School! And December!

I swear that I love Christmastime and that we didn't forget about this blog! It has just been a crazy time for us with school and everything else. (Abe visited in November!!!) But that doesn't mean I haven't been knitting! Because I have! So I'm doing crafty things, just not documenting them so well!

Above is my attempt at sockmaking for my mom as one of her Christmas presents. I feel like it's a good idea to start with a present like this for my mom, or myself, because there is a huge likelihood that there will be a million mistakes. But so far, it's going good. I'm following this blog's tutorial. It's been a big help!

Okay I have an exam in 7 hours that I need to study for majorly!!!

==Margaret

Knitters Anonymous

This picture doesn't illustrate it, but the crochet hook I'm using is 15.5 mm, it's the fattest one I could find at Hobby Lobby. I'm crocheting a cowl with thick Lion brand yarn and I am pretty excited about it. So far I think it's for myself but maybe it will turn out being a present! All the blogs I read are starting to talk about making Christmas presents. I feel like it's crazy early, but I never finish presents on time, so maybe that's why. haha

This next scarf is made with super soft baby yarn that's blue and white. It's cozy and you may remember the stitch from my wool gray scarf I made earlier. I really like the stitch even though it's a little more work, it ends up looking really cool.

Okay, so I mayyyy be working on a thousand scarves. BUT-- I did try out something new! I figured out how to use double pointed needles just recently, while I was watching the 1992 Bram Stoker's Dracula (which was a pretty weird version,it was interesting though!) Using double pointed needles turns out to be not so hard after all! I am excited to use them more.

I needed proof of the actually dpns in use! I love this yarn by the way, it's one of the Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarns. It's a littttle silly that she designs yarn, but I like the colors!

Here they are finished! I had some running out of yarn issues since I was using the leftovers of making a hat for a friend, but I worked it out.

This last shot is of the thumb hole. My next project will be actual mittens! I am pretty excited about this!

OH MAN. Something I am not excited about is that the big beige scarf I was knitting? The company that makes the yarn doesn't sell in stores anymore! At least not Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Wal-Mart. I was making such awesome progress on it! I will have to see about buying it online, I'm a little nervous about making sure that the color is absolutely perfect!

Anyway, I am going back to kind of studying!

--Maggie

Noro Noro Noro!

So I only have two knitting projects going on currently, until those needles I need for the cardigan challenge come in, anyway. One is this lace knitting that I'm not proud enough of yet to show on here, but the other is with some pretty top notch yarn by Noro. I had been trying to put this off until I wasn't so busy, but that yarn kept calling my name. Everything I have seen by them I have really really liked, their colors are all basically excellent, and it's of the chunky yet soft texture that is so satisfying. Here is a photo that I hope can give you an idea of this!
I am particularly excited to get to the green part.
I found a pattern on Ravelry called the "Prismatic Scarf" that I have been following and I feel like it's the perfect fit for this project. The idea behind the pattern was to have a scarf that basically shows off the yarn its made with, and since I have been basically talking about Noro as if I were in love with it, this pattern seemed only fitting. Here's how its been going so far:
And just to add to my excitement of working on this, I have been using my Brittany needles which were aptly described as "regal" by Margaret when we were purchasing them.

Ok, well I'm sure you've heard my gush enough about my personal knitting indulgences.
Here's the view of my cat from my bed this morning.

Annie. Professional Creeper.
Hopefully I survive the night. -Rachel

Tattoooo!

So, I am working on designing a tattoo for myself currently, of an owl. Why? Well, they are my favorite! And so adorable yet charming. Like myself, haha. Margaret and I actaully have a sort of tradition where we each give each other gifts involving owls, the most recent of which would be this chapI only have sketches right now, I am taking my time with it because I want it to be perfect, as it is my first tattoo and I plan on getting it in a viewable place. I chose a picture of an owl looking over his shoulder, because just straight on just wasn't looking right to me. I also have a book of color schemes that has been helping me to decide what colors I want to use! So heres a little preview of what I have underway!!
fig. 1
fig. 2

Rachel's craft to do list

UGH. Actual School.

So much schoolwork! I have midterms this week and next week so the procrastinating needs to stop. That won't stop me from crafting, probably, but I have an excuse!

This is my To Do list for tonight. I'm not looking forward to trying to conquer most of those.
I like this image from this cool blog. I think I agree mostly with that!

This proves that my yarn stash is totally manageable. Maybe a little embarrassingly small actually! Rachel, yarn shopping over Thanksgiving break has to happen!

--Maggie

To Do: Crafty Homey Weekend!

Coptic Stitching

This is my first attempt at stitching an actual book. I used mat board for the covers and plain printer paper for the pages. I figured I might as well use cheap supplies since it may turn out to be a fail.

And it kind of went both ways. I definitely need actual linen thread. This sewing thread that I was using will not cut it. BUT--that's the main problem! It mostly worked out.

The covers are a little wobbly since I just used strong thread. But overall it turned out how I wanted.

One of the nice things about this stitch is that it opens nice and flat, which is good for writing and drawing and scrapbooking...basically everything. I used this youtube video to help me visualize the instructions from the book I mentioned below. I really like the book, but I really have to see other people do things to figure out how to do something. That's why I love youtube for crafting!

Here's another close up of the stitch! I love how it looks. And the background in the first picture is my new self-healing mat! I am sooo excited not to have to cut into my desk anymore. Now I just need a t-ruler and then I can cut perfect straight lines on it too!

--Maggie

Things I Want

(Found here)

1. A Firepace! We have an electric one at home, but here nothing! So with this weather I am thinking a fireplace would be perfect, but it might make me even sleepier when I am doing homework.

(Found here)

2. Ooh. A Crop-o-Dile! I may be a little late on this train but jeez these things look cool and I am trying to get back into scrapbooking, so that makes me want one even more.

3. An Expresso Machine for my apartment here in Columbia! My family has one at home and I miss it!

(Found here)

4. Next weekend I am going home to Springvegas, and I am most certainly going to steal some allspice so I can make Pumpkin Spice Syrup to add to my coffee. (And I would like that lipgloss!)

(Found here)

5. Oh man, I want a spinning wheel so bad, however I hear that when you get one, you don't want to knit anymore you just want to spin, haha. So that might have it's downsides!

Anyway, those are just a few of the things I want right this second!

--Maggie

Bookmaking and Stampmaking

So I have been obsessed with the library lately! And since I don't have a lot of time for reading actual books since I am supposed to be reading school books, I got some crafting books at the library. This one is (obviously) about making books.

I have made little pamphlet books before but never any kind of book that requires a knowledge of stitching pattern, so I am excited to make this one.

The below picture is of my bone folder becoming more flexible in oil. It had to soak overnight, but has since been dried. I am not in love with the fact that it is made of bone, but I guess I have leather shoes, so there isn't too much of an ethical difference. (Plus the silicone ones are quite pricey, supposedly.)

I have actually made 10 signatures (folded pages) of 4 leaves per signature. So, I am on my way to making a new book, but I think I need a drill to (easily) drill the holes for the instructions I am trying to follow, so I am bringing the project home with me!

So this is my other crafting adventure lately! Trying to make my own stamps! This one is obviously going to be my own initials. And I did this just with the carving tool obviously and an eraser, I have some of the carving blocks, but it is obviously cheaper to use just plain old erasers to practice on.

Here's a close up of one of the stamps, you can see the mess it makes in the background of pretty much all of these pictures, but luckily I have a vacuum. (and I like contained chaos!)

This bottom picture is an account up to the point that these pictures were taken. When I go to Hobby Lobby or a craft store, the stamps I seem to look at most are the ones used to proved a backdrop or lines for journaling. So I am working on making some stamps with like lines, and stuff. But as I am not very skilled yet, the lines have come out pretty wobbly and sketchy, haha.

So those are my newest crafting attempts, and I swear I have some scars (from the carving tool) to prove my trials, but I am always excited to make new things!

I am obviously still very excited about knitting. I am being more and more tempted to try the double pointed needles for some cute mittens, but I am holding off learning a new craft 'till I at least master the two above!

--Maggie

Wishliiiiist!

Ok, I know Chistmas comes earlier every year, right? Plus we here at KxC love making lists. So heres some items I've been coveting lately! If only I had indefinite funds and a home studio....
These are also in no particular order. If you're feeling inclined to buy me anything, haha...

1. Die-Cut machine
This would be excellent in so many ways. Every perfect little shape i could ever want, without me cramping my hand to use scissors!

2. Laser cutter.
Basically a die cut machine, only more hardcore. What if i need some wood or plastic cut into perfect little shapes?!

3. Screenprinter.
Theeeeeen the possibilities would be really endless. Custom shirts, bags, signs, whatever my heart could desire. Without all the work of doing it by hand, plus much more permanent.

4. an endless supply of Precise V-5 pens.
For all the offical letters I write

5. a personalized wax seal
...for all the offical letters I write.

6. A studio that is constantly and perfectly organized.
Maybe if i had a specific room for all my art/crafting, then it would end up all over my floor less.

7. A wall of chalkboard paint
I know that I could probably do this, but just never have and it feels a little daunting right now.

8. A panini press
I love foooooood. And since I am naming other somewhat expensive machinery, why not? Then I would have delicious melty sandwiches at my disposal constantly.

9. A record player
Self explainatory...

10. the funds and time to run my own coffeeshop/craft studio
This would be soooo excellent. Like if I had disposable funds to do anything I really believe this would be it. I can already make the drinks and the crafts, so feel like I'm ready! But it's just not the most practical idea at the time being...

Well there are ten things that I would like! Maybe I'll end up seeing one or two of them come December...
-Rachel

oh p.s.! My carboard chair held me. it looked a little ridiculous but it did the job, this next project we're doing in there will end up on here eventually too, I'm sure.

Something I did instead of organize my supplies...

Something I love.
-Rachel

So I Know I Said That...

It was beautiful Fall weather a couple of days ago, but jeez, Fall has officially arrived today. It's been a little chilly with a cool breeze and some nice cloudy sunshine.

This scarf is for my friend, she picked out the yarn it's that Lion's brand Home Spun yarn, I actually like the colors. I am messing around trying to figure out a pattern that I like for it though. I am not sure if the one above works...but I have some time before it gets too cold, and the yarn should be a quick knit, it's pretty thick.
Oh, macro shots, I love them. But you can see the different shades of the yarn and the texture.
I'm using size 1o needles, they seem to be working out pretty good.
So this depressing shot is my wall, the wall itself is like textured outdoor true white paint. It's pretty boring and ugly. So my plan is to give it as much visual interest. This part of the wall is going to be a little cluster of embroidery hoops.
I love this quote from the movie Fight Club, and I LOVE my labeler right now. I remember when I got it and I was so fascinated by it. Lately I bought this black tape, and that has brought my love for it back.

All my notebooks are now clearly labelled. I also sent little labels to my family members and one of my good friends. I don't know how much they appreciated them, but I love making them!

I am thinking more about scrapbooking lately, so there will probably be a scrapbooking post in the near future!

--Maggie

Falling into Fall!

So I realize the above title is a little cheesy, but doesn't something about Fall make you want to be a little more cheesy then usual? Like in 100 degree weather, I am much more cynical, but now? The weather is pretty inconsistent here right now. But today it was rainy and nice! Anyway, so this cozy weather makes me a little crazy for knitting. In my last post, I talked about my foray into lace knitting. This has made me a little more confident in following patterns, even simple ones like the one below.

I'm using this yarn that I got at Wal-Mart, oh college. (I end up at Wal-Mart looking for craft supplies, so depressing. haha) So it isn't the fanciest yarn, but I actually like it! It's Caron Simply Soft Eco, and supposedly it is made from plastic bottles, so far I have used .6 plastic bottles, but I am starting on a new ball! So soon it will be 1.2 bottles and it will definitely be more before the project is over.

This is another scarf I have going. It's a different pattern that I picked up from a free washcloth pattern on Ravelry. I like the way it's turning out, but I am running out of yarn and I didn't buy it here in Columbia!The yarn is pure wool, which I love, and it's kind of bumpy and thick! It is actually more gray than it is showing up here, but oh well.I was super excited when I first got these rosewood needles until I tried them out for the first time, they seemed super sticky. But since them they have worked really well with the wool, maybe they just didn't like working with super cheap acrylic yarn, haha. Plus the ends of the needles are pretty!

My cardigan hasn't seen much progress, mostly because Rachel and I can't find 8 inch circular needles! But once that problem has been fixed I am motivated to start! The cooler weather is making me excited to finish!

--Maggie

Bridgesicle.

So for the 3d Design course that I'm taking, we had to create a bridge that would support an eight pound brick that also met these requirements:
-only using popsicle sticks, woodglue, and kite twine
-must be 24 inches long
-cannot layer the popsicle sticks any more than 3 deep at any given point.
This is what I came up with:
I knitted a net for the brick to be set in in the bottom, which really seemed to impress my instructor, actually. He told me I should "go to New Zeland and help make chain mail for the new Lord of the Rings movie." He's kind of a character.

He was pretty helpful to me though, I am more good at making things that are aesthetically pleasing and not so much have any practical uses, such as brick holders. He advised me to have it meet at the top or else it would fall in on itself, which I wouldn't have had the foresight for. I tested it with a couple things at home, such as a weighty candle, but couldn't find anything heavy yet small enough to compare to the brick, but what i did have to use didn't even seem to phase it, so I have pretty high hopes, seeing as whoever had the bridge that can hold the most bricks gets 2 movie tickets! This really was a big learning experience for me, having to think about creating things with a purpose and solving problems along the way, such as trying to attach two popsicle sticks with a dowel rod.

Anyway, the brick contest is Monday, I will report back with how it goes down!
And I will be sure to post our next project on here as well, which is a chair made out of cardboard that doesn't look like a chair...and can support a human sitting in it.
-Rachel

Wearing it on your sleeve.

This isn't so much a current projects post as a plug to others I have come across. I have always liked custom shirt designing, and have a few that I have done myself which I realized right before I wrote this that I have no pictures of. Maggie and I have even dyed a few of our own shirts, and meant to get around to do doing some more this summer but it looks like that will have to wait for fall break. So I will be sure to share those with you sometime later! But I really like one of a kind items, of course, and that certain feeling from wearing something that you know can't or won't be duplicated, no matter how subtle it is.

One artist who I came across recently is Sam Wolfe, who actually draws all these shirts with fabric markers. If I ever purchased one I would be afraid to wash it too much for fear of fading, but I am amazed at his skill! Some of his subject matter leaves me wanting, but having used fabric markers, I am impressed by what he does. And he also uses Hanes and American Apparel Vnecks, so he is obviously a kindred spirit.
Wolfes Clothing

Another more fun one is Yawn clothing, their's is less technical art and more design, but I am still always pleased. I usually tend to stay safe and buy neutral colors, but they make me want to throw in some neon purple or turquoise!
Yawn

Another site I frequent is teefury, who posts a new one of a kind shirt for sale that day and that day only. Sometimes I find the designs a bit cheesy or cheap, but am always willing to check back the next day!
TeeFury



So I will be sure to get some pictures up here of projects I have done or that Maggie and I have worked on, and don't be afraid to get some $2 hobby lobby shirts and give your hand a try!

- Rachel

Blocking and Bookmaking!

So I am working on a bunch of projects, since school has started and therefore I need things to make me procrastinate from my actual homework. Unlike Rachel's awesome school project below, this is not for any of my classes. But I am trying to do more exciting knitting projects. So this is my first attempt with lace knitting. I'm blocking it here with t-pins.

Here's a close up. But don't look too close, I wasn't worried enough to make it perfect. It's supposed to look like leaves though. I think it does in a kind of abstract way.

So, I used to make little books all the time, but I haven't for a while! But lately, I have been making crazy lists and my mom's birthday was coming up, so I made a couple. The pattern from the blog, http://www.creaturecomforts.typepad.com/, which I love.

One was made with blank pages, and I made one with lined pages too! I sent my mom the one with blank pages and it received rave reviews. So I'm excited!

Now I'm working on two new scarves and Rachel and I have got to start our cardigans if we want to get done by Thanksgiving. We are currently looking for 8 inch circular needles, because neither of us want to try the seemingly impossible task of double pointed needles. So our cardigans are at a standstill!

I will try to be a more routine blogger, especially because I want to show off my scarves!

--Maggie