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)

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

Only in College

Swim Team at my alma mater supporting the Volleyball girls.

Photos by HSU PR.

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.

Photos

By my amazing friend Arshia Khan http://arshiakhan.paradepro.com/

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.

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.

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.

Sweater Lust

So, I found a sweater pattern. Nothing uncommon, but this is the first time that I WANT that sweater. Problem is once I knit (or if I knit it more like it) is it going to look good on me. I think that is my issue with knitting sweaters. At least at the store I can try it on and decided one way or another- with making it myself I am stuck with it. Anywho, I love it.

Here is a link to all of the lovely photos of my future sweater. http://interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/fall-2009/scoop-pullover.asp

I also lurve very much tiny owl knits's snake-a-licious sweater. Here is a photo of it on her blog: http://owlinthedark.blogspot.com/2009_08_30_archive.html

I am taking the afternoon off of work. Yea. I really don't have a choice someone has to stay with R.


Something else I have been thinking of- I am ready for Halloween. I have decided R and I will decorate a certain section of the living room. We hung window clings of pumpkins. They are pretty cheesy but she likes them. I wanted to purchase some Halloween house things from Michaels, but gee they were 80 and 40 dollars. I said never mind. I am hoping I can find some for cheaper.

I haven't even started on our costumes. The thing that sucks the most is my cousin is getting married on Halloween. And, no, it will not be themed Halloween. It will be a formal wedding.

I am actually jealous that people are getting married in October. That is when I was hoping we would get married, instead it is March. March is no fun.

Fair time

So, it is my county's fair time. I am gathering my knitting up to submit. I have to do it today and I am hoping I won't miss the entry time.

I survived the weekend mostly. My daddy has a new knee. He is in a lot of pain. I am hoping that he will recover just as fast with this one as the last. Today was his first day of therapy.

I have been in a dazed majority of the day.

Gee...I don't have much to say. I am going to go home, go to the fair grounds, and start working on my Halloween stuff.

I am finishing up packages tonight or tomorrow. I have 5 boxes to ship. Man, that is going to be pricey.

It's Friday

It has been an interesting week. You would think with me being off work for the most part that I would accomplish a lot. Well, not necessarily.

I went to a workshop Wednesday and came home really tired. I had a few beers to ease my nerves and R started throwing up. Turns out Joe interviewed the superintendent of school and they had to reschedule for a later time in the day. WELL, he rescheduled because his 5 year old was throwing up. GREAT. THANKS A LOT, you passed it to us. Wouldn't you think a superintendent would know better?

I had a touch of it yesterday, so I slept for the majority of it. Today, uh, appointments, appointments.

AND, R's school changed policy on shoes. Now we have to go and buy a new pair of tennis shoes. I bet we will have to pay full price too.

Okay, my bitch-fest is over.

Jeez...The Chihuahua Love Saga

Good gosh, you would think my Tico would give up the ladies now that he is neutered, BUT the ladies just can't give him up! I have a little female chihuahua on my porch and won't go away! She lives down the street and I tried to walk her home. Love is strong in the doggy world.