Excuse me while I pat myself on the back

ORIGINAL

I finished the purse that my sister asked me to copy from a photo she saw. I think I did a pretty good job. Let me know what you think?

MY COPY

MY COPY

Fiber! Not the kind that makes you poop...

This past weekend was the 2nd Annual Fiber Festival of New England at the Eastern States Expo. And just like the title says, this fiber is not the kind that makes you poop.

Yes, just like the one from Sleeping Beauty

Fiber is the material you use to make yarn. Whether its sheep, goat, alpaca or rabbit. Fiber is the furry coat or fleece that is trimmed from the animals and then is spun into yarn.

Pygora Goats are a cross between
 Pygmy and Angora Goats

This was my first time at this event and hope it won't be the last. I was surprised when I walked in and it instantly smelled like a barn. A quick glanced showed me that not only did independent farms bring fiber and knitted products, but they actually brought their animals as well. It was so great walking up to the alpacas and actually feeling how soft their coats were.

I fell in love with a pair of pygora goats that let me pet their heads and scratch under their chins just like dogs. I walked away before they could roll onto their backs and start begging for me to scratch their bellies.

I stopped at each booth which had a variety of products and information. From large bags of un-spun fiber, finished products, dye colors, spinning wheels, and buttons... lots and lots of buttons! I was able to find the PERFECT button to compliment a purse i just finished.

The HitchHiker from The Merlin Tree

One booth had a woman spinning fiber into an adorable portable spinning wheel. After watching another yarn enthusiast learn how to spin and seeing how easy and relaxing it looks, I wanted to buy a wheel for myself instantly. Until i looked at the price...
Spinning wheels may be expensive but they're probably worth it. It's just not for me right now. I'm already considered an old lady with my knitting and crochet and i'm not even thirty yet. (I said YET! and yes, i am counting the days).
Anyways, a few hours later and a little less money in my purse, i left the festival and can't wait for next year.

Bacon makes it better!

Yes... I am an adorable squirrel!

My cousin Melissa asked me a few months ago to replicate a neck warmer she saw in a shop in New Hampshire. I forgot about it up until a week ago and became determined to finish the project.

Its a prototype of the neck warmer she saw at the shop. I used a cotton yarn in a espresso color. The buttons I got at WEBS in Northampton. they have a great variety of buttons (a little pricey) but worth it. You can't see it too well in the photo but each button is different. You can really dress up a simple scarf, hat or neck warmer with some really fun buttons or pins.

Right around the time that Melissa asked me about the neck warmer, my sister Caroline showed me this photo of a purse she wanted me to replicate as well. it looks like a simple knit/purl project with a few hardware pieces. I just started the project and will keep you updated on its progress.

On a side note... i took a Sunday drive today and  stopped at a diner called Chelle's. I was told i had to stop and have their Peanut Butter, Bacon and Banana sandwich. I've loved PB & Banana sandwiches ever since i was a kid... just like Elvis! I have to say that Bacon does make it better. I suggest you stop by and order one along with some Mr. Pibb!

It doesn't have to be the end

Arthritis can be very painful and can deter you from a great project. A lot of people just give up knitting completely because its just to painful. Well, it turns out the knitting and crochet can be helpful in keeping your hands flexible.
There are a few helpful hints from Arthritis Today on how to keep the discomfort down while still enjoying your hobby.

1. Soak your hands in warm water before starting a knitting session.
2. Knitting in 10-15 minute intervals to give your hands a break
3. Knit with wool or wool blends. These fibers have more elasticity than others.
4. Use circular needles instead of straight needles. The shifting of weight back and forth on each needle can put stress on your arthritis. Whereas the circular needles will balance the weight as your knit,
5. Choose light weight plastic, birch or bamboo needles instead of cold heavy metal needles. The plastic tends to stay warm while using them where as the cold of the metal or the wood will only agitate you arthritis.

I haven't forgotten about Crochet Fans!

1. Use flexible, flattened and square crochet hooks. They are easier to grasp in your hand.
2. Make a hook handle by using a foam sheath or wrap a rubber band around a few times. This will prevent your hand from slipping on the hook.
3. Go to your local yarn shop and ask a professional there to watch you crochet. They will be able to give you tips on holding your hook, and your crochet method.

Famous or not, they know their way around a skein!

You'd be surprised and maybe not surprised by which celebrities know how to knit. Knitting isn't just for the expecting housewife anymore. It's become a fashion statement, a relaxing hobby and a way of life. Here is a list of celebrities that know how to knit.


Sex & the City actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristen Davis. The ladies of "Friends" Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox and her ex-husband David Arquette. Brooke Shields, Daryl Hannah, Julianna Maroglies, Rikki Lake, Rosie Perez, Eartha Kitt, Laura Leighton, Portia De Rossi, and Courtney Thorne Smith. Vanna White loves to knit and has her own brand of yarn called Vanna's Choice. 90210's Jennie Garth, Karen Allen, Dakota Fanning, Felicity Huffman, Tracey Ullman, Madonna and Lawrence Fishburn. Models Kate Moss, Paulina Porizkova and Naomi Campbell. Actresses Katherine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn (no relation)! French singer Edith Piaf, comedian Hal Sparks, Marilyn Monroe, Amanda Seyfried, PINK!, British singer Lily Allen, Joan Crawford, FDR, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, and Uma Thurman. Julia Roberts taught Cameron Diaz how to knit. Elizabeth Taylor and the all members of Cold Play.


Here is a funny video where Tom Hanks plays a trick on Julia Roberts on the set of Larry Crowne

Do you know of any other celebrities who know how to knit? Leave your answers in the comments.

She works hard for the money!

So i have been neglecting this blog, but i have an excuse. i started a second job last weekend and truly have been too tired to post. After i got home from work today, i was pretending to forget about posting until i got an email from my lovely cousin. She asked if i could replicate a neck warmer she saw in a small New Hampshire shop. My cousin Melissa has always been a great supporter and i'm more than happy to jump into any project she wants to me to try. So i said yes and now i'm working out the details with her about color, design, etc, while i figure out the pattern.
Here are a few free patterns for very cute neck warmers. i know its summer, but if you start now, it could be ready for when you actually need it!
Burberry inspired neck warmer from the garter girl
Green neck warmer from Kae Knits
White neck warmer from DROPS Design
Norwegian Pattern neck warmer from DROPS Design

PS. Donna Summer sang "She works hard for the money" but i prefer Hank Azaria's version from the movie The Birdcage.

Cancer can SUCK IT!

This past weekend was the Relay For Life in my area. If you don't know, Relay For Life is walk to cure cancer. They raise money for cancer awareness and research. There are many fundraisers out there, but this one is particular to me because cancer has affected my family. My grandmother and an aunt have died of cancer. And my mother is living with cancer. Thankfully my mom is doing great and she doesn't need treatment.
Relay is a great event for people who have either survived cancer or has been affected in some way by cancer. I think its a very therapeutic event. The survivors walk to show that cancer didn't beat them! And the rest can show their support and love. Not only that, they can DO something.
In my experience with my mother's cancer, I felt helpless. This was something that was happening to her and I couldn't do anything. I think Relay can help with those feelings that i'm sure others have felt as well.
Other ways to help are donating knitted projects such as hats for treatment patients.
There are a few organizations that collect knit caps and send them to cancer treatment centers. HeadHuggers has a large selection of patterns. Also, Chemocaps.com. Each website has its own directions on suggested yarn and also how to send in your donation. Also, check your local cancer treatment center to see if they take handmade donations.
Some people donate, some people walk, but i like to knit!

Crisse de Calisse de Tabarnake de Cave!

My Dad...

• has a girly name in English but a manly name in French.
• can fix anything
• taught me how to change my snow tires
• accidentally went fishing for sting rays
• grew up on a farm
• can't chew soft bubble gum (Bubblicious gum + dentures = badness)

• Almost killed himself while fixing a dam
• can't pronounce words that begin with "TH"
• says "WHOA WHOA WHOA"
• taught me math
• loves to buy antique furniture
• does not wear a toupee
• has a facebook page
• has planted thousands of trees
• has a Kubota Tractor
• likes dark colors
• loves seafood
• loves thin crust pizza even more. and loves toppings like apples, raisins, walnuts and whatever he can find in the fridge
• can use an entire bottle of sun-block and still get burned at the beach. "You have to rub it into your skin!"
• drives a van
• makes the the best maple eggs
• taught me how to curse in French (not intentionally, of course) Crisse de Calisse de Tabarnake de Cave!

What can your dad do?

Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day gifts: Necktie for dad at Raverly.com, Father's Day Cloth at KrisKnits.com, and Father's Day Crochet Socks at LionBrand.com

Jordan Catalano signed my yearbook

Its been 16 years since the 90's TV show "My So Called Life"aired, but sometimes i still dream of Jordan Catalano. In 1995, Jared Leto played the high school grunge heartthrob to Claire Danes' invisible Angela.
I loved this show growing up. I could relate to the characters who were just a few years older than me. Okay, i couldn't completely relate to all the social issues it focused on... homelessness, teenage alcoholism, parental neglect, and many others. But i could relate to Angela, who was obsessed with Jordan. He was the kind of guy you wished knew your name and desperately hoped would sign your yearbook. Then when he looked into your eyes, he would realize that you were "the one", kiss you, and the two of you would live happily ever after. Everyone has had this fantasy. Maybe not with Jordan Catalano, but whoever makes your heart melt. It's hard to explain why, but I think it must go along with the same reason why women love the movie "Dirty Dancing".

It's the fantasy that the hottest guy in high school, not only notices that you exist, but is attracted to you. So when the holiday camp's hot dance instructor or the alternative grunge guy at your school has the hots for you, you become smitten!
And then he has to screw it up by sleeping with your best friend. He is so hot, but dammit, he is stupid!
Not Swazye though, because...
Okay, so here is the knitting related section. Click here to find some really cute Knitting Merchandise on CafePress.com

There's no place like home

Well, I survived my first Tornado! And crapped my pants too!
This past Wednesday, a Tornado landed in West Springfield, moved across the CT River and destroyed parts of Downtown Springfield. Another Tornado (or it might have been the same one) landed in other parts of Mass (Westfield, Monson, Wilbraham, Brimfield)
I wasn't outside to see the Tornado go right by my workplace but i saw the video and that was enough to freak me out. Everyone was ordered into the basement for cover since the weather was still suspicious of another tornado on the way.

You can see my office around the 1:38 mark.

Click here to go to the Western Mass Tornado Relief Facebook page. You'll find information on how to help others and also get aid if you have been effected.

Your free pattern for this week is Wizard of Oz themed. Very cute Mary Jane Slippers from CreativeKnittingMagazine.com. Knit them in Red and you'll have Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers! Or if you are more on the witchy side... here is a free pattern for striped Mary Jane Slippers from Craftbits.com

I apologize to those you might find by this post offensive but i feel that sometimes a bad situation needs to lifted with laughter. And that is what I am trying to do here.

How do you say "It's Gon Rain!" in Russian?

This past week i had to say good bye to my assisant. She found another position and i hope her the best, but i will miss her. Fun fact, she's afraid of butterflies. Weird, right?

So this one goes out to her...

I love fun facts. It always great to throw one out when a conversation starts to dwindle. Here are a few:

• The oldest known animal in the world was 'Ming' the 405 year old clam, discovered in 2007.
• If you eat lots of carrots, you'll start to turn orange.
• SCUBA divers cannot pass gas at depths of 33 feet or below.
• Tipping at a restaurant in Iceland is considered an insult.
• Moscow weathermen can be fined for inaccurate weather forecasting!

That last one hits home hard. I had to cancel an outdoor event for work a few weekends back because the forecast was rain, but it ended up being a beautiful day! KHAAAAAN!
Fun facts courtesy of FunFactz.com
PS. "It's gon rain" in Russian is его движение идти дождь

Knitting me up some Foghorn Leghorn

Technology, I say, technology is amazing. It really is. We have cell phones that are mini computers. Laptops that can unlock your computer by finger print, and the XBOX Kinect that will obey your every command except "KILL!"
Technology has even found its way into knitting. Did you know that you can take a photograph, process it through an image-to-pattern generator and voila, you have a pattern to create that same picture into a knitting or crochet project. For example... through KnitPro 2.0 i took a picture of Foghorn Leghorn and put it through the generator.

The generator takes the pictures and basically pixelizes the picture while putting it into a chart. So now you can buy the colors of yarn necessary to replicate the picture. Its not a  perfect copy of the photo but it gives you an idea of how to make the pattern work. This program would probably work best with solid color project with a photo that doesn't have a lot of detail. Like a heart, daisy... bird... unicorn! Charlie, lets go to Candy Mountain!

Sorry, back to reality. I have not used these generators yet but i do plan to try them out. Starting with simpler photos and then working my way up to Foghorn Leghorn!

Here are a few other sites i found after doing a quick search for free or downloadable image-to-pattern generators.

KPG

KnitPro 2.0

Knit Pattern Generator 0.3

Rainy day projects

So Cute!

On rainy days like today, i like to catch up on my DVR shows and Netflix movies. oh yeah, and needle projects! Need a project? Keep yourself busy with one skein. They usually don't take more than a few hours to a day to finish them. Perfect for a rainy day! You can find free patterns on Raverly.com. Register at the website and have access unlimited patterns. Some are free (awesome!) and some you have to purchase.
Here are a few other websites that have free one skein patterns...
OneSkeinWonders.com
TheCraftiblog
Tangle
Reliquary Arts- really cool one skein shoe rug

Finally, here is my nerd reference... rainy days make me think of an episode from Sailor Moon where Sailor Jupiter was dumped by her boyfriend on a rainy day. Click here to listen to the song from that episode.

My Mom can kick your Mom's ass!

Mom is the best. Nobody can beat her. So don't even try!
Why is it that moms are so kick ass? Mom can always do it better than anyone else.
I could make the same sandwich. Same ingredients, same method. But when Mom makes it, its just better. She's got that special touch that can take your ordinary plain sandwich and make it into the best thing you've ever eaten. Heating canned soup is ten times better when Mom does it.
When you get sick, Mom makes you feel better.
What is it? Is it a super power that develops after giving birth? A genetic mutation that makes everything better after she touches it?
I wonder if i can acquire this same super power after i have my first child.
If my mom was a super hero, her name would be "The Lunch Lady Liberator"!
If you are looking for some great gifts for mom or if you want to sweet talk your mom into making something for you... here is a link for Crochet Patter Central Afghans. There are a ton of patterns. This reminds me of my mom because she's wicked into blankets! And pantoufles!
A few more Super Hero names for my mom: "Madame Maple", "The Beauce Bionic Woman", "Because I Said So Crusader"!
Come back for the Father's Day edition, when I talk about how dad can fix anything except the VCR player. (Yes, i know i'm dating myself)

Someday my prince will come!

So a lot happened this past weekend...
The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Donald Trump got put in his place at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and Well Golly Gee Willikers... Osama Bin Laden is dead!
Where do we go from here?
I know, back to the first event, The Royal Wedding, because that was my original topic for this blog before Bin Laden made his exit.
Kate, now the Duchess of Cambridge, looked beautiful in her designer gown, fashioned with lace sleeves.

Shrug

Which got me thinking about wedding accessories. There are many options for knit/crochet items to add to your wedding. Traditional shawls, purses, hair accessories, garter belts, etc.
There are even great items for the guys. Try knit bow-ties for the groom and grooms men.

Tying the Knot
By Linda Permann

You can find any of these items for purchase on Etsy.com. Its a great site to find handmade and vintage items or supplies.
Do you have any fun and new ideas for handmade wedding accessories? Please share by posting your comments.

At least I wasn't set on fire!

So Boston beat Montreal in game 7 of the playoffs. Bravo to the Bruins, they played a great game. I'm a Montreal fan though, and the only one in my office. I should keep a low profile while I'm in Bruin territory, but i can't help showing Canadien colors!

I was actually told by my direct supervisor that if the Canadiens win, don't bother coming in to work the next day or i might be set on fire. Well, Boston won so I was able to go in to work the next day with peace of mind that i would not see a flame.
I am bummed that Montreal didn't win to move on in the playoffs, but I don't care about anything enough to the point where i would threaten bodily harm on someone else.  But if you start shit with me about Manga, then i will cut a bitch!

So in case you actually wanted something concerning knitting... here is a pattern for some really cute Canadian mittens from The Diamond Yarn Blog

Wishing there was a way to knit and read a book at the same time...

Another passion of mine is reading. I love to read Manga and romance novels! I eat them up... num num num!

So when i can find a romance novel that involves knitting, i am super interested! (i've never found a Manga based on romance and knitting... unfortunately)

I have read "How to Knit a Love Song" and the recently released "How To Knit a Heart Back Home" by Rachael Herron. "How to Knit a Love Song" was a great read that i could revisit many times over. The sequel, "How to Knit a Heart Back Home" was a good read but was disappointingly not up to par to the first book.

There is also a very enjoyable book series from Heidi Betts about three girlfriends from a knitting group and each of their stories. "Tangled In Love", "Loves Me, Loves Me Knot", and "Knock Me For A Loop".

I purchased "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs but didn't finish it. i lost interest half way through the book and didn't bother with the sequels either, "Knit Two" and "Knit The Season". Amazon.com rated the first book 3 out of 5 stars and the customer reviews were divided. I was really hoping to enjoy this series, but alas, i did not. Which is surprising because there is a character named Lucie (yes, with an IE), but even my narcissistic nature couldn't hold my interest in the novel.

A quick search on Amazon.com has popped up a series of romance novels from Christie Ridgway centered around knitting. I can't distract myself with another book series or i won't get any knitting done, but I look forward to reading "How To Knit A Wild Bikini"!

Please comment if you know of any novels in this genre that i have not listed. Thanks!

Simply Heavenly and Genki

I'm a day late posting because i was hoping to have my latest creation finished. I was inspired by one of my favorite songs. Genki Rockets- Heavenly Star. I recently watched the video again and couldn't get the colors out of my head. So i went to my local yarn shop and  picked up some sky blue yarn. Nothing special about the pattern. Just a simple stockinette stitch all the way through. Instead of cabling the entire purse (like i do) i added a large crochet star. Added a faux leather strap instead of the usual wooden handles. My Mom was kind enough to add a zipper for me (yeah, i suck at zippers). Unfortunately it is not finished yet, but hopefully it will be done soon. You will be the first to know! in the meantime, here is the video for the inspiration of the new design, maybe it will inspire you too!

UPDATE: The purse is done! Thanks Mom!

UPDATE: I hate the feeling that something is missing and i don't know what it is. i thought maybe it was the star on the front, so i changed it so it didn't look so sloppy. I added a crochet 6 point star. Now i think i may hate it even more, because now it looks like a snowflake instead of a star. I'm thinking about sacrificing it to the yarn gods by lighting it on fire. i honestly don't know what to do to this project to make it better.

It's A Sweater!

so here is a fun project for you all. Don't get rid of your old sweaters, make them into purses! this is especially great if you have a sweater that you love but can't bear to part with it (even if it has a stain and/or hole). if you have a solid color sweater, you can dress it up with pins or crochet flowers to add decoration. this is a great project for people who don't crochet or knit but can still make something semi-homemade. Also, you are recycling! So don't forget to pat yourself on the back for doing a good job!
Below is a great video on how to make your old sweater into a fun purse from pinkyiloveyou.com.

PS. if you grew up in the 80's you would know which movie the quote "It's a Sweater" comes from. But in case you're having a hard time, here is a hint...

Send me a message if you still don't get it

Poor purse! Poor bag! Poor bag without a name!

I just finished a new purse. I started knitting a Caroline bag when inspiration hit me... literally. No not literally, but it sounds better that way!

I started it this past week and finished it today. I worked very hard during the Wrestling Weekend of 2011.
Picked out a lining that i already had in stock along with wooden handles.

I don't have a name for it, because i like to follow the tradition of naming the bag after the new owner. (Maybe i'll get sick of that tradition and start naming them after clever sounding diseases. But anyways, here it is. The No Name Bag! I hope you like it...

And if you are trying to figure out the title. Its a quote from Breakfast at Tiffany's. The original quote is "Poor cat! Poor slob! Poor slob without a name! The way I see it I haven't got the right to give him one."

Wrestling with Mr. Darcy

One of the most frustrating things is finding out you have made a mistake and have to unravel your work. i discovered my mess up last night and will have to undo about half of the work i've done so far.
I'm thinking about just continuing with the mess up and then making it part of the design of the piece.
i don't know if you will be able to tell by the photo.
the first two complete braids to the left are smaller than the two to the right.


This weekend i will be able to catch up on finishing purses that have been sitting for a while. Once i finish knitting or crocheting a purse, i tend to put it to the side before putting a liner and handles on it. i get kind of lazy once the pattern portion is compete.
Anyways, this weekend if Wrestlemania and a bunch of Ring of Honor pay-per-views. i don't like wrestling, but Mike does. So while he is getting his fill of sweaty half naked men rolling around in a ring, i can put lining and handles on all the bags that are unfinished.

I can't make fun of Mike too much. I have to remind myself that Wrestlemania is the equivalent to the Pride & Prejudice 6-hour mini series (Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy= YUMMY!) I will end today's blog with a video of one of my favorite scenes from that mini-series. Enjoy!

It begins again

I just updated my website with a new design and an all new Blog! very exciting. I'm happy to update my website with new features and also new purses. I felt guilty for neglecting my website. It was in bad shape, but now its been revamped and ready to go.

Claire

I've also felt guilty about neglecting my knitting. It took me a year to finish a second "Claire" purse. A project that normally takes no more than two weeks turned into a year. I've been preoccupied with work and life, i guess.
But that is going to change, i am determined to keep this website updated and start knitting again. I've even taken a photo of the yarn i will be using for a new Caroline bag. I'm on a pink kick lately. which i guess will be nice for the spring! i'll keep you updated on the progress.