Ah, the weather is perfect this week.
Actually, i hate nice weather. Give me cold or rainy any day. But fine, everybody else like's perfect sunny days, so that's cool. I'll get mine again come fall.
Spring...renewal...
did I mention I wrote a book?
Okay I suck at transitions today, but it's true! I wrote the first draft of a novel. It blows, but I'm told that all first drafts blow. I'm going to at least give it a couple of passes at editing before giving it up.
Oh, what's it about I hear you ask? (Okay, i hear crickets chirping but that's almost like asking)-
Here's the pitch: a young-adult aimed novel that's hoping for older readers who prefer a sweeter story than counts for "adult" fiction, my book is about a typical teenage girl. Who just happens to wake up one day with a tail, large pointed ears and a wicked craving for milk. And that's when life gets a little complicated...
Why it happened, or how, or what she is a mystery that she hopes to survive long enough to find out. But before that happens she'll realize the world is a stranger place than she'd ever known.
Interested? Leave me a comment!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Annoyed by blogger vanity...
Okay, this is bothering me-
If someone has a blog, it's their rules. I get that. Some of the "comedy" blogs are so bone-headedly wrong that I occasionally point out things out, and they block the comment. I get that- they don't want naysayers, they don't want people to realize what cruel and unfair fun is being had. (Ex: whatnottocrochet likes to take pictures of art student projects and hold them up to ridicule in the context of "why would you make this?"- um, it's an art piece, you aren't supposed to. But they don't tell the readers where they got it.)
It sucks that you can't point these things out to other readers, but I get it. Their blogs, their rules. And does it matter to their readers what I say? Of course not, I just like to complain.
I also get not allowing nasty comments on your personal blog. We get enough nasty comments in life anyway, and you really hav no reason to flame a persons just because you don't like them.
Here's what bother me- there's a blog I like to read. Won't name it. The blogger is fairly known in certain circles, but by no means a celebrity. The blog is a personal one, documenting the blogger's adventures. Often it contains a poetic lament upon things gone wrong.
The part that bothers me is that any time I try to post a comment that is not up to the shining "oh girlfriend you're so perfect" standard, it gets blocked. To the point of: the post under comment was about keeping one's hands busy making things for family to get through stress. I commented that that was good, but it's even better to make for charity sometimes- it really is a stress reliever and a way to help someone else too.
Comment blocked.
This often happens, to the point where I don't try anymore. The tone of my comment was inoffensive. No foul language. I didn't even use the dreaded "you SHOULD" phraseology. Just an honest suggestion that I thought the blogger could use- maybe think about donating some creations to help your peace of mind.
Blocked. Why?
Because every other post was along the "everything you make is so gorgeous oh my god I could never do that you are so talented I'm sure everything will be sunshine and bunnies for you" lines.
Ugh. This isn't the first blog I've read to have that problem, and I'm sure not the last. But it bothers me that these bloggers will talk about the "support" they get from their commenters, and the community and sisterhood and blah blah blah...but god forbid anyone see that anyone commented and WASN'T firmly smooching their behind with rainbows and kittens.
Basically, to block a comment is to reprimand the poster, in my philosophy. And I don't think it's good form to reprimand someone for not being over-the-top and praising you enough. If you only want that, don't allow comments at all, because all you're doing is creating a fictional world where only the shiniest of compliments exist for others to see and remark at how praised you are.
Sigh. Rant over.
If someone has a blog, it's their rules. I get that. Some of the "comedy" blogs are so bone-headedly wrong that I occasionally point out things out, and they block the comment. I get that- they don't want naysayers, they don't want people to realize what cruel and unfair fun is being had. (Ex: whatnottocrochet likes to take pictures of art student projects and hold them up to ridicule in the context of "why would you make this?"- um, it's an art piece, you aren't supposed to. But they don't tell the readers where they got it.)
It sucks that you can't point these things out to other readers, but I get it. Their blogs, their rules. And does it matter to their readers what I say? Of course not, I just like to complain.
I also get not allowing nasty comments on your personal blog. We get enough nasty comments in life anyway, and you really hav no reason to flame a persons just because you don't like them.
Here's what bother me- there's a blog I like to read. Won't name it. The blogger is fairly known in certain circles, but by no means a celebrity. The blog is a personal one, documenting the blogger's adventures. Often it contains a poetic lament upon things gone wrong.
The part that bothers me is that any time I try to post a comment that is not up to the shining "oh girlfriend you're so perfect" standard, it gets blocked. To the point of: the post under comment was about keeping one's hands busy making things for family to get through stress. I commented that that was good, but it's even better to make for charity sometimes- it really is a stress reliever and a way to help someone else too.
Comment blocked.
This often happens, to the point where I don't try anymore. The tone of my comment was inoffensive. No foul language. I didn't even use the dreaded "you SHOULD" phraseology. Just an honest suggestion that I thought the blogger could use- maybe think about donating some creations to help your peace of mind.
Blocked. Why?
Because every other post was along the "everything you make is so gorgeous oh my god I could never do that you are so talented I'm sure everything will be sunshine and bunnies for you" lines.
Ugh. This isn't the first blog I've read to have that problem, and I'm sure not the last. But it bothers me that these bloggers will talk about the "support" they get from their commenters, and the community and sisterhood and blah blah blah...but god forbid anyone see that anyone commented and WASN'T firmly smooching their behind with rainbows and kittens.
Basically, to block a comment is to reprimand the poster, in my philosophy. And I don't think it's good form to reprimand someone for not being over-the-top and praising you enough. If you only want that, don't allow comments at all, because all you're doing is creating a fictional world where only the shiniest of compliments exist for others to see and remark at how praised you are.
Sigh. Rant over.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Hmm...etsy scareth me
Okay, so I got my etsy store all started. Signed up for paypal, gave etsy my credit card number for billing, yada yada yada. Took about 1-2 hours, not to hard.
Then 2 days later Visa calls. My credit card has been ripped off and used to buy a LOT of gas in Connecticut.
Um, is this just coincidence? Because I don't even USE that card anymore...except for setting up Etsy and PayPal.
Okay, I might just be paranoid, but it's left a bad taste in my mouth. I had to shut down my card, spend hours on the phone dealing with VISA, and of course take everything out of my store because I no longer have a valid credit card with Etsy. Now, I'll get a new card, and after watching my bill like a hawk for a few months I think everything will work out okay with ViSA.
But- I'm not sure I want to test those waters again. Should I hand over my new card? Nobody else seems to be having this problem, but my oh my what a coincidence. I don't buy anything online, so my risk exposure is lower than most.
Eh. Who knows. But safe to say for now, etsy life is on hold until I get a card and decide to risk it or not.
Then 2 days later Visa calls. My credit card has been ripped off and used to buy a LOT of gas in Connecticut.
Um, is this just coincidence? Because I don't even USE that card anymore...except for setting up Etsy and PayPal.
Okay, I might just be paranoid, but it's left a bad taste in my mouth. I had to shut down my card, spend hours on the phone dealing with VISA, and of course take everything out of my store because I no longer have a valid credit card with Etsy. Now, I'll get a new card, and after watching my bill like a hawk for a few months I think everything will work out okay with ViSA.
But- I'm not sure I want to test those waters again. Should I hand over my new card? Nobody else seems to be having this problem, but my oh my what a coincidence. I don't buy anything online, so my risk exposure is lower than most.
Eh. Who knows. But safe to say for now, etsy life is on hold until I get a card and decide to risk it or not.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Etsy, Etsy, read all about it!
Okay, I'm actually gonna keep this blog up to to date now to chronicle my latest adventure. Finally decided to open my etsy store.
My first offerings are the videogame purses featured below, but more is sitting waiting to be photographed and uploaded.
You can check my store at craftphoenix.etsy.com
So far? Easy to setup, if you don't mind wading through a lot of screens. The biggest hurdle for me was setting up PayPal as I was the last human being on the planet not to have an account. It is kind of depressing if you look around etsy while loading your own stuff though... my niche of weird and video game stuff is full of lots of better crafts than I can make.
Ah well, it's an experiment. We'll see how it goes- and if the merchandise goes!
My first offerings are the videogame purses featured below, but more is sitting waiting to be photographed and uploaded.
You can check my store at craftphoenix.etsy.com
So far? Easy to setup, if you don't mind wading through a lot of screens. The biggest hurdle for me was setting up PayPal as I was the last human being on the planet not to have an account. It is kind of depressing if you look around etsy while loading your own stuff though... my niche of weird and video game stuff is full of lots of better crafts than I can make.
Ah well, it's an experiment. We'll see how it goes- and if the merchandise goes!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
My first attempts at cross-stitch video game sprites
Okay, so I tend to try out lots of different crafts, mostly trying to figure out what technique works best for what effect.
I'm also a lot more into gamer culture than I used to be.
This inevitably led me to wanting to cross-stitch game sprites, since it's perfectly adapted to that. However, my eyes are bad and Aida cloth is hard for me to see. BUT I finally found a solution- I found on super clearance these needlepoint purse kits. Basically, purses with flaps sewn on that were an open needlepoint mesh.
Mesh is easier to see and count on. So...I took the opportunity to try some sprite stitching.
Here's the most basic, the mario one:
I do like the red shrooms playing off the red fabric of the purse.
Also did a Metroid one:
And finally, Kirby:
That one is my fav. The background is just made up, but based on the background you see during that little launching platform bonus stage in the first NES game. The reason I really like this one though is that I got some wooden beads and painted them up as little Kirby's and incorporated them into the handles (see 'em in the picture?)
I like details.
Oh, and that handle is not ribbon, it's actually holographic plastic lacing that I crocheted really loosely. Looks weird, but feels really cool, kinda like those gelly sandles we wore in the 80's. Remember those?
I'm also a lot more into gamer culture than I used to be.
This inevitably led me to wanting to cross-stitch game sprites, since it's perfectly adapted to that. However, my eyes are bad and Aida cloth is hard for me to see. BUT I finally found a solution- I found on super clearance these needlepoint purse kits. Basically, purses with flaps sewn on that were an open needlepoint mesh.
Mesh is easier to see and count on. So...I took the opportunity to try some sprite stitching.
Here's the most basic, the mario one:
I do like the red shrooms playing off the red fabric of the purse.
Also did a Metroid one:
And finally, Kirby:
That one is my fav. The background is just made up, but based on the background you see during that little launching platform bonus stage in the first NES game. The reason I really like this one though is that I got some wooden beads and painted them up as little Kirby's and incorporated them into the handles (see 'em in the picture?)
I like details.
Oh, and that handle is not ribbon, it's actually holographic plastic lacing that I crocheted really loosely. Looks weird, but feels really cool, kinda like those gelly sandles we wore in the 80's. Remember those?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Dr. Who Scarf!
Yes, it is at long last finished.
Several years ago, I started a Dr. Who scarf. This was when I was first tip-toeing into knitting. I could cast on, and ...knit. Thazzit.
I got 8 feet into this scarf before I realized I'd made a mistake and made it far, far too wide. As dense as it was it couldn't be folded in half, and it was about 1.5 feet wide. Not good for a scarf.
So, I had to take that one off the needles and try again. After 8 feet of scarf. On size 6 needles. *sob*
But I gave it another go, casting on with size 8 needles for a looser drape. And eventually...it was completed. Here it is on Ed, the lucky recipient. And no, it wasn't a surprise...like I could hide working on a project this big in an apartment.
Now, this is sort of a looser interpretation. Partly because I was working off instructions from the BBC which called for DK wool...and I wanted to use worsted weight acrylic. Hey, this much yarn, I'm going with the cheap stuff. So I had to fudge the numbers. This meant I ended up with fewer, wider stripes. But ya know? It still looks like a Dr. Who scarf.
It also looks different because you can't find such funky colors anymore as the original was in. I mean, that color of yellow/orange whatever hasn't been made since the 70s. The scarf was for Ed, who picked out the colors, so at least he's happy with it. We also swiped out the gray section for a dark blue just because it seemed to go better with the whole thing.
So...yeah, it ain't a exact replica. But...it still looks like a Dr. Who scarf. And it's 15 feet long. I ended it short to allow for some stretch (you KNOW a knit scarf that long is gonna grow longer with time) but...still. That's a lot of knitting.
Pretty epic for my first knitting adventure, eh?
Oh, and I've done other stuff along the way, like learn to purl, increase and decrease. But this was still my first project.
Several years ago, I started a Dr. Who scarf. This was when I was first tip-toeing into knitting. I could cast on, and ...knit. Thazzit.
I got 8 feet into this scarf before I realized I'd made a mistake and made it far, far too wide. As dense as it was it couldn't be folded in half, and it was about 1.5 feet wide. Not good for a scarf.
So, I had to take that one off the needles and try again. After 8 feet of scarf. On size 6 needles. *sob*
But I gave it another go, casting on with size 8 needles for a looser drape. And eventually...it was completed. Here it is on Ed, the lucky recipient. And no, it wasn't a surprise...like I could hide working on a project this big in an apartment.
Now, this is sort of a looser interpretation. Partly because I was working off instructions from the BBC which called for DK wool...and I wanted to use worsted weight acrylic. Hey, this much yarn, I'm going with the cheap stuff. So I had to fudge the numbers. This meant I ended up with fewer, wider stripes. But ya know? It still looks like a Dr. Who scarf.
It also looks different because you can't find such funky colors anymore as the original was in. I mean, that color of yellow/orange whatever hasn't been made since the 70s. The scarf was for Ed, who picked out the colors, so at least he's happy with it. We also swiped out the gray section for a dark blue just because it seemed to go better with the whole thing.
So...yeah, it ain't a exact replica. But...it still looks like a Dr. Who scarf. And it's 15 feet long. I ended it short to allow for some stretch (you KNOW a knit scarf that long is gonna grow longer with time) but...still. That's a lot of knitting.
Pretty epic for my first knitting adventure, eh?
Oh, and I've done other stuff along the way, like learn to purl, increase and decrease. But this was still my first project.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Pac-Man scarf!
Okay, I'm kinda proud of this one...
I'm not a huge Pac-man fan, mostly because I suck at it. BUT it is fun to watch other folks play it. But even more importantly, it's colorful and has ghosts and is graphically fun to play with.
So I had an idea for a scarf based on Pac-man...perhaps the first scarf that actually plays with TIME ITSELF.
Ahem. Over-dramatic much?
Anyhoo, here's the scarf:
Notice that one side has the pac running AWAY from ghosts towards a large pill...and the other side has him running TOWARDS the ghosts who have now turned the slightly ill looking blue and white scheme.
It ain't perfect- I would have liked it better if whack-man hadn't suddenly shifted way to the right, but for structural reasons it worked better to sew the little guy onto both sides of the scarf at the same time.
The scarf is double crocheted in black worsted weight, the white dots, ghosts and pacman himself are crocheted in sportweight yarn and sewn on separately.
This is by no means the first pac-man scarf online. Still, I think this might be the first scarf with a plot.
I'm not a huge Pac-man fan, mostly because I suck at it. BUT it is fun to watch other folks play it. But even more importantly, it's colorful and has ghosts and is graphically fun to play with.
So I had an idea for a scarf based on Pac-man...perhaps the first scarf that actually plays with TIME ITSELF.
Ahem. Over-dramatic much?
Anyhoo, here's the scarf:
Notice that one side has the pac running AWAY from ghosts towards a large pill...and the other side has him running TOWARDS the ghosts who have now turned the slightly ill looking blue and white scheme.
It ain't perfect- I would have liked it better if whack-man hadn't suddenly shifted way to the right, but for structural reasons it worked better to sew the little guy onto both sides of the scarf at the same time.
The scarf is double crocheted in black worsted weight, the white dots, ghosts and pacman himself are crocheted in sportweight yarn and sewn on separately.
This is by no means the first pac-man scarf online. Still, I think this might be the first scarf with a plot.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Non-project update
Well, you might have noticed there was a good two year gap in my posting there...okay, nobody reads this so nobody noticed but I still feel inclined to explain it.
The past few years got CRAZY. The past year went extra-crazy-supersized, substitute a big batch of crazy for the fries, with a cold medium glass of crazy CRAZY.
Yeah...
So, um...the highlights then.
1) I quit my job. This was a good thing. It literally was so stressful that it was giving me heart problems, at 24. Yikes
2) got married. See "need insurance through hubby's good job since I just quit mine." Oh, and love and all that.
3) broke off all ties with my parents (long story- trust me this is a good thing)
4) hubby finished making a movie (see: free time suddenly appears)
5) I decided to start writing a novel (yep, I'm crazy)
6) got new job (just recently) yay!
So yeah...a lot going on. Things are pretty good now- I got a new job, and have gotten rid of two huge stressors in my life- my parents and my old job. So smooth sailing.
Of course, I'm now trying to work my job, take care of the apartment and the still super busy media dude that I'm hitched to, and have decided to add "writing a novel" n top of that.
Still, things are better- see the list of goodness?
1) married
2) figured out knitting somewhat
3) slightly better at cooking
4) I love working on my book, even though it's hard and hard to make time for and I know it stinks
Not bad, eh?
Further details later.
The past few years got CRAZY. The past year went extra-crazy-supersized, substitute a big batch of crazy for the fries, with a cold medium glass of crazy CRAZY.
Yeah...
So, um...the highlights then.
1) I quit my job. This was a good thing. It literally was so stressful that it was giving me heart problems, at 24. Yikes
2) got married. See "need insurance through hubby's good job since I just quit mine." Oh, and love and all that.
3) broke off all ties with my parents (long story- trust me this is a good thing)
4) hubby finished making a movie (see: free time suddenly appears)
5) I decided to start writing a novel (yep, I'm crazy)
6) got new job (just recently) yay!
So yeah...a lot going on. Things are pretty good now- I got a new job, and have gotten rid of two huge stressors in my life- my parents and my old job. So smooth sailing.
Of course, I'm now trying to work my job, take care of the apartment and the still super busy media dude that I'm hitched to, and have decided to add "writing a novel" n top of that.
Still, things are better- see the list of goodness?
1) married
2) figured out knitting somewhat
3) slightly better at cooking
4) I love working on my book, even though it's hard and hard to make time for and I know it stinks
Not bad, eh?
Further details later.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Even More Tapestry Pieces!
Okay, clearly I love Tapestry Crochet. Or, more clearly, I love the sorta kinda tapestry crochet thingy that I do...true Tapestry crochet goes in one direction only, creating a slant. I turn around and go back and forth on each row, resulting in 1) no slant 2) slightly messy edges for the color changes.
It works for what I do.
Anyhoo, here's some more logo pieces I worked up for fun...
The Superman logo (as if ya didn't know)
The TV logo from one of the best TV series ever, Home Movies
I worked the text in rough cross-stitching on the tv background because I realized that bright orange yarn doesn't carry well behind white. It works okay like this I think.
Aaaaaand the logo from yet another of the best TV series ever (the folks who later did Home Movies)- Dr. Katz!
I don't think there's craft fan art for Home Movies or Dr. Katz out there, so this was fun.
Not at all sure what to do with these now...or any of the other tapestry pieces I've done. They're literally sitting in a pile under the bed. Originally I was going to sew them together into a blanket, but with the gauges being so uneven and the Home Movies piece having all the stitches exposed on the back...I'm not sure if it would work. Any ideas?
It works for what I do.
Anyhoo, here's some more logo pieces I worked up for fun...
The Superman logo (as if ya didn't know)
The TV logo from one of the best TV series ever, Home Movies
I worked the text in rough cross-stitching on the tv background because I realized that bright orange yarn doesn't carry well behind white. It works okay like this I think.
Aaaaaand the logo from yet another of the best TV series ever (the folks who later did Home Movies)- Dr. Katz!
I don't think there's craft fan art for Home Movies or Dr. Katz out there, so this was fun.
Not at all sure what to do with these now...or any of the other tapestry pieces I've done. They're literally sitting in a pile under the bed. Originally I was going to sew them together into a blanket, but with the gauges being so uneven and the Home Movies piece having all the stitches exposed on the back...I'm not sure if it would work. Any ideas?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Even more stashbusting!
More stashbusting photos from the past year!
Lots of cotton became lots of knit washcloths...
Some Caron Simply Soft became this demure scarf
While some Simply Soft Brites became this floral scarf- it's based on a scarf from the first SnB book, but I did it in more floral colors and added the leaves for fun and to make the scarf more stable.
And some cotton/nylon blend in nifty nifty colors became a set of six coasters...because I wanted to use it and only had a small ball. And who doesn't like fiesta colored coasters?
I actually bought that yarn in Wisconsin while visiting friends awhile ago and have been waiting for it to tell me what it wants to be ever since.
Lots of cotton became lots of knit washcloths...
Some Caron Simply Soft became this demure scarf
While some Simply Soft Brites became this floral scarf- it's based on a scarf from the first SnB book, but I did it in more floral colors and added the leaves for fun and to make the scarf more stable.
And some cotton/nylon blend in nifty nifty colors became a set of six coasters...because I wanted to use it and only had a small ball. And who doesn't like fiesta colored coasters?
I actually bought that yarn in Wisconsin while visiting friends awhile ago and have been waiting for it to tell me what it wants to be ever since.
Scarf-stravaganza
Well, I've been not exactly flush with cash lately, which means a lot of stashbusting instead of stash enhancing. Luckily about a year ago a crocheting friend of mine (who had to move) left me boxes of her old yarn. So I've had quite a stash of yarn that's new to me.
Here's some of the products of the past year of stashbusting:
A ton of snazzy scarves
The three on the left are actually very soft and fluffy- that isn't fun fur!
I also made this funky thing, making up pattern stitches as I went
You can't see the patterns too well, but they're there :)
Some more odds and ends became this polka dot scarf...
And the bits and pieces I still had became this stack of hats!
More stashbusting pictures soon, as well as some other more interesting bits.
Here's some of the products of the past year of stashbusting:
A ton of snazzy scarves
The three on the left are actually very soft and fluffy- that isn't fun fur!
I also made this funky thing, making up pattern stitches as I went
You can't see the patterns too well, but they're there :)
Some more odds and ends became this polka dot scarf...
And the bits and pieces I still had became this stack of hats!
More stashbusting pictures soon, as well as some other more interesting bits.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Metroid Tapestry Piece
I love me some tapestry crochet. Here's another little guy I did, a black and white version of a Metroid from the great game of the same name. It's my hub's fav game, and I've grown quite fond of the creepy little guys who look like a cross between ticks and jellyfish.
It's a little fuzzy looking, but still there!
It's a little fuzzy looking, but still there!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Batman Baby Blanket
Some friends of ours spawned, and as the father is our bud and a Batman nut, I figured this was a good gift to make for his little girl:
Thanks to the Dark Lilac cross stitch pattern generator for spitting out the chart for this based on the Batman logo- I then chose baby yarn in what I think are appropriate baby colors. Tapestry crochet finished this off- it's about 4 foot by 3 feet. A weird size, but good for wrapping around the little tyke...and that's how the math worked out.
I realize this is now in classic Batgirl colors, which also seems appropriate.
I'm not a girly girl, not really into babies, but if a friend spawns and you're a craft geek, ya gotta do something appropriate, right?
Thanks to the Dark Lilac cross stitch pattern generator for spitting out the chart for this based on the Batman logo- I then chose baby yarn in what I think are appropriate baby colors. Tapestry crochet finished this off- it's about 4 foot by 3 feet. A weird size, but good for wrapping around the little tyke...and that's how the math worked out.
I realize this is now in classic Batgirl colors, which also seems appropriate.
I'm not a girly girl, not really into babies, but if a friend spawns and you're a craft geek, ya gotta do something appropriate, right?
Okay, I'm back
Yeah, long time no blog right? Well, I'm back and I should be updating regularly again. No pics yet, but there is some crafting news...
I (supposedly) being published! I sold about 19 patterns to Leisure Arts a year or so ago, to be printed in a leaflet. Things got delayed, but supposedly it will still happen. It's all crazy stuff, of course.
I finished the Dr. Who scarf! Woot! It's 15 feet long. I stopped short to allow stretch room, since it's already long enough to go around the neck once and hit the calf, and I don't want it to stretch to the ground!
After a year or so of getting blown off by video game craft blogs, Sprite Stitch posted my Mortal Kombat square! Hooray! Extra fun, at least one Mortal Kombat fan spotted it and gave it a nod on another site.
Also, I am finally actually learning to knit- I've finally figured out increasing, which always threw me off. So now that I can knit, purl, increase and decrease, I'm officially a newbie knitter! Although that doesn't mean abandoning crochet.
Right now I'm broke and in stash-busting mode, but I hope to share some pics of the stacks of stashbusting goodies I've made, as well as the complete Dr. Who scarf.
Happy Crafting!
I (supposedly) being published! I sold about 19 patterns to Leisure Arts a year or so ago, to be printed in a leaflet. Things got delayed, but supposedly it will still happen. It's all crazy stuff, of course.
I finished the Dr. Who scarf! Woot! It's 15 feet long. I stopped short to allow stretch room, since it's already long enough to go around the neck once and hit the calf, and I don't want it to stretch to the ground!
After a year or so of getting blown off by video game craft blogs, Sprite Stitch posted my Mortal Kombat square! Hooray! Extra fun, at least one Mortal Kombat fan spotted it and gave it a nod on another site.
Also, I am finally actually learning to knit- I've finally figured out increasing, which always threw me off. So now that I can knit, purl, increase and decrease, I'm officially a newbie knitter! Although that doesn't mean abandoning crochet.
Right now I'm broke and in stash-busting mode, but I hope to share some pics of the stacks of stashbusting goodies I've made, as well as the complete Dr. Who scarf.
Happy Crafting!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Happy Holidays Update!
Pretty relaxed x-mas. I could get used to this 4 person holiday thang (me and bf went to mom and dad's house...and that's it). Very different from usual chaos.
Here's my holiday story: there is a toy/misc drive at work every year to get items for the local battered women's shelter and the kids there with their mom's. This year, with all of our jobs in peril, there was much less stuff in those boxes than there was last year. Well, one morning there was even less- someone on the cleaning crew stole some items out of the boxes. Remote control cars and baby blankets, it turns out.
Now, they knew it was someone on the cleaning staff b/c they tried to move teh security camera before they stole the items...but didn't realize that it was a wide angle lense and they were on film anyway.
I got really upset about this, ranted about it on the 'ville and to an online/in town friend who's on the 'ville as well. She offered to donate some items she'd made, and to pick up a few new toys at Wal-mart. I also dragged/invited my bf to a walmart toy run in the official capacity of chaffeur, but he ended up buying half teh presents (go bf!)
Well, my 'ville buddy didn't just donate a few things. We're talking a huge bag of toys, as well as a huge pile of hand crocheted items...baby blankets, lapghans, onesies, cuddly little dolls...just tons of stuff.
My friends generosity turned a few stolen items into a larger pile of goodies than everybody together had donated thus far.
There's a holiday miracle there for ya, regardless of what you are or are not celebrating today.
Take car of each other, y'all. :)
Here's my holiday story: there is a toy/misc drive at work every year to get items for the local battered women's shelter and the kids there with their mom's. This year, with all of our jobs in peril, there was much less stuff in those boxes than there was last year. Well, one morning there was even less- someone on the cleaning crew stole some items out of the boxes. Remote control cars and baby blankets, it turns out.
Now, they knew it was someone on the cleaning staff b/c they tried to move teh security camera before they stole the items...but didn't realize that it was a wide angle lense and they were on film anyway.
I got really upset about this, ranted about it on the 'ville and to an online/in town friend who's on the 'ville as well. She offered to donate some items she'd made, and to pick up a few new toys at Wal-mart. I also dragged/invited my bf to a walmart toy run in the official capacity of chaffeur, but he ended up buying half teh presents (go bf!)
Well, my 'ville buddy didn't just donate a few things. We're talking a huge bag of toys, as well as a huge pile of hand crocheted items...baby blankets, lapghans, onesies, cuddly little dolls...just tons of stuff.
My friends generosity turned a few stolen items into a larger pile of goodies than everybody together had donated thus far.
There's a holiday miracle there for ya, regardless of what you are or are not celebrating today.
Take car of each other, y'all. :)
Friday, December 22, 2006
Tapestry Pieces
Been trying out tapestry crochet lately, so I did a MST3K piece b/c I loved the show and it is a two color design:
The world needs more MST3K crafts, especially MST3K. Are ya with me, folks?
I then wanted to try a 3 color piece, so I did this small patch of a Red Shroom from super mario bros:
And b/c I run with a gaming crowd and my bf loves Mortal Kombat, for a bigger (but still only 2 color) piece I did the Mortal Kombat logo:
This one is special because not only is it an awesome logo, not only do all my friends love MK, but...I met the dudes themselves! Daniel and Carlos Pesina agreed to guest star in Press Start, and as the unofficial makeup person (read: girl) and prop diva, I got to meet them and smear greasy makeup aaaaaall over 'em. They didn't kill me. Daniel was Johnny Cage and Scorpion/Subzero/other palette swaps, and Carlos was Raiden.
Yes, I put makeup on Johnny Cage for a movie.
Ah, it's a fun world :)
The world needs more MST3K crafts, especially MST3K. Are ya with me, folks?
I then wanted to try a 3 color piece, so I did this small patch of a Red Shroom from super mario bros:
And b/c I run with a gaming crowd and my bf loves Mortal Kombat, for a bigger (but still only 2 color) piece I did the Mortal Kombat logo:
This one is special because not only is it an awesome logo, not only do all my friends love MK, but...I met the dudes themselves! Daniel and Carlos Pesina agreed to guest star in Press Start, and as the unofficial makeup person (read: girl) and prop diva, I got to meet them and smear greasy makeup aaaaaall over 'em. They didn't kill me. Daniel was Johnny Cage and Scorpion/Subzero/other palette swaps, and Carlos was Raiden.
Yes, I put makeup on Johnny Cage for a movie.
Ah, it's a fun world :)
Saturday, December 9, 2006
My favorite picture ever
I went to ireland about two years ago, and at one point while looking over a cliff a guy came up with a 3 week old lamb (so he said). I had to hold it. I needed a picture.
Ahem...here is me holding a lamb...in IRELAND!!
Yay!
"Can I have some wool when you grow up?"
Ahem...here is me holding a lamb...in IRELAND!!
Yay!
"Can I have some wool when you grow up?"
Crochetville ROCKS
I recently posted a rant on Crochetville and got so many kind words back...:) If you haven't been there, you gotta check it out- the warmest fuzziest place on the planet. If you are from the 'ville- I love you guys!
In other hooker news...I've been stashbusting like mad and will probably be slowing down quite a bit. Made two scarves for my mom, a bunch of snowflakes, the snow princess purse (below), a bunch of other purses, dress scarves, a hat, a bunch of crochet washclothes, 2 knitted waschclothes (including one with a knit/purl design of a bunny) 11 comforghan squares (for three different causes) and have mailed out some of the stash I didn't want to other folks on Crochetville. I don't have a lot of pictures, and the ones I do have will have to wait- the camera isn't mine, you see :(
I have actually picked the Dr. Who scarf again, too! Go me.
I will now probably put it down for awhile in order to make 8-bit video game character sprites out of perler beads. I've made some, they've gone over great with the cast...so I might make more as a x-mas (or end-of-movie-going-to-magfest) surprise. Happens about the same time anyway.
I'll try to get pictures of those up too...sigh...so many pictures
In other hooker news...I've been stashbusting like mad and will probably be slowing down quite a bit. Made two scarves for my mom, a bunch of snowflakes, the snow princess purse (below), a bunch of other purses, dress scarves, a hat, a bunch of crochet washclothes, 2 knitted waschclothes (including one with a knit/purl design of a bunny) 11 comforghan squares (for three different causes) and have mailed out some of the stash I didn't want to other folks on Crochetville. I don't have a lot of pictures, and the ones I do have will have to wait- the camera isn't mine, you see :(
I have actually picked the Dr. Who scarf again, too! Go me.
I will now probably put it down for awhile in order to make 8-bit video game character sprites out of perler beads. I've made some, they've gone over great with the cast...so I might make more as a x-mas (or end-of-movie-going-to-magfest) surprise. Happens about the same time anyway.
I'll try to get pictures of those up too...sigh...so many pictures
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Snow Princess Purse
Hey, betcha forgot this was a crochet blog, all you people not reading it! But ho! I do see a crochet project below!
I had a couple of spools of mason line laying around that I bought super cheap, and had been turning them into snowflakes. Got bored of that, and figured this super shiny white nylon cord might make a nice purse. And that purse needed a snowflake.
It looks quite shiny and frosty in real life. It has no handles...because I couldn't think of any that looked good. But hey, not bad for a couple of lunch hours, using about $2 worth of clearance sale supplies, eh?
I had a couple of spools of mason line laying around that I bought super cheap, and had been turning them into snowflakes. Got bored of that, and figured this super shiny white nylon cord might make a nice purse. And that purse needed a snowflake.
It looks quite shiny and frosty in real life. It has no handles...because I couldn't think of any that looked good. But hey, not bad for a couple of lunch hours, using about $2 worth of clearance sale supplies, eh?
An open response to Crochetme's "Freaky" afghan
Dear Internet,
If you've seen the latest issue of Crochetme, you've seen the Freaky afghan. You've probably also noted it's somewhat controversial nature. My problem isn't with the afghan- I think it's a dumb joke, that's all. I have no problem with people cursing around me casually- but I'll save that diatribe (although being cussed out is different).
However, someone didn't like the afghan and left a comment. The designer sounded off a rapt rejoinder that I felt someone needed to respond to. The designer basically tried to make themselves out as a person persecuted by "judgmental people", tried to make people dissaproving of swear words equal to religious persecution, and then invoked the bill of rights specifically as the document making all good citizens responsible for fighting for the rights of people to say exactly what we disagree with. I have a problem with people invoking the bill of rights and freedom of speech while acting offended that someone disagreed with them on something that was intended to create controvery.
She also mentioned that she would not attack the poster, but the poster wasn't afraid to call her names. Except...the poster did not call her names. In any case, such a response was very aggressive and unprofesional and very obvious about it.
The following was a comment I left on the site in response to the designer's comeback to someone's dissapproval of the afghan. The comment was deleted according to Crochetme's policy, so I'm putting it up here.
"Maria- you are right, humour is subjective. And controvery happens. And yes, the Bill of Rights is the best thing we have in this country. It's what makes me proud of Americans- that they will fight for it. And I have no problem with swear words in my own life, just so we're clear.
But from what I can tell, the post above didn't call you any names, and was just telling you of their feelings. Strongly, yes, but no blatant name-calling.
Like you said, the bill of rights is about fighting for the right of people to disagree with everything you hold dear. That's what this person was doing- disagreeing with your humour and questioning its validity. They didn't deserve being termed a "judgmental" person just because they were offended. Your pentacle example was a bit alarming in the reactions you got...but this person who posted is not everyone who ever criticized you. It's not the same issue. Could it be that you really aren't open to people disagreeing with you?"
I don't think anyone will read this, ever, but I wanted it up somewhere. And Crochetme is completely within their rights to delete comments according to their policy- their site, their rules. I also do not have a personal problem with the designer. I don't think it was an offensive afghan. I just don't like how a rather sophmoric and shortsighted response to a poster can be left up as a reprimand for everyone to see without anyone being allowed to challenge it. Oh, and I love a good argument.
Respectfully yours,
Phoenix
If you've seen the latest issue of Crochetme, you've seen the Freaky afghan. You've probably also noted it's somewhat controversial nature. My problem isn't with the afghan- I think it's a dumb joke, that's all. I have no problem with people cursing around me casually- but I'll save that diatribe (although being cussed out is different).
However, someone didn't like the afghan and left a comment. The designer sounded off a rapt rejoinder that I felt someone needed to respond to. The designer basically tried to make themselves out as a person persecuted by "judgmental people", tried to make people dissaproving of swear words equal to religious persecution, and then invoked the bill of rights specifically as the document making all good citizens responsible for fighting for the rights of people to say exactly what we disagree with. I have a problem with people invoking the bill of rights and freedom of speech while acting offended that someone disagreed with them on something that was intended to create controvery.
She also mentioned that she would not attack the poster, but the poster wasn't afraid to call her names. Except...the poster did not call her names. In any case, such a response was very aggressive and unprofesional and very obvious about it.
The following was a comment I left on the site in response to the designer's comeback to someone's dissapproval of the afghan. The comment was deleted according to Crochetme's policy, so I'm putting it up here.
"Maria- you are right, humour is subjective. And controvery happens. And yes, the Bill of Rights is the best thing we have in this country. It's what makes me proud of Americans- that they will fight for it. And I have no problem with swear words in my own life, just so we're clear.
But from what I can tell, the post above didn't call you any names, and was just telling you of their feelings. Strongly, yes, but no blatant name-calling.
Like you said, the bill of rights is about fighting for the right of people to disagree with everything you hold dear. That's what this person was doing- disagreeing with your humour and questioning its validity. They didn't deserve being termed a "judgmental" person just because they were offended. Your pentacle example was a bit alarming in the reactions you got...but this person who posted is not everyone who ever criticized you. It's not the same issue. Could it be that you really aren't open to people disagreeing with you?"
I don't think anyone will read this, ever, but I wanted it up somewhere. And Crochetme is completely within their rights to delete comments according to their policy- their site, their rules. I also do not have a personal problem with the designer. I don't think it was an offensive afghan. I just don't like how a rather sophmoric and shortsighted response to a poster can be left up as a reprimand for everyone to see without anyone being allowed to challenge it. Oh, and I love a good argument.
Respectfully yours,
Phoenix
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