Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Hermione for a Doll


Hermione for a Doll
Originally uploaded by pandoraphelps

Doll Clothing Photos!




Robe to mini robe

I was given a pink (I hate pink) robe for high school graduation about 8 years ago.  I used it all of the time when I received it but over the years I use it less.  For the past several years the robe has be hanging in the bathroom or, as of lately, getting washed about ten times because it ends up in the floor.

I finally was going to pass it on for yard sale or trash.  Instead, I reused the fabric.

Santa brought R an 18 inch Madame Alexander doll, as I mentioned before.  I purchased some clothing from Etsy and pulled from my old stash to cloth Goldie (R named her Goldie Locks).

Goldie has no jammies, so I bought some fabric for jammies and of course she needs a robe.  I made her a robe out of my old robe!  It is really cute!  I need to get a tie for it and then it is finished.  I am pretty proud of the end product.

I also made a Tinkerbell dress yesterday.  I bought Simplicity 5705 Disney Doll Dresses* on sale a Hobby Lobby before Christmas.  I only have the dress finished because I don't have the fabric for the wings.

I am working a knit doll sweater right now.  I hope to finish it today.


* I hate the term "Princess".

Monday, December 21, 2009

Saturday Knit Fever!

Okay, so it is Monday night, but any who.  I went to my LYS today and had my hubby spend too much money.  It was over our Christmas budget for each other... YIKES.  I am going to make it up by helping to pay for some of his credit card balance.  Oh and I bought him the Hangover.  We have not watched it yet-  kid is awake.

I have been knitting miniature clothing items.  I have shrunk the Hermione hat pattern to fit a preemie and an 18 inch doll.  I also made tonight a shrunken version of the Republic for an 18 inch doll.  R is getting a Madame Alexander (it is vinyl) doll for Christmas on Friday.  I have been purchasing doll clothing from Etsy and trying to make some things for her.  I am so silly, I think I am going to buy myself one of the dolls.  Much cheaper than American Girl dolls (which I love and own 3), I really want one for myself so I don't always have to borrow R's to do sizing.  I think if I introduce her as mine, R will be okay with that.

I hope to have photos soon of my doll clothing!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Ahhhh...

It is going to be hard to handle next week.  Three days of work and then holiday. 

I have lost my steam on that hood.  I think I am frogging it forever.  I officially hate it.  I will stick with hats, who needs a stupid hood anyways.

I made a Chulo hat (blue and beige) for Dirty Santa. It is too small.  Pisses me off.  Oh well, it fits my sister so she is going for it- I think she really wants it.  I plan to make another one out of burgandy and teal.

I finally found something to make for my momma- a mini knee sock for her eye glasses.  Who knows if she will use it, but whatever.

This is the last week of HSKS.  Olive, my poor spoiler, didn't get a completed form with my allergy info on it so she is pretty much starting over I am afraid.  She found out by asking color choices on a sewn bag.  She was planning felted previously.  I feel pretty bad.  From now on, I am going to make sure it is mentioned in the first emails....

Friday, December 11, 2009

Reducio- A Very Weasley Christmas


I feel so spoilt!  Violet Leveela (soon to be Vevina LeFey) sent me an abundance of Weasley-ness!

Here is what her owl delivered:

-not 1 but 2 owl bags!  (the green is for R and the brown for me!)
-Honeydukes was raided- 2 packets of pop rocks, 3 packets of twizzlers, a reindeer Pez, tootsie rolls, AND an assorted bag of chocolates!
-Yellow tape measure (I always loose mine)
-Circular row counter!
-hidden is a Gryffindor Weasley sweater (so soft and perfect!)
-a Rainbow stocking/sock
AND the coolest stitch markers!

I will have take better photos of the sweater, sock, and markers when I get my real camera.  I used my phone.

Thanks so much Violet!!!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Christmas Pressies are Finished!

Whew...I am wraping up my Christmas knitting.  I have two hats and a pair of fingerless gloves to finish and that is it!  I have never made Christmas presents before and it is a bit satisfying. 

I wanted to purchase a spinning wheel, but I have been advised to try a drop spindle first. I had one that I purchased at the Arkansas Ozark Folk Center and I lost it.  I have not seen it since I purchased it.  I am afraid it was thrown away in the move.  I think I am going to purchase it all after Christmas.  I think I want to work on m knitted hood during the holiday. 

I started one in llama/cotton and I got so off of the pattern I frogged it.  I am started the same itch as with wool so I am starting it over in cotton.  I am leaving the bobbles off this time.

This week Reducio and Quidditch (HSKS 9) ends.  I am taking a break after the new year.  I will be in HLBOE and maybe a Reducio or 2, but for the most part, I am taking some time off. 

Here is my current run down of my Christmas List-

Joe- humping deer hat/waiters/seat covers/mitts/duck/id thing/ear buds
Brent- humping deer hat/BS magnet
Rick- humpind deer hat/support beer magnet
Daddy- Democrat donkey/book
Momma- book finger thing/dove/owl spatula
Ronda- mitts/mini book
R- hat/4 doll outfits/doll/playmobils/robot/scarf

Megan- hat/monster keychain
Amber- hat/monster keychain/dog sweater
Leah- hat/monster keychain

2 hats for Dirty Santa

Whew.  I think I am close to finished!


Monday, November 30, 2009

Because I wasn't thinking...

I have a great idea for Reducio- A Very Weasley Christmas now that I already sent my package and he has received it.  I wish I would have made homemade Christmas Crackers. 

You know, of the greatest things about the second book (Chamber of Secrets) Christmas is that everyone sat at one table and had crackers.  Snape received a witch's hat with a vulture uncanny similar to Neville's bogart.  I can just imagine Mrs. Weasley making her own Christmas Crackers for her kids.  I could have knitted mini mice, mini bonnet, and added muggle sweets.

I am kicking myself in the rear end now.  At the time, I was pretty brain dead.  I did Harry's First Christmas which is not very Weasley other than his emerald green sweater. 

Grr....

I think I shall make some for me because it is too good of an idea to waste.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Weekly Post

I am posting for HSKS Quidditch.  Not too much going on other than Holiday knitting and Charity knitting.  I have 15 hats for Arkansas Children's Hospital Knitting for Noggins.  I am going to call it quits for this time.  I am running out of scrappy bits of yarn!

I am finishing up my daddy's Democratic Donkey today.  I have the donkey itself finished.

I worked on my Op Art blanket last night.  I think I am half way now.

I am signing off until next time.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

I am thankful for...

  1. My sweet baby
  2. My hubby
  3. My family
  4. Having a job
  5. Tico being there when I need comfort.
  6. yarn.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Christmas Knitting

Here is my Christmas list-

Daddy- Democratic Donkey finish up
Brother- finish Fornicating deer hat
Brother in law- start fornicating deer hat
R- elephant, Robot (finished), stripy hat (finished), stripy robot mittens.
Joe- alpaca mitts

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Angel Package

Here is the package I sent to Mandy.  She did not receive a package in the first HLBOE so I volunteered to put one together for her.


 This is accurate except for I gave her 3 skeins of Plymouth Magnum yarn, one was stuck in the box.

Curlatrix Black (Devotion2Knit on Ravelry) made this cute little project bag for Mandy.



I made her Owling Mitts

I also made a Hermione hat because last time it was hats.  I am trying to populate the world with these!

The list-

Owling mitts
Hermione hat
Curlatrix's bag
3 skeins of Plymouth Magnum yarn
2 skeins of Cascade Fixation
tea (gee, I don't remember what kind)
Godiva hot chocalate
wand pen
gadget bag
thimble
bookmarker
tape measure
AND her very own mini Sirius Black.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Friday, November 6, 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

College Hats

So, if you who don't know I work at my alma mater's archives.  I found a photo in a yearbook once of a lady that was coined a spirit leader in a knit "REDDIES"* hat.  I have never found it since that day.  I have tried to look for it in all of the years that she was here with no luck.  I want to replicate the pattern in hopes to get some commissions.  Then I thought, "gee, why don't I do one for OBU too."

This is a goal for the new year.  I am going to take a bit of a break from swaps.  I will probably still participate in Reducio and HLBOE but that is it.


* What is a "Reddie"?  Apparently, a "Reddie" is a spirit.  It was the spirit of the students who were still prepared to learn and continue with the university after the campus burned to the ground in 1914.  The college was still under the Methodist curriculum and was named Henderson-Brown University.  Now, we are owned by the state, thus Henderson State University. I think we are the only university in Arkansas owned by church and state.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Quidditch Week 2

I never know when I am supposed to post exactly...

So, I will do it tonight and tomorrow.  I am bumping right along with Minerva's package.  I have one handmade item finished and I am at the half way point for the other.  The little goodies are at a start.  I have to make some decisions on items.

Anyway I will gab more tomorrow.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Home

Gee, isn't it time to go home yet?  No, I have 10 minutes.  I have too much to do at home to be here.  I need to make a gift for Saturday.

It is going to be another long weekend.  We  have 2 birthdays and a wedding.  I am skipping one birthday to go to the wedding.  Poor R will be tired.

Screw it, I am going home.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Thanks!



Yea! Quidditch!

I am gearing up for another HSKS.  This time it is HSKS 9 Quidditch all Around the World.  I am on the Appleby Arrows.  The colors are blue and silver.  I am pretty excited about this swap.  We have some new choices of things to make for our partners.  Here they are:

--Bag
--Cowl/Neckwarmer & Mittens (can be fingerless) -
 MUST MAKE BOTH
--Hat & Scarf - 
MUST MAKE BOTH
--Hat & Mittens (can be fingerless) - 
MUST MAKE BOTH
--Socks




Obviously, sock is a big no for me, but it might be a choice of a kit to send.


I do have a goal, to send and use a lot of my items stash for swaps.  I have entirely too much and I am running out of room fro storage.  


I think we get partners Monday!  I am ready to get started on it!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Opera Mitts

Monster Feet

HlLBOE Package


I got my package today from Madam Jak!! She did a wonderful job! I love everything!

Here is what she sent me:

*Gryffindor's mascot himself, a lion wearing a t-shirt that says, "Here's a Hug From Alfred University"
Yummy Maxwell house coffee mix, R already put it the kitchen so I don't know which one
Lots and lots of Dove Dark Chocolate
The best mug that says, "I'd give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter"
Gryffindor mitts! I will get a photo on me later...have to wait on the hubby.
AND she is the greatest, she sent me a red 3.5 x 5.5" pocket landscape sketchbook!!!

Thanks for the note! I liked learning a little about you and your major. :)



*Good thing he isn't a tiger or everyone would think I have taken up sympathies with our school rivals! OBU Tigers and there colors are purple and gold. My new friend is sporting a "STOP Voldemort" pin! R has already tried to claim him!





Monday, September 28, 2009

REDUCIO!


the top pin is a Gryffindor Crest and second one says, "STOP VOLDEMORT"


I am so happy! My Reducio package came today! This was my first time to participate and I am so glad I did!

I came home today and it was waiting for me. First thing I recognized the box, I sent a RAOK to Rowan Dragonsinger in HLBOE. She resent the box and everything fit perfectly! I am so glad that the cute pumpkin bag was for my R because she snatched it first thing. (I may have to snatch it back....hehe...) She is always excited when I get a package!




Handmade items:
Gryffindor Mini sock
Sweet, green pygmy puff
Howarts hat
Tiny Hogwarts Express Ticket
Baby Snowy Owl
A Super Small Quibbler!
AND the Hogwarts Express itself!


Thanks so much Rowan!

NOW, I have to show off what I made and sent:


It is hard to tell from the glare but the package included:

Hogwarts trunk
thimble
mini pen and notebook
tape measure (never can have too many, plus this one is a magnet one!)
mini crochet hook
HBP trading cards
stickers
blood pops (not pictured)

AND here is the handmade items


Chocolate Cauldron Cake with candied sprinkles and topped with a pumpkin


Mini Hufflepuff Sock with charm with swap mate's name- FISH (it is a shrinky dink)



Thursday, September 24, 2009

Uh, drunk purchases




I just bought a book from Amazon without even checking what the contents were! UH. I bought it for this...

This image is from a very talented knitter from Ravely.com. It was so wonderful, I paid 11 bucks for the book just for this alpaca bag.

Okay, I just looked at the others. This is pretty adorable too:
From another talented knitter.

And this:
Ah...okay, I am happy now....

Muggle Wear

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Only in College



Swim Team at my alma mater supporting the Volleyball girls.

Photos by HSU PR.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

American Shorthaired



This is almost like my kitty who hates photography. She isn't stripy, she is a calico spotty. One of my friends once told me that she is ugly and that she reminds her of bleach spot that get on black fabric.

That is too bad. I think she is a pretty kitty.
Actually here is the only pic I have of her:

Skitso

I janked the photo of the full bred from here: http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/american-sh.html.

I hate weddings

I have said this many times, the only good thing about weddings is the food. Okay, great you want a fancy dancy wedding to show everyone what your parents are willing to spend to prove that you love a person- go for it. However, does that mean I have to come?

My 1st cousin is getting married on Halloween. I am pissed that it is on Halloween for # 1 and #2 it is a formalish wedding. I have shoes but no dress. I am really hoping for the swine flu. I think that is a good valid excuse not to go.

Why on earth would one have a wedding on Halloween that is not themed?? Uh, I am disgusted pretty much all the way around.

Dresses are a joke. There is nothing that I can afford or even like. I found one that was cute but they completely missed it on the design. In my head, I could have made it much cuter and flattering.

All I have to say is f....k!!!!!!!

Note to people- if you had a wedding and it was fancy or what not, don't be offended....I wasn't invited so I am fine with it.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Baby Hat for Churro Mitts




Churro Hat

US 6 DPNs

Worsted weight yarn

CO 48 (16 sts on 3 needles)

K2, P2 all sts for 3 inches.

K2tog, P2 all sts

K1, P2 all sts for 1 inch.

K1, P2tog all sts

K1, P1 all sts.

K2tog all sts.

K2tog all sts. (6 sts)

Pull thread through remaining stitches and weave in ends.

Copy written by Natalie Scrimshire, 2009. Feel free to use this pattern for charity. Please do not sell my pattern.

Churro Baby Mitts



Churro Baby Mitts

Note: This pattern was created for Preemie babies. Add stitches by 4's to make larger for newborns.

US 6 DPNs

Worsted weight yarn

CO 24 (8 stitches on 3 needles)

K2, P2 all around.

Repeat on all rounds until about 3 to 3.5 inches.

Decreases:

K2tog, P2 all around.

K1, P2tog all around.

Pull thread through remaining stitches and weave in ends.

Hat coming soon.

Copy written by Natalie Scrimshire, 2009. Feel free to use the pattern for charity. Please do not sell this pattern.


Costume 2


I have the skirt gathered, first bodice piece together, and the cape finished. I hopefully will get it finished without snags.

I am pretty sure the skirt will be shorter than I want so I am going to wear a longer petticoat underneath. I am going to either buy or make it.

The cape needed to be ironed and I need to add the spider webbing on the top too.

I am just really nervous about the outcome.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Costume



I have been working on my Halloween costume today. I finally decided what to make with the help of Joe. I was going for a frumpy witch costume, he suggested the sexy one. I am hoping it won't be as short as it is on the model- I am short so most skirts fit me longer. I am making A.

I found some dove grey satin-like fabric for 1.50 a yard. Somehow I have A LOT more fabric than needed. I thought I only got about 3/4 more than the pattern suggested. I have a spider web netting too.

So far everything is going smoothly. I have been going the long way around. I wish I would have thought about the pattern layout more. I should have been cutting double out for the bodice pieces- one for the lining. Instead I followed the stupid pattern cutting layout.

I am going to double line the cape also. Especially since I have so much grey. I am hoping that it turns out okay. This is my first serious sewing project in a long time.



Thursday, September 10, 2009

Painting

I think I might paint this weekend.

I have pretty much decided that I am going to grad school at University of Arkansas. Who knows how I am going to pay for it, but as of right now we have a few years to figure that out.

I have been reading how to apply and joyious stuff like that today.

I have gotten so excited that I want to go home and paint. I have several small canvases. Maybe it won't be too hot outside so I can paint on the porch!

If I make any progress, I will post a photo.


Chihuahua

Chihuahua

*Download Pattern*

Note: Long story short, this pattern was to designed by knitting through the back loop on every knit stitch.  There is a person on Ravelry who knitted it with the "normal" knit stitch just fine though.  30 June 2010

To find help with knitting techniques, I suggest this website http://www.knittinghelp.com/.

Legs x 2

CO 6 and join the round.
R 1 (KFB, K1) 3 times (9sts)
R 2-11 K all
R 12 K9, backwards CO 2 sts (11sts)
Divide the stitches up, 6 on one side 5 on the other to prepare for Magic Loop. Repeat steps 1-12 for second leg. In total, there should be 22 sts.

Magic Loop Body and Head

R 1-2 K all
R 3 (KFB, K10) 2 times (24sts)
R 4-9 K all
R 10 (K2TOG, K10) 2 times (22sts)
R 11 K all
R 12 (K9, K2TOG) 2 times (20sts)
R 13-14 K all
R 15 (KFB, K8, KFB) 2 times (24sts)
R 16-22 K all
R 23 (K2TOG, K10) 2 times (22sts)
Turn head inside out and do 3 needle BO.

Ears x 2

CO 12 and join the round.
R 1-4 K all
R 5 (K2tog, K2) 3 times (9sts)
R 6 K all
R 7 (K2TOG, K1) 3 times (6sts)
R8 (K2TOG) 3 times (3sts)
Pull thread through last 3 stitches with darning needle and weave in ends.

Muzzle

CO 6 and join the round
R 1 K all
R 2 (KFB, K1) 3 times (9sts)
R3 K all
R 4 BO
Arms x 2
CO 6 and join the round
R 1 (KFB, K1) 3 times (9sts)
R 2-10 K all
R 11 BO

Tail

CO 6 and join the round
R 1-9 K all
R 10 (K1, K2TOG) 3 times (3sts)
Pull thread through the last 3 stitches with darning needle and weave in ends.

I finish the Chihuahua in this order:
1. 1. Stuff and sew up body
2. 2. Place and sew the ears on the corners that are created by the 3 needle BO.
3. 3. Sew the muzzle on according the placement of ears. (I stuff it slightly with left over yarn.)
4. 4. Sew the arms on the shoulders. (This area is defined by Round 15 of the body and head.)
5. 5. Sew the tail on!

I will post my other chihuahua photo's soon!
This pattern is untested except by me. Please email me with questions at pandoraphelps@gmail.com.

This is my pattern, please do not abuse it by selling it. It is free to all dog and toy lovers.
Copywritten by Natalie Scrimshire 2009

T

Chihuahua- Odd Bod version

Chihuahua




You Need:

US 6 or fit your yarn (straight)

1 US 6 DPN or scrap yarn, safety pin, stitch holder.

Plymouth Baby Alpaca Worsted (I feel this yarn is more of a DK)

Misti Baby Alpaca DK for color details

Stuffing

Darning needle

Eyes- buttons, felt, safety eyes

Body (Make 2, one in reverse)

Note: Change colors according to your pet’s markings or get creative!

CO 25

Rows 1-9 St st.

Row 10 K, K2TOG, K to last 3 st, K2TOG, K1

Row 11-14 St st

Row 15 K20, Slip 5 to DPN, scrap yarn, stitch holder, etc.

Row 16 (Remaining 20 st) K1, K2TOG, K11, K2TOG, K1

Row 17 Purl

Row 18 K1, K2TOG, K9, K2TOG, K1 (13)

Row 19-25 St st

Row 26 P1, INC, P9, INC, P1 (15)

Row 27 knit

Row 28 P1, INC, P11, INC, P1 (17)

Row 29 knit

Row 30 P1, INC, P13, INC, P1 (19)

Row 31-34 St st

Row 35 K1, K2TOG, K13, K2TOG, K1 (17)

Row 36 P1, P2TOG, P11, P2TOG, P1 (15)

Row 37 K1, K2TOG, K9, K2TOG, K1 (13)

Row 38 P1, P2TOG, P1, P2TOG, P1, P2TOG, P1, P2TOG, P1 (9)

Row 39 BO

Reverse for Back side of Chihuahua.

Tail

Place stitches back on to a needle

Row 1 k

Row 2 purl

Row 3 K2TOG, K3, backwards CO 1

Row 4 purl

Row 5 K2TOG, K3, backwards CO 1

Row 6 purl

Row 7 K2TOG and BO

Base

CO 25

Row 1 purl

Row 2 K1, INC, 21, INC, K1 (27)

Row 3 purl

Row 4 K1, K2TOG, K21, K2TOG, K1 (25)

Row 5 BO

Ears (make 2)

CO 10

Row 1-4 St st 4 rows

Row 5 P1, P2TOG, P4, P2TOG, P1

Row 6 K1

Row 7 P1, P2TOG, P2, P2TOG, P1

Row 8 K1, K2TOG, K2TOG, K1

Row 9 P2TOG, P2TOG

Row 10 K2TOG

Pull thread through last stitch.

DO REVERSE FOR 2ND EAR

Nose

I know this is odd, but it worked.

CO 15

Row 1 purl

Row 2 knit

Row 3 P1, P2TOG, P9, P2TOG, P1

Row 4 K1, K2TOG, K6, K2TOG, K1

Row 5 purl

Row 6 knit

Row 7 purl

Row 8 knit

BO

I folded it in on the sides until it looked like a dog’s muzzle and then stitched it together. Because of the fold, you don’t have to stuff it.

Sewing:

Sew front and back of chi together starting from one side to the other.

Then sew bottom on. Leave yourself enough room to stuff the pup and then finished sewing.

I attached the ears and then the muzzle. This way you can align all of the features to your liking.

I sewed on the button eyes last.



Note: This pattern is untested. You may email me at pandoraphelps@gmail.com with questions. This is my pattern, please do not abuse it by selling my pattern. It is free to all dog and toy lovers.

Copywritten by Natalie Scrimshire, 2009.