R2-D2 Cross Stitch

I forgot how easy it is to cross stitch.  Of course, I'm not doing a bajillion color changes or anything intricate. And, I'm not showing the backs....it's a hot mess.

I finished R2-D2 last night completely and have C-3PO's main color all finished.

I'm attempting to buy as little as possible for these. So far, so good.  I'm just getting close on some of the colors and using what cross stitch fabric I have on hand.  That's why the droids are on red.  It was the only color that did not clash too bad.

Cross Stitch for Christmas

I always try to make Christmas presents.  I succeeded fairly well in 2014.  This year I'm wanting to try something different from sewing* or knitting, so why not cross stitch.

There are so many fun and hip cross stitch patterns on Etsy.  I just bought several patterns that I had been eyeing.  The shop (Wee Little Stitches) is running a 20% off spring sale. I struck while the iron was hot.

I bought 2 Batman (heroes and villains) sets, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, Hermione, and Ron set.  My brother is getting a single Batman. If I feel generous I will add the Joker.  My daughter is getting Batman and the Riddler (her favorite).  My sister will be getting, I think, C-3PO and R2-D2.  I might add, "These aren't the droids you are looking for."  Probably not though.  I can see myself still working on these on Christmas Eve.

I just remembered this Halloween pic, but I'm keeping my dogs below still.

I don't think I'm going to cross stitch for my parents.  I probably will get them photo books printed of my daughter.

Since I just bought the patterns and haven't started, but blogs are boring without photos; here is a photo of my chihuahuas:

Roo and Tico

I guess I should add that this is going to be interesting.  I haven't cross stitched in probably 20 years when I was little kid.  I've embroidered some.  I'm hoping it comes back to me since I was never really taught in the beginning.  I just did it.

*Funny story.  I made my brother a lap quilt.  When I bought the quilt batting I just quickly grabbed something.  I had no idea I bought crib size.  Jokingly on Christmas morning I told him and his girlfriend, "By the way, it's crib size."  Now, they are saying it is a cursed fertility blanket like in the movie The Proposal since I am becoming an aunt in November! LOL.

Christmas time

I periodically get the crazy idea to make Christmas presents for everyone in my family.  I've skipped doing this for 2 years, but now I'm back to it.

I've made beaded bracelets for a few people, headbands, and sewn gifts.

It is difficult coming up with ideas for the men in my family.  I made glasses case with lanyard for my BIL, a heating pad cover for my daddy, and a blanket for my brother.

R is getting  a lot of handmade items.  Her big one from me this year is a Middie Blythe that I customized for her.

Last peak before being wrapped.

Along with the Middie is a collection of clothing and a carrying case.  I made her Blythe girls, Lisa and Coco, some outfits too.

Santa is bringing her a Mab Graves Pinkie and the baby dino cameo, and she is receiving a microscope, karaoke machine, and other odds and ends.  Her daddy is getting a necklace made from the shell of the bullet that killed her first deer this year.  Funny enough the shell has her initials on it.

I hope everyone who happens upon this post has a great holiday season!

Christmas Knitting

Some progress has been made on Christmas gifts. I have one slipper out of 6 mens' slippers knitted. Which isn't real progress but hey, they are started.

My brain was so scattered this weekend I did not really get too much done. I restarted R's backpack and I am making it up as I go. I did not like the kitty backpack design I found on Ravelry because it has too many pieces. I am a firm believer in things knitting in the round to avoid seaming. To add cute detail I plan to glue felt onto the back to give it stripes.

I made a baby boy hat as a commission. Nice, quick project.

I have had some interest in my Zero scarf lately. I have one person wanting to buy one and while I knit it I plan to write the pattern.

And I scream loudly in the library....

That I finished 2 Christmas presents! Yay, Yah, Yah....

Yoga Sock- done.

Piggy Slippers- done.

Next to come, more slippers and a backpack.

It's October!

I don't know where September went to! I have kicked it into high gear on Christmas gifts.  I have made a pretty fair dent in them.  If I could quit adding to the list I would be okay. I have now decided that everyone should have knitted slippers.  R's slippers are back to the original plan of piggies. 

On top of Christmas presents, I have several commisions.  Woohooo....money!

I have been debating on purchasing a new Blythe doll. Yesterday I was convince, but today I am not so sure.  I did get my Blybe doll in the mail that I am doing my customizations on. I ordered her eye chips and eye lashes too.  Now I have a body, head and eyes.  I can't start on it until I actually receive the body and head for Christmas from my husband.  I am afraid that paint matching won't be as easy as expected. The Krylon selection seems a bit limited in the browns.

Weekend in Review

This weekend was almost productive.  I had Friday night to myself because R and Joe went for an overnight stay to fish at the river.  R apparently had a blast.  They were supposed to be home at 10 am, they got home at 3:30 pm. She had decided 3 fish just wasn't enough she needed to catch more.

While they were gone I cleaned a little.  Cleaning my house is something that has been neglected for awhile.  I can actually see the top of my dining room table again.  Slowly I am getting things put away.  I also have been culling for a yard sale.  Some of my yarn is going.  Mostly it is acrylics.  I am sick of my Vanna Baby Choice.  I haven't been using it lately, so it is going. Some awful purple fluffy stuff and the banana silk.  I have been shoving it around my house since I got it. I, suprisingly, sold the purple and blue mix to a fellow knitter so she could finish up a project. Banana silk was a very expensive lesson.

As I am cleaning I am trying to organize future projects by using gallon size ziplocks.  At the beginning of summer I acquired several from places and I started storing WIPs inside them.  Depending on where I was going I would just grab a project. It was great until I spilled Dr. Pepper down one.  I am trying this method again by labeling and sorting by person or project.  So far I have:

R's Ladybug slippers
R's Future secret project (I might try to get it published.)
My sister's socks
My Leaf Yoke Sweater
R's Weasley Sweater
My future sweater, Maybe Mary Ann

That is all I remember.

Now to what I knitted on this weekend.  I started my sister's Christmas socks.  I have about 3 inches finished.  I imagine it will be a good work break project.

I finally finished the Retro Bathing Suit!  It is really cute.  Still big, but cute. I am hoping that R grows into it.  I have some awful photos of her wearing it.  She was being very contrary.

I restarted my bubble top sometime last week.  Did I even post what happened? I was on the last side decreases (about 5 inches from the beginning of pockets, 15 inches away from CO) when I realized something was very wrong.  I knew my numbers were off, but wasn't overly concerned, I thought it was just one extra stitch and I had one decrease round left.  So, I was going to compensate. I decided to count the pocket stitches to make sure I chose the ideal place for the decrease so everything would be even.  Well, apparently counting was a weakness the day I started the pockets.  I, from the very beginning, casted on wrong for the pockets. I did 37 for one and 42 for the other- 42 was correct.  I was so flipping mad at myself. I ripped and put it down for a week.

NOW, I am past the pockets and front section with all numbers mostly correct.  I think I had 2 or 3 extra stitches.  It was all good because I compensated in the bodice increases! I am so happy. The lace looks perfect and I am nearly to the arm holes. Bad news, I am on my last skein of yarn and it is half used.  I am not ordering until I completely run out.  I have many other projects that can be worked on while I wait for the mail.

Started and frogging the Beauxbatons sweater for Fleur.  It is nothing like what I wanted. I did too many raglan increases which gives it a bulky football jeresy look. I wanted a sweater that was fenimine and form-fitting.

Okay, I have resolved my stress knitting situation.  I posted the lasted time without my fair listings.  The list is so outdated and poorly catergorized that only half of my projects are going to fit.

Here is the revised lists:

Finished-
Fairy hat (hat)
St. Patty's hat (cap)
Nessie (toy)
Fluffy Bunny or Marmalade Kitty (Knitted toy)
Retro bathing suit (other)

To make-
socks?
fingerless mitts (Emerald Mitts with leftover Ultra Pima)
crochet toy? (Pass the Pigs or Owlet, depends on which is easier due to lacking skills in crochet)
pillow cover
purse
dish towl
pot holder
jewelry
doll with clothing
house shoes?

To finish-
Bubble top (sweater- yea! almost there)
baby sweater (infant sweater)

I have a baby hat finshed that I need to find.  My "To make" list increase but with small items. I think the pot holder, dish towel and even the purse could be a one day item.

I can't belive how out dated it is, but any who....  The list isn't nearly as daunting now.

More thoughts on Christmas gifts

I have been plotting more seriously about Christmas.

Daddy-

I have been enlisting the help of Claire (Knit Unto Others yarn shop owner) and my mom to help me with ideas for my dad.

These are my options:
             -thick socks
             -vest
             -stash moth

I don't really want to knit a vest.  I just do not see myself finishing it.

Momma-

I asked Momma is she wants something useful or a sit around.  Her response, "I think I deserve both." Okay, so maybe she does. 

These are my options:
                  -selkie change purse
                  -string bean frog
                  -reading glasses hanging case

From: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49103682/string-bean-frog-with-ballerina-and-mime

Husband-

He is such a butt. I ask him what can I make him, "Nothing, I have everything." THEN, he comes up with this "brilliant" idea of me making him a gun cozy.  Poor baby's hand nearly freeze to his gun, but he won't wear gloves!!!! I wanted to make him a pair...nooooo...I don't wear gloves. I told him no way am I knitting a gun cozy.

So, there is still no advancement on ideas for him.

R-

I am making her lady bug slipper out of Polar Fleece yarn rather than piggies.  I purchase pink yarn rather than purple.  I forgot that there wasn't enough purple.

From: http://www.polarknit.com/itoolkit.asp?pg=BABY

Dream and Christmas

Last night I dreamed that I finally got the courage to crack open one of my Blythes to customize her.  It was a bit strange. I had to wash her up with soap then unscrew her head and then wash her interior also (which I do not think is necessary unless you sand her face).  Magically, new eye chips were appearing for me to use.  I vaguely remember tools that I could carve her features with also. I found inside of her a second pull cord inside to make her have sleepy eyes or something.  I think my coworker was in the dream with me.  She customizes doll, just not Blythes.

Then my dream morphed.  The second dream was even more strange.  At least I was being productive in the first dream.

Christmas lists-

It is about time for me to start thinking about Christmas.  I am feeling pressure, but not enough to get me started on them.

Sister- yoga socks, 1 or 2 pairs, maybe a neckwarmer too?
Momma- selky change purse (inside joke)
Daddy- beer cozy? and friendly stash moth?
Brother-I-L- beer cozy and...
Brother- beer cozy and...
Husband-
Daughter- Penelope monster backpack, piggy slippers

From Danger Craft Etsy Shop

I wanted to make my husband, brother, and b-i-l all "stuffed" game.  I am sure a bit of explanation is require.  All three hunt and I thought it would be funny if I knitted deer heads and mounted them on a board.  To me, it would be hillarious.  To them, I don't know. I guess I could knit them something boring like hunting gloves. Either way, here are the patterns I have in mind:

Deer

Gloves

I am not sure if my dad would need a stash moth.  I am pretty sure he has wool sweater that it would be useful if I decide to do it.

The Penelope backpack, I have plans to alter the pattern just a bit.  I tried this once before but I have a new idea since then.  This time my idea will work.  I will probably use Jeanee Chunky in denim blue and a lilac.

The piggy slipper will be made from Polar Fleece in purple and a Polar Fleece pattern.  R's new favorite color is purple.

This topic will be updated in the future!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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