people who dislike fleece!

Anyway..off to become a RavTroll :D

Wrong kind of "Doctor"

2010-10-18T22:52:00.003-04:00

After putting it on the back burner, I finally finished making The Doctor.
Yes, he does not have a red tie -in the show-, but he is a Christmas present and thought he would dress up.
I started him on September 7th, but he was placed up on the shelf without a head, eyes, ears, or anything put together.
I admit to having problems with the legs, arms, and jacket.
The hair, body, head were easy peasy.
I highly reccommend the pattern if you're a Doctor fan.

After completing him, posing him, and playing with him...I want to keep him.
As my boyfriend pointed out, I can always make another...but it wont be the same.
I am going to stick him in a Tardis decorated box and wrap that up for Mr.Zac.
Seeing as Zac now lives in the United Kingdom, and is coming back to town for Christmas, I think it will be quite fitting.
My little mister stands only 6 inches tall, so he shall be a lovely travel companion.

I have started again on my Christmas mesh scarves. I just finished a pink and orange one with fringe. Today, I started a black one, without counting stitches or actually paying any attention to what it looks like. I am hoping it turns out neat looking.
I like the idea of mesh scarves, because they can be used year round. Hopefully they're liked.

I have been working alot, 2 jobs. I am hoping I have time and ambition to finish enough home-made presents.
I've just been feeling "meh".

The opened bottle of nailpolish infront of me is threatening to fall on me if I do not use it.
I should go make my fingernails all purdy...

...for now.

Psychic Fair

2010-09-24T22:07:00.001-04:00

This is not so much artistical but neat.

Today I went to the Psychic Fair in town, and this is what I learned via palm reading about myself:

Palm Reading -no order
*There is a life change when I'm 27
*I have witch blood in me
*I have strong psychic connection
*I am a "waterbaby"
*I am capable of having 3 kids
*I need to cure my acne
*I will be moving around alot -Kingston is not my home
*No job prospects in my town, without me settling
*I am connected strongly to family obligations
*My love life is in limbo -does not connect to my life line
*I have a long life
*Heart problems run in my family
*I need to be less of a shrew and work on constructive arguments [pick my timing]
*Jake needs to stop smoking
*My lover is a diamond in the rough
*I need less stress and to mellow out
*I have a disconnected family
*I had early interruptions in my life
*My hair should be its natural colour
*I have brains, when I choose to use them.
*Should have a job where I am working with my hands and with people
*Good natured
*Close connection with nature

Seems bang on to me. Yet, things I have already know. I paid extra for a "past lives form", which stated I have Native American in my blood and a strong sense of self.
Do I believe that there is a fate for everyone?
Yes.
However, I also belive that Humans have a will and can work either against, beside, or with Fate.
Right now when I am thinking about it, it feels like a bunch of mumbo-jumbo in my head...but I also have always known who I am. What I want. Just not fully how to get it.
I am a walking self-help book, because people always come to me with their things, because I've been told I "get it".

Anyway, I'm going to "get" absorbed into a tea and a Dexter [[I hate how he walks with his hands in his pockets all the time]].

T-1day until Jake leaves for 2 weeks

Dr. Who now?

2010-09-15T13:36:00.004-04:00

Christmas is approaching.
I love Christmas, so don't hate me for saying the C-word before the H-word!
Don't get me started on Hallowe'en, it shall have it's own post soon enough.

Anyway, for a male friend of mine, I am making him David Tenant's Doctor Who [the 10th Doctor].
As you can see from the picture, his main body is done.
I finished the head yesterday and have started on his jacket. The jacket looks kind of funny, but I am only half way done. Here's hoping I can do it properly, or even good enough.
The pattern is for an intermediate crocheter, and I have no idea what I am. So, wish me lotsa luck!
The Pattern

The other day I was walking downtown and I saw that the cannon in the park was YarnBombed. It made my day, so I am sharing it with you.
I even emailed them some fan-mail! <3

Mesh scarf

2010-08-19T14:48:00.002-04:00

Yea, basically every female I know will be getting a scarf for Christmas.
The will either be plain, multi coloured, or have something on them.
I just finished one that I like to call Mermaid colours. It's dark green, red, orange, blues, a little bit of purple.
I am going to add a bright yellow starfish to it.
Simple, handmade, practical, and hopefully appreciated.

I am fully drained from a long day of trying to tackle our public transportation...so I am going to leave you with a picture of the scarf...and a baby in the scarf!

Try Try Try again

2010-08-14T23:31:00.005-04:00

There once was a little elephant that lived by the sea...oh wait! That was a magic dragon.
I was out with a friend today and at The Market was saw amigurumi elephants. That reminded me that I wanted to try to make the LionBrand pattern that's online.
I came home and did just that.
It took about 3 hours to make a tiny little guy.
Unfortunately, I have Raynaud's and my hand was hurting. I glued the ears and legs on.

...but than I decided I wanted to make a scarf. I found this amazing pattern and decided to attempt it. Let me tell you, SUPER easy. The bit pictured, I did while watching a movie. Once you get the hang of it in the first 2-3 rows, you don't really have to pay attention. I might even make a few of these as Christmas presents...since my first attempt at glove making was a failure.

The other night, I thought I would try to crochet fingerless gloves. I was half way done and I either got confused, lost in the pattern, and just plain messed up. I was so far in that I just decided to keep going and see what I got -without aid.
What I got was uncomfortable and is sitting in the trash right now.
What I learned was I like mixing my thin colours together, as seen on the scarf.
I will attempt to make gloves again...maybe not this pattern and maybe not fingerless. Mittens?

In like a lion

2010-08-05T13:16:00.002-04:00

My friends birthday is coming up. She likes lions. I wanted to make her a lion stuffed animal, but whatever I tried never seemed to work.
I was talking to another friend -the one who the giraffe is for- and came up with the idea for a pillow.
The friend recieving the pillow, has a small girl, so everything is double sewed on.
Please excuse the fugly couch and the paintball mask to the side.

On the flower front, I think fertilizing the lilies "might" have worked. One ovary seems to be larger than all the others and not shrivelling up in the heat.

One Two Cha Cha Cha

2010-07-23T11:49:00.008-04:00

I ended the last post with hats, so let's start this one with hats.
The other one was too small for myself, too small for Tesah. I put bells in the ears, so it's like a toy on it's own. She put it on her rocking horse! Giddey-UP!
I bought new yarn, altered the pattern, and made my own hat. It turned out very warrior like [mine is the one with the teeth].

Since then, I have made 2 other hats, to be sent to friends across the pond.

My mums birthday is coming up. I made her a dragon of her very own. A pink dragon with very gauche eyelashes!5.5 hours of hand sewing -the machine kept trying to vomit the bobbin. The dragon can also be seen on this blog. Yes, I submitted her myself, but shh!

Our garden is coming along. Some tomatoes are turning red already! Hurrah!

The flowers have lost most of their beauty due to the heat and the rain, but I am still seed collecting. I am trying to hybrid my lilies. They look like aliens, what with the foil over their stamens. It will either work, or not work.

Cat-Tastic

2010-07-05T10:31:00.003-04:00

Following the pattern precisely, granted I used the wrong yarn, the hat shrunk ALOT!
I had a problem putting it on Jingle Bear.
I am hoping Tesah has dolls or stuffies that would like a new hat.
I have decided not to use the pattern much anymore. I used it to start the ring. I will be using it for the ears and eyes.
For my most recent hat, I picked up Bernat Chunky. It's a #5 bulky. I added stiches, lots of stitches. To be on the safe side, I also added a whole row of double crochets.
Three hours into making the main hat, I realized it did not fit. I ripped it apart (except for the starting circle) and decided to just keep adding and adding until it fit both mine and my boyfriends heads.
I have come to the realization that when I crochet, most patterns do not work for me.

Here's some "love-in-the-mist", courtesy of my garden
...I think I like the idea of ending my posts with a flower from my garden! Yes!

Mew

2010-07-02T13:59:00.003-04:00

*quick, should be getting ready for work*

Using the pattern from Crochet Me that a friend of mine found (and made some awesome hats), I decided to try to make my own for myself. So far, it's a failure.
I either crochet too tightly, or am using the wrong yarn -RedHeart I forget the number. My hook is only a six when it should be a 5.5.
As you can see, its TEEEENY!
I called a friend with a little girl today and was like "how big is her head? Ok..she gets a hat."
I hope to have it finshed by -if not before- next Friday. I have no life, and dont work at all tomorrow...so probably will be done tomorrow.

Dont Look A Gift Giraffe In The Mouth

2010-06-25T13:42:00.004-04:00

Previously, I said I was going to try to make a giraffe. Well, I tried.
She reminds me of a child's rendition of a giraffe.
Hand-sewn from my own imagination. Large cartoon-y eye. A horn and an ear. A blush of pink for the added adorable-ness, and even a heart shaped spot.

She will be going to a friend of mine for her birthday next month. Hopefully, she will be loved.
I will need to work on making a lion for another friend. The lion will have to be more child-friendly.
The giraffe has a large bead for an eye and her spots and cheek are glued on.
I will have to ponder...

...I don't think I can write anymore. I am starved and need to clean up the fabric explosion around me.

Happy Friday

Trial and Error

2010-06-14T19:34:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine wanted me to make a dog, doberman, for her friend's birthday. I dont have my own dog patterns, and I couldnt really find some online. I did however find this pattern.
It was for a jack russel. There were no real instructions, but if you know how to sew, you can figure it out.
I am guessing I dont know how to sew.
The pattern was easy to do...converting it from a jack russel to a doberman didn't really seem to work out.
This pup measures 3 inches by 2 inches tall.
My friend requested something small and cute.
We shall see...there's still a month until her friends birthday if she doesnt like it.

Ch-ch-ch-Changes [sorry]

2010-06-10T11:49:00.003-04:00

I am thinking of changing my blog layout, but I have no idea what I want it to be. As much as I love the piece of drift wood on the sand, it's been there since the beginning.
Any opinions?
If you're a random person, stumbling upon my blog, feel free to say hello, follow, share!

I am going to try to make a lion and a giraffe for 2 good friends' birthdays. They're not until August, so I have some time to do some testing. Would anyone be willing to help me test patterns?

It's grey and rainy out.
Please enjoy the pictures of my flowers on the side. With the wind, they have lost some petals.So of course these are old. I sure hope my lilies bloom soon. *sad*
Poor baby flowers!

Witch ya want?

2010-06-09T12:41:00.000-04:00

My friend over at Diary Of A Bald Girl and I are going to do a doll trade. Once something comes up, if I have the materials, I have to start right away. I was going to use the patterns from the dress I was going to make, but I lent those out to a friend to scale down for me. Impatient, I decided to try to make my own doll pattern without the dress.
I tried to make her "modern" and fun.
I have never made a doll before [it was easy-peasy]. The hardest part was trying to figure out the shoes.
Hopefully she will be loved.

Made from: felt, safety eyes, shell necklace bits, poly-fil, yarn

Lola The Dragon

2010-06-06T22:03:00.000-04:00

When you were small, did you ever want a pet dragon? Did you love Pete's Dragon? Puff The Magic Dragon? Dudley the Dragon? or even Dragon from Shrek!?
I did. My older brother got a stuffed Puff, and I got something else -what, I cannot remember. I am thinking Puff was my version of Brown Bear. The toy we got when we were born. As I am 50% sure of this, I am sticking to it. I loved Brown Bear then, and I still love her now, she's almost 24 years old and still makes me smile....
...anyway, back to dragons!
I have a Twitter account. Laugh away.
Done now? OK!
I have a Twitter account and have some amazingly creative people on it.
I came upon Mariska Vos-Bolman and her Fluffels, through Shanalogic's tweets.
Mariska put up a SUPERsuper darling pattern that I fell hard for.
With my misplaced understanding, I thought the pattern was $15 once converted into Canadian funds. A good friend told me that I was wrong, and it was only $9.
Even though Yoki was tugging my heart strings, $15 seemed steep. $9 seemed more reasonable.
I hopped onto my PayPal and purchased the pattern. Shhh..I am supposed to be saving money, but I figured "what the hey!".
Since the pattern was a .pdf and sent to my computer, I had it in just mere minutes. I was excited.
Once I looked at the pattern, it seemed semi-hard. It called for an "advanced skill level". I like to sew, but I dont think I would consider myself "advanced". More of a dabbler.
I still decided to go for it. If I couldn't do it, I would have pushed myself and made something amusing at least.

Today I decided to cut the patterns out and do it! The file had only been on my computer for 3 days. That's a long time to be in pre-birth. I've had no real human babies, but even I know this!
I traced my pattern pieces onto the green felt. I was hoping for hot pink and purple and something lushiously girly..but without spending money and venturing to FabricLand, I used what I had. I am proud of my "thriftiness".

From start to end, Lola only took 7 hours of straight hand sewing. I have a sewing machine, but I like to do things the hard way. I wanted to see how long it would take, how it would turn out, and if I could do it.
This is just proof that if a pattern say "sewing machine", you dont really have to use one. Yes, it would be quicker and probably much neater...but it's only a suggestion. I even tried to add some details to the wings...but I think I needed darker thread or more overlapping.

There were some things I am not too happy about, but she is adorable.
The hands were kind of tricky, her ears are not straight -lets pretend she's listening for danger, her under-belly didn't have enough fabric (but that was an easy fix), I had no batting, so I just stuffed her wings, and no embroidery thread for designs on her belly or tail.
As much as I don't like the list above. I am still VERY proud. She is on my lap as I type, and is making me smile.
Bandit is on the other half of my lap.

Bandit and Pandora were both 'helping' me make her while I was tracing and cutting fabric.

While sewing I was watching LIFE on the Discovery channel. The boyfriend and his friend decided to play Halo Wars, so I mosied over to my computer and started to watch Pushing Daisies. Let me tell you, if you like dark humour and 30min TV series..check it out!

Anyway, speaking of Pushing Daisies, I am going to make more tea and get back to watching.

To see what I'm talking about, I highly suggest seeing these two sites...
Mariska's Fluffels
Shana Logic

The End...for today

Once there was a little girl...

2010-06-02T12:41:00.000-04:00

...who found that if she picked up a needle and thread she could make impossible things come to life.

A good friend of mine sent me a package. In it was a CUTE crocheted fox and other goodies. I am sending her a crocheted JiJi from Kikis Delivery Service, a crocheted sunhat, and a small plush riceball. I think all people who sew have made a riceball at least once...there seem to be alot of them on the internet. For the shape of mine, I traced my riceball shaper. It's the real size, so hopefully the real shape too.
I liked making the first one, I decided to make another one too. I have to drop off a Get Well card for a friend's mum. I made her her own riceball too.
I am hoping my embroidery is getting better!

While I was in the spare room today, I found my dress making patterns for a costume I never made. There are like Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, etc.
I have an abunance of white felt..and black...and black that looks plastic.
Perhaps I will make a cute stylish witch!
Only time and talent will tell.

Sing with me now...Sew Sew Sew Your Boat....

If I use you more, will you stop shedding?

2010-05-31T14:07:00.000-04:00

Dear Faux Fur,
It's me again, if I use you more, will you please stop shedding everywhere?!
Thank you very much.
-Annie

Once again I have picked up a needle and cracked the lid of my fake fur and fleece bins.
I think I am putting off making big ellaborate PlushKins for the time being. I am liking the simplicity of their babies. The larger ones look boring when they're plain -I've tried it.
The little guys also take way less time to complete. The 12 inch, handsewn, take about 8+ hours. 20mins-an hour for the smalls [depending on if I am doing other things]. I hope this is not diminishing the cute factor.
I am once again thinking of making a bunch of the Teenies and selling them at The Women's Art Festival this August. The larger PlushKins would be on the table too.

I am waiting for my Moo cards to come in. I sent off an order for MiniMoos. 100 cards with random images of my sewn glories.
I'm going to go off now and see what I can make with the horrible long red fake fur. I liked it when I bought it..and than I used it...

A little bit of everything.

2010-05-21T13:44:00.000-04:00

I am still sewing, knitting, and now crocheting.
I have a little bit of everything going on all at once.
I guess it will be easiest if I put up a picture and explain a little bit about it.
However, before I go ahead with that I would like to introduce my new friend Ditzy.

Ditzy came all the way from England. She is made with love by a very nice woman, and I would like to say my new friend, Louise [aka Odd Sox].
The tutu is removable, on her chest is a VERY cute pink skull with button eyes.
If you're looking for a unique gift for someone, I suggest stopping in and sending her a message. You will not regret it.

Crocheting

I have taken up crocheting, and above you will see the first thing I have made without the use of a pattern -minus the hair.
You can see the full list of my yarn projects on my flickr page.
One thing about crocheting is it's *addictive*. I couldn't do it, well, I thought I couldn't do it. Than I tried. I do not think I have the patience to make a large scale project like a blanket or clothing. I am in love with making amigurumi though -japanese crocheting. I love the little toys and dolls all around me.
However, my next project will be Mary Jane slippers in soft sparkly black! :D
flickr

Sewing

This is Midge. She was a quick job, but I love her. I think more of her kind will be showing up around the place.
She loves to help in the garden. Just in time for growing season.
Just as I have not forgotten about my faux fur, I have not forgotten about my sock sewing.

Smoo loves to ride around on the house pets. She thinks she's a genie.

...
I will try to do better about blogging about my creations.
Even if noone reads, it helps to keep in practice about talking about things that I have made.
Now, back away from the keys and pick up a broom...It's Spring...back to cleaning I shall go!
Feel free to leave a comment and follow along on my little adventures!

Been gone such a long while

2009-09-06T20:35:00.000-04:00

It has been a long absence. Everything in this blog has been experimetory. First, it was knitting- notice the title-, then it was my PlushKins -still in progress- and the felties, and now I introduce sock sewing!

I am guessing that's about all, since the stove is on.
I am still alive, and still sewing strong!

Helper

2009-06-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

The doll doesn't get a name! She - due to the eyelashes I gave it- get to be called Helper!
Her neck is kind of squished and lopsided. I had to sew her right side out, due to how I sewed the legs and arms on to the front. I had a hard time flipping it inside out!
I am actually contemplating making another one! She is one of those creations that I dont like, dont dislike, but see some sort of personality in!

Lost In Translation

2009-06-21T22:23:00.000-04:00

My friend/co-worker Gwladys make a simple pattern for me to sew to make a [voodoo] doll. I can figure out how to assemble the pieces, but when it comes to putting the doll together, I am utterly clueless!
It looks like I would just sew the arms and legs into the places, and then sew the head on...simple enough...and then you see how they fit together!
I feel like a complete dunce!
*headdesk*

Animals Etc

2009-06-10T13:49:00.000-04:00

I've kind of had a lack of sewivation! Nothing really coming out right, no money for new materials.
I have managed to make a beagle PlushKin for a friend of mine, to give to his girlfriend for their anniversary!
<3
I also made a mouse to go on one of my shirts and a deformed cow PlushKin, Bessii.

Evolution

2009-04-18T18:32:00.001-04:00

I have joined the ranks of those on etsy. I placed a link on the side, but just incase, PlushKin, Etsy. Don't forget the official PlushKin site!

In the case of my evolutions, it goes bottom to the top. Some are better than others, that's to be expected. I am however really pleased with how the majority of them have turned out. From the humble beginnings of Humphrey to the most recent Ishii [made of felt], I think I might have some "talent". The only real hitch is getting myself known as a plush maker. There is a store in town, but hardly anyone goes there, that I see. It's still a possibility. I am also still planning on going to the Women's Art Festival in the summer. However, that means I should start sewing more once we move in about a week and a half. I will once again attempt to make one every 3 days. Yes, I've thought that before and then lost inspiration. I could just make doubles in other colours.

I really need to figure out a better way to market myself. I am possibly even considering swapping. If I trade this for that, this will be seen in other people's home. Their friends might question and be intrested. Yes? No?!

Does anybody still read this? Does anybody have suggestions??
Be patient, I will soon have a youtube video...simply because I can! *grin*
Have a wonderful day and start to the weekend!

Neglection

2009-04-15T13:17:00.000-04:00

I've been neglecting this for a website of my very own, PlushKinLove.
I have made some more plushes, not really from fur.
I made one for my brother for his bday, a squid for a possible Animal Crossing Hallowe'en costume, and a fish for a friend's baby.
I only wish my site was being productive. I kinda fail at this whole marketing online thing. If I get enough made however, I still plan to do the womens art festival in the summer.

Gang'd Up

2009-03-17T21:51:00.001-04:00

Appii

2009-03-16T13:10:00.000-04:00

This is Appii, he's based on Appa from Avatar the Air Bender. I made him for one of my friends.

His pocket is located on his tail.
Time to make approximately 6 hours.
Next on the PlushKin agenda is a surprise for my older brother's birthday! He wanted a critter, and its his birthday, so two birds with one stone!

The luck of the Irish

2009-03-13T12:25:00.000-04:00

This is the hair clover I sewed!
This is my work uniform!
Tah-Dah!

Yii

2009-02-24T11:57:00.000-05:00

This is supposed to be a panda. His name is Yii. I don't really like him.

Hearts

2009-02-14T15:40:00.000-05:00

I give you my heart

2009-02-13T12:50:00.000-05:00

I've started semi knitting again. I tried to make hearts from MochiMochiLand.
They're not quite as good as Anna's, but I tried. I made them for the upcoming Valentine's Day -tomorrow-, but I also made them to send to friends who I think need some love. Something they can hold and cherish.

Buffii

2009-02-10T13:52:00.000-05:00

With the help of a sewing machine, I am getting better.
I still need to get a thicker machine needle for fake fur...but the one I have now works for body parts and home things.
I am working on making a few to potentially sell at fayres and the like - hopefully it works out!

Meet Buffii....and my bin of friends {I forgot to put Arnii in}

Gypsii

2009-01-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

This is Gypsii. It was made for a friend of my dads. I don't really like her. I dont like snouts on my creatures. I can't figure out how to make teeny ones and still make them fit to be sewn on the inside.
I couldn't take a good picture, the snozz got in the way - these are curtesy of my Dad.

Icii

2009-01-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

Arnii

2009-01-08T16:20:00.000-05:00

Morkii

2008-12-24T23:24:00.000-05:00

Morkii

Morkii and Mollii

Mollii

2008-12-22T22:10:00.000-05:00

RAWR

2008-12-04T20:19:00.000-05:00

Done during one shift at work! 8hour shift + customers = estimated time 5 hours

Christmas For Krista

2008-11-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

These little guys need names. I was thinking Whatcamacallits.

Christmas Paintings - Dry VS Wet

2008-11-22T16:48:00.001-05:00

Zac says: it's camoflaged for both woodland AND cuteattack!

2008-11-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

Shhhh! It's part of Jake's Christmas gifts - since he already has possession of the Viking Hat because it's getting cold out. I still need to stuff and sew the other pillow.
Sadly, I still do not have my sewing machine fixed. It needs to be tuned. *sigh*

Foxeh Bebbeh!

2008-10-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

Guess What It Is...

2008-10-19T19:08:00.001-04:00

Kooky

2008-10-17T19:37:00.001-04:00

I am not very happy with the turn out of this little guy!
He was my test animal for doing muzzles/snouts!

Zombie Bunny Scarf

2008-10-16T21:32:00.000-04:00

Completed!

2008-10-13T20:46:00.000-04:00

To Pillage and Plunder?

2008-10-12T17:47:00.000-04:00

This is a work in progress for my boyfriend!
I'm attempting to make him a viking touque!
Wish me luck!

Mizerii loves Kompanii

2008-10-11T22:25:00.000-04:00

Little Pink Riding Hood

2008-10-11T01:39:00.000-04:00

Tah-Dah!
May I present to you the hooded cloak I made for Hallowe'en!
I still need to add the snaps into the sides so I can have 'sleeves' for when the wind blows!!

Work In Progress

2008-10-08T13:39:00.000-04:00

I am NOT a Furby!

2008-10-01T19:35:00.000-04:00

This is what I made for Tony. It's going on a long trip to the UK!
Everyone keeps calling it a FURBY! It is not a Furby, it's a random monster that I named Kompanii - because it keeps someone company!
Time- 8 hours by hand!
ARRRRRRG!!!

Currently, I am working on making a bat. The bat will be named Mizerii. Mizerii loves Kompanii, or so the saying goes!

For Kompanii, I made the nose out of fabric and a button. I bought the eyes. I also bought lots of pre-made noses off of eBay. I think I shall buy lots of eyes off eBay too. At the store, they were $2/4eyes. My noses were roughly $2/36 noses! Tis a better deal!

Guinea Pig - handsewn

2008-09-27T01:01:00.001-04:00

Humphrey

2008-09-23T20:42:00.001-04:00

This is Humphrey, I made him for a friend.
He's hand sewn and hand painted. I'm proud of the sewing - 7hours of work. I'm not so proud of the painting - his eyes got all messed up. I was going to glue googley eyes onto the buttons but they didn't stick, so I ended up painting them [fur got in my way, etc]! I'm not sure what he is, but he reminds me of a purple mouse thing.

These are the ears I made in better pictures.

Tiffany

Myself

EARS!

2008-09-19T21:56:00.000-04:00

Ignore the wet hair, look beyond that!
These are the ears I made for my Hallowe'en costume! They clip on and are made of faux fur.
I have ALOT of fake fur left! I'm going to make wristies and ears for my friends-they have to pay! ^-^
Stay tuned for other sewingness for Christmas!

I wish I had a sewing machine! Also, not badly done for by hand! They only took 3 hours for both, and for a first try!

Paintings

2008-08-19T20:20:00.000-04:00

It was recently my birthday. I had nothing to do, but I did have canvas and paint!
Behold, my creations!

I've finally gotten around to it

2008-08-07T13:50:00.000-04:00

You might have notice my yarn blog is now an art blog. I might also question who is looking at my blog besides me and occasionally Riana, and occasional people I show it to. If you've stumbled upon me, leave a message and let me know!

I started to make this yesterday while at work. It took 2 hours of hammering, but I did it!
I used an arcade token which is smaller than a 50c piece, so hopefully it will work out. If not, its a necklace charm!

Now you see them, now you dont!

2008-07-22T13:19:00.000-04:00

These are the better images of my scarf -one with eyes and one without!
I still like how it turned out! I wonder how it will go over with the public come scarf weather!

It's ALIVE

2008-07-17T15:37:00.001-04:00

This is just a quick preview of my finished scarf - in my uniquely messy room!
I used 4 skeins of the funky DollarStore yarn. If you can notice, it has a tail! I am tempted to add googley eyes to it, I even bought some medium large ones today.
When I have more time, instead of being 'ohcarp,Ihavetogetreadytogooutnow', I will put up a better picture of it [perhaps even with eyes].
The good thing about the eyes is that they will only be on one side, so if I dont like them, the eyes could be on the back!

Introducing..

2008-07-16T14:06:00.000-04:00

FRUMPY the Frog!
Pattern came from PurlBee.
He's filled with rice instead of lentils/beans, so he's more slouchy.
I think he's depressed!
I was digging into a pickle jar of buttons looking for a match - no go. I like his mis-matched eyes! ^-^

The things we do for love

2008-07-15T13:03:00.000-04:00

See those pink hobo gloves? Riana made them for me for Christmas! As we were 3ish hours apart for most of last year, we saved all of the holiday things for when she moved back to town. It saved postage on both ends!
This is the start of a scarf I am making. I found the yarn at the DollarStore and had to have it! Most people dont like fancy yarns, but I do - they have uniqueness to them and cover up most mistakes that I make! [The cats in the photo are Tier and the blury cat is Tugger]. The green fabric shall be used to make a frog!
I still have not gotten the hang of DPNs. I tried knitting looser and it still knitting into rope form. It's really quite frustrating!
I now shall drink my tea and start getting ready for work..where I might start making the frog or finish the scarf!

Eventually, even the blind see...

2008-06-08T18:23:00.001-04:00

I did it!
I knitted with DPNs!
Ok, so it took me over an hour!
Ok, so there was ALOT of swearing!
Ok, so I dropped my stitches more than 10 times!
Ok, so it was only 3 stitches per needle!
But...
I DID IT!!

I turned my lonely rope log into a caterpillar!!
It shall have googley eyes when I get home!

Better late than never...

2008-06-06T20:57:00.000-04:00

This is the surprise I made for Riana. It's a knitters broach! I knitted it on yarn needles, than transfered that over to toothpicks and glued it down! I think it was successful!

I still can't figure out the DPN. I think I know why. Riana tried to show me, and when I was showing her how I knit, she said I had a European style. No idea what that is! I knit how Mum taught me, how her mum taught her, etc...We're from Europe! ^-^

As for London and the camera bag, that never happened! I sewed one instead for a new camera I got!

Currently, I am knitting something that looks like a mini scarf. I started it while trying to stay awake lastnight. More than likely, I will rip it out.

Need:
More soft fancy yarn for my scarf from the winter!

The girl behind the Dead Grass is sick!

2008-04-08T13:39:00.000-04:00

I'm not too sure if I like the eyes being red! It could be a demon! I started/finished the back panel at work and went looking for the black in my backpack! I only had the red and brown! C'est la Vie!
In May, I am more than likely going to London while boys play paintball. I'm contemplating knitting a simple camera bag!
RIGHT at this MOMENT, I am making a surprise!
SURPRISE!
Once its done, the person I'm giving it to should make a post about it! ^-^

New projects

2008-04-06T17:21:00.000-04:00

I'm now working on some dead grass. It's dark brown, will have Xs for eyes and one 'ear' is mangled.
I'm not very creative!
DPNs are still confusing me greatly.
I've been bouncing around Knitting Pattern Central all afternoon, gathering simple things that I would like to try -uninvolving DPNs!
I've found somethings that could possibly make nice gifts! I found the prefect gift for Riana! Come home lady!!
And some cool new critters for our in thought stop motion.

WishList/Shopping List
*wire
*beads
*tooth picks
*hot glue gun

♥

The Place To Start

2008-03-19T11:05:00.000-04:00

I've only just started to learn how to knit with a pattern. If you needed a scarf, a blanket, a pot holder, etc, I was the girl to go to.
My best friend, Riana showed me a cute knitting plushie site and she suggested I try it. At first I had my doubts, but I thought I would humour her.
As it turns out, I was able to understand the patterns -with some calling to Toronto and asking some old lady customer if she knew how to knit front to back.
I managed to make GRASS. The big one was my first go, the little one was my second. For my third I might grab some frilly yarn and make it poofy.
I will never give up my scarf knitting. There are just too many neat yarns that can be turned into something fashionable! With the scarf pictured, it's still in progress. I either need more rainbow, more blue, or another colour that was in the rainbow! It's done on circular needles, hence how it can hang from my curtain! ^-^
I've managed to succeed at following a pattern, next would be double pointed needles- knitting with more than 2!
Am I up to the challange?!

Cast On is Casting Away!